The words echoed in Jack's head. Could that really have been Chase Young in his dreams? Why the hell would the greatest master of evil be visiting him in his dreams? Seemed a bit odd, but Chase did have a point. As of late, the Heylin had been recruiting lamer minions to do its bidding. For instance, Jack had seen more of Katnappè and Tubbimura in the past few days than he had seen them when he had hired them. He knew why Chase wasn't around. Chase didn't care about Shen Gong Wu. But what about Bean and Wuya? What were they up to?
Jack scratched his red head as he sat at breakfast with the others.
"Another nightmare?" Kimiko asked matter-of-factly.
"Kinda," Jack said slowly.
"Well," Rai said through scrambled eggs, "You at least spent the night in you bed, rather than on the training grounds."
"Yeah," Jack blushed slightly, "Sorry about that."
Dojo suddenly hopped onto the table.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, and Jack…"
"Hey!"
"The newest Shen Gong Wu has revealed itself. Jack, I think this one's for you."
"Everything is about Jack," Raimundo growled.
Kimiko glared at him fiercely.
"It's called the Shadow of Ti. It calls to the wielder's side a loyal shadow companion. He does everything from fighting bad guys to bringing you egg rolls in bed."
Everyone watched the little cartoon characters illustrate Dojo's description.
"What about pudding cups?"
"What?" Kimiko looked at Jack crookedly.
"Yeah, you know, to eat?"
Dojo thought a moment.
"Well I suppose," The dragon reasoned, "I mean if it can bring egg rolls, why not pudding cups?"
Rai sat silently at the table eating his breakfast
"You know what I'm realizing?" Jack said as he thought, "I've got the best element!'
"It's not an element, it's a sub-element," Rai said firmly.
"Whatever. I mean, the Shroud of Shadows and the Shadow of Fear? And now the Shadow of Ti? I think I'm doing pretty well in the field of themed Shen Gong Wu."
"That's because you don't have a main element," Rai said.
"And why do you suppose that is?" Jack asked curiously.
"Because there are only four elements: Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water. Anything else is useless."
"Are you calling me useless?" Jack hissed.
"I didn't say that. It's just that any other element seems pale in comparison. Hence the over compensation with Wu."
"Wanna run that by me again?" Jack growled.
Rai shrugged, "You have not powers without the Wu."
Jack laughed, "Yes I do and you know it! I think you're a bit jealous of me…"
"Jealous? Of you?" Rai laughed.
"Rai!" Kimiko hissed.
"Not a chance! I know for a fact that Master Fung created all of your moves in his sleep. No ancient wisdom to any of it!" Rai laughed again.
"But…"
Jack was at a loss. What the hell was going on here?
"Raimundo," Clay said calmly, "I think it's time for you to just chill out."
"'Chill out'? Why should I?" He shrugged, "There's nothing wrong."
"Rai, what's the matter with you all of a sudden?" Kimiko said defensively.
"No problem. I'm just tired of all the time Master Fung spends with Spicer when we're the chosen ones!"
"Jack's new to this," Clay explained slowly, "He needs more attention than we do."
"Yeah," Kimiko added, "You'd think the Shoku Warrior would be proud to be given free reign over his training?"
"That's another thing!" Rai shouted, "I'm the leader! How come Spicer's got better moves than I do?"
"'Better'?" Kimiko began, "They're completely different! They're all defensive! He can't do any projectile damage like we can. He's learning a whole different style of Tai Chi!"
"I'm still here," Jack's voice creaked.
"Sor-" Kimiko began, but was cut off by Raimundo's onslaught.
"But you shouldn't be!" he yelled, "You're a fifth wheel, Spicer. Get off before you get hurt!"
Raimundo slammed his fists into the table and walked away.
"Dragon of Shadows," he muttered, "What a load of crap…"
Jack was silent.
"What's gotten into him?" Kimiko said with disgust.
"I don't know," Clay said methodically, "But he seemed sourer than a week old jug of milk."
"Omi?" Kimiko turned to the tiny yellow boy, "What do you think?"
"All I know is that there is something very wrong with our dear friend Raimundo…"
They were silent for a moment.
"You okay, Jack?" Kimiko whispered as she laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah," was all he said as he shrugged her away and stood up to leave.
"Ahem," Dojo coughed, "Shen Gong Wu, anyone?"
"What about Jack and Rai?" Kimiko asked.
"Let them deal with their problems for now," Clay said as he stood up, "Someone has to be responsible enough to get the Shen Gong Wu. We'll talk to them later."
"I suppose…" Kimiko thought, "Come on, Omi."
Little did the others know, as they took off into the sky, that Raimundo was still in his bed, lost in a world of babes and boards.