Chapter Two: Acceptance

LoneWolfPrincess: Yay! Another chappie for all the world to see! Sorry I haven't updated for, like, what, two months. Curse you, writer's block! So, just to jog your memories, Clay and Mia are about to have a Xiaolin Showdown to decide if Torri will be a Xiaolin Dragon or not. I have only one thing to say to this: "It's time to d-d-d-d-d-duel!" Heheh. Sorry, wrong show. (Clears throat) What I meant to say was, "Let's go, Xiaolin Showdown!" So Jack, certain disclaimers still need to be read or else no parole for you.

Jack Spicer: No way! You're a crazy, manipulative, sugar-high little brat; and usually I like those kinds of people! Why should I listen to you?

LWP: Because I am the authoress! I have control over the fate of my characters! I could turn you into a mountain of blue cheese if I so wished! And I just happen to know some very nice people who love the stuff like gold.

Jack: Who, your precious Squeaky?

LWP: Of course not, silly; Squeaky is strictly carnivorous. I'm talking about my little army of cheese-deprived mice.

Jack (looks around): What army of mice? All I see is pitch-dark blankness.

LWP (shakes her fist at Jack): Are you saying I'm empty headed, Spicer! (Left eye twitches)

Jack (cowers): No, ma'am.

LWP (calms down): Good, because this could've been you. (Whistles)

(A four-foot pile of blue cheese appears in front of them and, in the distance, an army of little gray mice army spots the cheese hill.)

Mice Army (spellbound): Cheese…

Mice Bugler: Charge!

(The army of mice swarms over the cheese pile and eats it in a matter of seconds before marching away.)

LWP: You were saying?

Jack: That's blackmail!

LWP: You call it blackmail; I call it a very popular and slightly aggressive form of persuasion. Now, what do we say?

Jack: (Sighs, monotone) The LoneWolfPrincess does not own Xiaolin Showdown, but she does own Miakoda, Torri, the Wolf Lullaby, the Hunting Dog Arrow, the Dragon's Heart, Anai, Storm Rider, the Mouse army, and half-owns Squeaky. (Normal voice) There! Can I go now!

LWP: Of course you may. Now, that wasn't so hard, was it? Anyways, enjoy Chapter Two while I write up the third Chapter before the writer's block comes back! Inanimate objects don't stay in the Shadow Realm for long, you know. Have fun!

"Clay Bailey, I challenge you to a Xiaolin Showdown!" Clay just shook his head.

"I'm sorry, but I can not and will not fight a girl."

Raimundo rolled his eyes and cried, "For Pete's sake, Clay! When are you gonna learn that chivalry is dead?"

Mia turned and growled at him. "No code of law can die as long as someone obeys it. Personally, I'm glad that someone in this world still follows chivalry. But for now, you don't have to think of me as a girl; just think of me as a friend."

"Well, if you put it that way... All right, what's the challenge?" Clay was hoping she'd name it soon; the Hunting Dog Arrow was burning his hand and it was driving him crazy.

"Horseback riding, a race from Assateague to Chincoteague. Your Tongue of Saiping against my Golden Tiger Claws. First one to reach Chincoteague Bay wins. If you win, I'll come alone; but if I win, Torri comes with. No ifs, ands, or buts from either side."

"Miakoda, you've got yourself a showdown!"

"All right then." Clay and Mia shouted together, "Let's go, Xiaolin Showdown!"

The world disappeared around them, and a new one was created for the showdown. Mia was mounted on Storm Rider while Clay was on a palomino mare with a white blaze. The distance between the islands was the same, but the sea was considerably rougher and a violent thunderstorm only made it worse. A rock was created for everyone else to watch from.

The girls had changed, too. Besides wearing a Xiaolin uniform- a red top with a black sash, white pants, a black quiver, black slippers, and a thin, black strip of cloth to tie back her hair - Mia's bang had changed from a rich chocolate brown to a silvery blue. And Torri had changed dramatically. Along with a Xiaolin gi of her own, her hair had changed from a frizzy red-orange mane to sleek black spikes with rose red tips curling forwards. Raimundo and Omi stared at her, drooling, mumbling in gibberish, and anything else boys do in the presence of a cute girl. Eventually they became aware of each other's presence and started to fight.

LWP: Hahahaha! Poor, girl-crazy little fools! This is delicious! I love being an authoress! Hahaha!

LWP: Hahahaha! Poor, girl-crazy little fools! This is ! I being an authoress! Hahaha!

(Suddenly, the LoneWolfPrincess realizes that Omi and Raimundo are coming towards her slowly, cracking their knuckles, holding the Sapphire Dragon and the Orb of Tornami Ice which are promising her a most painful torture, and smiling maniacally. The LoneWolfPrincess's eyes grow large as her pupils shrink and crawl towards the readers.)

LWP: (Gulp) Wuh-oh.

(The LoneWolfPrincess screams like a baby for her mommy and Squeaky as Raimundo and Omi chase her around, firing their Shen-Gong-Wu at her like bazookas at Saddam.)

LWP: Back to the fic!

"So, where's the tack?" Clay was nervous; as experienced a cowboy as he was, he had never ridden a wild horse without any tack whatsoever in rough water during a thunderstorm.

"What tack? 'The ties of friendship are stronger than any rope of man.' Old Chincoteague Proverb."

"That's all fine and dandy, but I've never ridden without tack before."

"Well, now you know why I'm letting you use the Tongue of Saiping, don't ya? Now enough chitchat! Let's get this showdown started already."

So, both of them shouted "Gong Yi Tan Pai!" and the race began. Both of them were off to a good start and neck-and-neck with each other.

"Hey, cowboy!" Mia yelled over the roar of the tide. "Are you hungry?"

"Not really! Why?"

"Because you're about to eat my spray!"

"Ooh, missy, you've done made me mad! I'm gonna give it to ya hard!"

"Oh, really? You and what army?"

"I don't need an army! I can do it with one hand tied behind my back!"

"Oh, yeah? Well, I-- Look out!"

Clay followed Mia's stricken gaze to an eight-foot wave heading straight for them!

"Hold on tight! We're goin' under!" Mia shouted it in horse so everyone could hear her. And they did go under; so hard that even the impenetrable Clay had the wind knocked out of him. They would have drowned if Mia hadn't used water magic to help them breathe.

"Thanks, K-- Miakoda. I owe you one."

Mia winked a turquoise eye at him. "Hey, no sweat. If we're going to be on the same team, we're going to have to look out for each other, right? And, please, call me Mia."

After about a second of drifting in silence, Mia said, "Um, Clay? I think it's about time we surfaced. Don't want anyone to start worrying, you know."

Clay nodded and they both floated to the top.

"So, what were you and Torri doin' in that forest in the first place?"

"Waiting for you guys! Duh!"

"I mean why did you wait for us there? You could've waited for us somewhere a little closer to your place!"

For a moment, Clay could've sworn he saw her eyes glance down and gain a sad tinge. But the next minute, she looked at him as if everything was perfectly fine and answered, "Torri lives in the city! It'd be too conspicuous if we did it near her place! And my home isn't too far from lake!"

Clay just went back to his riding. He was worried; he knew Mia was hiding something from him, but what? A few moments later, Mia's voice jolted him out of his thoughts.

"Hey, cowboy!" Mia shouted from a ten-meter lead. "Are you planning on actually racing me sometime tonight or what? I don't like it when my opponents let me win on purpose!"

"What the-- How did you get over there!"

"It's easy when the competition's spacing out on you! It also helps to have these!" She waved the Golden Tiger Claws above her head with a playful smirk plastered on her face.

"Why, I oughta--"

"Temper, temper! And here I thought you were following chivalry!"

"I am!"

"Oh, and by the way..." Mia paused as Storm Rider heaved himself onto Chincoteague soil. "I win!"

The Xiaolin Showdown realm disappeared and everyone was returned to a newly serene Assateague. Mia was now examining her set of prizes as Torri whispered, "Pay up," to the Xiaolin Dragons who were preparing to give her a grand total of $15.00.

"Let's see," she muttered to herself. "Golden Tiger Claws, nice... Hunting Dog Arrow, welcome back... and the Tongue of Saiping... Hmmm." Mia looked at the tongue, then at the Xiaolin Warriors, then back to the tongue.

"Ah, what the heck. Just take it." She held it out for extremely puzzled Clay to take.

"But-but-but you won the showdown. It's yours."

"Oh, heck, I know that. But we're going to be on the same team, anyways, so it doesn't matter. Besides, I can already talk to animals, so the only thing it's good for is to swing it around at people."

Clay gave a small chuckle. "I guess you've got a point there. Thank you for the generosity."

For a second, Mia's smile grew just a little bigger. Then it shrunk down to it's proper size as she replied, "Well, I guess you'll have to get used to it, cowboy. You were a pretty worthy opponent, yourself, for being a total newbie at riding bareback."

"So, I guess we should be headin' back to the temple."

"Yeah. Hold on just a sec. I'll be right back." Mia activated the Golden Tiger Claws and jumped into the portal, coming back a few seconds later carrying two nylon backpacks- one red and one blue- a black leather guitar case, and her flute.

"All right, then. Let's hit it."

Dojo then grew to full-size and soon the gang was headed back to the temple. Torri sat right behind Raimundo, chatting with him, Kimiko, and Omi throughout the ride. Mia, on the other hand, was a barrier between Torri and Clay, hugging her knees which were propped up a few inches from the rest of her body, silent as a baby colt in it's sleep.

Clay was curious about the sudden change of personality. Just ten minutes ago she was a true daredevil: confident, unpredictable, and prepared for just about anything you could throw at her. Not unlike Raimundo in some ways. Now she was so shy and quiet, like him.

"You okay, Mia?" he asked as she freed her now dripping wet, slightly curly chocolate hair from her ponytail and into the wind. "You've been awful quiet since we left the island." Mia turned around to answer him.

"Yeah, sure." The smile on her face was a little bigger than usual, assuring her honesty. "I'm just more of a listener than a talker. I'm guessing Torri already told you, but occasionally, I kind of get visions of the future in my dreams. My first vision was about you guys. I got some information- that you're the Xiaolin Dragons, I'm one of you, who the enemy is, when you'd be coming, etc.- but nothing about who you were or what you looked like or even your names. And, hey, if we're gonna be on the same team, I gotta know this stuff, right?"

Clay gave a small chuckle as he nodded and they continued the ride in silence.

Jack had just snuck back into his secret evil boy genius lair (AKA: his basement) and was now making adjustments to his Shen-Gong-Wu database, sipping a much-needed, double caramel chocolate fudge java mocha latté cappuccino espresso roasted blend with the works- decaf, of course- as he did so. LWP: Ha! Take that, Starbucks (not mine and I don't care)! That's for serving boiled mud with whipped cream in a coffee cup and trying to pass it off as hot chocolate! Harsh critic, ain't I? After a super-long sip of his coffee, he let out a depressed sigh that had been confined ever since Raimundo joined Wuya.

"You know, I'd never thought I'd say this since Wuya left me for Mala Mala Jong, but I kinda miss the old witch." Great, Jack thought. I'm starting talk to myself. If this keeps up, I'll become a mad scientist.

"Rough night, Jackie?" a feminine voice with the consistency of sandpaper asked from behind. Jack instantly perked up, so much that he sprayed out his coffee; he'd know who that was even with the worst case of amnesia life could possibly hand out.

"Wuya!" Jack squealed as he spun his chair around to face her. The smile quickly faded as he remembered the multiple times Wuya tried to replace him. He cleared his throat and asked, "What do you want?" in a less than thrilled tone.

"Oh, I was just in the neighborhood and--"

"Raimundo didn't cut out too well, did he?"

Wuya eyes grew large and she started to stutter like crazy and, if she wasn't a ghost, she'd probably be sweating bullets by now. And the smirk on Jack's face showed that he was enjoying every moment of it.

"Don't be ridiculous, you insolent boy! He just-- it's just that-- what I'm trying to--"

"Save it, ghost lady. I saw him with the Xiaolin Warriors tonight, so don't try lying to me again."

"Now, Jack, please be reasonable," Wuya said between small, nervous chuckles. "When have I ever lied to you?"

"Let's see... how about the time we met, when you said that you were going to be my new best friend and help me take over the world? You've tried to replace me three times already and I'm still trying to take over the world by myself without success! Friends don't try to replace friends, Wuya!"

"It's a funny thing, actually. You see, I--"

"Stow it! I've had enough of you're tricks!" Jack let out a frustrated sigh. "Forget it. I'm going to bed."

"Does that mean you forgive me?" Wuya asked as Jack stomped past her and up the stairs.

"No; it means that I'm going to bed. Good night!" And with that, he slammed the door and trudged up the stairs to his room.

It was a pretty cool room by his standards. A few years back, he had painted the walls in a black, crimson, and dark blue camouflage pattern. The whole room was littered with dirty clothes, schematics and models of various gadgets, and science fair trophies. The pitch-black ceiling was enveloped in glow-in-the-dark stars and planets. By his bed was a dim lamp that cast soft burgundy stars of light around his room, banishing his fear of the dark.

Jack tore off his jacket, gloves, boots, and goggles- revealing a black tank top, black jeans, and white socks- leapt onto the black covers of his bed, and thought about what just happened tonight. He had lost three Shen-Gong-Wu without even getting into a showdown. Even worse, he lost them to a pair of girls! LWP, Kimiko, Wuya, Katnappé, Chameleon Bot (both versions), Miakoda, Torri, and Any Other Girl Who Wants To: HEY! (Throw various objects at Jack)

That Mia girl was a big pain in the neck! She was just as-- no, almost as cunning as he was, and with only just a bit of his arrogant streak. And those jade green eyes were too complex for his taste. Cool wisdom, warm bravery, and something else he couldn't quite place. Something he saw the whole time but actually noticed when she had went into that nervous breakdown at the lake. Just then, it hit him. Pain! Fear! Sadness! Loss! Secrecy! Score one for the J-man! But... why? Those emotions were so... negative. And Mia seemed so strong and happy. What could a cool girl like that possible have to hide? And that connection... if it wasn't a crush, what the heck was going on between them? Nothing seemed to make sense anymore! Jack stopped himself there because any more of this would make his head explode.

Torri, on the other hand, was a different story. What he had said at the lake was true. With that wildfire mane, those playful cinnamon brown eyes, and that sweet, radiant smile accented with freckles, who could possibly disagree with the fact that she was as cute as a button? And she had a wonderful, optimistic personality. Her emotions were simple and were expressed just as easily. There was also that dragon-side to her; it added a mysterious and powerful air to her presence. And, if she wasn't trying to drive him to the brink of insanity, he bet she had a beautiful voice. To make it short, she was his dream girl. When he first saw her, he almost--

Darn it! He did drop his Shen-Gong-Wu tracker! And he didn't bother to keep the plans, so he could kiss the thought of making another one goodbye. Now he'd have to recruit Wuya! This was just not his night! Jack reached for his nightstand and grabbed a bottle of sleeping pills from beside his lamp. He fished out a pill and took it down with the glass of water on the opposite side of the lamp. Within minutes, Jack's troubles were miles away and so was his consciousness.

Dojo pulled into a steep dive and landed just outside of the temple. As Mia climbed off of Dojo, she pulled her newly dried hair back into a ponytail and took in a deep breath. Okay, Mia, she thought. This is it. It's time to begin your destiny! There was a brief pause before she added, And, dang, am I nervous. Of course, taking the occasional glance at Torri as they followed the Xiaolin Warriors reassured her that she wasn't going through this alone. And looking at Clay helped, too. Mia guessed she felt pretty insecure because she found it somewhat difficult to take her eyes off him.

Master Fung was waiting for them at the entrance to the temple. "Ah. I see that you have made some new friends, am I correct?"

"Yes, Master." Omi bowed as he said it. "We met them while searching for the Hunting Dog Arrow and we believe that they would be most helpful in our quest."

Torri stepped forward and imitated Omi's bow. "Victoria Sampson, sir. But, if you want, you can call me Torri."

Master Fung turned his gaze to Mia. "And who might you be, young miss?"

Mia took a deep breath, stepped forward, and knelt down as she did to the Xiaolin Warriors. "Miakoda Tyler of the Crystal Mountain Clan." Mia rose, keeping her head bowed. Even though she couldn't see it because her eyes were facing the floor in respect, she could feel the elder monk's insightful sky blue eyes examine her and Torri. It felt like they were being scanned, tested for their worth.

After a second of this, Master Fung broke the silence.

"I see. Young ones, please follow me into the meditation temple."

A minute later, everyone was placed in a circle in the middle of the room.

"Miakoda, are you and Torri sure that you're ready to take on this responsibility?"

Mia nodded. "Yes, Master Fung. I've been waiting for this moment ever since I was a child. I believe that it's my destiny to become a Xiaolin Dragon. And when Torri and I first met, I felt that it was her destiny as well."

Master Fung nodded his head. "Very well, then. Torri, you are to be Xiaolin Dragon of the Sun." Torri grinned. "And Miakoda the Xiaolin Dragon of the Moon." Mia bowed her head and smiled.

"Thank you, Master Fung."

"Kimiko will show you to your rooms and after you change, we shall begin training."

The girls stood up, bowed, and trotted off to their rooms.

"You sure you're ready to take him on?" Mia asked Torri as she did stretches to warm up for the spar. "I mean, Omi has been training as a Xiaolin Dragon since birth."

"Of course, I am." Torri replied as reached down her breeched legs to touch her toes. "Sure, he's a little more experienced than I am." Mia gave Torri the "you've got to be kidding me" look. "Okay, maybe a lot more experienced. But still, I've got brains, speed, and a summer's worth of training at my elementary school's gymnastics class. Besides, it's a cosmological law of the universe thingy that the sun evaporates water. What could possibly go wrong?"

Mia smiled and patted Torri on the shoulder as she rose. "That's my girl. Knock 'em dead!"

Omi and Torri headed over to opposite sides of the training area, bowed to each other, and started the spar. Omi ran halfway across field, leaped up, and attempted a flying kick... which left him face-flat in the dirt after Torri took a giant step to the side. Torri then gave a big, sugar high grin and a peace sign to the crowd and shouted, "OLÉ!" Omi tried a leg sweep while he was recovering, but due to his vertically challenged legs, managed only to brush against Torri's pants. So he leapt up to his feet and tried the ancient and fearsome Tsunami Strike. LWP: Cold, dud! Sorry, couldn't resist. (Winks) When the smoke and water cleared... Torri was seen sitting on top of an unconscious and swirly-eyed Omi. Clay, Dojo, Raimundo just stared at her, mouths open, Kimiko ran to Omi's side to check for injuries, Mia ran to Torri to congratulate her with the boys following her a moment later, and Master Fung just smiled.

Raimundo slapped Torri on the back. "Wow! If you could do that to Omi, Jack doesn't stand a chance against you, girl!"

Mia chuckled. "That's Torri for you, Raimundo. That's Torri."

Torri blushed and kicked an imaginary rock. "Oh, shucks. Thanks."

"You okay, Omi?" Kimiko asked, kneeling by his side.

"Please don't make me ride the roller coaster, mommy. It scares me."

Torri blushed again and giggled. "Sorry, Omi. I was in sugar-high mode."

Omi shook himself to his senses. "I forgive you, Torri. Let this be a lesson to the rest of you: Never try to perform the Tsunami Strike with a concussion. It gives you a very bad headache the size of Mount Hong, give or take a few inches."

"The next round shall be Miakoda versus Raimundo," Master Fung announced as he walked over.

Mia walked over to the side of the field to her left, while Raimundo went to the opposite side of the field. As Mia bowed to Raimundo, she did everything within her physical power not to roll her eyes. From what she observed on the ride here, Raimundo was the joker, turning everything into a game. Of course, he was taking his training a little more seriously nowadays for some reason. Still, she thought it might be more challenging to fight one the other Xiaolin Dragons, particularly Clay. At least she knew he could manage to put up a decent fight.

"Don't worry, Kody. I'll go easy on you, since you're a beginner." Raimundo rose from his bow and winked at her.

"While I appreciate your sympathy, Raimundo, I think you should be more concerned about me going easy on you. And, by the way, unless you have a death wish..." She ran at top speed towards Raimundo, finishing her sentence in between punching and dodging. "No one. Ever. Calls. Me. Kody!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. All talk, that's what you are."

"Oh, yeah? Well, I bet I can beat you without the Catori Stone. In fact, that's exactly what I'm gonna do." Mia tried punching and kicking him again to no avail.

"Come on, you've gotta move faster than that if you wanna lay so much as a scratch on me."

Much to Raimundo's surprise- and everyone else's- Mia just took a step back, crossed her arms, and smirked. "You know what, Raimundo? You're right."

Raimundo cocked his head. "I am? I mean, of course I am. What am I right about?"

"Trying to attack you would require energy that I simply don't have right now. So, I'm just going to save myself the trouble."

"You are?"

"Pretty much, yeah. Fighting you would be a big waste of my precious time and energy."

"Yeah, I-- Hey! Are you saying I'm not a worthy opponent?"

"Brilliant deduction, Sherlock. How on Earth did you do it?"

This seriously ticked Raimundo off. "That's it, girl! You're goin' down!"

Mia struck a dramatic pose and gasped. "Oh, my. The big, bad Wind Dragon is going to pound me into the ground. Oh, no, whatever shall I do? Save me, save me, have mercy. Please, somebody call the zoo. Their rare and vicious Brazilian parrot has escaped and come to eat me alive. I'm so scared. Not!"

This sent everyone but Raimundo and Master Fung into a fit of laughter.

"You'd better be," Raimundo said through gritted teeth. And with that, he charged at Mia and wrestled her to the ground.

"So, who taught you how to fight like that? Your mom?"

That was the absolute last straw. Mia's eyes turned an icy gray as her Catori Stone lost its transparent patches and was swallowed by smoke-like wafts of light of the same color. Torri's face was infected with fear.

"Oh, no," she whispered. "Oh, no. He did not just say that! Raimundo, get away from her, NOW!"

Raimundo managed to scramble a few feet away before Mia went into another rage like she did at the lake, this time with lightning! After two seconds of releasing blinding white thunderbolts into the sky and creating rain clouds, all was quiet as Mia stood up. Despite the fact that they were a little nervous, everyone ran over to Mia's side.

"You okay, Mia?" Clay tried to put a hand on her shoulder, but took it back when she spoke.

"Never. Ever. Insult my family again, Raimundo," she said in a soft, low voice, almost like a growl, as she lowered her head and glared at the Brazilian, bang covering half her face and stubborn tears clinging to the corners of her eyes. It lasted for two seconds before the hatred in her face was replaced with sadness. "I'm sorry. It's just that-- What I mean to say is--" Mia sighed in defeat. "Forget it. You wouldn't understand. Let's just say, 'no, she didn't', and leave it at that."

"Perhaps it's best if we went inside to discuss this," Master Fung suggested. It was starting to rain from Mia's temper.

Mia sighed. "Thank you, Master Fung." Torri handed out packets of tissues as they headed inside.

"Trust me, you'll need 'em." LWP: You readers better get some, too. This next part's a real tearjerker. I mean it!

Soon, everyone was in a circle in the meditation hall. Staring into the hot coals in the center pot, Mia could almost see her past again. Things that she had shoved into the back of her mind for so long were slowly coming back full circle.

"Well, I guess by now you think my life is perfect. Being a Chosen One, having a Catori Stone, being able to talk to animals and see the future through my dreams. Well, it was perfect for a while. My mother was an excellent landscape artist. And she loved music. Her voice was like an angel's. Heck, sometimes I swear she was one. She loved nature, especially the ocean.

"Dad, on the other hand, was a scientist, a terrific astronomer. He was always trying to explain stuff to me, like what the clouds were made of, what made the sun so bright, why the moon kept changing shapes. Man, if it wasn't for Mom telling him that it spoiled the fun of just looking at it, I would've grown up a complete cynic." Mia chuckled a minute before her face fell again. "I guess he kinda gave me his ability, his wanting to learn quickly. Yup; my life was perfect. That is, until I was three."

Start Flashback

Sunlight broke through the window of the cabin into a rosy pink and baby blue bedroom and gave a warm, gentle kiss on the eyes of a small little girl nestled under the pink covers with red hearts and gold stars. The tiny three-year-old girl opened her sparkling jade green eyes, stretched with an irresistibly cute yawn, and hopped out of bed with a taffy blonde stuffed lion- affectionately dubbed Fuzzball- tucked under her arm. Now it was time to scamper into her parents' bedroom, jump onto the bed, and bounce up and down until they woke up. They were beginning to form an annoying little habit of waking up just before she delivered the traditional wake-up call, but they went out on a "leave you with a babysitter and when you wake up they'll be right there with you" date last night and were sure to be very tired.

After she changed from her pink ankle-length nightgown into a pair of overall shorts, a turquoise T-shirt, and a pair of dark blue Velcro sneakers, the sweet little girl skipped down the hall to her parent's room, loose, shoulder-length, chocolate brown ringlets and adorable plushy flouncing as she did so. But when she cracked the door to the bedroom open, she saw an old lady snooping around her parents' dresser drawers. She was tall and wiry with a pointy nose and hair pulled into a tight white bun. A gray business suit fit tightly over her skinny frame and black high heels made her look even taller. And I don't own "Hello" by Evanescence. And to those who don't have they're tissues now, I pity you. Really. I mean, I cried when I wrote this.

Playground school bell rings again

"Excuse me, miss, can I hewp you?"

The old hag stood up straight, revealing her true height and her cold, black, beady little eyes hiding behind a small pair of glasses.

"Yes, you can," she answered in an emotionless, almost metallic British voice as she held out a big black suitcase. "Pack your things. You're coming with me."

Rain clouds come to play again

The little girl looked at the suitcase and asked the lady, "Awe we goin' on vacation? Where awe we goin'? Awe Mommy and Daddy goin' with us? Awe we gonna meet 'em somepwace?"

The woman gave her a glare that made the girl notice and feel the insensitivity of her eyes at full force. "In order: No, the orphanage, no, and no. The reason I'm here is because you're not going to see your parents today, or any other day for that matter."

Tears started to form at the corners of the toddler's silver-green eyes. "What do you mean? Awen't my mommy and daddy comin' home fow me? Whewe awe they!"

Has no one told you she's not breathing?

"Gone. You see, there was a car crash last night when your parents were coming home. They were taken to the hospital, but only managed to last a few hours on medication. You are an orphan now. They're never coming b--"

"LIAR!" The kid was so upset that she dropped her now tear-drenched Fuzzball. "My pawents awen't dwagons or witches or mostews! They can't--"

Hello, I'm your mind, giving you someone to take to talk to

"Grow up! This is not some absurd little fairy tale! This is reality! Everyone has to die sometime; it's a fact of life! Good, bad, we're all going to die! Look here!" She held out a simple leather bag. The girl peered inside cautiously and gasped. Inside was an ever-so-slightly faded denim jacket with the letters DT stitched on the inside of the collar, a pocketknife with a brown leather handle, a simple gold ring with which she knew- despite the fact that she couldn't read yet- had, "To my beloved Clarice forever, Darrel" engraved in cursive on the inner part of the ring, a photo, a letter, and two small china jars- one blue, one purple- containing ashes.

Hello

The little girl couldn't believe it. Her father loved that jacket and that pocketknife so much that he'd never give them away. That was her mother's wedding ring; she never ever took it off. That photo was of her mother- golden waves of hair cascading down to the middle of her back, eyes that sparkled like real emeralds, and a smile that touched your heart- her father- short chestnut hair, taffy skin, and dark chocolate eyes hidden beneath stylish, thin golden frames- and the girl herself at the beach in California only a few weeks ago. And what was with those ashes?

"Those jars contain your parents' ashes." The old woman looked as if she could read minds. "They were cremated, which means that the bodies were burned, and those are the ashes. Your parents had the nurses write that letter to you. Everything in that bag will belong to you... when you're eighteen, that is, and not a day before. Now pack your things; we're leaving now."

If I smile and don't believe

The little girl couldn't believe this. Her life had turned from her idea of perfection to a nightmare- with a sick literality- overnight. Her parents were gone. All that was left of them was in that bag. Tears burned down her cheeks like rivers of acid. Her sweet little heart was in so much pain as it pounded in her ears like a drum that she could just barely feel it through every inch of her body. The tiniest breaths were pure murder to her chest and throat. Both the experience and the adrenaline accompanying the pain through her bloodstream were leaving a foul taste in her mouth. She was going to be sick. And this lady, this witch didn't give so much as a wink! No... No... This couldn't possibly be happening!

"Well?" The hag snapped. "Didn't you hear me?"

Soon I know I'll wake from this dream

That was the last straw!

"NO!" And with that, she grabbed the satchel and ran out of the cabin and into the forest. She kept running for an hour until she found an empty cave in the side of the mountain.

Don't try to fix me, I'm not broken

The little girl didn't like the dark that much, but the adrenaline had worn off a while ago, leaving her hot, tired, and suffering from leg cramps and heart ache. The sun was brutally hot and bright as usual this time of year, and the cave was so dark and cool. So, the bag slung over her shoulder, she crawled down the cave until she reached the back wall. Then she curled up on the ground and cried.

Hello, I'm the lie, living for you so you can hide
Don't cry

She had left Fuzzball back at the house, but if she went back now, that lady would take her away. She couldn't let that happen. This can't be real, she thought. This is probably just a really bad nightmare and I'm gonna wake up any minute now. Then Mommy and Daddy will come to check up on me. They'll still be alive. This is all just a bad dream. I just have to wake up. Wake up…

"What is it, mother?" It was a girl, around her age.

"She is a human, my ayasha." A woman.

"I always thought humans were much bigger than that." A boy this time, also around her age, maybe just a teensy bit older.

"Ah, but you forget, my dear son, that all living things start out as babies. This one is barely younger than you in human time."

The voices were hushed, but loud enough to wake the little girl from her sleep.

"Momma?" she whispered as she opened her eyes and sat up. "Papa? Whewe am I?"

"Ah, I see you're awake, little human." Even though it was dark and the girl's vision would've been blurry anyways, she felt a warm, fuzzy, slightly wet muzzle press against her cheek. It was like a dog's, but different somehow.

"Who awe you? I can't see you."

"Mother, she's Speaking!" Dang! That boy was loud.

"Hush, Tuari!" the female hissed. "Have you forgotten that the cave amplifies your voice?"

"Huh? What's goin' on?" It was then that her eyes had finished adjusting to the darkness of the cave and she pressed herself closer to the wall of the cave in fear. It was a pack of wolves; five adults, two pups. Now, she was just like any other kid at that time, convinced that all wolves are greedy, sneaky, conniving snakes-in-the-grass. LWP: BOO! To the people who invented that stereotype and all those who believe in it, I throw you into a claustrophobia-inducing cage with Squeaky and say, "nee" repetitively as I do it! Then, if you survive, I shall banish you to the Shadow Realm! Bwahahaha! (Pause, blushes) Heheh. Sorry. Wrong cue card.

"Do not be afraid, little human," said the white wolf, the alpha female. "We mean you no harm." LWP: YAY! To all people who don't believe in stereotypes, have a brownie! They're hot and fresh and gooey and loaded with chocolaty sweet goodness! Just make sure that the people getting mauled by Squeaky over there can hear your moans of delight over the blood-curdling screams. (Winks)

"Wait a minute. You can talk?"

The wolf. "Not exactly. No animal can truly speak your language, but there are a very rare few of your kind who can communicate with us. Those lucky few are Speakers, and you are one of them."

Suddenly I know I'm not sleeping!

"Weally? That's so cool..."

"I am Anai, alpha female of the Crystal Mountain Clan, keeper of the Catori Stone, the spirit crystal. And this is my pack. Welcome, Miakoda." The wolf pulled her left foot back and dipped the front half of her body into a lupine bow as she said the last sentence. For the first time, the girl noticed a colorless, turquoise blue, spring green, and lavender crystal hanging from a long silver chain around Anai's neck like a collar.

"My name's not Miakoda. It's--"

Hello! I'm still here!
All that's left of yesterday

"Your true name. You see, each of us has a name our parents give us and a true name. Yours is Miakoda, 'Power of the Moon' in the language of the Native Americans. Everyone also has a guardian totem that we must learn from in order to become spiritually mature and live to our full potential."

"What's my totem?"

"Come with us. We'll tell you everything." So, the wolves walked towards the entrance of the cave, with Miakoda scampering after them with her satchel swung over her shoulder.

End Flashback

At the end, silent tears were streaming down Mia's cheeks as Torri held her hand. Dojo was going through the tissues- literally- like fire. Raimundo kept his head down in guilt.

"So, that's it. The wolves took me in, trained me in the ways of Tala Adanvdo, they taught me everything I needed to know about being a wolf. Anai even gave me the Catori Stone."

"That is the saddest story I ever heard!" Dojo wailed, cremating a hankie as he did so.

"So, how did you and Torri hook up?" Kimiko asked.

"Well, a couple of years ago, she got separated from a group hike and was screeching at the top of her lungs for help. At first I led her back to her campsite just to get her to shut up, but it turns out that I made one heck of a friend."

Torri blushed and giggled nervously. "I wasn't exactly noted for a first-rate sense of direction."

"Listen, Mia, I--"

"Don't be, Raimundo. Now that I think about it, if it wasn't for my trash talk, none of this would've happened. I'm the one who should be sorry. I guess after ten years of living with wolves, I need to work on my social skills. Friends?" She held out her hand and he accepted it immediately.

"Yeah, we're friends."

Mia was gazing at the night sky just outside the window of her dark new room. The room wasn't quite as spacious as the cave she had lived in for the last ten years, but it was big enough to accommodate her meditation circle, incense candles, and a mat to sleep on. There was even a hidden drawer under the window for her to keep her clothes, vision journal, the satchel carrying her mom and dad's surviving belongings, and her flute. All in all, this was luxury by her standards.

Mia opened the guitar case propped next to her, took out the guitar, and started to play. Anai had sung this lullaby to her countless times when she was younger, and she had asked Torri to give her music lessons so she could play it on her instruments. This song was special.

Hush, matsi ayasha
Your pain will be over soon now
I'll be your wyakin tonight
I'll protect you always, this I vow
Let the river soothe your broken soul, where sorrow, rage, and fear are teeming
Let the moonlight guide you as you go into sweet, subconscious dreaming
Sweet, subconscious dreaming

A few seconds after she was done singing and put up her guitar, Mia heard a knock on her door.

"Come in."

The door opened slowly and a figure stepped into her room, taking off his hat.

"Oh. Hi, Clay."

"Howdy."

"So... what brings you here?" Mia asked, tracing a circle on the floor with her finger.

"Just came to check up on ya. See if you were okay. Listen, I'm sorry Raimundo was such a jerk earlier. He's more foolhardy than a rooster in a ten-to-one cock-fight at times, but he means well."

Mia eyes cast downward. "It's okay. I'm fine. I was more or less the jerk, anyways. Thank you for asking me, though."

"No problem." Clay looked around the room. "I like what you've done with the place."

Mia felt her cheeks heat up. "Thanks."

"Mia... if you ever need to talk to me about anything, feel free, all right?"

Mia nodded. "Thank you, Clay. You know, you have a very noble heart. I'm honored to have you as my friend. Really."

Clay rubbed the back of his neck. "Aw, shucks. Now you're gonna make me blush."

Mia chuckled. "Sorry."

"So... I guess we should be headin' to bed right about now."

"Yeah. I guess."

"Well... good night, Mia."

"Good night. Sweet dreams... Matsi Clay." As soon as he closed the door, she changed into her pajamas- consisting of a white camisole and a pair of gray boxing shorts- curled up into a ball on her mat, and rested. She let her thoughts slowly seep out of her head to make room for dreams. But for some reason, the thought of Clay just wouldn't leave her alone. So, instead of wasting time trying to clear it from her mind, she meditated on it, welcoming it with another one.

Don't worry, Clay. One day, I'll tell you everything. I promise.

And with that, her mind drifted, allowing her to get a well-deserved night's rest.

LWP: Ooh... another cliffy. To those who didn't take my warnings, I told you that would need tissues! (Slight Scottish accent) I tried to warn ya, but did ya listen? Oh no, no, no. It's just a harmless little flashback drama. (Normal) Anywho, Here's a glossary for the Native American terminology and I apologize for any splitting headaches that may have resulted from it. If it helps, I know from experience that chamomile tea is a natural aspirin, and it has a nice, soothing, apple-like flavor, too. (Winks)

LWP: Ooh... another cliffy. To those who didn't take my warnings, I you that would need tissues! (Slight Scottish accent) I tried to warn ya, but did ya listen? Oh no, no, no. It's just a harmless little flashback drama. (Normal) Anywho, Here's a glossary for the Native American terminology and I apologize for any splitting headaches that may have resulted from it. If it helps, I know from experience that chamomile tea is a natural aspirin, and it has a nice, soothing, apple-like flavor, too. (Winks)

Tala Adanvdo: Literally, "Heart of the Wolf"; the code of life for all wolves, a sort of lupine Bushido, if you will. Each wolf pack will have a slightly different set of Tala Adanvdo.

Matsi: Sweet and brave. Mia sometimes uses it as a title for her closest friends, i.e.: Matsi Torri.

Ayasha: Little one.

Wyakin: Guardian Spirit.

LWP: And now it's time for review replies! WHEE! (Singsong) I have reviews! I have reviews!

The Inter-Dimensionally Famous Background Choir (Singing What else is new?): Hallelujah! Hallelujah, hallelujah! (By George Frederic Handel. And just about anyone who wants to can own them, so don't bother to sue me:P )

(To DeathRealm) Thanks. And, not to be a spoiler, but yes, she does. (Eyes grow wide) So, you can actually tolerate Omiko fics? (Blinks) SWEET! I'm not alone here! See that? I'm not the only Omiko fan in the world! WHOO-HOO!

(To Storm Sword) It's okay, Storm-san. I'm not so sensitive that I can't tell the difference between a flame and constructive criticism. I was planning to make this chapter give a little background on Mia, so I hope it makes her less of a Mary-Sue. But there is one thing I'd like to add to the golden rules: I don't complain about you being Kimundo fans, so please don't complain about it being an Omiko fic. I'd also like to repeat that I don't like flames that much. Then again, who does? Anyways, it's an honor to have one of the kings (Sorry about that. (Sweat drops, blushes) Heheh.) of Xiaolin Showdown fics R&R my work.

(To Mystic-moon-draconian) Okay, now that the above reviewer has clarified what the heck a Mary-Sue is, I'm assuming that you're flaming me. And FYI, yes there is a plot! Now be nice or Squeaky shall grind your bones to make cookie dough! Okay, I'm better, now.

(To cartoonhottie200) (Blushes) Aw, shucks. I'm honored to be your muse/favorite author. You're not so bad, yourself. Sorry it took so long to update. Please continue with "It Begins"! And to you, Mr. Beautiful Mind, quit flaming people just because of their formatting! You're being very mean for someone who writes Arthur stories! And I don't care if you are the soul inhabitant of the Rocky and Bullwinkle section; be nice to my friends, you pyromaniac, because I've got a killer rabbit and I'm not afraid to use it! Anywho, thanks for getting the message out that the XS section was created. ;) (It's common knowledge that duality confuses virtually all types of predators)

(To Princess Viv) It's okay, Viv. We all have different opinions on things. Mine just happens to be that Omi and Kimiko like each other. I mean, Omi was the only one to really notice that Kimiko was a robot in "Chameleon", and Kimiko has mentioned a couple of times that she thinks Omi is cute and even hugged him right after she threw poor Raimundo up against the wall of the invisible box in "Like a Rock". Raimundo may like Kimiko a little and may be afraid of other competition (which may explain him teasing her and the other boys relentlessly), but I think she sees Raimundo only as a friend. But, that's a matter for Warner Bros, Inc. (not mine, but I wish. Then I'd own so much cool stuff!) to decide, and until then, it's a matter of opinion.

(To Britany/Rebby/Torri Nee! How many nicknames can one person have?) Thank you and I am so glad that you're my best friend, Brit. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know a lot of great bishies like Kurama and Joey and Kaiba and (Perish the thought!) Clay!

(To Cybertoy00) Thanks, Cy. And I'm guessing you're pretty darn happy that we have an XS section now. I'd also like to give thanks to everyone who helped make this lovely little section of exist as part of the World Wide Web! (Whispers towards the backstage) Wow! Great job on the script, Omi.

(To Kitsunequeen) Thanks! I'm glad you like. You and CH are my best friends on this site. I'm sorry they banned CYOA's here, but I'm sure the stories you're working on now you will be just as good if not ten times better. I can't wait to read them!

(To Hutchy) Well, I hope this chapter clears things up for you. So, what else do you think?

LWP: Well, that's it for the reviews section. Thanks to those who wrote to me and I'm anticipating more feedback from you guys. I'd also like to give shout-outs to my best friends: Britany/Rebby/Torri, the Kitsunequeen, and cartoonhottie200! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a Ninjitsu training class with the TMNT in half an hour and I do not want to be late, and I need to practice my meditation mantra. Ohhhmi-has-a-big-head-and-no-nose-and-Clay's-phone-number-which-I-must-have...