"Omi," his master looked down at him, his expression stern. "This has got to stop."

"Yeah," Raimundo groaned, "you've been spacing out on us for the past three days. It's like you don't even care anymore!"

They may be right, the monk pondered inwardly. Perhaps I don't care, because I will not be doing this much longer. Soon, I will be leaving them.

Master Fung noticed Omi falling into another daze, and he suddenly raised his voice, causing Omi to jump. "If this is about Chase Young, then I suggest you snap out of it." The old master normally had such a calm demeanor; it startled the monks to see him that way. "There is no place for someone like him in your life, and I will not allow him to get in the way of your training any longer."

Clay leaned against the wall, twirling his hat around his hand. "Hate to say it, partner, but I think they're right."

Kimiko sat back and watched in silence as they lectured her fellow monk. As much as she wished to intervene, she knew it wouldn't do much good for her friend. All she could do was bite her lip and wait it out.

"Yes," Omi lowered his head. "You are right. My performance as a Xiaolin monk has been most shameful. But lately, I have had so much to think about. Perhaps I just need to take a long walk to clear my mind."

Master Fung nodded approvingly. "That sounds like a fine idea, young monk."

"Sounds good to me," Raimundo added with a shrug.

After everything that had happened, the dragon of fire couldn't believe the naivety of her fellow monks. Although, it could have just been her being over analytical-she was a girl, after all. But as the young monk spoke, Kimiko could see something in his eyes, something odd in his demeanor, that implied that he was planning to do more than just take a walk. But for some reason, she couldn't find it in her to stop him. He knows what he has to do...why should I get in his way? Besides, it's just another visit to Chase; it's not like it's anything life-altering.

After a long journey, Omi finally reached the entrance of Chase's citadel. Any missing Shen Gong Wu would have caused suspicion, so he was forced to complete the trip on foot. Here I am... He stood for a brief moment before pushing the large doors open and allowing himself inside. I just hope I don't run into Wuya. But, since I don't have any Shen Gong Wu on me, it won't be as easy for her to sense me... he shivered, ...I hope.

With every step he took up the never ending staircase, the louder his heart pounded in his chest. His mind continuously flashed to his friends, his master, Chase, but he shook his head, trying with his best efforts to erase the thoughts.

"If they want to come after me, let them. If they want to stop me, let them try. But I've already made up my mind, and I will not let anything stand in my way. Chase may be furious with me, but as the years begin to pass, he will see too that I have made the right decision. After all, I am doing this for him."

With the mixture finally complete, he took the bowl into his hands. He stared down into the liquid, his murky reflection giving him a look of desperation. 'Please, don't do this...' he appeared to be saying. Omi hesitated before snatching a spoon off the counter and jamming it violently into the bowl, causing the reflection to become a jumbled mess. He took in a deep breath, and finally, he raised the bowl to his lips and allowed the hot liquid to burn down his throat. The metal spoon fell to the floor with a clang. Then came the bowl, smashing to pieces and littering the room with glass shards and soup. Omi followed shortly after. The monk let out a strangled gasp as his body violently hit the floor. The pain...it was unbearable!

"Aaagh! N-no...!" There had to be a way out of this. He didn't want this anymore. It didn't have to end this way. "Chase! CHASE!" Omi continued to cry out his name in agony, but it was too late. He could already feel the transformation beginning. Another scream ripped from his throat as his skin began to melt away and take on the form of something much more scaly. He could feel his insides twisting and clenching and rearranging. He continued to writhe in agony, the excruciating pain escalating with every second that passed. Soon, it became so overwhelming that he could no longer think rationally, he could no longer feel the ground beneath him. Was it finally over?

"I can only imagine the things he's gotten himself into this time...all for this boy! He must really love him." Wuya chuckled to herself. "If I still had a beating heart, I might actually find that sweet. Huh?" The ghost whipped over her shoulder, suddenly sensing someone's presence. "Someone's here? Who could it be now?" She let out a grumble before flying to the entrance of the citadel.

"Of course he'll listen to you. After all, you were the one who helped him free the ghost hag from her puzzle box," The boy genius grinned to himself in satisfaction. "You're not as incompetent as everyone thinks, so asking him for this small favor shouldn't be too much of a problem. What is there to worry about? Well, besides him tearing me to shreds..." he shivered for a moment, but his air of confidence immediately returned. "I'll just go in there, and-"

"Jack! Why are you here?"

"Not to see you," he retorted, slipping right past her.

"He's not here!" she snapped, causing him to freeze in his tracks. "He's off getting himself into some kind of trouble again."

"Let me guess...Omi, right?"

The ghost chuckled innocently. "Why do you say that?" How does HE know...?

"Well, when he gets back, tell him..."

Jack's words slowed to a halt as the wall of Chase's citadel was suddenly broken down. Out the gaping hole came a large serpent-like creature. The creature let out a strangled hiss as it slithered off into the forest at an alarming speed, taking out more than a few trees along the way.

Jack stood there for three seconds before letting out a petrified scream and bolting off in the other direction. "I'M GOING HOME!"

Wuya's eyes grew wide. "That creature..." she pondered, "...could it be?"

It was over. It was all over. He had been sure of it.

He could hardly feel anything around him anymore; it was as if it had all just faded to black. Was this it? Was this the end?

Suddenly, he felt something warm press against his cheek. He felt something. Is this...am I...? No, th-that's impossible. After all the horrible things I've done in my life, there is no way that I could be- His thoughts were rudely cut short by a cold sharpness on his back. He forced his eyes open, the warm softness becoming more abundant as his senses slowly returned to him. His arms outstretched, he attempted to prop himself up to look around, to take in his surroundings, but he was violently brought back down by another wave. Wait...the lake...am I...did I...? His head shot up with a sudden realization. Omi! I must get back to him before he does anything irrational! How long have I been here? Something could have happened already for all I know! Chase let out a growl of frustration before struggling to his feet and propelling himself into the air. He was still drained beyond belief, but that stubborn fighting spirit hadn't left him just yet. He would use everything he had to get back, even if it meant his own demise. If it really was the end, he at least wanted to see Omi one last time.

There was no way he could run from it any longer. He clenched his eyes shut before muttering the words to himself, in an attempt to make them real: "I...love him."