Thank you: anon, Ok, JuliaE.k5, xioalinfan17, VanillaStratos, The Name Be Sam, Zoerz, XemlovezyouX11233, BabyGurl365, BRC46290, 21hugs, Love Is My Weapon, Chicka, Calli, Kitten2007, person, Please Enter Your Name, XboneX, FanficFanNumber1, and all the anonymous guys for your reviews and messages!
And Calli: Thank you soooo much for letting me know about my art being used… the person did take it off their facebook ;). For artists, it's a really great if people admire your artwork enough that they want it, but some form of credit needs to be given to he original artist. It's a crummy feeling when you think your ideas have been taken. I really don't mind if people want to do their own artwork on the story or if they want to use my stuff, but you gotta inform me and give me credit. That's not paranoia talking… or is it….
Anyway, Thank you guys so much again! I hope you enjoy this episode of:
The Xiaolin Chronicles
Episode 36: Wild, Wild West
"Ha! Sorry m'am, but this here Wu, is mine!" He caught the Wu in the air and his showdown was over. The arena cleared and Clay Bailey had won over Heba.
"Heh, not bad, cowboy." Heba sauntered back to her side where Jack Spicer had been watching the match.
"Not BAD cowboy?" Jack repeated. "What about you! You're useless if you can't even collect Wu for me! How could you lose to this lazy, fat, ugly looking cowboy, anyway?"
"Oh man, you're jealous of his looks, Spicer." Jaku patted Clay on the shoulder. "This guy could beat the bloody hell out of you, if he wanted to."
The other monks crowded their victor as well. "Are you going to stick around for more whooping of the butt?" Omi asked as he prepared his stance.
Jack gave them all a long look, one monk particularly. "Hmph, no." He released his helicopter wings and the sorceress and Jack-bots followed suit in his retreat.
"Well, congrats, Bailey." Jaku snickered. "You sure showed that clown today!"
"Yeah, thanks!"
"You know, Jack Spicer's not as active as he used to be. It's almost like he's lost his will to fight, or something." Raimundo scratched his head.
"Gee, I wonder why." Kimiko folded her arms and darted a glare to her friend, Rika.
"Heh, yeah, it's crazy…" Rika noticed Kimiko's glare and just chuckled nervously.
"Let's head back to the temple, we should talk to Master Fung about going to Japan." Raimundo announced.
"You guys really don't have to go with me, really…" Kimiko fidgeted.
"I know, but we could use a vacation. We'll stay at a hotel, so we're not in your way, but I think it would be a nice trip."
"Yeah, real nice…" She grumbled. When they settled in at home, Raimundo and the others pressed Master Fung about the trip.
"C'mon, Fungie, it's a good idea!" Raimundo insisted. Master Fung raised an eyebrow to his new nickname.
"Master Fung, usually, I am more on the side of more training, however, we are all pretty exhausted from Chase Young's last attempts. It would be such a help to our recovering if we could go on vacation." Omi alleged.
"Yeah!" Dojo added. "And I'll be with them, so if any Wu activates, we can still go looking for them while we're there!"
Fung rubbed his beard. "Hmmm…"
"Kimiko has to go visit her pa-pa anyway, so we might as well all stay together this weekend, right?" Jaku included.
"…Well, I suppose this is fine, then." Fung concluded.
"Yes!" The monks cheered with velocity. All seemed to be anticipating the trip, except for the one who had planned to go by herself, that is.
As Kimiko moped, Rika decided to come talk to her.
"I'm looking forward to going to Japan," Rika said cheerily, "I've studied the language and etiquettes before, so it should be interesting trying it out in Tokyo!"
Kimiko sighed. "I'm excited for you."
Rika grimaced. "What's up with you?"
"It's nothing, really." She decided to say. "I'm happy for the trip too!" She beamed. "C'mon, let's go watch more Detective Seto-Hiro! I'd rather do that than just wait around for a Wu to activate!" She pulled Rika down the hall and they both giggled as they made their way into Kimiko's room.
"Jaku, I wish to train with you!" Omi proclaimed. "I would like to work with elements opposite of mine for today!"
"Sounds good, little Omi!" The two headed out to train. Raimundo watched them leave and decided to do some training of his own.
…
…
...
-–
Before the monks knew it, they were in Texas again. After they had completed some training, Dojo announced a new Wu had been activated there.
"The Paint Pincher," Kimiko opened the scroll. "When activated, the user can paint something, and it comes to life! Cool!"
"Ah, a very imaginative Wu." Dojo explained. "If I recall correctly, the things you can bring to life are limited, and they don't last long."
"It's still a pretty impressive Wu. Let's get it before the Heylin side does!" Raimundo announced. The monks landed in the hot desert forest, where bushels of dry bushes and cacti resided on the dirt dry hills.
"I see the Wu!" Jaku pointed on the trail ahead. It was a brush shaped Wu that was plastered to a cactus.
Omi did a few good leaps over the prickly plants to get to it quickly.
"Hurry, Omi, I sense Jill-bots on the other side of the hill!" Rika called out to him. Omi grabbed the Wu and pulled back before Jill could get her hands on it.
"Blast!" She cried. "Jill-bots, destroy them!" The robots flew out and shot and whipped at the monks. Wuya flipped in too, deciding to fight as well.
…
"Jill, let's go for now!" Wuya carped. "We're running out of bots and we lost the Wu anyway!"
After minutes of elements, magic and robots being thrown around, Jill and Wuya decided to retreat.
"Sweet victory! Great job, team!" Raimundo gave 'thumbs up.' "But damn, I'm tired!"
"Yeah, I could use a little break as well." Kimiko admitted. "Let's head back to the temple."
"Heh, I don't think so!" Dojo slinked over to them.
"Why not?"
"Thanks to all of your fighting, I ducked-and-covered in a cacti forest! PAIN, EVERYWHERE!"
"How is that our fault?" Raimundo challenged.
"Ohhh, poor little Dojo," Rika patted his head. "We have to take the needles out."
"NO! DON'T DO THAT!" He edged away. "IT HURTS TO BE TOUCHED!"
"Yep, those needles have been in too long. Yur gettin' an infection, little buddy." Clay observed.
"SO? You ain't touching me!" The Dragon recoiled.
Raimundo had already grabbed the little reptile and was holding him down while Jaku and Omi plucked the needles out, as the Dragon cried out in agony.
"I swear, he sounds like he's being murdered." Kimiko mumbled as they watched. Even after the boys had taken all the needles out, he was still yelling and screaming.
"DOJO! YOU ARE OKAY NOW!" Omi exclaimed over his useless protests. "But, very puffy now…" He poked the rather bumpy and red dragon.
"Ughh…I don't feel so good…" Dojo rolled onto his back. "Owwwww…."
"You'll be fine… in a few hours," Clay regretted to say, "your body's responding to the contents on the cacti needles. It'd be faster if we could get some ointment on those bumps."
"I could try to heal him," Jaku stepped in.
"That won't do any good," Rika elucidated. "The needles were in him too long, it's just an infection in his body now, like he's sick. You only heal wounds, so it won't do any good. Right, Clay?"
"Yeah, that's right." He smiled.
"Oh, that's great," Raimundo alleged, "we got a dying dragon and no way of getting back to the temple!" He wiped the sweat off his brow. "It's freaken hot out here! I knew I should have brought the Golden Tigers Claws today!"
"Well, what should we do? These hills seem to go for miles." Jaku noted. The monks grew silent as they pondered.
"…We could go to my house." Clay fixed his hat. "It's a few miles from here."
"Hey, great idea! We can see Daddy Bailey again!" Kimiko cheered.
"Dang it, cowboy," Raimundo wheezed, "why didn't you say so sooner? Lead the way before we all die of dehydration out here!"
He frowned. "Uh, okay."
…
"Well I'll be a caterpillar in a cocoon! Boy, get over here!" The brawny man wafted his hand towards himself, gesturing the young cowboy for a decent hug.
"Hey, daddy, long time no see." Clay embraced his father.
"Look at you! Whoooo doggy, you got some fine muscle tone there, son! The temple's been teaching you well, huh!"
"Heh, yeah. It's good to see you, daddy. Sorry we came so unannounced, but our dragon friend needs help."
"Shoot, ain't no boy need to apologize fur' coming to see his old man!" He turned to the other monks. "Hey y'all, good to see you again!"
"Hey, Daddy Bailey," Raimundo teased, "you never came by to visit us, so we could give you a work load!"
"Heh, you monks saving the world ain't the only ones busy! Come on in." Mr. Bailey lead them into the house. "Welll, who are these two new faces?"
He directed his glare to day and night dragons. "Oh," Clay addressed, "Daddy, this is Jaku Romane and Rika Harper. They joined us a few good months ago."
"Well, well, nice to meet y'all…" He said speculating the two.
"It's an honor to meet you, sir." Jaku bowed. Rika's was tense, but she followed his motions and bowed as well.
"Hmmm…Respectful types, eh? Well, welcome!"
"Daddy, we need to stay fur the night so Dojo can rest. Is that alright?"
"Psh, 'course it is, son. I'm glad you decided to come by here."
Mr. Bailey seemed more enthusiastic than the last time they had visited. Before, they were trying to convince him that Clay belonged in the temple, and even prove to him that Clay was manly enough to be amongst the monks. He seemed more supportive of it, now.
"Of course," the older man added, "y'all got to help with some ranch work while yur' here."
"Oh, YES!" Omi proclaimed. "I will milk old Bessy once again!"
"Uh, yeaaahhh, about poor Bessy…" Mr. Bailey lowered his hat, as if to cover his eyes.
Omi grimaced, "Is she alright?"
"Oh yeah… I've been meaning to tell you, partner," Clay cut in, "Old Bessy's been dead 'bout a year now."
His eyes were watery. "NOOOOO!"
"Aw, poor Omi." Kimiko whispered to the others.
"Who's Old Bessy?" Jaku asked her.
"A cow." Raimundo answered unenthusiastically. "Bessy, is just a cow."
"She was not just ANY cow!" Omi cried. "She was full of pride and spirit for an old being; a true symbol of stubborn integrity! And now, she's gone!" He wept as Kimiko rubbed his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, little buddy. I meant to tell you sooner, but I knew how much you cared about the old gal, and…"
"No! I do not permit such words!" Omi pointed the guilty finger at Clay. "How could you not tell me this? I will never forgive you!"
"Omi, don't get mad at Clay over a cow! Bessy was probably going to get turned into a hamburger eventually anyway." Rika said coldly.
"Actually, she was a milking cow, but that's beside the point." Clay clarified.
"I do not care! She was my milking cow!"
"Gosh, I could see Jermaine's sister getting jealous at Omi's feelings for la vaca vieja." Raimundo snickered.
"Omi, I really am sorry…" Clay gave an awkward expression.
The little boy turned his head away and folded his arms. "Hmph!"
"Well, good to see y'all are bonding so well…" Mr. Bailey remarked with sarcasm. "How 'bout some dinner?"
"HELLO! CAN SOMEONE GIVE ME SOME MEDICINE, PLEASE? I'VE GOT AN ITCHING PAIN BIGGER THAN TEXAS OVER HERE!"
"Whoops, sorry, Dojo." Clay picked up the shriveling reptile. "I'll take care of him, you guys can get dinner ready." The monks dressed in appropriate western attire and began their chores. Since the sun was going down, the cattle were meant to be herded back into the stables for the day.
"Jaku, right?" Daddy Bailey addressed the ginger while they stood in barn.
"Yes, sir?"
"We could some more milk for the dinner, if yur' interested in helping out…"
"No problem!" Jaku rolled up a bucket and milked a cow in seconds. "Here you go."
"W-whoa…" The old cowboy was flabbergasted. "Nice work, son."
"Thank you, I guess animals and I just click." He replied.
"Well now, this'll do just nicely." He turned to Rika. "Hey' little lady, why don't you help with the potatoes when we start dinner?"
"Of course, sir. I can mash them, simmer the ribs, broil the corn, or do anything else to make the dinner as well."
"Really?" He scratched his chin. "Okay, it's decided! You can make the whole thing, then!"
"Huh?" Clay stepped in. "Daddy, I don't think-"
"Well, either she's gonna have to help with the herd or do this. If she can cook, I'd rather be out horse back riding with my boy, if she can handle the food!"
"But, but-!"
"It's perfectly alright, Clay." Rika said matter-of-factly with her arms behind her back. "I would love to prepare the meal."
"Don't worry so much, Clay." His father patted him on the shoulder. "I wouldn't be so rude as to have our guest make food for all of us herself."
Rika was about to ask what that meant, until everyone heard the loudest shriek in the world.
"YIIIIIII-HHHHHHHHHHHHAWWWW! SWEET DAMN, IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK ON THE RANCH!"
Clay's eye twitched. "J-Jessie? W-what are you doing here?"
"I came by to visit Daddy, 'course." She said with a smirk. "Good to see you, brother!"
"Oh, this outta be good." Raimundo nudged his elbow into Kimiko. She knew what he meant by this, and was not amused.
The two siblings hugged. "Um, it is good to see you too, now that you're good, and stuff." Clay answered.
"Heh, yeaaahhh. The Vipers and I are takin' a break from our travels, so I figured I stop by. Got here just yesterday; you're timing is impeccable, brother."
"I guess so." He admitted humbly.
Jessie spun to the other monks. "Hey y'all. Sorry 'bout all the trickery last time, though I'm sure Clay already told you I done changed and everything…"
"We know, thanks for giving the Wu back." Raimundo grinned. "So, you gonna help us with the herd? We could use some help."
"Nope, Imma help this supposed cook! So, who is it?"
"Me, Jessie." Rika bowed. "My name's Rika Harper. Nice to meet you."
"Ohhhh, welllll…"
It wasn't a rouse. The Bailey family had been acting strange since they all arrived.
"Put 'er there, girlie." Jessie stretched her thick arm out.
"U-umm." Rika shook her hand. "
"Heh, looks like you and I are gonna be cooking buddies."
"Ohhh, let me cook too!" Kimiko wailed. "Cow herding and I just don't get along."
"Nooo way, Kimi." Raimundo nudged her out of the barn, "You gotta come with us! I could use you're, uh, 'skill' with the cows and everything."
"Yeah, we better hurry before it gets dark." Jaku speculated.
Jessie blinked several times. "Well, well, who's this strapping guy?"
"Jaku Romane, miss. Nice to meet you."
"Well I'll be; the pleasure's all mine, Jaku Romane; I love your accent, it's rather dashing."
"Why thank you, m'lady. And must I say, that's a beautiful hat you have on. It's crafted quite well."
"'Made it myself!" She adjusted it. "Ain't you sharp!"
"Can we get going to the herd now?" Clay snapped as he headed for the horses.
"Right you are, son," Mr. Bailey and the monks followed suit. "Let's get to workin' so we get to eatin' later!"
"Let's go, girlie." Jessie tugged Rika with her to the house.
The monks weren't unfamiliar to the duties ahead, but it was still a hassle.
"Can somebody teach me how to rope a cow? That one over there has wandered from the heard." Jaku pointed slightly off the trail.
"It's easy! I can show you." Kimiko followed him.
"Hey Romane," Raimundo grinned, riding along side him, "I think Clay's sister was putting' the moves on you, homie."
"I do to," He smiled back, "it's nothing I'm not used to."
Raimundo chuckled. "I bet if all the Black Viper's were here they'd fall for you too!"
Jaku and Riamundo burst into a fit of laughter. "I must agree!"
"Oh brother," Kimiko rolled her eyes. "You two are so egotistical!"
"I cannot believe old Bessy is gone…" Omi muttered, mostly to himself, but Kimiko heard him.
"I'm sorry about your cow, Omi. But you can't stay mad at Clay…" she looked around. "Hey, where is Clay?"
"Oh. He's with Daddy Bailey, behind us."
"Shouldn't we be following them?" Jaku asked. "They know this work better than we do."
"Nahh, we got it! Let's give Clay some bonding time with his pops!" He grinned, malevolently.
Kimiko noticed his confident look. What is he up to now?
Raimundo noticed Kimiko's intent glare upon him. "Hey Kimiko, cute cowgirl outfit, but I can see your chonies from here."
"You bastard, you cannot!" She retorted.
Jaku frowned. "He's right, love; your panties are being revealed to us."
Kimiko blushed. Flustered, she tried pulling her skirt down. "W-what? Impossible! I'm not wearing any-!"
Raimundo and Jaku burst into even more laughter. "WOW! That was a better response than I thought! Put 'er there, Romane!" He fist bumped the devious fellow riding alongside him.
Kimiko's red face changed from embarrassment to anger. "You sons of-! You can't even see my underwear can you?"
"Well, at least we know you don't have any on." Raimundo cackled.
Kimiko growled at the two chuckling fools behind her "I expected this from Raimundo, but not you, Jaku! You two have been hanging out with each other way too long!" She stood on her horse and back flipped behind them, setting her fists on fire and startling their horses. The steeds ran forward in a panic, knocking the two boys off their high-horses and falling into the dirt.
"I suppose we deserved that, sorry Kimiko." Jaku was still smiling, until he noticed Raimundo. "Um, Pedrosa? I believe you're sitting in some mud, or maybe that's..?"
Raimundo tried to remain calm. "DAMN IT ALL, NOT AGAIN!"
Meanwhile, Clay and Mr. Bailey were controlling the herd in the back while they spoke.
"I must say, I'm glad to hear you and your sister are getting' along so well now, Clay."
Clay gave the man a weary look. "What are you two up to? It's awfully funny to me that Jessie showed up when I did."
"Well, she wanted to see this girl her older brother was so interested in, as did I."
"W-what? But, I don't like any girls!" Clay inwardly cursed himself. If he hadn't had the urge previously to tell somebody, anybody that he actually liked someone, this conversation wouldn't have even happened.
"Rika's the girl, right? The one you said you might have feelings for in your letter home!" His father guessed. "Good pick, 'course I'd expect nothin' less from my son! She's pretty, polite and she can cook! Heck, you can put a ring on her now, I won't get mad! You have my blessing!"
Clay's face was flushed red. "N-no! Look daddy, you got it all wrong! Rika and I are just friends, and it's not like we're dating or something anyway! Don't overreact to this the way you overreact to everything else about my life, and start controlling things!"
"Aw, 'course not son, I won't do that. Now, if only I could arrange Jessie and that polite Jaku feller…"
"DAD!"
"Okay, okay, no more messing around with yur' personal business, got it. Although, I can't say yur' sister will do the same."
Clay looked over at the house behind them. "Yeah, that's what I'm worried about too."
…
…
…
...
"Can you mince the potatoes?" Rika handed her the bag of spuds.
"What? Oh no honey, I don't cook." Jessie raised her arms in defense. "I'm just here to help you know where everything is, so you can do the cookin'!"
Rika scowled. "I see… but you know, things will get done a lot quicker if you helped."
"I know, but I think you got it." She wafted her hand at her as she leaned back in the chair she was in by the dining room table.
Rika was almost confused by the rudeness of this girl. But she was Clay's sister… which made her nervous, for some reason.
She attempted to ignore Jessie's glaring eyes as she washed the potatoes.
"Soooo…" Jessie broke the silence, "you and Jaku joined the monks at the same time?"
"Yes. We were both at an academy together before we joined the others."
"Oh, so you guys are close? Tell me honestly, you like the guy at all?"
"No, we're best friends. He's like a brother to me." All this interrogating was annoying to her as she scrubbed the spuds harder.
"Good, 'cause I don't think Clay would be too happy 'bout that." She said simply.
"W-what does that mean?"
"Well, perhaps it's just sibling intuition, but he likes you. So it'd be bad if you liked somebody else. Know what I mean?"
"Clay is my fellow Xiaolin monk and friend. We do not like each other in such a way, I can assure you." Perhaps it was just this intolerance she had towards Jessie for being a lazy, nosey relative, but suddenly Rika had no desire to be nice to Jessie.
The cowgirl scowled in response. "Okay, no need to be sharp about it, sheesh."
It occurred to her. The sarcasm in her words. She was trying to annoy her. But why?
It didn't matter. She would play her game. "Sorry, I did not mean to sound so rude. Please, forgive me."
Jessie burped. "It's alright, I suppose." She rocked in her chair. "So, what kind of skill do you got? I know Clay's is earth er' somethin' like that, so what can you do, besides cook?"
Rika reached for the cutting board and knife. "I'm the Xiaolin Dragon of Night. The elements that are stronger in the moonlight I can control, like wind and water."
"Two elements? That's a little unfair, don't you think?"
"My skills are more difficult to learn, unlike Clay's who has in fact surpassed me, I'm sure." Now that she thought about it, she was only boasting for him; if Clay and Rika really had to fight, she'd wondered if she could beat him.
"Aw, you're just being nice, ain't you?" Jessie snickered. "My brother's a pussy, it's okay if you want to admit that."
Her hand nearly slipped on the cutting device. "He is not! He's kind and sweet and very strong! He's meant to be the Xiaolin Dragon of Earth, he's the best at it! I mean, why do you think-?"
Jessie cut her off with a laugh. "Okay, simmer down there, girlie. I just wanted to see how you'd react to my bitchiness. You were handling yourself well, until I mentioned Clay; you stood up for him." A warm smile. "I think I like you for that. But it's too soon to say."
"Um, no offense, but whether you were testing me for whatever reason or not, I always stick up for my friends. I-it has nothing to do with me liking Clay."
Jessie smirked. "I never said it did. But anyway, good job." She swung herself off the chair. "What you need my help with 'round here?"
Rika smiled. Maybe Jessie wasn't so bad after all.
…
…
…
...
"Whoo-wii, somethin' smells mighty good in here." The dirty cowboys and monks retired to the dining room table.
"Oh hell no, get away from there!" Jessie snapped.
"Huh? How come?" Raimundo whined. "I'm hungryyyy!"
"You need to wash up for supper before you can sit down. You guys are filthy." Rika enlightened.
"Supper? Really, Ri-Ri? You're gonna stick with that, huh?"
"Just go clean yourselves off so you can eat, fool!" She wafted a dish-cloth at him. The workers mumbled and complained as they headed upstairs to get cleaned up.
Just then, Dojo slinked into the room, groaning. "Oh maaaan, I'm dyiiiing! I'm dy-hey is that ribs I smell? Oh boy oh boy! CHOW TIME!"
"I'll serve you in the other room, Dojo. We don't want to catch… whatever you have. Go back to rest!"
"Okay, thanks Rika! But I feel like there was another reason I came in here… oh yeah! Hey Jessie, that vase you guys got in the living room looks very familiar."
"It's been in the family for generations, from my mom's side." She told him.
"Hmm…nah, it couldn't be a Wu. Not like the last time we were here." Dojo scratched his chin curiously. "Oh, well, I'm dying, so I'll be waiting for my delicious food…" He slinked away.
"Last time? What does he mean by that?"
"Got me." Jessie shrugged. "Let's put the food out before everyone comes back down here."
The cleaned up crew returned moments later. They gawked and drooled over the creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted corn on the cob slathered in warm butter, fresh green peas, and the main course: smoked BBQ ribs. The chow down began, particularly from the three Baileys. Their raw, open-mouthed munching was quite…intriguing.
"I would lose my appetite, if this food wasn't so good." Raimundo said, observing them.
"Heh, I knew I made the right choice, letting you gals make the meal. Thank you for this wonderful feast!" Mr. Bailey said with a full mouth.
"Hey, I didn't do nothin'. Rika made everything, I just helped."
Clay gulped his food down. "Thanks Rika, you're a great cook."
"N-no problem." She stirred her potatoes around. "Um…so how did the herding go?"
"Pedrosa fell in some cow pie." Jaku snickered.
"Again, son? I don't think this is the kind of work for you." Mr. Bailey chuckled.
"Hey, at least I didn't start a stampede! Kimiko…" Raimundo mentioned.
"It was your horses that started it!" She retorted.
"Yeah, but you're the one who set their asses-I mean, their butts on fire!"
"You deserved it, for teasing her so much, Pedrosa." Jaku noted.
"Hey! You helped with that too, hombre!"
A pleasant grin. "I don't know what you mean..?"
"Jaku's a gentlemen." Mr. Bailey cut in. "I don't see how he could've caused any trouble; he's been the most helpful all day!"
"I appreciate your words, sir."
"Aw, c'mon, you can just call me Bailey, son!" He chuckled, placing his hands on Jaku and Rika's shoulder. "You know, I like these two a lot! Perfect fit for my son and daughter!"
Clay nearly spit out his milk, and Jessie grinned. "That's fine with me. Jessie Romane has a nice ring to it." Then she laughed. "I'm just kiddin'…or am I?"
"Daddy!" Clay whinned, a blush on his face. "Y-you're embarrassing me!"
"What? I'm just sayin', ain't nothing better than a girl that can cook all yur' favorite meals for yah!"
"Actually, those two seemed to have a thing going on a while back anyway." Raimundo added.
"Rai!" Kimiko snapped. "You knew what was going on here the whole time, didn't you?"
"Huh…?" He scratched the side of his face, a clueless gesture. "no entiendo…"
"Daddy, I told you not to bring it up again!" Clay's vehement voice took Mr. Bailey on the defensive.
"Boy, don't raise your voice at me! I'm just tryin' to help you out is all!"
"I already told you I don't need your help! You're always tryin' to control things, well I don't need you controllin' nothin' that's got to do with me anymore, alright?"
Everyone was quiet, no one dared to look at the standing cowboy, who seemed angrier than usual.
"I'm sorry, I gotta be excused." He walked out of the dining room with a quick pace.
The group remained silent. Rika's heart was racing. This is awful. She thought.
"Clay-!" Mr. Bailey arose from his seat, but Jessie halted him.
"Leave him be. He needs some time alone."
Bailey scoffed as he picked up his empty plate. "Alright. Sorry about this, everyone." He put his plate in the sink and left them as well.
The table kept quiet. Rika wanted to cry, she felt so embarrassed. The fight had started because it had to do with of her, and she felt completely responsible for it.
"I…I'm going to bed early." She said throwing her cloth down, and she left as well, leaving the monks and Jessie to their thoughts.
…
…
…
...
Nobody had seen Clay or Mr. Bailey for the rest of the night. The next morning, at dawn, the monks got dressed to help with chores in the morning. Jessie and Mr. Bailey joined them as they gathered outside on their horses.
"I'm glad you're coming with us, Dojo. The fresh morning air will do you some good. You might even feel good enough to fly by the afternoon." Mr. Bailey told the dragon.
"Yeah, I think so too… even though I was enjoying my beauty sleep."
"Um… is Clay coming?" Kimiko asked, noticing they were one monk short.
"He told me he's not feeling well, so he's still in his room." Jessie explained.
"Oh…"
"Welp, let's get to work, then." Jessie led them towards the barn and stables.
Mr. Bailey stayed back. "Rika."
Rika halted her horse and looked over at him. "Yes?"
"I need you to do me a favor. I've made a mess of things for my son, and now he's really upset. I-I know I've asked a lot of you guys already, but… you think you could go in there and talk to him? He needs to not be so angry about this, but I ain't the right person to have talk to him. He hates me, after all."
Rika frowned. "He doesn't hate you, Mr. Bailey. I know when I get angry at my dad, it's only because I know he's doing something to protect me; but I don't want his help, because of my pride. Anyway, I don't think I'm the right person to talk to him…"
"'Course you are. I wouldn't be askin' yah if I didn't think this would be okay. Please, won't you have a word with him, while we're gone?"
Rika pondered this. She didn't know why Clay was so upset exactly, but maybe talking to him about it wouldn't be so bad. If it was because of her, she could apologize to him. "Okay. I guess I could talk to him, then."
"Thanks a ton, cowgirl." Mr. Bailey smiled. "You two can join us if things go well."
"Sounds good." Rika headed back to the house and Mr. Bailey went with the others to do work.
…
…
…
...
"Bartholomew, why have you graced us with your presence today?" One old monk asked before him.
"Indeed. Come to share some more ice cream?" Another elder monk mocked. A few gruff chuckles echoed within the great temple.
Bartholomew kept his blank composure. It was always a great nuisance to him how the elder monks never took him seriously as a fellow monk, probably because of his background, but that was beside the point.
"Arko Delet. What do you plan to do with him?"
"Ah. His crimes have been rather troublesome lately, haven't they?" One monk remarked.
Another monk pulled out a scroll, and read the list. "Assault against his masters, Sir Bartholomew and Guan, tainted himself with a Heylin substance, which happens to be the same soup that the dark lord himself also drank; stole several Shen Gong Wu, sexually assaulted his former comrade, and even attempted murder upon the current Xiaolin monks. And now, he's a fugitive."
"You do not need to specify what he's done, I already know what he's done!" The old Engliahmen snapped. "I want to know what it is you plan to do with these charges!"
"What's wrong, Bart? You don't want us be so rough on the lad?"
"Listen to me, he's confused. I did not know what his mind set was because of his past; none of us did! But we have to take this into account when we punish him, he has no idea all the awful things he's done!"
One monk scoffed, the one who called him 'Bart'. "He knew very well that his crimes were unforgiveable. Just because he had a ruined childhood doesn't mean he;s just going to get a slap on the wrist!"
"But I-!" Bartholomew froze. "I say, you all knew about his past, didn't you? When you brought him to me, you told me not worry, well, we should have been very worried! Ignoring something like this has kept his true feelings locked up within him, and now he's expressing those feelings ten fold!"
"Look, Bart, I see your concern. We were all a little shocked about the boys past, but he wasn't chosen to be a monk for some kind of therapy nonsense. He needed to complete his training, so avoiding his own personal problems was necessary."
Bartholomew's eyes widened. "So his own life didn't matter, as long as he just did what he was told, is that right?"
"Bart, you're bringing up past situations that need not be brought up again. Whatever issues the boy had were not our concern, end of story. The crimes, however, that he has committed against us recently, are the main problem. We'll deal with him once he's caught, the proper way, based on that."
He realized he wasn't getting anywhere with the Five Elder Monks, controllers of all the set rules for all Xiaolin inquiries alike.
Master Sir Bartholomew rose. "I see. Thank you for meeting with me." He bowed and left the temple.
The old men watched him eerily as he left the room. "We should keep an eye on him."
"I agree. He and Arko are quite similar. He saw the boy like a son, so I don't think he's through with any of this just yet."
"So then, we're all agreed, to keep an eye on Bartholomew, until Arko is caught?"
The monks nodded and spoke in unison. "Agreed."
…
…
…
...
"I feel bad for Clay," Kimiko told Raimundo as they led the herd to the river.
"Eh, he'll be fine. Although, last night did not go as I planned…"
"Don't worry about it, guys." Jaku added. "Rika went to talk to him at the house. They should be fine."
"Guys, GUYS!" Dojo approached them. "A Wu just activated! It's called the Hytaun Trap! I-I think it was that vase I saw in the Bailey's living room!"
"Oh no. We better get over there, quick!"
…
…
…
...
Clay headed down the stairs. He decided he would come out of his room now that everyone was gone, but somebody was waiting in the living room for him.
"R-Rika." He was stunned to see her. "Little darlin', what you still doing here?"
"I… I came to talk to you, is that okay?"
He blinked. "Uh, sure…Why don't we sit on the couch?"
Rika sat down quickly, not noticing Clay's gaze on her as he approached.
"Clay…" She began.
"I'm sorry about last night, I shouldn't have gotten so angry."
"Oh, well I'm sorry that I started a fight between you and your dad…"
"What? No, you did everything right… it's methat messed up. My dad was up to somethin'. I didn't want to come here because I knew he would try to get involved. But I guess I got so mad at him because I knew he would say things I wouldn't say…Things I didn't want you to hear. He can embarrassing sometimes."
She blinked several times. "Sooo, the things he said… were they true?"
"Yes, well, no; I don't know." He adjusted his hat. "I…I won't feel rejected if you don't feel the same way. But, since we're talkin' about this…It would be nice to know. Rika, do you, like me, at all..?"
Her palms were sweaty. She knew this was coming, and yet...she did everything she could to avoid it. Why?
Her chest. It hurt. She couldn't breathe.
"…I see…" Clay said after a long moment of silence. "Heh. There ain't no reason we can't be friend's, though. I'm sorry I put you in such an awkward-"
She cut him off, pressing her lips against his. Clay's eyes widened, but after a moment he realized what had just happened, and he melted into the kiss.
She pulled away, fidgeting with her skirt as she looked back down at her feet.
"I do like you, Clay. I just don't see how we could, you know, be together. We're Xiaolin warriors, and that comes first. I don't want our feelings to get in the way of our responsibilities."
"It won't, I promise!" He insisted. "I know how important it is that you get stronger, so I'm gonna help you do it!"
She smiled. I don't deserve this.
He blushed. "W-want to kiss again? To seal the deal?"
She laughed leaned in towards him, and he cupped her cheek, kissing her gently.
"….Aaaaaawww, isn't that sweet?"
The voice, dripping with sarcasm, was heard on the other end of the room.
Clay arose. "What in tarnation? How did you get in my house? GET OUT!"
Jack Spicer straightened himself up from the wall he had leaned against, arms folded. "Oh, don't worry. I didn't come all this way to see you two disgusting love birds screw each other's brains out. I'm here for the Wu."
Her heart sank. "W…Wu?" It had occurred to both monks that the vase on top of the fireplace was glowing.
All three bodies leapt for the Wu, but only one succeeded, because a familiar sorceress twirled in and kicked Clay and Rika back.
"Ha!" Jack swiped the Wu. "Heba, didn't I tell you to stay outside?"
"…You were taking too long." She responded, her hands on her hips.
"Right." He glowered at the two monks. "Perhaps I should test out this Wu, eh?" He pointed the top of the vase at Clay. "Hytaun Trap!"
Clay gasped, but the Wu never struck him, because Rika stepped in front of him. He reached out towards her, but she was being pulled towards Jack for some reason.
The vase; it had sucked her in!
"RIKA!" Clay's stretched arm lingered in vein. "Jack, you no good dirty rat! Let her go!"
"Heh. Actually, this works out much better." Jack Spicer yanked out the Chair of Commune from his pack, and grew large enough to sit on. "Say good bye to your girlfriend, cowboy!"
Before Clay could reach them, Heba and Jack were gone.
"N…no…"
"CLAY!" The other monks busted in.
Dojo noticed the missing Wu. "Oh man, the Wu is gone! Don't tell me we're too late!"
"What kind of Wu is it, anyway?" Omi asked.
"The Hytaun Trap isn't a vase, it's a gourd. The user can activate it and trap their opponent in the gourd for however long they please!"
"The Heylin side took it…" Clay faltered. "Jack Spicer took it, and he used the Wu on Rika."
"Oh no!" Kimiko covered her mouth.
"We have to go after him." Raimundo clenched his fist. "The last thing we need is Jack Spicer running around with a Wu like that anyway. Let's go!"
…
…
…
...
"…You sure you don't want me to be there?" Heba asked her idiotic partner.
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"I can read your mind, remember? You don't want me around when you release the girl from the gourd, but that is not wise… because she's a Xiaolin warrior, and well, you're…you."
"I'm glad you can read my thoughts, now I don't have to explain it to you." He wafted his hand at her. "So, you can go now."
She didn't even blink as she turned to leave. Little fool… I'll be obedient, for now. But the price for such disrespect will be returned to you, in double.
Jack held up the gourd. "Hytaun Trap!" The girl flew out of the gourd and rolled onto the floor.
"YOU SON OF A-!" She roared as she stood up. Her eyes scanned the room in bewilderment. "Where are we?"
"My room." Jack crossed his legs. "So we could talk." He said simply. But before he could make himself comfortable, Rika's fist flung at him. He dodged, then began running around the room; sure he had been training, but her vehement throws were enough to make any opponent craven.
"T-take it easy!" He cried. "White flag, WHITE FLAG!"
"Get over here, you coward!"
"NO!" He shrieked. "YOU'RE GONNA KILL ME INSTEAD OF TALK TO ME!"
"You're damn right I am!"
"C'MON! IS THIS ANYWAY TO TREAT THE GUY WHO SAVED YOUR LIFE?"
She stopped running. "I need to ask you a question."
Jack sighed in relief. "Sure, as long as it doesn't involve my imminent death, I'm good."
"You're an idiot." She pointed out. "Anyway, when you…almost died, trying to save me…" Her eyes stared down at the floor. "…Why did you do it?"
Jack's posture slouched. He gave her a blank stare, with his wide eyes.
"…Well?"
"…Do you really want me to answer that?"
"Yes…I really do."
He scratched his head. "Well, you already answered that question yourself. I'm an idiot. I made a mistake."
She folded her arms. "Oh, so saving me was a mistake?"
"A HUGE mistake. Why would I risk my life for someone like you? You're no better than the rest of those Xiaolin losers, I should have seen it sooner!"
Rika's mask remained, despite the cringing feeling she had in the back of her mind. "I'm not done, I have one more question."
He was surprised his answer hadn't made her fall to her knees and cry. Then again, why would she?
He folded his arms. "Go on."
"You knew we were after the Sands of Time. If it hadn't crossed your mind that we could have saved you using that, and I know it did, would you have bothered to save me?"
He scowled, squinting his eyes.
"No."
Silence.
"If I didn't think I still had a chance to be saved, I wouldn't have jumped in front of you, even so…" He sighed. "It was stupid of me to do. There was a bigger chance I wouldn't get saved. I don't know why I ever thought that all of you could have actually stood a chance against Chase Young!"
"But you were right, Jack. We did defeat Chase, and we saved you, too."
"STILL!" He snapped back. "I shouldn't have done it." He looked up at her, almost apologetically. "I only did it because I thought you were evil!"
Rika pondered this.
"I hate you… you ruined everything, you know that? I-I'm supposed to be evil… n…not…"
"You're lying."
A bold statement. Jack gave her strange look, his brows furrowed. "I am not!"
"Yes, you are!" She yelled. "When you saved me, you knew it wasn't because I was evil… you did it out of the goodness of your heart."
He stuck his tongue out, making a disgusted groan. "I don't do that mushy crap! Jack Spicer is an evil boy genius, not some heroic wuss!"
"You saved me, because you cared! Not because I was evil!"
"But I thought that maybe you were still evil!"
"Jack, evil people don't risk their lives to save other people… they only care about themselves."
"I was thinking about myself when I saved you!" He retorted. "I-I thought you were evil, I thought you wanted power too, like me!"
Rika took a moment to answer. "I did want those things. I thought I needed more power to get stronger, but the truth is, I needed my friends. You can have all the cosmic powers of the universe, but if you have no one to share them with, it's a really lonely throne."
Jack grimaced. "That's why I saved you. You were supposed to be someone I could share my evil with!" he paused, noticing the shocked expression on her face, realizing he had said to much.
"I… I did have fun with you, Spicer, but we weren't necessarily doing evil things when we hung out. Didn't it feel great to just kick back, and talk to someone?"
"Someone…evil…" He pointed out, stubbornly.
"No, Spicer. I was indecisive, I didn't know what side I would choose. You and I still had fun, despite that."
But Rika, this could be a good thing. Maybe instead of fighting, we can convince him to join the side of good…
"I know there's good in you, Jack."
"Hmph, you sound like that annoying shrimp, Omi! He thinks everyone has some good in them, even Chase Young!"
"Well, maybe he does." She smiled pleasantly.
"Pssh, you've gotten so soft." He remarked bitterly. "And, you get around, you know that? First Chase, and he was just using you, then you turned to me, and now that fat cowboy? Not enough attention on you, or something? You're just some useless good guy now with issues. You're not the stuck up bitch you used to be; you're no fun anymore."
That threw her off the deep end. Jack flew to the other side of the room, his back hit the wall hard and then he hit the ground.
She had given him a good punch. "Actually, you're missing out on the new me. And by the way, I hated Chase. I don't have to explain to you that he was just trying to lure me into the dark side." She smirked. "I had to ask you those questions, because I wanted to know if you really liked me, or if it was for your own selfish gains that you protected me, and I have my answer." She rubbed her knuckles. "You're pathetic, Spicer… denying the good in you is the stupidest thing you could do." She looked over at his pack.
"I take that back… leaving the Wu here with me was the stupidest thing you could do." She grabbed the pack containing some of his Wu, and pulled out the Chair of Commune. Jack struggled to get up, but he was still dizzy.
"Fine, I don't care," He wiped the blood off his chin. "Go back to your precious cowboy! You two losers deserve each other."
She frowned. What was this feeling…regret, maybe?
Jack noticed it. The sober, distressed look on her features. "…I wasn't trying to get some kind of attention. If you knew me, you'd know I hate the spotlight being on me. I really did like you, Jack." The chair grew in suitable size, and she sat on it. "Goodbye, Spicer. From here on in, we're sincere enemies, without a doubt."
Jack's widened eyes narrowed, with his sleek smirk. "I wouldn't want it any other way, baby!"
In a flash, she was gone. Jack wobbled up into a straight position, noticing the disaster that was his room…
His grin faded when she was gone.
What an awful day.
….
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...
"Aw man, Dojo, that's gross!" Raimundo covered his eyes.
The Giant Dragon continued to heave. "I-I'm sorry! I guess that meal didn't sit well with my already upset stomach!" He vomits again.
"Daggonit!" Clay arose. "This is the third time we've had to stop! We'll never find Rika at this pace!"
"…We don't even know where Jack could have taken her." Kimiko admitted.
A flash of light appeared before them, and there she was, propped with her legs crossed on the chair.
"RIKA!" They sang.
Clay reached for her. "A-are you alright? How did you escape?"
"I just beat the hell out of him and took his Wu." She said, nonchalantly.
'That's my Ri-Ri!" Jaku patted her shoulder. "And you got his Wu, nice work!"
She smiled half-heartedly. "Thanks..."
Kimiko gave her a curious glare. "Rika, are you sure everything's okay?"
Rika could sense the real question Kimiko meant by this. Did you settle things with Jack Spicer?
"Yes, positive. I couldn't be more fulfilled. And, Clay…?" She jumped out of the seat and hugged him. "Thanks for being such a good friend."
He blushed. "C-course…" He hugged her back.
"Awwww!" Jaku appraised.
Kimiko punched his arm. "Don't tease them!" She chided.
"Ow! Bloody hurts…"
Raimundo rolled his eyes. "We should go back to your farm, then…" He turned around, seeing the Bailey's house a few meters away. "…It's not like we got very far."
…
When the monks returned, Clay spoke with his dad upstairs.
"I'm sorry I got so angry, Daddy. I just didn't want Rika to think little of me, or of our family, at least."
"It's alright. I shouldn't have been tryin' to control yur life again. I know you're a man, but sometimes I forget that and just want what's best for you." He smiled. "And I think that woman might just be what's best for you."
Clay looked over the railing, seeing Jessie, Kimiko, and Rika talking and giggling amongst each other in the living room.
Clay smiled. "I…I think so, too."
…
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...
By dinnertime, Dojo was feeling much better, so the monks took that as their chance to head out.
"Thanks you letting stay so long, Daddy Bailey." Kimiko alleged.
"Aww, it was nothin', you guys are welcome back here anytime!"
"Hey, where's Omi?" Jaku looked around, noticing the small boy dragging himself over the hill towards them.
"Where have you been?" Rika asked.
Omi looked up with sad eyes. "Old Bessy's grave…"
"Aww, little buddy…" Clay tried to talk to him again.
"Oh brother," Jessie smacked her forehead. "It was just a daggone cow, for goodness sake! If you miss her so much, why haven't you said hello to Todd yet?"
Omi perked up. "Todd?"
"Bessy's calf. He's in the gosh darn barn!"
Omi raced into the red shelter, and the others followed.
The little bull had his back turned towards Omi, but when he noticed him he turned around, chewing cud. "MOOOOOOOOO."
"OLD BESSY! YOU ARE ALIVE AFTER ALL!" His attempts to hold the cow failed, as he was back kicked by the startled animal and flung out the doors.
Omi picked himself up from the dirt. "IT IS YOU!"
"No, that's Todd." Jessie repeated.
"I will call you, 'NEW BESSY'!"
"…But it's Todd."
"Just let him have his moment." Clay informed her.
"Clay, why did you not tell me sooner, about New Bessy?"
The cowboy shrugged. "You never asked."
Omi hugged Clay. "Ohhhh I am most grateful now! We are friends again, cowboy!"
"…What a relief." Clay said with slight sarcasm.
"HEY!" Dojo roared. "Can we get going already? We have another trip tomorrow and I want to get some rest at the temple before then!"
"Oh yeah, Tokyo, here we come!" Clay hollered.
Kimiko's face went pale. "You know, you guys don't have to come with me…"
The monks boarded the hefty dragon. "Off we go!"
"Good luck with all the Wu hunting, big brother! Jaku, CALL ME!" Jessie waved goodbye to them.
"Proud of you, son!" Mr. Bailey waved as well.
The monks said there pleasant goodbyes, and finally, they were going home.
Jessie put her hand down when they were far enough. "Thanks for calling me and having me come over when Clay got here, daddy."
He winked. "'Course. My plan worked really well, didn't it?"
"Yeah, getting Clay mad, having him talk to the girl he liked… I knew he was going to have to admit his feelings eventually. He's always had a hard time with that, but we pushed him to it!"
"Yeeep, but no more meddling now. The next few steps are for him to figure out on his own."
And with that, the Bailey's headed inside to their lovely, quiet home.
TO BE CONTINUED
A/N: Gosh, there was a lot of editing. I tried really hard to get it in on Father's Day, but it just didn't work out… because it's such a long chapter. Glad we got some of the Clay, Rika and Jack action out of the way… because, well… they're finally going to Tokyo. So based on that, guess whose problems need to get fixed now! By the way, I didn't describe Spicer's room on purpose… I'll leave that part to your own imaginations… I'm having fun with this, guys, and I hope you are too! Reviews are muy welcomed, as always!
You guys RAWK! XD