Author's Note: A special thanks to Lewamus prime 2020 for this chapter
Xiaolin Showdown and it's characters rightfully belongs to Christy Hui
I only own my OC, Alice Hanson and her family (Including the OC Shen Gong Wu)
Enjoy!
The Dragon of Ice
Chapter 35: Alice's Birthday
In Alice's Room...
"Music soothes the savage in us. Alice."A woman's voice replied firmly. "Practice! The piano's for more than holding down the carpet."
"When Papa grounded me, I climbed down the trellis."A girl's voice said. "The tree branch makes a bridge and it's not much of a drop. Keep our secret, Alice, or we're not sisters!"
Alice snuggled a grey bunny toy that looked a bit damaged and was missing a button eye.
"Mum, Lizzy..."Alice whispered as a tear fell down her face.
The Next Morning...
Alice and Kimiko were talking while walking together in the hallway.
"So today is my birthday, Kim."Alice admitted with a small smile.
"Wow, your fourteen already?"Kimiko remarked. "Cool! So are you thinking to have a big party and pick-"
"I...I don't want to celebrate my birthday."Alice stated as she rubbed her arm.
"What?"Kimiko asked in surprise. "But I thought you were looking forward to celebrate your birthday."
"I was, but now I am not really in the mood to celebrate it."Alice answered. "I'm sorry. Just promise me that you and the others won't do anything like throwing me a party."
"It's okay, Allie. I understand."Kimiko assured. "My lips are sealed."
"Thanks, Kim."Alice answered with a grateful smile.
"You're welcome."Kimiko remarked with a grin.
Alice walked away from Kimiko to head to the garden.
When the pink haired girl was out of sight, a nervous expression appeared on Kimiko's face.
Inside the Xiaolin Temple's Kitchen...
Raimundo, Clay and Omi were preparing a surprise for Alice's birthday, a towering vanilla cake.
The vanilla cake had bright blue frosting and almost too many layers to count.
"Now Alice has own mountain layers of cake!"Omi remarked.
"Shhhhh!"Clay and Raimundo hushed.
"Omi, it's a surprise!"Raimundo whispered. "Allie must not know about this."
Clay wiped the sweat on his face with a towel.
"His right, little buddy."Clay agreed. "Baking a cake with this many layers over the span of one night ain't easy."
Kimiko quietly came inside the kitchen.
"Guys, we need to cancel the party!"Kimiko admitted.
"Huh?"Raimundo said in confusion.
"How come?"Clay asked.
"I promised Alice that we wouldn't plan a party."Kimiko said sadly.
"But the day of her birth should be celebrated."Omi stated.
Dojo barged into the kitchen causing the four monks to quickly hold the cake from dropping.
"Hey team, we got a hot one!"Dojo announced.
"SHHH!"Omi, Clay, Kimiko and Raimundo hushed with glares.
Omi, Clay, Kimiko and Raimundo notice the layers of the cake stopped wobbling causing them to all sigh in relief.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door causing them to have panic expressions.
"Guys?"Alice's voice called out. "Are you in here?"
Alice kicked the door open causing the cake to collapse in on itself in a tidal wave of vanilla and blue frosting to sweep over all of them.
Omi, Clay, Kimiko, Raimundo and Alice popped their heads up in the vanilla cake pool.
"Happy Birthday, Allie!"Raimundo spoke up.
"Surprise!"Omi remarked.
"And may get the best wishes, sugar cube!"Clay added.
Alice frowned as she glanced at Kimiko, who gave her a weak chuckle.
The Dragon of Ice tasted the blue frosting causing her to smile a bit.
"Mmm...a little too sweet, but it's still good."Alice commented.
Dojo popped his head between Kimiko and Alice.
"Shen Gong Wu alert, kids!"Dojo reminded and took out the Ancient Scroll. "The Indigo Pyramid. This Shen Gong Wu allows its user to change an opponent's mind. When combined with the Reversing Mirror, it changes the user's mind instead!"
The five monks and Dojo headed to find the Indigo Pyramid which turned out to be located in Rome.
Kimiko wore a ruby red t-shirt, a dark purple skirt and dark brown flats. Her black hair was styled in a wavy style and had a matching purple hairband on it. There was a gold bracelet in each of her wrist.
Alice wore a pale yellow ruffled minidress. A cyan blue check vest that had light pink accenting was worn over it with a small bow on the side of the chest. On her feet she wore blue sandals with multiple straps cover that cover the foot and ankle held by white string that connected to a bow on the foot. Her pink hair was tied in two pigtails with cyan blue ribbons.
The group arrived at the Roman Forum.
The five monks went off Dojo causing the green dragon to shrunk into his small size.
"Ah Rome."Alice chuckled. "Home sweet home."
Omi stared in awe at the ancient buildings in the area.
"What a very old broken temple."Omi remarked.
"Yes, Omi."Alice said with a smile. "This is the Roman Forum. It was ancient Rome's showpiece centre, a grandiose district of temples, basilicas and vibrant public spaces. However like many of ancient Rome's great urban developments, the Forum fell into disrepair after the fall of the Roman Empire until eventually it was used as pasture land. In the Middle Ages it was known as the Campo-"
"Allie, we didn't come here for a history lesson."Raimundo commented. "We are here to look for the Wu."
Clay slapped Raimundo with his hat for rudely interrupting Alice.
"Anyway this area was systematically excavated in the 18th and 19th centuries and excavations continue to this day."Alice said simply.
"I see."Omi responded happily. "So Rome is filled with allegorical figures and filled with emotion and movement."
"Exactly."Alice agreed with a nod.
Clay notice an item shaped a small blue pyramid with yellow and orange colours lying on top of a molding of an old ancient building.
"So I guess that little pyramid is not an artefact."Clay suggested.
"It's the Indigo Pyramid!"Omi stated.
"And it's mine, chrome dome!"Jack cackled as he made his entrance on his Heli-Bot. "Jack-Bots!"
An army of Jack-Bots showed up and went next to Jack.
"You know Jack, I'm actually glad your here."Alice complemented with a smug smile. "It means I have the honour of kicking your butt first."
"Your look completely helpless without Wuya bossing you around."Kimiko sneered.
"I don't need that clown face to beat you, losers!"Jack snapped and glanced at the Jack-Bots. "You know what to do!"
The Jack-Bots charged towards the five monks.
"Orb of Tornami, WATER!"Omi chanted.
Omi sent blasts of water towards four Jack-Bots causing them to evaporate and explode.
Raimundo and Kimiko stood back to back as a group of Jack-Bots surrounded them.
"Sword of the Storm, WIND!"Raimundo chanted.
"Star Hanabi, FIRE!"Kimiko chanted.
Raimundo used the Sword of the Storm to lift up Kimiko and the Dragon of Fire released fire blasts at the Jack-Bots.
"Fist of Tebigong, EARTH!"Clay chanted.
Clay used the Fist of Tebigong to break the ground and sent the surface parts towards five Jack-Bots causing them to collapse on the floor.
"Komori Sword, ICE!"Alice chanted.
Alice used the Komori Sword to shot out several shards of ice to puncture the Jack-Bots and destroy them.
The defeated Jack-Bots dropped down on the ground, creating a mountain of junk.
"Aw, come on, Jack."Alice taunted. "Don't you wanna give me a birthday present better than this?"
"Actually I think I'll get myself something nice instead!"Jack replied smugly.
Jack flew up up to the ancient building that held the Indigo Pyramid and took the Shen Gong Wu.
"The Wu is all mine, Xiaolin hasbins!"Jack laughed evilly.
Suddenly a baseball ball hits Jack's Heli-Bot causing it to shake violently.
"That doesn't sound good!"Jack said nervously.
Jack screamed in terror as he started flying crazily around the Roman Forum causing him to drop the Indigo Pyramid and fly out of sight.
A fourteen year old girl came forward and picked up the Indigo Pyramid.
The girl had a fair complexion with big, warm looking caramel brown eyes. She had shoulder length brown curly hair with a short curled segment on each side worn over shoulder and her bangs framed her face. The clothes she wore was a white top covered in warm coloured flowers with a emerald elbow-length jacket was worn over it with white lining and a white mini-skirt with a tartan pattern coming in dark purple, tea-rose and pale beige. A dark brown belt was included with a silver buckle. The shoes she wore were dark emerald boots about knee-length and inches from the top were black bands on them.
Alice's widen a bit since she recognised the girl, who handed the Indigo Pyramid to her.
"Buon compleanno, cugina."the girl said with a smirk.
"Ciao, Michiru."Alice muttered in annoyance.
"You know this chick, Allie?"Raimundo asked.
Kimiko gives Raimundo a glare for calling the girl a chick.
"Yes."Alice retorted. "Guys, this is Michiru, Natsumi's sister and my other cousin."
Michiru brought the five monks to the Rossellini Restaurant which was owned by Philip Rossellini (Alice's uncle and Michiru's father).
The walls of the restaurant was bright peach and the chairs were dark brown and shaped like hearts.
There were display counters full of colourful and delicious looking cakes and tarts.
"Geez Alice, you didn't tell me you worked with such strong handsome gentlemen."Michiru complemented smugly.
"Ugh."Alice groaned and face palmed. "Please, don't start."
"Heh."Raimundo chuckled. "She called me handsome."
"I reckon the gal was talking to me."Clay retorted.
Kimiko scoffed and looked away, obviously jealous of Raimundo's admiration for the brown haired girl.
Michiru brought the monks to the table for five people.
"Make yourselves at home."Michiru insisted and began to walk away. "I'll be right back."
Omi zipped in front of Michiru.
"Hello!"Omi greeted. "I'm Omi! I'm adorable!"
"Yes, you are."Michiru cooed as she bent down and gently kissed Omi's cheek.
Omi's eyes became giant hearts and a woozy smile appeared on his face causing Clay and Raimundo to glare at him with jealous expressions.
"I'll tell my dad to make you all something to eat."Michiru insisted. "I bet you are all hungry from coming all the way here."
Michiru smiled lightly as she headed into the kitchen as Dojo slithered out from Clay's hat.
"And I thought we were going to be late for dinner."Dojo chuckled and notice Alice glaring at him. "What?"
Omi looked at Alice.
"You never told us, Natsumi had a younger sister."Omi said dreamily.
"And a pretty good looking one like her."Raimundo added.
Kimiko smacked Raimundo on the head.
"Ow!"Raimundo groaned and rubbed his head.
"Must've slipped my mind."Alice answered simply and fiddled with a glass cup. "And besides she is someone who happens to be untrustworthy in my book."
"Is it because she always makes fun of your weird hair style?"Omi suggested.
"Maybe that's the reason, little partner."Clay suggested.
"Ugh!"Alice shouted in annoyance and hit her head on the table.
"Let's not talk about it!"Alice murmured. "Please!"
Dojo looked at Clay.
"Somebody is having a birthday fever."Dojo joked quietly.
A male chef with dark silver hair and caramel brown eyes brought a big plate of margherita pizza and a bowl of panzenella salad on the table.
"Here you go, kids."Philip remarked. "Fresh from the house."
"Thank you, Mr Rossellini!"Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo and Clay said in unison.
Alice lifted her face a little.
"Thanks, Uncle Philip."Alice muttered.
"Your very welcome, kiddo."Philip chuckled.
The five monks and Dojo started eating the food in front of them.
"This is so good!"Kimiko said happily.
"I wish my mouth was bigger when I'm small!"Dojo added and ate another slice of pizza.
"I've sure do fancy a pipping hot pizza, fresh out of the oven."Clay complemented with a smile.
"And it's way better here since it's organic."Dojo responded.
"Back in Brazil, my mum makes pizzas and every time she made them, they always tasted delicious."Raimundo admitted. "But it was never completed without a dessert pizza."
"Alice, you must teach me of making your family's wondrous dishes."Omi insisted.
"That's sweet, Omi."Alice responded sarcastically and ate the bowl of panzenella. "And there is no doubt that they won't taste nice."
"Thank you, Allie."Omi answered with a grin. "That is most supportive."
Alice rolled her eyes in respond.
After Lunch...
Michiru wore a pink waitress outfit as she rang a little bell.
"Okay, everyone!"Michiru announced. "It's time for the cake!"
Daniel came out of the kitchen and walked forward with a serving tray that contained a beautiful wonderland birthday cake on top of it.
"Daniel?!"Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo, Alice and Clay said in surprise.
"Hey, guys."Daniel greeted. "It's been a while."
"What are you doing here in Rome?"Alice asked.
"I am here as a guest for Alice's birthday party."Daniel responded.
"I am not having a party."Alice retorted.
"Well, Michiru invited me here."Daniel admitted. "So I guess I'll stay for a bit."
Alice glared at Michiru, who smirks at her.
"Your welcome."Michiru replied smugly.
"And beside as if I missed your birthday."Daniel complemented.
Alice smiled at Daniel, feeling happy he was there for her.
"Allow me to explain the cake."Michiru requested. "We've got blue and white colours and magic mushrooms made from Swiss meringue buttercream and cute fondant toadstools. We've got the Mad Hatter's chocolate teapot with salted caramel tea spilling out of chocolate cups and macarons. And we've got the Queen of Heart's fondant playing cards and red and white buttercream roses."
Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo, Alice, Clay and Dojo all licked their lips at the sight of the cake.
"The three sponge layers are Red Velvet sponge shaped as a rabbit-hole style."Michiru added. "Sumptuous buttercream covers the cakes in Alice's colours. Tumbling down the cake is our signature Belgian chocolate ganache drip glaze."
"Wow."Alice said in surprise. "You guys made this cake for me?"
"Of course, Alice."Philip remarked. "But the cake idea was all Daniel's."
"Well-"Daniel started.
Alice wrapped her arms around Daniel's tightly.
Daniel was lost for words.
"Thank you for all you've done for me."Alice chuckled. "I've never been so happy in my life."
Daniel blushed and rubbed the back of his neck shyly before looking at Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo, Clay and Dojo, who gave him grins and thumbs up.
"But...Allie...how can you be happy?"Daniel questioned. "This wasn't-"
"It's the thought that counts."Alice stated with a smile.
Daniel smiled back at her and remembered something.
"Wait a second, Alice."Daniel responded and took out a little red box. "Turn around and close your eyes."
Alice turned around and closed her eyes.
Daniel took out a gold chain with a heart-shaped pendant encrusted with little bright blue diamonds dangling from the end of it.
"Happy birthday, Alice."Daniel admitted.
"Thank you, Daniel."Alice remarked kindly.
Dojo began to cry at the sight.
"Another Dragon of Ice, who grows up so fast!"Dojo cried.
Dojo dried his tears and sneezed on a tissue.
Alice looked at Kimiko, Clay, Omi, Raimundo and Dojo.
"Thank you to all of you too."Alice answered shyly. "This really means a lot to me and sorry that I've been a total downer."
"It's okay, Allie."Kimiko replied.
"We forgive you, sugar cube."Clay assured.
"Your a Xiaolin warrior just like us."Omi commented happily.
"And a cool friend."Raimundo added.
"Thanks."Alice giggled and blushed a little. "Now let's enjoy some cake!"
Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo, Alice, Clay, Dojo and Daniel cheered at Alice's annoucement.
Alice helped Philip and Michiru clear up the restaurant after everyone finished eating the cake.
"Where are Setsuna and Natsumi?"Alice asked. "It's really quiet without them here."
"Setsuna is enjoying herself in Spain and Natsumi is in London."Philip answered. "Recently it's just been me and Michiru here, kiddo."
"And before you ask, your dad is out of town with my mum and Sergio is busy in his private school in Paris as usual."Michiru admitted with a smug smile.
"Don't remind me, cousin dearest."Alice scowled with a glare.
"Girls, I won't allow any arguments in or outside my restaurant."Philip warned with a frown. "We are family and supposed to be loyal to one another."
"Scusa, papa."Michiru said simply.
"Scusa, Zio Philip."Alice apologised.
The Dragon of Ice looked at her reflection in the water of the sink.
"Sergio..."Alice thought sadly.
Later that Night...
Alice looked around the penthouse which was a bit messy from her friends' activities.
After the party, Philip had used some of his money for his niece and the monks to stay in a high-end luxury hotel for the night before they return to the Xiaolin Temple in the next morning.
The pink haired girl checked on Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo and Clay in their guest rooms, seeing they were all fast asleep.
Dojo was asleep in the little bed that was below Clay's.
Alice walked into the balcony and skilfully climbed to the roof of the building to watch the glowing lights in the city below.
"Our families could've become closer, if you warned them about the fire!"A boy's voice shouted out in anger.
Burying her face into her hands, Alice quietly sobbed into them.
"My, my, what happened?"A smug voice asked. "Someone is not having a very unhappy birthday."
Alice looked behind her and saw Chase.
"Are you here to insult me, Chase?!"Alice scowled angrily as she stood in a fighting position. "You better get out of here before I call my friends to kick you out of here."
"Most of your family doesn't seem to be there for you when you need them the most."Chase sneered. "Care to explain this to me."
"That's none of your business, lizard boy."Alice insulted and looked down. "I just don't like expressing how I really feel sometimes."
"I can see that."Chase said as he cupped Alice's chin in his hand.
Chase gently raised her head to face him, gazing into her jade green eyes.
"I see potential in you, Alice."Chase admitted and placed his hand around her waist to bring her closer to him. "You may be Lee's descendant, but with my help, you can be much greater than all of them."
"What are you saying?"Alice asked softly.
"I will train you and give you anything you desire."Chase stated. "All I need is your hand and your loyalty."
Alice frowned and removed herself from Chase's grip.
"I rather be in the valley of death than join you."Alice answered coldly.
Alice turned away from the Heylin Lord and humphed.
Chase smirked deviously at Alice.
"Then think about it."Chase requested. "You are stronger than you realise. Too bad Daniel doesn't have the courage to tell you that."
Alice glared back over her shoulder, but gasped upon finding no one there.
With a sigh, the pink haired girl slowly made her way back inside the penthouse to sleep.
Alice had a wonderful birthday, but tomorrow she and the others were going back to find Shen Gong Wu and saving the world from the Heylin forces of evil.
