Surprise! –balloons fly and confetti falls- A super-fast update! You guys are shocked, aren't you? 8D I am too, lol! Since I've been so erratic and long in my updates, I thought I'd do something special for you guys. I really appreciate you staying with this fanfic, even though I'm terrible at updating it. Thanks bunches! –blows a kiss-
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And thanks very much to lilanimefan247, anonymous, and TheMissingPieceinaJigsaw for your reviews!
This is the last chapter in Part I. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Xiaolin Showdown
Rated T for violence and torture
Chase Young: Katnappé has won the apprentice position. You have won my pity.
Jack: So, in a way, we're all winners.
CH. 21
Kimiko looked out over the crowd in the elegant ballroom, feeling anxiety prick at her. She had to do it. She couldn't live a lie anymore. She had been doing so for six years, and she was exhausted. She'd broken it off with Jet, now was the time to break off the last connection to the life she'd started to build up. The life she didn't want. She looked over the faces watching her expectantly, and was confused to not see her three boys. Where had they gone?
After her silence stretched out a bit too long, she cleared her throat, smiling, her diamond jewelry sparkling in the chandelier light. "Again, thank you all for coming. Unfortunately, I have bad news to deliver."
Raimundo was thrown back into the wall, his head cracking against it. He slumped down and saw the shade attacking again. He rolled out of the way, trying to keep his eyes locked on his opponent. The darkness of the hallway made the shadow creatures difficult to see.
Omi spun around for a kick, then followed that up with a series of punches, each connecting to the shade. He was satisfied when it burst into black sparks. He quickly turned his attention to the next shade of the group they were fighting.
Clay ducked and backed up, his fists held protectively in front of his face. A creature swiped a clawed hand at him and he yanked backward, countering with an elbow swing. His enemy ducked and lashed out at his knees. Clay jumped over the attack and swung his heel round, connecting with the shade's head.
"I am honored that my father wishes for me to run this company," Kimiko said. "But after careful deliberation, I fear that I am not the right person for this job."
Gasps resounded through the room, the business people turning to look at each other. She saw Midori's eyes pop wide behind her glasses, and her father's jaw drop.
"I'm sorry, but this is not a career I want for myself," she continued. "And I'm sure there are many others far more qualified than I to ascent to this position. So-" She stopped abruptly, shocked as she saw Raimundo tumble in from a hallway behind the crowd of people, a shade lunging after him. He regained his footing and jumped at his opponent, bringing them both back into the hall. Kimiko quickly said, "I will not be taking over my father's company. Thank you."
She rushed away from the microphone, hurrying down the steps. Midori raced up to her as she jogged through the people, saying, "Ms. Tohomiko, have you lost your mind?!"
"No, leave me alone, Midori," Kimiko snapped, and left the assistant behind. She didn't notice the staring faces as she headed for the hall, kicking off her high heels. She heard someone else start to speak on stage, but didn't care. Gethin's shades were here, and possibly Gethin.
Kimiko raced into the hall to see the three boys fighting. She pulled up her dress and kicked into a shade, her attacks sharp and accurate. She spun gracefully about, happy to be able to let out her emotions.
Omi landed a knife chop, destroying the last shade in the hall. They all stood there a moment, panting and looking around.
"Is that all?" Clay questioned, running his fingers through his hair.
Kimiko opened her mouth to speak, when a heavy hum of commotion from the ballroom came to her attention. She hurried back in there, the boys following, their clothes ruffled and slightly sweaty.
Toshihiro had taken the stage, smiling crookedly, his slicked back black hair and graying beard shining in the light. "She doesn't want this position," he was saying. "And is obviously far too young and irresponsible to accept it. I, a thirty year chairman of Tohomiko Electronics, have plenty of experience, and the dedication needed to oversee this company."
There were some cheers in response, the people evidently irritated at Kimiko's speech and abrupt departure.
"And, "Toshihiro said, "if Mr. Tohomiko will let me, I'll be happy to take young Ms. Tohomiko's abandoned place."
Mr. Tohomiko looked distraught. He said something to Toshihiro that couldn't be heard.
The chairman grinned and looked out over the people. His black eyes surveyed their faces, then settled on Kimiko in the back. "And by the way, dear Kimiko, your friend Gethin sends his regards."
Those words hit the monks physically. Their mouths fell open, shock crossing their faces. Omi even took a step back. The crowd started talking among themselves, palpably entertained by the scene they had witnessed.
Toshihiro descended the platform and began heading towards the monks, a smile fixed on his face. People patted him and said things as he passed by. He'd nod, then turn his attention back to the four. They all straightened, their faces set.
The chairman came to a stop in front of them. "Quite the spectacle, no? I think it will be easy enough for me to get control of Tohomiko Electronics."
Kimiko bristled. "Anyone who knows Gethin will do no such thing."
"We need to talk," Raimundo snapped.
"Oh, I agree," Toshihiro replied. "But let's go somewhere private, don't you think?"
Kimiko glanced at the ballroom, then nodded. "Let's talk in the dining room, then."
They headed down the hall in silence, past a few turns and through a set of wooden doors to the dining room. Kimiko turned on the light as they entered, revealing a large, rectangular room that housed an expensive cherry wood table. Chairs lined the sides, and windows ran along one wall.
Raimundo shut the door behind them, plunging them into quiet. "So, how do you know Gethin?"
Toshihiro smiled. "Getting right down to business, are we? He approached me in my room one night, offering me a chance to control Tohomiko Electronics if I swore loyalty to him."
"You made a deal with the devil!" Kimiko exclaimed. "Gethin is evil!"
The chairman tilted his head to the side, his hand resting on the table. "You're just saying that because you lost."
"No, she speaks the truth!" Omi said. "Please, do not do this!"
"Listen to us, partner, "Clay stated.
"It's too late," Toshihiro told them. "I took an oath. There's no going back. And why would I?" He spread his arms. "I'll have it all!"
Kimiko gritted her teeth. "Gethin can't promise you control of the company. It's my father's decision."
The chairman shook his head, smiling sadly. "Ah, dear, your father may be in control, but he's also under influence of people. That's the point of having chairmen. And Gethin's reach is longer than you think." He leaned comfortably back against the table. "I will head Tohomiko Electronics."
Raimundo punched his fist into his palm. "I say we slice and dice this guy now."
Kimiko cringed. The last thing she wanted was rumors that she beat Toshihiro up. "Actually, Rai, maybe we should-"
"Oh, no," Toshihiro grinned widely. "Go ahead. I was, quite honestly, hoping you'd say that."
Shades drew up from the shadows underneath the chairs, with long snouts and clawed hands. They hunched over, facing the monks who shifted into offensive positions.
Toshihiro cocked a lazy grin. "Kill them."
The shades jumped forward and the monks met them in combat. The sounds of clothes swishing, fists and feet impacting, and grunts filled the air. Toshihiro watched lazily, moving over to the door to prevent intrusion.
Omi flipped backwards, kicking a shade and sending it flying. Kimiko caught its wrist, swinging it around and throwing it across the table. Clay turned to it and kicked it at the Brazilian, shouting, "Here, Rai!" Raimundo jumped up and snap kicked the shade, destroying it. They continued to work in this pattern of teamwork, juggling shades amongst each other and keeping active.
Toshihiro watched, pursing his lips. His smile had faded, his arms crossed. The monks were making quick work of the remaining shades.
Omi hopped up on top of the table with a thud, facing a shadow creature. It swiped at him repeatedly. He blocked and dodged, dropping to sweep its legs out from underneath it. It fell to the table, lashing out viciously. Omi jumped backwards, turning to a shade coming up behind him.
Raimundo looked to the creature on the table as it jumped to its feet. He ran onto the table, scooping up a chair and swinging it around, turning the shade into a shower of blackness. He ducked as an enemy leaped at his head. It landed on one side of the table, and he back flipped off, landing on the opposite side. He threw up another chair and with a shout kicked it through the air, slamming into the shade and sending it flying.
Clay saw Raimundo's actions and caught the creature, throwing it to the ground and bringing an axe kick down on its head, killing it. He glanced around, smiling as he realized they had won.
"You have not won!" Toshihiro shouted, contradicting the cowboy's thoughts. "If I can't have Tohomiko Electronics, neither can you!" He pulled out a gun, aimed it at Kimiko, and fired.
The gunshot echoed through the room, nearly drowning out the boys' screams of protest. There was a surge of heat, and then flames completely engulfed Kimiko's body. She grinned, reaching into the flames and bringing out the bullet. It smoked, and then burned into nothing.
"Nice try," she said, grinning darkly. "But Xiaolin reflexes are faster than that."
Toshihiro's eyes were wide as he dropped the gun, backing up against the door. "I-I'll tell everyone what you can do!"
"Oh really?" Kimiko questioned, still grinning. "And who's going to believe you?"
With a cry of surrender, the chairman fell to the floor.
Many people in the ballroom had come running when they'd heard the gunshot. The story was that Kimiko had tried to speak to Toshihiro, but he had gone crazy, trashing the room and eventually trying to shoot her. He had missed. Too consumed by failure, Toshihiro did not argue. And the monks doubted he could have come up with a story to explain his fingerprints on a gun. He was not elected as head of Tohomiko Electronics, and Mr. Tohomiko took it back over.
The incident, however, had made the monks anxious. They had contacted Master Fung about it, and he had congratulated them on their victory, but warned that he could feel evil forces in the world increasing. They wondered at Gethin winning over Toshihiro and, according to the chairman, other members of Tohomiko Electronics. If Toshihiro had won, what was to be gained? What could Gethin get out of a loyalty oath?
Evil growing all over the world seemed overwhelming. They knew next to nothing about the nature of their foe, or the reasoning behind his actions. They all agreed, as had Master Fung, that they were strongest as a team and would stick together, only going where Gethin went. Now all they had to do was wait to see if he was still in Tokyo, or if he had gone elsewhere after his defeat.
Kimiko sat in her father's office, morning sunlight streaming through the windows that allowed a view of the city. The office was well furnished and smelled of cleaning products, Japan's white and red flag hanging on a wall. Behind the dark oak desk, Mr. Tohomiko sat, rubbing his forehead. Kimiko was in a chair on the other side, wearing jeans and a blue shirt, her hair pulled back.
"Kimiko," he began, the sunlight shining off his glasses, "why didn't you tell me sooner?"
She sighed, guilt prodding at her. "I honestly didn't fully realize that I didn't want it until the party. I know that was an embarrassment, Papa, I'm sorry."
He chuckled. "On the contrary, I was told that that was the most exciting work event they ever attended."
She smiled wryly. They had no idea.
"I just don't want you to feel that you have to do things for this company just because you're my daughter," he said sincerely, meeting her eyes. "And I had thought it was what you wanted."
She glanced to the side. "For awhile, it was what I wanted."
He looked at her knowingly. "Because of the Xiaolin Temple?"
She hesitated, then nodded.
"But I take it all that is sorted out now."
She smiled. "It is."
"Well," he leaned forward. "Then you owe me no apology, Kimiko. I just want you to be happy."
She hugged him across the desk. "Arigato gozaimasu, Papa."
Mr. Tohomiko patted her back affectionately. "Douitashimashite. I love you."
"I love you, too."
That night Raimundo stood in the restroom connected to their guest bedroom, getting ready to go to bed. He had green flannel pants on and a white sleep shirt. The restroom was rectangular, a door separating the shower and toilet. The sink had a curving gold faucet, and the mirror had lights lining it. He had turned then on dim, allowing his eyes to slowly adjust so he wouldn't be practically blind when he walked out into the bedroom.
He splashed water on his face, then grabbed a towel to dry off. It was warm and soft against his skin, and he allowed it there a moment longer before he put it down and looked up at his reflection. He froze.
Gethin was standing behind him. The pure black form of the man was menacing, two darker spots serving as eyes. He chuckled darkly in his deep voice. "Did I surprise you, Raimundo?"
The Brazilian narrowed his green eyes. "What do you want?"
"My, my, aren't we feisty? I thought you were the laid-back one?" He paused. "You're taking my actions personally, aren't you?"
Raimundo gritted his teeth. "I don't like you targeting members of my team while they're alone. If you want to be that way, then just fight me yourself."
Gethin shook his head. "Be patient, Dragon of the Wind, I do things my way and in my own time."
"So, what did you come here for? You certainly don't have a victory to rub in my face." He smirked. "You underestimated us."
"That fool Toshihiro was simply meant to test you four. I don't even know if I want to bother punishing him."
Raimundo frowned. "Test us? For what?"
Gethin tilted his head to the side. "Now, Raimundo, what did I just get finished saying?"
The Brazilian clenched his teeth, glaring at the shadow sorcerer's reflection. "What do you have planned?"
"Maybe in the next round you'll find out. I certainly hope to see the four of you there. I especially think you wouldn't want to miss it, Raimundo. After all, I'm heading to Rio de Janeiro."
Anger surged up inside him, and he opened his mouth to respond when Gethin vanished. He gripped the edges of the sink, turning his knuckles white. He knew how Kimiko must have felt when Master Fung had told them that Gethin was in Tokyo. It wasn't a good feeling.
Shoving off the sink, he turned to head into the room and wake up the others. They were leaving immediately.
End of Part I
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