Wedding of Darkness
This is It
Chapter 25
Last time Raimundo had kissed Kimiko releasing her of the Wu's control over her body before she passed out on the floor. Next, he broke free of the warrior's and Chase Young's grip before being chocked to death. Now up in the air he floats with Chase levitating in front of him and offering him a deal for the safety of his friends and Kimiko. A deal that would mean selling his soul to the devil himself. (Figuratively speaking but you get what I mean) In order to save the ones he loved Raimundo would have to challenge Chase Young to a showdown and win. The wager being their freedom or Rai would become a jungle cat and join the other fallen warriors who now serve Chase.
Crazy thing was Rai was willing to give up his own life if it meant the others would live. It was very heroic of him to go that far just to protect the people he cares about. (sniffle) This only amused Chase because with their leader gone the Xiaolin warriors would be helpless against any attacks he threw at them; and with Rai as his servant Kimiko would be for the taking then nobody will stand in his way.
Raimundo, as said before was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice just to save his friends. He had accept Chase Young's challenge to a showdown, and with a dark chuckle and sinister look on his face, Chase was pleased with Rai's answer. Only thing is it would be an old fashion showdown like when he battled Master Monk Guan.
No Shen Gong Wu.
The boys would rely only on their martial arts skills throughout the challenge.
The wager was the freedom of the rest of our heroes and Kimiko.
If Raimundo wins, our heroes go free and the prophecy is no more.
If Chase Young wins, Rai and the monks loose their souls, him and Kimiko would wed, and the world will fall into a thousand years of darkness.
Needless to say the faith of the world and everyone's lives were hanging on the line. Raimundo had to win the showdown, he couldn't afford to lose because failure isn't an option here. You either win and everybody's happy or you loose and everybody turns their back on you. No preasure, none what-so-ever just can't make any mistakes and there's a lot of weight on Rai's shoulders.
"So Dragon of the Wind, we'll battle in a showdown using only our martial art moves." Chase told Raimundo.
"Agreed, no Shen Gong Wu and no cheating." Raimundo added.
"I'm not one to go to the lengths of cheating young dragon. Unlike some people..." Chase replied looking over at Jack.
Soon everybody was looking at Jack.
"...? What? Why's everybody starring at me? Is there something on my face? What is it?" Jack questioned but was ignored and all eyes went back on Raimundo and Chase Young.
"Alright Chase I see your point. We'll play old school for my friends freedom and the world." Raimundo told him.
With a nod and a smirk Chase approved Raimundo's request.
"And should I prevail you'll pledge your loyalty to me and join all the other fallen warriors who are enslaved in the beasts that serve me. As well, Kimiko and I shall wed and your friends will be let go but hunted down like prey until they've been captured and broken." Chase explained.
Dark, isn't he?
His words sent cold shivers down everyones spine.
Like a wave of 30 degrees F. wind blew right behind them.
Creepy.
Even if he didn't like the wager terms Raimundo had no other choice.
Against his better judgement he had to agree to the showdown.
"Alright, if that's how it has to be, a wager is a wager and I accept the terms." Raimundo told Chase.
"Good." Chase said.
"Raimundo you must win this showdown or we will all suffer under Chase Young's warth." Omi told him.
"So there's absolutely no pressure. Nothing to worry about. No, sir. Nope~ Just remain calm and don't think about the consequences. Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm, stay calm." Dojo said but then began to rant off. He was more nervous about this showdown than Raimundo.
"Relax you guys, I'm not afraid, but I will win this showdown and I'll get us out of here. I swear on my life as a Xiaolin Dragon and Sadoko Leader." Raimundo told the others
"Just be careful partner, Chase Young's as cunning as a fox stealing hens from the chicken coop." Clay said.
"Yeah or a pair of coyotes fighting over a scrap of meat." Jesse added.
"You show this guy what you're made of Rai! Show him that the good guys always win." Jermaine said.
"Yeah!" Sandy, Candace, and Tiffany said together.
"Yeah show him who's the tough guy in town!" Jack cried out.
"Thanks you guys." Raimundo replied with a hearty smile.
With his friends backing him up, Raimundo felt his fears begin to melt away like an ice cube in the hot sun. There was just one thing that would make his confidence soar sky high. He only wished Kimiko would awaken from her unconcious slumber to witness the showdown and all that he was doing.
Both warriors got into fighting positions prepared to attack the other.
Followed on cue they said the words that would seal their fate.
Gong Yie Tempi!
The showdown had begun!
(FYI: For your information I apologize in advance if this fight scene isn't the best. I don't write about fight scene but I'll try my best for you guys. Since this is going to be my last chapter I want to make this the best I can. If it's short and crappy just gotta go with it please, thanks~)
The boys ran straight at each other full speed in attack mod. As they drew closer to each other both threw out their fists which collided with one another sending them backwards. They slide back on their feet before running back to attack. Raimundo threw a fist at Chase who easily blocked it. So Raimundo threw another punch but again it was blocked. Every punch he threw at Chase was easily blocked like it was nothing.
Raimundo kept trying to punch Chase but to no avail was this going anywhere. He tried to punch him in the chest though he knew Chase was wearing armor he still went ahead with it. Unfortunately, Chase once again blocked the punch only this time he grabbed Raimundo's wrist and twisted his arm around his back. Raimundo let out a screaming ach of pain from the arm twist, and the next thing he knew he was on the ground. Chase had the upper hand right now but Raimundo wasn't backing down so quickly. He grabbed Chase Young's boot and used his strength to push him off of his body.
Raimundo jumped back onto his feet getting into attack mod once again.
He was far from done fighting.
Chase was impressed with Raimundo's courage and willpower, but it wouldn't do him any good. This showdown between Xiaolin and Heylin would be the last because Chase had a plan. A plan that would make Raimundo lose his focus and confidence.
"Your skills are quite impressive young dragon, but what makes you think you'll win this showdown?" Chase asked Rai.
"I don't think I know I'll win this showdown." Raimundo replied then ran up charging a fist right at Chase. Course that wasn't the best move to us because Chase grabbed it with his hand holding a tight grip on it.
Chase Young's grip was strong.
In fact it was strong enough to bring Raimundo onto one of his knees.
"As much as your skills have grown, you still have much to learn." Chase said to him.
Raimundo was holding his position while groaning from the pain surging fron his hand, down his arm, and circulating throughout his body. Sweat was starting to come down his forehead showing just how much he was hurting right now. Without thinking Raimundo used his free hand to punch Chase but that didn't go as planned because that hand got grabbed.
"Wow he really didn't think that through did he?" Jack asked the others.
"Hey now Rai's doing the best he can. Not like you could have done any better if you were in his place." Clay told Jack.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Jack asked sounding angry.
"It means you're not the best fighter when it comes to showdowns." Dojo replied.
"Hey I resent that!" Jack cried out.
"Oh will guys just knock it off. Rai's in the middle of a showdown so we all need to shut up and let him focus." Jermaine explained to them.
"Sorry..." The guys apologized.
"Yes, we must be very quiet which will allow Raimundo to concentrate on the showdown at hand." Omi explained.
"If he can back on his feet." Candace added.
Raimundo was struggling right now.
Chase had a strong hold on him and wasn't planning on letting go.
He remembered the last time he was in this situation. He was trying to attack Chase Young before getting caught and almost eatten if not for Clay saving him.
Wait a minute, that's it!
Clay pulled him out of Chase's grip so to get out he had to go back. If he could create enough wind power he could push himself backward. Focusing, Rai built up all the energy he could before unleashing a huge amount of wind at Chase and flying back into the wall where his friends hung. Took a hard impact hitting that wall, sliding onto the ground, but getting back up none the less.
"Okay, now I'm mad." Rai said with a pissed off look on his face as he stared at Chase.
"You cannot defeat me. No matter how hard you try young monk your strength is nothing compared to mine." Chase explained to Raimundo.
"I'll admit I'm not very strong like you and I still have much to learn, but I know one thing. You can beat me within every inch of my body but I'll never stop fighting." Rai explained.
"Still determined to stop me? Impressive, but there's always a way to break a man." Chase told him.
"I'd like to see you try." Raimundo said.
"So be it, tell me how did you react when you learned of my plans for Kimiko?" Chase asked.
"That's none of your business, Hiya!" Raimundo replied taking off towards Chase with a little wind assistance. He took off at a speed of a cheetah running after its prey.
Chase shield himself with his arms in front of his face when Raimundo kicked him back a good ten feet back. Raimundo flipped backwards in the air after that kick landing on his feet in a ninja pose. Chase moved his arms down and chuckled at Raimundo for some unknown reason everyone didn't understand just yet. Raimundo stood up and questioned Chase's actions for this sudden laughter.
Chase laughed a little more before calming down and speaking. He had that creepy evil smirk on his face that sent a wave of fear at our heroes. Goosebumps crawled over their arms, the little hairs on their body went up, sweat was dripping down their faces, and hearts were racing like race cars.
Seriously how terrifying can one guy get?
"Don't think I don't know how you reacted when you learned of my plans young dragon. I see everything you young monks are up to, and I saw your behavior. Quite childish and idiotic how you acted and were going to just storm right into my palace without even forming a plan. You weren't thinking, as a leader you must be ready too take action, focus on the task at hand, be calm, cool, and collected, and not let your emotions for others get the best of you." Chase began to explain.
"A dragon warrior must have control of himself. If he does the unthinkable he'll lead himself and his fellow monks to an untimely demize. You can't just go off like that it's consider suicide to just waltz into Heylin territory alone. You're not just responsible for yourself but you're also responsible for the choices and actions of your monks. Their fate and trust rests in the decisions you make young dragon. Don't do something you'll regret that'll loose the respect others have for you."
He may be evil, but Chase Young is still a warrior of honor who gives wise advice.
Upon hearing Chase speak, Raimundo listened closely to what he had to say. Though he was a villain, Chase made a rational point on the values of being a Sudoko leader. When he first found out about what Chase was planning he lost control of his body and emotions. He was going to go straight for the palace without thinking just to save Kimiko. He would have walked right into enemy territory without backup or any Wu with him. He wasn't being smart at the time, nor did he care if he died. All he wanted was to rescue Kimiko no matter how high the cost.
She was like a rare gem that had to be found or a princess who was trapped and had to be rescued. To Raimundo, she was both those things and much more; however, if he went through with his previous plans of barging in without a plan, all hope would have been lost. Now just thinking about that and his previous actions brought the warrior's guard down. Chase saw this as an opportunity to attack Raimundo; the others noticed this when they saw the look on Chase's face as he looked at Raimundo like a predator would at prey. In a panic our heroes cried out to get Raimundo's attention in hopes to snap him back to reality and continue fighting. Sadly Raimundo's emotions took over and by the time he noticed Chase coming at him it was too late.
Realization hit him like a mad machanical bull.
Right in the stomach.
Chase Young used a very powerful punch attack on Raimundo. His punch went in a downward motion sending Raimundo down into the ground very hard. So hard that the ground around him dipped down and cracked. (If anyone saw The Incredible Hulk just think of when he punches the ground to describe Raimundo's position right now. That's how powerful of a punch Chase Young threw at Raimundo.)
Before Raimundo could even try to get up, he was grabbed by the collar of his shirt and hoisted into the air. Chase Young had a dark aura around him with a wicked smirk to go with it. He was going to make sure Raimundo knew the true meaning of defeat even if it killed him. Next that happened was Chase transformed into his reptilian form while still holding Raimundo in the air. He then tossed Raimundo across the room into the wall. Then he jumped high into the air landing right in front of Raimundo, grabbing his shirt, and pushing him hard against the wall. Raimundo groaned in pain, slowly opening his eyes to look at Chase who looked a bit hungry.
"You know perhaps instead of turning you into a jungle cat I'll have you as a side dish with my Lao Mein Lo soup." Chase said.
"Fat chance lizard head." Raimundo said lifting his feet up and kicking Chase in the stomach. He took a few steps back rubbing his stomach that was just kicked.
Raimundo struggled to stand up so he had to use the wall for help and balance. Taking a few deep breathes, Raimundo turned towards Chase who had recovered from the kick and was down on all fours ready to attack.
"Why do you keep pushing yourself to fight? You're only delaying the inedible young monk." Chase told him.
"I told you I'll keep fighting till my last breathe." Raimundo said.
"I admire your skills, but a warrior knows when he should step down from a battle he knows he can't win." Chase told him.
"What makes you think I'll loose? I'm only getting started." Raimundo replied.
"Oh dear, I am afraid Raimundo is loosing the showdown." Omi said concerned.
"He's not giving up yet Omi. Though he's got to pick it up if he's going to win." Jermain said.
"I don't think its just about picking up the pace Jermaine. Raimundo's self confidence is being tested by the things Chase is telling him. Now I don't want to agree with that no good fox, but with what he's telling Rai about being a leader and his feelings for Kimiko it's making Raimundo go from a confident leader to a small chicken in the hen house." Clay explained.
"So Raimundo's become a small chicken who can't fight? Oh that is just great! Our leader is as bad as Jack Spicer in battle." Omi complained.
"Hey!" Jack cried out hearing this.
"Come at me if you have the balls to do so." Raimundo said to Chase who let out a deep growl.
"Raimundo, now's not the time for your silly dolly dibby!" Omi cried out.
"That's dilly dally Omi, seriously read a book about comebacks." Jack told him.
"Come on Chase, what you've been doing is nothing but child's play. My kid sister can fight better than you." Raimundo pointed out.
"Really? Let me show you what I'm capable of." Chase said before he pounced.
Raimundo quickly ducked and rolled out of the way causing Chase to hit the wall head first. He shook it off before coming after Raimundo again. Rai had to move fast before he got mauled so he used what little wind power he had left in him to fly and side away from danger.
He was hopping and a jumping all over the place like a frog on red bull. Chase was leaping and pouncing after Raimundo like a cat who was starving for a good meal. Chase kept high on Rai's tail trying to pounce and hold him down. Raimundo was doing everything in his power to avoid getting tackled, but he was growing weak from being tossed into the wall roughly.
Unknowns' to him, Kimiko had begun to wake up from her unconcious state. She groaned in pain placing a hand on her head and blinking so she could see where she was. Her head was spinning as if she'd gone on one of those spinning rides at the fair a dozen times before having enough. It took a few seconds before her vision cleared up to see that she was in Chase Young's palace. At first she had no idea why she was there, but then memories of what took place days ago flashed through her mind. Her agreement to marry Chase Young in exchange for her friends safety, but then everything goes blank after that.
Thinking about it was putting pressure on her head so she tried to think of something else. It didn't take more than five seconds before she heard noises and turned to see Raimundo leaping and floating away from a reptilian Chase.
"Raimundo? Chase Young?" She said to herself, eyes never leaving the pair.
Raimundo continued to avoid capture until he stopped floating, rolling on the ground then jumping over Chase before stopping to catch his breathe. He was getting exhausted yet Chase hadn't even broken a sweat. If Rai didn't think of something soon he'd be finished. Just when his guard was down, Chase prepared to pounce on Raimundo if Kimiko hadn't said something.
"Raimundo look out!" She cried out.
Raimundo was shocked when he heard Kimiko, but even more shocked when he turned and saw Chase inches away from his face. Raimundo thought fast and jumped away before Chase got him. Rai stole a quick look at Kimiko with a face still in shock seeing her awake.
"Kimiko?"
"Rai."
"You're awake and back to normal."
"What do you mean?"
"Chase had you under the Shadow Ring's control giving him the advantage to use you to fight against us and marry him without a fight. His plans almost worked if I hadn't kissed you, but now I'm in a showdown with him. If I loose I become pledge my loyalty to him and you'll be his bride."
"*gasp* Rai you can't go through with this."
"I have to for your and the others safety and security."
"Rai please don't throw your life away just for us."
"If I don't Chase wins and all hope is lost. Its bad enough he captured you when I should have stopped him, I lost the Wu under my care, almost came here alone without a plan, got the others captured, and now I'm not loosing you again."
"Why Raimundo, why are you doing this?"
"I just told you why."
"No, why are you really doing this?"
"*sigh* Because...I love you Kimiko."
Aw~!
A blush appeared on Kimiko's face as well as the build up of tears.
"Y-you mean that Rai?"
"I mean it from the bottom of my heart Kim."
This touching moment would have continued if not for Jack interrupting and telling Raimundo to get back to the real matter at hand. A blush of embarresment crept onto Raimundo's face and it only grew when Kimiko gave him a kiss on the cheek for good luck.
"Go and win the showdown."
"I will Kimiko, for you."
As if by magic all energy and confidence returned to Raimundo. He felt like his old self once again which was good for him but bad for Chase Young. Raimundo turned towards Chase's direction with a smirk on his face that said 'Come at me' because he meant business and was ready for action.
"I see you have confidence in yourself. Fortunately it won't be enough to stop me." Chase told him.
"We'll see about that." Raimundo simply said.
Both boys lept into the air and fought each other.
Punched were made and dodged.
Kicks were thrown and grabbed.
A few spin kicks were thrown out.
Pushing when grabbing hands where testing their strength cause they put much strength in their grips.
Then a surprise wind kick in the stomach sent Chase into the wall behind him. He slid down but got right back up, jumping back into the air and tackling Raimundo to the ground. The pair were moving side to side holding onto each other kind of like wild animals fighting over who should be in charge.
The rest of our heroes were cheering for Raimundo as he rolled around with Chase on him. If he was going to win the showdown he had to throw out a finishing move to end it all. Then an idea came to mind and he knew just what to do. Headbutting Chase as hard as he could which sent him on the ground rubbing his head. Raimundo took this opportunity to get up and back away; and then he summoned his elemental power.
"Tie Fu Boom! Wind!"
Jumping up into the air while spinning, Raimundo began to create a small yet powerful tornado that was coming towards Chase. Though he tried to run away from it, there was no escape from the tornado's suction power. Unlike a vacuum this tornado Raimundo was creating had no off switch and wouldn't stop until he had Chase. Oh Chase was trying how he tried to get away from the tornado, but even a warrior of his strength was no match for the elemental powers of a Xiaolin dragon. He held onto his throne as tight as he could but his fingers were slipping. He tried to use his nails for support but they made this screeching noise as he was pulled back. The wind was brining him into the direction of the tornado and if that wasn't bad enough the tornado was coming towards him. He was pulled back further towards the tornado and his body was flying in the air. The only thing keepiing him at bay were his nails in his throne.
"No, I can't lose this way! I won't surrender or let go! Nngh...AH!" Chase cried out before his finger nails gave out and he was sent flying back into the tornado.
Showdown Over
Raimundo is victorious!
With the showdown over our heroes were free of their shackles letting them move their arms and hands again. They ran over to Rai to make sure he was okay. The tornado had vanished and Raimundo stood before a shooken up reptilian Chase who transformed back into his human form. Our heroes looked down at him as Chase lifted his head up and looked at them.
"It appears I've lost, you are indeed worthy of being Sudoko warrior." Chase began as he stood up and faced our heroes.
"As promised you are all free to go and Kimiko is returned to you."
Hearing this was music to Kimiko's ears as she hugged Raimundo lovingly.
"You almost had me there Chase and I'll admit the stuff you said before hurt but were true. Yet its stuff like that, that makes me learn from my mistakes, keep going, and know I'm not alone. So long as I have my friends by my side we can accomplish anything we set out to do." Raimundo explained.
"Anyway thanks for the fun but like I said you were going to lose this showdown from the beginning. Now if you excuse us we're going home until another day when we meet for battle on the field. Come on everyone we're out of here."
And with that said our heroes turned their backs on Chase and headed out. However, Chase stopped them because he had one last thing to say.
"Kimiko, you reminded me so much of Sakura and the time we use to share together 1500 years ago. I felt that same connection I shared with Sakura when we were together. Tell me you felt a similar connection."
Silence.
Then she spoke.
"Chase I'm sorry but I could never love you. I believe you were once a good man and team member until you made that deal with Hannibal Roy Bean. If Sakura were still around she wouldn't be pleased with your choices. You were probably feeling love between us as a way to fill up this void you had in you because you still love Sakura. Maybe someday you'll come to understand that what you're doing is wrong and come back to the Xiaolin side, but until then we'll keep fighting until all Heylin is defeated for good." Kimiko explained to him.
"Oh and one last thing. You're a sick pervert who has no respect for when a girl wants privacy in the bathroom when bathing and the bedroom when dressing."
"I do not understand, why was Chase with you when you bathed and dressed?" Omi asked confused.
"Uh we'll tell you about it later partner." Clay replied.
"Can we go now? I really gotta use the bathroom after being stuck to the wall for so long." Jack complained and began to do the pee pee dance.
"Let's head em out doggies." Jessie said.
With that all being said our heroes walked out of the palace.
Raimundo and Kimiko walking hand in hand.
~Epilogue~
And so ends a tale of adventure, action, fear, bravery, romance, and determination to succeed. Before our heroes parted and went their seperate ways there was still one thing left to do. When they got back to the temple they threw a small birthday party for Kimiko. It was the least they could do for her after all she went through. It wasn't anything mega but its the thought that counts.
Everyone of her friends were there to wish her a 'Happy Birthday'. Her father and best friend called to wish her many birthday wishes, Master Fung and the other elder monks congratulated her on all her hard work and a 'Happy Birthday', her other friends gave their wishes and gifts to her, and then came Raimundo.
Through everything they went through he had forgotten about her gift.
Or did he?
He excused himself from the room and went into his room to get his gift. Took a matter of seconds before he returned with a box wrapped in a ribbon. He gave a small smile and held the gift out.
"Sorry if its not much but I hope you like it Kimiko." Raimundo said.
"Aw Rai thank you." She replied taking the box and opening it.
Inside was a shell made frame with a picture of the monks in front of the temple with Dojo and Master Fung. And that's not all, on the bottom was a little package of tissue paper wrapped up. Kimiko took it out and opened it to reveal a beautiful ruby ring inside.
Gasp~!
"Oh my...Rai this is...its beautiful. Both gifts are. How did you...where did you..." Kimiko began but was lost in words.
"I collected some shells on the beach and put the frame together. Figured best to put that photo of all of us in something. The ring is an old ring my mom no longer wears. I stopped by in Rio to get some help from my family with putting together your gifts." Raimundo explained.
"I hope you like them and except the ring as a token of how much I love you Kimiko."
"Oh Raimundo...I do." Kimiko replied giving him a big sweet kiss on the lips.
Shocked at first but then Rai began to kiss back wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close to him. All the Viper girls and Jessie went 'Aw~' when they watched those two share a kiss. Even Jack Spicer found this moment to be so touching that he began to cry. Dojo did the same thing and the two hugged one another and cried.
Beautiful isn't it?
"Mmm Happy Birthday Kimiko."
"Thank you Raimundo, thank you for everything."
The End