J-WITCH Season 2

by Iron117Prime

Jackie Chan and the Guardians have defeated Phobos and freed Meridian. But, as before, a new evil has risen, this one from the past and is ready to reap its revenge and its own brand of justice on the present. An even more difficult battle awaits for J-WITCH and the Chan Clan, one that could decide the fate of not only their world, but the whole universe!

30. Restless and Relentless

Hey everyone, welcome back to more J-WITCH! These past few episodes have been hitting you in the emotional feels, haven't they? Well, it's not gonna stop there. Things are getting more intense with each passing moment, and I cannot wait for you all to see what I have planned with both this chapter and the upcoming ones. With that being said, let's get started.

Restless and Relentless

The corrupted realm of Kandrakar appeared to be growing quite restless. Aside from the multitude of dragons that flew across the skies above the dark citadel, several spots that the present Demon Sorcerers occupied as their personal territory surged with magic with Bai Tza, Tchang Zu, Hsi Wu, and Xiao Fung casting their respective summoning spells.

Standing on a ledge above her moat, Bai Tza stretched her hands out to create a whirlpool in the water. The whirlpool quickly grew and expanded before several entities shot out from the water and landed on the ground in front of Bai Tza.

The entities in question would best be described as humanoid fish, each one having two arms and two legs, but their skin was moist and covered in fish scales, all colored in a range of blue, aqua green, and gray. All of them had red eyes on their fish-like heads, webbed hands and feet, and fins on their backs like sharks, and they each wielded long weapons such as spears and tridents. All of them bowed before the Water Demon as she smirked.

A storm cloud grew above the tower of stone that Tchang Zu stood atop of. Shooting his hands up, the Thunder Demon casted bolts of lighting into the black cloud, which led to more bolts being sent back downward and impacting the ground in front of Tchang Zu. The smoke and residual lightning all cleared to reveal another group of monstrous creatures.

These creatures were humanoid lizards, all clad in dark blue scales with red eyes and wore armor befitting that of ancient Chinese warriors. Each of them was armed with a shield as well as a sharp weapon such as a sword or mace. Just like the aquatic creatures for Bai Tza, these lizard-like demons bowed before Tchang Zu, their leader.

Several screeches could be heard in the black sky above the Kandrakar palace, the source of it were the creatures summoned by Hsi Wu as he continued to fly with his forces flying behind them. These creatures all resembled large bats, their skins ranging from dark gray to pale white, all having red eyes as well. They screeched with delight and bloodlust as they continued to follow their worshiped Sky Demon.

Finally, Xiao Fung watched as the tornado he summoned continue to grow as several creatures hopped out from the winds to land in front of him. The creatures that bowed before the Wind Demon appeared to be giant frogs, all having the body shape of natural frogs, but were the size of humans. Their green, yellow, and pale skins and red eyes shined as they stretched their tongues out upward in celebration, secreting a corrosive substance onto the ground underneath.

"Our minions return." Xiao Fung said. "After so many years."

"Agreed. Why should Shendu be the only one to have an army?" Hsi Wu added as he continued to soar the sky with his bat-demon army right behind him.

"Dai Gui is no doubt summoning his own army to begin his conquest of Zamballa." Bai Tza said as Tso Lan hovered close to her.

"If we are to each have our own world to rule, armies will be necessary to maintain our order." The Moon Demon agreed.

"My warriors lust for battle and blood!" Thcang Zu boomed as he clenched his fists, electricity slipping through his fingers. "Earth was never enough for them!"

"But soon, I bet even my appetite will be satisfied, once I have my own smorgasbord… er, I mean planet to rule." Po Kong commented, standing close to the palace.

Meanwhile, Drago and Miranda both sat on the rooftop of the palace, the shapeshifter in her human form as she leaned into Drago's grasp as they both watched the Demon Sorcerers summon their armies.

"Things are certainly getting crowded here." Miranda commented.

"They're just excited." Drago said. "Can't say I blame them. Universal domination always gets my blood pumping."

Miranda chuckled before she looked out to the ever-growing armies. "So… Bai Tza leads fish people, Thang Zu has lizard warriors, Hsi Wu controls bat demons, and Xiao Fung leads frog monsters, and we know how fond your father is for dragons… and yet I see no such army for Po Kong or Tso Lan."

"They don't have any." Drago answered, much to Miranda's surprise. "Tso Lan's the most powerful of all the Demons, and that's no joke since he can literally pluck the moon from its orbit. With that kind of power, you have enough people fearing you that they'll do anything you ask to avoid being slaughtered, and I mean anything."

"Hmmm… So he leads an army of willing slaves. I do love that." Miranda lulled. "And Po Kong?"

"She had her own army once. But then she got hungry." Drago said. It didn't take a genius to put two-and-two together.

"Well, I certainly look forward to whatever army you may lead one day, and whatever world the two of us can call our own." Miranda said as she crawled up on his chest, pushing him down to the roof with a lustful smile, right before he literally flipped her over on her back. "Oh… Cedric was never this forceful. I'm kinda liking it."

Drago gave a hissing grin as he leaned in close to her ear. "Want to see what else I can do?" She responded by reaching up to lick his neck, right before they locked their lips together.

---

Meanwhile, within the corrupted palace of Kandrakar, Yan Lin found herself confined within a dungeon, energy bars keeping her from escaping the tiny cell she was in. From there, she sat on her bed as she watched Nerissa, as well as the enthralled Halinor, Kadma, and Cassidy's spirit enter the scene.

"Ah, the whole team's back together, at long last." Nerissa said with a sinister smile, which was responded with a glare from the last of her former comrades who had yet to be enthralled. "Why the hostility, Yan Lin? Here I thought you would be happy at such a reunion."

"You mean aside from the part where I've been kidnapped, and you desecrated Cassidy's grave to resurrect her spirit?" Yan Lin questioned sarcastically. "Or do you want me to go over the whole list?" She looked at the Seal of Nerissa that her former leader now held. "Nice staff. Let me guess, the Tiger Talisman?"

"Indeed. Just as the power of the Tiger helped to bind all the other Talismans into a unified whole for Shendu, it is the glue that binds the powers of the Hearts of Meridian and Zamballa into one." Nerissa said as she looked to her new weapon with pride.

"It's also what you used to enthrall all of them." Yan Lin said, gesturing to their brainwashed comrades. "But, you haven't used it on me, yet." She caught a look in Nerissa's eyes, and that was enough for Yan Lin figure it out. "You can't, can you? That precious power of yours has its limits." She said with a smirk.

Nerissa gave an annoyed sigh. "Smart as ever. Yes, in order to properly enthrall someone, they must be willing to turn, willing to indulge in their inner darkness. But don't think that just because you know my secret means that you are immune. Everyone has a dark side and you are no exception. I just need to find it. Even a hint of negativity is all that I need."

"Well then, we're going to be here for a while." Yan Lin said as she leaned back against the wall, stretching her arms out as she appeared to relax. "Think you can get me some moo shu? Assuming Po Kong didn't eat all your food already."

"I can give you so much more, old friend." Nerissa waved her staff to cast a Glamour spell on Yan Lin, giving the former Air Guardian the appearance of her younger self. "You were always so beautiful in your youth, it's little wonder Jin fell for you. If you were to join me, I can give that back to you and him, make up for lost time. You two can have the happy life that you both deserve."

"Youth is overrated, and I'm still one hot old broad." Yan Lin countered as the illusion wore off. "And just because the two of us broke up doesn't mean our lives weren't happy. Sure, we have our fair share of regrets, but I'd say my life turned out pretty good."

"Your life, perhaps…" Nerissa began.

"Here we go." Yan Lin interrupted, rolling her eyes. "Another tirade of how we should all feel sorry for you. You want the honest truth, Nerissa? What happened back then is my biggest regret, I will not deny that. But you've crossed too many lines for me to forgive you. Now you're just using that night as an excuse. Honestly, it's really pathetic."

The former Guardian leader growled at that before she calmed herself down. "I was not referring to my life, old friend. But that of your granddaughter."

"You underestimate her." Yan Lin replied. "After all, my little Hay Lin's whooped demon butt in her first year as Guardian. Not to mention yours." She grinned.

"But do you expect her to keep it up her whole life?" Nerissa questioned. "You know how difficult of a life it is for a Guardian... the constant pressure, the weight of failure, the inevitable death. Why put that on your own grandchild? Why not give her a life where she no longer has to worry about any of that? What I offer is not just for you and me, but your family, and the whole universe? Join me and I promise that you and your granddaughter can have everything you've ever want, and you'd never have to fight for anything ever again?"

"Try another pitch. You said the exact same thing to Jin and Caleb." Yan Lin responded. "And for the record, I do know how hard it is being a Guardian, that's why I'm here. I'm not chucking Hay Lin to the wolves like you think I am, and neither are Jin or Jackie. My granddaughter is far stronger than you will ever know, and she is not alone in this. So, take your offer for a so-called peaceful life and stuff it. Cause we all know that this really just about you."

Once more, Nerissa glared in frustration before turning around. "You will join my side one way or another, old friend. How difficult that must be is up to you." She said with finality before leaving with her enthralled former comrades, leaving Yan Lin alone as she sat in her cell once more.

---

"Hmm, I see." Shendu conversed with the spiritual head of Dai Gui, the Earth Demon communicating from Zamballa. The Fire Demon currently resided in the central chamber of the palace, where the imprisoned Council of Kandrakar continued to remain trapped in their small Veil sphere.

"These pitiful plants think they can defy me?!" Dai Gui ranted. "I have already raised my army and I shall bury them forever!"

"You are the expert on that subject, so I shall leave it to you, brother." Shendu ended his communications as Dai Gui's spiritual head faded away just as Nerissa entered the room, the Ultimate Evil noticing her presence and the frustrated look on her face. "Our prisoner remains defiant, I see."

"Yan Lin cannot resist me forever." Nerissa said. "And we have all the time in the world to make her break."

"I wouldn't be so certain." Shendu advised. "Chan has defied the impossible before, he and the Guardians will find a way to break the spell we have placed on Kandrakar and take the fight here soon."

"You yourself said that one has to be willing to fall to their darkness willingly for my spell to enthrall them, Shendu." Nerissa stated, voicing her frustrations. "And when somebody already knows your tricks, it's that much more difficult to make it go your way again."

"Well, there is always the persuasion of torture." Shendu offered.

"Weren't you listening to me…?!" Nerissa began in anger but was quickly interrupted.

"You misunderstand, dear Nerissa." The Fire Demon said. "Yan Lin is not the one who will be harmed here. But rather… someone she loves dearly. Even the noblest of warriors all share the same weakness: their loved ones. And we all know there is someone she loves more than anything."

Nerissa saw what Shendu was implying, leading to a malevolent smirk forming on her face.

---

Earth – Uncle's Rare Finds

"Come on…! Come on…!" Hay Lin sat in the middle of the back room of the Chan family shop, skimming through book after book, scroll after scroll, and anything that she didn't find useful, she just threw to the ground, which was littered with books, scrolls, and other papers. "Come on, give me something! Some kind of ancient portal spell! Or a way to teleport between dimensions!" She threw another book away. "Ugh! I'm so stupid! These scrolls are from thousands of years ago! They guys who wrote them don't even know half of what I'm thinking of! Stupid! Ow!" Hay Lin dope slapped herself as she continued to rummage through everything she could find.

Will could only stared wide-eyed, speechless as she saw Hay Lin lose her composure like this, standing in the doorway along with Jackie, Jade, Uncle, Tohru, and Caleb.

"Uh… when you texted me that Hay Lin was starting to lose it, Jade… I thought you were just exaggerating." Will said. "How long as she been at this?"

"Ever since we got back from Zamballa two days ago." Jade answered.

"Hay Lin has never once gone home." Jackie added, much to Will's surprise. "I've had to talk with her parents to convince them that this is just for a study session for a school project."

"Have they asked about Yan Lin?" Will asked.

"We told them that she had gone home to China for some personal business." Tohru answered.

"Hay Lin has been searching for any possible spell that can allow us to return to Kandrakar to rescue her grandmother." Uncle explained. "But Uncle has been looking for such a spell since Kandrakar fell! Told Hay Lin a thousand times! Even Uncle slap does not get through to her!"

"Whoa! Really?!" Will looked to Jade and Caleb in complete and utter surprise at that.

"Yeah, he's slapped her three times already! But she acts like it's never even happened!" Jade replied, still not over that. "It's… unreal!"

"On one end, I'm impressed she has such a willpower to keep going like this." Caleb added. "On the other… she's going to break herself if she doesn't stop."

Will took a sigh, realizing that she had to step in. "Alright. I'll handle this." She walked into the back room as Hay Lin pulled out another scroll.

"Okay, so… this a reverse of the same kind of spell that was used to banish Shendu and the other demons thousands of years ago, right?" Hay Lin asked as she read over the contents. "Maybe if we do the same thing they did when they tried to bust out with the Pan'ku Box…" She looked hopeful for a second, only for her eyes to widen as she threw the scroll away in frustration with a scream. "Except that Nerissa destroyed it when she broke them all out! Dang it! Ow!" She dope-slapped herself again.

"Alright, that's enough." Will sat down in front of Hay Lin, grabbing her by the shoulders and made sure that Hay Lin looked directly at her stern face. "You. Have. To. Calm. Down!"

"Ugh! Why does everyone keep saying that?!" Hay Lin exclaimed as she pushed Will away. "Jade, Uncle Jackie, Uncle, Tohru, Caleb, now you?!"

"We're saying it cause you gotta do it!" Will got back up and held both of Hay Lin's arms firmly. "Hay Lin, you are going to make yourself sick if you don't catch a break!"

"I don't need a break! I need a way to rescue my grandma!" Hay Lin exclaimed as she tried to wrench her arms free, but Will's hold wouldn't break.

"Kinda like how I had to rescue my mom when she was kidnapped?" Will reminded, which caused Hay Lin to gasp somewhat, recalling the aforementioned incident. Seeing how she got her attention, Will pressed on. "I felt like my whole world was falling apart back then, especially after she found out that she was a Guardian. And that wasn't the only time. Remember how bad it was for me after what happened with Jewel? Or a few days ago, when I was starting to worry that my dad's fiancé was either Nerissa in disguise or being brainwashed by her? You and the others helped to reign me in so I wouldn't let my fear or anger or grief control me. Well, I'm not gonna let your fear consume you, Hay Lin."

"B-but…" Hay Lin tried.

"Come on Hay Lin, we know your grandma. She's the toughest old lady out there." Will said. "I mean, she dated Uncle for crying out loud." She said jokingly.

That earned a chuckle from Jade and Caleb, which caused Uncle to look away with a pout while Tohru and even Jackie smirked somewhat.

"B-but… This is Nerissa we're talking about." Hay Lin said as tears were welling up in her eyes. "She always finds a way to win in the end. She, Shendu, and Drago… and all the demons… I…"

"We'll find a way to get her back." Will assured. "But you're not gonna be able to help anyone if you work yourself to death. You know she wouldn't let you. You and every one of our friends told me before that I wasn't alone in this, and that goes both ways. I know exactly what you're feeling right now, Hay Lin. We all do. This isn't just your problem, it's ours." Hay Lin sniffled more as she continued to listen to her friend and leader, who gave her an assuring smile. "You're not alone."

Looking past Will slightly, Hay Lin saw Jackie, Jade, Tohru, and Caleb enter the back room as they all sat down around her, each of them giving assuring smiles of their own. She then felt a hand touching her shoulder, causing her to turn towards Uncle, who smiled towards her as he gave a single nod.

Before she knew it, Hay Lin found herself breaking down and falling into Will, crying the whole time as the redhead wrapped her arms around her to provide what comfort she could. Jade joined in as well as Jackie, Tohru, and Caleb put their hands on her, allowing Hay Lin the chance to let all her emotions out.

---

The Next Day – Sheffield Institute

Everyone was walking into school for their first period and Hay Lin was accompanied the whole way by Jade, both having been dropped off by Jackie. The Chan girl looked to her friend and saw that despite having the chance to vent, as well as finally get some sleep, she was still pretty worried.

"Hey, you doing okay?" Jade asked.

"Yeah… sorry about being a pain before, Jade." Hay Lin apologized.

"I get it. If anything happened to my family, I'd probably freak out too." Jade assured. "And yeah, Drago, Nerissa, Shendu, and the rest of their twisted family, they're tough. But your grandma's got a will of titanium. No way they're gonna break her so easily."

Hay Lin stifled a chuckle somewhat. "Yeah, she's tough alright. Still plenty worried though." But, when she looked forward, she saw none other than Eric standing by a tree, looking at his cell phone. "Eric…"

"Eric…? As in, your crush?" Jade asked teasingly, causing Hay Lin's cheeks to turn pink, and that in turn caused Jade's grin to grow. "Well, what better way to get your mind off some life-or-death drama then your typical everyday drama? Like talking to your crush." Jade pulled Hay Lin over in Eric's direction.

"Wait… Jade…!" Hay Lin struggled, but she was unable to escape her friend's grasp.

However, unbeknownst to everyone at school, Hsi Wu had arrived, perching himself on the school's rooftop. From there, he easily spotted Jade, along with Hay Lin, approaching a human boy. Ducking his head somewhat to avoid being spotted, the Sky Demon eyed and listened to their conversation closely.

"Hey, it's Eric, right?" Jade greeted the young man, while pulling Hay Lin closer.

"Uh… yeah?"

"Cool. Anyway, this is my friend, Hay Lin. You two met a little bit ago. And I gotta get to class, so I'll see you later." Jade walked away, waving to Hay Lin with a cheeky grin, much to her embarrassment.

"Jade…" She growled lightly before straightening herself out, realizing she was now standing a couple feet away from her crush. "Uh… hi, Eric."

"Hi. Hay Lin, right?" He asked. "I know we met already but…"

"It's cool." Hay Lin assured. "A lot's happened since then."

That caused Eric to look with concern. "Is something wrong?"

"It's… my grandmother. She's been… having some… difficulties." Hay Lin said, without trying to get into any specific details.

"Oh, I so get it." Eric replied. "I live with my gramps and stress over him all the time. Course, his answer: 'worrying about the future never solves anything young man'." He put on an old Irish accent to represent his grandfather, which caused Hay Lin to smile. "So why get all hung up about what the future might hold when you can see for yourself?" He offered a fortune cookie to Hay Lin.

"A fortune cookie?" She asked in surprise.

"Yeah, got a few extra from this Chinese place downtown, been bringing them to lunch with me." Eric replied.

"You mean the Silver Dragon? My family owns that restaurant!" Hay Lin revealed with an excited smile.

"Wow. Small world." Eric said.

"You have no idea. You should check out my friend's place, they own an antique shop not too far from there." Hay Lin said with a chuckle, right before the school bell rang. "Oh, better get to class."

"Hey, wanna hang out after school?" Eric asked.

"Really?" Hay Lin asked excitedly with a wide smile, before trying to put on a calm act, doing her best to hide her blush. "Uh… sure. It's cool."

"Great. See ya then." Eric said as they both walked in separate directions.

As Hay Lin walked inside, she looked to the fortune cookie that Eric gave her and opened it up, revealing the fortune inside, which she read aloud. "'Danger is closer than you think.'" That caused Hay Lin's mood to dapper. "So much for taking my mind off this."

However, as she walked inside, she and everyone else failed to notice Hsi Wu dropping in behind some bushes just as Eric passed by…

Only for a clawed hand to reach out and grab him by the shoulder and yank him into the bush…

Which was followed by Hsi Wu, using a Glamour spell that Nerissa had given him, to disguise himself as Eric and enter the building, leaving the real Eric to lay unconscious in the bush outside.

'Well, doesn't this all feel familiar.' The disguised Sky Demon thought to himself sinisterly.

---

It was lunch time at Sheffield and currently, Will sat at a table along with Jade, Matt, and Alchemy. And for some reason, Alchemy had her backpack with her, underneath the table. Matt also noticed how despite having her own packed lunch, Alchemy also had a tray of the school's meat loaf.

"Uh… you do know that stuff is toxic, right?" Matt reminded. "And you brought your own lunch."

"Hey, Blunk actually likes the meat loaf here. And I promised I'd get him some." Alchemy replied as she put the tray of the aforementioned food underneath the table where her backpack was, which unzipped itself to reveal Blunk as his head stuck out with his right hand, which he used to grab the meatloaf and eat it.

"Hmm. Taste like burnt rubber and sweat. Just the way Blunk mama make." The Passling smiled as he continued to chow down.

The others looked unsurprised before Matt spoke to his girlfriend. "So… is Hay Lin doing any better?"

"A little. Had a bit of a heart-to-heart with her last night." Will said.

"That's good." Matt said with relief.

"She's not wrong to be worried though." Alchemy added. "Aside from rescuing Yan Lin, we're not going to make any headway in stopping Nerissa and the demons if we can't find a way to bypass that spell that she used to seal us out of Kandrakar."

Jade groaned as she looked down in minor frustration. That was indeed a problem. As she looked down however, she happened to spot her own shadow. Wait… a shadow… This led to her to think for a bit before an idea came to mind.

"Hey… didn't we have to deal with something like this before? Back when we first started this whole Guardian thing last year?" Jade reminded, getting all their attention. "Portals popped up all over Earth and we had no control over that either."

"We could close them." Will remembered.

"Yeah, but that's all we could do." Jade continued. "Not until we got the Seal of Phobos and then we could open portals of our own."

"Jade, I've tried using the Seal's power in the Heart, but it couldn't break Nerissa's spell." Will told her.

"That's not what I'm getting at." Jade replied. "Right around that same time, Tarakudo showed up and teamed up with Phobos. He didn't use a portal, remember?"

"Wait, he didn't?" Matt looked in surprise.

"Right, you didn't join up with us until the end." Alchemy remembered. "Tarakudo was that Oni that you helped take down. And Jade's right, he didn't use a portal to get to Earth. He used the…" Her eyes widened in surprise, catching Jade's knowing grin before she herself caught on to what she was implying.

"The Shadow Realm!" They both said at the same time.

"Hey… that's right!" Will remembered as well. "The Oracle said the Shadow Realm isn't like other dimensions! It's fluent and connects to all the other realms! The Council couldn't put a Veil over it even if they tried!"

"And since Jade's powers can let her go in and out of the Shadow Realm…" Alchemy began.

"And if it connects to the rest of the universe…" Matt realized it as well.

"We can use it to bypass Nerissa's spell!" Jade finished.

"Jade, you're a genius!" Will smiled.

"I know." The girl crossed her arms and smiled with pride. But that smile faded at the sound of a burp from Blunk who offered his hand out from under the table.

"Got more meat loaf?" The Passling asked with a hopeful smile.

---

Later That Day

Class had ended and Hay Lin stood just outside the doorway for the building, waiting for Eric. But it was quite a while of a wait, so much so that most of the other students had already left, meaning Hay Lin appeared to be alone for the moment. Now she was getting a bit worried, so much so that she tapped her foot with nervousness. Did Eric change his mind? Maybe she came off too strong before.

Only for 'Eric' to suddenly appear behind her. "Hey."

Hay Lin gave a startled yelp as she turned around in surprise. "Eric! You scared me!"

"Sorry about that." 'Eric' apologized. "Thought I'd surprise you."

"Well… it was surprising." Hay Lin giggled nervously. "But where were you? It's a little late, I was getting worried."

"I wanted for us to have a little privacy, if that's alright with you." 'Eric' put his finger under Hay Lin's chin, which caused her face to turn red.

However, she also looked past him slightly to see the rest of her friends step out of the building and into the courtyard too. "Hey guys!" She waved to them, causing 'Eric' to turn to them, doing his best not to growl.

Hay Lin's call got their attention, but Blunk suddenly poked his head out of Alchemy's backpack. "Blunk, what are you…?"

The Passling sniffed the air for a second before catching a familiar whiff coming from 'Eric'. The scent immediately Blunk on alert as he recognized it. "Demon! Demon!" He pointed his finger at 'Eric.'

That caused everyone to look in confusion before Jade narrowed her own eyes and focused her powers on the shadow that belonged to 'Eric' and got the same vibe of one demon in particular that she really didn't like.

"It's Hsi Wu!"

"Tch. Damn Jade." He muttered, much to Hay Lin's shock and horror.

"Wait… you're… you're…" The girl backed away in fear, only for 'Eric' to grab her by the arm.

"A demon?" He dropped the Glamour spell to reveal his true form, to everyone's shock, especially Hay Lin. "You miss your grandmother so much? I'd be happy to arrange a meeting!" He quickly took to the air with Hay Lin in his arms, who screamed the whole way.

"Hay Lin!" Taranee exclaimed as everyone ran out to try and catch her, with Matt only stopping at the sound of a familiar groan by the bushes. Looking past it, he spotted the real Eric, laying on the ground, and still unconscious.

Acting quickly, Blunk happened to leap out of Alchemy's backpack and was able to grab a hold of Hsi Wu's tail just before he took off high into the sky with Hay Lin in his arms, not noticing the Passling. Using the ring he borrowed from Drago, the Sky Demon opened a Fold, all three of them disappearing before Will even took out the Heart to transform them.

"No!" Will shouted in anger while everyone else looked just as worried or angry themselves.

"Blunk hitched a ride too! Think maybe he can use the Tonga Tooth to fold himself and Hay Lin out of there?" Alchemy hopped.

"Assuming the demons don't eat him alive." Irma commented. "Then again, he'd probably give them some serious indigestion."

"Guys, look!" Matt caught up to them, carrying the real Eric, who was still out of it. "He's out, but he'll be okay."

"Hsi Wu must have replaced him when nobody was looking. Just like before." Jade looked away with a scowl.

"Why kidnap Hay Lin though?" Cornelia asked.

"Because maybe Nerissa wants to use her to try and enthrall Yan Lin like she did the other former Guardians!" Will realized.

"Okay, no time to waste." Jade said. "Will, Guardian me up. I'm gonna test our theory and see if I can get to Kandrakar. Maybe I can rescue everyone in case Blunk can't. You go tell Jackie and the others what's going on, I'll meet you at home."

"Alright." Will took out the Heart of Kandrakar which already began to glow. "Just be careful, Jade. Guardians Unite!"

---

Kandrakar

Yan Lin continued to sit in her cell as several shadows approached her, looking out past the energy bars, she spotted Shendu, Nerissa, and Drago all appear before her with sinister smiles on their faces.

"You brought the whole family to welcome me. I'm touched." Yan Lin said sarcastically.

"Indeed. And funny how you mentioned 'family', for it can be both a source of great strength and a critical weakness." Nerissa said as she glanced back to see His Wu flying onto the scene. But that's when Yan Lin noticed the Sky Demon carrying a certain someone in his talons before she was dropped unceremoniously on the ground in front of her.

"Hay Lin!"

"Grandma…!" Hay Lin was about to reach for her, only for Hsi Wu to land on top of her, pinning her down with her talons.

Fortunately, none of them seemed to notice Blunk, who was now hiding a top a pillar in the connecting hallway that led to the dungeon. He had dropped off Hsi Wu's tail the second they returned to Kandrakar and quickly hid to avoid being spotted. Every instinct in his body told him that the demons would lead Blunk to Yan Lin, where he could find a chance to rescue both her and Hay Lin. And it seems that his instincts were spot on, he just had to find an opening to move in without running the risk of getting killed.

"I will admit old friend, that you are stronger than I thought. And that this is a blunter approach than I would have liked." Nerissa told Yan Lin. "But I'm left with no other options. Which do you value more? Your own freedom, or the life of your granddaughter."

"Together the Guardians may be formidable. But apart… they are nothing more than lost and helpless children." Shendu sneered.

"And to show that we're serious about this, why don't we start by plucking out her eyes?" Drago offered. "Uncle Wu?"

"Don't mind if I do." Hsi Wu brandished his claws and showed them close to Hay Lin's face, causing her to whimper in fright.

Yan Lin looked in terror at what might just become of her granddaughter, only for her to then notice out of the corner of her own eye… the Passling that had crawled along the ceiling to get closer to the cell.

Blunk too noticed the predicament Hay Lin was in. No time for stealth! The Passling quick off his shirt, which had never been cleaned in all the years he's worn it, and leapt down from his spot. "BLUNK STINK BALL!" The Passling shouted, alerting Nerissa and the demons as Blunk threw his shirt into Hsi Wu's face, causing him to stumble off Hay Lin.

"Ugh! It smells worse than death!" Using this opportunity, Hay Lin sweapt her legs to trip up Hsi Wu and flip on her feet before blowing a point-blank whirlwind at Nerissa and Drago while they were still surprised, knocking them both down, but Shendu was unfazed by the small attack as he quickly stood over them with a growl. But was also surprised to see that same whirlwind being directed backwards by Hay Lin, which was used to slice apart the magic energy bars that kept Yan Lin imprisoned.

Hay Lin then reached for her grandmother's hand. "Blunk! Get us out of here!"

"No tell Blunk twice!" Taking out the Tonga Tooth, Blunk opened a Fold for all three of them to leave Kandrakar.

"No!" Drago got up in anger and quickly pulled up the recovering Hsi Wu. "How did you not notice that little crapsack following you here?!"

"Watch your tone with me, boy!" Hsi Wu warned as his eyes glowed, ready to unleash a pair of heat beams.

"Enough!" Shendu brought his hand down to separate his arguing son and brother. "It does not matter how they escaped, because there is no place in the universe where they can hide from us."

"Indeed." Nerissa got up as well holding the Seal of Nerissa with a sinister grin. "That spell I placed on the Tonga Tooth traces every Fold he makes."

However, as she went on, neither Nerissa nor any of her demonic cohorts noticed the shadows in the adjacent hallway moving as Jade, in her full Guardian form, had stepped out of them and into Kandrakar. Though she quietly stuck to the wall and used the shadows in the area to cover herself to avoid being seen. She had only just arrived a few minutes ago and heard the tail end of this conversation.

'It worked…! It worked! I got to Kandrakar!' Jade thought to herself. However, her celebration was short lived. 'But it seems like Blunk beat me to it. And of course, that old hag would have a tracer planned. Better get back to Earth and tell Jackie and everyone. And hey, if I'm lucky… Blunk would have Folded Hay Lin and her grandma back home.' She quietly sunk back into the shadows, re-entering the Shadow Realm to return to Earth.

---

Meridian

A Fold had appeared in Blunk's cave, where he would usually store all his trash and collectibles, before the aforementioned Passling stepped out with Hay Lin and Yan Lin right behind him, the Fold closing right behind them.

"Ah, home sweet smelling home." Blunk took a whiff of relief.

Hay Lin didn't even bother noticing the smell as she hugged her grandmother with all her might, holding so tight, afraid that she would disappear if she let go.

"Grandma…! I'm so glad you're okay…!" Hay Lin almost broke into tears.

"Me too… But… Hay Lin… I can't quite breathe…" Yan Lin wheezed as Hay Lin's grip was rather tight, leading Hay Lin to let go.

"Sorry." She apologized, right before her grandmother returned the hug. "Blunk, thanks so much for the save."

"Blunk always happy to help." The Passling smiled, only to scream as he looked behind the granddaughter-grandmother pair to see a Fold opening there, leading to the two Lins to look and see the figures of Drago and Nerissa within the Fold, as well as Shendu's larger imposing form.

"Oh no you don't!" Using as much of her wind power as she could muster, she pulled down on all the surrounding piles of junk that was in Blunk's cave and caused them to collapse like a rockslide and cover the Fold, pushing back Drago and Nerissa before they could even enter.

"Ah! Blunk treasures!" Blunk screamed.

"Sorry Blunk! I'll pay you back later! Thank you! Now open a Fold and get us out of here!" Hay Lin exclaimed.

Blunk nodded and used the Tonga Tooth to open another Fold, allowing for him, Hay Lin, and Yan Lin to escape just as an explosion of fire erupted from the villains' Fold. Shendu stepped out into the cave, Drago and Nerissa right behind him. Though they saw Blunk's Fold close up, this only caused Shendu to smile with amusement.

"It's been a while since I've had a good hunt. This should be fun."

---

Earth – Uncle's Rare Finds

"Nerissa enchanted Blunk Tonga Tooth?" Uncle exclaimed in surprise as he and the Chan Clan, along with the remaining Guardians, in their respective transformations, regrouped in the Chan Family shop with Alchemy and Caleb and Jade relayed the information she learned to her friends and teammates.

"Yeah, the old hag's got a magic tracer. Such a super villain thing to do." Jade muttered in annoyance. "Kinda have to respect it though."

"I'm still surprised you were able to get to Kandrakar." Jackie noted.

"Indeed, but using the Shadow Realm the same way Tarakudo did to bypass the Veil is genius." Tohru commented with an impressed smile.

"Yeah, and she didn't see me, so she doesn't know about this yet." Jade smirked. "We got an ace up our sleeves."

"What about Hay Lin and Yan Lin? Did you find them?" Cornelia asked.

"Blunk got them out before I could make a move. Folded them out of there." Jade answered.

"So, Folds can still work within Kandrakar even though it's been sealed off." Jackie noted. "That could come in handy."

"But, since Nerissa put a trace on Blunk's Tonga Tooth, she and the demons can follow them no matter they Fold to in the universe!" Taranee stated.

"So, we find them first!" Matt stated.

"Where would we even know where to look tough? They could be anywhere!" Caleb said.

Irma snapped her fingers. "Oh! What about Blunk's secret stash in Meridian? We hid there back when Drago had that crazy horn."

"Worth a shot." Alchemy remembered that place as well.

With nothing else needing to be said, Will used the Heart of Kandrakar to open a Fold, allowing everyone to leave the back room of Uncle's Rare Finds and the planet Earth entirely.

Only for another Fold to open up two minutes later as Hay Lin, Yan Lin, and Blunk all emerged.

"Jackie! Jade! Uncle! Everyone!" Hay Lin called for anyone who could still be here, but got no response.

Blunk took a few whiffs of the air. "Nobody home. But smell still fresh."

"We must have just missed them." Yan Lin assumed.

"Well, we're safe here though." Hay Lin said with relief. "Uncle put a protection spell on the whole building. No way the demons can get in."

Right as she said that however, another Fold opened up directly in front of them, where they all saw the silhouettes of the demonic family inside.

"Unless they use a Fold to bypass the spell entirely!" Yan Lin pointed out.

"Blunk!" Hay Lin exclaimed.

"Blunk know! Time to go!" Using the Tonga Teeth once again, Blunk opened yet another Fold, leading to Hay Lin and Yan Lin to escape.

---

Hay Lin, Yan Lin, and Blunk both stumbled out of the Fold but we're quickly forced down flat on the ground by the violent shake of the earth beneath them, as well as avoiding several boulders that were thrown over their heads. Looking over to one side on their right, the trio saw a small army of Zamballans, with those in the back throwing boulders in the opposing direction while those in front charged forward.

"We're on Zamballa!" Hay Lin stated as the ground shook even more, leading them to turn towards their left side to see the flying boulders that the Zamballans threw smash and strike several large, muscular, humanoid ox-like demons, all resembling something akin to minotaurs. A few of these ox-like demons were taken down by the boulders while the rest charged to engage the charging Zamballans, with the trio literally caught in the middle.

"Move! Now!" Yan Lin exclaimed. Acting quickly, the trio ran for their lives just as the opposing forces clashed, the ox-like demons being on similar size to the humanoid trees that were the Zamballans, all wrestling and pressing their own strength against one another. Finding a large hilltop that seemed untouched by the battle, Hay Lin, her grandmother and Blunk all made it to the top. There, they took a moment to catch their breath, as well as to look at the battle that was unfolding before them.

The side the Zamballans were coming from was still lush and beautiful with purple foliage, while the side that the ox-like monsters came from was riddled with rock and stone, like a quarry turned inside out. Boulders were thrown on both sides to try and strike the other side from a greater distance while other Zamballans and ox-headed monsters engaged in close combat on the torn up ground in the middle. One ox-beast ripped a Zamballan apart with his bare hands, only to be stabbed in the back by a Zamballan with a sharpened branch arm. Two Zamballans tackled one ox-beast to the ground to stomp on its face and crush it. One ox beast swiped his fist to obliterate the upper half of one Zamballan before charging to ram two down with his horned head.

"Oh my god…" Hay Lin covered her mouth in terror. "This horrible…!"

"We can't stay here long, Hay Lin." Yan Lin tried to assure her granddaughter. "Perhaps we can use this battle for cover, find a place to rest for a bit."

"What are you doing here?" A familiar voice questioned, causing the trio to turn around to see none other than Ironwood, who stood along with Bitterroot and another Zamballan soldier.

"Tree-lady!" Blunk pointed.

"Ironwood! Sorry to show up out of the blue, but we're kinda running for our lives right now! What even is going on here?!" Hay Lin questioned.

"Not long after you left, the Earth Demon used strange dark magics to summon these horned beasts." Ironwood explained. "They serve his every whim. And they wasted no time in tearing apart the ground they stood on. But our people will not give up this world without a fight."

"Wait…. Does that mean Dai Gui is still here?!" Hay Lin questioned in terror.

Right as she said that, the ground shook even more so than before. Turning around towards the battlefield, where they felt the source of the shaking, they all saw a pair of familiar horns swim through the ground with ease before making their way close. Once they reached the base of the hill, the ground exploded as the aforementioned Earth Demon jumped straight up to land on the hill the heroes all stood on.

"Get behind us!" Ironwood said as she, her mate, and the third Zamballan with them, stepped forward, prompting Hay Lin to bring her grandmother and Blunk underneath the tree feet of their allies. "Dai Gui! Your tormenting of our realm ends now!"

Dai Gui growled in response. "A tree has no right to command one who commands the very ground upon which it spawned from!"

However, before a fight could begin, Bitterroot noticed a flash of light behind him and his group. "We have company!"

Turning around, Ironwood and even Dai Gui were surprised to see a Fold opening up, while Hay Lin, Yan Lin, and Blunk looked in visible fear to see Shendu, Drago, and Nerissa step out.

"What are you doing here?!" Dai Gui exclaimed in anger. "I told you that Zamballa is my domain!"

"Apologies, brother. But it seems you've failed to notice the true intruders of your domain." Shendu pointed to the base of the tree-people, revealing the presence of Hay Lin, Yan Lin, and Blunk.

Dai Gui glared with glowing red eyes as he saw them. "The grubs return… only to be faced with the new crushing reality of their situation."

"Bad day…." Hay Lin, Yan Lin, and even Blunk all muttered.

---

Meridian – Blunk's Cave

"This is Blunk's cave alright." Irma said as she used her water powers to put out any residual fire on the junk that was scattered all over. "But I don't remember it being this messy. Or on fire."

"Shendu or Drago we're here. Maybe both." Jackie realized.

"Hopefully Hay Lin and everyone escaped." Taranee said. "But we got now idea where they'd be right now."

"What if they Folded back to Earth? Back to the shop? It is protected by our chi spell… Ow!" Tohru felt a dope-slap, courtesy of Uncle.

"Protection spell may keep intruders from entering building, but enemy could Fold directly inside and bypass spell entirely!" Uncle stated.

"Couldn't we use a locator spell?" Matt wondered.

"Those kinds of spells can only find someone if they're on the same planet. It can't track them across realms." Alchemy answered.

"And as much as I hate to say it… with Hay Lin unable to use her powers, she and Blunk can't run forever. Drago and his family will catch them." Will muttered in reluctance. She wanted to hold out hope that her friends could find a way to escape, but she knew the combined cunningness of Drago, Shendu, and Nerissa would be more than enough to catch them eventually.

"Ugh! This is pointless! It's like trying to find a needle in the haystack the size of Mount Everest!" Cornelia complained.

"What if we instead of chasing them everywhere, we wait for them to come to us? Jade offered. "I use my powers to shadow-surf us into Kandrakar for us to spring a trap of our own?"

"That could work, but we'd be giving away our ace in the hole." Caleb said.

"Even if Nerissa knew of our ability to use Shadow Realm, even she cannot seal it off." Uncle said. "Not even with power of two Hearts."

"We got no other choice." Will said as she looked to Jackie. "Right?"

"Right. We'd be wasting our time searching every dimension. This is the most effective way to find everyone and potentially catch Nerissa and the demons off guard." The man agreed.

"Then let's do it." Will looked to Jade with a nod.

The Shadow Guardian gave a deep sigh. "Never tried this with so many people before… everyone get close!" The whole group circled around Jade and all linked hands together with Jade in the center. The girl pressed her hands on the ground, spreading out a swirling veil of shadows underneath their feet. "You all might wanna hold your breath!" She warned as they all sunk in the shadows, which soon vanished as they sunk in completely, leaving nothing left.

---

Zamballa

Ironwood, Bitterroot, and their third companion stood in a circle, with Hay Lin, Yan Lin, and Blunk underneath all their roots while being surrounded by Shendu, Nerissa, Drago, and Dai Gui.

"You tree huggers sure you wanna go this route?" Drago warned as he generated a fireball in his hand. "After what happened last time?"

"Give us our quarry and we shall leave." Nerissa offered.

"Your threats are as empty as your promises." Bitterroot warned challengingly.

"Blunk, get us out of here!" Hay Lin told the Passling, but when he reached for his Tonga Tooth, Yan Lin stopped him.

"No, wait. That's how they're able to find us." Yan Lin said with realization.

"What?" Hay Lin looked in surprise.

"Nerissa likely put a spell on Blunk's tooth when she was undercover in Meridian. That's how she and the demons are able to find us so quickly." Yan Lin explained, narrowing her eyes at her former leader.

"No point in denying it now. Good to see that your instincts are as sharp as ever though." Nerissa replied.

"So now you understand the futility of your running. You cannot hide from us any longer." Shendu warned, looming over them dangerously despite Ironwood and her cohorts ready to fight them.

"Maybe a little longer." Yan Lin smirked as she turned invisible.

"Great idea, Grandma." Hay Lin mimicked her grandmother's actions to make herself invisible too.

"A foolish gesture! Your presence is still felt by the earth!" Dai Gui brought his fists down onto the ground, causing a tremor that split the whole hill apart. Shendu had taken his son and Nerissa and flew up into the air to avoid the collapse of the hill, all while the Zamballans fell, along with Hay Lin, Yan Lin, and Blunk, the two Lins turning visible again. Fortunately, the Zamballans caught them all and used their larger and stronger bodies to cushion the fall.

"Thanks Ironwood." Hay Lin said as they got up.

"Quickly, you must leave Zamballa." Ironwood told them.

"But Grandma said…" Hay Lin tried.

"We'll buy you time to reach safety, keep her from following you." Ironwood replied.

A booming roar came from the sky as Shendu shot straight down, Drago and Nerissa riding on his shoulders. However, Bitterroot quickly intercepted them and slammed both his arms down on Shendu's back, causing him to crash to the ground. Dai Gui roared as well as he leapt to try and catch his prey, only for Ironwood to grab him and haul him over herself to throw into the downed Shendu, sending both demons rolling back; though Nerissa and Drago leapt to evade it and landed on the ground to face the Zamballans.

"Go! Now!" Ironwood exclaimed.

"But we can't leave you!" Hay Lin exclaimed. As much as she wanted to get her grandma to safety, she couldn't leave the Zamballans behind to face Nerissa, Drago, and two Demon Sorcerers.

"We have no choice, Hay Lin!" Yan Lin told her granddaughter. "Blunk!"

"Yes! Folding now!" Using the Tonga Tooth yet again, Blunk created a Fold and allowed for all three to escape.

Drago looked with a frustrated growl as he saw not only their quarry escape, but also the Zamballans standing defiantly in front of them. "Should have kept out of it."

"And you should not have threatened our world, demon." Ironwood warned.

"It's alright." Nerissa, however, maintained a sinister smirk. "After all, we're not the only ones after them."

---

Earth – Sheffield

It was late in the afternoon, almost sunset, so there were no students or faculty nearby when Hay Lin, Yan Lin, and Blunk appeared via Folding in the school's gymnasium. Though for some reason, the youngest Lin was unseen.

"Hay Lin?" Yan Lin looked around for her unseen granddaughter.

"I turned invisible as we Folded." Hay Lin said, keeping her body invisible. "Even if Ironwood and the others do buy us some time, we still need the edge. These guys are relentless."

"Ya think?" Yan Lin replied.

"Yan Lin! Blunk!" Jade appeared before them, much to the relief of Yan Lin.

"Jade, thank goodness." Yan Lin took her hands.

"Ditto. We were all worried about you. But where's Hay Lin?" However, right as she said that, Jade was tackled by the still-invisible Hay Lin.

"Nice try! But the real Jade would sense my shadow and know I was here right away!" The invisible Hay Lin accused, much to Yan Lin's own surprise with Blunk sniffing in the imposter Jade's direction.

"It's wing demon!" The Passling pointed in fright.

"Somebody's a quick learner." The Glamour spell dropped to reveal the true form of Hsi Wu, who spread his wings out to knock the invisible Hay Lin back before taking to the air. "But it still won't save you."

"Leave us alone!" The still-invisible Hay Lin conjured a small tornado and shot it up at the Sky Demon, who's speed allowed him to avoid it easily before he retaliated with his heat beam eyes, though he couldn't hit his target either, who remained invisible as she avoided the blasts.

Suddenly, the doors of the gymnasium opened as Principal Knickerbocker made her way inside. "What is going on… in… here…?" Her initial angry tone quickly faded into one of confusion as she saw the small tornadoes shot upward, as well as the flying demon retaliating with heat beam eyes at an invisible enemy. "Wha… What is this…?" She looked to the side, noticing Yan Lin's presence, as well as Blunks. "Oh what is that?!"

Hsi Wu noticed the principal as well. "Ah, a hostage. Don't mind if I do." He flew down to try and grab her, but as he got close enough, the invisible Hay Lin jumped high enough to grab Hsi Wu by his talons and yank him to the ground, where she tackled him and turned visible.

"Principal Knickerbocker!"

"Hay Lin?! I… I don't understand…" The older woman appeared more than a little frightened.

Hsi Wu expanded his wings to knock Hay Lin off, but she quickly rolled on the ground and recovered "My grandmother! Get her out of here!" Hay Lin exclaimed before backflipping to avoid the heat beams he shot at her.

"Y-yes! Yes, of course!" Knickerbocker quickly came to Yan Lin's side and tried to escort her away, despite being in a panic. "Everyone! Just remain calm!"

However, that's when a smirk fell on Hsi Wu's face. "You sure that was a good idea?" He said to Hay Lin, much to her confusion.

Blunk then caught the whiff of another familiar scent before screaming. "Ah! Spider girl! Spider girl!" He pointed to Knickerbocker, who smirked as the Glamour spell dropped around her to reveal the humanoid form of Miranda, wo punched Yan Lin in the stomach to knock the wind out of her and knock her unconscious.

"Too little, too late." The shapeshifter smiled as she shot a strand of webbing from her wrist to grab Blunk by his feet before hauling him up to slam him hard on the ground and knock him out too.

"No! Grandma!" Hay Lin screamed in terror, but this left her open for Hsi Wu to fly and grab her by her shoulders and zoom to the wall on the other side of the gym, slamming Hay Lin into it, leading to her to fall unconscious too as he picked her up in her arms.

"Credit where it's due. Retracing my steps here wasn't a bad idea." Hsi Wu granted to Miranda.

"Fear makes people so deliciously predictable." Miranda smiled as she carried the unconscious Blunk and Yan Lin just before Hsi Wu used the ring Drago gave him to open a Fold and allow them to return to Kandrakar.

---

A Fold had opened once more in the central chamber of the Demon Sorcerers' palace, with Hsi Wu and Miranda stepping out with their unconscious captives, where the other Demon Sorcerers, minus Dai Gui, were all waiting alongside Nerissa and Drago.

"Got em." Miranda smirked.

"Excellent." Nerissa cackled.

"Where is Dai Gui?" Hsi Wu asked.

"Still in Zamballa, waging his war against the populace." Shendu answered.

"That was a fun little chase, but it's over now." Nerissa said as she gazed at the unconscious faces of her former friend and her granddaughter. "I had hoped I wouldn't have to resort to torture, old friend. But you've left me with no choice, as utterly classless as it is."

"Class this, granny!" A familiar voice said from the shadows behind Nerissa. The sorceress turned around with a gasp, completely being caught off guard as Jade suddenly flew out to grab Nerissa and fly straight up into the ceiling to smash her hard, creating a large shockwave upon impact.

"What?!" Tso Lan exclaimed as the Demon Sorcerers were just as caught off guard, leaving them open for the other Guardians, Chan Clan, and their allies to move in. Will coated her fists in Quintessence energy as she delivered a series of punches on Tso Lan to knock him down.

Irma unleashed a geyser of water onto Xiao Fung to push him to the wall, while Jackie used Xiao Fung's body as a springboard, flipping onto him and landing with his hands before vaulting himself upward to land a double kick in Shendu's face to knock him back. Taranee condensed the fire around her own fists, the flames turning blue as she struck Bai Tza. Cornelia threw a multitude of seeds out and used her powers to rapidly grow a storm of vines and tendrils to bind and ensnare Tchang Zu. Uncle and Alchemy both shot a series of stun spells at Po Kong while Tohru rushed Hsi Wu to pull him into a crushing bear hug before he could fly away. Caleb tackled Drago to the ground while Matt did the same for Miranda.

"Will, get Hay Lin and her grandma out of here!" Jade exclaimed as she tried to use the ceilings shadows to cocoon Nerissa and keep her restrained. However, a blast of raw Quintessence energy overpowered not only the shadows, but Jade herself as she was blasted to the ground.

"No!" Nerissa teletransported herself to the downed Hay Lin and Yan Lin before Will could reach them, leading to the sorceress to blast her successor with a stronger bolt of Quintessence, which Will tried to shield herself from with a barrier of her own pink energy, but the barrier shattered, and Will was blown back as well. "I will not be caught off guard again!" She teletransported herself once again, taking Hay Lin and Yan Lin with her.

"Damn it! Where'd she go!?" Cornelia exclaimed.

"She used teletransporting! She's still in Kandrakar! Jade, find them!" Jackie told her.

"On it!" Jade flew into the shadows again, disappearing from the chamber. But the second she left, surges of lightning, water, wind, gravity power, fire erupted from Tchan Zu, Bai Tza, Xiao Fung, Tso Lan, and Shendu respectively as the demons quickly recovered. Po Kong transformed into a giant cobra to swipe her tail at Uncle and Alchemy to knock them back while Hsi Wu blasted his eye beams at Tohru's feet, forcing him to let go. Miranda shifted into her draconic spider form to free herself from Matt's grip before she yanked him off and threw him away, and Drago's own strength allowed him to overpower Caleb before throwing him down as well.

"Chan!" Shendu bellowed. "I knew you would find a means to breach our defenses... but to do it this quickly...?!"

"Sorry, but a good magician never reveals his secrets." Jackie glared defiantly.

"We're taking our friends back and you aren't stopping us!" Will threatened as she and her fellow Guardians readied their respective elements, with their everyone else preparing for a fight.

"Stop you? Oh no. I think we're just gonna settle with killing you." Drago said as he let loose his own fire breath.

---

After teletransporting into the deepest area in the citadel with her prisoners, Nerissa used her Quintessence powers on the ground at Hay Lin, breaking off several rocks and causing them to come together to bind her ankles together, as well as her wrists behind her back. She even completely encased Hay Lin's head in stone, rendering her unable to speak or to see and hear anything around her, despite still being unconscious.

"Wake up." Nerissa slammed the bottom of her staff onto Yan Lin's head, causing her to groan as she pulled herself up. "I'm going to keep this as simple as possible, Yan Lin."

However, despite just waking up, Yan Lin was quick to pick up on the sound of desperation underneath the anger in Nerissa's voice, as well as a similar look in her own eyes.

"Something happened… something you didn't see coming." Yan Lin said, which only caused Nerissa's eyes to narrow. And to confirm her theory, the vibrations of the ongoing battle above could be felt even down there. "You always did have trouble adapting when things go wrong."

In response, Nerissa flexed her free hand in the direction of the bound Hay Lin shooting a bolt of Quintessence at her that shocked the girl, much to Yan Lin's horror. Her muffled screams could be heard from inside the stone encased around her face, which was followed by her restless struggles.

"Hay Lin!" Yan Lin would have tried to help her, had Nerissa not pointed her scepter directly at her struggling granddaughter.

"What was that you said about your granddaughter being strong?" The sorceress said. "So, as I was saying… You will submit to me. Here and now. Or your granddaughter dies."

---

Back above, Blunk's eyes slowly opened as the Passling regained his senses. "Oh Mama… Blunk not want to go to school…" However, when his eyes opened fully, Blunk gave a scream as he saw the chaotic clash of elements going on around him. Which included a stray fireball. Fortunately, Caleb rushed to pull Blunk out of the way as he ran to avoid the fireballs shot at him by Drago as he scaled across the ceiling in pursuit.

"Blunk, Nerissa enchanted your Tonga Tooth!" Caleb told him.

"Blunk already know! Demons follow Folds!" Blunk replied, only to scream as Drago landed in front of him and Caleb before throwing a punch to knock the two down. Drago tried to stomp on Caleb who rolled out of the way, but Matt came at Drago from behind and put him into a master lock, trapping his arms and head. Caleb pressed on this, cupping his hands together to slam them hard into Drago's face before punching him relentlessly. Only to stop when Drago unleashed his fire breath at Caleb's feet, forcing him back as well as Matt to let go before Drago turned around, grabbed him by his shirt and threw him into Caleb.

Jackie ran out into the hallway, Shendu flying after him as he threw fire ball after fire ball at the man. As he ran, he also noticed Will in the air, wrestling with Tso Lan as the redhead was coated in her pink Quintessence power, resisting the gravity powers that Tso Lan was trying to direct at her, as well as the series of support pillars that were on the sides of the hallway. Jackie gunned for one on the right side with Shendu dashing after him, the man quickly jumped and ran up the pillar before jumping back to avoid Shendu as he smashed his fist into the pillar to shatter it.

"Will! The pillar behind you!" Jackie called for her.

The redhead glanced slightly past Tso Lan to see what her mentor was talking about and knew exactly what he was doing. Concentrating as much of her Quintessence power as she could, the pink aura around Will faded as it focused in on her hands which she aimed at Tso Lan, whose own eyes widened as a powerful beam of raw Quintessence energy shot out to blast Tso Lan into the ceiling just above Shendu where the support pillar before was destroyed. This led to the ceiling's collapse to bury the Fire and Moon Demons together.

Their victory did not last long however as Miranda, from her spot on the ceiling shot a series of her explosive webs at Jackie and Will, forcing them to separate as Hsi Wu flew at high speeds, grabbing Will and blasting her with a point-blank eye-beam attack to knock her to the ground. Miranda then pounced from the ceiling to the ground in front of Jackie, her form shifting back to human as she let a pair of her flaming web whips emerge from her wrists, which she snapped at Jackie as he used his agility to avoid them as best as he could.

Taranee flew backwards as the pursuing Tchang Zu threw thunderbolt after thunderbolt at her, but Taranee avoided most of them before retaliating with fire balls. One fire ball hit a lightning bolt, creating an explosion in between the Fire Guardian and Thunder Demon before the former flew through, her fists and feet coated with blue flames again as she punched Tchang Zu across his face before following through with a flipping aerial kick onto the back of his head, which exploded from the condensed firepower to blast him through the floor and into the level below.

Po Kong's cobra form went straight through Irma, who tried to raise a water wall to block it, only for Po Kong to then transform into a giant bull, easily smashing through the water wall to ram Irma through several pillars and into the wall on the side, which collapsed from the impact. However, a series of seeds were thrown at Po Kong's feet before they quickly grew to bind and ensnare them, forcing Po Kong to turn back to normal as well as leave her open for Cornelia to telekinetically pick up much of the surrounding debris and throw them at Po Kong's face, blinding her and forcing her back.

Bai Tza and Xiao Fung stood together as they unleashed a stream of water and whirlwind respectively. Their elements combined into a single stream of water and air, which Uncle, Tohru, and Alchemy tried to counter by shooting a combined stream of Chi-magic from their respective tools. Though their attacks did collide and press against each other, the Wind and Water Demons' attacks seemed stronger.

However, Taranee quickly flew to their aid as she coated her body in an aura of fire and shot herself like a missile, blasting through Bai Tza and causing her to body to explode while also crashing into Xiao Fung's side, breaking his concentration as well and letting the trio of Chi magic users push forward with their combined attack to strike the Wind Demon and blast him away.

Not long after that however, a large pile of debris exploded as Shendu and Tso Lan both recovered from their previous predicament, along with Tchang Zu as he emerged from the hole that was previously made in the ground. Bai Tza's body reformed as well. Those four demons regrouped along with Po Kong, Hsi Wu, Xiao Fung, Drago, and even Miranda. This forced all the heroes to do the same, nearly all of them appearing out of breath.

"This is taking way too long!" Alchemy stated. "And I get the feeling that these guys are winning!"

"Doesn't help that we're two Guardians down!" Cornelia added.

"Jade, please tell me that you've found Hay Lin and Yan Lin!" Taranee communicated via her psychic abilities.

"Not yet, but I think I know where they are. You guys having trouble?" Jade relayed back.

Shendu and Tchang Zu attacked first, unleashing blasts of fire and lightning, which Will attempted to block by raising a barrier of Quintessence power.

"Us? Trouble? Oh no. Just busy trying to survive a horde of walking apocalypses!" Irma communicated back.

"Okay, change of plans then." Jade said. "Will, Fold everyone to Elyon's castle in Meridian! I'll grab Hay Lin and her grandma and meet you there!"

"What?! No! We're not leaving you!" Will stated as she tried to keep her barrier up, which was all the harder when Drago, Hsi Wu, Bai Tza, Xiao Fung, and Tso Lan added their respective ranged attacks to that of their brothers. It didn't take long for her barrier to shatter entirely after that.

"We don't got a choice! I'll use the Shadow Realm again and meet you there! Trust me!" Jade practically shouted.

Will hated to admit it, but Jade was right. They were losing their battle against the Demons right now, not to mention seeing their growing army of monsters outside…

"Alright, but you come back the second you find them! I'm not running the risk of you getting caught too!" Will ordered.

"I promise." Jade vowed.

"Guys, we're leaving!" Will took out the Heart and opened a Fold for herself and her friends. "Jade will meet us on the other side later!" She said mostly to Jackie, who nodded as he decided to trust the girls' judgement, as well as Jade's own cunningness. With that, everyone retreated into the Fold, causing it to vanish before the Demons could reach them.

"After them!" Tchang Zu exclaimed.

"They used the Heart to Fold, not the Tooth. We can't track that." Xiao Fung argued.

Po Kong laughed. "Serves them right for thinking they could take us."

"Wait a second… Was that all of them?" Drago questioned. "Because I didn't see a lot of shadows in that fight."

Shendu's eyes were the first to widen as he realized in that moment that Jade was absent from the battle. And if she wasn't there, then…

"The Shadow Guardian! She is still here!" The Ultimate Evil exclaimed.

"And three guesses where little Jade's going now." Hsi Wu snarled.

---

As for Jade herself, she continued to swim through the shadows, moving deeper and deeper into the demon occupied fortress. Who would have thought that something like this would come so handy?

A couple years ago, when she first met Jackie, this sort of thing thrilled her. She would kill to have magic powers of her own. One of the reasons she kept borrowing the Talismans so often. But then, when she first got this power, she feared it. She feared it because she understood how dangerous it really was, being controlled by somebody else, or being turned into a dark version of her own self. Now she was using that same power that almost controlled her and killed all the friends that she had made.

But this was her power. Hers. Nobody else's. And only she decided what role it served. And right now, the role it served as to find her missing friends and get them back home, safe and sound. And get the drop on the hag who's been a pain in her rear end for so long.

'Come on Jade! Move! They're counting on you! Go faster! Faster!' She thought to herself as she swam further and further into the shadows.

---

"Nerissa…!" Yan Lin couldn't even move an inch from her spot, else her former leader take the life of her restrained granddaughter. "Don't…!"

"You can't pretend that something like this wouldn't have happened at one point or another!" Nerissa stated. "All time times that we faced death, or that we were powerless…! Helpless…! Where we could only watch as someone we cherish so dearly is taken away…!" She growled in anger, vividly remembering the night on the mountain where she thought she lost her son and the woman she loved.

The Quintessence energy around her scepter glowed brighter as Nerissa aimed it at Hay Lin again. "Stop! Please! You don't need to do this!" Yan Lin begged.

"Then say the words! Say you'll submit!" Nerissa demanded. "Do it and I'll spare her! And see to it that she lives a normal and danger-free life in the new world that you and I will create for her! But if you refuse me…!" She aimed the scepter directly over Hay Lin, the energy glowing more. "You know I'll do it. I've taken many lives before. What's one more body to add to the pile?"

Yan Lin looked desperately at her granddaughter, who was unable to defend herself, or to even see or hear anything around her. She knew how strong Hay Lin was… but in this predicament… where she was alone… and no guarantee that her friends could save her… She wanted to believe that Jackie and the other girls would get here in time. But with all the Demon Sorcerers upstairs… and Nerissa directly over Hay Lin… her power ready to end her life in an instant…. Yan Lin looked into Nerissa's eyes, desperately hoping that there was some sliver of hope that the friend she knew was still in there.

But once she saw her eyes, Yan Lin only gasped. There was nothing there. A dark emptiness. No longer did she see the eyes of her friend and leader… All she saw was the stone-cold gaze of a murderer. One who wouldn't hesitate to take her granddaughter's life, without even a shred of regret.

She knew… There was no choice.

'I'm sorry, Hay Lin.'

With great reluctance, Yan Lin kneeled to Nerissa.

'Jin, Jackie… I leave the rest to you.'

"I submit."

A smile formed on Nerissa's face as she turned her staff from Hay Lin and aimed it at Yan Lin. "You've always had a strong will, old friend. With an unshakable desire to protect those around you, especially someone you love. But when that loved one is threatened, and there is no way for you to protect them, even the strongest of wills give way to desperation. Desperate enough... that you'd be willing to surrender yourself. The desperation to do anything and everything to protect your loved ones is something I personally understand, and it is also the key to the darkness of your soul…" Streams of dark energy stretched out from the crystal ball in Nerissa's scepter and enveloped Yan Lin, sinking into her very soul as her inner darkness was drawn out and Nerissa's spell worked their way into her mind. "And all I need to make you mine!"

Just like all those before her, Yan Lin opened her eyes to reveal a blank and empty look, signifying that she was now under Nerissa's control.

"Now, listen carefully old friend. Here's what I need you to do…" Nerissa began to whisper into her ear.

At the same time, Hay Lin struggled in her restraints as hard as she could. But no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't find any kind of openings to slip through our break out of. And on top of it all, she couldn't see or hear anything outside the stones that were encased around her whole head. Honestly, it was a miracle she could even breathe.

'What's going on!? I can't hear anything! Grandma! Please be okay! Oh god… why is this happening?! Why did I have to be used like this! Nerissa's probably torturing Grandma and it's my fault! If I had my full powers… if I was stronger…' She sobbed. 'Please… somebody…! Jade! Will! Jackie! Uncle! Tohru! Please help! Save my grandma! PLEASE!"

Suddenly, Jade emerged from the shadows on Nerissa's side, creating a shadow-construct that resembled a charging bull and rammed it into Nerissa, sending her crashing to the wall.

Yan Lin's eyes seemed to turn to normal as she stumbled for a bit, but Jade caught her. "You okay, Auntie Lin?" Jade asked.

"I'm fine, Jade. Just help Hay Lin." She pointed to her struggling granddaughter, to which Jade nodded as she generated a set of shadow-claws on her hands and sliced off Hay Lin's restraints as well as the rocks encased around her head.

The girl took several breaths, finally free. "Jade… Grandma…!" She wrapped her arms around them both, crying with relief.

"It's okay, dear. You're okay. We're all okat." Yan Lin assured with a smile.

"You sure?" Jade asked with concern.

"Positive." Yan Lin winked, which was enough for Jade.

A surge of Quintessence erupted as Nerissa hovered hover them, glaring directly at Jade, who positioned herself in front of the two Lins. "Don't you ever give up?!" She exclaimed before blasting more of her power at them; but Jade quickly grabbed Hay Lin and Yan Lin and dashed out of the way to avoid the blast.

"What can I say? I learned how to be relentless from the best." Jade retorted as she blasted a stream of shadow fire at Nerissa, who batted it away with her scepter.

"Have you so soon forgotten?! The Seal of Nerissa has the combined power of two Mystic Hearts! Your shadow powers can no longer counter mine!" She fired another bolt at Jade, only for the girl to smirk as she flipped and, creating a ball of shadows in-between the palms of her hands, used it to ride and slide directly up the bolt and appear directly in front of the shocked Nerissa.

"Sure, you're more powerful now." Jade said as she flipped over, and reconfigured her shadow-ball into a trident-shaped construct, which she used to lunge forward and impaled Nerissa through the shoulder, flying her into the wall to literally nail her down. "But you're still way out of shape. Might wanna work on that." She kicked off Nerissa to flip and land on the ground in front of the two Lins.

"Nice one." Yan Lin complemented.

But their reprieve didn't last long as the ceiling above them exploded in a blaze of fire. Looking up, they saw the seven present Demon Sorcerers, as well as Drago and Miranda.

"Time to go!" Jade grabbed Hay Lin and Yan Lin's hands. "Hold your breath!" They quickly sunk into the shadows just as the demons leapt down and entered the chamber.

"They're gone!" Bai Tza hissed.

"The girl can travel through the shadows, just as the Shadowkhan could." Shendu realized. "That was how Chan and the Guardians were able to breach our defenses. They can access the Shadow Realm through her."

As the demons discussed this, Nerissa grabbed onto the shadow-trident that still impaled her shoulder and pinned her to the wall. She unleashed a blast of Quintessence to erase the shadow construct and free herself as she fell back down, to where Drago met her and helped her back up.

"And they've escaped with our prisoners." Tso Lan grimaced. "So not only have our enemies found a literal hole in our security, but we have also failed in our mission."

"No… we haven't." Nerissa revealed as the power of the Horse Talisman that she still wielded worked to heal all her injuries before she smiled evilly. "Young Jade has caught me off guard again, true. But she was a little too late this time. Yan Lin, is mine."

---

Meridian – Elyon's Castle – Throne Room

"Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao." Uncle chanted along with Alchemy and Tohru as they stood in a circle, each one holding a Chinese lantern, as the Tonga Tooth previously used by Blunk was placed in the middle. A whirlwind picked up around the spellcasters the spell was being casted, the Chinese lanterns glowing green as beams of green energy shot onto the Tonga Tooth.

"Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao." As the trio continued to recite the incantation; Jackie, the Guardians, Yan Lin, Blunk, Matt, and Caleb all stood and watched with anticipation as the energized Tonga Tooth hovered in the air. As it continued to glow green, traces of blue Quintessence energy became visible.

"Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao." The spell did was they were hoping for, the Chi magic working its way deeper into the horn and drawing out the foreign magic, expelling it as bolts of Quintessence energy were shot outwards, forcing everyone to cover themselves before the spell finally stopped.

"Well?" Jackie asked.

"Spell done." Uncle confirmed. "All foreign magics have been expelled from Tonga Tooth."

"Blunk can now use it to Fold wherever he wishes, and Nerissa will have no means to track it." Tohru added as Alchemy handed Blunk the Tooth back.

"Good! Nerissa and demons never find us now!" Blunk said as he wore the Tooth around his neck once again.

"Not only that, but our plan also actually worked." Jade said. "We can use the Shadow Realm to get to Kandrakar!"

"Nerissa knows about it now though." Caleb put in.

"Maybe she does, but she can't do anything about it. None of the demons can." Yan Lin said.

"I'm so glad you're okay, Grandma." Hay Lin hugged her once again. Though her smile fadded as she looked to all her friends. "And guys… I'm sorry."

"Sorry? For what?" Cornelia questioned as everyone looked in surprise and confusion.

"Yeah, you were kidnapped to." Matt added. "That's not your fault."

"But I took Blunk and Grandma on a chase all across the universe!" Hay Lin said. "And I probably led you all on a wild goose chase trying to find us."

"If it weren't for that though, we might not have learned that Nerissa put a trace spell on the Tonga Tooth." Taranee said.

"It doesn't matter. We still got caught." Hay Lin looked down. "I was just so scared about losing my grandma that… I wasn't thinking clearly. And I let my fear control me."

She was surprised to see Will gently grasp her friend's hand. "I know the feeling." She said with an understanding smile, something that caused Hay Lin some relief. "Just remember…"

"I know… I'm not alone." Hay Lin remembered as she hugged Will, who didn't hesitate to return it, which was then followed by the rest of the girls, leading to everyone else to smile.

"Well, we also did learn something else in this whole mess." Jackie said seriously as everyone let go. "When Jade transported us to Kandrakar, we saw the demons summoning monsters."

Tohru nodded. "Shendu had an army of dragons in ancient times, so it stands to reason that the other Demon Sorcerers had forces of their own."

"Oh that reminds me…" Hay Lin spoke up. "When we were being chased, we went to Zamballa. Dai Gui's got an army too and they're really giving the Zamballans a hard time."

"Demons are preparing for universal conquest." Uncle said with a grave expression. "It is only matter of time before great war breaks out."

"Well, we'll just have to take the fight to the bad guys before that happens." Cornelia replied.

"Which should be easier now since we know the way." Matt smiled, looking to Jade.

"Think again." Jade countered. "I had a really hard time just guiding all of you guys through the Shadow Realm. There's no way I can transport a whole army. And let's face it, we're gonna need one if we're gonna win this thing."

"We'll figure it out though." Jackie assured, putting his hand on his niece's shoulder. "I'm just as concerned for Yan Lin. Nerissa and the others may have failed this time, but what's to stop them from trying again?"

"That's the reason I had her brought here, to Meridian." Jade explained. "Elyon's castle is a fortress with a small army protecting it. We don't have anything like that back on Earth. Section 13 is totaled, remember? The only other place that's pretty sturdy is the Ben Shui temple, but Drago and Nerissa were able to breach that."

"What about the Thunderbird tribe?" Taranee asked.

"Those guys are probably still cleaning up." Jade answered. "And even if that place is sealed off, I'm sure Nerissa could force her way through with two Hearts. And I don't wanna put little Drago through any more grief. But here in Meridian, Yan Lin will be safe. And even if the demons do attack, Blunk can use the Tonga Tooth to fold to Earth and call us for back up. Maybe it ain't perfect, but it's something. It'll at least hold up long enough to come up with a plan to take the fight to them."

"It could work." Caleb seemed to agree. "And since I live here, I can also guard Yan Lin. I'll get the Enforcers, Aldarn, and everyone on board and we'll be ready if the enemy decides to show themselves."

"Agreed, this is probably the best we can do for now." Yan Lin nodded.

Hay Lin, while understanding the logic behind it all, couldn't help but look away slightly. It was like her grandmother was moving away. Even if it was only temporary, it still made her uneasy, especially with how relentless Nerissa, Drago, Shendu, and all the other demons proved to be.

"I'll be fine, Hay Lin." Yan Lin promised, holding her granddaughter's hand. "You just do what you best and kick demon butt."

Hay Lin laughed as she hugged her grandma. "Will do, Grandma. Will do."

---

Earth – Silver Dragon

After returning home late at night, Hay Lin was surprised to see a certain boy with his grandfather in her family's restaurant. "Eric?"

"Oh, hey you." Eric waved as Hay Lin approached her.

"What are you doing here? I heard that you were knocked out at school." She said.

"Yeah, crazy. I don't even remember what happened… but I'm okay." Eric said. "I'm also ordering some take out for me and my grandpa."

"That's good, I'm glad you're okay." Hay Lin smiled.

"Yeah… what about your grandma? How's she doing?" Eric asked.

"A little better. She's… taking a bit of a vacation." Hay Lin answered. "But she's got people that I trust helping her out. So, I think everything's gonna be okay."

"Great." Eric smiled before looking away slightly. "Hey… sorry that I couldn't hang out with you before, like I said we'd do." He rubbed the back of his head.

"Don't worry about it, it's not your fault you were knocked out." Hay Lin assured. "But if you wanna make it up to me, we could hang out now if you want."

"Wait, like right now?" Eric asked in surprise.

"Yep. Family owned restaurant, remember? And it's all on me." Hay Lin offered.

"Oh… uh… sure! Yeah! Sounds great! Let's do it!" Eric smiled with a blush.

"Awesome!" Hay Lin took him by his hand and led him into the restaurant. "Come on! I'll show you our best table! It's got a great view of the city!"

---

Kandrakar

"You were able to enchant the former Guardian?" Bai Tza questioned as she, the other Demon Sorcerers, sans Dai Gui, gathered in the central room of the palace along with Nerissa, Drago, and Miranda.

"And to do it so quickly?" Xiao Fung also wondered.

"Even the strongest of wills can be broken, if you press the right button." Nerissa snickered.

"Then why allow her to leave?" Tso Lan asked.

"I want our enemies to think that they've won. It'll have them lower their guard while we complete the final stages of their plan." Nerissa said.

"And how do we know they won't suspect your enthralled minion?" Po Kong questioned.

"Because I gave Yan Lin a very simple order: 'act as you normally would'." Nerissa revealed. "You could say that she's now a sleeper agent of sorts. She may appear normal, but she is now under my command and not even she knows it."

Shendu smiled sinisterly. "Well played, dear Nerissa."

"Indeed." Hsi Wu flew around the chamber before landing close to the sorceress. "As a master deceiver, I approve."

"So, I assume that we will enact that ritual of yours soon?" Xiao Fung wondered. "The one that requires our assistance to reawaken your former comrades' powers?"

"Not quite yet." Nerissa answered, causing the demons to look with curiosity and suspicion. "I have a few more targets I need to bring in. Three actually."

"You did not mention that before." Tso Lan narrowed his eyes.

Even Tchang Zu started to growl as lightning surged around him. "You said you would only awaken the powers of your former Guardians. Nothing more."

"Relax." Nerissa held her hand up. "This will require no aid on your part, or changes in the ritual. This more… personal for me. People I would very much like by my side."

"And who might these people be?" Po Kong wondered.

"My youngest son… and the only other person who has been by my side, and that of my team, for so long, despite not being a Guardian. The man I considered a brother." Nerissa answered.

"The Chi Wizard." Bai Tza hissed.

"Didn't you already tried to persuade him and Caleb to your side?" Miranda recalled skeptically. "I seem to recall them rejecting your proposal. Violently."

"I had hoped that they would see reason and join my side willingly…" Nerissa said with reluctance, after a brief moment of hesitation before her eyes opened to reveal fierce and unwavering determination. "…But if they refuse to see my perspective, then I will make them see. I will bring Jin and Caleb to our side the same way I did my former team. And this will also benefit you as well." She said to the Demon Sorcerers. "Jin is the greatest Chi Wizard of all time, and the one responsible for your banishment into the netherworld before when you had escaped. Take that away from our foes, and we strike a severe blow to not only their strength, but moral as well."

"Hmmm. I can get behind that." Xiao Fung accepted.

"One less of a headache to worry about." Po Kong accepted.

"You have no objects to your half-brother joining us, Drago?" Bai Tza asked.

"Why would I?" Drago shrugged. "I've kinda wanted him on our side before."

"Yet you had no issue with trying to go out of your way to slay your past self, and even deceive your parents and us in order to do so." Tso Lan pointed out.

"Touche." Drago said. "But I got no problem with Caleb joining us. About time we'll finally see eye-to-eye."

"I trust then you have a plan to bring them to our side?" Hsi Wu pondered to the sorceress.

"I always have a plan." Nerissa answered. "They'll be by our side before long."

"One question remains, though." Shendu spoke of. "You said you had three more targets. Who is the last one?"

Nerissa's smile only grew as she looked into the crystal ball of her scepter. "A newly acquired friend… one whom you have all met as well." She laughed evilly as a projection appeared in her crystal, one that showed the image of one Susan Vandom.

Done.

So, that was quite the chapter. Our heroes did their absolute best to try and rescue Yan Lin, and even found a way to return to Kandrakar via the Shadow Realm, which could be instrumental later on. But despite their best efforts, Nerissa was able to enthrall Yan Lin, completing the set for her former team. Unlike the canon series where Nerissa created an Altemere of Yan Lin to control as a substitute, it's the real Yan Lin this time around. And now she acts as something of a sleeper agent and the heroes don't even know it.

Not only that, but Nerissa still isn't done yet. She still has her sights on bringing over Caleb and Uncle to her side, by any means necessary. And it seems that whatever plan she has for Susan is about to reveal itself.

We also see the Demon Sorcerers bringing out their minions as well. It only made sense given that Drago had an army of dragon minions, so the other demons gotta have their own set of soldiers too. (Credit to fellow writer Power Master for helping me with this, as a lot of these ideas were his to).

*Dai Gui has humanoid ox-headed minotaur-like demons.

*Bai Tza has humanoid fish people under her command.

*Tchang Zu leads an army of lizard people.

*Xiao Fung commands giant frog monsters.

*Hsi Wu has a legion of flying bats.

Tso Lan and Po Kong, however, don't have any armies. Po Kong used to, but she ate them (LOL). And in ancient times, Tso Lan's kingdom was guarded by an army of slave warriors, who obeyed him out of fear of his overwhelming gravity-like powers.

Anyway, I hope you all found this to be a fun and exciting chapter. And things are going to get even crazier going forward. We ain't stopping now as the action and emotions are going to kick into overdrive! Until then, stay safe and stay healthy out there.