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.

A extra note here, a big shout to krumsthedmg -- who's written the only other Clay/Kimiko fic I know about -- who's also gone the route and gotten our favorite pair married! I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations, krums! Thanks for being a big inspiration!

Also, thanks to Spike, for pointing me in the right direction for Kimiko's dress!

Comments are most welcome, so please DO comment!

Enjoy the story! - SRS Jr

CHOICES

Chapter 9

When someone is as happy as Kimiko Tohomiko was, two weeks can pass as quickly as two days... in fact, with all of the preparations for her wedding taking place at a feverish pace, there were times when it seemed that the entire world was hastening along to reach the day of the blessed event.

Just the previous night, she and Clay -- along with their fellow Xiaolin warriors, friends and families -- had taken part in their rehearsal ceremony, the informal dinner afterwards and the small gathering that followed for last-minute preparations to be smoothed out. What with everyone knowing their place in the wedding party, and accommodating for the very varied cultures that both bride and groom came from... well, it would prove to be a very interesting ceremony indeed!

Even so, everything so far had gone smooth as glass... now, there was just the night to pass, and for the morning to come.

A time which, as far as Kimiko was concerned, couldn't come fast enough.

"Oh, cripes!"

Rising up from the simple bed she'd tried for the umpteenth time to fall asleep in, Kimiko turned and tried to find another comfortable position to lie down in. It wasn't as if she was distracted by the gentle sounds of the night; crickets, frogs and the like were blessedly quite for a change. Even the gentle wind was moving as if asked to pass on tippy-toe.

Yet, even for all of that, Kimiko still couldn't fall asleep!

Groaning, she tossed again and was still for a moment... but, she sat up again and propped herself on her hands and sighed. "This is so unfair!"

Across from her, Kimiko's mother didn't bother to turn over from where she was stretched out on another small bed. "Kimi-chan, relax! You will be as cross as a wet koneko, if you do not get enough sleep," she said softly.

"Mama, I'm trying," the young Japanese woman said. "Ooh! I could fall asleep like nobody's business before now! Why can't I do it now?"

With a soft chuckle, Kimiko's mother rose and turned on her bed to face her daughter. "Perhaps because this is the last night you will be alone... and, come the night to follow, you will be with the man that you love, hm?"

Kimiko blushed slightly. "Maybe... or I could just be upset that Papa insisted we move to these 'guest' quarters!" She snorted softly. "I'm more comfortable in my own bed."

Mrs. Tohomiko said simply, "I think you are more comfortable, when you are with your young Clay, my daughter." When Kimiko stared at her in surprise, the older woman slipped gracefully to her feet and padded over to sit down by her side. "Kimi-chan, I understand how much you miss him, but, there are traditions that the Bailey family holds most dearly. We must be accommodating to everyone's wishes on this matter, neh?"

Kimiko pouted, crossing her arms as she snorted. "I wish I could've told Daddy Bailey about what I really think of this 'don't see the bride' before the ceremony superstition!" She rolled her eyes and sighed. "I really miss Clay, Mama."

Reaching out to wrap one slim arm around Kimiko's shoulders, Mrs. Tohomiko nodded. "You must not dwell upon such sad thoughts, my daughter! You may be parted from your beloved for now... but it is only for one night," she said gently. "When next the sun rises, there will never come a time when you and Clay-san are ever parted. For, when his heart and yours are joined, there will be a bond there that nothing -- no man, thing, distance or time itself -- that will ever truly keep you apart from each other."

Kimiko looked at her mother and smiled softly. "Is that how it is... with you and Papa?"

Nodding, Mrs. Tohomiko said with a wry tone, "Even when he is... 'playing with his toys', he is never, ever far from me, my daughter." Leaning close to give Kimiko a light smooch on her forehead, before turning to help her daughter slip back under her bed covers, she said, "Come now... let your mind and spirit become calm. Rest, and let tomorrow come of its own accord."

Yawning, Kimiko nodded and let herself become settled back under the covers of her bed. "Yes, Mama... and, thank you... for everything."

With a smile, Mrs. Tohomiko tucked her in and said softly, "What sort of mother would I be, if I could not see to the happiness of my only daughter?"

ooooOOOOoooo

The following day, Kimiko privately thanked her mother many times over for helping her get some needed sleep... because shortly after sunrise things gave her no real chance to get any rest!

The wedding was held at the Xiaolin Temple -- naturally, since Master Fung himself offered to officiate -- and everywhere you looked around the place, it was filled with the air of celebration. Decorations of festive design hung on every wall, tree and pole, and the walls and floors of every building in the compound were scrubbed clean and sparkling.

After a brief breakfast apart, both Kimiko and Clay -- who had slept the night away with the apprentices in the dormitory -- were hustled off to begin getting dressed for the ceremony. Fortunately for Kimiko, Dojo was acting as a go-between for Jessie and Raimundo, to keep everyone on the same timetable.

In the guest quarters, Kimiko had to endure a full-on bathing and hair-washing, before her mother -- assisted by Mizuko and Jessie (who was simply there to watch, actually) -- started working to put her daughter's hair up into the intricate

bunkin-takashimada style that was traditional for all Japanese brides.

"Please, Mizu-chan," Mrs. Tohomiko said politely, "would you get me the kanzashi we brought with us?"

The young woman, who was the Dragon of Water, quickly found the ornate, golden combs and hair-sticks on a nearby table, and handed them to the older woman with much decorum. "These items are very lovely, Mrs. Tohomiko!" Mizuko said.

"These were a gift from my grandmother to my mother, and I wore them when I was married to Kimiko's father," Mrs. Tohomiko said proudly. "This will be the fourth generation member of my family to wear them for their wedding!"

"Do I have to ouch!... go through it? My hair's perfectly fine-!" Kimiko's face pinched with pain, as her mother tugged her hair into place.

"Tradition, my daughter... somethings cannot be simply skipped over," Mrs. Tohomiko said brightly.

Kimiko sighed, wincing a bit as her mother skillfully pulled another segment of her long hair into position, using one of the golden combs to fix it into place. "I wonder if my daughter should have to go through this?" she asked absently.

"Ain't yew a little premature t'be talkin' about kids at a time like this, girlfriend?" Jessie asked with a smirk. "Lessen ya'll been makin' barnyard noises with my Big Bro-?"

"Jessie!" Kimiko snapped, though she did so with a wry smile.

With a tolerant sigh, Mrs. Tohomiko finished pinning Kimiko's hair into place. "Ladies, please have some respect for Clay-san... for I am certain he has been a perfect gentleman, where that kind of talk is concerned, neh?" She stepped back and looked at her handiwork, before saying, "Now, Kimi-chan... let us finish your make-up, and then we can get your kimono on."

With a sign, Kimiko rose and mumbled, "I really wish we'd gone with a more Western-style of dress!"

"Be thankful ya'll didn't," Jessie said in a sympathetic voice. "Considerin' what Clay had'ta go through with Daddy at the formal shop... well, he's probably as comfy in his duds as a fish on a hot griddle, by now."

With a wry smile, Kimiko said, "That's one thing I've come to like about your family, Jessie. Your colorful use of the English Language."

"Get used to it, my future in-law," Jessie said, grinning as Kimiko rose to move to where her mother was setting up their make-up. "Us Baileys are just keen-set on murderin' our native tongue."

"Ha-ha... funny, Jessie!"

Without pause, the ladies quickly got Kimiko in her formal make-up, then moved on to wrap her up in the traditional white kimono that all Japanese women wore to their weddings. What made it extra special, was the ornate and colorful uchikake -- a kimono of bright silk and silk brocade -- that went over the white dress. Kimiko's was a deep, navy blue color, and was embroidered with colorful scenes of several fiery phoenixes, dancing among floating willow leaves and lotus blooms.

As Mrs. Tohomiko tucked and tightened the ornate obi, both Jessie and Mizuko were in awe of the overall look of Kimiko's dress. "Ooo-WEE! I ain't seen a sight like this, since Ma got all gussied up fer Daddy's winnin' Cattleman of the Year!"

"You make a very lovely bride, Kimiko-san!" Mizuko said. "You should be proud, and Clay is going to be very happy to see you like this."

At that point, Dojo slithered into the room and coiled himself on top of the table. With a low whistle, he said, "Woah, Kimiko! Lookin' mighty fine, there! I always thought the Late-Feudal styles were pretty nifty... well, for Japan, I mean."

"Thanks... I think," Kimiko said. "What's the word outside?"

The little dragon rubbed his hands together. "Well, things are gearing up! Most of the guests are arriving, everything's set up for the reception, and your father's outside... well, he's pacing a rut in the floor, I might add! And, the last time I checked, Clay was nearly ready in his monkey suit... ah, I mean, his tuxedo. Ah-heh-eh!"

"Well, we are nearly finished here, Dojo-san," Mrs. Tohomiko said, as she finished taking her time in checking the fall of the trailing sleeves and skirts of Kimiko's dress. "Once we get Mizu-chan and Jessie into their dresses, we will be all set."

Jessie scowled. "I just can't believe I ever agreed t'put on a dress for this shindig," she said.

"Well, you always could have volunteered to be the flower girl, ya know?" Dojo said with a chuckle, which turned into a squeak when Jessie aimed a fist at him. "Wah-ha-HEY! No touchy! It's bad luck to hit a Dragon... 'specially when I'm so small!"

With a laugh, Kimiko said, "Dojo! Why don't you go back and keep Clay and the other boys company? Give us girls a chance to finish getting ready, okay?"

ooooOOOOoooo

Shortly thereafter, the time for the ceremony drew closer and closer still. Fortunately for everyone involved, the preparations were finished, and all that needed to be done was to start things moving.

In the main temple hall, the friends and members of both the Bailey and Tohomiko family that had been summoned and were filing in, dressed in their own formal finery. As well, every monk and apprentice was dressed in their formal robes, and had taken seats on low benches and hassocks, arranged in two groups, with a long pathway separating them. Master Omi and many of the Xiaolin warriors were seated on Kimiko's side, while the rest mingled on Clay's side.

The main portion of the hall was set up with a low dais, upon which a small riser with the symbols of the Xiaolin Brotherhood -- the Scrolls of the Shen Gong Wu and others -- were resting. It was here, that Master Fung stood to await word on when to start the event.

Soon enough, Raimundo appeared from a side door, moving up onto the dais to speak briefly in Master Fung's ear. With a nod, he dismissed Rai to join the waiting crowd in their seats, before he made a gesture towards a cluster of monks off to one side of the hall.

At once, the robed men lifted several instruments, and began to play a resonating harmony; filling the air with the sounds of drums, cymbals and a pair of flutes.

As the crowd of guests faced forwards, Master Fung said in a clear voice, "Let our friends come forward... so we may celebrate the beginning of their union!"

With that, another round of notes preceded the appearance of Clay and his father -- entering from the same side door that Rai came in from -- as they took their place next to Master Fung on t he dais.

Nodding, Master Fung gestured again to the playing monks and, as most of the instruments faded out to silence, one single flute remained to begin playing the universal strains of the Wedding March.

On this cue, the main doors to the hall opened, and everyone turned to watch as the main wedding party made their grand entrance.

First came little Megan, dressed in a very cute blue and white kimono-style dress meant for special ceremonies, while scattering small handfuls of flower petals as she made her way down the aisle. Behind her, Mizuko and Jessie made a lovely pair of bridesmaids in similar dresses -- only in royal purple and blue with elaborate embroidered cranes on them -- as they carried a pair of lanterns down to the ends of the aisle. Here, they left one on either side of the dais, before moving to one side to wait.

Next, came a new face in Kimiko's best friend, Keiko, whom was representing as the bride's Maid of Honor. Dressed in an very fancy, ceremonial kimono in a more subdued blue and green hue with a simple, diamond-graphic motif, the young Japanese girl moved with dainty, graceful steps towards the dais. Pausing briefly to bow to Clay and Master Fung, she joined the two bridesmaids and turned to wait for the bride's arrival...

Which came amid another chorus of notes from the lone flute, at which everyone rose to watch as the bride and her father appeared.

Toshiro Tohomiko was clad in a simple black-over-white kimono and hakama pants, looking every inch a proud father as he led his daughter down the aisle... yet, it was Kimiko in her wedding dress that drew everyone's eyes, as she kept pace with him on her wooden geta sandals.

Blushing from underneath the open cover of the tsuno kakushi -- or wedding hood -- Kimiko glanced quickly left and right, taking in everyone's open stares as they moved with regal slowness towards the dais. "Oh man," she whispered nervously, wishing for a brief moment that she could hide her delicately, decorated face. "I can't believe this!"

With a low chuckle, her father asked, "Nervous, my daughter?"

"Like, 'duh', Papa," Kimiko muttered.

"It will not last for much longer," Toshiro said sagely. "Though, it might sting a little at first." When Kimiko shot him a wide-eyed look, he smiled and winked. "As you would say... 'gotcha'!" He patted her hand soothingly.

Now, he decides to have a sense of humor! Kimiko sighed and gave him an affectionate hand-squeeze in return. This day just gets better and better!

Midway down the aisle, Kimiko finally focused her eyes on the dais, where she got her first look at Clay... and she realized for the first time that, after all the primping and finery she'd endured, it had been so worth it just to see the look of awe and love on his broad face.

Got to admit it, he looks pretty handsome up there! Sweeping her eyes up and down Clay's tall form, she took in the formal black tuxedo -- obviously styled with a Southwestern influence in mind -- which was complimented by his shiny, black Roper boots, a large silver belt buckle and his habitual ten-gallon hat.

When she smiled at seeing this, Clay noticed and gave her a wink, as if saying Ya'll didn't think I was gonna get all dressed up, an' not wear it, did ya?

Coming to the end of the aisle as the last strains of the flute faded into silence, Toshiro smiled as Clay stepped from his father and down from the dais. The young man bowed in true Japanese fashion, to which Toshiro answered with a bow in return. Turning, he gave Kimiko a parting hug, before presenting her hand to the tall Texan. Holding their hands together briefly, Toshiro bowed one last time and stepped away to join his wife at the seat left for him.

With hands clasped together, the bride and groom both moved to stand before Master Fung, who smiled at them as he started to deliver the opening invocation of the ceremony...

In truth, Master Fung was a wonderful speaker, but for the moment neither Kimiko or Clay paid much heed to his words, as they had only eyes for each other. I can't believe we're finally here! Kimiko told herself. Trembling a little, Kimiko stared into Clay's eyes, yet she wasn't the slightest bit afraid, and she was certain Clay was feeling just the same. Well, you'd better not faint on me, Cowboy! This isn't over yet!

Eventually, Master Fung came to the end of his speech and, with a polite cough, he prompted, "Now, it is the time for Clay and Kimiko to recite their vow of marriage to one another." He looked to them both, then raised one eyebrow. "Shall we let our bride-to-be go first?"

Clearing his throat, Clay said, "Forgive me fer goin' over a lady's prerogative, Sir... but, if'n I don't start this, I... ah, I may not get it all out."

Kimiko nodded with a warm smile. "Go ahead, Clay."

Reaching up, Clay removed his hat and slowly sank to one knee before her, before he took a fortifying breath. "Kimiko, all these years apart has taught me one thang... an' that is I never want t'be without having ya at my side, nor livin' a single day further without yer love. Since th' day I met ya, there's been no one else who's accepted me as a friend, a fellow warrior an' someone t'love with no conditions attached.

"Because of this, I wanted to tell ya, that I vow t'make every single day we're together... something that neither of us will ever forget. I vow t'love ya with every ouch of my heart, an' when a Son of the Lone Star State makes such a vow, ain't nothin' on God's green earth will ever make him break it. And, I will never break that vow, nor will I break your heart, darlin'."

Kimiko's eyes were shining with barely-checked tears as she listened to Clay's words. When he finished, she gently tugged on his hands to make him rise to his feet and, taking a calming breath of her own, she started to speak.

"Clay... when I first met you, I can honestly say I've never met a more simple, honest and caring individual in my entire life. As we've both grown with our Xiaolin training, I've come to see you at your worst... and at your best. Never once did you set out to hurt me and, at times you put your own safety -- and, yes, even your own life -- before my own.

"We've been through the hardest times apart... but now we won't ever have to face anything alone, because as much as you vow to love me, I vow to cherish you, and stand by your side for the rest of our lives." She ducked her head briefly, before saying fervently, "You've won my heart, and I will never stop loving you, Cowboy!"

Clay let out a happy sigh, replacing his hat as he nodded. "Dang purty words, darlin'," he whispered.

"You did okay, yourself," Kimiko said softly.

Inside the hall, a very deep silence followed the last of Kimiko's vows, before Master Fung said with much decorum, "As part of the tradition of Clay's family, our young couple will exchange rings, as tokens of their commitment, obedience and dedication to their new roles as husband and wife."

With that, a small gasp burst from the assembled crowd with the sudden appearance of Dojo -- who grew into his true size, from behind the dais -- who loomed over the couple briefly, before lowering both of his paws to reveal two matching silk pillows; on which two glittering rings rested.

Kimiko and Clay both glanced at each other, chuckling as Master Fung retrieved the rings. "Leave it t'ya to make an' entrance, Dojo!" Clay muttered.

With a weak laugh, Dojo whispered, "Hey... what's one more memory to take with you, eh?" He then quickly reduced himself, slipping out of sight.

Master Fung just sighed, collecting himself as he turned to place each ring into the free hand of both the bride and groom. "As much a symbol of unity, these rings will also be a visible reminder of your love for one another. Now, you may each place the rings on each other's hand... and speak the final vow of your union."

With a slight tremor in his voice, Clay slipped the slim gold band over Kimiko's finger and said, "Kimiko Tohomiko... I give you this ring, to prove that I will always love, honor and obey ya."

As the ring fit snuggly against the engagement band, Kimiko smiled lovingly as she reached up to place the wide, matching band of gold onto Clay's thick ring-finger. "Clay Bailey, I give you this ring, so that you will always remember these words... and, that I will also love, honor and obey you."

With a soft laugh, Clay wriggled his fingers before he covered both of Kimiko's hands with his. "Maybe ya'll should'a hog tied an' branded me, hm?"

Rolling her eyes, Kimiko chuckled and said affectionately, "You dopey cowboy!"

A wave of laughter rolled around the hall, which died out when Master Fung reached out to cup both of their hands with his. "It is my sacred honor, by invoking the rites by which both of you have agreed to obey, to happily pronounce you young ones... joined together, as man and wife." Pausing, he released their hands and made a slight motion with his hands. "Are you not going to kiss the bride?"

With a grin, Clay removed his hat once more and dropped it in Master Fung's hands. "Would'a hold this fer me, Sir? Thank ye!" With that, Clay reached out and slowly lowered the tsuno kakushi from over Kimiko's head.

Kimiko didn't wait, as she reached up to wrap her hands around the back of his neck and pulled him over to lock their lips together in a sweet kiss. For one moment, time seemed to hang still... before the couple eased away from each other's face, but never stepping back one inch from their embrace.

"Love ya, darlin'! We made it!" Clay said, his face spread literally in a mile-wide smile.

With a laugh, Kimiko touched his cheek lovingly. "We sure did!"

With that, Clay's father stepped forwards, beaming proudly as he turned to face the assembled host. "It's now my esteemed honor, t'introduce to ya'll... Mister and Mrs. Clay and Kimiko Bailey!"

TO BE CONCLUDED...