Chapter 22: Order of the Claw
7820 BC - China - Land Without Magic
Three martial arts masters are arguing about their situation.
"Both the Dai Shi Clan and the Phantom Beasts are trying to destroy humanity" one master said "the only reason we have survived this long is they're too busy trying to destroy each other. Our kung fu is no match for their powers either"
"We can help you with that, Master Rilla" a voice said and they turn to see six colored warriors
"Who are you?" Rilla asked
"That does not matter, all you need to know is we are masters like yourself" the Red Morphing Master said "your kung fu skills are indeed impressive, but as you said not enough to save humanity. While their is no more magic in this land, your animal spirits are intact. That is the secret to Dai Shi and the Phantom Beasts powers. If you learn how to use animal spirits as well, and pass on what you have learned from us, you will be able to defeat Dai Shi"
7810 BC - North America - Land Without Magic
Masters Rilla, Lope, and Guin had managed to learn how to use the animal spirits of the gorilla, antelope, and penguin respectively. They taught others in what was called the Pai Zhuq Academy. Their students slowly but surely managed to beat back the Dai Shi Clan, who moved to North America to regroup. The Pai Zhuq masters moved their academy in order to finish off Dai Shi once and for all. As they approach Dai Shi's Temple, they are stopped by the three Overlords, Grizzika, Carnisoar, and Jellica
"Out of the way, Grizzika" Rilla said
"Do you really think it would be that easy?" Grizzika asked
"No" Lope said "but we were kind of hoping" and the three Head Masters engage the three Overlords. One by one, the Overlords fall to the Head Masters
"Alright" Rilla said "with the Overlords out of the way, all that should be left is Camille… and Dai Shi himself" and the three Head Masters lead the other masters and students into the Temple
"Not so fast" a voice said and they turn to see the eight Phantom Beast Generals
"Didn't we already destroy your army?" Guin asked
"You did" Scorch said
"And since when do you guys work with Dai Shi?" Guin asked
"Since you destroyed our army" Snapper snapped "with you decimating both our sides we had no choice but to join forces to defeat you"
"But don't worry" Whiger said "once we've destroyed you and the rest of humanity, the alliance will be broken and our war with each other will continue"
"You know you can't beat us" Scorch said "not after destroying the Overlords and if you still want to have enough energy left over to be able to defeat Dai Shi"
"You're right" Rilla said "but luckily, we don't need to destroy you, only contain you"
"What?!" Snapper asked as five other masters step forward to join Rilla, Lope, and Guin, each with something in their hand
"You see our benefactors, the ones who taught us how to use our animal spirits" Rilla said "they knew we wouldn't be powerful enough to destroy you for good, so they gave us these Crystal Eyes… would you like to see how they work?" and each master holds out a Crystal Eye and the Phantom Beast Generals are contained in them
"Well that was easy" Lope said and they hear Dai Shi laugh
"You just had to say it" Guin said
"Even your entire army is no match for me" Dai Shi said
"We'll see about that" Rilla said as the entire Pai Zhuq Academy attacks Dai Shi. Dai Shi manages to kill many master and students
"Lope, Guin" Rilla said "you know we have to do"
"I know" Lope said
"Ready when you are" Guin said. Rilla turns to another master who pulls out a box, also given to them by the Morphing Masters
"You were right Dai Shi" Rilla said "even our entire Academy doesn't have enough power to kill you… but we might have enough to stop you for now" and Rilla, Lope, and Guin manifest their animal spirits
"With the Strength of the Gorilla!" Rilla said
"With the Speed of the Antelope!" Lope said
"With the Heart of the Penguin!" Guin said and all three spirits push Dai Shi towards the box
"You can't do this" Dai Shi said "you'll die"
"We know" Rilla said
"Your deaths will be in vain" Dai Shi said
"No" Lope said "our deaths will allow the three chosen warriors to arise"
"These three warriors will have the spirits of the Tiger, the Jaguar, and the Cheetah" Guin said
"And they will destroy you once and for all" Rilla said as Dai Shi is sealed inside the box and Rilla, Lope, and Guin collapse to ground and die. The remaining master locks the box with Dai Shi in it and takes it and the remaining students and returns to the Academy, to rebuild the Order, so humanity will be ready for Dai Shi's return.
Camille watches as what's left of the Pai Zhuq order leaves. She prepares to free Dai Shi, but senses a protection spell on the box that contains him… one that not only prevents Rinshi from opening the box, but prevents anyone that is manipulated or coerced by Rinshi from opening the box… a protection spell the extends to those manipulated by is a strong spell… where would the Pai Zhuq Academy get that… especially in a Land Without Magic… she will wait in the Temple of Dai Shi until he is free… both Dai Shi and the Masters seem to think it was inevitable… why going messing with an Academy that seems to be harnessing powers they shouldn't be able to if he will be free one day anyways