Disclaimer:

Ladies and gentlemen, to day I was shocked, shocked to learn that I did not create Xiaolin Showdown. I'm sorry to say that I was not responsible for its creation either. Now, you'll have to excuse me. I have a science experiment that needs my attention. I will use state of the art technology (cough… duct tape… cough) to bond a rare, super special awesome metal to a cat. This metal is known as explodium, and once bonded with the cat, the Caterine will become the best at what he does. Exploding!


Chapter Five

Welcome to the Island

A flock of birds soared blithely across a crimson orange sky towards a long range of tree covered mountains while the sun dipped slowly behind them. The lush foliage rustled gently, giving the treetops the appearance of ebbing water. Looking down at the peaceful view from the cockpit of the Silver Manta Ray, Raimundo steered the mystical transport to the left, deciding to take closer look at the terrain.

"Hard to believe it's been a month since we saw Clay and Omi." Kimiko leaned back in the chair next him.

"Time flies when you train like crazy." Raimundo glanced at her with a smile.

"Crazy is an understatement. You spent the last two weeks training for twenty hours a day," Kimiko stated dryly. "You never did say what was bothering you though. You seemed a bit distracted for last two weeks."

"Just anxious to start this tourney." Not to mention the fact that your old pal tried to kill me. Raimundo returned his attention to flying. "You know this'll turn out to be more trouble than it's worth."

"For the chance to wish for anything we want, I'm willing to give it a go." Kimiko turned to face him. "So… what are going to wish for if we win?"

"Honestly, I haven't though too much about that." Raimundo flashed a lopsided grin. "Maybe I'll wish to be the greatest surfer in history, and you can be my beach bunny."

"Don't bet on it." Kimiko smiled mischievously. "I'd sooner shove the board up your butt and light it on fire."

"Hey, it's my wish. I can use it anyway I want to," Raimundo laughed. "What how about you?"

"I might use my wish to get you a pretty stuffed bear to go with that cute little bitty teddy bear of yours," Kimiko teased in an infants voice.

"I told you, his name is Ninja Fred and I only keep him to…" Raimundo glanced around trying to come up with a plausible reason. "…To ward off evil spirits."

"Sure Rai."

Clearing the mountain range, Raimundo found himself flying over a large open field of lush grass. A few thick trees towered over the field and a hand full of large boulders littered the area. The grassy field ended in a large lake filled with crystal clear water while an ancient wooden boat floated at the waters edge. The deck of the Germanic looking vessel was already beginning to fill with people, while more slowly made their way up the boarding ramp.

"That's a lot of people." Raimundo turned the controls to the right, circling around the field as he took in the number of people who filled it. "Don't suppose they came to see us off."

"It's not like we're going to have to fight them all." Kimiko stared out the window. "I hope."

"Just once I would like to go on a quest that's easy." Finding an open spot, Raimundo brought the Silver Manta Ray in for a soft landing. Opening the cockpit, he jumped down to the ground and waited until Kimiko did the same before returning the Wu to its normal size.

"Hey guys."

Raimundo smiled at the familiar voice and turned to spot Dojo riding on Clay's shoulder as they headed over with Omi at their side. "Dude, it's good to see you again." meeting them halfway, Raimundo greeted Clay while Kimiko gave him a quick hug.

"I am pleased that you arrived safely," Omi said with a bow. "And I am most anxious to demonstrate how much more impressive I have become."

"Good to see you too, Omi." Kimiko smiled. "So how was Texas?"

"Nothin' like a trip home to make the heart grow fonder," Clay replied. "Plus I picked up a few new moves."

"Clay, as much as I would like to share our amazing rise in power, our training should not be discussed." Omi turned towards Clay. "Raimundo and Kimiko will simply have to wait for me to win the tournament to witness my new abilities."

"Aren't we a team?" Raimundo asked.

"We are, but since I am the most skillful and capable one among us, it is only natural that I will be the one to win for us."

"Nice to see you're still a beacon of modesty." Raimundo laughed.

"Who says you're the strongest anyway?" Kimiko stepped over to Omi. "I've been training too. Maybe I'm the strongest out of us now."

Omi glanced up at Kimiko for a moment before letting out an amused laugh. "But you are just a girl. A girl cannot…"

"Can't what?" Kimiko interrupted.

"Hey is that a Wu?" Dojo hopped down to the ground a plucked the Silver Manta Ray from Raimundo's hand. "I'll take that and any other Wu you guys have since you can't take them with you."

"How come?" Clay inquired.

"Rules of the Faye." Dojo pulled out a large bag and deposited the Wu into it as the four dragons emptied their pockets. "Seems they don't let any magical items into their territory except for their own."

"How soon tell the boat leaves?" Raimundo glanced around.

"Soon, so you guys better get over and sign in." Dojo used the Changing Chopsticks to shrink the bag before stuffing it into his ear. "Catch you later."

Kimiko looked over towards Dojo. "You're not coming?"

"Nope, that boat's just for contestants. Master Fung and I will be watching from the temple. You won't believe how much they charge to see the tourney on Faye per view." Dojo grew to flying size and took off into the calm sky. "I'll see you when you get back."

"Faye per view?" Raimundo glanced at Clay, but his only response was a shrug. Dismissing the comment, Raimundo and the others began to make their way through the mass of gathered fighters and head for the small table that was set up next to the boarding ramp.

"Guess they let anyone into this thing."

"Aw crap." Raimundo rolled his eyes as turned to the direction the voice had come from. He let out a sigh, recognizing the Fallen Dragon of Metal as he leaned against a large boulder wearing his black combat robes with the steal plated gloves and boots.

"I guess they have low standards, Bob." Ayane sat on top of the boulder with an annoyed expression on her face.

"Look who's talking." Kimiko shot the girl an angry look. "How'd you get an invite anyway?"

"Because we helped defeat Tsu Lan the same as you did." Rin Anor stepped out of the crowed, clad in her usual black dress and moved a lock of her long, flowing, olive green hair from her face.

"Always nice to see the old hag." Raimundo faked a smile at the sight of the woman who had turned Alex, Ayane, and Bob to the Heylin side years ago. "How's life treating you as normal person?"

"Is that anyway to greet an old acquaintance?" Rin smiled coldly. "It's been so long since we've seen each other, little warrior."

"Not long enough by my count." Clay crossed his arms.

"I ought to cave your face in here and now." Bob took a step forward but a hand from Rin stopped him.

"So why are you here?" Kimiko shifted her gaze from Rin to Ayane. "Shouldn't you be off in an ally eating a soup bone and working through your daddy issues?"

"How's about ya shut your hole, or would ya like ta be buried under one of these tree's?" Ayane vaulted off the rock and landed next to Bob with her glowing fingers tensed, ready to attack.

"Aw, did I hit a nerve?" Kimiko smiled, clearly enjoying the aggravation she was causing her raven haired rival.

"It's obvious why they're here." Raimundo laughed. "Since the mother hag has gone and gotten neutered, I'm betting they wanna get her mojo back."

"Maybe you should watch your mouth." Alex stepped out of the crowd. "The only reason Rin lost her powers was because she decided to help you fight off Dai Gui. A little gratitude would be nice."

"If you think we're going to let get you her powers back then you'll have go through me." Raimundo locked his gaze on Alex.

"Okay." Alex flashed a grin an instant before he threw his hand forward and fired a bolt of lightning that nailed Raimundo square on the chest.

"Now, now Alex, you needn't waste your time on them. Not now anyway." Rin stepped in front of him and motioned towards the boat. "You'll have plenty of time once the tournament begins."

Alex held his stare for a moment before letting out a laugh and putting his arm around Ayane. "Lucky for you we have a boat to catch."

"Later losers." Ayane waved over her shoulder as she and her pals started towards the boat.

Ignoring the slight burning sensation in his chest Raimundo climbed to his feet. "I really hate them."

"Ditto." Kimiko stepped passed Raimundo and continued to the registration table. Following behind the others, Raimundo glanced around the crowd as they passed by a young girl with curly hair conversing with a boy who spoke in a French accent.

Reaching the sign in table, they quickly told the girl manning the table what their team name would be and handed her their invitation before boarding the ship. After about five minutes, Owen announced that they would be departing. Waiting until the last of the participants had boarded, Owen instructed the girl from the sign in table to take the ship out before he made his way to the front of the boat.

"Mr. Owen, I am curious as to how we are to sail to your island when we are in a lake." Omi followed Owen to the front.

"I don't remember seein' an island in this lake," Clay chipped in.

"There isn't one. The island we are going to exists in a dimension separate from yours," Owen replied in his stiff, wooden manner.

"Then how are we to arrive?" Omi asked.

"The island can be reached through any body of water, provided one knows how to open the door." Owen turned around and held up his left hand. "In nomen of Titania, regina of Faye, ego liceor porta ut Avalon patefacio."

An icy wind began to blow over the ancient ship, carrying with it a dull gray fog that quickly enveloped the large lake. The wind began to howl, increasing its speed as the tinting of the gray fog began to mix with a lighter, sky blue haze. Silence fell over the crowded deck, leaving Raimundo time to wonder what he had gotten himself into, when the vessel emerged on the other side of the fog.

Disappearing with the dying wind, the fog faded, revealing a pitch black sky littered with shimmering stars. The half moon shined brightly over a large mass of floating land, giving the island a majestic look. Lush forests cover portions of the island, while a massive stone castle stood in a far corner. Closer to the sandy shore, Raimundo felt his eyebrow rise as he stared at an out of place building.

"Okay, the insanely starry sky I get. I kinda figured there'd be some creepy castle somewhere, but what's the deal with the resort and spa?" Raimundo pointed at the shimmering high rise looking structure that stood about ten stories tall.

"A recent upgrade to our facilities." Owen turned to face the crowd as the boat pulled into port. "Honored guests, please disembark and make your way across the dock, where you will be greeted by a member of Guest Services and shown to your rooms. In a half hour you will reconvene in the dinning hall where the Queen will greet you and say a few words." Owen nodded his head slightly before fading away.

"That guy has got one mighty stick up his rear." Clay tipped his hat. "We ought ta prop him up in field and use him for a scarecrow."

"Guy's sure got the face for it." Raimundo waited for the bulk of the group to head down the dock before leading the others down. About halfway down the dock, they were greeted by a young looking woman dressed the same as all the other women who greeted the contestants. She wore an elegant sky blue kimono with white floral patterning. The only unique thing about the woman was her long flowing blonde hair.

"Welcome to Avalon." The woman curtsied. "My name is Pawou Zotar Achebe and I will be the Sinean assisting your during your stay."

"Very please to meet you Pooyu… Pawfu." Omi bowed.

"Please, call me Zoe."
"You're different than that Owen guy." Raimundo looked around at all the women in blue, noticing that none of them had the colored skin that marked all of the Faye he had seen before. "You're human aren't you?"

"Yes… well I was, a long time ago." Zoe smiled warmly and motioned for them to follow. "I've been in the service of the Queen for almost eighty years now."

"How is that possible?" Kimiko asked as they made their way across the dock and started up a winding path, lined with brightly colored flowers, to the resort looking building. "You look like you're the same age as me."

"I was sixteen when the Queen first found me." Zoe stepped ahead and held open a glass door with azure hinges, allowing the monks to passed by. "She made me a Sinean and brought me back from the mortal plane."

"She took you?" Omi asked.

"Of course not. I was living alone on the streets half starved to death. My parents were gone. She gave me the gift of life. As a Sinean, I never age. I don't have worry about food or shelter and I get see things most people never even dream about." Zoe led them across the marble tiled lobby to a large elevator, which opened just as they approached, and stepped inside. They rode up to the third floor before filing out and continuing through a carpeted hallway lined with expensive looking vases or silk tapestries.

"Sure is one fancy place you got here," Clay whistled.

"Yeah, really spared no expense did you?" Raimundo glanced out of a tinted window spotted a large pool that sat behind the building.

"We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your stay." Zoe continued her pleasant smile while opening a set of mahogany doors to reveal a room filled with comfortable looking couches and soft chairs. A table filled with fruit lined the back wall while a flat screen television hung on one of the sidewalls. "You'll find bedrooms within the door to the side."

"Is that an Xbox?" Raimundo tried to keep the excitement from his voice.

"We've tried to anticipate any of your needs." Zoe reached into her sleeve and pulled a two inch thick book and handed it Kimiko. "Here is your copy of the tournament rule book. I know it's a lot, and I'm sorry I haven't been on the island long enough to explain all the rules to you but the Queen herself will tell you about the more important ones during dinner. If you need anything, please call on me for assistance." Curtseying again, she backed out of the doorway before walking off down the hall.

"Nice girl." Raimundo closed the door. "Kinda cute too."

"Here." Kimiko shoved the heavy rulebook into his arms.

"Hm, wonder what they'll fix for dinner?" Clay rubbed his hand on his stomach. "I hope its steak."

After unpacking their bags and exploring their rooms, Raimundo and the others found their way to the golden dinning hall and sat down at round table with a sapphire cloth over. "It's like they ripped the cliché out of a fairy tale." Raimundo glanced around expecting some princess in a golden gown to come waltzing by.

"Here is your food sir." A man in a white suite stepped over to the table and set a covered plate down in front of each of them.

"We didn't order anything." Kimiko shot the man an annoyed look. "We didn't even get a menu."

"We do not have menus here. Here we simply bring you what it is you want," the man replied in a stuck up voice.

"Now how could you possibly know what it is I want?" Clay removed the cover from his plate. "Oh steak."

"Okay lucky guess with him, but there's no way you know… Kimiko stopped in mid sentence as the waiter removed the lid over her plate to reveal an ice cream Sunday. "Never mind."

"Sweet." Raimundo lifted up his lid and was surprised to find a juicy looking burger waiting for him.

"How did you know what we wanted to eat?" Omi revealed a plate full of sushi.

"Magic," the man replied dryly before walking off.

Before Omi could respond, the sound of the double doors opening cut him off a instant before the room grew silent. Raimundo turned in his seat and traced the cause of the sudden quiet to a five foot ten woman who strolled confidently through the room. The woman looked to be in her mid thirties with long gunmetal gray hair that contrasted with her azure skin. She wore a jade tiara and an Elizabethan era burgundy dress. Stepping passed the monks table, she made her way to a rectangular table that sat on an elevated platform near the far wall and turned to face to crowd.

"I, Titania, Queen of the Faye, bid you welcome to my island."

"Nice entrance," Raimundo whispered to Clay.

"Got to say she's not exactly what I pictured." Clay stuffed a fork full of meat into his mouth.

"I agree." Omi nodded. "She is much prettier than Tsu Lan."

"Thank you." Titania looked over to their table with a smile. "I do so love flattery. So you are the other ones to defeat my former brother-in-law." She stepped down from the platform and slowly paced around the monks table. "I hope you prove as entertaining as Dashi once did."

"You knew Grand Master Dashi?" Kimiko asked, surprised.

"He once entered and nearly won my tournament. He was a fantastic fighter and even managed to hold my attention for days." Titania smiled. "Sharp dresser too." Turning away for the table she began to walk around the room. "This year's tournament looks to be one of the best yet. There aren't too many rules to remember since we change a few every few hundred years. This year's new addition to the rules is quite simple. Before each match starts, the two teams can choose any rules they want for their fight. They can make it one on one elimination or an all battle royal, whatever they agree to."

"What kinda wacky rule is that?"

Raimundo felt a wave of shock wash over him as he traced the sound of the whinny question to its owner. "How did Jack get an invite?"

"Really low standards?" Kimiko shrugged.

"They're my rules." Continuing her walk around the room, Titania stepped passed the table that Jack Spicer sat behind along with Katnappe, Tubbimura, and Vlad. "You are all here as my guests, and as guests of Titania you may live like royalty. Help yourselves to my food, drink my wines, sun on my beaches, or stroll through my forests. My staff will see to it that your every need is met. You are free to enjoy my island to your hearts content, and all I ask in return is that you fight with everything you have." Finishing her stroll around the room, she stepped back onto the platform and sat behind her large table, smiling broadly. "Tonight you feast. Tomorrow you'll fight and I do expect to be entertained."

Omi leaned over the table and glanced at each of the monks. "She is giving me the billies."

"Willies," Raimundo corrected, his own reservations starting to return. "And I totally agree."


A/N:

Well, we're finally here at the island and the tourney will officially begin in the next chapter. I will no longer be accepting tournament submissions after 07/11/09, so that I can properly plan out the rest of the tourney. So if any one else wants in, let me know before I close registration on 07/11/09.