Chapter 3

The ground rose up into a platform, but not completely detached from ground level. Kimiko and the other Xiaolin Dragons were dressed in a ninja-like clothing, with symbols matching their elements.

"Gon Ye Tempai!" cried Kimiko and Jack. The showdown had begun.

"Do ya think Kimiko stands a chance?" asked Clay.

"If she can figure out what animal to call with the Tongue of Saiping." replied Omi.

Rai stayed silent. He could tell Jack was up to something. But what was it?

"Fist of Tebigong!" Jack tried to punch Kimiko, but she easily sidestepped.

"I'd like you to meet a friend of mine, Jack." Speaking into the Tongue, Kimiko called for a nearby grizzly bear. The bear reared up on it's hind legs and began its assault on Jack.

"AAAAAAAA!" screamed Jack, completely forgetting about the Fist of Tebigong. He ran for his life, with the bear giving chase. This went on for about three minutes.

The Xiaolin Dragons were laughing so hard they cried.

Wait a minute, thought Jack. Why am I running from this giant furball when I can just attack Kimiko? He turned so he was running straight towards his opponent.

"Kimiko, watch out!" called Rai.

"Huh?" Kimiko turned back to the field just in time to see Jack slamming the Fist of Tebigong into the ground, creating a giant fissure.

"Uh-oh." muttered Kimiko. Her mind froze as the fissure headed towards her, and swallowed her up.

"KIMIKO!" cried Rai. Without thinking, he pulled out a golden sword-like Shen Gon Wu. "Sword of the Storm, Wind!" Spinning the Wu rapidly, a large spout of wind rocketed Rai forward and into the fissure.

"Rai's gone insane!" remarked Clay. Why would Rai risk his life for...oh, now it made sense.

Rai continued to fly forward until he spotted Kimiko. The Tongue of Saiping wasn't in her hands, so Rai figured she dropped it before she fell. Using his free hand, Rai grabbed Kimiko's hand.

"Hunh?...Rai?"

"Kimiko, it's gonna be okay..." Rai paused, realizing he was reassuring himself as much as her. Twisting his body around, he made it so the wind from the Sword of the Storm to bring him and Kimiko out.

Omi was crestfallen. First they had lost the showdown, now two of his friends? He was so busy contemplating this, that he didn't notice Jack fly away with the Fist of Tebigong, Icicle Vortex and the Tongue of Saiping.

Clay was completely silent. He pulled his cowboy hat over his eyes, so no one could see the tear rolling down his face.

Dojo's jaw dropped. He knew Jack would do anything for world domination, but trying to get rid of Kimiko like that?

"What now?" asked Omi finally.

"I don't know." replied Dojo.

"Guys..." said Clay, trying to get their attention.

"I think we should go to Master Fung." said Omi.

"GUYS..." said Clay firmly.

Kimiko cringed slightly. When was the sunlight that bright? "Rai?" she asked.

Rai landed on solid ground, a good distance away from the fissure. "Kimiko, are you okay?"

Kimiko did not reply at once. "Rai...you saved me." Before Rai could do anything else, Kimiko gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks."

Rai slowly placed his hand where Kimiko had kissed him. Still tingling. Rai shook himself out of it, and decided to take Kimiko back to Omi, Clay and Dojo.