Long time no see! Unfortunately, this will never be complete, I've completely lost interest in any Xiaolin Showdown stories I have, so sorry to say that I'm moving on to other fandoms.

This series made my creativity flow in a direction I've never expected and it gave me the courage to share my ideas with the world. So Xiaolin Showdown will forever be in my heart for that.

It's sad that many stories won't see this light or an ending but it was a great journey while it lasted. The decision to put whatever rest of the story I have left was spontaneous but I hated how I would read fics that stopped and remained like that and at least this way, you can see what I wrote, however rough it may be.

Enjoy!

Kimiko heaved a sigh. She prayed that the head-monk was exaggerating when he described the initial indifference of his students. The lack of adversaries got the four used to a simple, easy routine. It made them overconfident and because of that the witch apprentice, Miwa, defeated them in an instant. Wuya's reappearance so late in the game was concerning and at the same time, it proved to be a good thing. She brought what could only be depicted as a motivation. Now that they had someone to evaluate themselves with, they could start making progress through competition. And from what she has witnessed, all of them were competitive, some more than others.

Currently, they were in a large training room. Outside, the light of the sun mixed with the delicate drizzle that started several hours ago. It was close to four in the afternoon and so far, she and Raimundo had decided to get to know the four dragons before they would begin training them.

She was one hundred percent sure that Joseph would become the leader. Despite not knowing their exact age, he certainly acted the oldest. He was stoic and protective to a fault of the others, going as far as – she believed – giving up his own life for theirs. He was also the peace keeper of the group, always trying to avert any incoming conflict between Kassie and Han.

Han, on the other hand, was his opposite. He was loud and stubborn and didn't hesitate to make his opinion known. He, most of the time, bickered with Kassie the only other one who could match his temper. But she noticed he was quite smart underneath that entire obnoxious attitude. If given a situation, she was sure he would come up with an ingenious battle plan. Definitely the second in command and strategist of the team.

Suna was a kind spirit. She noticed her determination and perseverance every time she talked about training or her friends. She was somewhat of a perfectionist, however, but she lacked confidence. She didn't consider herself a fighter and she hated conflict. She, most of the time, aided Joseph in calming her other teammates and didn't effectively participate in team planning. She chose to stay on the sidelines and be of help by treating their injuries.

Kassie was the wild card of the group. She was passionate, brave and very independent. That sometimes led to fights and disagreements, especially with Han. She had a sharp tongue and couldn't help being brutally honest in her opinions. At first, it looked as if that was all there was about the British amazon, but a closer glance said otherwise. Under her tough exterior, she was a frail girl, loyal and caring but afraid of rejection, of being disappointed. Trust was a precious thing for her and she was careful who she bestowed it upon.

All in all, they had great potential. Nonetheless, it would be a long way until they could successfully fight as one. That thought made the previous dragon of fire somewhat concerned regarding the upcoming battle. Besides not knowing the exact extent of their enemy's abilities, Kimiko had doubts whether the two of them could get the four humans up to a level where they would be able to efficiently fend off Hollows. They had no idea how lucky they were for having powers, she mused thoughtfully.

"So, are we done here?" Kassie's impatient voice snapped Kimiko back into reality. She quickly recovered and smiled kindly at the girl, scowling right after when the girl flippantly brushed her off. She was about to snap at her lack of respect when Raimundo placed his hand on her knee, halting her.

"We'll spend the rest of the day working out a program for your training. You are free to do anything you want for the rest of the day." He then swiftly grabbed Kimiko and stepped out of the room without seeming in a hurry or desperate to get away in the slightest.

Out in the hallway, she snatched her arm out of Raimundo's grasp and glared at him. "That girl will learn respect in the 'very painful' way." She half-growled half-stated.

The brunet smirked and rolled his eyes. "What? You've gotten used to everyone bowing wherever you walk?" He gasped. "I knew it! You've taken lessons from Soifon!" Kimiko punched him. Rai didn't make any move to dodge and took the way too underpowered hit in the shoulder with a laugh.

"Of course you'd defend her. I'm sure she must be your descendant with how annoying she is."

"She's not annoying, you just let her get under your skin. She didn't even do much back there."

They were right in front of the chamber that Master Ren assigned them. It had a wide entrance that revealed a hall where they could meditate or just hang around and on the other side there were two sliding doors made from a soft yet strong paper like material.

Kimiko sighed loudly, stomping straight to a cushion and dropping down. "She was rude. You do not dismiss an elder like that. And what's with that 'I don't care about anything' attitude of hers?"

"It's called a personality. We all have one. And you're showing attitude right now." Rai pointed out calmly, enjoying the glower on his best friend's face. If anything, it made the woman look even more beautiful to him. "Come on, Kim, just think a bit! She was the most vocal when Master Ren practically gave up on them. It may take a while for everything to sink in. Just give her time."

He almost saw her resolve crumbling. Kimiko's shoulders slouched and she took a deep breath. Smiling victoriously, Rai sat next to her. "You saw it; she's a softie on the inside. It's the exterior you gotta get through with."

The lack haired girl leaned on him, smiling knowingly. "You're dumping her on me, don't you?"

"She's difficult and I'm having a hard time remembering her name." Kimiko chuckled, her face inches away from his. It wasn't often they had the occasion to spend time alone. Back in Soul Society, they both had their own set of duties to perform, people to command, reports to make and other papers to endlessly sort through. If the stakes weren't that high, they could almost pretend they were on a mini-vacation.

"We should really start planning for tomorrow. These guys need a good training and we have to figure out the patrol schedule." He said quietly, still staring in Kimiko's blue eyes.

The girl just made herself more comfortable. "Just enjoy yourself for a bit, would you?" She leaned forward and slowly, as if they have forgotten how to, their lips touched. The kiss lasted for a few seconds but it was enough to convey all that mattered.

They smiled at each other when a cough had them face the doorway. Dojo smirked. From behind him, Daris looked on thoughtfully, still a bit pissed over the fact that his mentor refused to clear his questions.

"Well, if we're interrupting something we can come back later." The old dragon said amused.

"I wouldn't mind." Rai returned dismissively. Kimiko shot him a look and the brunet raised his hands as a surrender sign. "Or you can stay."

Dojo shook his head and invited himself in, heading for the nearby mat. Daris followed obediently. "I take it things are good with you?"

"Some make it an everyday adventure." Kimiko shrugged.

"It does help that something happens every month. That Ichigo kid can't live a day without getting involved in a mess."

The raven haired girl tilted her head disapprovingly. "Come on, now! Most of the stuff that happened was our fault…"

"I'm not saying it in a bad way. He actually brings some color into our lives…and he has a good sense of justice."

"Hey, don't mind us; we're just staying here with no idea what you're talking about. It's not like it matters or anything…" Dojo snapped half-heartedly. Daris snickered despite the claws trying to cover it.

"Nah, just your run of the mill dimensional crisis." Raimundo shrugged with a small smirk. "So what can you tell us about the situation here?"

Dojo scratched his chin as he settled on a mat. "Nothing big yet."

"If you don't count that Miwa girl." Muttered his nephew next to him at which he nodded.

"Yeah, I believe Wuya is planning something. These guys came to the temple about two years ago and nobody significant showed up until now. With Hannibal gone and Chase locked in the Ying-Yang world, their only opponents have been antiques collectors."

"And the hollows?" Kimiko asked.

"They started appearing a few months ago. Dumb and weak. Not much of a challenge." Said Daris. "The kids think they're some sort of Heylin monsters. I'd lie if I said I ain't curious what they really are though." He grounded looking pointedly at Dojo. The older dragon, however, found the texture of Kimiko's haori very inquiring so he, just as pointedly, ignored the comment.

The two rolled their eyes and the matter was dropped despite the younger dragon's ire. They spent the rest of the afternoon idly chatting about their new lives and daily stuffs, therefore Daris gave up searching for answers. Apparently he would have to do it himself, only if that weird familiar feeling would kindly start to help him.

- Xiaolin Showdown –

The night at the temple was usually silent. The sky was dark with some clouds still lingering above and the cold wind sweeping through the hallways singing eerily along with the old creaking boards. Joseph has never liked that about his home. It reminded him too much of what he had left behind, of his blood family who weren't any more among the living. It felt like being on the streets again, always worrying what he would find beyond the next corner while his younger brother and sister watched from behind him…

He shuddered.

A chilling sense of doom washed over him that he was sure it had nothing to do with the weather. He stopped to listen, to look, but everything was unmoving. Finally, he blamed it on paranoia and the countless sleepless nights. A nervous laugh and he was walking again, heading for the kitchen like always, unknowing of the hungry yellow orbs trailing his every step.

- Bleach -

They stalked its prey carefully, pawed limbs daintily touching the floor as the creature shifted its body to keep the boy in sight. A slender spiked tail swung in a lazy fashion at its rear while a wide maw opened a little as if tasting the warm flesh. Before it could have the opportunity, a spike of energy appeared behind it. The white colored creature didn't react fast enough when a blade cleanly cut through its skull and the body slowly dissolved into thin air as if it was never there.

The sword retreated back to its sheath, his owner gently stroking the hilt as he pushed the blade beneath the haori. Raimundo looked at what the hollow had been so interested in and tilted his head in thought. The blonde haired boy was in the dining area, sitting in complete darkness.

He pondered for a moment whether he should approach him. He discarded that thought as quickly as it came and instead flashed away, on the roof of the rooms he and Kimiko were given. The girl joined him as he was lying down on his back, ready to go to sleep.

"It was a hollow." He answered before she could even open her mouth.

"Oh." She nodded and watched him for a few seconds before suddenly kicking him.

Raimundo jolted up holding his side. "What's wrong with you?"

Kimiko glared back. "What's wrong with you? We're supposed to keep an eye out for more hollows."

"Firstly, would you keep it down? Secondly, I know that very well. You can hop around as much as you want but I won't exhaust myself by searching every nook and cranny of this place for something that may not even be there. Let's just focus on those kids for now and if the hollows attack we kick their butt. End of the story." He smirked and Kimiko rolled her eyes.

"Rai…"

"Kimiko…"

"Ugh, fine. Do what you want."

Before she could leap away into the night, however, she felt them. Several of them, all weak but staking out the temple very near to where they were. There was no need for words. Both Raimundo and Kimiko didn't waste a second as they disappeared in pursuit of the hollows.

- Xiaolin Showdown –

The next day the rain stopped. Raimundo and Kimiko woke up the Wudai warriors early in the morning and dragged them outside to train. Kassie was pumped, but the same couldn't be said about her fellow monks. Han and Joseph tried to look awake while Suna was struggling to keep her head up. After the disastrous training from yesterday, the four were still sour and bruised and in no mood for a second round. Alas, the choice was not up to them.

Kimiko clapped her hands, snapping four pair of eyes at attention. "Okay, guys. Rai and I talked and we've decided to split up the team for now. See what you can do on your own and help you improve wherever you need. So I'll take the girls and Rai will take the boys. Any questions?"

There were none. More likely, their brains were a bit too slow to completely understand what the woman has just said.