Everyone was in their rooms working hard on their five page English essay about who their hero was. This assignment was harder then usual because they needed five sources and had to write a work-cited page as well. It would count for half their grade and everyone was eager to pass English.
Jack was nearly completed with his paper. He had chosen to write about his favorite movie director Tim Burton. He had seen almost every film done by the man and it was because of him he was inspired to become a director of his own film. He was so deep in thought about he didn't notice Dojo tugging on his leg until the little dragon bit him. "Yeow! Dojo what the heck was that for?"
"Finally I got your attention. I've been pestering you for the past ten minutes trying to give you this. It just came in the mail expressed. Looks important. Who do you know in Hollywood?" Dojo asked as Jack snatch the envelope from his hands.
Quickly Jack tore open the envelope and scanned the letter his eyes getting wider as he read on. When he reached the end of the letter he let out a whoop of delight and started dancing around shouting "I won! I won! I can't believe I won! Oh yeah!"
"Yo Jack what's the deal dawg? What are you so excited about man?" Jermaine asked poking his head out of his stall. He had nearly finished his essay when Jack started parading around like an idiot.
"Jack if you don't stop jumping up and down like a monkey I'm going blast you!" Lu snarled, but even that threat didn't stop the boy from screaming at the top of his lungs and running around the Temple.
"You think Jack finally lost his marbles?" Stacey asked the clueless group. Everyone shrugged and ran after the boy. They found him still dancing like a nut in the Main Hall with Master Fung, Chase, and Chakra staring at him.
"Alright Spicer that's enough! If you don't get your act together I'll be forced to rip your arms off!" Chase threatened. That stopped Jack in his tracks, but earned a glare from his sister. "What? It worked didn't it?"
"Honestly Chase you need to work on your approach to kids. Threatening them is not the way to go."
"Nevertheless it worked. Now Jack would you kindly tell us what your letter said that has you so excited about?"
"Sure Master Fung and I'm glad everyone's here so I only have to explain once. Well you know how I always wanted to produce my own movie? Well about two months ago I sent in a short documentary I made about our lives to a short film festival contest. I never expected to hear back, but I just found out I won! My film will premier at the film festival as well as being broadcasted worldwide. I also won a check for a thousand dollars and a chance to meet my favorite director of all time Tim Burton!"
"Congratulations Jack! This is quite the honor," Dagwood said shaking his hand. The others offered their own congratulations and started asking a million questions.
"Wow wow one at time please! I promise to answer all your questions later. Right now I need to pack and get ready for the festival. It's two days and I have to be there to collect my prize. I can go right Master Fung? Please this is a once and a lifetime opportunity."
"You may go Jack as long as Dojo accompanies you. I don't feel comfortable letting you go by yourself. Take a few Shen Gong Wu with you incase trouble arises and remember to check in. But above all have fun. You've certainly earned this victory," Master Fung told the boy smiling. He was proud of Jack's accomplishment and knew that this could help Jack on his way to becoming a Shoku Warrior.
After packing his Elemental Wu, Wudai Weapon, some pudding cups, a few dozen nanobots, and the Monkey Staff, Mikado Arms, and Two Ton Tunic he was ready to go. Kissing Kimiko goodbye he boarded Dojo and headed off towards Hollywood.
A few hours later they landed in Hollywood and the two quickly found the hotel where the film festival was taking place. After showing them his letter and vouching for Dojo Jack checked into his room and collapsed on the bed. "I still can't believe it. I'm here in Hollywood and the day after tomorrow I'm going to meet my hero. Pinch me I must be dreaming. Ow Dojo!"
"Sorry I couldn't resist. So why didn't you tell anyone about this contest or the movie?"
"Two reasons. One I wanted to capture the natural on film and the other was well I was embarrassed. You know what my life was like before I met you guys. I was a loser who couldn't do anything right. After Katnappe destroyed my first film during the showdown for the Crouching Cougar I was reluctant to try again. It wasn't until after I won that showdown against my Heylin half for the Woozy Shooter I realized I couldn't let my self-doubts hold me back. So I started experimenting with different cameras, film stock and finally I came up with my short film. It took me forever to edit it and junk. When I mailed it in I highly doubted it would win because who would believe what they saw. Kids controlling the elements and using mystical devices to save the world on a daily bases? Yeah right, but I beat the odds and I won."
"That's the sweetest thing I ever heard. I can't wait to watch the film. I hope you saved a copy for everyone to watch. Hey you want to go sight seeing?" Dojo asked pulling out his shades. "I've always wanted to explore Hollywood."
"There's a tour starting in an hour. Let's go!" Jack said rushing out the room. The two friends hurried downstairs and quickly joined the group. They got a few looks because of Jack's albinism and gothic clothes, but it didn't bother them.
The tour was awesome. They saw the Chinese Movie Theater, the Stars Walk of Fame, famous houses, and even a close up look at the Hollywood sign. Jack was having such a great time and was enjoying chatting with his fellow filmmakers he didn't notice that an old enemy who was very angry with Jack was following him.
When Jack returned to the room with Dojo after a hearty dinner he was shocked to see the room had been ransacked. "Oh my god. I hope my bag is safe!"
"Your bag what about our Shen Gong Wu!"
"I hid the Wu and everything else in the bag. Call security and tell them to come up an investigate. It's good I found the bag. Lucky the intruder didn't think to check the drawer with Bible," Jack replied just as security arrived.
After explaining that nothing was missing the security checked the room for clues. They found a few fingerprints and a piece of fur, but it would take awhile to identify the intruder. Until then Jack and Dojo were moved to a more secured room. "You should call Master Fung and tell him about this. Someone is clearly after you."
"And risk having to go home and miss out on my prize? No way Dojo everything cool really. Look I'll call them tomorrow afternoon after the rehearsal okay? Please Dojo I don't want to leave just because of one little incident."
"Alright, but we'll play it safe from now on. I'm not letting you or that bag out of my sight for an instant. Now if you don't mind I need a little shuteye. Goodnight," Dojo said pulling out his Fung doll and going to sleep. Jack smiled and patted his head before curling up in bed to hoping tomorrow would be a better day.
The next day was the big rehearsal for the film festival's premier. Jack couldn't wait until he saw Tim Burton in person. He enjoyed breakfast and loved chatting with other winners about their different movies. Yesterday's break in had moved to the back of his mind and the only precautions he had taken to prevent further attempts was lock his door and store his Wu and weapon in his heliopack. "I can't wait until the premier. It's a dream come true to have my work viewed by millions of people."
"I know what you mean Jack. Think about the recognition and prestige will get. Who knows this might be the break we need to become real directors!" Mary, the twenty two year old who had won first place in the nature category, told him.
"I think the best thing about this whole film festival is coming to Hollywood. This is my first time away from home and it's exciting," Ken, the winner of the religion category, remarked off hand.
"Could I have your attention please? The rehearsal will be beginning in a few minutes. If you'll all follow me we can begin." The coordinator told the winners. Everyone got up and followed her unaware they had an extra member in the group looking for trouble.
"Each of you have been assigned a seat and you all received a schedule as well as a strict dress code you have to attire to. Now after the opening speeches and lunch the judges and special guest stars will talk about each person's film. When you're called up to the stage don't run walk. Shake their hands and give a few words about your film. After your done speaking your film will be played. Now remember this festival is being broadcasted world wide so please try not to embarrass anyone. Any questions? Good now let's practice being seated and getting up," the coordinator said as they entered the ballroom.
They had been rehearsing for a half an hour when the camera crew and judges arrived to help finish setting up for tomorrow's grand event. Everyone started whispering and pointing excitedly as they saw their favorite directors arrive. Dojo was contemplating going to ask George Lucas for an autograph when the room started shaking.
"Oh boy this is a big one!" Dojo gasped.
"Everyone please stay calm! I'm sure it's just a minor ah!" the coordinator screamed as several robots that looked an awful lot like Jackbots came busting into the room and started tearing everything apart. People were running for cover and trying to avoid being crushed as the ballroom started collapsing on top of them.
"Dojo get as many people out as you can! Jackbots reinforce the room!" Jack command pressing a few buttons on his watch. Instantly the nanobots dispersed and reassembled into a dozen Jackbots. They instantly obeyed Jack's commands and started reinforcing the room.
The copies didn't like that at all and came swarming after Jack. Jack stood his ground and started battling his heart unaware that the cameras were capturing every moment of his fight. "Wudai Asteroid Metal!" he shouted as he used his powers to rip apart three robots. The smaller pieces reassembled and went after the rest of the crowd. "Oh no you don't. Magnetic Grip, Olaf Shield Metal! Oh yeah I still got it. Okay whose the wise guy that's ripping me off. Show yourself you coward!"
"Coward? You have a lot of nerve me a coward little man," a voice called out from the shadows. The remaining robots lined up respectfully as Vlad emerged from the shadows glaring hatefully at Jack. "So the puny toy maker dares to insult me? I should have no a cheater like you wouldn't have the gull to admit Vlad is as smart as he is."
"What are you talking about? I didn't even know you were here! So are you the one who ransacked my room last night? What were you looking for? A couple dozen nanobots to create an army to fight me or were you to stupid to come up with an original idea?" Jack taunted as he surveyed the scene. For the moment all was right, but that could change in an instant.
"There you go insulting me again. Is that how you won the documentary category or did you bribe the judges? I lost to you a wimp! My movie on mother Russia was way better then your stupid film. I showed off Russia's beauty and supremacy. That's where I got the robots and they're ten times better then your stupid has been. Enough talk it's time to pulverize you and take what's rightfully mine!" Vlad snarled throwing a punch at Jack's face.
Jack dodged in and struck back with Steel Wing. The move didn't even faze the Russian and soon the two were in the middle of brawl that demolished what was left of the ballroom. Jack tried to fly away with his heliopack, but Vlad grabbed his leg and hurled him into a wall. As Jack slid down the wall the Wu went skidding across the floor.
"Jack move he's going for the Wu!" Dojo screamed. He dove to collect the Two Ton Tunic, but Vlad backhanded him. "Ow that's going to leave a mark."
"Stupid insignificant dragon. You think your better then me? No one is better then me!" Vlad roared as he reached for the Monkey Staff. Just as his fingers brushed it Jack laid a hand on it also. "Ah wimpy mama's boy is going to fight me for his favorite toy?"
"Are you all talk or do you have the brawn to back up your puny brains? If you're so sure you should have won then prove it by beating me. I challenge you to a Xiaolin Showdown. My Mikado Arms vs. your Two Ton Tunic. Winner not only gets the Monkey Staff, but first prize as well."
"Deal Jack Spicer. To show you I'm not as bad as I am you get to chose showdown."
"Were in Hollywood so I challenge you to a movie themed race. The first one to survive the booby-trapped maze, a shoot out, and my favorite a car chase is the winner and takes all. You ready? Then let's go Xiaolin Showdown!"
Everyone screamed in terror as the room magically transformed into a short Indiana Jones themed maze, a western style street, and a racetrack appeared. The directors were in disbelief about these magical special effects wondering what they could do to make this happen in their next film. A gong sounded as the Vlad and Jack shouted Gong Ye Tempi and got started on their race.
Jack raced through the maze dodging the arrows, spiked metal walls, and flamethrowers. It was difficult to move in such tight corners and Vlad kept shoving him. All of a sudden a giant boulder came crashing down the hallway straight at them!
"Stupid boulder. Do you honestly think you can stop me? Two Ton Tunic!" Vlad said activating his Shen Gong Wu. The bulky metal tunic caused the boulder to bounce off Vlad and spin around in the air before dive-bombing Jack.
"Oh man. Mikado Arms! If I ever make it back to the Temple I'm never teasing Clay or Dagwood about their muscle fat again!" Jack grunted as he held the giant boulder above his head. With a grunt he hurled the rock into the wall demolishing the maze. Taking a deep breath he raced into the next part of the race only to dive behind the water trough to avoid being shot. "Why me?"
"Maybe because you are pathetic little man. This only proves that I'm superior and you are worthless!" Vlad called out to him as he raced through the bullet-ridden street. With his Two Ton Tunic he was practically bullet proof.
"You are not winning this race Vlad! Soul of Metal!" His pendant glowed brightly and with a flick of his wrists the bullets merged together into a useless lump. Wiping the sweat from his forehead Jack dragged his body into the sports car and started speeding after Vlad.
"That Spicer doesn't know when to quit! This should take care of him once and for all. Oh Jack I know how much you like movies. Here's the best part of a car chase. The crash!" Vlad laughed manically as he rammed his car into Jack's sending it flying into the air.
The onlookers gasped as the car flipped through the air and landed on the ground in a sickening crunch. The movie directors, cameramen, and even Dojo were speechless praying that Jack was okay. But as the car started smoking and crumbling into itself that didn't look possible. "Come on Jack you have to be okay! You're the Dragon of Medal and an award winning film director! You can't give up!" Dojo screamed.
"You're wasting your time pest. He's dead and I Vlad have won this showdown. I'm the greatest and that Spicer is a loser! Ha ha ha huh?" Vlad stopped laughing as the wreck of a car started glowing and magically levitated into the air.
Everyone watched in stun disbelief as the car fractured into tiny floating pieces and began spinning around a still alive Jack. In a flash of gold light they attached themselves to the boy transforming his Wudai robes into that of a Shoku warrior complete with brand new goggles and even a hover board for transportation. Opening his eyes Jack glared at Vlad. "So you think you can kill me and win the Showdown? Fat chance! I'm going to kick your butt and send you straight to prison. Shoku Ore Asteroid Metal!"
Vlad screamed as the metal in the car liquefied and then reshaped itself into a giant cage complete with shackles and muzzle to keep him quite. All he could do was scream silently as Jack crossed the finish line and won the showdown.
Half an hour later Vlad was carted off to the prison and the hotel had been restored to normal. The damages had magically been fixed once the showdown was over and Jack was quite the celebrity for his heroic actions. Everyone was asking him questions, but the greatest joy for him was when Tim Burton personally thanked him for saving his life and told him Jack had inspired a new movie idea for him.
The next day at the film festival everyone was in high spirits. Right before the awards could be given the president of the film festival stood up and took the podium. "I want to thank you all for your participation. This film festival could not happen without everyone involved. Yesterday this prestige's event was almost ruined by a disgruntle contest, but thanks to the brave actions of one of our winners the festival was saved. Here is the video of that contestant, one Jack Spicer, the youngest winner of the original documentary award which now makes a lot more sense."
Everyone clapped loudly and Jack blushed as walked on stage and accepted his award. After speaking for a few minutes he watched both films and was proud of his work. Not only had he made his dream come true and met his hero, but now he was a Shoku warrior ready and able to help his friends. That was the best award ever.