XIAOLIN SHOWDOWN - "The Choices We Make"
by Stephen R. Sobotka Jr. / 2006
DISCLAIMER : Xiaolin Showdown is the creation of Christi Hui / Warner Bros. Animation; all characters of this story -- with the exception of any original characters that I created -- are the property of said licenses, and WB Television Animation, and are used here without knowledge or permission of same. This story was produced to entertain fans of the original show, and is in no way, shape or form intended to be published for monetary gain. Please do not sue.
This story is an original prose based on situations and themes from the original "Xiaolin Showdown" animated series. This story is the rightful property of the author; all original characters and the plot depicted within are protected by copyright law.
AUTHOR'S NOTES : I wrote this because it irks me that, out of all the XS fanfics out there, the general focus is on Rai/Kimiko 'shippers. So, don't hate me if I feel that the little fiery gal from Japan would be better off with a certain big boy from Texas.
Comments are most welcome, so please DO comment!
Enjoy the story! - SRS Jr
CHOICES
Chapter 6
Kimiko Tohomiko...
Former Xiaolin Dragon of Fire...
All of twenty-three years of age... and about to make a choice that -- much like the one she made over ten years ago -- was going to change her life all over.
For better, or for worse.
Padding up the short segment of stairs that lead from the lower floor of the dormitory building, Kimiko clutched the front of her light kimono and shivered briefly. I shouldn't be cold, she told herself. But, considering what I'm going to do, it's no wonder that I'm not shaking like a bowl of pudding! She shook her head and continued moving up the stone steps with purpose. Focus, Kimiko! You've got to keep your mind... and heart on what's ahead of you!
Emerging on the upper floor, Kimiko moved swiftly along the narrow hallway. Many of the rooms on this floor were occupied by lesser ranked monks, but halfway down, Kimiko found a couple of the rooms that were occupied by the younger Dragons; Mizuko's room, which bore a decidedly 'island' flavor in her decor and furniture. Then, Jessie's, which looked very similar to her big brother's western style...
She even spied Jack's room, which she moved past quickly, for obvious reasons! Eww! Not really into looking at what he's got inside there!
Further down the hall, just past a few more rooms... she finally found what she'd been seeking: Clay's room... which, was easy to identify, since the soft strains of music from his guitar drifted out from the half-open entrance. Taking a fortifying breath, Kimiko stepped up to the entrance and paused, before peeking around the long, wool blanket that Clay was using for a privacy screen.
Inside, the first thing she noticed was the totality of his room... it felt lived-in. Alive. From the small bookshelf filled with his personal items, books and knick-knacks from home, to the Texas flag and other western-style items, it was like he'd transplanted a portion of his home on his father's ranch right there in the Temple.
As she swept her gaze over the room, she eventually came upon the object of her search; sitting on the edge of his bed, facing the open window on the wall behind it. He was clad only in a pair of pajama pants, and his blond hair was still tied up in a low ponytail. From the way he sat on the low bed, Kimiko could see him holding his guitar across his lap; one hand slowly picking the strings while the other fingered a melancholy tune on its neck.
Silently, she slipped inside the room and leaned on the nearby wall to listen to him play for a while longer. As she did, she watched the movements of his arm and fingers, as well the calm, open, yet sad expression on his face.
When he finally willed his hand to stop -- making the music drift off into the silence of the night -- Kimiko cleared her throat and said softly, "You play pretty good, cowboy... do you do requests?"
Half-startled, Clay turned and stared at her, before he relaxed and said, "What are-? Aw, sorry 'bout that... guess I was playin' a bit too loud."
Shaking her head, Kimiko said, "No, no... you weren't being that loud, Clay." She offered him a smile. "I was enjoying the music, actually. Much better than what I can get on the radio."
Clay ducked his head a bit, as the sudden rush of blush to his cheeks made the freckles there stand out in the warm light. "Aw... I do all right," he said, brushing his fingertips over the strings idly. "Daddy told me once, that a man isn't a true cowpoke, 'lessen' he can ride, rope and sing or play a good song."
With a chuckle, Kimiko said, "A wise man, your father... good to see that he left you with a lot of his wisdom."
Clay smiled briefly, before he let his face fall back into a small frown. "Shouldn't ya'll be in bed, Kimmy? It's been a long day, all things considerin'-."
"I know, I know... believe me, I want to get some shut-eye," Kimiko replied. "There's, just something I wanted to do, before we both stumbled off to dream land."
Clay cocked his head at her. "Oh? An' what might that be?"
Steeling herself, Kimiko pushed off the wall and stepped closer to the bed, stopping when she was only a few feet away from where Clay sat. "Clay... I've been doing a lot of thinking today. After hearing what you, and some of the others have told me today..." She looked down at the floor, trailing off briefly. "I guess I did a really dumb thing, well... leaving the Temple all those years ago."
Clay slowly turned to face her, setting his guitar aside as he said, "Kimiko-?"
"Clay, just... just let me finish, okay?"
Falling silent, Clay nodded.
Sighing, Kimiko went on. "I'll admit it, I really didn't expect to hear... well, to hear you say what you did." She shrugged her shoulders, holding out her hands as if asking for a little help. "It was a pretty big shock, y'know?"
Clay's frown deepened, and he closed his eyes. "Yeah... well, I can imagine so," he said, a touch of bitterness creeping into his voice.
Kimiko saw that this wasn't heading in a good direction, so she said quickly, "But, it really got me to thinking... I mean, telling me how you've felt about me after all this time."
Clay didn't look at her. He just sat there with his chin touching his broad chest and his hands braced on the bed on either side of him.
"I mean... I really took a look at how I feel about you," Kimiko said softly. She gave him a fond look, before adding, "Do you know, out of anyone I've known, you've been the only person that ever told me... that he loved me?"
"Well, I reckon... I guess... there's got t'have been others," Clay mumbled.
"Some have, to be sure." Kimiko decided to cut to the chase and, while Clay still had his gaze averted, she reached for the sash on her robe and untied it. "But, no one's ever said it... and meant it, until you told me, Clay." With a soft whisper of silk, she let her robe fall to the floor, leaving her clad in her sleep wear as she stepped in close. Before Clay realized it, she'd slipped up in between his arms and settled herself on his lap.
Gasping, Clay asked in a surprised tone, "Kimmy, what in tarnation are you-?" He couldn't complete his query when Kimiko reached around his neck, pulled him towards her slightly and -- without preamble -- covered his mouth with hers in a soft kiss. At first, Clay didn't know what to do, or where to put his hands... but, eventually he relaxed into their tender lip-lock and let one settle on Kimiko's lower back.
After an eternity, packed inside a span of heartbeats, Kimiko gently broke their kiss and leaned back; her lips warm and spreading into a grin as she saw the awestruck-yet-happy expression on Clay's broad face, as he sat there with his eyes closed. "Clay?"
Slowly opening his eyes, Clay gazed down at the small woman on his lap, and took a deep, unsteady breath. "Kimiko?"
Letting one hand slide around to cup his cheek, Kimiko said, "I've decided... I feel the same way about you, too."
At that moment, Kimiko could have sworn Clay's eyes lit up as bright as a new morning's sunrise. "You mean it?" he asked.
Pulling him into a tight hug, Kimiko replied, "As much as you do. I love you, Clay Bailey." She pecked his lips once more, adding, "I never knew, but now I-!" Her own words were smothered as Clay dipped his head and kissed her back; slow, yet completely as she'd done just moments before, only now he'd wrapped both arms around her small frame in a warm embrace.
When they finally came up for air, Kimiko shivered -- with a pleasant feeling from her head to her toes -- and said, "Wow! You're a good kisser!"
Clay blushed, but the smile on his face was proud. "I got someone that inspires me," he said, before he shook his head slowly. "I... I just can't believe it!"
"Believe it, cowboy," Kimiko said, her voice low and sweet. "I really do, love you." Reaching up, she pulled one of the combs from her hair and let it drop onto the mattress, letting her hair spill down over her shoulders. "And, nothing in this whole, wide world is going to change that."
Clay sighed, "Aww, Kimiko!"
ooooOOOOoooo
The first light of morning, and the sounds of the waking world -- early birds, soft wind song and the light patter of a light rain -- filtered in through the open window of Clay's room.
Mixed with the scents of good, clean earth and the flowers out in Master Fung's garden, they were the first things that came to Kimiko's waking senses through the fog of sleep surrounding her.
Rousing, the next thing the young Japanese woman noticed was the presence of someone's arms wrapped around her, underneath the cover of a light blanket. Under her cheek, she felt the slow, steady pulse of a heartbeat and, with a flash of memory, she smiled as she recalled where she was.
Now, this is a way to wake up! she told herself, as nuzzled into Clay's chest.
A second later, it rose and fell, before being followed by a drowsy chuckle. "mm... dangit! Cuttit'out!"
With a laugh, Kimiko raised her head and looked up at Clay's face; which was turned into his pillow and draped with a smile of his own. "Ticklish, are we?" Bracing herself up on both hands, she leaned over and placed a kiss on his freckled cheek. "Sorry, if I woke you up."
Clay mumbled something, before his arms tightened around Kimiko's body and he tipped his face up to gaze at her. "Nah, 'wuz up anyway, darlin'."
"Oh?" Kimiko leaned back. "Just how long were you going to just let me lay here then?"
"Not long... besides, I was just enjoyin' the quiet time with you here, just before things got too busy around here, come sun-up," he said.
Nodding, Kimiko dropped her head back down to rest it on his chest, staring up at his face. "Something you've been wanting to do for a long time, I'll bet." Taking one hand to prop her chin up, she asked, "Clay... are you, well, still upset with me at all?"
"Now, why would ya need t'ask me that, Kimiko?" Clay moved one hand around to caress her cheek.
Leaning into his touch, Kimiko said, "Just didn't want you to have any regrets, after all this time." She looked into his blue eyes and sighed. "I was pretty dumb, wasn't I?"
"Nah, I done told you before... I reckon you thought you were doing what you felt was right," Clay said, giving her a warm smile. "Besides, that's all water under th' bridge, hm?"
"Yeah, you're right," Kimiko said. For a short time, neither said anything as they lay there, enjoying the moment.
Then, Kimiko asked softly, "So... where do we go from here?"
Clay chuckled, "Where do ya want t'go, darlin'?"
Popping her jaw as she yawned, Kimiko said, "Can't we... just stay here, y'know? For a while longer?"
Clay rose up a bit, cocking his head to one side. "Sure, but ya know th' others are gonna be lookin' for us soon... Master Omi keeps everyone on an early schedule."
Nodding, Kimiko just nuzzled closer. "Yeah, but I think we can risk it." Winking, she added, "Besides... I don't think anyone's going to bother us, right at this moment."
The moment the last word left her lips, the sound of pounding footsteps echoed in the hallway outside of Clay's room... and, a second later, a hand snatched aside the privacy cover at the entrance. "Hey, Clay! Get your spurs on and get movin'! Omi says-!"
Sitting bolt-upright, while keeping their arms around each other, both Clay and Kimiko turned their faces towards the doorway, staring into the saucer-wide eyes and pale face of Jack Spicer!
"Aaah, wha-wha-What the-?" He suddenly clapped one hand over his mouth to suppress a grin. "No way! You, and the cowboy! I... ah, I n-never saw n-nothing, really!" Jack's words were cut off by a low growl... then, seeing the angry look on Kimiko's face, he let out one of his trademark screams of terror!
"JACK!" A moment later, Kimiko had leaped out of Clay's arms -- and his bed -- and with a surge of rage, she thrust both hands towards the hapless Dragon-in-Training... and, with a flare of red and gold flames, she blasted him backwards, out through the hallway and -- luckily -- through an open window to sail out over the spreading courtyard outside.
Getting to his feet, Clay was quick to get to Kimiko's side, wrapping one hand around both of hers to keep her from sending another fire-burst after Jack. "Kimiko, hold yer horses, darlin'! He didn't see nothin'!"
"I'm just going to make sure he doesn't see anything ever again!" Straining against Clay's grip, Kimiko growled. "Let me go!"
"Woah, not until you back that temper down to a slow simmer," Clay said firmly.
"But, he-?"
"Didn't see nothin' that he'd have th' guts to talk about... least ways, not after that blast ya gave him," Clay said. "Now, are ya gonna calm down, or am I gonna have to hog-tie ya for a spell?"
Kimiko turned and looked at him archly. "That's... a bit extreme of you to even say that!"
In a gentler tone, Clay replied, "I'd just rather see th' others learning about us, while you're on both feet, rather than slung over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes." Loosening his grip, he leaned down and captured her lips with a kiss, which she returned after a brief moment of hesitation. Separating, he asked, "Now, are you gonna play nice?"
Kimiko shook her head and beamed back at him. "Is this going to be how you cool me down, by warming me up?"
Winking, Clay said, "Best get used to it, darlin'... it goes on like this throughout th' whole picture."
ooooOOOOoooo
After parting for just a short time, so they both could clean up and get dressed, both Kimiko and Clay emerged in the courtyard just as Mizuko was seeing to a somewhat-singed Jack -- who didn't react well, when he saw Kimiko -- while the other Xiaolin Dragons were clustered around them.
As Kimiko walked at Clay's side, she could see that Omi and Master Fung were not looking pleased. "Cripes... looks like I'm going to get grilled now!"
Taking her hand, Clay said, "Now, don't you worry too much... since, I'm certain Master Fung and Omi aren't about to rake you over th' coals too much." Giving her hand a squeeze, he said, "Besides, I'm with ya, darlin'."
Returning his grip, Kimiko smiled up at him. "I know, Clay." Together they made their way across the courtyard, coming up to where the others were standing around Jack. When the former Evil Genius started to whimper, Kimiko sighed and said, "Take it easy, Jack, okay?"
"Question is, Kimmy, are you going to take it easy?" Raimundo asked archly.
"Fortunately, Young Jack is not seriously injured," Omi said gravely. Turning to face the young woman, he scowled at her. "That was very foolish, and unnecessary, Kimiko! Jack is no longer our enemy."
Nodding, Kimiko said, "I know, Master... Jack just, well... he caught me by surprise, that's all." She bowed and added, "I apologize for causing any trouble... especially to you, Jack."
Clay smiled, reaching over to give her shoulder a squeeze. "She's right, Jack just didn't know better than t'knock before he got to my room." Chuckling, he added in an undertone, "Next time I'll try hangin' a tie outside my door."
At that, Jessie looked up at her big brother and smirked, "Why, Clay Bailey! Are you sayin' what I think yer sayin'?"
"What exactly is our friend Clay saying?" Omi asked with a puzzled expression.
Rai gave Omi a frank look. "Tell ya about it... later, Omi."
Master Fung looked at both Kimiko and Clay, and smiled knowingly. "I believe I can safely say, that Young Spicer may have walked in on a... rather private moment between our two young ones here."
At that, the others -- save for Jessie, who had it figured out and Jack, who'd witnessed it -- all stared with wide eyes at the couple. "Oh my goodness!" Omi said with a gasp.
In response, Clay moved closer to Kimiko and wrapped his arms around her and she responded in kind. "Um, guys... hope this isn't too big of a shock to ya'll," he said, "but, well... Kimiko and I-."
Rai cut him off, grinning as he said, "Clay Bailey, you sly devil! I never would have though you had it in ya!" Stepping over to where the couple stood, he gave Clay a friendly slap to his shoulder. "Congrats, buddy!"
Mizuko smiled, saying, "It is a good thing to see two people that have found each other." Looking to Kimiko, she rose and bowed, "I am very happy for you, my friend!"
"As should we all be," Master Fung said. Stepping close, he placed a hand on both Kimiko and Clay's shoulder. "You both have been on a journey of hardships, and at the end, you have discovered your true feelings for each other. No matter what comes before the two of you now... know that we will support the both of you, no matter what path your lives will take."
Both Kimiko and Clay smiled. "Thank you kindly, Sir," he said.
"Yeah, we both appreciate that, Master!" Kimiko said in kind, as she beamed up at Clay. "Think we're both well covered, support-wise?"
"Can't ask for a better branch on our expanded-family tree," Clay said, lifting her up in a big-yet-gentle bear hug, which she returned gladly.
"Hey, you know something! Master Fung's got a point!" Jessie said, looking at both her brother and his true love as they embraced. "Considerin' you two are gonna be a couple, just what are th' two of you gonna do now?"
TO BE CONTINUED...
