3.
"I am very much in a state of confusion dear friend."
Twenty-nine year old Clay Bailey raised his brow as he leaned against Dojo's tail as he tipped his old cowboy hat, "What ya reckon?"
"The moment Dojo told me about Kimiko's situation and whereabouts," Omi sighed, "I did not know how to come about it. Master Fung stressed out greatly of letting her be but I cannot help it but to disobey his orders. I told him myself,"
"And what did he say?"
"That what confused the undesirable waste out of me!"
Clay made a disgusted face as he sat up straight, "Um, Omi that is just wrong in many levels. Do you mean 'that confused the living crap outta ya?"
"Ah, same thing," Omi snorted, "Anyways, he told me a Japanese tale which I was not at all familiar with. From what I remembered, he told me a story about a young kuro miko who used much treason to her satisfaction. She used to grant her victims wishes and made them sign it in a sealed contract. Her manipulation and her use of double meanings were very deadly; once the victim wishes were completed, it only took time until the victim had to pay his or her debts. If one does not pay their debt, one suffered many consequences,"
"So, what does this have to do with Kimiko?"
"Hush! I was not finished!" Omi glared at the rigid cowboy, "Anyways, one day, her sister, who was just a novice miko, confronted the kuro miko and asked for a favor. She inherited her mother's powers; their father had a secret affair with a wanderer who happened to be a witch. As she grew, her powers were more and more vulnerable towards exposure. Her love of her father, who was a well-known priest, was priceless; she would do anything to get rid of her gifted powers to protect her father. And so, the kuro miko took away her powers but tricked her and, in return, wanted something even more."
"Sorry to interrupt again, but I am not familiar with the Japanese culture," Clay fastidiously uttered, "first thing first, what is a miko?"
"I, too, am not familiar with the culture," Omi rubbed his baldhead, "I really have no idea. Anyways, then Master Fung told me that the novice miko confronted her and kuro miko took the desirable demands that she wanted. It somehow counterattacked and she lost everything. Meanwhile, the novice sister, who was still alive later committed suicide and her body turned into ash. She was soon forgotten."
"Wow," Clay whistled, "that story is as messed up as witnessing headless chickens running around in a coop. What do you think made the sister commit suicide?"
"I have no idea. Nothing made sense. It must have been very important though."
"What else did Master Fung say?"
"I can leave the temple. He would be watching the Shen Gong Wu artifacts during my absence. He stressed out not to bring any Shen Gong Wu artifacts along, it would do no good in future battles and he wished me much luck,"
"This doesn't make any sense." Clay muttered as he leaned forward, "Dojo, have you ever heard of that tale before?"
"Sorry, can't help ya there."
"Ah it doesn't matter, I guess. So what are we reckon to do now? Without the Shen Gong Wu, finding Kimiko is like finding a needle in a large haystack. On top of that, Rai headed towards Japan already without us. And Japan is a massive place; I reckon Rai is as lost as blind cattle in a desert."
Omi, whose appearance had changed drastically through the years, turned his attention to Clay, frustrated, "Damn that Raimundo! He always does something impulsive. He makes things much harder,"
"You know that boy," Clay snickered, "when it comes to Kimiko, he is as love struck as a mature jack rabbit without a partner."
Even at the age of twenty-seven, some things never change when it came to the bald monk, "What?"
Clay blinked, "Ah, just forget about it."
Kimiko peeked into the living room and found Raimundo asleep on the floor. It was amazing how he still can sleep through the noises all around him. Construction workers questioned her about Rai. She simply told them he does not like the coach. They shrugged and resumed fixing up her house.
She ambled her way towards him. He used the stolen tuxedo jacket as a blanket and his dried up pants as a pillow. His tousled hair was frizzy; the discomfort of the wooden floors he felt throughout the night expressed clearly all over his face. After all these years, she could not help it but to have a soft spot for him. Was it infatuation, hormones or love? She had no idea. Her heart fluttered; she had been fighting the urge to just throw her arms around him and cry out how much she had missed him throughout the years. She had to harden her emotions; it would be selfish to get any of her friends involved with her present problem.
Problems she faced these days were not that hard; she always had faced bastards like her uncle and her cousin who wanted nothing more than money. She then thought about the shadowy figure for a moment. What was the connection between her greedy relatives and the creature that attacked her in the bathroom a couple nights ago?
Suddenly, nothing made sense.
Kimiko slowly lifted his head and laid it on her lap. He had matured through the years; masculine features were well defined. His bangs were a bit longer and his eyes were memorizing. His even tone tan brought out his athletic features. He has a bit of a peach frizz developing around his chin.
She ran her fingertips through his hair.
"What happen in the past will forever remain in the past," Kimiko mumbled as she gazed downwards, "Please, understand that Rai. I already did my fair share for the temple . . ."
Were all the sacrifices she had made so far worth it? Because of her, her friends can live happy and carefree lives. The world had been a safer place ever since the Wudi Warriors reclaimed all the Shen Gong Wu artifacts. Raimundo and Clay could go home and visit their families; Omi could continue protecting the Shen Gong Wu artifacts and live a happier life. She was reunited with her single father and helped him ran the family business. She still managed to have a social life, finished school, get a job, and get a nice apartment.
Everything seemed to fall into place.
It was worth destroying her cherished friendships and her youthful life.
To Kimiko, it was a no-brainer decision. As long she had everything under control, she would make it through.
She sighed. If they knew the truth, they would suffer greatly.
If only she could make them understand that concept in not-so-many words.
The young Brazilian stirred, Kimiko froze. She slowly lifted his head, laid it back down onto his so-called pillow, and left the room.
He woke up and found Kimiko standing next to a large mirror as she put on earrings. She wore a pair a worn out jeans and a regular shirt. Raimundo raised a brow; it was not like Kimiko to be so casual. Then again, she was never herself for years.
Rai stretched out his arms, "Where do you think you're going?"
"Why do you care? You're not going anyway."
"Oh yes I am," Rai stood up, exposing his bare chest and his rubber ducky boxers, "you are in danger and as long as you are in danger, I am here to stay. Besides, I am your personal bodyguard, remember?"
"First thing first," Kimiko snapped, "if you planned on wasting your time here have the decency to dress in full attire and not walk around half naked around my apartment! You're not in a circus!"
Raimundo slyly grinned at her as he crossed his arms, "Too much of a distraction, huh? I am sorry to hear that you cannot handle Rai goods---"
She punched him on the shoulder, "Keep dreaming,"
"Damn, that's one thing that never changes."
"Anyways," she fixed her glare at him, "I have no choice but to let you stay. However, you will not interfere with my life! I think I could handle my greedy uncle and cousin just fine. I do not need you to protect me. You will stay here unless something happens. You got it?"
"No,"
She sighed deeply. Raimundo's stubbornness would be the death of her, "Argh, why are you so hardheaded? Why don't you just listen to me for once in your life?"
"I-I just don't."
She tried to avoid his gaze but failed miserably. She felt weak; she wanted to make him hate her. She felt desperate and bothered. If she had to destroy her relationship with Raimundo to keep him safe, so be it.
"Don't make it any harder than it is," Kimiko mumbled through gritted teeth. "Just forget about the past already!"
"Oh yea, forget about the past. Smooth move, Kimiko! Does that include our friendship as well?"
"Argh, I am tired of arguing with you! Just stay here!"
She grabbed her purse and was about to make her way to the front door until Raimundo grabbed her by the forearm. "I am going with you!"
"No, you are not going with me!"
"Yes, I am!"
"No, you're not!"
"Yes, I am!"
Without saying another word, she punched Raimundo in the face as hard as she can and walked out. Raimundo shook his head a bit. As he slipped into the business suit that he stole yesterday, one of the construction workers who witnessed the brawl came closer him, "She's one of a kind, huh?"
"She's a worthy bitch, that's all I can say," And quickly followed her.
Kimiko walked into a persevered shrine that was just a couple blocks away from her place. She slid a rusty door open and walk into the dark room. Raimundo managed to catch up and entered the room as well; he gazed and studied his surroundings.
"What is this place?"
Kimiko faced her unprofessional bodyguard, screamed and fell on her bottom, "God, Rai! You scared me! Why did you follow me?"
"I told you I was coming!" He snorted.
"Can you act your age for once? Fine, just wait for me outside, okay. That's the least you can do for me."
"What is this place?"
"Do I have to explain everything to you?" Kimiko harshly whispered.
"Why are you whispering?"
Kimiko rubbed her temples as she lit up candles around the room. Raimundo eyes widen and shut his mouth.
"Yes, Rai," Kimiko rolled her eyes as kneeled down next to a tombstone, "it's a preserved cemetery. I come here every time I have a free morning to give respects to my ancestors and my mother."
"Oh,"
She used the same candle to burn incenses that were on both sides of the first row of tombstones. She bowed her head and started to pray. Smoke surrounded her; Raimundo never took his eyes off her. He slowly made his way towards her, kneeled down and he too started to give his respects. Kimiko gazed at Raimundo as he imitated her and started to mumble his blessings. A smile gradually spread across the Asian's girl face as she resumed with her prayer.
The slam of the rusty door started them. Kimiko quickly stood up and found Tao standing there in a weird stance.
"I know what you're up to, Tao; you are a greedy bastard like your father! If you dare to shoot me again, I swear---"
Before Kimiko came any closer, Raimundo pushed her aside and held her close to him. Kimiko blinked and was confused at first until she saw two fiery arrows melted into her mother's tombstone. Her cousin's soft eyes glowed bloody red; he floated midair and pointed his next arrow towards Raimundo.
"Spare your life, you fool and give me the girl,"
Raimundo pushed Kimiko aside and charged towards him. He gave it his all and yet Tao still managed to block his every move. He was too fast for the monk; his attacks were powerful. Raimundo landed and wiped the blood that dripped down his mouth. He did not understand how Kimiko's cousin possessed so much power. Tao did not wait for him to recover; he charged at him and smashed him into the wall. A large tornado tossed Tao across the room and knocked him out. Raimundo quickly gazed back at Kimiko, "We could combine elements! Kimiko, use your fire element on a count to three. . . "
Kimiko flustered and blurred out, "Raimundo, I can't!"
"What, wait why?"
A great force tossed Raimundo across the room and made him yelp out in pain. The pressure of a fiery long arrow pierced into his shoulder and pinned him against the wall. Blood streamed down his shoulder; it smeared his clothing and the wall. The fire kept burning within him. Kimiko ran towards Raimundo; she suddenly felt immobilized and floated towards her own cousin.
"Why are you doing this? I am the victim here, not Rai! Please, stop torturing him! You'll kill him!"
"You must pay your debts, Ms. Tohomiko."
"What do you want? Do you want my father's company? Do you want more money? What more do you want from me?"
"She is not interested with your pathetic money. You have not paid off your debt. You've been avoiding the contract for years."
"What are you talking about?"
"You do remember, dear Kimiko. It just happened fifteen years ago,"
Kimiko eyes shot opened as she started to exclaimed, "She already took the greatest possession I got! I finished paying off my debt to that witch!" Tears started streaming down Kimiko's face, "What else does she want?"
"More,"
A surge of water crashed into Tao as it made him lose his grip on Kimiko. Clay used his lasso to capture Kimiko and pulled her onto Dojo's back. As she grasped for air, she saw Clay rushed to help Raimundo.
Suddenly, everything around Kimiko turned dark.
Kimiko abruptly awoke by the sounds of screaming. She scanned her surroundings; how did she end up back at her apartment? What happen to her cousin? What was going on?
She grabbed her robe and made her way to the kitchen. As she peeked into the room, she found Clay removing the arrow from the Brazilian monk's shoulder. It made Raimundo screamed out bloody murder. Omi, who was now taller and as manly as Raimundo, was mixing herbs that he packed in his backpack. She slid down and hugged herself; what had she done? It was bad enough her friends were involved. It was even worse that something she thought she handled years ago went out of control. She thought back; what did she do wrong? What did she miss along the way?
"What the hell is going on here?" Clay uttered as he broke the arrow in half and started to wash off the infected wound.
"I am as c-confuse as you are, Clay," Raimundo stuttered. "I never fought against anyone with so much p-power. That cousin of hers was definitely possessed; there was no way that he can handle that kind of power."
"What on Earth had Kimiko gotten herself into?" Dojo added as he brought out a clean rug for Omi.
Raimundo gritted his teeth and tried to ignore the continuous pain that ran throughout his body.
"Raimundo, you must rest. We will figure out what is going on by tomorrow morning," Omi smiled as he rested the soaked cloth on his wound. "We will talk to Kimiko and figure out what is going on."
"S-she refused to tell me. S-she won't tell you either," Raimundo snorted, "She kept trying to kick me out of the house. M-most likely, she will do the same thing to you guys."
"Well, I guess we don't have a choice but to do some research ourselves. Besides, she's against three of us guys," Clay smirked, "although her temper does scare any critter off the face on this Earth, I reckon we can handle her. I am here to stay."
Raimundo smirked and used what was left of his energy to lay his hand on the brandy cowboy's shoulder.
"I had been worried about Kimiko the moment she ran away from the Xiaolin Temple ," Omi sighed as he sat on top of a table, "I cannot help but to worry about her even more. Being the weakest---"
"O-Omi," Raimundo glared, "n-now it's not the time."
"Oh," Omi blushed as he cleared his throat, "I am here to stay."
"That settles it," Clay smashed his fist into his hand, "we should hit the sack. At dawn, we should start planning what to do. Hey Dojo, you're awfully quiet, what's wrong?"
"I have the feeling we're not the only one in the kitchen."
Kimiko turned pale; she wanted to rush into her room and pretended to be sleeping until Omi called her name. She revealed herself slowly; her gaze remained on the floor. Their voices had changed; she noted. Years had changed Omi drastically; it kind-of threw her off guard. Raimundo and Clay somewhat remained the same in some aspects; but they too, were now men.
She raised her gaze towards three angry men and an angry minimized dragon. Kimiko never saw this day coming; she never even planned that this would ever happen.
Then again, she had no idea what was going on.
"Hey, you guys!" She weakly smiled, "it's been a while, huh?"
"You are not running away from us anymore," Omi started as he approached her, "you are not going to lie to us or hide from us any longer! What is going on Kimiko? Why are you doing this to us?"
"It would be so much easier if you informed us what is going on. It almost killed Raimundo for pete sakes, Kimiko!" Clay added irritably, "You better tell us the truth! What have you done, Kimiko?"
"I told him to get out of my life. He got hurt because of it. I could handle my own problems!" She screamed, "Why don't you guys understand that? I do not want you, Rai, Omi, you and Dojo to be involved with my problems! Why don't you guys just leave me alone?"
Omi slowly approached her and lifted her chin, "What made you so bitter, Kimiko? You were never like this."
Hot tears rushed down her rosy cheeks as she glared at them, "Things changed, Omi. We have our own lives."
Then she rushed towards her room and left three dumfounded monks and a curious dragon behind.
Dojo managed to slip from the kitchen and followed Kimiko.
Once Kimiko slammed her door shut, she started to cry. Visions of Raimundo suffering and the Omi and Clay shocking reaction towards her coldness flashed into her mind. She was breaking down; she felt empty and depressed. Her face became crimson; her eyes looked blood shot. She started to dig her head into the pillow and sobbed loudly. Ironically, she never felt so lonely. She was scared; she thought she had everything under control.
"Mother, please help me," she started to mumbled desperately, "I know I am doing the right thing! It just takes time right, mom? It will go away soon,"
She stared at the full moon reflecting through her window, "I cannot hurt my friends anymore. I cannot tell them what happened back then. God, what do you want from me, Mitsuko Yasu? I gave you my element!"
Heat risen all over her body. Pain struck, it made her rolled up her sleeves and revealed a fresh scar forming on her wrists. Dojo, within the shadows, held his breath. Kimiko wiped her tears and continued to stare at the weird looking scar.
"Please, just take what you want from me." Her eyes never left the scar, "All I asked is to leave Rai, Omi and Clay out of this. Do you understand?"
Dojo watched Kimiko desperately hugged herself and continued to gaze at her scar.
He managed to crawl out her room and spend the night flying back to China .
