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 : Well, it's been a long journey to get to this point... sad to see it end, but the fun part was what happened along the way, hm?
Wanted to give some thanks out to everyone that's read and left comments on this story of mine, as well as to those that put it on your favs and alert lists. You're all great to do so, and it's been a treat writing this for you... because that's what I do: write to entertain people -- as well as myself -- and give them an experience to take away with them after the story is ended.
A special thanks as well to Windy over at the Xiaolin Temple BBS; for making me feel welcome there! Hope to continue to support everyone there for a long time!
Well, that's enough from me... let's get back to the conclusion of Clay and Kimiko's tale! As always, comments are most welcome, so please DO comment!
Enjoy the story! - SRS Jr
CHOICES
Chapter 10
"ShivarEEE! Let's get this here shindig started already!"
Amid that call, and the accompanying loud clang of a big brass cowbell -- which was being rang robustly by Jessie Bailey -- the reception for Clay and Kimiko's wedding started into a full swing of celebration, with food, drink, family and friends.
In the large dining hall, which had been opened out to a few, canopy-covered sections out in the main courtyard, all of the guests had moved to sit at several long tables. As they chatted among themselves, several of the temple monks bustled about to serve the mass amount of food prepared for everyone. In one corner, the musicians that had played during the ceremony were joined by a group of Texans -- special friends of the Bailey family -- who brought their own instruments to add to the flavor of music filtering through the air.
At the long table set for the wedding party, both Kimiko and Clay were sitting together, but after the traditional cutting of their four-tiered wedding cake, complete with Kimiko getting to mush her piece into Clays face, it was clear neither of them had eyes for anyone else seated there.
At one end, Jessie Bailey propped her chin up on one hand and snorted softly, watching the newlyweds. "Dangit all... are those two gonna make moon-pie eyes at each other all night?"
"Ah, lay off of the lovebirds, Jessie," Raimundo said, as he stood nearby to speak with Clay's father. "They've been dyin' to see each other since last night!"
"Ray-boy's right," Daddy Bailey said, smiling at his son and his bride. "Clay and Kimmy deserve t'look at each other all they want to... at least for now."
At that, Mizuko perked up. "Why should they stop any time soon?"
Daddy Bailey gave his daughter a knowing look, at which Jessie's face spread into a wicked grin. "Oooh, I'd say because Daddy's got it in mind t'start one of the proudest weddin' traditions in alla Texas!" She stood up and asked her father, "Can I tell the boys t'get ready, Daddy?"
Rai's ears perked up. "What tradition is this, huh?"
When her father nodded, Jessie just chuckled. "Ya'll wanna take a walk with me an' find out, Ray?" Not waiting for an answer, she reached out and snagged his hand and dragged him towards the corner where the musicians were playing.
Still puzzled, Mizuko asked Clay's father, "What are you planning to do, Mister Bailey, Sir?"
"Now, don't you worry your purty-lil' head, honey. What we're gonna do for Clay and Kimmy is just a little somethin'... well, it's best if'n ya'll just sit tight, an' watch the fun!" Daddy Bailey grinned, before he turned and started making his way down the table.
ooooOOOOoooo
Completely oblivious to what was going on behind their backs, Clay and Kimiko were doing pretty much what every newly-married couple did during their first moments together: sitting with only eyes for each other, while letting the others enjoy the celebration around them.
"Clay?" Kimiko asked, looking at him with some amusement at the expression of adoration plastered on his face. "Any thoughts inside there... other than how much you love me?"
With a soft chuckle, Clay shook his head. "Nah... nothin' other than just how happy I am, darlin'." He gave her hand a squeeze, before turning it over, to let the three rings -- the two on her finger, and the solo one on his -- glitter in the light of the lanterns hanging overhead. "It's... almost like a dream, 'ceptin' it's real!"
With a warm smile, Kimiko reached up to ruffle the blond fringe of his bangs, before caressing his cheek. "This isn't a dream, cowboy. We're finally married, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us both!"
Clay nuzzled the palm of her hand, before he grinned. "Ya'll could've just used the Crystal Glasses fer that," he said with a tease in his tone.
"Clay! Master Fung would never let us abuse the Shen Gong Wu like that!" She laughed, then said, "Though, I wouldn't mind using them to find out where you're planning to take us on our honeymoon."
Clay gave her an arched look. "Now, darlin', even I don't know where that's gonna be," he said. "Daddy's been keepin' that lil' secret under his hat since him and your parents started plannin' this whole shindig, together."
"Speakin' of your Daddy behind his back, boy?" came the deep voice of Daddy Bailey, as he moved in behind the couple's chairs.
"Oh! Hi Daddy Bailey!" Kimiko said, her voice going up an octave in surprise.
"Hon, I reckon ya'll can call me Dad or some such," the tall cattleman said warmly. "After all, yer part of th' family now... which reminds me, it's time t'deal with another, old family tradition."
Clay gave his father a wary look. "Daddy... ya'll got that 'look' in yer eye," he said slowly.
"Just what tradition do you mean?" Kimiko asked. Just at that moment, the mixed band in the corner started playing a very Country-themed piece of music and -- without warning -- Kimiko found herself scooped out of her seat by her father-in-law, and carried bodily away from the table. "Hey!"
Just a moment later, Clay bolted from his seat and shouted, "Now wait just one dang-blamed minute! Where ya'll goin' with my wife?" He started to follow after his father, when he found himself blocked by Raimundo and Jack.
"Sorry, Big Guy," Rai said with some apology in his tone. "Can't let you interfere just now! It's on your Father's orders."
"Yeah," Jack chimed in. "He said something about, ahhh... what was it again, Raimundo? A waltz?"
At that point, Clay groaned and slapped on heavy hand across his face. "Oh no... not that ol' saw!"
By then, Omi and Master Fung had stepped closer to see what the commotion was about. "What is happening, my friend Clay? What is your father doing with Kimiko?"
Clay let his shoulders slump, as he said, "It's somethin' Daddy's great-grandpappy started back when his son got hitched! He's gonna take Kimiko onna 'Waltz Across Texas'!"
Master Fung looked at Clay with an uncertain expression. "Ahh, and, how will he do that, exactly?"
Rai piped up just then to explain. "It's not something he'll do, literally, Master. According to what Jessie told me, Every male who participated or attends the reception, gets to dance with Kimiko... but we've got to keep Clay away from her until she's had a dance with everyone!"
Clay sighed. "Daddy knows I didn't care fer this... considerin' it's my right t'dance with my wife first!"
"Well, it looks like your gonna have to stand on tradition, Bro," Rai said with a grin.
By then, Daddy Bailey was leading Kimiko across the floor in a dance, and it was clear by the look on her face that she'd been told about this particular tradition... and she wasn't liking it, one bit!
ooooOOOOoooo
"You know, you are being so unfair towards my husband!"
Daddy Bailey could have been withered by the burning stare Kimiko was giving him, but he was barely fazed as he said, "Aw, c'mon! Don't be all sour-grapes about this, Kimmy!" He continued to guide his daughter-in-law through the traditional two-step, smiling as he cast a glance across the dance floor. "Besides, it's not like we're gonna keep you away from Clay all night."
Kimiko looked over at her husband -- who was being restrained by Rai and Jessie -- and shook her head. "No, but he's gonna feel like you are," she said, sighing.
"He'll get over it... considering what's yet to come tonight," Daddy Bailey said with a smile.
Before she could blink, Daddy Bailey switched her over to her father, Toshiro. Much to Kimiko's surprise, her father was pretty adept at dancing in a Western style. "Papa! When could you dance like this?"
With a chuckle, Toshiro nodded towards Jessie. "Your husband's sister was most helpful in instructing me the previous night," he said. "It seems this little... surprise was planned way in advance of this day."
With a sigh, Kimiko shook her head. "Figures! Was everyone in on this Waltz-thing?"
"Not everyone, my daughter," Toshiro admitted, just as Raimundo appeared at their side; grinning as he politely cleared his throat.
"Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Tohomiko," he said, "but, it's time for Kimiko to switch dance partners!"
"Of course, Raimundo-san," Toshiro said, allowing the young Shoku warrior to take his place, as he stepped back to watch them dance across the floor.
"So, enjoying yourself, Kimmy?" Rai asked.
Kimiko said, "As much as can be expected... considering this little 'tradition' is getting my husband all steamed under the collar!"
Rai glanced over at Clay, chuckling when he saw the irate state the young Texan was in. "Oh, he won't be mad for much longer, considerin' none of us want to end up in traction anytime soon." He twirled Kimiko around, before he added, saying, "Besides, according to Jessie and your new daddy-in-law, we need to wrap this up soon, so you two can get your wedding gifts!"
Eventually, Raimundo passed Kimiko off to Omi, who gave way to Master Fung -- both of whom proved to be very skilled in dancing moves -- before she eventually found herself back in the arms of her beloved Clay.
"Hey," Kimiko said, nearly letting a laugh slip through her lips at the sight of Clay's upset expression. "You... gonna calm down now, cowboy?"
Shaking his head as he spun them into a brisk version of their waltz, Clay muttered, "Dang, cotton-pickin' conspiracy... that's what I call it!"
Acting quickly, Kimiko got his attention by deliberately causing Clay to misstep. When he recovered, she reached up to loop her arms around his thick neck. "Hey, focus, Clay! They had their fun... now chill, okay?" She pulled herself up and kissed him, hoping to knock his temper down a notch.
Blinking, Clay looked down at her and, seeing that no one was coming over to break in, he shook his head slowly before he slipped into a slower version of a more traditional waltz. "Aww, man," he said. "I... I'm sorry, darlin'! I guess I... I let my temper get the better of me."
"Well, for just a bit." Kimiko hugged herself close to him. "But, it's over now. They had their little 'tradition', so now they can just grin about it and let us get on with the rest of the celebration." Looking into his blue eyes, she said, "I think we should do the same... or are you going to let a little 'tradition' get in the way of our special day together, hm?"
With a chuckle she could feel coming from deep inside his chest, Clay wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. "Now, who's able to manipulate whom, eh?" He leaned down and gave her a kiss of his own, before saying, "Well, you're right, darlin'. Let's make th' most of th' rest of t'night!"
With a laugh, Kimiko said, "Now you're getting the idea, hon!"
ooooOOOOoooo
When the hours began to stretch into the late afternoon, both Daddy Bailey and Toshiro moved to the head of the wedding party's table, and after ringing the bell to get everyone's attention, both fathers turned their smiling faces towards the happy couple.
"Considerin' that both of ya'll wouldn't ask fer a bunch of gifts an' such," Daddy Bailey said. "Both yer father and I decided to pitch in t'gether to give you a weddin' gift that neither of ya could refuse."
Nodding, Toshiro bowed to his daughter and said, "For my part, since you have made plans to move your business from Shibuya City, I have already started the process for you." When he saw the look of surprise spread over Kimiko's face, he added, "Your staff has been working with some of my personal assistants to make the transition as smooth as possible. By the time you and Clay return from your honeymoon... you will be firmly settled in, and ready to begin work in Texas."
"Ohmigosh!" Kimiko rose and gave her father a hug. "Papa, that's wonderful!"
Clay rose and shook Toshiro's hand warmly. "Much obliged, Mr. Tohomiko, Sir. I know Kimiko's been worried 'bout gettin' things movin' in that direction."
Toshiro smiled. "It is the least I can do for my daughter! I hope that she will be as successful in America, as she was in Shibuya."
Clay's father cleared his throat, getting their attention. "Now, fer my part in this lil' gift-givin' deal," he said, stepping up to give Clay a small bundle of neatly folded papers. "First, because I know you two never did decided on it, I arranged for th' both of you t'go on yer honeymoon... at a lil' place yer mom and I discovered, back when we were young folks."
Clay arched his eyebrows, before turning the bundle around to peer at the topmost papers. "Hole-lee Cats!"
Kimiko asked, "What is it? What-?"
"I... I can't believe it!" Clay turned and showed Kimiko the paper, and a small photograph stapled to the corner. "Daddy done set us up at... well, at our old cabin on Eagle Lake!"
Giving Clay a skeptical look, Kimiko asked, "Isn't that a little... rustic for us?"
With a chuckle, Clay replied, "Darlin', when it comes to modern cattlemen, rustic don't even come close to th' cabin Daddy built fer th' family!"
"It's all modernized," Daddy Bailey said. "Built with all th' comforts of home, an' a few extras!" He clapped Clay on the shoulder and smiled warmly. "I had yer Mom go up there and set ya'll up for two weeks worth of grub an' water, so th' both of you can just relax an' just do nothin' but whatcha like t'do... an', it's far enough off th' beaten path, so ya'll can have all th' privacy ya want."
Clay blushed at this. "Aww, Daddy!"
Kimiko had been reading the paper while Clay's father talked, and she looked up with a questioning look. "This cabin, it's in a place called Shackleford?"
"Shackleford County, one of th' oldest ranch-steads in all of Texas," Daddy Bailey said. "It was owned by one of the first family of settlers that came there." He cocked his head, thinking for a bit. "In fact, they still have a ranchero up by Eagle Lake... still got one of their family livin' there. A nice fellow, if I recall. Raisin' his own family there."
Kimiko looked to her husband. "Well, Clay? What do you think?"
"Aw, Kimiko," Clay said. "I know it ain't no place like Hawaii or some exotic vacation spot... but, I think it'd be a great place fer th' two of us."
Toshiro placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "Kimiko... your father-in-law has graced you with a generous gift. I would be thinking, under the circumstances-."
"Oh no, Papa! I wouldn't even dream of refusing to go!" Turning to face Clay's father, she smiled and said, "Daddy Bailey, it's a lovely gift! Thank you so much!"
Tipping his hat, Daddy Bailey replied, "It's my family's honor, an' pleasure, darlin'. But, that's not all." He nodded to the rest of the papers in Clay's hand. "There's... one more gift, an' it's from all of us Baileys-."
"And from your mother and myself," Toshiro said.
"Even me, Big Bro!" Jessie said from her seat at the table.
Clay looked down at the papers, a mock-frown on his face. "Well, I figure this is a happy occasion, then it won't blow up in my face then," he said. Scanning the papers, his eyes suddenly went wide as dinner plates.
Kimiko caught his expression. "Oh no! Clay-?"
"Darlin'... I got th' feeling this is one gift we ain't gonna send back to th' place they bought it from!" He turned and handed the papers to her, a smile spreading from ear to ear. "Go on! Read it!"
Taking the papers, Kimiko glanced at all the smiling faces of her family and friends before she did as Clay told her to do. "Omigosh!" Her own eyes went wide, and her hands started to tremble. "This... this is-?" She turned to face the others and asked, "Is this for real?"
"Hai," Toshiro said, grinning at her disbelief. "It may not be a large or spacious domicile-."
"Nor as fancy as some place in the city," Daddy Bailey cut in, smiling wide underneath his mustache. "But, considerin' it's one of the best lil' houses we could find in a small town just outside of Dallas, it'd be perfect fer a young couple... just startin' t'spread their wings t'gether, hm?"
Kimiko and Clay both looked around at their extended family -- all smiling at the awe and surprise on the newlyweds's faces -- before turning to face each other. "Can you believe this?" she asked him.
"After today, ain't nothin' surprises me anymore, darlin'!" He took hold of her hands and squeezed them tight. "Think we oughta-?"
Shaking her head, Kimiko said, "You know what I'd say, cowboy... looks like we've got a new home!" She turned away and, running to her father and mother, she enveloped them in a big hug. "Thank you, Papa! Mamma!"
"Yeah, thanks t'everybody!" Clay said, leaning over to hug his sister and father. "This... aw, shucks! They're ain't enough words t'say-!"
"Then stop talkin', boy!" Daddy Bailey said with a warm gruffness in his tone. "After all, we're wastin' prime celebratin' time here! Come on, ya'll," he said, waving one arm to indicate everyone there. "Grab a glass an' let's toast th' new couple!"
"Yes, for their new beginnings and new life together," Toshiro said.
At that, all of the Xiaolin and the families of Clay and Kimiko all lifted their drinks and toasted to their new-found happiness...
ooooOOOOoooo
A few hours later, even while the majority of the wedding guests were still well into their celebration, a small cluster of people were waiting patiently outside of the Temple dormitory.
"Do you think they could take a lot longer in there?" Raimundo asked, even though his tone was more good-humor that stressed impatience.
"Aw, give my brother an' his sweetheart a break, Ray-Boy!" Jessie said. "You try an' slip out of a soup-an'-fish in under ten minutes yerself."
"Please, my young friends," Master Omi said, "we should practice patience, for am I certain Clay and Kimiko will not keep us waiting for very much longer."
As if on cue, Mizuko piped up to say, "You were right, Master Omi! Here they come now!"
Everyone turned towards the entrance to the dormitory, just as the newlyweds both emerged from inside; dressed in casual clothes, suited for comfortable travel. Clay of course had his usual ten-gallon hat on, and Kimiko had her hair braided and looped back into a tight twist, underneath a pair of wooden hairsticks affixed behind her head.
"Oh no, looks like th' gangs all hear," Clay said with a grin.
"What's up, everyone? Afraid we were going to slip away before saying good-bye?" Kimiko asked.
"Oh, we thought that might happen," Rai said with a sly look. "Fortunately for us, we all knew you wouldn't leave before Dojo was ready, so we had time to prepare for your farewells!"
"Hey, it's not my fault!" the miniature dragon said, glaring at the Shoku team leader from where he was perched on Rai's shoulder. "I just need time to digest... burp! Ooo! After that feast, I think I'll need to loosen a few scales."
"Dojo!" Kimiko said mock-sternly. "You shouldn't have eaten all that wedding cake!"
Chuckling, Jessie stepped up to the couple and gave them both a hug. "Nevermind about Dojo's belly. You two just have a great time t'gether... an' don't be a stranger, y'hear?"
"Trust me, Baby Sister," Clay said. "We'll be droppin' by from time to time." He turned to shake Rai's hand. "Well, Partner, guess I gotta leave ya'll t'ride herd on this bunch alone."
"Hey, I think I can handle things," Rai said with a smile. "Master Omi and I have everything well in hand."
Omi stepped forward and bowed, before giving Clay his own hand to shake. "Both Raimundo and I will do our best to maintain our Xiaolin traditions, and protect the Shen Gong Wu." He then turned, just as Kimiko gave him a big hug, which made him smile all that much wider. "Speaking of which! Mizuko, my friend... will you do the honors, please?"
Mizuko giggled, before she stepped up to face both Clay and Kimiko together. "Both Masters Fung and Omi decided that, even though you will have lives apart from the Temple, you will never truly ever not be Xiaolin Dragons," she said. Reaching into her robes, she removed two objects and pressed them into the couple's hands. "So, they decided to give you these Shen Gong Wu, for safe keeping and so that you will never forget your time here at the Temple."
Both Clay and Kimiko gasped, gazing at the objects in their hands. "Omigosh! We... we can't accept-!"
"It's a... nice gesture, ya'll," Clay said. "But, these aren't ours to keep!"
"Nonsense!" Omi said firmly, as he pointed to each Wu in turn. "The Star Hanabi was once the Bailey Family's most cherished heirloom, and as one of the signature Wu to be used by Kimiko, we cannot think of no one else better suited to have it. And, my friend Clay, this bracelet is made of salvaged fragments of the Fist of Tebigong."
Rai added, explaining, "We managed to recover them, and the monks here reforged the metal into that bracelet. It has the same abilities as the original Fist, only in gives them to the wearer to enhance his strength and endurance."
"Since you used the Fist of Tebigong most handily," Omi said, finishing with a nod, "it is only right that you accept it."
Both Clay and Kimiko looked at each other; nearly speechless as they held up each Shen Gong Wu, before nodding with a fond smile for their friends. "Aw, you guys... yer somethin' else, that's fer certain!"
"Thank you," Kimiko said with shining eyes. "We promise, we'll never let these be misused!"
"That's all we needed to hear, Kimmy," Rai said.
"Now, before we all start gettin' all-mushy-mush here," Jessie said with a grin, "ya'll need t'get movin' on! Ya'll only got so much time t'enjoy yer honeymoon!" Turning, she shot Dojo a look. "Ya hear that, Dragon?"
"Hey, I was just waiting for everyone else to finish their good-byes," Dojo said coolly. Dropping off of Rai, he slithered away from the group until he had enough room, before reverting to his true, enormous size. Swiveling his head to peer at the newlyweds, he said, "Now leaving for Shackleford County, Texas... all passengers please board, and have your passports at the ready!"
With a grin, Clay turned and scooped Kimiko up into his arms. "Guess we'd better get a-movin', darlin'!"
Holding on tight, Kimiko looked back at the others and asked, "Wait! What about our-?"
"Don't worry! We're gonna get your bags there before you even get across the China Sea," Rai said.
Mizuko nodded, grinning. "We've got permission to use the Golden Tiger Claws for that!"
Kimiko shook her head and chuckled. "Well, looks like they thought of everything," she said.
"Good friends usually do, darlin'. So, ya'll ready t'get underway?"
Giving her husband a nod, Kimiko smiled and nudged him towards Dojo. "Just get moving cowboy, and let's not spare the dragon-power!"
Amid the laughter and calls of farewell from their fellow Xiaolin warriors, the two former Chosen Dragons mounted Dojo's back and settled themselves for the long journey eastward. As the huge dragon started to rise up into the night sky, they turned to wave and watch as their friends and the Temple fell away behind them; quickly becoming a small speck of light against the tapestry of the land below.
Turning back around, Clay shuffled closer to hug Kimiko to himself. "Well, darlin'... looks like there's nothin' ahead but a wide, bright future," he said, leaning over to nuzzle her hair.
Snuggling back into his embrace, Kimiko wrapped her arms around his and sighed happily. "A bright future for the both of us... and I can't wait to get started on it!" She turned to look at him with a sly grin. "After we finish with our honeymoon, of course!"
With a chuckle, Clay dipped his head close to hers and said warmly, "Luv ya so much, Darlin'."
Kimiko rose up to give him a tender peck on his lips. "Love you too, my handsome cowboy," she said softly, before they succumbed to another, deeper kiss...
ooooOOOOoooo
A short time later, as they were flying over the warm China Sea, Dojo turned his head slightly and cleared his throat. "Hey, hey... can you two tone it down some? All this kissy-face stuff... I mean, at least wait until you get to your little love nest, please!"
THE END
