El Tigre The New Adventures

by Tarnished Writer

Follow the new adventures of Manny Rivera (AKA) El tigre, as he and his best friend Frida Suarez tackles not only Miracle city, but the threats from around the world and villains even brutal than the ones who live their own city. Manny has a lot to learn before he can be as strong as his ancestor the first El Tigre. Find out what happens in, El Tigre the new adventures.

13. S1 Chapter 13

A/N So, a Spanish translation of El Tigre: The New Adventures, has been released. It's published by an Author named Marcustine. I was really surprised that she/he/they, wanted to do a translation of my story! And He/She/They

El Tigre: The New Adventures Season 1 Episode 13 – Phase 2 Begins! Enter The Castle of Mirrors!

Manny spent the remainder of his intermission by himself. He hung out in his room just staring up at the roof of his handmade tiger bed. Manny was like this for about half an hour, thinking about the Tournament, Marcus, and most of all his Tiger Spirit. Manny was on the verge of unlocking a newfound power in his El Tigre belt. A power that lied dormant inside him for a long time. Manny recalled the first time he unleashed his Tiger Spirit against Sartana of the dead. It felt incredible channeling the power of his El Tigre belt. But to think that what Manny had used to defeat Sartana was only such a small portion of what he could do. It just made him more upset as he thought about it. He was learning more about his El Tigre belt. He was on the brink of unlocking new powers. But now it was sealed off.

Manny let out a sigh of frustration and boredom as he lies up, gets out of bed, and leaves his room. Manny descended the stairs and entered the living room where his father Rodolfo Rivera (AKA White Pantera) was doing stretches, and what Manny could see, Yoga.

"Manny! Finally out of bed I see? Come and join me! Tomorrow we will take on the next task!" said Rodolfo happily

"Uhh, maybe later dad, I'm kind of not feeling well," Manny replied softly.

"Are you sick Hijo?" Rodolfo asked worriedly.

"No, I…I just need some fresh air," Manny said as he opened the front door of his home and left.

Manny walked down the sidewalk with both of his hands in his pocket and his head hung low. His eyes staring at the ground thinking about tomorrow's challenge. The Darkroot forest was something Manny struggle to get through even with help from Marcus. Not to mention, the looming threat that was that mysterious Tetsuo man that he encountered along with that weird magician. Speaking of which, when will Marcus wake up? Is he going to be in a coma forever? Manny let out a groan of annoyance and rubs his head.

"Ok, Manny just get it together! You're worrying too much!" Manny said to himself. "So what if you can't unlock the rest of your El Tigre powers! You don't need it! You can still kick but regardless! And Marcus will be up in no time! And when you see Tetsuo! You're going to knock him in his stupid smug face!"

"Who are you talking to amigo?" asked a random citizen

Manny blinks a couple of times and walks off chuckling nervously.

Manny was going to try and get rid of his negative thoughts by stuffing his face with Ice cream till out of nowhere a large wave of water suddenly rushed down the roads with thugs and bandits screaming in terror. Riding the wave of water was the young art of water user Dylan Irving. He lets out a shout of happiness as he rode the waves and he jumps off doing two front flips, then lands on the ground.

"Nothing like a good surf to get the blood pumping!" said The Young Scottish Water user as he takes a deep breath and exhales. "Although some more water could be used around this smelly town." Dylan looks to the left seeing Manny, standing there scowling at Dylan. "Oh it's you," he said bitterly "Where's your monster friend? Locked in a cage I hope."

"He's not a monster, water brat!" Spat Manny

"Oh yeah sure," said Dylan unconvinced "Red skin, horns popping out of his head? This city is a cesspool alright. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a portal to hell just around the corner!"

Manny rolled his eyes "Whatever. I don't have time for this," he said as he began walking off.

"You know, I think I'm starting to understand why this city Is such a dump," Dylan went on arrogantly "It's because of you and your dumb family."

Manny stopped walking. "What did you say?" He said in a low tone as he turned around to shoot a sharp glare at Dylan.

"You heard me, "Hero"," Dylan went on "I know all about you. I know that you've had plenty of villains in your family. That, and I know that the first El Tigre had gone mad trying to figure out if he wanted to be good or evil. Which I find to be dumb."

"SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" screamed Manny. He was breathing quickly, his teeth clenched, and both of his hands formed into a fist "DON'T YOU DARE BAD MOUTH, MY FAMILY! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!"

"I know enough," Dylan replied, with a smug look of disapproval. "I also know how you turned against your family during a fraud tournament huh?"

Manny's jaw dropped and his eyes slightly widened. He had a brief flashback to Sartana's tournament. Where all of the supervillains in Miracle city were competing for Sartana's Mystic guitar. During that event, Manny was frustrated about how controlling his father was. Rodolfo had told Manny time and time again that he was too young to enter to the tournament. That, and he was too young to hold a responsibility such as keeping Sartanas mystic guitar, along with deciding that he should be good, while his grandfather wanted him to be evil. Manny had no say in this and it didn't help that Django was filling his mind with the thoughts of going rogue. And he did, even though his father and grandfather thought it was an act…he did turn against them.

"Pathetic," said Dylan "Someone like you doesn't deserve that power! I can't believe your dad hasn't disowned you yet."

Manny was beginning to shake with anger. He never felt so much furry in his life.

"Or…maybe, you're dads too much of a coward to even want to!"

"THAT'S IT!" roared Manny, his shout echoing around the area. "MY FATHER ISN'T A COWARD!" with one spin of his el Tigre belt followed by a fierce roar Manny transformed into El Tigre.

"Groggy eh? Well let's do this!" said Dylan with a grin.

"Actually no, that is not wise,"

Dylan turned around to see Leng. The boy that had stopped Dylan and Marcus from fighting. He was dripping from head to toe but he looked calm and composed.

"Hey, you're that Japanese kid that stopped me from kicking that demon kid's ass!" Dylan said pointing at Leng. Dylan then laughed "Sorry did you get caught in my wave?"

"With all due respect my nationality is Chinese thank you," said Leng calmly. "Now if you plea-" Then suddenly, Leng had vanished. Dylan looked around to see where he was and turned around to see that Leng was right in front of him. He had caught Manny's punch. Manny was struggling to get away from Leng's grasp like a wild animal.

"LET ME GO! GET THE HECK OFF ME!" screamed Manny "I'LL SHRED HIM TO PIECES!"

"That's not a good idea Mr. Rivera," said Leng. Leng turned his head to look at Dylan "Will you please leave?"

"Why? Let the punk go! I'm looking for a fight anyway!"

"Did you know that you caught civilians in that wave you produced? Some people could have been hurt or worse. So…if you would kindly leave, I won't have to release Mr. Rivera from my grasp and join in teaching you a lesson," said Leng, in a polite but threatening tone.

Dylan flinched a bit and looked between Manny and Leng. He scoffs and turns around. "Whatever…" He formed a small wave of water under his feet and he rides off.

Leng let's go of Manny from his grip. Manny paced around for a moment before punching a hole In a wall and letting out a scream of frustration.

"Mr. Rivera?"

"WHAT? WHAT DO YOU WANT? WHY DID YOU STOP ME?" Manny yelled at Leng.

"Well fighting outside of the competition is not recommended. That, and you shouldn't let people like him provoke you."

"He insults my family, my friend, AND he called my dad a coward! What was I supposed to do? let him just walk away without a black eye?!"

"Maybe,"

"Yeah, no!" said Manny, reverting to his normal form and rubbing his wrist. "Jeez, you didn't have to grip so hard.

"Well, it was the proper strength considering you were In your Tiger form. Any less and you would have broken free," Leng explained

"I guess," Manny said in a now low saddening tone. Now that the anger was dying away, regret and sadness started filling in. He was softly rubbing his wrist while staring at the ground.

"Mr. Rivera?"

"Can you please call me Manny?"

"Oh, My apologies. Manny,"

"What is it?"

"How is Mr. Dupree doing?"

"Oh uh, well he's still in a coma so not so well I guess," Manny replied with a shrug.

"I see," Leng said with a nod. "I wish he was awake so I can help him. His inner battles are a dark one indeed."

"What?" Manny looked up at Leng curiously.

"Abaraxes said it best with Mr. Dupree. His inner conflict along with his mental state has brought him into a spiritual coma. Whatever Mr. Dupree has been through in his past has locked him in this temporary dream-like state," Leng explained.

Manny stared at Leng for a moment and blinked "Oh…umm…I see…" He replied awkwardly

Leng nods "When I first met him I couldn't help but notice. I just wish I couldn've talked to him longer," He said disappointingly. "Manny,"

"Yeah…?" Manny said, he was begging to get tired of hearing his name being called.

"Would you like to try meditating with me?" asked Leng

"Uh…i-"

"I think it would help come with your negative and positive chi,"

"What?"

"I can feel it off of you. I sense warm and kind energy along with a negative, vicious form of energy. I can sense it clashing with one another as we speak,"

Manny looked at Leng in shock. He wasn't kidding about reading people's chi. He described Manny's problem perfectly.

"What do you think Manny? Would like to meditate with me?" Leng asked with a smile.

Manny rubbed his left arm softly and thought about it. He wasn't planning on doing much today anyway. That and Manny was beginning to feel lonely by himself so, why not?

"Uh…sure, I'll give it a try," said Manny half-heartedly agreeing.

"EXCELLENT! LET'S GO!" Leng said suddenly, with a bright and glowing smile across his face. He grabs Manny by his right arm and pulls him forward and he begins running.

"H-Hey you don't have to drag me!"

…

Leng had dragged Manny to the forest away from Miracle city. He was in a spot that had a waterfall on the far right and in the middle of the field that they were in was a small mat.

"This forest is peaceful. I was glad to find it when I was exploring around," Leng said softly.

Manny didn't have a reply to that. He had only been out here once to help El Oso win over a female bear he was trying to date. Those memories were beginning to come back to him.

Leng walked over to the spot he had set up and sat down. Leng looked over at Manny "Please have a seat!" he said excitedly.

Manny walked over and sat on the opposite side of the mat Leng had placed down. He looked over at Leng who had a big smile across his face. Manny let out a silent breaking cough and asked

"So uh, when do we begin?"

"Well firstly you close your eyes," said Leng as he did so.

"Ok," Manny replied as he closed his eyes.

"Then, you take a couple of deep breaths," replied Leng as he did so.

"Alright," Manny took some deep breaths.

"Next," Leng said softly. "Clear your mind of everything, think of nothing."

Manny grins and then lets out a small chuckle "That's easy! I do that at the arcade,"

"Focus please,"

"Right sorry,"

Manny did as Leng said. He sat there for about a minute or so. The sound of the waterfall that was across from them was so relaxing. Then, his mind was becoming clear. He felt so at peace. All the worries he had was as if it never happened.

Manny opened his eyes and found himself at a familiar place. It was pitch black, but the only thing that was there with Manny that was bright was some sort of light into the darkness, was a tiger, a tiger that was coated in green with black stripes. The Tiger was laid out across the dark canvas, his body wrapped in the binding symbols that were across his chest.

"Y-You're my ancient tiger spirit!" said Manny excitedly

The tiger turned to him. It growled. Manny and the tiger were just staring at each other. Manny slowly gets to his feet. The tiger didn't react. The tiger just waves its tail nonchalantly.

"U-uh…umm…" Manny stuttered, he couldn't find the words he wanted to say.

The tiger's eyes were now moved away from Manny and placed them on something else. Manny turned around and he saw a figure standing there with its head lowered. He couldn't believe it. It was him in his El Tigre form. The other Manny raised its head and its eyes glowed bright red.

Manny snapped his eyes open and Leng was straight in his face staring at him. Manny let out a surprised scream and fell over.

"JEEZ DUDE PERSONAL SPACE!" said Manny, as he lied up and glared at Leng.

"What did you see?" Leng asked curiously.

"Well I know I saw up your nose that's for sure," said Manny, rubbing the back of his head. "But, I did see my ancient tiger spirit and…"

"And?" Leng pressed on

"I saw another me," replied Manny, thinking about the other him.

"I see, so that must be the negative energy I felt," said Leng "How come you have such a malicious intent deep inside you?"

"Well, I have one side of my family who're supervillains and another side of my family who're superheroes. The first El Tigre before me had struggled to figure out if he wanted to be a hero or a villain. I'm pretty much a mixture of both," Manny explained. "It feels great helping everyone and doing good," he said with a smile. "But I also love being evil!" He said with a sinister grin.

"That must be a tough battle," said Leng

"Eh," Manny shrugs "I mean I don't think about it a lot, I just go with whatever I'm feeling or need to do."

"But it must b—"

"Hey Leng, I appreciate you inviting me out here but I go to go get ready for tomorrow. I'll see you around!" said Manny as he gets up and runs off.

Leng sat there and sighed. He stared over at the waterfall and he closes his eyes.

"But it must be tearing you apart, Manny,"

…

Today was the day that the next phase in the tournament was starting. Everyone was to gather at the next location by 3 pm. Manny and Rodolfo were in the car heading to the next location. Manny was quiet through the majority of the car-ride. Manny couldn't shake the figure of his other self and his ancient tiger spirit being chained down. Manny just stared out of the car window in deep thought, till his father Rodolfo broke the silence.

"What's wrong Hijo? You've been quiet lately," asked Rodolfo concerned

"Oh um, nothing dad. I've just had a lot on my mind is all," said Manny, as he continued to stare out of the window.

Rodolfo let out a small sigh "Manny, it's ok that you don't have the full power of your El Tigre belt. You can still do so much without it!" said Rodolfo cheerfully.

"But dad I need those new powers! Without them how am I supposed to win!?"

"Hijo," said Rodolfo seriously. "Remember the time that you took my bronze boots of truth?"

Manny gulps "Uh yeah?" he replied nervously

It was a year ago that Manny and Frida had "Borrowed" Rodolfo's bronze boots of truth to have fun for one-night while Rodolfo was asleep. Once they returned them to Rodolfo, in a sneaking manner, the bronze boots of truth shattered during a bout with El Oso.

"I felt as though my powers were the only thing that made me White Pantera! But, in all honesty, the boots never made me who I am as a hero. You might not have your new powers, Manny but even without them you are still as super macho!" said Rodolfo with a cheerful smile.

Manny couldn't help but smile back. His father was right. Even if he didn't have his newly found El Tigre powers, Manny deep down was still confident in his ability to best the rest of the competition….he hopes.

Manny and his father had arrived at the phase's next location. Manny was confused. Why were they at the arcade? All the contestants of the tournament were there. The art of the earth team, Dylan, Leng and his sister, the girl with the plant powers, Lily Rover, Django, Ryumaru's niece, and nephew Yusuke and Yukari, and finally the Roz and Okami.

"Why are we at the arcade? Is the next challenge to playing video games? I'm not sure I can do this! I've never played Video games!" Rodolfo said with worry in his voice.

The two of them got out of the car and walked over to where the rest of the contestants were waiting. Dylan looked over at Manny and smirked. Manny just scowled and looked away from Dylan's arrogant grin.

"Manny!" Leng said walking over to Manny and his father along with his sister Ju. "How are you feeling?"

Manny smiled "Heh, much better than yesterday!" he replied

"That's great to know!" said Leng happily.

"That is great to know indeed," said Leng's sister Ju. In a tone, as she tried to copy her brother's enthusiasm, but only succeeded in sounding bland.

"So do you guys know why we're at the arcade?" Manny asked

Leng shakes his head no "Not at all,"

"Sorry, I'm late!"

They turned around to see Carmen running towards them, panting and sweating. "S-sorry! I…I didn't know where to go!" she said sitting down and panting heavily.

"Carmen did you run here?" asked Manny curiously. "Where's your Dune Buggy?"

"I wrecked it…" Carmen said sadly "I crashed it into a pole."

"Dang…"

"Oh, my goodness are you ok?" Rodolfo asked

"Oh I'm fine I've had worst crashes," Carmen replied "I've crashed off a cliff, into a pool, into a building, and…oh and there was that time I drove into a tornado!"

Manny, Rodolfo, Leng and Ju just stared at Carmen.

"How…are you alive?" asked Manny, in pure shock and curiosity

"Determination my friend," Carmen replied. "And A LOT of luck! I think…"

Then, on top of the building across from the Myan Arcade, there was a loud bang, and a flash of red light bloomed, and then just as it came it disappeared. Standing on that building was Abaraxes, next to him was his appetence, the women that helped stop Marcus in the Darkroot Forest, Adhira, and a couple of other apprentices.

Abaraxes clears his throat "Welcome all contestants to Phase 2 of the international tournament! And congratulations for making it this far. Now, let us begin the second phase shall we?" He, Adhira, and the apprentices raised their arms. The magician's arms glowed with a white aura and the ground beneath the contestant's feet began to rumble. Bursting from the ground were bricks that morphed and began wrapping around the arcade. The building that was around the arcade was being overtaken, twisting, and morphing as they were being consumed. Then finally, it was done. A large castle stood before them with a bright shining door in front of them.

"Behold!" Boomed Abaraxes "The Castle Of Mirrors!"

"Castle of Mirrors?" murmured Vosper

"Every mirror has a secret, every reflection shows one deepest confliction, and twisted desire, and horrific fear. The Challenge of this phase is to expose what's deep within, to overcome what we hide. This phase will not be broadcasted,"

Manny's eyes were locked onto the castle of mirrors. He gulps, and his heart begins to beat rapidly. He looks over at the other contestants. To his surprise, they were all anxious as Manny was. This idea of facing one's deepest fear and wishes was unreal to him. Manny just yesterday was meditating with Leng about confronting one's confliction. He was starting to wish he would've trained a bit more with Leng.

The gate to the castle had opened.

"Once you enter there is only one way out. If you fail any challenge you will be brought back to the entrance. Now," Abaraxes holds out his arm "ENTER!"

Everyone looked forward, and they walked. The contestants entered through the gate and into the castle. The large shinning door closed behind and them and disappeared. Everything was dark, Manny stood in the darkness waiting for someone to speak or some lights to come on. But for a moment nothing happened.

"Dad?" said Manny, quietly. "You there?"

No one responded.

"Dad?" Manny said again as he feels around for him in the dark. "Carmen? Leng?"

The room was suddenly filled with lights. Manny was no longer at the entrance of the castle. He was placed in a small room where three different Mirrors were hung on a stone wall.

"W-What? When did I get here!?" said Manny, confused.

His attention was then placed on the three mirrors on the wall. They all resembled one another. Manny looked at the one that was in front of him. He walks forward and holds out his hand to touch the glass. Once his fingertip touches the glass, the glass itself reacted as if it was small water, small land large rings appearing around the mirror and disappearing.

"Whoa…" Manny whispered in awe.

But then, something appeared in the mirror. The figure had blue hair, wearing red goggles along with a red skirt and red suspenders.

It was Frida.

"FRIDA?" said Manny, shocked and confused.

Frida turned to Manny. She stared at him blankly, as if she was disappointed in him.

"Frida, what are you doing here? When did you get in here!?" Then he gasped and his eyes widened. Sartana was standing in front of Frida; looming over her. Sartana, let out a cackling laugh and raised her arm, placing it around Frida's neck. Frida let out a cry of pain and began to gag and squirm.

"NO!" screamed Manny, as he dove through the Mirror. Once he ended up on the other side, his claws extended and ready for a fight, he was surprised to see that there was no one there. "FRIDA! FRIDA WHERE ARE YOU?"

Manny turned around to the mirror he dove through, only to find out that it was not there anymore. Manny turned back and let out a scream of surprise when a large eyeball that was attached to the end of a room was staring at him.

"W-What the in the world?" Manny shuttered

The eyeball pupil color changed from white to blue. Then, a grey figured appeared out from the ground and slowly walked towards Manny. The figure was shaped like an average human but had no facial features at all. Manny, who was already upset about being tricked let out a fierce roar and leaps towards the grey figure and cuts him down with his claws turning it to dust. Then appeared another. Manny leaps forward and cuts that one down. Then appeared two. The two figures were cut down quickly by Manny. Then appeared four more. These four figures charged quickly. Manny slashed at them once more but the white figure that he was aiming at dodges and knees Manny in the gut sending him across the room. One of the white figures rushed forward and kicked Manny in the stomach sending him crashing into the wall. The next figure sprints forward to kick at Manny. Manny leaps up into the air and clings to the walls using his claws.

Suddenly, the giant red eye that was on the wall from afar, it's pupil began to flash red. Then, right in front of Manny, a small hole appeared right in his face and a dagger came shooting out. Manny had leaned back in time and narrowly avoided getting stabbed in the head. Manny had leaped off the wall when he saw that buzzsaws started coming out of the walls. Manny lands back on the ground and the faceless figures began their attack one more. Manny ducks, dodges, and backflips away from their attacks.

"WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO!?" Thought Manny as he kept retreating away. "I TAKE OUT ONE THAN TWO MORE APPEAR!"

Manny had looked over towards the large eye on the wall. The eye's color was right back to red. Manny jumps over the faceless figures and charges at the eye with the faceless figures hot on his tail. Manny leaps up and slashed his claws at the eye, but to no avail, Manny's slashes bounced off of the eye knocking Manny flat on his back. The faceless figures leaped into the air all at once to attack Manny, but Manny had quickly rolled out of the way.

"HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET PAST THIS!?" Manny screamed in frustration. He fired his grappling hook out of anger and it pierces through one of the faceless figures, ricochets off the wall, and pierces through three more of the faceless figures.

Red cracked lines appeared around the whites of the eye on the wall and a crack appeared around the barrier protecting it.

"Huh? That phased it?" said Manny, dumbfounded.

More faceless figures appeared. This time they carried weapons. Axes, spears, and hammers.

Manny glared at the faceless figures "So…the more I take out all at once. The weaker the barrier between me and the huge eye weakens!" A smirk came across Manny's face "Bring it!"

The faceless figures charged at Manny. Manny holds out his arms with his claws extended and spins around quickly and slides over to the faceless figures shredding them pieces. This caused the eye on the wall's barrier to weaken more. It widens its eyes and summons a large faceless brute. Manny stopped spinning, turns toward the large brute, and holds out his hands pointing his claws at the brute. Manny fired a stream of claws from his fingers and it pierces the large brute all over its body, then it vanishes.

The barrier protecting the eye had broken and the writhes in pain. Manny leaps forward and slashes downward on the eye. The eye had twitched, blinked, and explodes into dust revealing a mirror.

"OH YEAH! I NAILED THAT! OH YEAH! WHO'S MACHO! THAT'S ME! I'M SUPER MACHO!" said Manny enthusiastically as he danced around in victory.

Manny stepped through the mirror humming confidently. But his humming would come to a quick end once he saw the area he was in. Stairs. Stairs and Doorways everywhere. Twisted in different angles that lead into different directions and passages.

"Oh…" said Manny, the confidence that he had completely left him and his ears lowered. "Great…just great…"

…

As the next phase went on, all of the other contestants went through their trials. Rodolfo had struggled with some of the mind games that the castle of mirrors had placed in front of him. Rodolfo was sweating. He was on all fours as he crawled to the next mirror that was in front of him.

"Must…Finish…the task! Must…find…MANNY!" Rodolfo pants as he reached out to the mirror. "I won't fall for it…I won't kneel…THIS I SWEAR!"

"Oooh Roooodolfooo…" said a sweet and delicate voice coming from the mirror.

Rodolfo raised his head. Maria was standing on the other side of the mirror. She had a seductive look on her face. She was wearing a black dress and she licked her lips as she gestured him to come closer.

Rodolfo let out a squeal of excitement and his eyes turned into hearts. Rodolfo leaped into the mirror and was meant by a series of traps that immediately attacked Rodolfo.

This was the fifth time he fell for the Maria Illusion.

Elsewhere in the castle of the mirrors. Django had found himself going in circles. He had gotten past two different challenges and had cleared and it was no problem for him at all. Django was beginning to think that this challenge was another easy pass for him like the Darkroot forest. But he would soon find out that it was not that simple.

Django had seen one of the mirrors on the other side of the pathway he was walking. As Django walked closer to the mirror he stops dead in his tracks and gasped. Manny was on the other side of the mirror. Manny stood there staring at Django with the same shocked expression on his face. But that shocked expression turned into a smug smirk.

"WHO ARE YOU GRINNING AT RIVERA!?" Django shouted furiously as he whips out his mystic guitar.

"Whoa whoa calm down Django," said Manny, as he held up his hands. "I don't want to fight you."

"Oh is that right?" Django replied suspiciously. "Well, I do!"

"Just hear me out ok? Let's work together!" said Manny, his smirk turned into an innocent smile. "Think about it! We're the toughest people here! Together we can take out everyone here! No one's better than us! Right?"

Django raised a brow "And why should I trust you?" he asked, lowering his mystic guitar slightly.

"Because working with someone who's just as good, and maybe even better than you, is always a sure-fire way to get to the top! HEY! Maybe we can even take out those dumb league of heroes while we're at it!"

Django was thinking hard about this. He stared at Manny, as he, held out his hand through the mirror offering Django a handshake. Django lowered his Mystic guitar and smirked. Django wasn't so sure for a moment but that confidant look on Manny's face somehow convinced Django. Django reached through the mirror and grasped Manny's hand.

Manny had gripped Django's arm tightly. Very tightly. Django noticed this. He looked at Manny and saw that his smirk had turned into a malicious grin. He pulls Django into the mirror and he found himself in a room full of Manny's that were laughing all at once.

Django looked around the room, seeing these laughing Manny's in different colors. Laughing, mocking him, and calling him a gullible fool.

A powerful rage consumed Django. The skeleton boy slowly gets to his feet, glared his bright red eyes at the clones of Manny laughing at him.

"Right…" whispered Django. "This is a good reminder…of why I will end you Manny Rivera."

Django takes out his mystic guitar. Sitting on the end of his guitar was a glowing orange orb that sent a surge of orange aura up his guitar. Django could feel it. This surge of power course through him. Django aimed his mystic guitar at the multiple fake Manny's and strummed his guitar strings. Ghoul's of Orange aura shoot out from Django's guitar and had consumed clones with an unholy howl.

Django had adjusted his hat and glared at the mirror that had appeared in front of him.

"I will have your life Rivera…just you wait…"

Other contestants were finding their way through the castle of mirrors, all except two of the art of the earth users who had fallen to their weakness or had failed the trials they had fallen into. The next to be eliminated was Toshiro, who also had fallen victim to his fears of being a terrible son and shaming his father. Meanwhile, Roz and Okami were having a difficult time going through more of the mental trials that the castle of mirrors was presenting. Roz and Okami were faced with a trial of catching a speeding ball of light with a time limit. With each passing minute, it would go faster. Okami and Roz suddenly decided to sit on all fours. They watched the ball of light for a moment eyeing down its pattern. At a split second, Roz catapults into the air and smacks the ball of light to the ground near Okami, but the ball of light swerves. Okami runs at all fours with immense speed and cuts off the ball of light and grasps it in his hands. Roz and Okami had completed yet another task. As for the rest of the contestants such as Lily, Dylan, Leng and Ju, Carmen, Yusuke, and Yukari; they were able to get past their task. Of course, finally, Rodolfo who has fallen for the Maira trickery was able to overcome his emotions and defeat the fake Maria.

As for Manny, however, he was still lingering around the Castle of Mirrors trying to find his way. He didn't come across for a bit. Manny was beginning to wonder if this was some type of task and he had to find some secret passage. That's when Manny had finally found a mirror.

"Finally!" said Manny excited and relieved as he runs to the mirror. Manny stopped and stood in front of the Mirror. He raised a brow, smiles, and does a couple of poses. He snaps his fingers and points both of them at his reflection with a grin "Looking good El Tigre!"

Manny then placed his hand on the mirror. To Manny's surprise, his hand didn't go through. Manny was confused at this. He tried it again and he tries pushing just a bit.

"Dude what the heck?" said Manny, annoyed. "Why can't I go through?"

Manny placed his hand on the mirror once more. Manny stared at his confused and annoyed expression in the mirror. Then, his reflection smirked back at him. Manny was taken off guard by this and he stared at the reflection in surprise. The Manny in the reflection grabs Manny by his wrist and pulls him into the mirror. Manny falls face first on the stone ground. He rubs his face and looks up, seeing the other him standing in front of him with glowing red eyes like Marcus's. The same other Manny that he saw when he was meditating.

"W-What the heck?" said Manny, staring at the clone of himself.

"What's wrong?" said the other Manny, his voice was distorted and it echoed through the stone room. "Are you really surprised?"

Manny gets to his feet and stared at the clone of himself. "What…what are you?" he said in a shaky voice. "Who are you!?"

"What kind of questions is that?" said the other Manny with his distorted voice "I'm you. The you that you're too scared to be."

"What are you talking about!?"

"I'm the side of you that wants to be vicious, mischievous, unforgiving, and cruel!" said the Other Manny "You're tired of being a good boy. You're only doing it because you don't want to upset dad! If you had it your way you'd be running this town by now!"

"NO! That's not true! I do it because—"

"Ooh, I remember when you turned against your dad and grandfather! It felt amazing finally putting that overly good father of ours in his place along with that old fart of grandfather! You loved it!"

"NO, I DIDN'T! I could've killed them! I was just so frustrated! I wasn't thinking clearly!" said Manny as he thought back to the fake tournament that Sartana had set up.

"You can't lie to me," said the Other Manny, shaking his head and glaring at the real Manny "I am you after all. I'm the real you that's deep down in your heart. I know how you truly feel." The mirror Manny started walking towards the real Manny.

Manny backs away as the other Manny started getting closer. Manny's back was against the wall as the other Manny looked him dead in the eye. "You hate having everything paved out for you. Your father wants you to go down a good path and be a hero in his eyes! While you don't have a say in anything! "You can't do this Manny because you're too young! You can't do this Manny because it is pure evil! You don't understand what you're saying Manny because you're just a kid!" YOU CAN'T STAND IT!" shouted the other Manny. "You do good things to please your father! Not yourself! You want to lash out at him! You want to show him how ruthless you can be! Break him down and finally be the villain that you want to be!"

"NO! I WON'T EVER HURT MY FATHER!" cried Manny, as he moved his eyes away from the fake Manny's cold red eyes.

"You can't lie to me!" said the other Manny as he punches the left side of the wall near Manny's head. "I'm you! You can't keep anything from me!"

This wasn't true…or was it? Was this Manny's deepest darkest feeling that even he didn't know he had? Was this how he felt about everything up to this point? It was scary…it was terrible. Manny loved his father. Manny closed his eyes and shivered.

The Other Manny let out a cold chuckle "Don't be afraid. It's ok! There's nothing wrong with feeling this way," said the other Manny as he smiled innocently "Given into your feelings, give into what you truly feel, become what you truly want to be."

Manny opened his eyes slightly and stared at the stone floor, still not making eye contact with the other Manny.

It was true. Thought Manny.

He hated how his dad would always have a leash around his life. Never having a say about his future. Never being able to do what he wanted without his father always on his back. The same can even be said with his grandfather, who would always press him about doing evil. At this very moment Manny felt this internal struggle hit the center of his chest. It was worse than it was before. It was starting to hurt.

"Right here," said the other Manny, placing his index finger on the center of the real Manny's chest. "It hurts huh?"

Manny didn't reply.

"It does, so why not just end it? Why not do what you want to do? What do you say?"

"It does hurt," replied the real Manny "I hate this feeling…it's gotten worse than before. But…I know one thing…"

"And that is?" asked the other Manny, raising a brow.

The other Manny was suddenly punched right in the face and knocked down, skidding across the stone floor.

"I know that no matter how much this feeling drives me crazy, no matter how much it frustrates me," Manny extends his claws and glares at the other Manny "I WILL NOT TURN MY BACK ON MY FAMILY!"

The other Manny rubs his face and slowly gets to his feet. He shoots a sharp glare at the real Manny and extends his claws. The two Manny's sized themselves up, circling the room before one the other Manny leaps into the air and slashes his claws at the real Manny. The real Manny leaps out of the way, rolls, and pounces at the other Manny, and slashes at him across the face leaving a deep scar. Manny didn't stop there. He continued slashing at the other Manny leaving scars that covered the other Manny's body. Manny pounces on the other him and continued this. He let out a fierce roar and slashed, slashed, and slashed at the other Manny relentlessly.

Manny pants and retracts his claws. He stared down at the other him. The other him stared back. All the scars that were given to him didn't shed a single bit of blood.

The other him grinned "You can't hurt me. No matter how much you fight me, I'll always be apart of your hidden dark heart." He let out a chuckle, that quickly grew into a loud malicious laugh. Then, it soon faded along with the other Manny.

Manny stared down at the stone floor where his other-self laid. A mirror appeared in front of Manny. Manny looked up, seeing that the mirror was a different color. The base was gold. Manny gets to his feet and walks through the mirror. He steps into a room and finds himself facing Abaraxes and his apprentice Adhira. Sitting on the right, was Lily, with her cap covering her face.

"Congratulations El Tigre, you're the second contestant to arrive," said Abaraxes "We have twenty minutes left. Now Let's see who else passes."

There were fifteen minutes left, as Dylan had arrived panting and sweating. He looks over at Manny and Lily and scowled "DARN IT I THOUGHT I'D BE FIRST!"

Ten minutes in and Django had arrived. Once Django entered the room he spots Manny and glared at him. Manny glared back. Django found his spot in the room away from the rest of the contestants and sat down with his hat covering his face.

Ten minutes left.

Leng had entered the room. He looked around the room at the rest of the contestants.

"Ju?" Leng whispered worriedly

"Ju Bai Cho has been eliminated," Abaraxes informed

"W-WHAT? Oh no Ju…" said Leng, disappointed

There were five minutes left. And the final contestant that arrived were Rodolfo, Carmen, and Okami, and his father Roz.

"Manny!" said Rodolfo, as he rushes over to his son wrapping his arms around him bringing Manny into a tight hug "I was so worried about you!"

"D-Dad!" said Manny, his face turning red and the air leaving his body. "S-Stop! You're embarrassing me!"

"Man…that was insane!" said Carmen tiredly, as she placed her back against the wall and slides down sitting next to Manny. "I'm so glad that's all over!"

"These are all the current contestants. Perfect," said Abaraxes, as he intertwines his fingers "Congratulations to all of you who have passed the castle of mirrors. The next task will take place in two days and will be held in the miracle city stadium. I would advise you all to get acquainted with one another."

Everyone in the room looked at each other. What exactly would they be doing where they would have to get acquainted with each other?

The exit to the castle of mirrors opened up. The contestants began exiting the castle.

"I'm so glad that we were able to make it through Manny! Those tasks were so grueling and challenging! I barely made It through the maria challenges!" said Rodolfo. He paused for a moment and slowly moved his eyes down to Manny, who was looking at him with a mixture of shock and confusion.

"W-What did you say dad?" said Manny, hoping he might have misheard something.

"NOTHING MY SON! Let us go home and forget that I ever mentioned Maria in the castle of mirrors!" said Rodolfo quickly, as he slightly pushes Manny out to the exit.

"Wait dad hold on!" said Manny, turning around to face Manny. "Dad I…umm…"

"What's wrong Hijo?" Rodolfo asked

"Umm…in the castle of mirrors I…" Manny paused for a moment. "Dad I…I just wanted you to know that…" Manny paused again and took a deep breath.

"Go ahead Hijo, you know you can tell me anything," Rodolfo said softly.

Manny looked up at his father. "Dad I just wanted to say that…I…err…I…I love you and I would ever do anything hurt you ok?" Manny's face was completely red and he looked down at the ground rubbing his left arm.

Once Manny looked back up at his father, his eyes glowed and Manny could see tears forming in his eyes. Rodolfo wrapped his arms around his son and brought him into a tighter hug.

"HIJO! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!" Rodolfo cried

"D-Dad! You're crushing me!" Manny said as every breath in his body was being squeezed out of him.

"Let us go, home son! You've earned a good night's rest! With cheese dip!" said Rodolfo excitedly

Manny couldn't help but grow a big smile across his face. He meant every word he said to his father. He would never want to hurt his father. He would NEVER turn his back on his family. Whatever dark thought's that he had in his heart he would one day conquer them.

It was just another challenge that Manny Rivera was determined to beat.

To Be continued

A/N The original chapter 13 I'd have to say was really fun. But I will bring back that concept in later chapters. Not much to say here, but I hope you all enjoyed it.