The Balance in Love, Lies and War

A/N: Disclaimer: I do not own Xiaolin Showdown, any of its characters or plots and I highly doubt I ever will. All I own is the Spirits', Kaida Balance, and any other of my own original characters/Shen Gong Wu.

Review(s): Calistar Heir: I don't know will it? –dramatic music- -Inhales- -dramatic music- -Exhales- dramatic music-

Kaida: Ok; now you're just overdoing it.

Other: Two weeks to write this… Bad case of writer's block… really bad…

It was so funny the other day! I was watching that episode of Xiaolin Showdown, where Jack has his army of green monkeys. Well there's one part when Wuya and Chase are watching them and Wuya's all like 'I love your plan, we get to turn Jack into a monkey!' And she's all cackling and giggling then Chase just goes, 'Anyway,' but the way he says it is just like 'ok then, weirdo' and I couldn't stop laughing!

And moving on. Though I think he's awesome and junk, Chase Young is SO hard to describe :(

Chapter 5:

'Insisting that they Stay'

"Please let it be this one…" Kimiko sighed in a weary voice. Her hands could barely turn the marble doorknob on the ornate door, weariness dragging her down. She may be in her own mind, but that didn't stop her from feeling her tiredness. Kimiko had been wandering around her subconscious all night, looking for that place Master Fung had mentioned. The place she could meet the Fire.

Opening the door slowly, arms aching, Kimiko stepped into the bright light that hid behind the large wooden door. Blinking, Kimiko covered her eyes with her arm, and stepped into the room. Floating in the bright white mist was a large patch of grass, and a large maple tree with red and orange leaves, standing proudly in the middle, the leaves floating down slowly, coating the floor.

Kimiko took another step forwards towards the tree, wondering where on Earth she was, gazing at the beautiful autumn colours. Something red shifted in the tree branches, but it was impossible to distinguish from the slowly falling leaves. Sitting down on the blanket of brightly coloured leaves, Kimiko watched the tree in silence, breathless from its simple beauty.

"Hello Young one." Kimiko looked up shocked, scanning the trees for the one who said that. Her heart started to pound in her chest, could it be? A red face appeared in the leaves, smiling at her. Gasping Kimiko stuttered,

"A-are you the D-dragoness of Fire?" The face smiled, irises filled with bright flames.

"That is what most call me." She moved slightly out of the tree, her long neck extending from the branches, scales shimmering in reds and oranges. From the back of her head, horns curled upwards slightly, their golden hue glistening in the bright light. Her front arms stretched from slender shoulders as her reptilian face looked at Kimiko, her underbelly a mix of orange and yellow. Her arms were coated in ash coloured scales, arranged so they looked like flames. Down her neck, back and tail were ash-coloured stripes, two dark lines under her eyes in the same ash colour. In the middle of her forehead was a diamond in the ash colour. Kimiko watched her tail flick out of the tree, whip like, the same ash coloured 'flames' coating it. Kimiko studied her for a moment, before suddenly replying, eyes filled with pity,

"Do you not have a real name?" The Fire narrowed her eyes slightly, fiery irises flickering uncertainly. A warm smile passed on her lips as she replied,

"I have been called many names in the past, but my most common name is Fire. However it is not my true name." Kimiko waited for her to carry on, thinking she was just pausing for effect, but she did not continue. Slightly impatient and eager to know more Kimiko questioned,

"Are you going to tell me that name?" The Fire smiled mischievously, a laugh lighting up her eyes,

"Not yet young one, not yet." Kimiko frowned for a moment before asking angrily,

"Do you have to call me 'young one'? I'm seventeen now." The Fire raised her brow and fixed Kimiko with a stare, tail flicking left to right slowly. Then it dawned on Kimiko.

"But you've been here since the beginning of the Earth, billions of years ago, so to you it seems like I'm young." The Fire huffed, shifting her weight slightly, looking extremely offended.

"I am not billions of years old. There is maybe a million or two involved, but not billions. You have a lot to learn young one." Kimiko scowled, crossing her arms, replying immaturely,

"Well fine, millions then, if you're so clever, why don't you give me a reason why you keep calling me young one." The Fire thought for a moment, hesitating, as if unsure whether or not to continue.

"It depends, who you ask and what you believe. Some may argue that you are a younger version of myself, while some may say you are a separate entity, but sharing a younger, more undeveloped version of my powers." Kimiko fell back, leaves exploding around her, spluttering frantically,

"So you are controlling me, You've been influencing my actions and controlling me!" The Spirit's eyes filled with hostility for a moment, flickering savagely like a rampant forest fire, before settling down, into a calm flicker.

"I have no idea, I am as clueless as you. I said it depends on whom you ask. There are people who think we are one, and there are people who don't. Everyone has different opinions." She shrugged, as if it didn't matter, tail dropping from the tree, swinging slightly; her red scaled head resting against a tree branch.

"But I shall tell you now, I have never wandered past those doors into your mind, and I never shall; unless in the direst of circumstances." Her voice was grave, her fiery pupils burning into Kimiko's skin as she stared at the girl. Kimiko smiled, and nodded.

"Thank you… That's, good to know…" They sat in silence, Kimiko contemplating how boring it must be, sat in this one little room for seventeen years, with only a maple tree for company. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, Kimiko saw a small, black spark crackling. Turning swiftly, Kimiko starred at it. It was not the only spark; there was a green, a grey and a blue one as well.

"What are they?" Kimiko asked quietly, pointing at them, voice wavering. The Fire smiled, exiting the tree's branches with grace, her tail swinging from side to side, her feet touching the floor silently, stepping towards the sparks; her hind legs painted with the same ash coloured flames.

"This part of your mind is less… protected than other areas, meanings any mind links you have with other people, are connected to this part of your mind. Those sparks are the links you share with your friends, the links of trust. If you were to touch them, there is a chance the link would strengthen and you would either hear your friend's thoughts, or enter their mind." Kimiko gasped and backed away from them, looking at the sparks intently. They seemed so fragile and frail, like they would break at any moment, yet they looked strong at the same time, like they would last for years.

"Do the colours represent their elements?" The Fire nodded slowly; looking over the sparks, knowing what Kimiko was getting at.

"Clay's is the green for Earth, Raimundo's is grey for Wind, Omi's is blue for Water, but why is Kaida's black for Bala-" The Fire clamped he tail over the girl's mouth, silencing her. Kimiko fumed silently, clenching her fists. Removing the tail slowly, starring at the girl with wide eyes, the Spirit whispered,

"Never refer to her as that in your mind. She must be the Dragoness of Zen to you." Kimiko looked at her in surprise, anger melting away.

"Why is that? Master Fung called her that, why can't I?" The Fire stayed silent, starring at the Spark intently.

"It is not my place to say…" Kimiko made a loud huffing noise and crossed her arms, starring at the black spark also.

"Why is it black?" She asked again, voice quiet. The Fire sighed.

"I do not know. It changes colour from black to white a lot." There was a silent pause.

"But there was one time, one time it was neither black nor white. It was the only spark there, and it shone like the sun." Kimiko's throat suddenly seemed to dry, as she whispered in a hoarse voice,

"When was this?"

"Four years ago." Kimiko glanced at the Spirit, and then back to the spark, which wavered uncertainly, before becoming a white colour, before returning to a black colour.

"Just before she was about to-"

"Come back. After her little, incident, with-"

"Chase Young." They were both silent, watching the sparks with wide eyes, both of their minds musing silently.

Omi sat up sharply, light breaking through the window above him, birds singing softly. Everything seemed so serene. He smiled. Then he frowned. Every morning it was the same, Kimiko's near silent breaths, Raimundo's quiet snorts and Clay's loud snores echoing in the room; these were the noises of a normal morning, ones Omi had lived with for three years. But this morning was different.

Heavy breath caught in a throat, rasping for oxygen, gasping for life. It choked on something, whimpers escaping a dry mouth, panic tensing the room. The scent of fear and blood seemed heavy in the air for a moment, an oppressive darkness coating Omi. He shivered. Tossing and turning, a creak of a mat, a name whispered in a hoarse voice, a slight scream silencing the serene calmness of the outer world. Suddenly it all stopped, ragged gasps, panting quietly, the movement of someone sitting up, the creak of a mat. There was a slight sigh; one filled with regret as a voice whispered the words, 'Oh God' and 'Not again'. Silently, listening intently, Omi came to the conclusion that, Kaida Balance had just had a nightmare.

He had not had a wide experience of nightmares, his mostly of squirrels and turning up at the ceremony to appoint his new rank, Grand Master, naked. The only other experience he had had with nightmares, was when Raimundo had rejoined the Xiaolin side, after defeating Wuya three years ago. Though Raimundo had had nightmares of blood, torture, betrayal and murder, he had not sounded as distressed in his sleep. Omi's brow furrowed. Yet another mystery connected to their new arrival.

There was the sound of mumbling and the clattering of a drawer opening. There was a fumbling with a clasp, the click of something opening. Omi slipped on his robes and edged away from his 'bedroom' and against the wall that separated his and Kaida's. Drawing closer he peeked in her section of the room and knocked on the wall. Kaida turned away from the mirror she was looking in, dropping the small boxes she had been holding, grabbing her quilt pulling it up against her. All Omi could now she of her, was her black and white hair, and a glint of her eye.

"Omi you scared me." Omi hung his head respectfully.

"I only wished to talk. I am sorry." He started to walk away slowly, mind buzzing silently when Kaida called out,

"Just give me a couple of minutes to get dressed ok?" Omi popped his head around the wall and nodded, smiling. He then disappeared again.

Kaida sighed, dropping the quilt quietly. She looked into the mirror, ignoring the glare of light from the window behind her. The sun was just rising, and the light spilled through the large window. It was low enough to the ground so if Kaida knelt down, she could prop her elbows comfortably on the ledge, giving her a perfect place to stare out the window and think.

She moved away her fringe slightly to look at her eyes. Dark black lines resided there, with no help from makeup. Shakily, Kaida picked up the small box she had been holding, and wiped the pale cream on her face, under her eyes. Makeup. She sighed. Remembering the time she had tried to use this cream to hide her scars, she was thankful it could remove the dark lines from under her eyes. At least lines of tiredness did not eat through the cream like the dark energy infected scars did.

She sighed again, as she looked at her self in the small mirror, putting down the pale coloured cream. The pale blue spaghetti style top clung to her loosely and she turned slightly to show her back. Instead of the fabric covering her back, it stopped at the sides, small thin threads holding it together. After the 'incident', Kaida had learnt that it was impossible to sleep with clothes covering her scars; the dark energy just ripped through them. Kaida could still remember the times when she would wake up with a hole in her pyjama back, shaped exactly like the winged, ornate cross, carved into her back. She looked back into the mirror and turned swiftly to the entrance of her 'room'. Rubbing her eyes she turned back, finishing up her makeup. She could've sworn she had seen a yellow head peak around the corner.

'First those nightmares and now I'm imagining things, it's official, I've snapped once again!'

Pulling on her black and white robes, she dressed quickly, brushing her hair and tossing the brush back, she left her 'room'. Omi stood there, waiting patiently, and smiled at her. She smiled back; thinking his face was sincere. If she had known him better, she would've known it was a fake smile he was putting on.

"Sorry about that, you wanted to talk?" Omi nodded and smiled, walking with her out of the door and into the dim corridor.

"I wish to apologise for the way I acted yesterday, I am most ashamed of myself." Kaida smiled.

"No, I should apologise. It was wrong of me to show off, I guess I'm just not used to having friends again. We cool?" She stuck out her hand, and Omi took it, his trademark big grin on his face.

"I do not know why we are cold but alright." Kaida laughed and pulled the monk into a gentle hug replying softly,

"I'll keep you warm Omi, that's what friends are for." Omi blushed and hugged back, grinning. If only Raimundo could see him now!

"Come, friend Kaida, let us grab some insect larvae before the others wake up!" Omi exclaimed, dragging Kaida away towards the kitchen. Kaida grimaced and replied,

"I really hope you mean grub…"

"And where have you two been?" Kimiko asked, snatching the milk from Raimundo and pouring it into her bowl of cereal. Kaida smiled as she and Omi walked into the busy room, Raimundo, Clay and Kimiko starting their daily routine. Omi grinned and led his new friend to the table, who winked at him, replying,

"We were just talking, it is of no importance." Kimiko gave them both a strange look before shrugging and asking,

"Kaida, are you going to sit down or just stare at the table all day?" Kaida looked up startled, a starry look in her eye. Voice dreamy she whispered,

"No morning jog?" Kimiko shrugged, looking bewildered before replying,

"No, not normally. Would you like a morning jog?" Kaida burst out laughing, seating herself with a grin.

"Are you crazy! Do you have any idea how long I've waited to escape that! I'm so happy! No more morning jogs! I could just hug something!" Raimundo grinned and was about to say something, when Kaida reached over towards Omi, who was nearest, and gave him an enormous hug.

"How do you like me now Raimundo! I do believe that's three girl hugs! How many have you received?" Raimundo shovelled the spoon into his mouth, mumbling something as the others laughed, watching Kaida beam as she poured cereal into her bowl.

"Where's Jack's bowl?" Kimiko asked, still giggling. Omi hung his head and frowned.

"When I tried to talk to him last night, he told me he was leaving. I have not seen him since. I am most ashamed, I could not make him stay…" Kimiko looked slightly disappointed mumbling a small 'Oh' before turning her attention to her cereal. Kaida raised her eyebrow. Suddenly, interrupting the Warriors' breakfast, a familiar voice called out,

"Who's leaving?" Red hair was half flopped to his pale, delicately freckled face and half stuck up awkwardly, in a half-hearted effort to spike it up. Goggles with spiral lenses were pulled on his forehead, lop sided. A black leather trench coat was shrugged over a Xiaolin Monk's uniform, mysterious black stains already smudged on the clean fabric. The black lines from under his eyes had disappeared, leaving only grey bags.

"Jack Spicer! I thought you left!" Kimiko cried out, standing up suddenly, pushing her chair from beneath her. Jack grinned and his eyes sparkled with that evil glint,

"Course you did baby." Kimiko smiled, then frowned. Glaring at the evil boy genius she snarled,

"Don't call me baby."

"As you all know, Chase Young could attack, or send others to attack, any time soon. So we must prepare. We must test your strength and skill and improve them before a fight commences. You are currently in no shape to battle demonic powers. But you all have strength, and I believe in you all." The warriors were stood stationary in a line, watching Master Fung as he paced up and down the training area. Raimundo stifled a yawn and continued to listen.

"We must build up your individual strengths, and the strengths you share as a team, and improve on things you are not perhaps as good as. There are many different qualities to a good team first of them being, being…" His voice trailed off as Dojo flew out of the nearest building, covered in soot, looking positively petrified.

"Master Fung! It wasn't my fault I swear! I was just making popcorn and, well," Smoke starting pouring through the windows of the building and fire flickered behind the shutters.

"I accidentally knocked over your incense candles… Hope it's not too much of a problem." Master Fung paled and sighed.

"Young warriors, please excuse me, I have some minor inconveniences to work out. I shall be back soon." He glared at Dojo and followed the dragon back into the smoking building.

"Does that guy ever stop talking?" Jack asked, smiling to himself as Kimiko giggled. Omi rolled his eyes and quietly turned to Clay who was trying to get Raimundo's attention.

"Raimundo? You there pal? You seem emptier than a bone yard!" Raimundo seemed to snap out of whatever trance he was in, blushing slightly. Clay continued asking him what was wrong, while secretly following his line of sight. Then Clay snorted.

"Rai? You gotta keep your eyes to yourself, she'll knock your head off faster than a hungry coyote!" Raimundo blushed furiously, punching his friend's arm savagely arguing back.

"Why what's he starring at?" Kimiko asked innocently. Clay chuckled and tipped his hat towards Kaida, who was completely oblivious to them all.

She was stretching, on her tiptoes, arms reaching for the sky. Then she was low on the ground, one leg stretched out, and the rest of her body compact. Then with a jump, she'd swap legs. Then she was bent down, touching her toes. Balancing in all sorts of positions, stretching, Kaida hummed quietly to herself, completely unaware that the others were looking at her.

"Ha! You were starring at her butt!" Jack burst out, laughing with Clay and Kimiko. Raimundo fumed furiously, blush reddening by the second. Omi just patted his leg gently, in an understanding way; but like Kaida, having no clue what was going on.

One arm was stretched high into the air, in a vertical line, one leg in a horizontal line, balancing on the other, and her other arm waving at the warriors, smile lighting up Kaida's face,

"Sorry guys, I just really get into my stretches. I guess it's a hab-" With a scream of surprise, Kaida was pushed over by some invisible force, and was sent crashing to the floor. The others immediately went into attack positions, eyes searching for some sign of someone being there. Coughing, startled, Kaida sat up slowly, fear clenching her stomach; it couldn't be. Suddenly she was on the floor again, a sharp pain in her stomach, as if someone had just kicked her down.

"Who's there!" Omi called out, watching Kaida being forced down violently by some invisible force. A silky smooth, yet sinisterly seductive voice chuckled before replying,

"But young Water Warrior, there is nobody there." Omi's eyes narrowed, there was the sound of something whooshing above him, and he had a strange sense of déjà vu. Before he even had time to react, there was a soft thump, which he could barely hear and that silky smooth voice whispered in his ear,

"There is somebody here." Omi spun around and kicked out, hoping to catch on something, but he didn't. Instead there was a chuckle as a figure merged out of the air, as if stepping out from behind an invisible door.

The metal wrapped around his shoulders, lower arms and lower legs was a shade darker than gold, the polished surface shinning in the morning sun. The rest of his armour alternated between olive green and black, trimmed in either the same darker shade of gold or blood red. He wore olive green gloves, and a red sash was tied around his waist; decorated with a yellow eye, a slit of black for a pupil.

He had a strong jaw line, his features chiselled finely into his face. His skin was pale, but clean and obviously well cared for. His face might've even looked relatively normal if it wasn't for the sharp points on his ears, and those bright orange eyes. There were filled with a fiery evil, an icy coldness, and they seemed slightly, vacant; as if he wasn't entirely all there. His hair was black and was swept up behind him in a breeze, a solitary bang hanging in front of his face, strange green highlights shining in the light.

He gave off the impression of a sophisticated man who obviously cared for himself. If he hadn't had attacked their comrade and gone entirely creepy on them, he might've made a good first impression on them.

"Chase Young! Get away from here!" Kaida shouted, blood dribbling from her lip and dripping down onto the cracked tiled floor. He smiled craftily, and flicked the other Xiaolin Monks out of his way, who had tried attacking him. He strode over to Kaida, leaving the monks in a muddled heap, picking up his 'princess' by the front of her robes and dangling her in the air.

"I called by your house but you weren't there my princess, I was starting to get worried." Chase hissed with mock sincerity. Kaida's faced paled more, crimson blood standing out ferociously against her ever-paling skin.

"If you've hurt them, I'll kill you." She whispered, anger and fear filling her words. Chase Young merely laughed, dangling her that little bit higher.

"But why would I hurt them? One of them is my own, remember!" Kaida looked away, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. Before saying anything, she kicked out furiously, with both feet, her attack connecting with Chase's chin, his head thrust back.

He turned back towards her, glaring poisonously at the teen, wiping his mouth with his free hand. Without warning, he crashed Kaida into the stone wall, earning gasps from the crumpled monks. Stones crumbled to the ground, cracks running across the wall and dust spiralling upward to the sky. Kaida coughed, trying not to look at the angry orange orbs, glaring vicious at her, and trying ignore to the grip that tightened on her robes and the enormous amount of pain that was spreading through her body. But she growled and forced her gaze forward, starring angrily straight into those orange irises. The pain she was feeling now was nothing like thehugequantitiesof pain she felt every night; all because of him.

Raimundo tried to sit up. Kaida was in trouble, serious trouble, and he couldn't even sit up! It was like some invisible force was pressing down on him, forcing him to the ground. He growled fiercely to himself. That creep had only flicked him, why couldn't he get up?

'Don't bother Young one, Chase Young will not let you up until he is done. Be glad he has no interest in killing any of you yet.' Raimundo growled louder, trying with all his might to force him self up, or summon the wind or do something! But like the Wind had just said, Chase Young would not let him up. All he could do was lie on the floor and listen to the other monk's protests, and watch Chase Young beat up Kaida. Raimundo hadn't felt this helpless in a long time.

"I'm sure we've had this discussion before my Princess, it would seem such a shame to, 'punish' you again. You can't hide much more of your skin now, can you?" His fingers ran down her arm, swirling around, exactly where her scars were. Her face clenched in pain, trying to ignore the burning sensation.She coughed, choking slightly, hands clenching his arm in a feeble attempt to move hisfist which now gripped her throat. She wondered if it would be worth kicking out again, but figured it'd be a lot less painful if she just let him do his thing.

Suddenly, once again without warning, Kaida found herself crashing back to the floor; Chase's fist still wrapped around her throat. Though now his fist held her delicately, and allowed her to breathe more. His face was neither smiling nor frowning, and unreadable mix of emotions, so vague, Kaida could not compute. She almost thought he was going to let her go. Almost.

"My darling, don't make me punish you, or your pitiful little friends. I will not hesitate next time." He pushed down on her throat, forcing her deeper and deeper into the cracked tiles, taking away her breath. He then stood up, towering above her, watching her squirm on the floor like a worm.

Kaida could feel the tears running down her face. She could feel her anger, her fear well up inside of her. She could feel the dark energy burning away at her skin. But none of that mattered. She could feel his gaze bore into her, and she knew he would stand by his word. He would hurt them like he had hurt her. Growling, she drew her sword, pointing it at his neck, engulfing the metal in a hazy black fire shouting,

"You ever touch them, and I will rip you limb from limb, do you understand!" It was more of a statement than a question, and Chase Young smiled down at her, ignoring the blade completely. Her eyes were filled with flames; her hands too, eyes narrowed and blood staining her porcelain skin. He smiled craftily and replied,

"You do look rather lovely today, the dribbling blood look suites you." Kaida growled, thrusting the sword nearer his neck, her arm stretching as far as it would stretch. He shook his head and sighed.

"Such ferocity, all wasted of course. You have no use on the Xiaolin Side, look at you. Your place is with me, and whether you admit it or not, you know it." He took Kaida's hand, some how avoiding her pointed blade, and pulled her up, kissing her hand softly in the process. Blushing, she pulled away, grimacing, holding the sword by her side. Chase sighed again and took her shoulder, pulling her closer,

"This is your last chance Kaida. Come with me, and there will be no need for war. No more fighting, no more battles, nothing. I will leave your friends, your family, and the world alone. Or else we can do this the hard way. Fight the battles, and loose the war. Either way you will end up by my side. What is your decision?" Kaida felt all eyes turn to her. She could end it all, no war, no fighting, no battles, no nothing. As she turned to the monks, looking at their lost and devastated expressions, they all knew that she was seriously considering it. Kaida's eyes turned to each and every one of them, eyes flitting from each warrior. She barely knew them, but she knew she had to protect them, it wouldn't be fair for them to be caught up in her battles. Going with Chase would keep them safe…

Then her eyes turned to Raimundo. He looked so sad, tears gathering in his eyes. He shook his head slowly, and mouthed the word 'no'. She felt tears gathering in her eyes. She couldn't do it.

Kaida pulled away from Chase, who looked mildly surprised, and turned away from him, shaking her head. The Xiaolin Monks started to cheer wildly, Chase Young frowning to himself.

"Very well Miss Balance, 'til the next time we meet, goodbye." He then disappeared in a cloud of dark purple smoke, which filtered into the atmosphere, disappearing. The monks got up quickly, heading towards their friend, cheering and congratulating her, but she pushed them away. Walking past them all, Kaida didn't look at them, eyes fixed to the floor, as she headed towards the sleeping quarters, ignoring the worried calls of her friends.

Just as they were about to follow after her Master Fung and Dojo exited the building they had entered, soot stains covering them, both looking slightly disgruntled. When they saw the state of the Training area, Master Fung took control quickly.

"Raimundo, Clay, Omi, who start work on cleaning up and repairing the training area! Jack, Kimiko, come over here and tell me exactly what happened and leave nothing out!" Jack and Kimiko came over immediately, Clay and Omi carrying out Master Fung's orders obediently. However Raimundo set off for the sleeping quarters, determined to find out what exactly was going on, fuelled by one thought;

'Be swift Raimundo, Kaida is planning to leave again.'