Disclaimer: I do not own Xiaolin Showdown.
~Chapter One: Her Request~
Zealously pacing to and fro, Kimiko Tohomiko anxiously twists her fingers together, while muttering an incoherent argument with herself. Is this the correct decision? Isn't there another, more logical way? Should she continue with this utter madness? A mountain wind – crisp yet colder than ice – sweeps across the shrouded landscape, and shatters the Xiaolin Dragon of Fire's thoughts. Delicately shivering, Kimiko wrenches her light jacket's silver zipper farther up her throat. Unfortunately, her ill-considered attire, as Omi would say, is "most inappropriate" for this climate. Sighing, Kimiko gently brushes her fingertips upon the Silver Manta Ray's dormant flesh imbedded within the confines of her messenger bag. It is not too late for the young monk to turn back. He had not noticed her presence yet. But…
It's the only way. Kimiko reasons dejectedly. I'm doing this for Papa!
Allowing her element control, Kimiko converges her fear, anxiety, doubt, and any other unnerving emotion into a blazing mass of unadulterated fury. Bravely stepping forth, Kimiko approaches the monster's gaping mouth; six frigid torches cast shadows upon the sealed entrance. Immediately, though, Kimiko's confidence falters as reality settles in. How is she going to enter? All that lay before her is a solid rock wall – or so it appears. And if she miraculously discovers the entrance, then what if he refuses an audience with her? Or refuses her request?
As she had done a few times before, Kimiko stumbles back and reconsiders her options. Yet, no matter how often she contemplates different choices, only this one is plausible. Only this one will work. Kimiko Tohomiko will retreat no longer! She will find an entrance. She will gain an audience with him. She will make a request, and he will accept it. There is no more time for hesitation. Papa needs her!
"Well, easier said than done." Kimiko mumbles. Unfortunately, the door will not open on her whim. "So what now?" She could break down the door…but then, he would most likely deny her request. With no other ideas, Kimiko raises her fist to knock. However, an ominous tremor occurs just before her knuckles rap upon the solid rock wall. Sensing a form of danger, Kimiko retreats a few paces, while simultaneously positioning herself into a fighting stance. A large, door-shaped section breaks away from the face, allowing her entrance into his lair. Kimiko remains as she is, awaiting an ambush of jungle cats to spring forth. However, when none emerge, she relaxes her stance but remains on high alert. It appears he has agreed to meet with her.
With one last glance at the sky's vast expansion - at her freedom, Kimiko steels her resolve and enters into the darkness. No sooner had she crossed the threshold, her only possible escape seals itself, ultimately trapping her within a tomb of shadows. The surrounding air is damp and lifeless, creating an impression of pure evil – an impression of the Heylin. There is no turning back now.
The Heylin aura presses upon Kimiko, diminishing her strength and constricting her breath as she ventures further into his lair; ominously, it seeps from the artificial blue and shining white lights dancing within the atmosphere. Panting as she escapes the narrow passageways illuminated by few torches, Kimiko finally admits herself into the palace's main foyer. Wearily scouting about, the young monk notices one trait above all the rest: it is vacant. No Prince of Darkness. No jungle cats. No nothing.
"Well, this is awfully helpful." Kimiko mutters sarcastically. However, before she is able to entertain the thought any further, two tigers – appearing seemingly from nowhere – flank either side of the Xiaolin Dragon in Training. After a resonating growl undulates from their lips (whether as a warning or instructions she is unable to tell), the Fallen Warriors proceed to faithfully guide Kimiko to their reigning master. As they persist between sleek gray spires encircled by a decorative shadow, the girl silently marvels at the sheer vastness of the Heylin's palace. Yet, she constrains her mind from entrapping itself within the complexity of the ancient structure's design. Instead, Kimiko concentrates on memorizing the pathway she has traveled thus far. Unfortunately, this proves as a challenge for the Xiaolin Dragon of Fire. While she and the Fallen Warriors seem as if they are walking a straight path, the stained-glass motif decorating the walls shifts irregularly – no doubt a form of Heylin magic – as if the trio is constantly swerving into adjacent corridors.
Finally, as an almost pleasant aroma wafts about and sparse furnishings begin to line against the walls, the décor ceases its constant alterations. After a few more feet of near-naked space, Kimiko and the tigers burst forth into a well-occupied dining room. Immediately, her sapphire orbs bypass the interior's fascinatingly intricate design, ignore the abundantly tempting banquet, and boldly meets with the Prince of Darkness's dragon-patterned spheres.
"Welcome, young Kimiko." Chase Young coolly greets, a knowing smirk playing upon his lips. "Of all the Xiaolin, you are the last person I expected to knock on my door."
Liar! Kimiko inwardly spat. Although his voice sounds genuine, she refuses to believe his "innocent" act for even a moment. If Chase Young truly was not anticipating her arrival, then why is the entrance unguarded? Why did the Fallen Warriors bring her to their master and not tear her apart instead? Moreover, while almost brimming with delight, his golden spheres observe her expectantly, while a silent glint dancing within his irises reveals something. Unfortunately, the Xiaolin's intellectual Dragon is unable to figure that "something" out.
"Tell me, young one, what brings you here?" Chase Young inquires, sipping noisily upon his meal – no doubt the Lao Mang Lone soup, which Kimiko finds the ghastly aroma very displeasing.
"I need–" Kimiko hesitantly speaks.
"Sit," The Prince of Darkness interrupts, indicating to a vacant chair across from him. At first, Kimiko attempts to decline; by sitting, she will be at a disadvantage if she needs to make a quick escape. However, without giving her an opportunity for protestation, the tigers' emanate another threatening growl that forces her to comply.
"Ask your questions, young one." Chase Young commands, steepling his fingers. The Dragon of Fire raises a curious brow. How did he know she possesses questions instead of demands? This is only another of many reason for the Xiaolin to tread with care.
"Are you truly 1500 years old?" Kimiko queries, emitting an even tone.
"Give or take a few hundred years." He answers, his voice as calm as hers.
"How much do you know about poisons?" She presses.
"Enough." He simply replies; a small smirk dresses his lips as he questions, "but, tell me, what is the relevance in these questions?" Carefully, as to not disturb her only Sheng Gong Wu, Kimiko produces a manila envelope from her bag, and passes it to a tiger who (in turn) passes it to Chase.
"If you are as old as you claim to be," Kimiko speaks skeptically, although she has no actual doubt. "Then you should be familiar with a poison known as Acridoym [1]? It was quite prevalent during your, um, childhood."
"I know of this poison," The Prince of Darkness mutters.
"According to the report, the victim's skin is covered in welts and bruises. Blood vessels in the eyes have burst causing the sclera to turn black. And his hair and teeth are beginning to fall out. If these symptoms persist, then the organs will shut down and the patient…dies." Kimiko explains, attempting to fill the silence as Chase Young silently glances at several different medical sheets. Although, her voice falters toward the end.
"Yes, I'm aware." Chase Young comments nonchalantly, tossing the report aside. "And, what is your relationship with the victim that would push you to seek help from me?" He inquires, motioning toward the blotted-out personal information upon the sheets.
"A close friend," The Fire Dragon informs nondescriptly, retaining an indifferent tone.
"I see," The Heylin knowingly smiles, which completely unnerves Kimiko.
"I-I'm assuming you know a cure?" She questions, literally setting herself at the edge of her seat.
"I do." He confirms, amusement dancing within his reptilian slits. Audibly sighing, Kimiko visibly relaxes. However, she quickly tenses once more as her full attention returns to the Heylin. "You are aware that my services come with a price?"
"I am and I'm willing to pay in anyway." Kimiko promises, desperation lacing within her tone.
"Anyway?" Chase Young inquires with interest.
"Except my eternal loyalty," The young monk clarifies hastily. Chase Young amusedly chuckles. The Xiaolin is far wiser than she appears in her young age.
"Alright, I will help you." He affirms; inwardly, he revels as her relieved expression swiftly contorts into one of horror when he continues, "However, it is far too late in the evening for anything to be done. My warriors will show to a room, and we will discuss the details in the morning."
"B-but, he could die tonight!" Kimiko's small fists slam into the table, while leaping to her feet. dishes rattle as they slowly engulf themselves in flame. "I need the antidote now!"
"Calm yourself," Chase commands, extending a hand. While he is impressed that the Dragon of Fire easily immerses herself within her hatred-filled rage (arguably, a quality of the Heylin) and is brave enough to challenge him on his own grounds, the Heylin Master finds her childish outburst quite cumbersome. After a calming breath and the Fallen Warriors constant prodding, Kimiko resumes her seat. However, she soundlessly challenges Chase Young's dominion further by linking her sapphire's bitter glare with his golden spheres. A gesture the Heylin finds amusing yet promising, especially as her eyes flash crimson for the briefest of moments. "You mentioned that your friend's," He momentarily pauses to gauge her reaction. "Hair and teeth only recently started falling out."
"Yes," Kimiko retorts. Her tone is no longer even, while she slowly nods.
"The poison is still in its earlier stages, meaning your friend will not die tonight. After all, it's meant for the victim to die a slow, painful death. At the very least, you have a few days." Kimiko's facial features relax, her eyes losing their bitter edge. Nonetheless, she still possesses quite a bit of determination. She did not want her "friend" to suffer any longer than necessary.
"Tell me what I need to do." Kimiko demands, climbing to her feet once again.
"I will," Chase assures, rising as well. "Tomorrow. For now, sleep because you will need it." Before another argument-based word could tumble out, Chase Young snaps his fingers, and two tigers usher Kimiko out of their master's presence.
[1] A fictional disease created specifically for this story.
