Chapter 08: Troubled Training
As the residents of the Xiaolin Temple rose with the sun, Kimiko and Raimundo returned from an evening among the deceased. Reaching the "rooms" as quietly as mice, they found the other monks' rooms abandoned. Realizing training would begin soon, they headed out at a speed that would put the 'Shard of Lightning' to shame.
Both of them joined Master Fung, Omi, and Clay at the obstacle course, completely exhausted from a restless night and sudden need to haul their behinds.
"I am glad the two of you decided to join us this morning." Master Fung said, keeping a neutral face and tone towards their late arrival.
Before either of the tardy warriors could give an excuse, Omi decided to give his two cents by declaring, "Perhaps Raimundo think he is above training because he is 'so strong'."
"Omi, what are you talking about?" questioned the hurt Brazilian.
"I do not believe you can surpass me!" Omi yelled in the same pitch as when Jermaine said blamed Omi for losing the 'Manchurian Musca'. "Not when you skip training, ignore your chores, and don't donate fertilizer!"
"I think you mean I 'don't give a sh-'" Raimundo began to correct.
"Raimundo!"
Master Fung decided it was time to intervene. "Omi, you must not allow Chase Young's words to get the best of you."
"I will not allow words to, Master Fung," Omi stated, still irritated by the situation, "nor will I allow Raimundo when he has shown the weakest will and judgment out of the four of us!"
"Enough! I had originally planned to hone your Wudai elements, but with so much anger and uncontrollable power flowing from you, I believe we must take another course of action."
"Well, if we can't fight each other, how 'bout someone else?" Clay asked.
Kimiko asked for everyone. "Like who?"
"The 'Sapphire Dragon'", Master Fung declared, revealing the soot-covered Shen Gong Wu, "I shall activate and release it at the base of Mount Hong. Fear not," he added to their panicked faces, "for I will control it using the 'Emperor Scorpion' Shen Gong Wu. Your task will be to stop the 'Dragon' using only your martial art skills and Wudai elements. You may not help each other unless it is a mortal situation requiring dire attention. As an extra incentive for competition, whoever is able to stop the beast will not have chores for the next week; instead, the three that do not succeed will perform the chores of the winner."
"Oh, yeah," Kimiko said with a tone of confidence and smirk on her face, "this is my kind of challenge. Soot from my element plus the 'Sapphire Dragon' equals a free week for me."
"Thank you for reminding me, Kimiko. The 'Sapphire Dragon' will be equipped with the 'Black Beetle'."
Kimiko eagerness deflated, but the four Wudai Warriors agreed to the challenge. As Kimiko and Clay left for the forest below the mountain, however, Omi and Raimundo were retained by Master Fung.
"Raimundo," the veteran warrior said, "as the Bird of Paradise told you, your greatest strength is your kindness toward others. However, I understand that you would like to protect a certain 'friend', but the purpose of the exercise is to master your personal element individually. If you truly want to help, you will not interfere."
His words received a polite "I understand, Master Fung." before the teen jetted off toward the others. Master Fung then turned his head to Omi.
"Young monk, although Raimundo acts and thinks differently than you do, he means no harm. You should not be jealous of the fact that the Heylin army aims to attack him and the one he loves most."
With a "Yes, Master." Omi joined the other monks in the forest, leaving Master Fung to ponder how being under Chase Young's command may have affected Omi.