Hey people, sorry for the really, really, really long delay, real life became busy with stuff, but Chapter 3 is finally here and there is more to come, the plot thickens.
Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I said I do not own Xiaolin Showdown
Xiaolin Showdown: Dragons of the Past
Chapter 3 – Hidden Past
A soft feminine voice echoes somewhere in the void...
'Remember…'
*Flashback*
The mysterious man's eyes slowly open, revealing a unsettling piercing red gaze that seems to hold the secrets of the shadows of the unknown. As he awakens, he finds himself in the heart of a large army encampment nestled amidst the sprawling landscapes of a medieval China. The cold evening air is thick with the scent of earth and sweat, and the camp bustles with the ceaseless activity of soldiers and civilians alike.
Passing by him, soldiers clad in worn armor march with purpose, their footsteps resounding on the dirt paths that wind through the camp. The sound of clanging metal and murmurs of conversations fill the air, intermingling with the occasional cry of pain from the wounded. Tents of various sizes and colors stand side by side, forming a labyrinth of makeshift shelters that house warriors preparing for battle.
Amidst the earth-toned canvas of the bustling army encampment, the stranger's obsidian-black armor adorned with intricate red details stands out like a shadowy specter against the backdrop of war. The polished metal gleams with an otherworldly sheen, reflecting the flickering light of campfires and torches, while its ornate red embellishments glows and catch the eyes of those around him. Each piece of the meticulously crafted armor, from the sculpted pauldrons to the segmented greaves, bears the mark of the stranger refined taste and warrior status. His trustworthy blade stands sheathed at his belt, a black scimitar-like sword, made of a metal so dark it looks like it sucks the light around it like a black hole, its red runes glows vigorously like it is calling for action. Against the backdrop of weary soldiers clad in worn and weathered attire, his distinct armor radiates a foreboding aura, hinting at the enigmatic power that lies within him.
In the organized chaos, medics swiftly move between rows of improvised beds, tending to the injured with gentle hands and hurried whispers of solace. The wounded, their faces etched with pain and weariness, lay motionless or groan softly, their bodies wrapped in bandages stained with the traces of battle.
As he walks through the camp, his presence draws both curiosity and trepidation. The soldiers and civilians who catch sight of him cast wary glances, their expressions a mix of fear and disdain. Some instinctively shy away, their eyes avoiding direct contact, while others lock gazes briefly, unable to hide their unease in the face of this enigmatic figure. Walking by, he can overhear the nervous whispers of those around him.
Random Soldier: "What he's doing here? This is no place for his kind."
. . .
Officer: "I heard the general brought him in for some special task. Must be important, but I can't fathom why."
. . .
Field Medic: "Have you heard the stories about him? They say he's a harbinger of doom, an omen of darkness."
. . .
Civilian: "I don't trust him. No good can come from associating with someone like him."
. . .
Archer: ""Keep your distance from that one. They say he brings misfortune wherever he goes."
. . .
Random Soldier: "I wouldn't want to be in his shoes. The weight of his dark reputation must be suffocating."
The camp is a tapestry of emotions, where the air vibrates with anticipation, anxiety, and a shared sense of duty. The stranger moves among the tents and people, his steps measured and purposeful, disregarding all the comments around him about his persona. He is an observer, taking in the scene with a mixture of detachment and familiarity, his gaze penetrating the surface of the bustling encampment, searching for something unseen.
Officer: "I don't trust those red eyes of his. It's as if he can see right through your soul."
. . .
Random Citizen: "What could the general possibly want with him? Is he the key to turning the tide of this war?"
. . .
Injured Soldier: ""Do you think he's here to protect us or bring us harm?"
In this vibrant and turbulent setting, this stranger is a mysterious presence, his true nature veiled in shadows. The camp whispers his name, passed from one lip to another, as rumors and legends intertwine. The enigmatic aura surrounding him holds a captivating power, leaving those who encounter him uncertain of his intentions and the role he plays in the unfolding events of this world of war.
The stranger finally arrives at the grand tent in the center of the camp, the air crackles with anticipation as he approaches the entrance. Two guards, their expressions hardened, intercept him with a brusque demeanor. Their armored presence looms over the stranger, a visual display of their skepticism. Their voices carry a hint of contempt as they demand to know his purpose within the esteemed confines of the tent.
Guard 1: "Halt! Who are you? What do you want here?"
Undeterred, the stranger stands tall, his gaze steady and unwavering. He calmly explains.
Stranger: "General Liu Chen called for a Xiaolin Dragon."
The guards exchange a skeptical glance, their brows furrowing with uncertainty. One of them, a mix of curiosity and suspicion in his eyes, decides to venture inside the tent to confirm his claim.
Guard 2: "Wait here, don't move, you watch him."
Meanwhile, the other guard remains fixated on him, their eyes locked in a battle of wills.
As seconds stretch into moments, a subtle transformation takes place. The stranger piercing stare seems to unravel the guard's stoic facade, peeling away layers of bravado. A shiver dances down the guard's spine, his confidence waning in the face of the stranger's presence. The guard's once-solid grip on authority falters, replaced by an unspoken fear that pulses through his veins. The weight of the red piercing gaze presses upon him, unearthing dormant insecurities and stirring primal instincts. Beads of sweat form on the guard's forehead, a testament to the unease that the stranger presence evokes.
Finally, the guard's companion emerges from the tent, breaking the charged silence, the nervous guard sighs as a sense of relief comes over him. With a hesitant voice, he conveys the general's approval for entry.
Guard 2: "You can come in. He's been waiting for you."
The first guard, visibly shaken, steps aside, his stance betraying a lingering trepidation. The stranger, unperturbed by the guard's shaken demeanor, gracefully passes through the guarded threshold. As he ventures deeper into the heart of the tent, the eyes of the guards follow his every move, their whispers echoing through the air.
He steps into a chamber abuzz with fervent discussion. His eyes take in the scene, a war strategy room adorned with maps, charts, and military insignia. The general, a formidable figure with weathered features and a stern countenance, paces back and forth, frustration etched across his face. His voice carries a mix of exasperation and urgency as he berates his captains and strategists.
General Liu Chen: "This is preposterous! We've been at a standstill for days, unable to make any progress against the enemy. Where is that Xiaolin Dragon I demanded? We need their expertise, their power!"
The captains and strategists exchange uneasy glances, acutely aware of the general's mounting displeasure. The stranger, standing tall at the periphery of the room, clears his throat, his presence commanding attention.
Stranger: "General, if I may..."
The general's eyes sweep over him, his gaze scrutinizing every inch of him, from the obsidian-black armor to the faint glimmer in his eyes. A mix of surprise and irritation flashes across the general's face as he responds, his voice laced with annoyance.
General Liu Chen: "It was not you I was expecting. I wanted the girl, the Xiaolin Dragon. Where is she?"
The man maintains his composure, his voice steady and measured as he addresses the general.
Stranger: "I'm afraid she is not available right now. My apologies for any misunderstanding, General. I am Mortrai, also a Xiaolin Dragon. I have been sent in response to your summons."
The general's irritation deepens, his frustration palpable as he gestures impatiently.
General Liu Chen: "Well, you're not the one I wanted! We don't have time for your tricks or whatever you bring. We need someone who can turn the tide of this battle, and that someone is the girl!"
Mortrai's gaze remains unwavering, a sense of calm determination emanating from him as he responds to the general's rebuke.
Mortrai: "General, do not underestimate the power that lies within me. Darkness can be a formidable force when harnessed with skill and purpose. Allow me the opportunity to prove myself, and I will not disappoint."
The room falls into a tense silence for a moment, the weight of the general's irritation and Mortrai's resolve hanging in the air, as the general deliberates his next move.
General Liu Chen: "I see… You're the so called Xiaolin Dragon of Darkness."
One of the captains in the room steps forward, his voice carrying a warning tone as he addresses the general, pointing at Mortrai.
Captain: "General. He's a bad omen, a harbinger of defeat, betrayal and much worse upon us!"
Mortrai lets out a light chuckle.
Mortrai: "Your fear is understandable captain, but misplaced, I am not your enemy."
Captain: "I am not afraid of you or your tricks Xiaolin!"
Mortrai takes a sudden step towards the captain, catching him off guard, the captain stumbles back tripping over a small table and sending a pot of tea crashing to the ground.
Mortrai: "Not afraid? You accuse me of betrayal while your own mind betrays your words."
Captain: "You filthy-"
General Liu Chen: "Silence!"
The general interrupts the escalating argument with a commanding voice. He waves the captain away before turning his attention to Mortrai.
General Liu Chen: "Captain, prepare your troops for the next wave. And you Xiaolin Dragon… If the temple sent you instead of the girl, I have no choice right now but to accept any assistance we can in this forsaken war… We shall see what you are made of in battle. Do not disappoint me."
Mortrai: "I would never General."
General Liu Chen: "For the sake of mankind… you better not."
A sudden headache pierces Mortrai's mind as he feels his consciousness being thrown back to the present reality, his vision distort in front of him as voices start whispering in his head from all around.
*End of Flashback*
A cacophony of voices swirls within his mind, a disorienting blend that strains his senses. Struggling to discern their meaning, he catches fragmented phrases amidst the chaotic chorus.
'Can't be trusted'…'What is happ-'…'Never before this'…'Hold him'…'I need to go'…'This will mean war...'…'You shouldn't have come'…'They need you!'…'I'm afraid'…'He's not what you think'…'Not gonna happen'…'They underestimate'…'You are different'…'The attack was…'…'I'm sorry master'.
The voices grow louder, echoing through his consciousness with a searing intensity. The pain they inflict becomes palpable, throbbing through his very being. Amidst the torment, he seeks clarity, eager to comprehend the fragmented messages assaulting his mind.
'Where is she!?'…'He's lost'…'It's hate…'…'Stop now!'…'Don't be consumed'…'What did you do?'…'Nothing else matters now'…'You must stop!'…'Hold this blade'…'Reconsider what…'...'This should not happen'…'Don't go'…'His heart is right'…'It's her'…'It was not expected'…'The key'…'Heart full of hate and fear'…'Dangerous'.
Just as the voices threaten to overwhelm him completely, a singular voice rises above the rest, resonating clearly in his mind. It is the same soft feminine voice again…
'Don't… lose… hope…'
With a surge of energy, Mortrai vibrant bright red eyes snap open, slowly adjusting to the surroundings as his consciousness returns. He finds himself in the center of the hidden chamber, his trustful blade firmly gripped in his right hand. Familiar and strange faces surround him, their gazes fixed upon him in an uneasy silence.
Taking in his surroundings, he recognizes the place, a sense of familiarity washing over him. Meanwhile, the tension in the room intensifies as the Xiaolin warriors, sensing an unsettling energy, adopt defensive postures. The silence is broken by Raimundo, his voice cutting through the air.
Raimundo: "Hey! Who are you?"
The mysterious warrior gaze swiftly shifts to Raimundo, causing the Xiaolin warrior to flinch momentarily. Meanwhile, Jack Spicer chuckles and saunters up beside the stranger.
Jack: "Ha Ha Ha! Can't you tell? I just got a new cool evil looking sidekick. He works for me now since I freed him"
Jack turns towards the stranger with a self-satisfying smile gracing his face.
Jack: "Hey, I'm Jack Spicer, the world's most brilliant evil genius. I helped you out of your… hole… or whatever… Now we can team up and crush these Xiaolin losers!"
One word in Jack's statement catches the stranger's attention, drawing a response from him for the first time.
Mortrai: "Xiaolin…"
Jack rolls his eyes impatiently and gestures towards the monks.
Jack: "Yeah, they. Get them for me."
With a flick of his wrist, shadows materialize around Jack, propelling him once again into a pillar. He groans in pain, expressing his frustration.
Jack: "Oww… Not again…. I'm tired of being thrown around"
The monks, along with Chase Young and Wuya, assume defensive stances, prepared for a potential confrontation. The stranger's piercing gaze sweeps over them, meticulously analyzing their every move and scrutinizing their appearances. Ignoring their presence, he descends to one knee, his left hand pressing against the floor, and closes his eyes, entering a trance-like state.
Omi, feeling overwhelmed by the situation, expresses himself.
Omi: "I am so confused right now."
Clay, equally perplexed, adds a touch of humor to the situation.
Clay: "Me too partner, I'm as confused as a blind dog in a meat house."
Finally, breaking his silence, the stranger speaks in a deep, resonant voice.
Mortrai: "The seal… Was broken… This world… has changed…"
He takes another deep breath, his voice tinged with a sense of weariness.
Mortrai: "Time has passed… too much time."
Growing impatient, Chase Young intervenes.
Chase: "Answer! Who are you?"
A hidden smile tugs at the corner of Mortrai's lips as he chuckles softly, responding without opening his eyes.
Mortrai: "Chase Young..."
Chase Young, usually composed, displays a rare nervousness.
Chase: "You know me? I didn't know my fame had reached the depths of hell."
Mortrai: "Well... I can show you hell if you want."
Mortrai's eyes snap open, glowing with a bright red intensity once again. He stands up, sheathing the Shadowstrike Blade beneath his cloak, and faces an angry Chase Young.
Chase: "If you know who I am then you should watch your words if you plan to stay alive."
Mortrai: "That's tough coming from you Chase… You've grown up I see, but I can feel you have fallen to the Heylin... I'm disappointed."
Without warning, Chase Young launches a flying kick toward Mortrai's chest, but the agile warrior effortlessly dodges it. As Chase lands, Mortrai evades a series of punches with fluid movements or skillfully blocks them. Seizing the opportunity, Mortrai grabs both of Chase's fists, applying immense pressure that elicits a pained groan from the powerful villain, forcing him down to one knee.
Mortrai: "Disappointed…"
With remarkable agility, Mortrai swiftly flips Chase Young and slams him forcefully into the ground. The Xiaolin warriors watch in awe, astonished by the display of strength and skill. Omi, amazed by the spectacle, can't help but comment.
Omi: "That was… most impressive."
Kimiko, uncertain of what to do next, raises an eyebrow, questioning her fellow warriors.
Kimiko: "Yeah… But I can feel this isn't good for us. Should we… intervene?"
Raimundo, still bewildered by the scene unfolding before them, struggles to find the right words.
Raimundo: "I… "
Wuya, fueled by her own rage, rushes toward Mortrai in a desperate attempt to catch him off guard. But her efforts prove futile as Mortrai effortlessly maneuvers around her, swiftly seizing her by the throat and lifting her off her feet. The air escapes Wuya's lungs as she gasps for breath, struggling to free herself from his iron grip.
Mortrai: "You never were the silent type of girl... Wuya."
Her eyes widen in shock as he utters her name, leaving her uncertain of how he knows her. The Xiaolin monks observe the tense scene, their concern mounting with each passing moment
Clay: "That's goin' too far, I know she's evil and all that but we can't let him do that."
Kimiko nudges Raimundo sharply, urging him to take action.
Kimiko: "Rai!"
Shaking off his initial confusion, Raimundo regains his composure.
Raimundo: "Right… As Xiaolin warriors, we need to intervene."
Without hesitation, Raimundo charges at Mortrai, aiming a powerful kick at his head. However, Mortrai swiftly evades the attack, narrowly avoiding the blow. In response, he releases his grip on Wuya, causing her to collapse to her knees, desperately gasping for air.
Raimundo: "Hey! As much as these guys deserve a beatdown, we can't let you take their lives. They need to face justice for their crimes, but not like this!"
Mortrai's blank gaze lingers on Raimundo, his eyes piercing through the tension in the room. He takes a deliberate step forward, closing the distance between himself and the Shoku Warrior. Sensing the rising confrontation, Omi, Kimiko, and Clay swiftly move aligning themselves beside Raimundo, ready to defend their cause. Mortrai pauses, his penetrating stare locking onto each of the monks, raising an eyebrow as he assesses their determination.
Mortrai: "So… The new Xiaolin Dragons of this time? I'm curious…"
Omi: "I must warn you, don't try to challenge us, we are the protectors of this world, we vowed to defeat any evil that threatens it."
Mortrai's voice resonates with a tinge of disappointment as he questions their motives.
Mortrai: "Why? Why would you want to protect this world?"
Kimiko: "What do you mean why? It's our home, where we, our friends, families and many others live. It's the right thing."
Shaking his head, Mortrai reveals a deeper understanding, his voice tinged with sorrow.
Mortrai: "Xiaolin warriors… You are being deceived. This world doesn't need, and doesn't want protection."
Raimundo, still skeptical, challenges Mortrai's authority.
Raimundo: "Right, like a dark-armored stranger who popped out of a hole in the ground is someone to lecture us on deceit. We don't even know who you are."
Mortrai straightens his posture, standing as tall as Chase Young, with a serious expression on his face.
Mortrai: "Then... Allow me to enlighten you. I am Mortrai, the Dragon of Darkness."
The monks exchange confused glances between themselves. Omi, bewildered by this revelation, expresses his confusion.
Omi: "Dragon of Darkness? How? I though only elemental dragons existed! Us!"
Clay's brow furrows in contemplation.
Clay: "This is mighty confusing, if he's a Xiaolin Dragon, then he should be on our side, right?"
Raimundo ponders the situation, his instincts cautioning him.
Raimundo: "Dunno. We're the ones usually fighting against darkness, so that would probably put him in our villains list."
Mortrai, his voice carrying an air of ominous wisdom.
Mortrai: "You still don't comprehend your position... The Xiaolin way of life you know, is a lie. And you will eventually discover it. Trust me… This world will turn against you in time… And you will turn against it."
Kimiko refuses to accept Mortrai's assertions, standing firm in her beliefs.
Kimiko: "No! I don't believe in you, this world needs us."
Mortrai, with a solemn expression, directs their attention to Chase Young and Wuya, who are gradually regaining their breath.
Mortrai: "Look at these two…"
He gestures towards Chase Young and Wuya, both villains of their own accord, lurking on the fringes of the unfolding confrontation. Omi interjects, attempting to shed light on Chase Young's past.
Omi: "I know well enough of Chase Young past, he was once a Xiaolin Dragon in training, but he was tricked by a Heylin bean into drinking the Lao Mang Long Soup which turned him evil. He did not choose that path willingly."
Mortrai: "He didn't? Chase always believed he was inferior to others. I could see his insecurities, a weakness that could lead him down a dark path."
He shakes his head showing some sort of dissapointment.
Mortrai: "If it hadn't been for this... Bean... Tricking him, he would have eventually succumbed to the Heylin on his own, just like Wuya."
Raimundo adds his perspective, focusing now on Wuya's villainous nature.
Raimundo: "Alright, but Wuya is a Heylin witch, she was never any good."
Mortrai: "A Witch... Let me guess... With mostly Earth-based powers, like summoning rock golems and structures."
Everyone jaws drop, astonished by this information, they all simultaneously look at Wuya who also appears taken aback.
Wuya: "What?! I think I would remember that!"
Mortrai ignores Wuya remark. He closes his eyes, reminiscing of a past he seems to remember.
Mortrai: "Wuya was the most talented apprentice we had... Always striving to surpass herself, but eventually, other apprentice flourished, growing more powerful and wiser. Wuya's weakness was her ego. It had the potential to consume her, and it seems that it did."
Wuya nervously tries to interrupt, but she stutters, something in her own mind seems to stir up.
Wuya: "I… I was never a Xiaolin… Everything I learned, I learned on my own, studying forbidden arts, and gathering my own... power."
Mortrai, just stares blankly at her, as Wuya becomes more confused, trying to process something she doesn't understand, she stutters then fall silent, her mind tells there is more to it than she must know, a hole in her memories, in her past, that she never questioned it. Chase Young intervenes, struggling to process the revelations.
Chase: "Apprentices? You're claiming that we were your apprentices? That's far too many lies. Back then, Dashi was my master, not you, and Wuya was never a part of it."
Mortrai: "I have no reason, nor desire to lie to you."
Chase Young takes a moment to collect his thoughts, his demeanor growing calmer as he delves into deep contemplation. Raimundo, still processing the information, breaks the tense silence with a touch of humor.
Raimundo: "Man, what kind of twisted evil school you guys were in?"
Wuya: "I did not go to a… evil school!"
Chase interrupts the argument, sensing a glimmer of truth.
Chase: "There is something…"
Everyone turns their attention to Chase Young.
Chase: "He might be onto something... Dashi... always had an obsession with protecting the Xiaolin reputation…"
Mortrai silently nods, seeing that someone is finally understanding his story.
Chase: "He would sometimes go to extreme lengths to hide information that could be detrimental to the temple… There is a Shen Gong Wu that could erase the history of Wuya... and Mortrai."
He takes a deep breath before continuing.
Chase: "The Wushan Geyser…"
Raimundo recalls the significance of the mentioned artifact.
Raimundo: "The helmet that erases memories?"
Mortrai affirms the connection.
Mortrai: "Not by itself, but there are ways of increasing its power, and then, he could conceal history itself."
Jack Spicer, battered and bruised on the corner, growing increasingly annoyed by the complex narrative unfolding before him, interrupts the conversation, unable to contain his frustration any longer.
Jack: "Okay, okay! Enough with the history lesson! I have the biggest headache already. I don't care about old dragons, weird apprentices, or memory-wiping helmets! Just tell us, new dude, which side are you on, the winners or the Xiaolin losers?"
Mortrai turns his attention towards Jack, his gaze piercing and unyielding.
Mortrai: "I am on my own side. My path diverged from the Xiaolin Temple long ago, and I have no allegiance to the Heylin. My goals are beyond the realms of good and evil as you understand them. I am here to expose the truth and reveal the deceptions that have plagued this world for far too long. To bring order to chaos."
The monks and Jack exchange puzzled glances, uncertain of Mortrai's true intentions. Raimundo steps forward, a mix of skepticism and curiosity evident in his voice.
Raimundo: "Beyond good or evil you say, but that just sounded like a villain's speech."
Jack: "And a good one I must say, I got shivers from the last part… Just waiting to hear an evil laugh now…"
Ignoring Jack interjection, Mortrai's gaze shifts to the Xiaolin warriors, a hint of conviction in his eyes.
Mortrai: "I do hope that you, Xiaolin warriors, will consider joining me. I will complete your training, forging you into powerful dragon warriors, and together, we can unveil the truth, challenge the existing order, and forge a new path. One that is not bound by the limitations and deceit of the past."
Kimiko steps forward, her voice laced with skepticism.
Kimiko: "You may sound convincing, but your ambitions seem to be just a hunger for power and control. It sounds like you just want an opportunity to dominate the world."
Clay furrows his brow, concern etched across his face.
Clay: "Yeah, Mortrai, what guarantee do we have that you won't become just another tyrant, bending everything to your will?"
Mortrai's eyes narrow, his expression betraying a flicker of impatience.
Mortrai: "You will understand in time, Xiaolin Warriors. Both your order and the Heylin are the cause of havoc and suffering around the world, and this chaotic truth is hidden from you... They need to be extinguished... And with the fall of the Xiaolin and the Heylin, a new order of darkness can take over. But make no mistake, it is not about domination for the sake of domination. It's about bringing true harmony, free from the lies, illusions and judgements of this world."
With those words, Mortrai unsheathes his Shadowstrike Blade, its dark aura pulsating with sinister energy.
Omi steps forward, his eyes filled with determination and unwavering conviction.
Omi: "Mortrai, your vision of the Xiaolin order is wrong, we aren't the ones causing havoc and suffering, we are the ones trying to restore order give safety to the people, what you are saying goes against everything we stand for as Xiaolin warriors. Our purpose is to protect and bring balance to the world, not to impose our will upon it. True harmony cannot be achieved through the suppression of freedom."
Raimundo crosses his arms, a skeptical smirk on his face.
Raimundo: "I don't know about the others, but I'm not ready to sign up for team darkness just yet. Mortrai, you may think you have all the answers, but your way of achieving your so called 'true harmony' seems pretty twisted to me and just plain evil."
Mortrai's gaze flickers between Omi and Raimundo, a mixture of impatience and determination in his eyes.
Mortrai: "You underestimate the dangers that surround you, Xiaolin warriors. But if you refuse to join me, then you will be crushed by the weight of your own naivety."
He raises the Shadowstrike Blade high in the air, the threat clear and palpable.
Mortrai: "Now witness, the power of a true Dragon of Darkness!"
With a swift motion, Mortrai brings down his Shadowstrike Blade stabing the ground beneath him, causing an eruption of dark energy that sends shockwaves through the area. Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo, Clay, Chase Young, Wuya and Jack Spicer are thrown back. They find themselves forcefully pinned against the stone walls of the round chamber. An invisible force presses against their bodies, rendering them immobile. Mortrai, his eyes glowing red with malevolence, walks slowly in front of them, a sinister smile forming on his lips.
Mortrai: "Now, my dear adversaries, prepare yourselves. I shall uncover the depths of your weaknesses and fears. You will soon realize the futility of your resistance."
With a swift motion, Mortrai raises the Shadowstrike Blade high in the air, its darkened surface gleaming ominously.
Mortrai: "Shadowstrike Blade, Darkness!"
He speaks its name loudly, activating the ancient Shen Gong Wu. In response, the blade resonates with a haunting energy, emanating a pitch-black dark smoke that starts to fill the entire chamber.
The smoke engulfs the room, swirling and coiling around everyone present, obscuring their vision. It cuts off all sources of light, plunging the chamber into complete and utter darkness. The warriors struggle to see, their senses dulled by the thick, oppressive void.
In the midst of the darkness, Mortrai's voice echoes, filled with chilling confidence.
Mortrai: "Welcome to the realm of darkness."
The darkness hangs heavy in the air, suffocating and unsettling. The fate of the Xiaolin warriors, along with their Heylin opponents, remains uncertain as they stand in the dark against Mortrai, surrounded by the impenetrable abyss.
Stay tuned for the next Chapter of Xiaolin Showdown: Dragons of the Past.
Scenes of the next chapter:
Kimiko: "I... I chose this path willingly. I believe in the purpose and the greater good. I just sometimes, I can't help but wonder..."
. . .
Mortrai: "Don't be naïve young monk. Destiny is not forged by waiting…"
. . .
Mortrai: " How confident... But everyone has a vulnerability, maybe you're not even aware of it yet."
Raimundo smirks, seemingly unfazed, but the shadows around him seem to dance with Mortrai's words, attempting to unveil something hidden.
-x-
Bonus Fact: I re-imagined the entire backstory of the villain, and it looks awesome, just wait for it.
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