Here we go! Chapter eleven!! I'm excited cause a lot happens in this chapter, at least in my opinion it does. So busy but so close to being done with this story and school! Another week of classes, then finals, then break and then Japan! I can't wait but I'm so nervous at the same time! Anyway, enjoy the chapter and please review!
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Mornings at the temple were always so quiet. While living in Tokyo even though it had only been her and her father Kimiko's mornings were always active and somewhat noisy. She and her father would chat about anything and everything, music played, phones rang, and so much more as the two prepared for work and school. When she first came to the temple Kimiko had been convinced that she would go mad with the silence but had steadily gotten used to it. She grown so used to it that now when she was in nosier settings she found it annoying. Then why was the normal silence of the temple this morning weighting so heavily on her? Kimiko couldn't answer that as she stared into the mirror of the tiny vanity in her room. With a tiny groan Kimiko focused in on the bags under her eyes and tried to will them away so that the evidence of her restless night wouldn't show. When that tactic didn't work she picked up her make up and tried to cover shadows under her blue orbs. It hadn't taken her a very long time to realize that her makeup was going to waste on countless days of training so she rarely wore more then what she deemed necessary and usually only when they were out on Wu hunts.
Putting her foundation away Kimiko looked back at her reflection and frowned noting the little the cover up did for the darkened circles. Her mind then wandered to what had caused the bags to form under her eyes. Someone had put her to bed the night before after she'd fallen asleep in the scroll room, but she knew she couldn't blame her ill sleep on that. Mindlessly her hand picked up her brush and began to push it through her locks as her thoughts wandered to the dream that seemed to last the whole night. Normally Kimiko would gladly welcome Raimundo into her dreams but last night his presence had caused her subconscious much distress. As the brush did its job on her hair Kimiko replayed the dream in her head. In the dream she, Omi, and Clay had been trying to perform the Hand of Heaven but Raimundo was nowhere to be found and without him the attack had been unsuccessful and like their earlier attempts it had backfired. Kimiko had closed her eyes in a natural defensive reflex. When they opened Kimiko was alone in a dark space and although it was seemingly empty Kimiko had felt claustrophobic. Her fist instinct had been to cry out for help and Raimundo's name had been the first from her lips. She kept yelling his name for what felt like an eternity before the boy had finally appeared.
But even though he was in that same black space with her he was somehow separate and no matter how she tried to get to him he didn't seem to notice. Discouraged Kimiko had stopped just to watch him standing in what seemed to be the only speck of light anywhere when suddenly he moved. But he didn't turn toward her, instead his attention turned towards someone running at him from another direction and Kimiko watched helpless as that figure jumped at him. For a moment Kimiko thought it was some sort of attack but instead Raimundo smiled and let the suddenly very familiar person jump happily into his arms. Kimiko couldn't fathom how she could be in two places at once but there she was, smiling and laughing in the circle of Raimundo's arms as he spun them both around. Kimiko watched Raimundo and her doppelganger for a moment more before she shouted again. This time Raimundo seemed to hear her and looked up from the hug he and her double was sharing. He looked over the shoulder of the girl in his arms, and smiled at her with sad eyes.
"I care about you," he said and his words echoed around Kimiko. Kimiko had no response for that but only watched helplessly as the two vanished from sight and Kimiko had awoken with a jolt. The sun had just finished its initial rise at that point in time and Kimiko had had no desire to try and sleep again so she started mindlessly getting ready for the day and tried not to dwell on the dream or the aloof way that Raimundo had acted the day before.
"I need to cheer up," Kimiko said aloud looking her reflection again. Smiling she picked up a bottle of neon blue hair dye and then noticed what time it was. No time for a full dye job but enough to do at least a little styling.
Meanwhile Omi and Clay were standing nervously with Master Fung outside the Shen Gong Wu vault. "To be honest," Clay was saying, "I can't even remember if he came to bed last night. I turned in kind of early and Raimundo was studying some scrolls, said he'd be in soon enough."
"And you Omi?" Master Fung asked. "When do you last remember seeing Raimundo?" The tinier boy looked uncertain.
"Sometime before midnight," Omi said, "I woke up when Raimundo came in from what I assume were his earlier studies." Master Fung looked thoughtful, Dojo looking worried wrapped around his shoulders. Finally he spoke again.
"And the note?" he asked. Clay pulled the folded paper from his pocket and held it out for Master Fung to take. He did and unfolded the simple piece of notebook paper and read the two words printed neatly on it- Don't Worry. Fung seemed to ponder on this for a moment and Omi and Clay let him do so. Neither knew just quite what to make of Raimundo's sudden disappearance or the note he left but they both knew it wasn't a good thing by any means. The day before they'd had normal training but Raimundo's mind had obviously been a million miles away. He'd kept up the same distracted air through the remainder of the night making Kimiko look anxious and close to twitchy. That had been part of the reason why Clay had gone to bed early despite the fact he wasn't really tired. He couldn't stand the unease in the room when Raimundo and Kimiko were together and Kimiko had been sticking close to Raimundo at every moment that day and everyone had noticed the dark shade to her eyes.
When Clay had wandered to bed Raimundo had said he was going to go study and Kimiko had automatically followed him. After preparing for sleep Clay had gone to check one last time on Raimundo and Kimiko only to find Kimiko asleep on her chair, her upper body draped across the only portion of the desk that Raimundo didn't have a scroll unrolled on. Sensing Clay's presence the leader had looked up and silently motioned for Clay to take Kimiko to her room. Slightly nervous and wondering why Raimundo hadn't taken on the task himself Clay had complied and carried Kimiko to her room. That had been the last he'd seen of the Wind Dragon but hadn't thought anything of it until he found the note waiting on a perfectly made bed. The cowboy immediately alerted Omi to it and two had sought out Master Fung to tell him of the development. Finally Master Fung spoke.
"I must speak with the other monks on this," he said gravely. "I ask that you do not tell Kimiko that Raimundo is missing until I can speak with her."
"What should we tell her then? She is bound to notice," Clay asked.
"Whatever you believe to be appropriate," was all Master Fung replied causing Omi and Clay to exchange questioning looks.
"Do you have any idea where Raimundo might have gone Master?" Omi asked. Master Fung closed his eyes thoughtfully and the two waited with baited breath.
"I must discuss this with the other monks," he repeated and then dismissed them to breakfast. When he was out of hearing range Omi turned to Clay.
"What do you make of this?" he asked the older boy.
"I have no idea," Clay admitted as he turned toward the kitchen, "I can't read Raimundo worth a damn lately. He's too wrapped up in this Key of Aphrodite business to make heads or tails of."
"I believe that this must have something to do with Kimiko's breakdown the other night," Omi added.
"Probably shouldn't mention that to her," Clay advised as the two entered the empty kitchen.
"Could Raimundo have discovered something about the Key of Aphrodite and not told us about it?" Omi asked and Clay shrugged.
"Who knows, I feel like I can't keep up with anything lately."
"Do not be discouraged my friend," Omi said in his ever optimistic tone. "I am certain that this will all resolve itself in due time. We are after all the Xiaolin Warriors! It is our duty to succeed in the face of all adversity." Clay made an agreeable noise as he put together a simple breakfast but in his head he was silently disagreeing with the younger boy. No matter how this turned out, with Kimiko free of the Key's spell or not, life at the temple would never be the same again. Who knew if Kimiko would remember what had happened to her and even if she didn't that didn't change the fact that Raimundo would. How would those two ever have a normal relationship again?
"Good morning Kimiko," Omi's greeting broke through Clay's rambling thoughts. Clay turned to give the girl a greeting as well but paused when he really noticed her. She had obviously made an effort that morning to look cheery, lively, awake but there was a tiredness to her face that Clay knew no amount of clothing or make up would ever cover. Though she was in her normal temple clothing she'd taken time to work on her hair and make up that morning somehow styling her hair (and he could never understand how she managed to make her hair shorter with the use of a wig) so that it fell around her ears, the ends layered and made to look shaggy. She'd streaked neon blue into various layers of her black hair and dyed the tips of her bangs that curled on her forehead the same color. Her eye shadow, in thick lines traced by black that started where her eyes met her nose and curving out to points just beyond the corner of her eyes, matched the blue in her hair but it looked more suited to fashion runway then the middle of rural China. Her lips also had a blue sheen to them. If it were a normal day without any Key of Aphrodite or the trouble associated with it then Raimundo would have made multiple jokes about Kimiko's choices until Kimiko would punch him solidly in the arm and go on about how it was fashionable in some random corner of the global.
"Morning Kimiko," Clay echoed wishing that things were normal and Raimundo was here to crack jokes.
"Morning guys," Kimiko answered, "need any help Clay?"
"All set Kim, just cereal and fruit this morning."
"Sounds good to me," Kimiko said moving to the table where Omi had set out all their utensils and bowls.
"You sleep ok Kimiko?" Clay asked sitting down across from her.
"Not really," Kimiko admitted after a moment's consideration, "I don't even remember crashing but my dreams were really…strange. What about you two did you sleep ok?"
"Like an infant," Omi said happily while Kimiko and Clay exchanged smiling glances. Then, out of the blue Kimiko seemed to notice one member of their team was missing.
"Is Raimundo still asleep?" she asked the two. Omi busied himself with his cereal while Clay considered his answer. He didn't want to lie to Kimiko but he certainly couldn't tell her that Raimundo was missing, Master Fung had specifically said not to. So he decided to tell her the truth but not the whole truth, there would be no harm in that.
"No," Clay said simply trying not to look guilty under Kimiko's eyes.
"Then where is he? He won't have time to eat before training if he doesn't get here soon." She stood suddenly. "I'll go get him."
"Kimiko wait," Clay pleaded standing as well as Kimiko moved to the door. She stopped and looked over her shoulder at him.
"Something wrong Clay?" she asked innocently though Clay could see the faintest trace of worry in her eyes.
"Just give him a minute to get down here himself, I'm sure he's on his way," Clay assured her feeling awful for lying to his friend.
"But," Kimiko began to protest but Master Fung's appearance stalled that.
"Kimiko might I speak with you in private for a moment," Master Fung asked appearing at the door way.
"Sure," Kimiko said with a slight bob of the head and followed Master Fung out of the kitchen. Clay looked down at Omi who looked eager to eavesdrop but remained rooted in his seat.
"Never a dull moment aye buddy?" Clay asked sitting again.
"Yes," Omi agreed, "I look forward to this whole nonsense with Kimiko and Raimundo being over."
"Agreed," Clay said starting in on his breakfast again. The two were silent, lost in their own thoughts when Master Fung returned to the kitchen with an odd sort of smile on his face.
"How did Kimiko take the news Master?" Omi asked concerned that the girl hadn't returned as well.
"Surprisingly well," Master Fung answered softly, looking pleased and thoughtful at the same time.
"I guess that's a good thing," Clay said and then asked, "Where is Kimiko?"
"She has gone to meditate by herself," Master Fung answered. "I'll ask you two not to bother her."
"Of course sir," Clay answered. Master Fung then excused himself, off to meditate himself, leaving Dojo behind. "What happened Dojo?" Clay asked curiously.
"Oddest thing," Dojo said pulling himself up onto the table. "I was expecting her to freak out or something. But no, when Master Fung told her that Raimundo had gone somewhere, and we weren't sure where, she looked a little panicked but she took a deep breath and let Master Fung continue."
"What else was there to say?" Omi asked. "Was something else discovered?"
"Not really," Dojo admitted. "Master Fung talked with the other monks and they're going to think on it and what the heck is going on."
"I'd like to know that as well," Clay said.
"Master Fung told her about the note and asked her if she knew anything," Dojo continued, "but she said she couldn't think of anything relevant but wanted to go and meditate on it for a while and then she just walked off and sat under the tree in the garden."
"Guess we should leave her be then," Clay said and Omi nodded in agreement.
"What do you think she is thinking about?" Omi asked looking between Clay and Dojo.
"Who knows," Dojo shrugged. "But I've got the feeling she knows something but isn't telling. Or she thinks it isn't important."
"I kinda feel silly just sitting around here doing nothing," Clay admitted, "I feel like we should be out looking for him or something."
"But where would we even begin to look?" Omi asked. "Maybe if we had both the Eagle Scope and Fountain of Hui we could find him."
"What about the Crystal Glasses!" Clay said suddenly excited. "I forgot that Chase Young has those. Too bad it's not Spicer, him we could take on no problem but going to pick a fight without a full team doesn't seem like a very good idea."
"I agree," Omi said frowning thoughtfully. "What if we asked the Golden Tiger Claws to take us to Raimundo?"
"Wouldn't work," Dojo explained, "the Golden Tiger Claws can only take you to a place, not a specific person unless you know where that person is."
"Then we really have nothing to go on," Clay said disappointed.
"I hate feeling useless," Omi complained.
"You guys aren't useless," Dojo tried to comfort them. "There is nothing you can do expect for prepare."
"Prepare for what?" Omi wondered aloud and Clay nodded in agreement.
"The worst," Dojo answered.
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'Maybe against a tree wasn't the best place to meditate,' Kimiko thought trying to adjust herself again into a more comfortable position. She'd been told by Master Fung a little over, what she guessed, to be an hour ago about Raimundo's apparent disappearance and although she wasn't sure why Kimiko felt that she was to blame for it. Needing to get her head straight Kimiko had come to meditate under the tree. So far she hadn't gotten very far, allowing anything to distract her. 'I need to focus,' she scolded herself as she rearranged herself again, closed her eyes, and took a cleansing breath. But what was there to think about? She had nothing to go on. Raimundo was missing; the only clue a note that simply said 'don't worry' which was ironic because as soon as a person hears those words they immediately begin to worry.
Kimiko sighed again and focused on Raimundo. He'd matured so much since becoming their leader, hell he'd matured greatly since even becoming a Wudai Warrior. But at the same time he was still the same fun loving and mischievous Raimundo that he'd always been and even though he was no longer a 'boy' parse he still maintained his boyish charm. But he knew his responsibilities and duties and Kimiko knew he wouldn't have abandoned them, ever. His sense of duty went beyond just hunting the Shen Gong Wu and defending against the Heylin side. He wanted to protect everyone and every thing and was selfless in that respect. Hell, Wuya and Jack had used that against him when the Heylin Comet had passed by, purposely attacking Raimundo's village so that he would be forced to use the Shen Gong Wu to save them.
So, if Raimundo was always working with his sense of duty then his
disappearance now must somehow be related to his honor code. But
what? Kimiko was confident that he would have come to the others, if
not for help then just to tell them if he needed to do something.
Shortly after becoming Shoku Warrior he'd gone to Rio to comfort a
sister from a bad break up but hadn't told anyone and upon his
return had been confronted by the others about it. Raimundo then
promised to tell them if something like that came up again and he was
true to his word, telling them that he needed to help a younger
sibling with a bully problem. Kimiko smiled at the memory of
appearing in the Rio school yard with Rai, confident that his
loveable younger brother would never be bothered again. So why
wouldn't he come to them now?
The only explanation she could think of was that it had to do with
one of his fellow dragons and although she didn't want to be self
centered she was fairly confident that it was her. She could
practically still feel his comforting arms around her when she'd
broken down during the search for the Cat's Sight. And that kiss,
down by the stream the morning before, there was something there as
well. But what? Feeling that this train of thought was going nowhere
Kimiko tried a different direction. What could there be about her
that he'd have to go off on his own so out of the blue for? What?
Kimiko could feel something stirring in the back of her mind at this
so she grasped to it tightly and then she remembered the Key of
Aphrodite. It seemed like such a distant memory to her for some
reason and she recalled how focused and adamant the others had been
about it. It had fallen from conversation in recent days but Kimiko
was confident that it was still on their minds and in their private
conversations when she wasn't around.
The Key of Aphrodite. Kimiko hated it for some reason. The others were convinced it was the only reason why she loved Raimundo which was ridiculous…wasn't it? A headache came out of nowhere clouding the thoughts that Kimiko was desperately trying to hold onto. She needed to hold onto these thoughts, she was certain they were of great importance. Somehow the Key of Aphrodite was the cause of all this. Kimiko strained against the pain in her head, pushing past it and eventually it began to recede. 'Now think, remember,' Kimiko silently commanded herself. Her mind went back to Europe, reliving their discovery of the Key in Rome and going up against Jack for it. She'd won, she knew that but things were fuzzy from there for some reason. Pushing on Kimiko remembered clearly being back at the temple, practicing the Hand of Heaven, and searching for new Wu all the while trying to be as close to Raimundo as possible though for some reason that seemed to upset Rai. Why?
Had he'd ever really admitted that he loved or even liked Kimiko the way she thought he did? Kimiko couldn't recall a time but she knew that he felt that way about her. Her thoughts wandered onward to the sudden onslaught of headaches she'd begun to experience and going to Greenland. Greenland was sticking out in her head for some reason so she trusted her subconscious and recalled looking for the Hecate Lock- the sister wu of the Key of Aphrodite. There had been that huge eight way showdown that Kimiko had won but there had been all the fights before that. The pairings had been somewhat odd and Kimiko could remember Chase and Raimundo fighting, and she could remember the two talking. That wasn't all that unusual, the Xiaolin and Heylin sides often exchanged banter while battling and Kimiko might have let that go but she remembered something else. Shortly after Hannibal Bean had attacked and the Lock had been destroyed Kimiko remembered the late night meal she and Raimundo had shared and how she'd sensed another presence.
She was suddenly angry at herself for letting Raimundo practically shoo her out of the room when she'd questioned him about it. Where was her head? That wasn't like her at all, letting herself be controlled like that. Kimiko let her mind slip back to that night trying to remember everything and grasp onto the presence she felt. It had been familiar but Raimundo's assurance that she was imagining things had caused her not to focus on it like she should have. Kimiko gripped at the memory trying to figure it out to decipher it. She remembered that Raimundo hadn't done the dishes that night like he promised after she'd left for bed. Why? That answer was easy, to approach whatever or whoever was slinking around the temple grounds without permission. Kimiko tried to put herself back into that night and remember what she felt. She knew it was familiar, not Xiaolin but at the same time not overly hostile. Who? Who?
And then it dawned on her, Chase Young. Why had it taken so long for her to realize that? She should have known it that night but she'd allowed Raimundo to lull her into a false sense of security. Kimiko struggled to calm her suddenly raging emotions and maintain the meditative state she was in. Once she'd reclaimed it Kimiko's mind went back to her thoughts of Raimundo and Chase Young. They'd obviously had some sort of interaction and Raimundo hadn't wanted her around for it. Why? Again the answer was that it had to do with her otherwise she imagined, or at least hoped, that Raimundo would have kept an ally close for support if needed.
So it had to do with her but what could Chase Young possibly have to do with her? It took her longer to figure this out but when she did she wondered why, it should have been so obvious. Of course it had to do with negating the effects of the Key of Aphrodite. With the Hecate Lock destroyed by Hannibal Bean and the Hodoku Mouse melted by magma there were seemingly no ways to stop the powers of the Key from their hold on her. A spark of pain laced through her mind at that thought but Kimiko quickly smothered it. She still wasn't sure if she believed that she was under the Key of Aphrodite's power but for now she had to believe because Rai believed and acted on it. As soon as she decided that she felt like her mind was lighter and clearer then it had been in ages.
Kimiko focused again. With seemingly no answer to stopping the Key's power, outside of Kimiko herself somehow doing it, where did that leave Raimundo- in search of answers. And who would take advantage of that? Anyone on the Heylin side, especially the manipulative Chase Young. He'd tried the tactic once before on Omi, offering him help and a solution when it seemed like there was none. Kimiko wouldn't put it past Chase to try it again if the opportunity presented itself. With any of the Xiaolin Dragons on his side, or even out of commission Chase would obviously have an advantage. Kimiko growled in her mind, it made so much sense but she couldn't help the feeling that she was missing something. It had been Hannibal that had destroyed the Lock and put Raimundo and the others into this corner, not Chase so was Chase just taking advantage of a situation or was he working with Hannibal? Kimiko highly doubted that, the two villains hated one another with a passion. Then why had Hannibal destroyed the Lock?
Despite her clear mind Kimiko couldn't wrap her mind around it. The only thing that she could figure was that Hannibal was so evil that he saw an opportunity to break up the team and had taken it. She realized now that if she was solely consumed with thoughts of Raimundo that she would never be able to be a functioning Xiaolin Dragon. That was why the Key of Aphrodite was such a terrible and powerful Shen Gong Wu, it ruined lives. Kimiko sighed and opened her eyes surprised to see the sun setting on the horizon. Had she really been meditating the whole day? Kimiko looked around still not believing that she'd fallen so deeply into the recesses of her mind but could find no other explanation for it. Standing and stretching sore and cramped muscles Kimiko suddenly remembered what she'd pieced together while sitting beneath the tree all day. Ignoring the cramping in her calves she ran off to tell the others.
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Less then an hour later Master Fung watched the three dragons fly away toward Chase Young's fortress. Kimiko had come rushing into where Fung and the other monks mediated followed by a confused Clay and Omi, exclaiming that she knew where Raimundo had gone to. She explained her theory about Chase Young offering a solution to the problem of the Key and explained what she'd pieced together since the Key of Aphrodite had gone active. The one thing she didn't understand was Hannibal's role in it but was convinced that he was acting alone. When Clay explained his theory as to why Hannibal had destroyed the Lock, being that he was hurting Raimundo through Kimiko the girl hadn't believed it. Fung noted this with silent satisfaction and quickly sent the three on there way.
As they disappeared into the sky Fung wondered what they would find when they reached Chase's lair. He had a bad feeling about it but tried not to let it show as he advised the three before they left. They'd left with determined looks and Kimiko, somehow easily slipping into the role of leader assured Master Fung that they wouldn't return without Raimundo. Master Fung smiled in response, told her of his confidence in that, and then sent them on the way. He was confident that they would succeed but also confident that the light in Kimiko's eyes was no trick of the fading sun.
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"I reckon the best way to go about this is the direct approach," Clay advised as they started descending toward the front of Chase's lair.
"I agree," Omi said, "we have really no idea what we are looking for. Best to find Chase Young, then, if Kimiko's theory is correct, we will most assuredly find Raimundo." Kimiko gave a silent nod of agreement, eyes determinedly focused on the ominous doors awaiting them as they slid off of Dojo. Before the others could make a move Kimiko strode forward, placed both her hands on the doors and pushed them open like they weren't at least one hundred times her size. Looking over her shoulder back at the other two Kimiko smiled grimly.
"Seems like someone is expecting us," she said turning her eyes back in front of her. The hall seemed completely empty but they knew from experience that didn't mean that it actually was empty.
"Keep your guards up," Omi cautioned and the others soundlessly agreed as they moved forward, torches lighting and extinguishing as they approached and passed. The three were silent, focused only on the task at hand and wondering just what they were about to face. When they finally reached the well lit throne room some sign of life was seen. Hundreds of Chase's jungle cats were waiting for them, lying strategically around the room, eyes following the three dragons as they entered.
"Heck of a welcoming committee," Clay muttered trying to ignore Dojo trembling under his hat.
"Where there are cats there is Chase Young," Kimiko said her eyes scanning above her until they settled on the top of the stairs that led to Chase's thrown. A moment later the owner of the throne seemed to appear out of thin air.
"Can I help you Dragons?" he asked without any sort of emotion.
"You know why we're here!" Kimiko shouted back, eyes narrowing as Omi and Clay came to stand defensively at her sides.
"My, my, no need to shout dear Kimiko," Chase said with a smirk that made the girl's blood boil.
"Where's Raimundo," Clay demanded not liking the way Chase's eyes raked over Kimiko's form.
"What makes you think he is here?"
"Do not play mind games with us Chase Young," Omi said, "we know that he is here."
"And why are you so confident?" a new voice asked as Wuya stepped out of the shadows next to Chase's side.
"Because," Kimiko practically hissed, "I know you were at the temple the other night Chase. And I know that you are taking advantage of Raimundo!"
"Am I? I thought we had an equal exchange occurring," Chase mocked, "he said it himself when he appeared here not even twelve hours ago. I never do something for nothing."
"Then what are you giving," Clay asked warily.
"All three of you can guess that can't you?" Chase said knowingly and when no one answered he continued on with a casual wave of the hand. "Raimundo came looking for a solution as to how to destroy the hold the Key of Aphrodite has on the Dragon of Fire."
"I highly doubt you were in a giving mood," Kimiko snapped back knowing where this was going. Raimundo only had one thing to offer that Chase would be interested in.
"On the contrary," Chase said with a knowing smile, "I told him how to stop the powers of the Key right before he joined me as a loyal servant." Next to her she felt Clay and Omi grimace but Kimiko only tightened her hands into fists, keeping blazing eyes on Chase. "And now, as agreed, I will share that secret with you." Before the others could react Chase Young had suddenly materialized in front of Kimiko. The girl gasped in surprise as hands grabbed her arms to hold her steady and lips descended next to her lips to whisper words only she could hear. Omi and Clay stood stock still unsure of what to do. Kimiko's expression changed from shock to full out fury as Chase finished.
"YOU BASTARD!" Kimiko yelled shooting flames at the dark emperor. He easily avoided them and reappeared next to Wuya. "We challenge you for Raimundo's freedom!" Kimiko shouted up at him before either Clay or Omi could inquire as to what Chase had whispered.
"What is in it for me?" Chase asked with a mocking smile.
"Our loyalty," Clay answered when Kimiko hesitated answered for the three. She sent the two a grateful smile before returning her attention to Chase who was folding his arms in a bored manner over his chest.
"I have another proposition," Chase said, "an exchange. Omi's loyalty for Raimundo's freedom." Clay's eyes swept to Omi who looked ready to oblige before Kimiko's arm shot out protectively in front of the boy.
"No way Chase! It's our challenge or nothing!"
"Are you issuing me an ultimatum?" Chase said slowly.
"And if I am?" Kimiko challenged back. Both Omi and Clay were surprised by the way Kimiko was acting but impressed in the same instance. With her hair still dyed and in a matching blue polo and jeans she didn't seem all that foreboding, just a normal teenager. But now she was taking charge and talking passionately and confidently, carrying herself in a way that the boys hadn't seen her achieve before.
"Very well young dragons," Chase said closing his eyes and smiling, "I accept your challenge but I pick the Showdown." The three didn't answer, knowing that they didn't have a choice despite the fact that the person who called the challenge usually picked out the way the fight would take place. "It will be a three on three sparing match. Only after all three members of a team are defeated and expelled from the ring will the match be over. Last person standing, their team wins. No Shen Gong Wu or your Wudai Weapons, only your martial arts skills."
"Three on three?" Omi questioned warily.
"Yes," Chase said smugly, "you three dragons against myself, Wuya, and my newest warrior." The immortal snapped his fingers and out of the shadows behind him another human figure emerged. Though they had been well aware this might happen, nothing could have fully prepared them for seeing their leader as he was. He was dressed in the same robes that Omi had worn during his time spent as Chase's minion, a black gi and pants with a red sash wrapped around his waist. His eyes seemed permanently narrowed and lifeless, the usual emerald color darkened and dirty like muddy water. His mouth was drawn into a thin line, and his whole face was expressionless, like he was a living doll.
Clay and Omi looked to Kimiko to gage her expression and although she looked horror struck there was a determined look in her eyes that remained even as her face turned to shock. The two boys looked back to Raimundo to see Wuya, one arm draped almost lovingly around Raimundo's shoulder, another going to run through the listless bangs that fell to his forehead.
"It is so nice to have Raimundo back on my side again," she said wickedly, taking the hand that had been running through his hair to affectionately trace the outline of his face and then stroke his cheek. Clay's hand shot out to grip Kimiko when the girl made a move to jump forward. Glaring at him Kimiko fought for a second before sighing in defeat and stepping back, Clay's hand remaining protectively wrapped around her arm.
"So do you accept the terms?" Chase asked bringing their attention back to him. The three exchanged glances knowing that they had no other options and silently agreed.
"We accept," the three shouted in unison. Chase's lips twisted into a sadistically satisfied smile.
"Excellent."
"Let's Go! Xiaolin Showdown!" the six shouted together as the arena changed. The three dragons wobbled slightly as the ground beneath their feet suddenly shot up, moving like and elevator up to where they could see and elaborate arena. Kimiko's eyes wandered to Raimundo as they ascended. It broke her heart to see him as he was, completely listless and so unlike the boy she knew and loved. He seemed to sense her eyes on him and turned those blank eyes on her. Kimiko pulled the mask of her armor down and looked sadly at him, hoping her face showed the promises she was making in her head to free him no matter what. The Heylin Raimundo looked away after a moment of staring at her and Kimiko felt a wave of determination crash through her before a white hot light flashed in front of her eyes. For a moment she thought it had to do with the showdown but realized that it must only have been in her head because she felt even more clear headed then she had after mediation. She blinked rapidly trying to clear her eyes of the flash and gave her head a shake for good measure, then turned when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Clay was looking concerned but Kimiko turned back to face the Heylins as their rock finally drew even with the battle arena.
"You ok Kimiko?" he asked concerned
"Never better," Kimiko said drawing her mask back up to cover her face.
"Umm, I'll just wait here," Dojo said as the three stepped off their slab of rock. It almost immediately dropped as soon as they stepped off and Dojo's cry of surprise could be heard. The three glanced back to make sure the dragon was ok and then took in the arena. There was no rhyme or reason to its structure other then it held a somewhat rounded shape. Random rocks jutted up and crevices shot down making it a challenging field to do battle. Kimiko glanced back over the edges noting how very far up they actually were, sitting above the clouds with mountains that surrounded Chase's home barely even dots. Kimiko prayed that if anyone fell off that the rocks that hovered below would catch them.
"Shall we?" Chase's reptilian voice asked and Kimiko was surprised to see him transformed, wondering how she had missed it before. Kimiko looked back at Omi and Clay and gave a confident nod which they returned.
"Gong Yi Tempai!" the six shouted together again and in a flash everyone was off. Unbeknownst to Kimiko Clay and Omi had made a silent agreement to try and keep Kimiko and Raimundo apart, worried that the girl would hold back. Omi would go against Chase, Clay against Raimundo and Kimiko against Wuya. But of course the Heylin side knew how to fight dirty and Clay suddenly found Wuya launching herself at him while Chase and Omi squared off leaving Kimiko to face Raimundo.
"I'm sorry Rai but this is for your own
good," Kimiko whispered before shouting "Wudai Mars
Fire!"
"Heylin Star Wind!" Raimundo countered as the two powers clashed
creating a column of wind and flame.
"You said it yourself," Kimiko said aloud as she poured more power into the column hoping to force it back on Raimundo. "Fire and Wind are complementary elements, wind fuels they flame of the fire." Kimiko tried to physically push the column but found it unable to move in the desired direction. To her horror she suddenly realized that she was moving backwards.
"Yes," a voice agreed. It was dark and monotone, completely devoid of expression and it took Kimiko a minute to realize it was Raimundo speaking. "Yes, he repeated, "Wind may fuel Fire but fire also creates its own wind." As if to prove his point he pressed back even harder and Kimiko nearly lost her footing but somehow she managed to stay standing.
"Then that's fire's wind and therefore," she struggled to say as she pushed back, "it's my domain and I will use its powers as I see fit." With the last word she gave a great push physically and mentally and the column started to move back on Raimundo. 'Yes!' Kimiko thought before a blinding pain ramming into her side sent her flying. The column, with no resistance from Kimiko's side shot forward and nearly took out the battling Chase and Omi before dissipating into the air. Raimundo stepped forward and watched it vanish before turning his attention toward Kimiko who was struggling to get the weight of the comrade that had been thrown into her off of her body.
"Sorry Kimiko," Clay mumbled finally managing to stand. Kimiko immediately shot up searching out Raimundo who was standing next to a smug looking Wuya.
"Why don't we switch it up?" Wuya suggested glancing over at Raimundo who only nodded mutely. Before Clay or Kimiko could do anything Wuya launched an attack at Kimiko who had no other choice but to defend herself and try to get on the offensive as Clay and Raimundo squared off. Kimiko had fought and defeated the witch plenty of times and only a few minutes into the battle it seemed to be going that way again.
"Wudai Mars Fire!" Kimiko yelled shooting a huge stream of flames at the Heylin Witch. Kimiko smirked knowing that even if this didn't knock her out of the arena she'd soon be weak enough to be. No one expected what happened next.
"Reversing Mirror!" Wuya called pulling the Wu from out of nowhere. The fire attack immediately bounced off the mirror and shot straight back at the shell shocked Kimiko. Despite the fact that it was her element Kimiko couldn't defend against the force of the attack that lifted her off of her feet and slammed her into an outcrop of rock that tumbled down around her in a dusty mess when she hit it. Everyone on the battle field stopped, to look in Wuya and Kimiko's direction.
"Wuya you idiot!" Chase called breaking the silence that had developed. "You've just forfeited the match for us by using your stupid Shen Gong Wu!" Clay and Omi were in shocked silence as the horror of the situation settled over them. Kimiko had had the Reversing Mirror used on her while under the powers of the Key of Aphrodite, it had been the first warning that Fung had given them and now, even if they could break the Key's spell who knew if it would do any good.
"Kimiko no!" Clay yelled moving toward the end of the arena where Wuya and Kimiko had been fighting. He didn't get very far when a voice, almost trembling, spoke so softly behind him that he almost missed it.
"Kimiko?" Raimundo's voice mumbled, a mixture of his actual voice the one he'd been using in battle. Clay looked on in shock as Rai's eyes flashed back to there original color and a tear leaked out of the corner of his eye. "Kimiko," he whispered again miserably before sinking to his knees and holding his head. Clay looked over in shock at Omi who was watching with the same expression. Chase looked annoyed and was about to launch another attack when there was a sudden explosion from the other end of the arena. Flames shot from between the rocks, shooting out to free Kimiko from the makeshift prison and catching the surprised Wuya in stomach, sending her tumbling toward the edge.
"That's all you got you ugly old hag? Using my own element against me with an illegal weapon? That's pretty damn pathetic," Kimiko yelled emerging from the rocks and stalking toward Wuya, seeming no worse for the wear. The fire girl didn't give Wuya a chance to respond before another blast of flames sent her screaming over the edge. Kimiko watched her fall for a moment before turning back to the others.
"I don't care that she used an illegal Wu!" Kimiko shouted mostly to Chase. "Let's finish this!" Clay and Omi didn't know what was going on with Kimiko but didn't want to question her. The girl flew in to attack Chase with Omi while Clay turned back to Raimundo whose eyes had turned back to their dull color and the tear was forgotten, save for the clean path it left down his dirty cheek. Raimundo turned to look at Clay, his eyes narrowing evilly before launching into another vicious attack. Clay grimly blocked, punched, and threw his own attacks but knew that he was no match for the swift moving Raimundo. Only a few minutes into the resumed fight Raimundo knocked Clay down with a well placed kick and the earth dragon skirted across the dirt floor, stopping dangerously close to the edge. Raimundo appeared before him to deliver the finishing blow when he was knocked aside by a blast of water, sending the wind dragon flying. Kimiko appeared next to Clay and helped him to stand as Omi's water attack tapered off.
"Chase?" Clay asked breathlessly. Kimiko grinned slyly and pointed over the edge to where Chase stood looking positively venomous on the floating rock. Kimiko and Clay turned there attention to Raimundo who was getting to his feet a few feet away from them and shaking wet hair from his face.
"Let's finish this and get Raimundo home," Kimiko said as her eyes narrowed determinately.
"Ok," Clay and Omi echoed in response taking on the same determined stance. It didn't take very long for the three to send Raimundo sailing over the edge to finish the Showdown. He may be there leader but he was no match for the three of them. There were the familiar light flashes that signaled the end of a showdown and still somewhat odd sensation that filled the warriors' bodies as the landscape returned to normal. Kimiko opened her eyes that had closed reflexively at the end of the showdown and quickly looked around her.
"Where's Raimundo?" she asked slightly panicked worried that now would be the time that Chase ignored honor and went back on his word. Her head shot up when Chase's voice filled the room.
"Well done dragons," he begrudgingly admitted from where he and Wuya stood above them again.
"Where is Raimundo!" Kimiko shouted.
"We won fair and square," Clay added. Chase gave a tiny laugh before disappearing with the Wuya in a cloud of smoke and Kimiko's eyes widened in fear.
"That wouldn't go back on the Showdown would they?" she asked frightened.
"They are evil and that is what evil people do," Clay said grimly turning to where Omi was still staring up at where Chase had been, Dojo on his shoulder. "Omi?" he questioned. The boy didn't respond but only jumped up to the level above them.
"Kimiko! Clay! Come quick!" he shouted as soon as he landed. Clay and Kimiko were up in a flash, relief washing over them at the sight of an unconscious but apparently unhurt Raimundo. Omi was kneeling by their leader's side smiling and Kimiko quickly joined him, falling to her knees by his head, hand gently checking every inch of him she could reach from her spot, looking for any signs of injury. Clay knelt on his other side smiling.
"He looks ok," he said with relief evident in his voice.
"Phew," Dojo said with a shake of his head.
"We still shouldn't move him much until we can have him checked out back at the temple. Can you fly us out from here Dojo?" Kimiko said eyes a mix of worry and relief as she mindlessly brushed the hair away from his closed eyes. Clay and Omi exchanged glances at the sight of her eyes, bright and clear beneath the worry. They were both wondering what had happened when Kimiko was struck by the Reversing Mirror and Clay was about to ask when Raimundo suddenly stirred. All watched with baited breath, unmoving, as Raimundo's eyes flickered open to reveal his normal eyes.
"Guys?" he questioned with a tiny moan.
"Its ok Raimundo," Kimiko said shifting slightly so he could see her without straining. Her hand cupped his cheek as she spoke. "It's ok Raimundo," she repeated, "we're here and you're safe and we're going home." Rai gave a tiny smile before passing out again. Kimiko looked back over her shoulder at Dojo. "Can you fly us out from here?" she repeated the question.
"Should be ok," Dojo answered stepping back and transforming. All three helped to lift the unconscious Raimundo onto Dojo's back, settling him so he was lying flat his head in Kimiko's lap. They took off slowly, Dojo conscious of the injured boy on his back, and were eventually in the open sky. All were silent, watching Raimundo as he lay motionless as one of Kimiko's hands spread protectively across his chest, the other lovingly stroking his cheek. They were nearly home when Raimundo stirred again.
"Kimiko," he murmured and tried to sit up.
"Shh Rai, I'm right here. Don't try to move," Kimiko said gently pressing on him to hold him down. He didn't protest but kept his eyes open to look at her. They were half closed and Kimiko could tell he was fighting to stay conscious.
"Kimiko, the Reversing Mirror," he muttered but Kimiko hushed him gently again.
"Its ok Rai, I'm fine and you will be too," she told him, "we're almost home. Just relax." The boy gave a sigh and then slipped back into unconsciousness. Clay and Omi exchanged looks but didn't press, too happy that everything actually seemed ok for once in what felt like a very long time.
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Chase and Wuya silently watched the larger dragon carrying off the Xiaolin Warriors. Wuya was nearly twitching under the tension that the silence signified and was worried at Chase's rage.
"I don't even know why you accepted their challenge," she finally snapped unsure of what else to do. "We had Raimundo, that's all that should have mattered. They would have been nothing without their leader."
"Still holding a flame for your former minion?" Chase asked in a voice that was as close to humorous as the immortal could manage. Wuya stuttered for an answer but Chase beat her to it. "I took a chance when an opportunity presented itself," Chase said slowly, "there will be other chances to break that team up. I might have even succeeded this time if you hadn't suddenly pulled that Shen Gong Wu in battle." Chase turned to stare down the witch who practically quivered under his stare but she straightened herself and spoke confidently.
"Just like you I took a chance when the opportunity presented itself," Wuya said looking annoyed. "What I don't understand is why it didn't work. The Reversing Mirror should have turned that girl's love for Raimundo into hate in an instant. But it seemed to have no effect on her!"
"There is a very simple answer to that Wuya," Chase said looking back out on the landscape.
"And that would be?" Wuya said in a slow drawl.
"Clearly the power of the Key of Aphrodite was not active at the time you used the Reversing Mirror. A very lucky break for the Xiaolin Warriors."
"How is that possible?" Wuya practically shouted.
"The Dragon of Fire has been fighting the powers of the Key this whole time she'd been under its power. Somehow, during this battle she was able to completely free herself of the Wu's power." He then turned back, walking toward her and then making to walk past the witch before stopping at her shoulder and staring her down. "There is one other curious thing however," Chase said studying her face. Wuya remained straight faced until Chase asked the next question. "How is it that you were able to get your hands on the Reversing Mirror when it was last in Hannibal Roy Bean's possession?"
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Wow, I wrote this all in one day but I'm glad that I did. I like the way it turned out. Admitting to myself that I can't write battle scenes I kept that section almost plain in my opinion and I'm sorry if that bothers any of you. I figured I should write what I can write instead of putting up crappy writing and being unhappy about it. So quiet the chapter huh? A lot happened and there is still more to come but I just realized that I could actually end this in the next chapter! Well, minus the short epilog planned. Eeek! It's so exciting. I hope you all enjoyed and Kimiko's meditation section wasn't too boring or wordy for you all. Alrighty, I've got to go read for class (blah!). Till next time hugs and kisses.
