Chapter 10: Chasing After Her
"Raimundo, you have not eaten in three days."
Omi sat on the steps of the Xiaolin Temple watching Raimundo with a mix of confusion, awe, worry, and jealousy. How someone the size of a plastic garden gnome could feel so much and not explode was beyond any of the temple residents' comprehension. But Raimundo had been training without sleep, food, or breaks, save for the stones he practiced on; His body and elemental energy were beyond their limits now, but he pressed on.
"It's been three days since Kimiko was taken away." he told the dwarf monk. "And I'm not going to stop until I'm strong enough to bring her back."
With a snap of his fingers, he created a clone of Wuya composed of leaves, dust, and other materials drawn from the ground. And with a sudden burst of air, he destructed it into nothing, tearing it apart with his element with more ferocity than Chase Young's feral minions. But his body was taxed from overuse, and he couldn't go on in his jaded state. But as he got up to practice once more, a voice carried on the wind diverted his attention.
"Once more and there won't be anything left of you to save the girl."
With a flash of lightning, Chase Young appeared before the two, a grim look masking his causal demeanor. From his expression, Chase apparently found the situation as unnerving as Raimundo.
"As dedicated as you may be, pushing further will destroy your mind, as well as your body."
Raimundo took a moment to realize the identity of the spontaneous visitor before lunging at his, whatever internal strength he could muster focused into his fist. But before his punch could even connect to Chase's body, the Heylin warrior flung aside with his compactable staff.
"I have not come to fight you, but rather, offer a hand with your current ordeal." Chase told him.
"And just why would you do that?" Raimundo demanded. "Why not just join Hannibal like any other villain?"
"Because like you, I wish to get rid of that irksome plant as soon as possible." was the response her received. "No doubt you're as eager as I am to stop him."
"And why exactly do you need me? Why not just storm wherever that reject's hiding and take him out yourself?"
"Because he's planning to come after you soon. And what better way to remove than train his target to destroy him?"
Somewhere along the series of questions, Omi became lost and made himself satisfied with just watching. Raimundo, on the other hand, was less than eager to continue his conversation with Chase. Kimiko was being used as a tool by Hannibal, and now Chase was planning to use him as well.
"I know you are doubting me, Raimundo," the fallen warrior said, "but I need to attack Bean as soon as possible. Some…'property' of mine has been stolen and I would very much like to get it back…Now all that remains is whether or not you accept my aid. Within a week, I can train you to wield you powers like a titled Xiaolin Dragon, and all I ask for is an exchange of sorts."
Trick or not, Raimundo knew Chase Young had shaped Jermaine from a street-rat into a martial artist of unbelievable skill. A number of his dubious thoughts faltered, and Chase Young exploited the opportunity.
"Wouldn't you like to get Kimiko back before Hannibal uses her as a puppet for his own plans?"
Overcome by rage, Raimundo submitted, "Fine. As long as nothing happens to Kimiko."
"No, Raimundo, you mustn't!" Omi said, finally coming out of his position as spectator, "Kimiko is strong; she will be fine. And although I worry as much for her safety as you do, that does not mean you should join Chase Young to rescue her!"
"Yes, it does, Omi! The reason I'm going and you're staying behind is because you don't understand why I'm so worried for her!" Raimundo said hotly.
"And for what reason are you willing to put yourself, the WORLD, in danger for!" Omi asked, his anger getting the best of him.
"BECAUSE I LOVE HER!"
And with those four words, Raimundo vanished with Chase to bring Kimiko home.