Title: The Telling of the Dragons Wind and Fire
Fandom: Xiaolin Showdown
Characters: Rai, Kim, Toshiro, Maio (my oc), Kwan (my oc), Sam (my oc)
Prompt: 086:Choices
Word Count: 4,331
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Kimiko's dad didn't want her to date Rai.
Author's Note: I'm sorry for the lack of updates but I was busy the whole week, so I spent the entire day working on those longest one shot that I've ever written. :D

"Mama?"

"Yeah?"

"Tell me a story."

"All right, what do you want to hear?"

"The Dragon's of Wind and Fire."

"Haven't you had enough of them?"

"Please?"

"All right. Which one do you want to hear?"

"How they got together."

"You like that one, don't you?"

"Uh huh."

"All right. The Dragon of Wind finally got the courage to ask out the Dragon of Fire. But since the Dragon of Fire was bound by tradition. She had to go back to Japan and ask for her father's permission. The Dragon of Wind understood and went with her for moral support.

Rai and Kim sat outside of Mr. Tohomiko's office. All a bundle of nerves.

"I hope he says yes," Kimiko said anxiously.

"Why wouldn't he? It is me after all," Raimundo boasted, receiving a playful punch to the arm.

"Ms. Tohomiko?" They turned and saw her father's assistant standing by the door. "You may see him now."

Kimiko turned to face Rai.

"Wish me luck?"

"You won't need it." She sent him a playful smile as she walked through the door. She saw her father tinkering with the company's latest product.

"Papa?" she asked meekly. He looked up and immediately dropped his toy.

"Kimiko!" They raced towards each other and gave one another a big hug. They separated long enough to have a good look. "What brings you back here?"

Kimiko then took a step back and put her hands behind her back.

"Papa, you remember Raimundo, right?"

"The Brazilian boy? What about him?" he asked, his face stiffening.

"Well... you see... he asked me to go on a date with him and-"

"No," her father said abruptly.

"What?" she asked in disbelief.

"You know the rules, no dating until you are sixteen."

"But I don't even live here anymore."

"It doesn't matter. And besides, even if you're sixteen, I wouldn't allow you to date him anyway."

"Why not?"

"Because, he's from Brazil."

"So? It doesn't make him a bad guy."

"Yes but Brazil is a third world country, it would never work."

"So what your saying is because he doesn't have a lot of money I can't date him!"

"That is precisely what I'm saying, you need someone that can provide you everything he can offer."

"And you think Raimundo won't provide me!"

"I don't think, I know."

She stared angrily at him.

"Well, you know what! I'm going to date him anyway and prove you wrong about him!" She stormed out of his office and into the hall. She barely heard him say that he won't welcome her back if she did. She slammed the door angrily and turned and faced Raimundo. His face grimaced and was facing the ground.

"You heard, didn't you?" She asked. He nodded. "Well, it doesn't matter, I say yes."

"Kim..."

"Dojo can take us to the movies on Friday, how about that?"

He got up and walked over to her.

"Kimiko, I can't."

"What?"

"I can't go out with you knowing that your dad thinks I'm a low life."

"But I don't think you're a low life at all."

"Kim, the main reason we came here is to get your dad's blessing."

Her eyes started to well up as she stared down at her shoes. She comprehended on his meaning and couldn't help but feel that he was right.

"It's not going to be same anymore. You know that?" she asked.

"I know. But even if we did date, it wouldn't be the same anyway. Come on, Dojo is waiting for us outside," he added after a long pause. He walked away from the tearful girl.

And as they said, nothing was same. They try their best to continue as friends, but their feelings for each other was over powering. It would sometimes get in the way of training and distracted them during a Xiaolin Showdown and end up losing. It was unquestionable that they were crazy about each other, but the simple fact of where they come from is the only thing that was getting in the way. The Dragon of the Wind couldn't take it anymore. Neither could she. Then, the fateful day came when she turned sixteen that he took her to the most secluded part of the temple.

"Rai, what are we doing here?" she asked as they stood in a cramped space between two buildings.

"This," he said as he placed a hungry kiss on her. She didn't oblige as she brought him close. Kissing him back with all she could muster. Not releasing for a single moment for fear of losing each other. But, like ice, it didn't last very long and broke apart to let oxygen into their lungs. Their foreheads were touching and stared into each others eyes.

"Rai, we can't," she gasped in between breathes.

"I know."

"What are we going to do?"

"I don't know."

He kissed her again, feeling the need to fill in the gap that was strained between them.

After that, they would meet in secret during the night. Every night after midnight. When they were sure that everyone was sound asleep. They'd sometimes go to the same spot and other times they would go on the roof and gaze up into the heavens. Knowing completely that this is what they want. But they knew they couldn't have it and that's what drew them even closer.

Kimiko opened her laptop and saw she had an email from her dad. Requesting her to come back to Tokyo. It didn't say for what reason so she assumed that he wanted to talk business with her.

"What's up, Kim?" She looked up and saw Raimundo standing on the post that held up the dividing curtains.

"Papa wants to see me. I don't know why, and I don't think it's urgent," she responded.

"Does he know about us?" he asked in a whisper as he sat down beside her.

"I hope not. I don't want to stop seeing you."

"I don't want to stop either."

"I'm sure it's nothing. No you know what? It is nothing."

"Can't be too sure, can you?" She stared at him long and hard. Taking in every contour of his features.

"I'm going to go find Dojo," she said as she closed her laptop and got up. But just before she left, he grabbed her hand. She turned to him and saw his smiling face.

"I love you, you know that?" She smiled down at him.

"I love you too." She slipped out of his grasp and went off to find the dragon.

They arrived in Tokyo and landed in front of Tohomiko Ind. Kimiko and Dojo went through security without problems and arrived into her father's office where he was talking with another man in a business suit and had black wavy hair and very deep brown eyes.

"Papa?" she asked as she stepped further into his office. He turned to her and had a smile on him.

"Kimiko! And Dojo-san, it is very great to see you again," he said as he bowed to Dojo.

"Great to see you too, I see you haven't changed at all," Dojo said on top of Kimiko's shoulders.

"Is there something you wanted to talk about?" she asked.

"Ah yes. Kimiko, this is Kwan Jacobs. He's a representative from New York."

"Nice to meet you," Kimiko said as she stuck out her hand and Kwan shook it.

"Kwan has a son attending New York University and since you are now sixteen, it is now time to find a suitable husband," he said with a triumphant smile. Kimiko's expression, however, was of disbelief and felt her eyes starting to well up.

"What?"

"You will be leaving for the United States in a few days and live with Kwan and his son. Dojo-san, perhaps you would like to go back and pack up her things."

"And I'm going with him."

"All right, pack up your things and come right back."

"No, I'm not leaving the temple. The quest for the Shen Gong Wu is too important."

"More important than listening to your only father?"

She stared down at the ground angrily. Fists clenched tightly that her hands turned white.

"But, I don't even know this guy!" she shouted.

"Which is why you are going to the United States."

A tear threatened under her closed eyelids. Then she walked towards the window and Dojo slid down her arm.

"Need me to tell the others your goodbye?" he asked.

"Yeah, tell Master Fung that he was a great teacher and I valued a lot from him. Tell Clay he was like the big brother I never had. And Omi was great and I'll never forget his big head. And Raimundo..." A tear escaped her eyes and her heart ached and had a difficult time taking in breathes. "Tell Raimundo that I love him and that I'll be waiting for him," she whispered and let the tears flow.

"I will, Kimiko," he said as he grew forty feet and flew to the direction of China.

He told them everything. The situation and what she had to say. When he told the Dragon of the Wind that she loved him, his heart literally broke in two. The others tried to console him but he went off in the training area and took out his anger at a nearby tree. She said that she'll be waiting for him, and wait she must. After his session, he looked through the Internet for a place in New York.

She stepped through the apartment door and entered a very huge living room with high quality carpeted floors, a sliding glass door that covered the entire wall facing above the gigantic city, a huge plasma screen TV took up another wall, and a leather bound couch stood before a glass coffee table. Not too far off was the counter for the kitchen and it looked more gourmet styled, with an island at the center and all the high quality appliances. Kwan beckoned her to continue on into the guest chamber where she saw a huge bed adorned with a canopy, a walk-in closet, a golden style bathroom, and another huge plasma screen and a window overlooking the city. It was practically the same size as her old room in Japan.

She placed her things on top of her bed and immediately fell onto the cotton sheets. Suffering from jet leg, she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. She woke up a couple of hours later and saw the sun starting to set and the scene was extraordinary. But when she looked in the full length mirror, her hair was a mess and her make up was all over the place. It took her a half an hour just to straighten everything out and by the time she finished, she stepped out of the quarters and into the living room where she saw Kwan talking to another man that had spiky brown hair and blue eyes. To her, he looked a little like Raimundo, except with much lighter skin. They turned to see that she is awake.

"Ah Kimiko, I would like you to meet my son, Sam," Kwan said as his son got up and walked over to her.

"Hey Kimiko, it's very nice to finally meet you," Sam said as he stuck out his hand and Kimiko shook it. "If you don't mind, I would like to get married after I graduate from NYU."

Sam was a very nice guy, with a rich family and never took anything for granted. He reminded her so much of the Dragon of the Wind that she didn't know how quickly she fell in love with him. While she was having the time of her life, the Dragon of the Wind searched day and night for an apartment in New York. Taking breaks in between training to continue on his search. He told his fellow Dragons of the secret affair that he had with her and like any other friend, they would do what they can to get him to her. The Dragon of Earth informed his father of the situation and the grown man understood for he knew the struggle of love. But also knew that the Dragon of the Wind had to learn the hard lesson and unfortunately, he won't provide what he can until he was sure the Dragon of the Wind was ready. This disheartened him even more but, he knew she would wait until worlds end to see him again.

Sam and Kimiko left a movie theater in a fit of laughter.

"And that part with that guy, oh my gosh!" she laughed.

"And the part with the guy and the guy!" he laughed with her. They ceased their laughter and stared at each other.

"I had a great time," she said.

"I did too." There was silence between the two.

"You know, when my papa told me about this, I thought it was the worst idea ever. I mean, I had a boyfriend and I loved him, a lot. But when I finally met you, it was as if my worries have gone completely away."

"I feel the same way, except for the boyfriend part." She let out a laugh. "So what was he like?"

"Who?"

"The boyfriend."

"Oh... he was amazing. He's incredibly kind, caring, knows when he's defeated, and has grown up so much since I first met him. The only thing that remained the same about him has got to be his mischievous side. You know, pull an occasional prank here and there. Lets not forget the fact that he can be arrogant, but that's actually a good quality for him and considering what he has been through, it's amazing how he can just come back and smile."

"He sounds great."

"He was great."

"Did your dad approve of him?"

"Would you believe me if I said no?"

"Did he really?"

"Yeah, only because he didn't have a whole lot going for him."

"Maybe he was just worried that you might get hurt."

"Maybe, but he doesn't know him like I do."

"So, how did you guys break up?"

"We sort of didn't, I left him when I had to come over here and I wasn't even aware of what was going on so, I never really told him good bye to his face."

"Do you miss him?"

"Sometimes, but not when I'm with you," she added with a blush. He smiled down at her.

"Y'know, this might seem forward of me, but I would like to kiss you." She looked up at him with shock as he came closer.

"And you know what?" she asked as she got closer to him. "I wouldn't mind at all." They got closer together and they kissed.

All the while she was kissing him, she couldn't help but feel nothing. No shock, no electricity, nothing. She did like him, a lot. But his kiss was nothing like the one she had with the Dragon of the Wind.

A year later, the Dragon of Earth's father finally compiled to his end of the bargain and wired the money that the Dragon of the Wind needed to rent out the loft that he found. As well as extra to get started. He mounted the mystical dragon and set forth to New York City.

"It's already furnished and has a great view of Central Park, and the rent is only $2,500 per month. So, what do you think?" the Realtor asked as Raimundo studied the loft for himself.

"I like it. And it's also in my range. I'll take it," Raimundo said as he shook her hand.

Soon after, Raimundo settled into his new life in the biggest city in the world. Since his visa was good, all he needed was to get his green card and start his search for Kimiko.

He spent months searching the city and always came up empty. But his strong heart didn't tell him to give up. He can feel that she's in the city, just bound to be found.

While there was only a week until Sam's graduation, she actually can't wait until the wedding. Sam is a good man and her father chose well. She'd even say she was in love with him. But she couldn't help but feel empty. She hadn't felt this empty in a long time. But she was sure that it would be filled after the wedding. But only just.

Kimiko decided to take a stroll in Central Park. To clear her mind and allowing the fresh air into her lungs. She watched two children skipping stones on the pond water and an old couple walking by hand in hand. That would be her one day. Then she saw an empty bench seat and decided to sit down. She looked upon the scenery as autumn took its course. Nippy air, colored leaves, she liked it this way. She closed her eyes and absorbed the scenery before her.

"Excuse me, do you mind if I sit down?" She didn't open her eyes but she allowed the stranger to sit next to her. "It's beautiful this time of year, huh?"

That voice, she thought but still didn't open her eyes, but she nodded in response.

"Yeah, I always had to grow up with something like this, but in the end, it's always me looking for something. You know what I mean, Kimiko?" Her eyes shot open and looked in the direction of a smiling Brazilian that she once knew.

"Raimundo?" she gasped. He nodded and launched herself at him and gave him a hug. She drew back and looked at his face. He still had his boyish smile, but his eyes, his nose, even his hair has aged a bit.

"What are you doing here?" she finally asked.

"What does it look like, I came for you," he responded.

"But why?" He lowered his eyebrows on her.

"Don't you remember? You told Dojo that you'll be waiting for me." She mentally slapped herself. She averted her gaze away from him. "What's wrong?"

She looked back at him to meet his concerned eyes.

"I'm sorry, Rai. It's just... It's been a year and... I moved on."

"So, that's it? You fell in love with your fiance?"

"Well, yeah, I mean, Sam is a great guy. You'd like him."

"How can you be sure about that?"

"Because, in a way, he's a lot like you. He's kind, funny, generous, and mature. Except..."

"Except what? He's rich isn't he?" She nodded meekly. He let out a sigh. "So, where does that leave us?"

"What do you mean?"

"Kim, don't play that bullshit with me, have you forgotten where we left off?" he said irritatingly as he got up in front of her.

"Well excuse me, we weren't exactly exclusive," she sneered back.

"You told me you loved me!"

"That was then," she said calmly. He felt like someone stabbed him in the chest and his lungs wouldn't allow any air in.

"So, I guess me coming to New York is a complete waste time then. And before I go, let me just say that probably the only reason why you love him is because he reminds you of me."

"You arrogant bastard!" she yelled as she got up and stared angrily at him.

"I mean it! You and I had something until your dad sent you here. You missed me so much that you replaced me with Richie Rich!" She was fuming at him now.

"Leave."

"Pfft, if you need me, I'm living in a loft down the street from here," he said as he angrily stormed off. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him leave.

She couldn't help but feel that he might be right. Sam was a lot like the Dragon of the Wind. But perhaps, she might feel differently between the two. A discreet romance and one that was chosen out of a hat. She was only seventeen after all, but perhaps she wasn't too young to know who to love.

She went back to the apartment to find Sam sitting on the couch.

"Hey, Kimiko. Didn't hear you come in," he said as she walked over to him and slumped beside him. "What's wrong?"

"Remember that boyfriend I told you about?"

"Yeah?"

"He's here." He looked at her with concern.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I just ran into him at the park."

"And what did he had to say?" She looked at him and debated whether if she should tell him what Rai said. She didn't know how he would react if she told him. The only way she knew to tell him was to look away and not look at the reaction.

"I told him about you, and he said the only reason why I love you is because you remind me of him." She shut her eyes tight.

"Do you think that's true?"

"I don't know. I mean, I do love you, but what Rai and I had was..." Her breathe got caught in her throat. She opened her eyes and let the tears flow. Sam put his arm around her and tried his best to comfort her.

"I gotta go," she said as she got up and raced towards the door. Leaving a questioning Sam behind.

She arrived at the building where he said he was. She looked down the list that had the last name of the person living there and the loft number. She found his and immediately went up the flight of stairs until found the steal door labeled with the number. She hesitated before finally knocking vigorously. She waited until the door finally opened. Revealing Raimundo in a white tee shirt and an irritated look upon him. But that quickly changed when he saw Kimiko's red eyes.

They didn't say anything to each other for a long while. She got closer to him and planted a kiss on him. He kissed her back and closed the door behind her.

She knew who she wanted. She knew all along. She was in love with him and him alone. But she was left with a difficult choice. Living by her traditions or staying true."

She woke up and saw his soft features trace around him as he's sleeping. The night before was spectacular. The emptiness that she had felt in one year alone was filled in one night. She never knew how much she missed him. She took her finger and moved a strayed hair out of his face. She saw him smile as his eyes slowly opened.

"Morning, gorgeous," he said lazily.

"Morning," she said as she laid him down on his back with her on top and kissed him and continued down his chest.

"Huh, I'm hungry. Rai needs breakfast," he groaned.

"So go make some," she teased. He sent her a playful smile.

They did eventually got out of bed and he slipped on a pair of jeans while she found his bathrobe and slipped it on. He was down in the kitchen and was preparing pancakes. When she came down, she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face into his back. He turned his head around and had a smile on him.

He served her the pancakes to her but her eyes only focused on him. He sat down beside her and started on his plate.

"Too bad about your fiance, huh?" he said. Her eyebrows furrowed.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"You can't be serious, are you seriously considering going back to him?" he said in disbelief.

"I don't know, maybe."

"And what are you going to do when he asks where the hell you were last night?" he asked as he clattered his fork onto his plate. Her heart ached and she closed her eyes tight.

"Look, I don't know, all right. But I do know that he's not gonna be happy."

"Of course he's not gonna happy. He's probably going to feel the same way I did when Dojo told me you weren't coming back. Kim, I was pissed beyond belief, but when he told me that you said you'll be waiting, you know what I did? I found this place and thanks to Clay's dad, I was able to afford it. I love you, Kimiko. I love you so much that I would do anything to find you again. And this time, I'm not going to lose you again." She fluttered her eyes open and let a tear escape.

"I love you too, Rai. But I also love Sam-"

"No you don't. I told you, the only reason you love the guy is because he reminds you of me."

"I was going to say, I know who I want to be with."

"What's going on in here?" The two girls turned and saw a man with tanned skin and dark brown hair.

"I was telling Maio a bedtime story," the older woman said as she tucked her daughter in her bed.

"Mama was about to tell who the Dragon of Fire chose," the little girl said tiredly but with a smile over her.

"You already know the answer to that," he responded.

"I know, I just like hearing it," Maio said as she drifted off to sleep.

"Goodnight, sunshine," the older woman said as she kissed her daughter's forehead. She went over to the door and joined her husband. He closed the door gently behind her. Then he turned to her with a smile on him.

"Don't you ever get tired telling her that story?" he asked.

"Why not? I think it's a great story," she responded.

"Yeah, it is. And it has a great ending too."

She smiled up at him and wrapped her hands around his neck and planted a kiss on him.

"I love you, Dragon of the Wind."

"And I love you, Dragon of Fire."