A/N: My fic gift for VanillaStratos. This is for you girl!
This storyline does not connect with Xiaolin Chronicles because in my opinion, it sucks. Sigh, I want the old Xiaolin Showdown back :( Anyways, I dunno if this is gonna be a one-shot or a multi-chappie. You decide bros and sis'
Disclaimer: Well, I'm not Christy Hui... Or am I?! (Checks birth certificate) ... Nah, I'm not.
Counterbalance
The thundering sound of a vase being smashed echoed throughout Chase Young's citadel. The jungle cats winced and some cowered as the Heylin dragon proceeded to smash and destroy everything he touches. His patience had reached its end and the time for waiting is over. Those monks have been thwarting his plans for far too long and he's not going to waste another millennia just because four teenagers kept getting in his way. Those Shen Gong Wu, or trinkets as he might call it, was their objectives and now they're planning to separate to different places in order to cover more grounds. His reluctant decision of teaming up with Jack Spicer (that insignificant insect), Wuya (the annoying witch) and... Hannibal Roy Bean was something he never thought he would stoop to a level with since he had always prided himself of being independent from outside resources. Still, there is greatness in numbers and they have proven themselves capable enough (except Spicer who kept proving himself to be incompetent).
He paced around his playroom, paying no attention as Jack watched him from the doorway with his hands in the pocket of his black cloak. The self-proclaimed evil boy genius frowned as he heard Wuya and Hannibal Bean argue (yet again) about how to take those xiaolin goody-goodies down. He felt a little downhearted since he did share a couple of good times with those monks (except when they kicked his ass in every showdown) they even let him in (although grudgingly) to their side a couple of times and he felt for once he can be treated like an actual person, not being bossed around, or punched, kicked, hissed or roared at.
A vibration came on his pocket and he fished out his phone to read a message from his mom. He groaned sadly as he realized he's gonna miss meatloaf night; his mom made the best meatloaf and it was that one night every week where his parents weren't off at work or business trips, hell, he almost forgot what they looked like.
"-I still say we crush 'em like bugs!" Hannibal's irate voice distracted his train of thought and he let out a high-pitched scream when a small boulder was thrown to his direction. Dodging with skills that took years of practice to achieve, he looked over to where in seven blazes it came from and saw behind the gigantic hole that Wuya with a furious expression on her face and her hands glowing in an eerie green light against Hannibal who was crossing his arms and morphed in his 'big bean' form, both glaring down at one another.
"Chase isn't gonna like this..." Jack muttered.
-
-x-
Omi tugged his ki tightly and triple checked all the Wu he will bring along with him; the Orb of Tornami, Glove of Jusaku, Shroud of Shadows, Shimo Staff and his newly acquired Kaijin Charm. Master Fung instructed them to bring only a limited number of Wu and the rest will be for safe keeping. He frowned somewhat as he felt a foreboding feeling that crept into his heart. The final battle between the Xiaolin and Heylin will arrive soon and they have to be prepared, even when they have been training day and night, Chase Young still bested them.
Chase...
The young man had been a good friend to him even for a short period of time and that smile he wore at the last showdown... it's possible that he might have some good left inside him. Somewhere deep, deep, deeeeeep down.
He paused his continuous tugging as a thought formed in his mind. 'Maybe I can still persuade Chase Young to come to our side!' a smile started to form on his face but it dropped when he thought of what the others might say. Normally he would have gone straight to Master Fung about this and damn about what the others will say but now they have a leader, they should discuss this as a team.
While Omi was contemplating in their room, Clay was busy packing some food for his trip as well. In his knapsack were the Fist of Tebigong, Longyi Kite, Big Bang Meteorang, Third Arm Sash and his Longhorn Taurus. Dojo, who was napping on his shoulder, woke up with a loud yawn and scratched his belly, "You're all packing already huh?"
"That's right, we better be prepared in case trouble comes along the way." Dojo nodded, "Yeah, shame you four had to separate. But if it is to cover more grounds..." he trailed off.
Clay gave him a small smile, "It's not so bad Dojo. Plus we took transport with us, you're gonna be staying with Omi" he pointed out to the green dragon.
"Oh yeah. By the way, how's the new leader taking the responsibilities?" he asked as he jumped up to the cowboy's ten gallon hat. The straw-haired teen shrugged as he closed his bag, "He's somewhere near the gardens. I think he's still trying to take in everything"
"Mm, well for a slacker, he's the guy suited for the job. I mean, the Fung-ster did pick him"
-x-
In the serene gardens of the Xiaolin Temple, Raimundo sat near the edge of the pond and was currently meditating. He cleared his mind and let his chi flow freely through his entire system. His rhythmic breathing and the sound of leaves rustling with the wind was the only thing he could hear. He cracked open one eye as he suddenly heard soft footfalls coming towards him. His mouth curled upwards as he took in the petite form of Kimiko. She returned his grin and sat next to him.
"Hey" he greeted with a nod.
She suddenly landed a soft punch on his arm with a smirk, "Hey yourself, oh great leader."
Raimundo blinked a few moments at her before he let out a large sigh and placed his knees in front of him, "Leader huh?" Kimiko's face folded into a questioning gaze and peered at him, "Rai? Is something wrong?" Raimundo swept through his brown hair with his hand before he brought it to his knees, "I can't believe Master Fung made me leader. I mean, look at me Kim. Sure I'm awesome and I can do great moves-"
"Woah, don't beat yourself up" she interjected in a sarcastic tone
"-but I didn't think I would be made into Shoku rank before you guys" he continued, "Plus, I'm not the 'go to guy' right?" He quickly took a double take when she gave him an 'Are You Kidding' look. She shook her head and gave a quirky sort of smile and smirk, "Rai, you just saved all of our lives last time, practically led us to victory! You're pretty amazing" she praised. He couldn't believe his ears. Here, Kimiko Tohomiko; xiaolin dragon of fire, secret crush and the girl who gets annoyed every time he brags about himself just gave him a pep talk and actually called him amazing. He felt a slight flush colouring his cheeks and gingerly rubbed the back of his head and stared at the pond's crystal surface with a shy smile on his lips, "Y-you really think so?" he asked, mentally kicking himself for stuttering.
Meanwhile, Kimiko was having a field day in her mind. The usual calm, laid-back, smooth talking Brazilian was now stuttering and he looks almost… cute. As soon as the word entered her consciousness, she suddenly felt warmness around her cheeks. She cleared her throat and stood up, cleaning up the bottoms side of her robes to avoid grass stains and avoided eye contact to Raimundo;
"We-we better pack our things- Uh, Master Fung must be waiting!" she all but squeaked as she walked briskly out of his view, hoping he wouldn't notice the shade of red on her face.
Rai just stared at her retreating back and asked himself, "What's with her?"
Master Fung stood by the entrance of the Shen Gong Wu vault.
The wind blew gently though his face, tangling with his moustache and goatee, his eyes closed as he prepared for the coming storm. And they did arrive. Three monks, older than him, give or take five to seven years walked towards his direction and bowed. "Master Fung, it has been so long" The tall man wearing a white robe said. Fung bowed as well, "Indeed it has Master Min Yen, and I trust that all of you haven't encountered any troubles along the way?"
The other man who was shorter than Master Min Yen stepped forward with a hand in front of him, "I do not mean any disrespect Master Fung but we came here to train the xiaolin dragons. Where are they?" he said in a gruff tone. Master Fung raised a brow at Master Huojin; his grey robe was spic and span as usual and his dark gray eyes swept the whole area as if judging the temple and its surroundings. The calmest of the three, Master Li, placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and shook his head once, "Remember Huojin, if you are patient in a moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow" he stated. Huojin scoffed and lightly brushed him aside and folded his arms on his chest, "The power of Heylin has grown more than ever. You have trained the dragon of water the longest and what we have gathered; he is the strongest among them. But water alone can't protect the world."
Master Fung said nothing before he nodded and gestured them to follow him. They all entered the main hall, the other monks bowed in the presence of the three monks, stopping whatever they were doing to show them respect and waited for them to leave before they could resume what they were doing. Fung asked them to wait in the meditation hall and poured tea for each of them. They sat there in silence, each pondering in their own thoughts before the sounds of talking and laughter came by the screen door. The four xiaolin monks and Dojo froze at the sight of the three, much older monks sitting on the tatami mat. Dojo slithered down from Omi's shoulder and went to Fung and jumped on his.
"What are you doing?" he asked in Fung's ear.
Fung waited for a moment before answering the green dragon, "We have to train them above their limits that even I can't help them achieve." Dojo looked as him with a reproachful expression and leaned his arm on Fung's head, "What about the Shen Gong Wu expedition? Those kids have been preparing for the trip since this morning!" he pointed out.
"The Shen Gong Wu retrieval mission will continue after they receive their training from the masters. If they thought they have faced the most difficult of challenges, I'm afraid they will have no hope of winning against the Heylin side with their current level."
The xiaolin dragons looked at the three monks who were looking at them from top to bottom, a tall old aged man wearing white robes with a black gi and a top knot on his head bowed at them and they immediately bowed lower. The man wearing the gray robe and white gi scoffed as he saw Kimiko who blinked in confusion as he gave her a disapproving look before he surveyed the boys with the same critical look. The last monk with the black robe however gave them a low bow as well like the white robed man; Dojo continued to hiss something in Master Fung's ear, as if they're arguing about an important matter. It looked as if Master Fung won the argument (as always), and walked in front of them and swayed a sweeping gesture to the older monks,
"My dear young monks, they are Master Min Yen, Master Huojin and Master Li, teachers of the greatest xiaolin warriors. They will be the ones to supervise Raimundo, Kimiko and Clay for training-"
"A thousand pardons Master," Omi interrupted, "But who shall supervise my training?"
"Yeah, and more importantly, weren't we gonna hunt for more Wu?" Raimundo asked, crossing his arms as Huojin gave him a short look of contempt as if he was questioning his teacher's authority. "We're ready for this Master-"
"Raimundo" Fung's voice was clear and strong, a warning but there was an unusual tone as if he was tired as well.
"How a bunch of children such as yourselves were chosen as the xiaolin dragons is beyond my comprehension but I assumed that you have enough respect to hold your tongue in the presence of your teachers." Huojin's tone was soft but venom poured out through his teeth.
Raimundo gritted his teeth and his hands unconsciously clenched and unclenched, prompting Kimiko to hold on to his sleeve with a slight shake of the head. He took a deep breath and gave a low bow at Huojin, "I apologize for my disrespectfulness. It won't happen again" he muttered but loud enough for them to hear.
Clay and Dojo frowned, this Raimundo was different from the Raimundo they know but they also know it was necessary for him to act this way. Huojin clearly was not a guy to mess with. Omi cleared his throat and took a step forward, "Masters," he started, "I've been Master Fung's best pupil and I-"
"I don't remember asking your self-evaluation results, dragon of water." Huojin grounded as he shifted his heated gaze upon Omi. The young monk seemed to have shrunk under his eyes and took a reluctant step back near Raimundo and Clay. His friends, especially Dojo, had never seen Omi so crestfallen. Usually he would prove his worth but to be put down by a master was enough for him to be silenced for a couple of hours.
"I assure you, Omi is an excellent pupil. He had exceeded all the expectations to be the xiaolin dragon of water." Master Fung was quick to defend his foster son, his posture was calm but his tone was firm.
Master Min Yen stepped forward as if he felt an oncoming fight that Huojin will instigate, "Present yourselves, young monks". He raised his hand, his skin was the texture of parchment with his veins sticking out but they also showed the experience that came in the form of battle scars that littered his palm and knuckle.
Clay stepped forward and bowed in front of them, "Clay Bailey, Wudai warrior and the dragon of earth."
Masten Li looked at him for a moment with his dark brown eyes before her gave a smile under his beard and bowed,
"An honor to meet the dragon of the earth. I shall train you the ways of your element and improve your strength and power" Li answered as he reached into the sleeve of his robe to retrieve a light brown scroll and gave it to Clay.
The teen reached for the scroll, ready to open it before Li stopped him; "You shall only be able to open that once you have completed your training young monk."
Clay stared at the scroll and fiddled with his hand as if weighing the rolled parchment before he tucked it on his ki.
Omi was next and he stood up with his back poker-straight and bowed like he was trying to touch the ground, "I am Omi. Wudai warrior and the dragon of water" he held his tongue to stop himself from adding anymore to his introduction.
They waited for any of the older monks to come forth but instead, it was Master Fung who bowed to Omi with a smile in his face, "I will be the one who shall train you young dragon"
Omi gaped at his old teacher and scratched his head, "But Master, haven't I learned all everything from you?"
Fung nodded, "Indeed I have taught you all of the ways of a xiaolin monk. However, I will train you beyond your present condition."
"Ooh! I can be stronger?" his eyes sparkled at thought of learning more from his father figure.
Master Fung just gave a noncommittal shrug before he retrieved a blue scroll with the same instruction as Clay.
It was Raimundo's turn to 'greet and meet' and he hoped to all the gods and deities of the universe that he won't get the old grump. The old man was one insult away from having a large tornado chase him all over China.
With a deep breath, he walked up and bowed his head, "Raimundo Pedrosa, Shoku warrior. Dragon of the wind, a great honor to be at the presence of our teachers." It good to suck-up sometimes, especially the grey eyed dude glaring him down. But instead of him, the one wearing the white robe also bowed.
Min Yen looked at him with smiling eyes, though he can't really tell what the old man's thinking since half of his face was covered with the longest beard he had ever seen. His topknot tied his snowy white hair and unlike the other teachers, he was wearing a pendant of the Yin and Yang symbol.
"Yes, the lone Shoku warrior and their leader. It is a treat to teach the dragon of the wind."
Raimundo sheepishly scratched the back of his head and gave a small smile, it was not everyday someone of great importance acknowledge his achievement. Omi frowned and grumbled a little while Clay and Kimiko smiled. But her smile faltered when she realized who will be her teacher. As soon as Min Yen gave him a white scroll, Kimiko shuddered; knowing that it was her turn.
"Lastly" Master Huojin barked. He was almost the same height as Yen Min and his salt and pepper moustache was almost identical to Master Fung's minus the goatee. Kimiko swallowed the lump that stuck itself in her throat. She moved stiffly and bowed low as if she was trying to make her forehead kiss the floor;
"Tohomiko Kimiko. Wudai warrior and dragon of fire."
The words flew right out of her lips as if she was being timed in. Her palms were sweaty and her knees felt as if they would buckle down if she didn't toughen the muscles behind them. She could feel his eyes just looking at her and she didn't dare to straighten up unless she was told to.
Coercion
That what he was doing to her. Intimidation was a necessary tool for a warrior and he was sizing her up to see if she had what it takes to train under his tutelage. Finally, she lifted her head to see him bow his head though it was more of a nod of acknowledgement than of respect.
"I am Master Huojin. I will be your master from now on." He retrieved red scroll with a gold cord tied around it. As soon as she touched the handle, he casually dropped his hold on the scroll. That was it; no reassuring words or a supportive gesture but at least he stopped looking a her with his cold eyes as he turned to Master Fung. He nodded at their unspoken conversation before he turned to the four of them.
"Young monks," he started, "Your journey to gather the Shen Gong Wu is postponed"
Omi and Raimundo opened their mouths to protest before Master Fung continued, "However, it doesn't mean that we will ignore it whenever a Shen Gong Wu activates. Each of your teachers will train you to master your element. Every five days, you will remain with your masters. You shall return here to rest and follow up with your training as a group."
He stopped for a moment and took a deep breath, "I have taught you all you need to know as xiaolin monks and despite the misgivings we've all experienced, I have never been so proud of my pupils as the four of you." Kimiko was the first to run towards him and hugged at his midriff. There was a small sniff from Clay before the cowboy joined in the hug.
Rai gave a small smile, knowing that his betrayal was part of the 'misgivings' but the past is past and they're fighting for the future.
He silently walked towards the three, restraining the laughter that wanted to burst out of him as he saw Master Fung's awkward expression and placed an arm around his shoulder and draped the other with Kimiko.
Omi just stared at their hug-scene; unsure if it was appropriate to do such an affectionate gesture in front of the masters. But Yen Min and Li looked fine, more amused in actuality. Huojin though had a disapproving look and muttered something under his breath.
"Omi, get in here!"
He looked on Raimundo, his rival, teammate, leader, friend. His brother in bond. Then to Kimiko, the only girl of the group and the nurturing sister figure she filled in for him.
"C'mon partner, we ain't gonna wait 'til next year" Clay said and held up an arm. The patient and big brotherly cowboy who was always calm and acted as the mediator.
He turned to Master Fung. Although he had a look of discomfort on his face, he gave a nod and within a second, he launched himself right between Clay and Kimiko, his arms latched around Master Fung's chest, not caring if the medallion was pressing uncomfortably to his skin.
Dojo wiped his tears with his tail before he jumped from Master Fung's shoulder to his head, coiling around the old monk's cranium.
"Nothing will ever pull us apart!"
A gruff throat clearing made them break apart and realized that they are still in audience with their new teachers. Master Fung inclined his head slightly down and said, "Yes, I apologize for that scene. Xiaolin apprentices,"
The four of them looked solely at him.
"Tonight is the last night you'll be staying with each other for a while. You may bring all the Shen Gong Wu you planned to take with you."
Omi raised his hand and Fung gestured him to continue, "But master, how will we ever going to find the Shen Gong Wu? We will be at different locations!"
Dojo snorted and crossed his arms, "Uh hello? Shen Ging Wu dragon detector here? Plus I can make a quick stop whoever's close to that area. I know where your 'location' is." He then turned to Kimiko, "Let's just say, I don't envy you kid. It won't exactly be the Bahamas."
Kimiko's face fell at his statement before Dojo 'eep'ed and snapped his snout when Huojin leered at him with a frown, "Choose your words carefully dragon. Subtlety is a key factor for victory."
Li looked outside the window and turned to them, "It seems out time has ended. We shall come for our students tomorrow. For now, I bid you farewell, xiaolin dragons."
One by one, Li, Min Yen and Huojin walked to the entrance of the building. The monks and Dojo followed them to the threshold before a large gust of wind flew by them, shielding their eyes except for Fung. When they looked up, the three masters were gone.
imiko was silent as she fixed her pack. Clothes, check. PDA, check, cellphone, most definitely check. Shen Gong Wu which contains the Star Hanabi, the Lunar Locket, the Denshi Bunny and the Ruby of Ramses, check.
Rai took a deep breath as he pushed all his stuff in his knapsack; the Shen Gong Wus were hidden carefully under his clothes and last but not the least, Ninja Fred being secured at the very top so he won't get squished. The thought actually scared him. He knew they would have to split up, it was the initial plan but to know that the days of them being apart were counted, he started to feel the gnawing of loneliness in his gut.
Surely Omi will be alright with this, heck, he'll be the only one who will stay at the temple! And before they met, the cheese ball was already used to being alone. As well as Kimiko since she's an only child and her papa's always busy with his projects.
Clay might emphasize with him a little but the cowboy can do all right being alone. He likes to meditate and peaceful surroundings.
Raimundo thrived in the company of the others. While he was with Wuya, he never felt so alone despite the rock creatures playing with him or when Wuya lavished him with numerous games and the luxury of creature comforts. Yep, he will really miss them. His eyes trailed to Kimiko.
Her black hair was held up with a scrunchy, several bangs fell on the frame of her face. Her eyes flitted from one object to another before gathering her stuff into her bag. The blue locket caught his attention as she placed it on her neck rather than inside the bag with the rest of the Wu. Her baby blue eyes connected to his emerald ones, then she quirked a brow.
He lightly scratched his cheek before opening his mouth, "Um, what's with that?"
Kimiko fiddled with the Wu before hiding it under her shirt's neckline; "It really goes with my style" she shrugged.
"You're such a girl!" Raimundo taunted, making Kimiko roll her eyes in annoyance,
"Well duh, I am a girl!"
Rai's chuckles slowly died as Clay zipped his bag pack and took off his hat. His blond hair was longer and in need of a good trimming. No doubt Kimiko would be up for it. Clay doesn't trust anyone else with his hair since Rai might do something with it and he can only trust Omi a pair of plastic scissors that can't even cut the thinnest sheet of parchment paper.
"Guess it's our last night huh?" he wondered aloud. Kimiko and Raimundo looked at each other and nodded to Clay. He sighed and ruffled his hair,
"I dunno 'bout you folks but I'm sure gonna miss all yer squabblin' and pranks. 'Specially yours Rai."
The Shoku warrior gave a proud smile and leisurely cleaned his nails with his chest, "Well I am the master prankster. Without me, life here would just be too la-me" Kimiko giggled a bit and gave a wide grin to Clay, "I'm going to miss your old western saying Clay. And your chilli was the best!" she praised.
The dragon of earth grinned as well, "Nah, 'can't take all the cred since it's Ol' Daddy Bailey's recipe!"
Raimundo crossed his arms and looked at the ceilings thoughtfully, "But I wonder, why should we be separated? We worked best as a team so what's with the personal trainers?"
"You guys are lucky" Kimiko sighed, "I got the shortest end of the stick."
"Master Huojin might not be so bad" Clay coaxed only to be rebuffed with Rai and Kimiko's 'Are-you-kidding?!' looks.
The sound of the door sliding open made them look at Omi who had a big sad face. His large eyes were akin to a puppy dog's and his hands were limp on his side. Kimiko wanted to squeal at the cuteness but the way he was acting was also heart-wrenching. The expression he displayed made Raimundo rethink his assessment entirely.
It will be Omi who will take the separation the hardest.
He now has friends he's always happy with and they will be fractionated for everyone's benefit; theirs and the world's. For Omi, five days will feel like decades, except if a Wu activates and whoever's near that area would join him to get it. Dojo seemed to know the master's secret training grounds but not all of them will permit a disturbance during training. Particularly, Master Huojin.
Raimundo stood up from his mat and walked towards Omi. He placed a hand on his head and rubbed it, which never failed to irritate the youngest monk, "Don't sweat it Omi, we'll be back here showing off our skills in no time. Plus, you're not going anywhere so don't touch any of my stuff!"
"Same goes for mine" Kimiko huffed before she offered a smile at him. She took out a smaller PDA from her pack and casually threw it at Omi. Upon reflex, Omi caught the PDA and looked at her.
"Oh, is this another game?"
"It's papa's latest prototype for 'Zombie Apocalypse', you can play with that if you get bored."
Omi pressed the button and blinked as the screen began to light up and the icon appeared. He can feel slight stinging in his eyes and mentally ordered them to return to the tear ducts. He will not breakdown. He is strong! He is the greatest! He is-
Tears slowly dripped from his chin which alerted his friends. They had never seen Omi openly weep like that and the boy looked as if he was fighting it with all he could but to no avail. Without any words, Clay marched and knelt down to Omi's level and patted his back. Rai placed a hand on his shoulder while Kimiko walked behind his shaking form and hugged him, her arms around his neck as he wiped the tears with his pajama sleeves.
"My-hic-my eyes might have had a contact with dust in the air-hic-"
None of them said a word. The only sound of zombies being shot at filled the room.
Master Fung breathed deeply as he looked at the monks' room. A breeze blew by as he closed his eyes and listened to the music of the night. He opened his eyes when he felt a weight on his shoulder.
"You really don't have to separate them ya know" Dojo casually said as he looked up at the stars. They looked so ageless and bright that he would have thought that they were the same stars that he and Dashi had looked up to upon once upon a time ago.
The monk released yet another sigh like he had been enduring a great deal of burden, "Yes they are powerful together. But they have to harness their own inner strength before they work together. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link."
Dojo looked at him with the corner of his eye before he returned his gaze on the stars, "I'm not gonna pretend to understand that, but I believe in those kids."
"As do I Dojo, as do I"
A/N: Well that's that. What do you think guys? Continue or take it down? I shall enforce my "Review per Update" rules. Most of you seem to know this but I will clarify: I will continue uploading chapters if I get reviews with the minimum of 3 to 5 depending on the FAVES and ALERTS. Yep, I'm a review whore so deal with it. Anyways, If you don't like it, just PM me and not just the simple "I don't like it THE END" c'mon, you should at least say why right? Oh, and no flames or I will keel you then kill you. :) Peace Out!