Chapter 8

Jack rubbed his swollen cheek. It still sore, but didn't sting. "So, Rai likes Kimiko." he said to no one in particular. "Interesting." He pressed a button on his wrist com-link. He moved the ice pack to his head as his com-link dialed a number. "I'm gonna need...some heavy reinforcements."

The next few days went pretty smoothly at Xiaolin Temple.

Whenever Clay caught sight of Rai & Kimiko together, he'd shoot Rai a thumbs-up.

Omi, however, was still clueless. "Just teamwork. Those two always needed to work together." he'd say.

Master Fung wouldn't give notice their "teamwork"during exercises, but he gave some notice during breaks; "You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly." he once said to the young Monks.

Rai and Kimiko glanced at each other. "Er...thanks, Master Fung."

"My pleasure."

Jack drummed his fingers against his table as his Chameleon-Bot paced back and forth.

The Chameleon-Bot was a robot built and designed by Jack himself. The Chameleon-Bot could change into any person programmed into his system.

"Will you stop pacing?" Jack asked.

Chameleon-Bot looked at Jack. "Why?"

"I'm getting sick."

"When's our other reinforcement getting here?" asked Chameleon-Bot.

Just as Jack opened his mouth, there was thudding. Small pieces of the ceiling fell. A large-balloon-like figure appeared in the doorway. The doorway groaned as the figure shoved its way through.

"You called, Jack?" Tubbimora the ninja asked as he pulled his pants up to prevent them from falling down.

Jack grinned. "Gentlemen...and Chameleon-Bot." (The robot shook his fist.) "I have a plan..."

Kimiko smiled to herself. "These last few days have been..."

"Perfect?" asked Rai, who was standing on his hands. Clay had asked the Dragon of Wind to help him with some "training".

"C'mon now, Rai." said Clay, placing some plates on Rai's feet. "Not every day's perfect. Although the days you two've been having come pretty darn close."

"Tell me again why you're doing this." Rai asked as he felt weight being placed on his feet.

"I'm hungry, and Dojo's usin' the table for Wu Research." replied Clay, tying on a bib and grabbing a knife and fork.

"Nice." commented Kimiko as Rai scowled.

"This is training!" growled Rai.

"I dunno. You agreed to help."

"I didn't mean like this!"

Kimiko sighed as she left the two boys alone to argue. However, her peace was short-lived. Noxious gas filled the hallway she had just stepped into. Kimiko felt dizzy and light-headed.

"Rai...help..." she gasped right before she hit the ground. The last thing she heard was an evil cackle and the sound of rotating blades...

When Kimiko awoke, she found herself chained to a wall. This place looked awfully familiar...but before she could figure it out, an even more familiar voice spoke.

"Well, well, well. It seems my scheme went just as planned!" It was Jack Spicer.

"For once." added a robotic voice Kimiko couldn't recognize.

"What do you want with me, Jack?" demanded Kimiko.

Jack stepped into view. "Simple. I capture you, your friends come and rescue you...but not if I destroy them first!"

Rai walked around Xiaolin Temple looking for Kimiko. "Where are you?" he called.

"Raimundo!" It was Omi. The little Monk rushed up to his friend, panting. "Kimiko...waiting for you...Wu Vault."

"Thanks." said Rai, dashing off.

Rai found Kimiko in front of the vault. "Hey! Clay and I stopped fighting."

"That's great, Rai!"

Rai paused. Kimiko's voice seemed more high-pitched and perky than he was used to. Fortunately, Rai had encountered this before. 'This is Jack's Chameleon-Bot.' he thought.

"Wudai Star, Wind!" Rai wrapped "Kimiko" in a bond of wind. "Where's Kimiko!" he demanded.

Chameleon-Bot morphed back to his default form. "Jack's hideout!"

Rai felt something hit him in the gut, and was forced back. His wind bond was broken, and Rai watched Chameleon-Bot fly away with jets built into his feet.

"OMI! CLAY!"

"Whoa, hold up Rai!" said Clay, grabbing his friend by his neck.

"What's wrong?" asked Omi, looking at Rai with concern.

"Kimiko's been kidnaped...Jack's got her..."