The Dawn of the New World

*BOOOOM*

*Cough*

*Cough*

Hao Xuan opened his eyes in the physical world, throwing up several mouthfuls of blood. Tasgall who was standing by the side ran over and knelt down beside him, examining him anxiously.

Ever since he was saved by Hao Xuan when they first arrived on this world, Tasgall had gotten quite attached to his new savior. It was customary in their culture to treat the one who saved your life with the utmost respect but Tasgall went above and beyond that.

Tasgall knew very well that if not for him, he would probably still be stuck in that horrid place and did not even consider the fact that it was because of Hao Xuan that he got captured in the first place.

During the last few months, he had been at his beck and call and went out of his way to care for his savior. Hao Xuan pushed him away at first but during the numerous fights where Tasgall came to his rescue and even saved his life on more than a few occasions, he grew to like the mute barbarian.

Plus deep down he still felt guilty that Tasgall lost his tongue because of him. He learned sign language from Baracus and taught it to him and the other barbarians so they could communicate and in turn, learned their native language as well.

"I'm *cough*cough* ok- *cough* -okay, don't...worry about it!" he patted Tasgall's shoulder but the barbarian didn't back away and continued staring at Hao Xuan's face with a concerned expression, making Hao Xuan laugh.

"Seriously, I'm okay," Hao Xuan swallowed the mouthful of warm blood that was coming up through his throat and stood up. But as soon as he looked away his expression hardened.

'That motherfucker!'

Hao Xuan quickly closed his eyes again and appeared in the mind palace. He ran up to the rightmost door and banged on it over and over again but it did not budge an inch.

"You live in MY head, you attention-seeking father-complex having bitch! Fuck you!" he kicked the door one last time, so content in having had the last word that he did not even register all the other sever's that were looking his way.

He opened his eyes, returning to the physical world one more time. He had discovered that the more he interacted with Mr. Hyde and the more he understood him, the less he was afraid of him.

Yes, he had thrown away his humanity which Hao Xuan already knew but that did not mean that he was omnipotent. There were a few instances that Hao Xuan had caught sight of a reptilian figure transposing over Mr. Hyde's.

It was a rare sight for certain but it happened on more than one occasion which meant that he wasn't in full control of his powers. And now after talking to him a few other things became clear.

Mr. Hyde really was stuck inside his head, for the time being. So the chances of him causing him harm were low although not entirely zero. The fight between him and his psychotic father had nothing to do with Hao Xuan, or that's how he perceived it.

Whatever it was, he wasn't going to spend time needlessly worrying about it now.

Hao Xuan took in a few breaths to regulate his circulatory system. Being forced out of his own mind palace left him with some internal bleeding but nothing he couldn't deal with on his own.

Hao Xuan looked towards Tasgall who silently stood on the side, watching him with a frown.

"Tsk, don't look at me like that. People would think there was something going on between us. Your wife would be so jealous if she knew that another man is receiving such worrying looks from her dear husband," he joked but Tasgall did not even crack a smile, leaving Hao Xuan feeling quite awkward.

"Oh, look at the time. L-Let's go outside, I want to try the new skill I have been perfecting before we eat!" Hao Xuan said while walking out of the cave, followed closely by the silent barbarian.

**

Back within the Mind Palace Mr. Hyde was standing in front of the window having listened to Hao Xuan's ranting after kicking him out. The snowy scene outside continued as before.

He raised his right hand that was holding onto the snakehead cane and examined the inconspicuous little red gem that was 'sealed' within the snake's maw.

It pulsed, showing something that was floating within the gem.

Mr. Hyde let out a weary sigh.

"Not long now brothers, I can feel it. Every day I get closer to the promised day I feel his presence more and more clearly. It feels like he is still watching me, with those damned eyes."

He recalled the moment when he stood in front of the man that had raised him, that had taught him everything he knew, and pointed his blade at his neck after having killed his brothers. There was not a hint of surprise or shock anywhere on his face. Instead, he looked sad and disappointed.

"Even in my memories must you look down on me so...father? Was I always such a terrible son? But...I can't stop now. Otherwise, they all died for nothing..." Hyde's lamenting murmur echoed in the empty room.

"Even if it is the last thing I do, I will make sure that you do not succeed, no matter the cost."