(Looks around sheepishly) Man its been way too long since I updated this story and I'm soooo sorry for it. The only thing I can say is that this chapter was hard to write, I redid Kimiko's private "monolog" like three times and I'm still not happy with how it turned out. Also after Christmas, which is a very busy time of year for my family, I had my wisdom teeth pulled and had a very bad reaction to the pain medication they put me on. By the time I was feeling better I was back at college, and as prncssGrl1881 knows school is very time consuming. Blah

Thanks to all who reviewed my last chapter, I appreciate it but here's a question. Do you guys want me to make my chapters shorter? I might be able to get them out faster that way but I'm just not sure if I can function like that. But if that's what people want I will certainly try.

To the anonymous reviewer- Thank you so much for such and in depth review. I appreciate all the suggestion and that you enjoy my story so much. I also really like the idea of having Rai faint instead of Kimiko and will use that. Truth be told I hate that I make Kimiko faint all the time but unfortunately that is what the Key of Aphrodite does to her when she tries to fight its powers. Unfortunately the story isn't ending in the next chapter or two, and as the end of this chapter reveals the Wu will not be used on Kimiko without her permission, but I don't want to give away too much. I hope you keep reading this story even though it will go on longer then you liked.

Thanks to all who read and reviewed "Simple As Snowflakes". I'm glad people enjoyed it so much. I've already started Chapter 8 and I have a Valentines' Day Special One Shot planned!!! Yeah!!!

So enjoy this chapter and please review!!

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Omi wasn't sure what was worse any more. When Raimundo and Kimiko were verbally fighting or when they weren't. The silence and hostility that had been building since Dojo had started flying back to the temple from Greenland broke when they passed over a memorable mountain range and Rai had made a comment about getting back and having Master Fung set Kimiko straight. Unfortunately Kimiko had over heard that and snapped back something in Japanese that sounded very rude. When Raimundo had demanded to know what she had said Kimiko had spoken again in Japanese and in response Raimundo started speaking very quickly Portuguese. The two kept up like that for a few minutes until they overheard Clay whispering to Omi about how ridiculous it was that they were fighting in two different languages. Both had snapped at Clay in English for that remark and then stated yelling at each other for yelling at Clay.

The young water dragon was sorely tempted to freeze them both in ice but feared the repercussions, especially from Kimiko, once the two were free. So Clay and Omi had just taken cover and let Raimundo and Kimiko go at it until they reached the temple. As soon as they landed, Omi and Clay jumped off of Dojo who started shrinking as soon as he hit the temple courtyard. Rai and Kimiko seemed oblivious of the fact that Dojo was no longer under them and continued yelling.

"I reckon we should do something about this," Clay said.

"You go for it," Dojo encouraged from where he cowered behind Omi, "I'd like to keep all my limbs attached."

"Trouble young ones?" Master Fund asked approaching the three as they watched Kimiko and Rai continue to go at it. At the sight of the older monk Dojo immediately launched himself at Master Fung and resumed his cowering. Master Fung glanced at Dojo and then on the scene before him. "The search for the Hecate Lock did not go well?" Master Fung asked.

"Oh no, it went well," Clay said holding up the sack of Wu they'd retrieved.

"Then what has caused Raimundo and Kimiko to fight so?"

"I'll tell you what!" Rai exclaimed noting Master Fung's presence and stalking over to where the others stood. Clay and Omi immediately took a step back.

"And what is that Raimundo?" Master Fund asked with a level voice.

"She," he said pointing back in Kimiko's direction and practically hissing the first word, "is being completely ridiculous!"

"Don't talk about me like I'm not here!" Kimiko yelled from behind.

"I'm fully acknowledging the fact that you are here and that you are crazy!" Raimundo yelled turning back around to face her.

"Raimundo," Master Fung said in a warning tone.

"You don't understand Master Fung," Rai argued back, "Kimiko won the Hecate Lock but is refusing to use it."

"Is that true Kimiko?" Master Fung asked as his eyes falling on Kimiko. For a second she faltered under those eyes but squared her shoulders and held her ground.

"Yes Master Fung," Kimiko told him trying to hold his gaze but finding it difficult. "I won the Wu in the showdown and since it effects me so personally I feel it's my choice."

"You specifically won the Wu?" Master Fung asked.

"It was an eight way showdown Master," Omi explained.

"I see," Master Fung said thoughtfully before stepping toward Kimiko. "Do you have the Hecate Lock Kimiko?" When she nodded he extended an open hand toward her. Kimiko narrowed her eyes in worry. "I promise Kimiko that I will not use the Lock on you," Master Fung said sincerely and after another moment of hesitation Kimiko produced the Hecate Lock. The Hecate Lock looked a lot like the Key of Aphrodite had when they first found it, a tarnished mess. It looked like an ancient padlock, not like most modern locks with the key holes in the bottom but with the opening for its matching key in the center. It was "heart" shaped but just barely with a tiny almost unnoticeable slope at the top. It reached from the heel of Kimiko's hand to the tip of her index finger, small for a Wu but too large to be a normal lock.

Kimiko gave it one last, almost longing look and then offered it up to Master Fung. The older man picked up the lock and pointed it toward the light that was spilling out of the open door the temple. It was the middle of the night at the temple and the sky was cloudy limiting the natural light. Master Fung's expression gave nothing away as he studied the Wu and everyone waited with baited breath for what he would say. After a moment or two of silence Master Fung lowered his hand and turned back to Kimiko.

"If it is alright with you Kimiko I would like to hold onto this Wu until further study can be done," Master Fung said simply but Kimiko winced.

"But Master Fung," she began to protest but stopped when Master Fung cut her off.

"Be assured Kimiko that this Wu will be guarded and studied and certainly not used without your consent. I'm surprised you were worried about such a thing." As Master Fung said this he watched the young girl duck her head and look at the ground. If she had something to say she wasn't going to say it now in front of the others. Master Fung had a pretty good idea what was going on in Kimiko's head but didn't want to press her on it at the moment. "If that is settled I would suggest you all get to bed. It is late and you have training in the morning," Master Fung said glancing at the other three.

"Yes Master Fung," all four answered and started to head into the temple.

"May I have a word with you first Raimundo," Master Fung said catching the leader's attention.

"Sure," Rai said stopping in his tracks and the others passed him. When Kimiko walked by she caught Rai's eye for a moment before turning her head defiantly and giving a little huff. Rai scowled softly at this but let it go as Master Fung approached. He was surprised to see a sever look on Master Fung's face.

"Raimundo, I need a complete explanation as to what happened while you were on this last trip," Master Fung said with narrowed eyes. Raimundo's first reaction was to get defensive or angry but he kept himself in check. He was leader now and had to think before he acted or spoke so he took a deep breath before launching into the story of the trip in as much details as he could manage. He watched Master Fung as he spoke noting a few motions on his normally passive face, especially at the mention of Kimiko's head aches and the moment when she blacked out. After he finished Raimundo waited, fidgeting a little, worried what Master Fung would have to say.

"I'm most disappointed Raimundo," Master Fung finally said surprising Raimundo.

"What did I do?" Rai asked surprised.

"From what I can tell you were practically celebrating the fact that Kimiko would no longer be under the effect of the Key of Aphrodite," Master Fund said with narrowed eyes, his arms folded in his sleeves.

"I might have been happy for it but I didn't bring it up in front of her!" Rai protested. "She's the one who brought up the Key." That was mostly true. Raimundo talked around it when they first started for home and Kimiko had brought it up.

"I believe you Raimundo and I'm sorry to take out my frustrations on you." The apology surprised Raimundo but he held his tongue. Master Fung suddenly looked very tired.

"There is something else Master Fung," Rai said feeling tired as well. "What Chase Young said, about Kimiko and the Key. You said something like that too. What does it mean? What is happening to Kimiko?" Rai waited while Master Fung seemed to study him. From his perch on Master Fung's shoulder Dojo spoke.

"I think he has a right to know, Clay and Omi too," the dragon said and then shrunk under Master Fung's steady glare. "But what do I know?" Dojo continued sheepishly.

"I agree with you," Master Fung said surprising them.

"I knew I had to be right one of these times," Dojo said triumphantly but immediately shut up under another look from Master Fung. Raimundo waited impatiently for Master Fung to speak again. Finally the old master spoke.

"Tea," was all he said walking past Raimundo into the temple. Raimundo almost hit the ground in shock but composed himself and hurried to follow after Master Fung who surprisingly led him into the kitchen where he expertly began to make up a pot of tea. Normally when Master Fung had tea he'd simply walk to his favorite portico and another lower monk would seem to magically appear with the hot brew. The fact that Master Fung was preparing his own tea seemed to insinuate something to Raimundo but he couldn't quite figure out.

'Maybe it's just really late,' he wondered realizing how tired he suddenly was as he sat at the table.

"You will remember," Master Fung began waking Rai from his own thoughts, "what I told you before about the conflict taking place in Kimiko's mind?"

"Yeah sure," Rai said fighting back a yawn, "you said that she's fighting off the effects of the Key of Aphrodite."

"Not necessarily," Master Fung corrected as he sat. That caught Rai by surprise and he waited for Master Fung to explain. "It is true that part of Kimiko is fighting the Wu," he continued, "but there are also many indications that she is losing that fight." Master Fung took a sip of his tea and let the information sink in.

"What," Rai started to say but stopped in disbelief. "What do you mean losing?"

"These headaches, blackouts, Kimiko has experiencing them before this trip to Greenland. The part of Kimiko that knows her duty to her friends, her mission, the world, is being overshadowed by her desire to love you. To keep you safe and to live happily and normally. I would not be surprised if especially in regards to the Hecate Lock that Kimiko had a hard time fighting her desire to give up and let someone else win the Wu."

"How do we stop this," Raimundo asked, "if you won't use the Hecate Lock on Kimiko without her consent? If what you say is true about her being this effected by the Key then when will she ever say yes?"

"Kimiko is still Kimiko," Master Fung told Raimundo, "which means that we can reach her still. Reason with her and hopefully convince her that the life she is leading right now is not one of her own free will."
"That seems pretty impossible," Raimundo said sounding discouraged.

"It is imperative that we try," Master Fung said in a determined tone and Raimundo could see the worry in his face.

"What Chase Young said is true isn't it?" Raimundo pressed. "Kimiko is going to stop being our Kimiko if we don't do something."

"We have learned," Master Fung said gravely, "that in time the effects of the Key of Aphrodite will become permanent." Raimundo grimaced and stared down at his hands that were fisted on the tabletop.

"How long do we have?" Raimundo asked.

"I do not know," Master Fung said truthfully, "we can guess by Kimiko's behavior but have no way of knowing for sure. But the longer the Key keeps its hold on Kimiko the harder the spell will be to break and the more powerful the Key becomes."

"What happens if we don't break the spell in time?" Raimundo asked and then continued to verify his question. "What happens to Kimiko I mean?"

"She will be consumed with nothing but thoughts of you," Master Fung said his eyes serious. "She will not be able to continue as a Xiaolin Dragon." Raimundo had a feeling that was what was coming but still the shock of the words made his close his eyes and take a deep steadying breath. "I know this is hard for you Raimundo and is a lot to bear. Omi and Clay can be sympathetic but they cannot truly understand. I cannot truly understand."

"I just want Kimiko back to normal," Raimundo said close to tears. This was so unfair. Forced love was no way for Kimiko, hell anyone, to live. He only wanted her to be happy but he knew that she wouldn't be truly happy if she lived her life under the power of the Key of Aphrodite.

"Sleep now," Master Fung advised taking in the Shoku Warrior that seemed so defeated in front of him. "Omi and Clay will be told in the morning. Kimiko will not."

"My lips are sealed," Raimundo said half heartedly before standing and wishing Master Fung a good night. With a frown Master Fung watching the boy go and wondered who this was actually harder for- Kimiko or Raimundo?

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Kimiko heard and watched Raimundo's shadow as it passed by her door. It lingered outside for a moment for continuing on down the hall toward the boy's shared room. She watched the shadow disappear and longed to follow its owner. Instead she curled her legs to her chest and pillowed her forehead on her knees, letting a tear escape the corner of her eyes. She wanted to rush out of her room and throw herself at Raimundo, beg his forgiveness but her pride wouldn't allow it. 'I hate this,' she thought, narrowing her eyes in frustration. But what surprised her was that what she hated the most was feeling the way she did, the fact that she cared. It would make sense to hate the actual fight but a major part of Kimiko hated the fact that she even cared.

"What are you doing to me Raimundo Pedrosa?" Kimiko asked the empty room. With a heavy sigh Kimiko fell back onto her pillows and rolled onto her side trying to get comfortable. As she did her mind began to wander to the issue of the Key of Aphrodite. Though she tried not to dwell on the Key it often came into her mind at the oddest moments. The boys didn't talk about it much, and she was sure that was Master Fung's doing, but the seed had been planted long ago and Kimiko couldn't help but to think about it. Everyone sounded so sure when they talked about it that Kimiko almost believed it herself. But as soon as she'd think that the headaches would begin again and even now she felt it building up between her eyes. Kimiko groaned and turned her face into her pillow.

'It feels so right,' Kimiko thought, 'loving Rai like this. It seems too natural and right I just can't believe that a Shen Gong Wu would cause it. But at the same time whenever I use the Star of Hanabi its feels natural too, like an extension of my body. Maybe a Wu really could make me think I'm in love with Rai.'

"Oww," Kimiko moaned aloud when a sharp pain shot through her head. She physically shook her head to rid herself of the pain-proof that these pains were becoming much too common.

'I never had pain like this before,' Kimiko thought as the pain faded, 'not before that trip to Italy.' Italy, Italy was the start of all these problems that seemed to have fallen onto the temple. Kimiko had tried a few times to recall that particular trip. She knew they had been looking for an elusive Wu and that she'd fought Jack Spicer for it and won but for the life of her she couldn't remember what Wu it was. Rai and the others claimed that it was the Key of Aphrodite but Kimiko couldn't remember for certain. She knew she'd gotten a concussion as a result of being smacked in the head by the Fist of Tebigon and liked to believe that's why the events of the day were so fuzzy.

With another frustrated groan Kimiko rolled to her other side. These thoughts were much too complicated for this late at night so Kimiko let her mind wander back to Raimundo. With a healthier sigh Kimiko dreamily closed her eyes. Her feelings for Raimundo were just too strong to be caused by a Shen Gong Wu. It was a comforting thought. 'But,' a voice argued, 'you had feelings like this before you even went to Italy.' Or, at least she was beginning to feel that way. 'I hate being a teen,' Kimiko thought, 'and I hate being the only girl for miles around. Maybe if I was back in Tokyo things would be easier. But I could never go back to Japan and not be able to see my friends everyday.'

"Think of it as just a very tiny boarding school and you're getting used to the other students,' Keiko had suggested when Kimiko had been complaining to her early on in her life at the temple.

'A really tiny boarding school,' Kimiko thought now and felt herself growing more and more tired with each passing moment. 'We're more then friends now though, we're family. I care about them all equally." Kimiko waited for the pain after this thought though she wasn't sure why. When no pain came she felt a wave of relief roll through her. 'Yes, I care about them all equally, but if it's possible, I love Rai more."

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Nobody was really in a good mood the next morning. All four monks were sleep deprived and the hostility between Raimundo and Kimiko had carried over to a new day. Breakfast was a silent event. Raimundo and Kimiko didn't even have it in them to fight though they did exchange a few heated glances across the table. Usually one would catch the other glancing at the other and both would turn away frustrated and slightly steamed.

"How are we feeling today Dragons?" Master Fung asked walking into the kitchen with Dojo draped around his neck. We no one answered beyond a grumble Dojo glanced at Master Fung.

"Tough crowd this morning," the tiny dragon said.

"We mean no disrespect Master Fung," Omi answered, "but I believe I can speak for all of us when I say that even numbering livestock did not help us to sleep last night."

"Counting sheep," Raimundo corrected.

"Sheep, goats, pigs, what does it matter?" Omi answered nonchalantly.

"When you have finished breakfast," Master Fung continued on, ignoring Omi's comment, "please join me in the training yard. We will practice the Hand of Heaven again today." Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at Master Fung, all thinking the same thing- is that such a good idea? They all looked over in Rai's direction, even Kimiko, looking for the leader to speak up for them. With a little apprehension Raimundo took a tiny breath and spoke.

"The Hand of Heaven?" Rai questioned. "Is that really a good idea?"

"Is there any reason why we shouldn't practice it?" Master Fung asked skeptically. Rai glanced over at Kimiko only to find her glancing back at him. There was no animosity, just nervousness.

"Uhh," Rai struggled and Master Fung spoke over him.

"Unless there is some physical reason why any of you cannot practice today I do not see any reason not to practice this new attack."

"But," Kimiko and Raimundo protested at the same time and stopping when they heard the other speak.

"Yes?" Master Fung asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Never mind," Kimiko said looking down at the table.

"Very well, I'll see you all in the training yard," Master Fung said before leaving. The four dragons around the table were silent. Omi was opening his mouth to say something when Clay surprisingly spoke up.

"No offense all," he said in his country twang while standing and carrying his plate to the sink, "but I really don't want to be blown up today so if you could even just pretend to get along I'd appreciate it." With that said the cowboy walked out to stunned silence.

"I must agree with Clay," Omi said breaking the silence and also walking out. Rai and Kimiko lapsed back into silence until Kimiko sighed and stood, picking up her and Omi's forgotten plates. Rai watched her walk to the sink and quickly wash them. Rai stood and moved to do the same but as soon as he reached the sink she turned and walked away. Rai plunged his own dish into the water almost violently and nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard Kimiko's voice.

"At least pretend not to hate me," Kimiko asked from the doorway before walking out. Her words sunk in and Raimundo whirled around to respond but she was already gone. With a frown Raimundo turned back to his dish and processed what she said.

'Hate her? She thinks I hate her?' he pondered as he finished drying his plate and walked out to where the others waited. He wanted to talk to her and tell her that he didn't hate her but Master Fung was already moving them into formations as soon as he entered the yard. Rai glanced to where Kimiko was standing opposite of him looking stone faced but worried. He couldn't say anything without the others hearing and by what was said over breakfast Rai had the feeling that everyone just wanted to be about business today, and he needed to respect that.

"Begin," Master Fung's voice suddenly said breaking into his thoughts. Everyone shouted their Wudai "catch phrases", as Kimik had put it once, and for a moment it seemed like they had finally succeeded. A ball of white hot energy formed above all their heads glowing intermittently with each of their signature colors. Rai grinned at the others who grinned back until something else caught their eyes. The energy ball, which had been hovering quite nicely only seconds before, suddenly plummeted to the ground and sent out a shock wave that seemed only directed at Kimiko and knocked her off her feet.

"Clay!" Kimiko screamed out at the Earth Dragon.

"It's not me," he said hurrying over toward her. He didn't make it very far because a jet of water suddenly sent him flying a few feet before pinning him under a stream of water.

"Omi help him!" Rai called to the younger boy who was already summoning his power.

"Wudai Neptune," Omi started to yell but a blast of wind sent him flying into the air.

"What the hell is going on?" Kimiko yelled. Raimundo ignored her and tried to get the wind that was carrying Omi away under control. Something suddenly occurred to him however and Raimundo looked fearfully toward the ball of their combinded power what was glowing red at that moment. Kimiko seemed to guess what he was thinking at that same moment and shot to action.

"Fire Shield!" she yelled jumping in front of Raimundo and stopping the blaze from frying them to a crisp.

"Sphere of Yun," Master Fung said calmly and suddenly everything stopped. Rai was able to bring Omi safely back to earth and Clay, though wet, seemed unscathed. The four gathered and looked at the ball of energy trapped in the Sphere's power that was slowly shrinking before disappearing all together.

"Anyone mind explaining that?" Clay asked as he rung out his hat. Everyone looked to Master Fung for the answer.

"It seems more practice is in order," was all the sagely old man said. The four groaned at the prospect of going through that again. In the past weeks there were days that the Hand of Heaven seemed to be within their control but today was obviously not one of those days. "Perhaps some individual practice is need however," Master Fung added. "Omi, Clay, you will practice together. Kimiko, Raimundo you will practice together as well." Needless to say the four dragons' jaws dropped at this.

"But Master Fung," Kimiko protested but was silence by a look that clearly said this was not a time to argue. The group split, Kimiko and Raimundo heading for the northern end of the temple and Omi and Clay toward the south.

"Well this is dandy," Kimiko said sarcastically when they were alone. Raimundo didn't say anything but was in agreement.

'Don't be stupid Raimundo' a voice in Rai's head (that sounded an awful lot like his mother) yelled at him, 'this is a perfect opportunity to talk to her. Get through to her and try to get her to come around about the Lock.' Raimundo glanced over at Kimiko who was staring deftly straight ahead looking more nervous then annoyed.

'First things first,' Raimundo reminded himself.

"I don't hate you," he told her and she spun to look at him with a surprised and confused look on her face.

"What?" she slightly stuttered.

"What you said in the kitchen earlier. I don't hate you. Don't ever think that."

"Ok," Kimiko said slowly.

"What about me?" Rai asked.

"What about you?" Kimiko said looking back at him blankly.

"Do you hate me?" he asked.

"That's possibly the stupidest thing I've ever heard," Kimiko said crossing her arms over her chest.

"Seems like a perfectly logically question to me," Rai shot back.

"No," Kimiko told him simply.

"No what?" Rai pressed.

"No I don't hate you though you're pushing your luck right now," Kimiko snapped and Rai held his hands up in defense.

"Just thought I'd make sure," Rai validated then straighten his shoulders. "We better get to work." Kimiko made a noise of argrement but neither made a move.

"So what are we suppose to do oh great Shoku Warrior?" Kimiko asked sarcastically.

"Well are elements are suppose to be complimentary," Rai started to say but Kimiko interrupted.

"Yeah I know that but I don't get it."

"What's not to get?" Rai asked confused.

"How are wind and fire alike at all? I mean yeah, wind can fuel fire and fire can even create its own wind but other then that what is there?"

"Well when you put it that way," Rai said rather sheepishly then shook his head to clear his mind. "Lets' look at this way," Rai suggested. "Think about Fire in relation to Earth and Water. Obviously Fire and Water can't be complimentary."

"Obviously," Kimiko agreed.

"And Fire only destroys Earth so that leaves Wind and Fire."

"So Wind and Fire are together by default?" Kimiko asked sarcastically. "That's not a very convincing argument."

"Well Wind doesn't work with either Earth or Water either," Rai reasoned.

"You and Omi seem to do pretty well on the battle field when you two combine your elements," Kimiko said with a huff.

"Well that's only because Water isn't acting like usual water then," Rai said and Kimiko quirked a brow. "Think about it in nature," Rai said suddenly excited. "Water and Earth, both two of the most essential things on the planet but they can do nothing but their assigned rolls. Fire and Wind, they go where they want and do whatever they want. They have no rules or boundaries."

"But Fire can't exists unless its feeding off of something else," Kimiko said sounding suddenly depressed.

"Unless Wind lifts it," Rai countered excitedly when he saw Kimiko smile.

"Makes sense that you're the leader," she said softly. "Wind is the only one that can touch all of us." Rai blushed when he heard her said that.

"Thanks," he muttered sheepishly.

"Well," Kimiko said snapping him back, "Wind may be able to touch all the other elements but can it understand them all?"

"What do you mean?" Rai asked stepping closer.

"When I think of Wind I think of cool breezes, cold gale winds, destructive tornados. Not exactly something associated with Fire," Kimiko said with a smirk.

"Wind can carry heat," Rai argued.

"Yes, but its only ever carrying warmth from some other source. Wind cannot create warm temperatures. What does Wind know about heat, fire, flames?" As Kimiko spoke she stood with her shoulders squared and her arms outstretched in front of her. With her fingers spread and her palms facing down she began to summon fire, the familiar warmth spreading through her. Suddenly something cool seemed to crash over whole being and she looked at her hands that were currently being covered by Raimundo's. She hadn't even been aware of him stepping that closely to her and was suddenly very away of how much he seemed to tower over her from behind. She watched with fascination as his hands overlaid her own and their fingers weaved together. Kiminko's breath caught even more when she felt his chin rest on her right shoulder so his lips were hovered next to the shell of her ear.

"Believe me," he told her softly, "I know all about heat." Kimiko felt her face go red at those words and it took all her self control not to turn and fling herself into his arms. Half of that battle was won due to the sheer shock that ran through her system. Finally getting some of her self control back Kimiko turned her head back toward him but he was already moving away and looking a little red himself.

"We should get to work," he told her in a voice that was very different from the one he'd previously spoken in. Kimiko nodded mutely and turned back to him, ignoring the building headache and confusion that swam within her.

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"Are we ready to try this again," Master Fung asked as the sun began to set behind him.

"We are most prepared Master," Omi said enthusiastically and everyone seemed to feed off of that.

"Let's do this," Kimiko said punching her fist into her open palm.

"Sounds like a plan," Clay said with a smile and Rai only gave a confident nod as he took his spoke.

"Very well then," Master Fung said as poker faced as ever. "Begin."

"Wudai Star Wind!"
"Wudai Neptune Water!"
"Wudai Mars Fire!"
"Wudai Crater Earth!"

The same ball of energy formed again but this time it seemed to stay contained within itself.

"Now," Master Fung said, "try to move and control it."

"How?" Raimundo asked the obvious question.

"Trust your instincts as warrior and as teammates. You will know what to do." Silently all four Dragons wondered if it would kill the old man to simply tell them something directly. Raimundo looked up at the glowing orb and then back to his friends around him. 'Trust your instincts,' Raimundo thought looking up again and nearly panicked when he noticed it was coming toward him. But unlike before the energy ball didn't seem out of control. Instead it hovered slightly toward him as if waiting direction and then he remembered what Kimiko had said earlier. About how it was so natural for Wind to lead the other elements since it was the only one that could really touch them all.

Raimundo glanced to his right to where Clay stood in their four point diamond. 'But we aren't really a diamond,' Rai thought, 'more like an equal circle.' And then the energy moved toward Clay who seemed surprised but suddenly smiled in understanding. The cowboy looked to Kimiko who shared his smile and the ball floated over his head toward the fire girl. She then looked to Omi who seemed happy and expectant. Once the energy passed back Raimundo he looked to Kimiko who smiled as the energy soared from Raimundo to her across the circle. This game went on for a few more minutes until Master Fung called to them.

"Alright Dragons, that is enough for today. Call the Hand of Heaven off." Calling the sphere that they had been using as a beach ball for the past few minutes the Hand of Heaven surprised everyone and they were reminded of its destructive power.

"How do we get rid of it?" Omi asked. Master Fung remained silent which mean that they were going to have to figure it out for themselves.

"Makes sense if we can move it with our minds we can dissolve it also," Clay suggested and Rai nodded in agreement. All four looked to where the energy hovered above their heads and a moment later it dissolved into nothing.

"Very cool," Raimundo said with a smile.

"Yes, it is a very good step," Master Fung agreed. "Soon you will be able to call upon your powers without having to call to them. You are all on the road to becoming fine Dragons."

"Of course I will be the finest," Omi said excited and everyone rolled their eyes in response.

"Of course Omi," Master Fung said in a pacifying manner. "Now come, you will all be tired," the old Master said turning back toward the inside of the temple.

"And hungry," Clay added rubbing his stomach.

"Well I'm ready for a shower," Kimiko said moving inside.

"Food first, then hygiene," Clay argued moving toward the kitchen.

"I must agree with Clay on this," Omi said swatting at something that flew by this ear.

"Well you guys have fun with that," Kimiko said turning in the opposite direction, "but I'm showering first."

"Suite yourself but I'd hurry up if you want anything to eat cause I'm feeling extra famished tonight," Clay called to her retreating figure. Master Fung pinched the bridge of his nose and walked away muttering to himself.

"I'm going to hit the shower too," Rai decided and started to walk away from the two. "You better save me something to eat," he added turning back around.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Clay said disappearing into the wing of the temple that held the kitchen.

'I better make this a fast shower,' Rai thought hurrying off.

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Pulling her wet hair back into a messy bun as she walked Kimiko hurried toward the kitchen after what was probably one of the fastest showers she'd taken. Hunger had driven her to take a fast but through shower and she'd even beaten Raimundo out. The halls of the temple were silent and empty but Kimiko felt uneasy for some reason. Glancing behind her briefly Kimiko decided that is must just be her imagination. As she walked past the scroll room she glanced briefly inside but stopped to do a double take. She didn't know what had initially caught her attention but a second look revealed it. There, sitting out on the table completely unprotected, was the Hecate Lock.

Surprised Kimiko walked into the room and found it completely empty with no signs that anyone had been in recently. 'How could they just leave it out like this?' Kimiko wondered staring down at where the Wu sat on the table. 'And Master Fung had said he'd keep an eye on it. Anyone could grab it when its just sitting here and…use it on me.'

With that thought Kimiko's hand immediately shot out to grab it. If Master Fung wouldn't keep it safe then she would have to. But, she couldn't bring herself to grab it and only let her hand hover over it. She had to trust her fellow Dragons and Master Fung not to use the Lock on her without permission, they had promised her after all didn't they? And this afternoon had gone so well. She hadn't had any major headaches and they'd come one step closer to mastering the Hand of Heaven. Lifting her head up Kimiko resolved to simply leave the Wu and tell the first monk she saw that it was being left out unattended.

But uncertainty suddenly swarmed within her and the urge to grab up the Wu and keep it safe herself was almost overwhelming. Kimiko turned away to keep herself from taking the Wu but before she even knew it she'd turned back and had picked up the Lock. With a frown she studied it her hand and decided that she wouldn't keep up but it would be stupid to leave it here unprotected. 'I'll just hold onto it until I see Master Fung,' she thought slipping it into the pocket of her jeans.

"Kimiko?" a voice asked unexpectantly causing Kimiko to jump. "Sorry," the voice apologized as Kimiko turned to face it. "I didn't mean to scare you," Raimundo apologized stepping into the room.

"It's not your fault," Kimiko said nervously, "my mind was a million miles away."

"What are you doing in here?" Rai asked innocently enough though Kimiko was sure it was masking suspicion.

"I was walking by and I thought I saw something," Kimiko said speaking half of the truth.

"And?" Rai asked.

"Nothing," Kimiko said with a shrug moving toward the door. "Come on or Clay really will eat everything."

"Wait a sec," Rai called after her causing Kimiko to stop just as she exited the room. "I never officially apologized fro yesterday."

"Let's not get into that Rai," Kimiko caution, "lets just let bygones be bygones."

"Well at least let me apologize," Rai pleaded.

"Fine," Kimiko said turning away but Rai's hand stretched out and caught her arm.

"Can I explain something though?" Rai asked. He'd been thinking about this all day. What to say and how to say it. He hadn't come up with anything conclusive but knew that whatever needed to be said needed to be said sooner rather then later.

"I, I guess," Kimiko conceded but didn't look at him in the eye. The weight from the Hecate Lock in her pocket suddenly seemed very heavy.

"I know you don't believe me when I talk about the Key of Aphrodite," he started to say but Kimiko interrupted him.

"Its not that I don't believe you," Kimiko said surprising him, "it's just that I can't understand how something like what I feel when I'm with you can be fabricated." Those words really surprised Raimundo and the next ones really knocked him off his feet. "I like the way I feel Rai. I really don't want it to end."

"I understand that Kimiko, I, I kinda like it too," Rai admitted hoping that it wouldn't get him into trouble. "But Kimiko," he continued, "what's the harm of just trying the Heacte Lock out? If you are so convinced that what you feel isn't the result of a Shen Gong Wu then what's the harm of using the Hecate Lock?" Rai waited for that information to sink in and as he studied the portion of her turned away face that he could practically see the wheels turning in her head.

She looked back as him, one hand resting in her jean pocket, her mouth open to say something when both were knocked off their feel by some massive eruption.

"What the hell?" Rai asked scrambling to his feet and helping Kimiko stand.

"That came from the vault," Kimiko said in a slightly panicked voice. The two turned to look at each other and then took off running. As they flew across the temple ground, both wishing they had their Wudai weapons with them, the scent and sight of smoke assaulted their senses. As they ran into the courtyard that contained the vault they both came to a halt, realizing that they were in their battle suits. The two looked at each other and then ran to where Clay stood watching the Showdown that had just started.

"Clay!" Rai yelled when they reached the cowboy. "What the hell is going on?"

"Hannibal attacked," Clay answered not taking his eyes from that battle in front of him. "He and Omi are in a showdown over the Ditto Diamond."

"This isn't good," Kimiko breathed watching the battle. "What Wu does Omi have?"

"Just the On Thin Ice Wu we got the other day," Clay explained.

"What did Hannibal wager? And what's the game?" Rai asked.

"Moby Morpher and it just a sparing match. Last one standing. But," Clay started to say but stopped.

"But what? Rai asked nervously.

"Omi was in the vault when Bean attacked," Clay explained. "I think he's feeling it." The three looked and it was obvious that the young monk wasn't up to his normal level.

"Come on Omi!" Kimiko cheered but it was in vain. A moment later the both was down for the count. The showdown scene dissolved away and Hannibal was left with all three Wu's. Kimiko immediately rushed to where Omi was still of the ground and Clay and Rai jumped in front in a defensive stance, unsure of what the bean would try next.

"Well isn't this a pretty picture?" Hannibal said sarcastically.

"You won the showdown Bean," Rai sneered, "better get out of here before I get in the mood for some veggies."

"You must work on you taunts my boy," Hannibal laughed.

"Maybe you could take out an injured Omi but you can't take all three of us," Kimiko snapped coming to stand with Clay and Raimundo.

"Hello my dear, give any thought to what we talked about yesterday?" Hannibal asked. Both Clay and Rai glanced at Kimiko for a reaction but she merely narrowed her eyes.

"Didn't pay attention to what you said then and I certainly don't give a damn now," Kimiko shot back making Rai smile.

"Well that's too bad," Hannibal said softly before shouting, "Ditto Diamond!" No one had a chance to react as the Diamond transformed into an overly large mace and shot out, catching Kimiko and sending her flying into a nearby wall.

"Kimiko!" Rai, Clay, and the now standing Omi shouted in concern. They started to run toward her but the swing of the mace caught them as well and sent them all flying in the opposite direction. Rai managed to sit up the first of the three boys and saw Hannibal towering over Kimiko on the other side of the yard. The Ditto Diamond had transformed into a huge gavel of sorts and was looming above her. A blaze of flames appeared blocking her and Hannibal from view for a moment but the sound of a scuffle could be heard. Suddenly there was an indistinguishable shout, a crashing noise and an explosion of blinding light. Rai and the others raised their arms in instinctive defense. A moment later, the light fading from behind his closed lids, Rai felt a rush of wind sail pass him. Opening his eyes Raimundo looked skyward and saw Hannibal flying away on his Ying Ying birds. His eyes caught with the Bean's for a moment and Rai knew something serious had happened, Hannibal looked much too happy.

Omi's voice yelling Kimiko's name brought him back to earth and Rai rushed over with the other two boys to where Kimiko seemed to be in a state of shock.

"Kimiko are you ok?" Clay asked. Kimiko didn't look ok. She was on her hands and knees, staring at the ground in disbelief.

"Kim?" Rai questioned kneeling next to her.

"How? How did he know?" Kimiko asked surprised.

"How did he know what?" Rai asked concerned. "Someone go get Master Fung," Rai said over his shoulder suddenly very concerned about Kimiko's mental and physical well being. He felt her move next to him and Rai's attention was brought back to Kimiko who was suddenly picking up something amongst the rubble.

"How did he know I had it?" Kimiko asked and Rai's eyes widened. He looked at what Kimiko was gathering and felt his stomach bottom out. He had been balancing on the balls of his feet but he suddenly feel back in surprise.

"Raimundo partner are you ok?" Clay asked. Rai only pointed to what Kimiko was collected in her hands. Clay's eyes wandered their and he felt his own breath catch. There, collected in Kimiko's hands, were the pieces of the now destroyed Hecate Lock.

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So I got a new laptop for Christmas and it had Windows Movie Maker on it!!! I can finally make vids!!! Hit the home page link on my profile to check out all the movies I've been making!!!

I hate to admit that those have been distracting me from my story…sobs. No more though!!
Keep your eyes open for Chapter Eight of this story sometime next week and a Valentines' Day special out on Valentines Day or maybe a little earlier.