(WARNING: This chapter might shock some of you. Can't warn you properly without revealing the event, but just be warned!)

(Sorry for the long wait with this chapter. Hope you like it. Leave me a review, since I would like a lot more than I've received. Thank you!)

CHAPTER FOUR: ANOTHER BROKEN PROMISE

Kimiko stomped down the hallway bitterly, breathing heavily through her nose, as if it would lighten her rage. Fury threatened to burst from her in the form of her element; but Kimiko had learnt to control it better now. She clenched her hands into fist, feeling like she could explode at any given moment. She felt as though she could have strangled someone, right there, without so much as a second thought.

A thousand thoughts were swimming in her head, adding to her anger by the second. With a frustrated scream, Kimiko flung her fist at the grey wall, earning nothing for her efforts but a large, dented, crack in the wall and an aching hand. A few fireballs had sprouted from her fist in her momentary lapse, but they were minor in comparison to others she had created in the past. She rested against the wall for a moment, panting heavily.

How could her master have degraded her in such a way; to demote her to such a meaningless task? It simply was not fair. He was cruel, and Kimiko had known his cruel side in the past, but she had assumed that was all behind her now. She was supposed to be his apprentice, how could he have placed such a weak role upon her shoulders? Why now? Had she not served him well? He had even told her himself that she had handled the situation that morning beautifully! Was that not enough proof that she was devoted to him? Tending to the wounded was something that a few enslaved women did; did Chase really value her as much as a slave now? The nerve of him…

She pushed herself away from the cracked wall and turned the corner of the corridor, making her way swiftly towards some double doors at the other end of the corridor, which were guarded by two of Chase's human guards. The doors led to a small outdoor area, which Chase used to admire the blood-red sky occasionally. She, however, used it as a cool-down area for when she was in one of her rages. Kimiko needed some fresh air to calm her down. The imprisonment inside Chase's home was beginning to irritate her, as she was never allowed to leave without cause. Not that she wanted to leave Chase permanently, she was happy here, but in her current mood, even unlocking her memories would have enraged her beyond reason.

There was no doubt about it: Kimiko was more furious than she could remember ever being before.

When the two humans spotted Kimiko marching towards them with outrage obvious on her face; they exchanged worried glances and gulped. They tightened their grips on their unsheathed weapons attached to their belts and straightened their slouches, attempting to look more dominant, but they held no delusions over who was in charge. She halted in front of them, looking at them both expectantly. When they didn't move, as they should have done, she spoke.

"Well? Move out of my way." She commanded harshly with authority in her voice. She folded her arms, waiting for them to move. They exchanged worried glances again, before one of them spoke shakily.

"I apologize, miss. 'is Majesty has ordered that no one is to leave wivout 'is perrmission, especially yourself, miss." He spoke in a strong cockney accent, clearly but shakily; almost as if he was trying to stop himself trembling. He cleared his throat, before looking at her nervously, almost as if he were afraid of her reaction.

"I don't care. Move, or I'll make you move, coward. I can't go anywhere from out there." Kimiko spat, glaring at them both. They tightened their grips again as she glared; she meant business. The Londoner spoke again.

"Sorry, miss. Chase's orders." He said quickly, before adding in a more apologetic tone, "I can't very well let'choo froo 'ere when I've bin' ordered not too, can I?" The guard asked, attempting to sound reasonable, but Kimiko was beyond reasoning.

In one swift movement, she thrust her fist, hitting the guard squarely in the stomach, winding him. The armour he wore could not protect him from Kimiko's power, particularly when she was annoyed. Kimiko had always had anger issues, ever since she could remember, and no matter how much Chase tried to train her to control them, she simply couldn't. She found that when she was annoyed, she was more powerful than ever.

He coughed, crouching over, clutching his stomach, and trying to regain his stolen breath. The other sprang into action; but she was too fast for him. She had already seized the sword from its' holster on the guards belt's. She raised it deftly, holding it dangerously close to his chest. He raised his arms in surrender, knowing that she had won.

"Pathetic humans! Let me pass!" Kimiko snarled, switching her aim of the light sword between the two guards, who exchanged worried glances again. The Londoner nodded at the other, who backed away from the doors slowly with his arms still raised, looking nervous. Kimiko threw the sword at his feet and marched through the doors defiantly, stepping into the cool air.

On the other side of the palace, Chase was sitting in his throne. He sighed, as if he were tired, before muttering under his breath:

"Oh Kimiko, how you have disappointed me today…" He lifted his elbow onto the armrest of his chair and rested his face upon his fist, looking merely bored, but the way his thick eyebrows knotted together showed that Chase had much more on his mind that boredom.

"Your Majesty?" One of the guards who watched over his throne room grunted from the other side of the room. There were only four people in the room; Chase, two guards and a slave girl who saw to it that Chase's home was constantly cleaned. She was busy scrubbing the floors with a hand brush and a bucket of water at the moment. It was amazing how dirty the floors could get in such a short amount of time. The slave girl was one of many, but her duty was to the throne room; one of the highest positions a maid could hope to attain in Chase's palace.

"She grows ever more curious about why I hold her secrets." He told the guard, who didn't have the faintest idea what he was talking about. Chase had no advisors, or allies. He didn't need them; his conquest for world domination was almost over. Even if all the rebels he knew of grouped together and launched an attack, they would be no match for him. He was unstoppable now, but he missed having Wuya around sometimes; she was someone to talk to. He had replaced her counsel with Kimiko, but in light of the circumstances, he was alone.

"Her curiosity has gotten the better of her, and now she will try desperately to get her memory back. I cannot allow this to happen." He continued to the confused guard, who kept nodding as if he understood. "Now, in her heart, she knows that the world was not in this glorious state. All the work I have put in to try and mould her to what she is, destroyed by a human…" He spat the last word with disgust.

He was silent for a moment, before standing up, and looking around his empty throne room. It was all too quiet. Chase found himself snarling at the two guards at the end of the room with malice. His mood had changed instantly. "Bring me the boy whom Kimiko took to her chambers. See he comes to no harm on his journey here. I want him alive and well. Use restraints if necessary, but other than that, see he comes to no harm."

"Your Majesty…" The Guards bowed with respect, before leaving promptly to retrieve the boy.

Chase sat back in his throne, before diverting his attention to the slave girl scrubbing the floors.

"You." He snapped, staring at her. She looked up nervously, as if she were unsure whether Chase Young was actually addressing her, as her presence was usually ignored. She stood up and curtsied. Chase couldn't help but notice that she was shaking with fear. What a wonderful world he had created. It was what he had always wanted; for mere mortal's to finally learn their place: beneath him.

"Your highness?" She squeaked fearfully, not daring to meet his frightful eyes.

"Go and get Kimiko. Tell her I require her presence." He commanded coldly.

"Yes, your highness." She curtsied again, before scurrying towards the door, as fast as her trembling knees would take her. The bucket and the hand brush lay forgotten. Chase Young let out a loud cough, to which she jumped, realising her error instantly. She quickly scurried to retrieve them, whispering her apologies and rushing to exit. Chase smirked nastily.

"Instruct her to retrieve the sword from my chambers. Bring them both here." Chase added dominantly as the girl fled from his sight. Her trembling legs couldn't carry her fast enough as she rushed to obey his orders.

The corners of Chase Young's mouth curled into a sinister smile.

Raimundo flicked the greasy hair from his eyes, staring blankly at the crackling fire.

"Well, when me and Clay were in town we heard a whisper about there being rebel camps forming all over the place. The people have really had it with Chase Young now. We met with Switchblade, who told us that there are rumours amongst rebels that Master Monk Guan is still alive and training the humans for battle… If that's true…"

Dojo's voice trailed off as Raimundo stopped listening. He swayed slightly, hugging his knees. Switchblade was a hooded figure, who chose to keep himself concealed at all times. He moved between rebel groups, collecting information about Chase and rebels plans, camps and leaders. The monks needed this information, but he demanded a price. The often had to resort to stealing money in order to pay him. It was shameful, stealing from those they were supposed to protect, but it was hard for them to get money otherwise, and usually Switchblade's information was too useful to discard.

"Rai? You listenin'?" Clay's voice rang through the blur of empty thoughts, flittering around inside his head.

"What?" He asked dejectedly, looking at Clay, who's face fell when he realised that Raimundo hadn't been listening to Dojo. He looked hurt that Raimundo had failed to follow the conversation. He was barely able to concentrate anymore. He often found himself drifting into a warm, safe place, where Kimiko would smile at the sight of him, and her eyes weren't like his.

"Right, Rai. I'm sorry, but I've had about as much as I can take with you." Clay started, getting to his feet, pointing his chubby finger in his face. "Either you buck up, or when we get in there to get Kim, his warrior's are gonna be all over us like stink on a skunk. You better get your head in the game partner, or this is gonna be a damn suicide mission."

Raimundo saw red, and smacked his hand away from his face. "What's the point? Kim's probably just gonna kill us anyway. Her mind isn't hers anymore, dude. Unless she gets her head back, Kim ain't leaving that place. He could have done anything to her. Dude, we don't even know if she's still alive!"

Clay put his giant hand on his shoulder, giving him a small, comforting shake. "Partner, you can't think like that. You're a Xiaolin Dragon, and we need you…" Clay met Raimundo's eyes. " Somewhere inside Kimiko, she's tryin' to get out of her prison, and she can't. I don't know how to get her out of this deal, but we gotta try."

Raimundo's bottom lip quivered, and suddenly, he could bare it no longer. A strangled sob escaped his throat and he looked at the floor, unable to meet anyone's eyes. He pulled his knees up to his chest and hugged them tightly and buried his head into them to shield his rapidly falling tears.

Omi, clay and Dojo could do little else but stare in shock.

No one had ever seen Raimundo break down before; not even in the hardest of times. He'd been distant and vacant, but never broken.

"What if… she's acting of her own free will now? What if Chase did something to her and she's not… Kim anymore?" Raimundo's muffled voice was shaky. It was impossible to miss the pain in his voice now, and the pause before he said her name only intensified the obvious pain.

"Rai…" Clay spoke softly, "Kimiko is more stubborn than a mule. I don't think that she'd ever go over to the dark side on purpose. All that time before, she was just pretendin' for our sakes so that we'd get her the hell outta there faster."

All was silent for a while. When Raimundo did not move, or even acknowledge that Clay has spoken, he continued comfortingly, trying to reassure Raimundo.

"We gotta believe that Kim's still in there, fighting, Rai. Kim's gonna be in there, just tryin' to get outta that hell, and you sitting here mopin' isn't gonna change her situation. More than ever, Kim needs you now. She's still Kim, Rai. She's just been brainwashed with evil. Why can't you see that?"

There was no response…

Chase Young raised his head attentively as the sound of footsteps echoed around him, alerting him that the warriors had found their subject. Sure enough, moments later, the doors swung open, revealing two of his most trusted warriors, dragging a protesting boy between them. His arms were cuffed behind his back and he was writhing, spitting abuse and swearing loudly, attempting with all his might to break loose, but he was aching all over. His arm was throbbing, his chest was twanging and his head was pulsing, as well as all the other aches and pains, like a thousand needles stabbing away at different parts of his body.

When Jimmy's eyes fell upon Chase Young, he was struggling more than ever, writhing and yelling, kicking and swearing more fiercely than before. The soldiers had wrapped their fingers around his muscular arms, and despite his efforts, were dragging him along easily.

"What is your name, boy?" The man spoke in a commanding tone, altering Jimmy to who was in charge. The boy was still struggling as the guards threw him forwards onto the floor. He landed on his knees, almost losing his balance and toppling forwards. Chase gave a curt nod towards one of the guards, who placed his heavy boot against Jimmy's back, forcing him forwards into a kneeling position.

"I am pleased you humans have finally learned your place," Chase mused mostly to himself, before pacing before the bowing boy. Jimmy glared up with hatred, breathing heavily.

"Well, your name?" The man questioned impatiently, stopping before him and staring at him expectantly. The boy spoke no response, but merely spat at Chase with a determined look on his face.

Chase looked disgusted. He brought his foot forwards faster than Jimmy could register. His boot struck his face hard, and after the explosion of pain that knocked him backwards, the guards hoisted him roughly onto his knees again. He could already feel his lip beginning to swell from a split in his bottom lip, which, from the metallic taste in his mouth, Jimmy assumed was bleeding. He breathed heavily,

The corners of Chase's mouth curled into a harsh smile, before he knotted his gloved fingers in Jimmy's greasy hair painfully tight and yanked his head upright sharply, so that Jimmy's soft, brown eyes met his.

Coldly, Chase tried again. "Your name, peasant?"

"Go to hell." Jimmy panted breathlessly, waiting for the inevitable blow that he would surely be subjected to. He didn't even flinch as Chase raised his fist. If he was going to die, he wouldn't go out easily, like so many before him.

But the blow never came.

Just as he had raised his fist, the doors on the other side of the room swung open. The slave girl had returned, carrying the sword with outstretched arms. Behind her, trudged Kimiko, looking rather disgruntled.

Chase released his grip on the boy instantly, who gasped with relief.

"Kimiko." Chase greeted her with a slight smile on his face. Jimmy raised his head sharply. Just as he was about to turn, the warrior placed his boot upon the boys back again, forcing him back down against the floor. Kimiko returned his greeting with a curt nod, trying to hide her scowl. She paid no attention to the kneeling boy at Chase's feet, assuming him to be just another peasant.

"Bring me my sword, Kimiko." Chase ordered.

"Yes, sire." Kimiko moved to take the sword from the slave girl, who looked like she would have given anything to be away from Chase. Her arms were trembling slightly as Kimiko took the sword from her grasp. The girl soon scurried from sight.

Kimiko was not so respectable, particularly in her current mood, and carried the sword casually. Grasping it with one hand, she walked across the majestic room towards her master. She reluctantly bowed and raised it above her head, presenting to him with her arms outstretched. She was still bitter towards him. He took the sword from her hands slowly.

"Thank you, Kimiko." Chase said simply before lifting the sword upright.

Kimiko moved behind her master, standing up straight and elegantly. She was staring at the sword with curiosity, watching as Chase examined its' razor sharp edges.

"You are wondering why I have requested the presence of you, and my sword, when I require them so little." Chase said with amusement, not even turning to look at her. His statement was not intended as a question.

"I am." She replied, not taking her eyes from the steel blade.

"This…" Chase paused, gesturing at Jimmy, "peasant believes himself capable of denying me."

Kimiko glanced at the boy, looking away again quickly. She didn't realise who it was until a moment later. She looked back to his face. Those soft brown eyes were fixed upon her as her eyes widened in surprise. All bitterness and rage vanished instantly.

"Jimmy…" Kimiko's voice was barely more than a whisper as the realisation sank in. She knew all too well what was coming now. It was too late. Doom was approaching swiftly, and nothing would be able to halt it.

"So that is your name…" Chase tilted his head, staring at the boy with interest, but then he turned back to Kimiko.

"Your little "friend" here has poisoned you, Kimiko. He is one of our enemies, wishing only to corrupt our kingdom. His kind wants to destroy all we have built. The rebels must be eradicated." Chase turned to face her this time, speaking softly, almost alluringly. Kimiko's face flickered with confusion. A slight smile twisted upon Chase's face.

"Don't listen to him!" Jimmy shouted loudly over Chase's words.

"SILENCE!" Chase bellowed at him. "You see, young monk. The boy has no respect for us. Scum like this are of no use to us, or our kingdom." Chase spat harshly, raising his sword to Jimmy's chest. He pressed the blade into him, without breaking the skin.

"I… don't understand…" Kimiko said timidly. She was too confused. Her head was screaming at her to believe Chase, but her heart was telling her that there was some truth to Jimmy's words.

"What is there to understand, Kimiko? This worm is an enemy, trying to crumble this world at its' roots from the inside." Chase didn't take his eyes from the boy. He snapped the fingers in his left hand, and the guards hoisted Jimmy to his feet.

Once again, Jimmy spat at Chase's feet, glaring with hatred.

Chase moved in closer to Jimmy, looking furious, but amused at the same time.

"How do you believe this will end, Jimmy?" Chase snarled into his ear venomously.

"This world will one day realise what a tyrant you are, and the rebels you've worked so hard to kill will become too many." Jimmy hissed furiously at Chase, his voice barely more than a whisper, "They'll march in here, and you'll be defenceless, and when this palace crumbles into ruin, I only hope you get crushed in the rubble, like the insect you are."

With that, Chase threw back his head and let out a bellowing laugh. Kimiko stared, her eyes wide with confusion. When Chase's laugh subsided, he leant in close to Jimmy, whispering almost.

"The rebels will be wiped out, one by one…" A pause. "And you are no exception."

Jimmy's eyes turned to Kimiko's face and at that moment, he knew, the Kimiko he had known was in there somewhere. A slight smile found its' way onto his face.

It happened so fast. It was over before Kimiko had time to react. All she could do was stare in horror. A single gasp escaped her throat.

There was a determined cry from Chase as plunged his sword, straight into Jimmy's stomach and up into his chest. There was a strangled groan and a horrible squelching sound as the steel pierced through his body. Jimmy lifted his head, consumed with pain. His face twisted into one filled with agony.

Blood began dripping instantly, trickling down Chase's sword and hand and onto the floor. The warriors released their grips emotionlessly, leaving just Chase holding the boys shoulder.

Chase smiled maliciously, before withdrawing his sword with yet another nasty squelch. The smirk on his face remained as he released his grip on the boy, pushing him backwards. He fell, unable to stop himself, and landed on his back. There was a horrible choking noise as his throat began to make rasping noises. Blood began to spill from his lips. His body trembled violently.

Chase turned away, his smirk gone. He simply looked like he didn't care. He threw his sword at one of the warriors, who caught it skilfully by the handle.

"Clean my sword. I do not wish to have this filthy rebels blood stain it for much longer." He spat in Jimmy's direction, before turning away from the unmoving boy on the throne room's floor. The guards bowed, even thought Chase's back was turned, and swiftly left the throne room.

Kimiko stared in horror at what had just happened.

Chase turned towards her and stroked her cheek gently, "Rebels like him are dangerous, Kimiko. I cannot risk them corrupting this kingdom. When their numbers are lesser, I will assign you a more deserving task. I do not blame you for going behind my back now. I should have known that this scum would mislead you. The enemy are poisonous. I will destroy all who oppose me, and then we shall have a perfect world." He crooned softly, almost with affection. He dropped his hand from her cheek.

She couldn't even bring herself to face him. Kimiko simply stared. Her legs had turned to jelly. Even speaking was impossible. Her mouth gaped dumbly. She was at a loss of everything. Her mind had gone blank. No emotion, no words. There was simply nothing.

"Dispose of his body, then fetch the girl to clean this place up." Chase told her softly, flashing a smile. He walked away, leaving her alone.

Suddenly, the feeling in her legs returned.

"Jimmy!" She cried, crashing onto her knees beside him. His eyes wheeled, searching for her, and when they found her, he started to choke on his own blood, gasping for air. Kimiko lifted his head with her hand, helping his breathing slightly.

"Kim…" He managed to gasp in between coughs. Kimiko panicked. They both knew he was too late too save. There was something pink and squidgy-looking poking out from Jimmy's wound, which made Kimiko gag, and they were both in the centre of a puddle of blood. The wound was still gushing blood, like a river.

"Shh…" She whispered, taking his hand in hers comfortingly.

"He's… l-lying…" Jimmy spluttered.

"You just rest now…" Kimiko stammered, her hands shaking. "You're going to be fine… I promise." She lied, giving his hand a squeeze.

"Don't… break… p-promise." Jimmy's breaths began to grow slower and his whole body was shaking. He choked again, and Kimiko raised his head.

"I'm not, Jimmy. You're going to be fine, really. It's not even that bad." Kimiko lied again.

"K-Kim… I'm s-scared… C-come… c-close…" He whispered, and she could barely hear him now. He was so quiet. They both knew it was going to be over soon.

She leant down, bringing her ear close to his bloody lips. His eyes were starting to slide shut slowly, and he wasn't coughing anymore. He was still shaking, but less violently. Trembling, she squeezed his hand.

"F-find… R-Rai…" Jimmy whispered softly, and with a final gasp of air, the life in his eyes faded.

She stared for a moment, letting the realisation hit her.

"I'm sorry…" Kimiko bent down and kissed his cheek softly. She knew now that tears were cascading down her cheeks and a great sadness filled her heart.

His hand drooped lifelessly in hers, and Jimmy knew no more.

As his eyes finally slid shut, a single tear fell from his eye.

Kimiko wiped her eyes; feeling like her heart was breaking.

There was no hate in Kimiko, only sadness. It wasn't just sadness for the enemy who had helped her.

It was more than that.

She had known him beforehand. She was sure of it. Jimmy was someone who had meant something to her. He must have been.

Back before Chase had ruled.

The sadness in her heart wasn't something that she had ever experienced before, and she couldn't explain where it had come from.

Whoever Jimmy had been to her before, he had meant something. Never had she cried, or showed much emotion at a rebel's death. This was something more.

This was care. Kimiko had cared for this boy.

Even up till his death, he had helped her.

With a sniff, she composed herself, remembering Jimmy's clue in his dying moments: "Find Rai."

Her heart dropped when she realised she had made two promises to the boy that she had broken: that he would be fine, and she had promised that she wouldn't kill him.

Wasn't that exactly what she had done?

(Please, please, please review! I get people who read but who don't review! Reviews are what make me write! I'm disappointed with the number of reviews I've gotten on this Fic so far!)

(That was depressing to write to be honest!)

(R.I.P Jimmy! Aren't I gooey?)

(I've been advised to say that I own Jimmy's character, just so he's copyrighted and no one can steal him. I also own the rather mysterious Switchblade, who, by the way, just popped into my head as I wrote this chapter, and even I'm curious about him! To my knowledge, this plot is also my own. Other than that, I own nothing!)