The Balance in Love, Lies and War
Chapter 12:
'Revealing to them Joy'
"The Shadow of Joy is much like it's Sister Shen Gong Wu, The Shadow of Fear, but there are many differences." Master Fung paused, taking another look back at the Shadow of Joy and then turning towards to the Warriors. "One of them being unlike showing your greatest fear, it shows the thing that would fulfil your dreams, your greatest joy. It can be used like the Shadow of Fear, meaning it will let the user into someone's dreams, but it can also be used to enter your own dreams and discover what you truly want." The Warriors stared at the Shen Gong Wu with mixed thoughts and feelings. It looked exactly like the Shadow of Fear except instead of an eagle perched on the small platform if was a crouching imp-like dog, it's ears pinned back against it's golden back, eyes red. It looked angrier than the eagle. "However this power must be used accordingly, we do not know of any other dangers this Shen Gong Wu possess. If you wish to use it, use it with caution and only on yourselves. If any one person uses it on someone other than themselves, they will be punished." The warriors nodded, understanding, getting up slowly.
"What do you want us to do Master Fung?" Omi asked, twiddling his fingers. It was roughly nine in the morning; the day after Kaida had been caught by Chase for a brief period of time. She still had not woken up. Master Fung thought for a moment before saying slowly,
"Go see if Kaida is awake. If she is then Clay may proceed in the obstacle course and we can continue your training. If she is not awake you may proceed with your chores." The warriors nodded glumly, setting off towards the hospital wing.
"Jack, what are you doing? I mean, you can't train with us, so what do you do all day?" Raimundo asked, hands in his pockets, eager to ease the tense silence. The Warriors still felt the blow of Dojo's words the day before. Jack looked at his electronic watch, other arm around Kimiko's shoulders and replied,
"Well I'm off training in an hour, I'm a completely different rank to you lot, not even a Xiaolin Warrior, I shouldn't even be allowed to go Shen Gong Wu hunting with you, but I have permission from Master Fung. Currently, I'm just a plain ordinary monk, but give me a year or so and I'll be an apprentice, then in another two or three years I'll be a… well, whatever comes after that." The other warriors nodded, happy for their new friend. Omi narrowed his eyes, looking at the red head, asking,
"May I ask you a question Jack Spicer?" Jack shrugged.
"Shoot." For a moment Omi looked confused before continuing,
"I have no gun, and do not wish to kill you, but I shall ask anyway. Are you an Kimiko an object?" Jack blinked a couple of times before it sank in, him and Kimiko laughing, blushing.
"Don't you mean an item?" Raimundo asked raising his eyebrows at the pair. He and Clay knew the answer, it was obvious, but they grinned to each other, awaiting their reaction.
"Yep, we're an item." Kimiko said proudly, giving Jack a quick peck on the cheek and then giggling, walking in front of the others. Jack turned his head round and winked at the others, moving his hand from her shoulders lower, and lower…
"Don't ever do that again!" Kimiko screeched, slapping Jack around the head and pushing him into the wall, storming off to Kaida's room. Clay and Raimundo burst into fits of laughter, Omi looking rather confused.
"Well, ya tried, I'll give ya that." Clay snorted, fanning himself with his hat, trying to stop laughing, clapping Jack on the back, who pouted. Raimundo had stopped laughing and was trying to explain to Omi why Kimiko had reacted like that. After a while, Omi simply shrugged and said,
"Your world of romance is too complicated for my liking." Raimundo sighed and let him walk on; hands once again shoved in his pockets, watching Jack run after Kimiko.
'That could've been me y'know. With Kimiko I mean, not running after her like a dork. Maybe if I hadn't have been such a jerk we'd still be together…' Raimundo said, talking to the Wind. He felt the Spirit think for a moment, and could almost hear a rustle of fur, which seemed slightly odd to the Brazilian.
'But what would've happened if you were still with Kimiko, but you felt that way about Kaida, her best friend?' Raimundo gulped, wincing, imagining the burning and the pain already.
'Good point, lets not talk about that anymore.' The Wind chuckled and Raimundo couldn't help but smile. It also made him wonder what the Spirit actually looked like…
"Raimundo, Kaida's room is over here, where are you going?" Omi asked, calling out to Raimundo. Cursing under his breath Raimundo walked back and shrugged, his insides twisting.
Much to the Warriors' surprise, Kaida was sat up, scowling to herself, grey eyes distant and straight hair messy. In a pile on the bedside desk her black monk robes were piled up, a slight heat haze covering them while Kaida was once again wearing a red and black monk's uniform and looking furious about it.
"Kaida, how are you?" Raimundo asked softly, sitting beside her. Kaida jolted slightly, as if suddenly awoken from a daydream and scowled.
"I'm fine." Raimundo smirked. She was lying. Kimiko sat herself on the other side of Kaida, Jack resting his palm gently on her shoulder.
"Is that gash closed up?" the girl asked, blue eyes filled with concerned. Kaida looked like she was about to laugh.
"No. Yes. Very, very, slowly. It itches. What happened after I was out?" Clay, Omi, Jack and Kimiko filled her in quickly about everything, including the Shadow of Joy and Dojo's angry words. Kaida nodded silently, noting the Brazilian hadn't said another word. She took one of his hands gently, and said to everyone,
"I'll meet you down in the training grounds, I need to get a different robe, I won't be too long." They nodded, Kimiko giving her a quick hug, Clay and Omi wishing her well and when Raimundo got up to leave, Kaida's grasp on his hand strengthened and he sat back down. Making sure they were alone, Kaida moved closer to Raimundo, taking his face into her gloved hands, her visible eye gazing into his.
"What's wrong?" She whispered, kissing his cheeks softly, one by one, left first, right second. He smiled, taking hold of her hands gently, stroking her fingers with his thumbs.
"I'm just glad you're ok."
'But I know you're lying.' Kaida smiled.
"I'm fine, just annoyed. And itchy."
'And absolutely terrified, and sick of these nightmares.' Raimundo smiled back.
They sat in silence a moment longer, keeping their thoughts to themselves, before Kaida kissed his lips gently and left the white sheets of the hospital bed grinning.
"You think I could ask for my name to be put on the door? I seem to spend enough time in here." He laughed gently, taking her hand and kissing it softly, sending a shiver down both their spines.
"Lets hope not much more time though." Raimundo said, laughing. Inside he silently pleaded.
"I'm sorry baby." Jack whispered into Kimiko's ear, stopping her in her tracks. Pushing him away, annoyed, Kimiko retorted,
"Don't call me that Jack." Jack bit his lip desperately, knowing he had to do something before she walked off in a huff.
"Listen, Kimi, I'm really sorry-" Kimiko turned around facing him and Jack almost jumped back, fiery anger filling her gaze,
"Stop saying sorry! You're so pathetic I swear!" Jack scowled, crossing his arms, mumbling,
"Better pathetic than a stuck-up stress head." Kimiko shook her head in disgust and muttered,
"Why did I ever want you?" Jack froze, anger emptying from his gaze, replaced with shock and horror and sadness.
"What did you just say?" He whispered.
"You heard me." Kimiko said, eyes looking away from Jack, regretting what she had said.
"What did you just say?" he repeated, hands shaking violently. Kimiko did not bear to look at him, turning away while she whispered,
"Why did I ever want you?" When she turned back, he was gone. Kimiko bit her lip.
'What have I done…?' She whispered to herself, not comforted by the Fire's reply of,
'Something very, very cruel.'
It was noon, which meant they all retired to the Dining Hall for lunch, much to the warrior's relief. Clay had finished the obstacle in twelve minutes and thirty seconds and had not cheated once, meaning they were now on stage two of the obstacle course.
Once again they were sent down into the depths and to their horror, there were extra sections. The first two were basically the same, except there were; more axes; more swords; less bamboo; and the steps at the very beginning were steeper and randomly turned into a slide. So unless the person travelling down gripped the wall with both feet and hands, they were plunged into the depths.
On section three, the doors were different and the first one the Warriors had to jump through led them to a slimy pit that tried pulling them down into its depths. There was no light and swimming was nearly impossible, the slime so thick they could barely wade through. Kaida had freaked out on this section drastically, blasting dark and light energy in every direction, not caring about cheating. After this it led to a section that was burning hot and visibility was poor, bright lights shinning from the ceiling. They had to crawl along the sandy floor quickly, explosions going off all around them, and whether they were real or simply sounds, they still vibrated through the Warriors' bodies as they scrambled across to the door. Omi had frozen on this section, curling up into a ball, not moving until the explosions had stopped.
After exiting this section they were rejoined into section three again, except this time the fire burned quicker. The door they threw themselves into this time was not the sludgy lake they had to swing themselves across. This section was pitch black and each Warrior was attacked by strange metal things that rushed over them, either until all the things were defeated or the Warrior fell into the hole that was the passageway into the fourth and then fifth section.
The Warriors sat in silence, grumpy, beaten, sore and covered in slime and dust and dried blood. Their friends sat around them, trying to force a laugh or a smile out but not even Daiuske's grin could lift up their frowns.
'How can he stay so happy when…' Kaida thought to herself, the Zen sighing. Neither of them knew.
"Oh Kimiko! I have a message for you from your boyfriend!" Daisuke said cheerily, and rather loudly. Kimiko blushed as all the people on the large table turned to look at her.
"Boyfriend? It's not Rai again? Sorry Kaida, just kidding!"
"Kim you tease, you said I'd be next! Heh, Joking, of course." The table exploded with comments such as this until Daisuke held up his hand for silence. Kaida noted that even though some of these boys were, at the most, six years older than him, they all silenced. Kaida also noted that apart from herself and Kimiko, they were the only girls sitting on the table. Daisuke grinned, leaning over to Kimiko and whispered into her ear,
"Jack says to meet him in the Main Hall at nine." Kimiko nodded and concentrated on her dinner, ignoring the other boy's comments. She felt her heart twist with disappointment. Jack was not coming for Lunch.
'Look at her face, do you reckon she's gonna be needing some comfortin'?' Clay asked the Earth, looking at Kimiko's worried face. He had often asked the Earth for advice, anxious so as not to miss the time when his friends would need a 'rock'. The Earth shook his large head replying,
'I not think that. Jack show traits of great man, kind man, met before. Twice before. Two men, great men. Kind men.' Clay nodded his head, smiling. He had got used to the strange way the Earth talked; in fact, sometimes it was a relief to hear his voice speak in such a strange way.
'Who would that be?' The Earth smiled.
'Son of fire witch and enemy of great. Kiyoshi, son of Wuya and Chase Young.' Clay was so shocked by his answer he spat out what he was drinking at the time, covering Daichi who sat across from him. Apologising quickly to his friend Clay asked,
'Are you kidding me? Chase Young, Wuya's son?' The Earth shook his head and sighed, replying,
'I tell you when you be less… spity.'
The afternoon passed slowly, the Warriors going back into the dreaded obstacle to try and improve their abysmal times; which nobody did. Not even Omi could take pride in his efforts. They were then sent off to do their individual chores, their head's hanging. Dinner passed slowly as well, the Warriors too tired to partake in conversation and too tired to clear up after themselves.
It was eight in the evening, sun nearing the horizon, and none of the Warriors had any idea what to do. Kimiko noted that Jack had not joined them for dinner. Maybe he was eating it with his own group, since he wasn't a Xiaolin Warrior. The thought saddened her.
'I thought you were mad at him, and didn't know why you wanted him? Why so sad?' The Fire asked her, and Kimiko was sure she could detect a hint of smugness, one that had been there on the night of the Meeting of Truth.
'I guess I didn't think…' Kimiko said wistfully. The Fire nodded.
'No, you didn't. But we all make mistakes. If he likes you as much as he acts like he does, he'll understand.' Kimiko nodded, hope renewed slightly. Why had she been mad at him in the first place?
"He put his hand on your ass, don't you remember?" Raimundo said loudly, Clay snorting. Kimiko blushed, realising she had said that last part out loud. To save her from further embarrassment, Kaida took her best friend on a walk around the temple, telling her about the night before, meeting Chase and the strange reflection in her sword.
"That's seriously strange… What do you think it meant?" Kimiko asked. Kaida shrugged, obviously troubled.
"If I knew I wouldn't be asking you." Their meeting ended on a slightly sour note, Kimiko recognising Kaida was in a foul mood, and that it was five to nine, leaving her friend quickly, rushing towards the Main Hall. She got there at two minutes to nine and stood patiently, nodding to the odd student, monk or warrior who passed. Those two minutes seemed to pass like an age.
"Follow me." said a quiet voice, and when Kimiko turned, it was Jack's, and he led her towards a door. Suspicious, Kimiko waited for him to open it, sure it would simply be a cupboard. But it wasn't. He opened the door slowly revealing a metallic staircase with grey walls. As she walked down the staircase, Kimiko uttered in a soft voice,
"Jack, where are we?" They were in a large square room, with a bathroom connected next to it. The walls were a dull metallic grey and there was machinery everywhere. The floor was made up of black tiles that were edged by a pulsing blue glow, lighting up the room eerily. On the wall facing the stair there were roughly ten computer screens that were connected to the wall, wires everywhere, hard drives and floppy disks and three different keyboards scattered all over the place. In front of the computers was a huge white desk, taking up most of the space in the room, littered with screwdrivers, spanners, nuts, bolts, unfinished inventions and ones that Jack had begun to take apart. There was a large whiteboard where ideas and designs had been scribbled and crossed out, and huge mounds of paper were piled up here and there. Different tools and parts were hooked to the wall and there were several large cupboards. Kimiko had no doubt that they had been filled with more robot parts. Underneath the staircase was a small hammock containing a pillow and blanket, a book lying on the floor, bookmark sticking out and wardrobe beside it. The sleeping area was lit by a pale white light, the bathroom a bright white, while the rest of the room was lit by a pale blue light, one which pulsed gently, much like the floor tiles.
Jack did not answer Kimiko's question, simply walking down the stairs, pulling off his trench coat and hanging it on the wall and picking up an object on the white work table. Kimiko gasped and saw it was the Shadow of Joy.
"Use it, I don't want to be in this relationship anymore if you can't think of why you want me." His voice was low, eyes looking at her, but not into her own baby blues. Kimiko could tell he was on the verge of tears.
"Jack listen, I'm sorry about this morning I didn't mean-"
"You said it yourself Kimiko, 'Why did I ever want you' now take the Shen Gong Wu!" She stepped back. More pleadingly, looking away from the girl with shinning eyes he whispered, "Take the Shen Gong Wu, please?" Kimiko blinked before taking the Shen Gong Wu from his outstretched arms, stepping closer towards him. Putting the magical object back onto the desk she cupped his face in her hands, wishing he would look at her, surprised to find tears trickling from her eyes.
"I know what I want Jack. I want you. I'm sorry for how I acted this morning, It's just... things have been so… difficult with… Kai, Chase…" He smiled, wrapping his arms around her tightly, burying his head into her soft hair, knowing exactly what she meant. She nuzzled against his warm chest, listening to his heart beat and knew that she could easily fall asleep, listening to the rhythmic pumping of the organ that kept her… boyfriend alive. It still felt strange on her tongue, 'boyfriend' and she thought back to the times when she would've never thought she'd say that word when speaking about Jack. Kimiko was very glad those days were over.
Time seemed to slow as he kissed her forehead gently, kissing her hair lovingly, his kisses falling onto her like soft rain. She felt a tingle rush through her body; her heart fluttering as it beat in time with his.
Before she knew it, they were snuggling together in the hammock, pressing their hands together, fingers spread out, laughing softly to each other. As he closed his fingers around her hand, Jack kissed each one of her knuckles and a warm tingle spread through Kimiko's body. She snuggled into his warm chest, hearing his heart beat gently in his ribcage. With a final soft kiss, they drifted off in each other's arms, Kimiko kissing him once more before whispering,
"I want you Jack Spicer…"
Neither of them saw the figure creep into Jack's new home and take the Shadow of Joy from the table and silently stalk away.
"Are you sure this will work child?" the Zen asked nervously. Kaida nodded excitedly in reply.
"It should start any minute- Zen? Where are you?" Kaida asked, looking around her. She was in the Temple courtyard, sun high in the sky and there where cherry trees everywhere, their blossom littering the floor and filling the air with a sweet scent. As people walked by, they waved, smiling, happy, most coupled off, looking like they were about to burst from happiness. Most were wearing casual clothes, jeans, T-shirts, instead of their usual uniform. Kaida was wearing a simple pink T-shirt and dark blue jeans and her black hair was tied back in a ponytail, her fringe moved aside slightly so it revealed most of her left eye. Her scars were not hidden.
Clay walked past her, holding the hand of a thin red head with bright blue eyes, holding a bouquet of red roses, blushing as brightly as the roses she held. The cowboy winked at Kaida and grinned leading the girl away from the courtyard and into the gardens. As Kaida carried on walking, smiling brightly, she saw Omi in the distance talking to a petite girl, an inch smaller than him with rosy cheeks and dark brown hair that hung to her jawbone. She smiled warmly and gave the small warrior a hug and Omi grinned exclaiming,
"A girl hug!" Kaida laughed softly to herself, watching the girl blush while Omi just grinned and grinned.
Moving on Kaida walked past Kimiko and Jack who talked quietly while walking slowly, holding hands with bashful expressions on their faces. She then passed Daisuke who waved, walking along with two adults; a black haired man with dull grey eyes, eyes that seemed alive again; and a woman with crimson eyes, white skin and white hair, who beamed brightly. She had no doubt those were his parents. Kaida felt like bursting with happiness. All of her new friends were happy…
In the distance she saw her mother and father waving at her, having a cup of tea with Master Fung, other monks from both temples having conversations with each other; all smiling or grinning.
Then she saw Raimundo.
He was stood alone, at the end of the path, the Cherry trees lining the way to walk. He smiled softly and Kaida felt her heart set ablaze with love. She ran into his arms and he picked her up and spun her round, both of them laughing, before kissing her ever so softly on her shinning lips. Putting her down on the ground, one hand cupped her cheek, the other arm around her waist, he whispered into her ear,
"Kaida, I love you…" She looked up at him with shinning eyes and slowly their lips touched. Then the dream went black.
Kaida felt her whole body groan in disappointment, every bone, muscle, and every drop of blood longing to be back in that dream kissing Raimundo. With a sudden start Kaida was stood in the dream again, but it was a very different dream.
She was still in the courtyard, cherry trees everywhere, the soft scent filling the air, but this time it was evening and everyone was dancing. Kaida felt her own body swaying in time with the music that sounded loudly through the temple, unable to resist its call. She watched hips sway, arms twirl around dance partners, feet move in a blur and Kaida realised everyone looked different.
Kimiko was wearing a dress that clung to her body, a deep purple in colour and purple shoes with heels like knives. Her hair cascaded down, curled at the end slightly. Jack danced with her, hands on her swaying hips, wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a red tie, black jeans that were ripped at the knees, and studded bracelets on his wrists. His face was not plastered in white makeup but the black mascara had made a come back. Kimiko leaned back, Jack holding on tightly, his right hand moving from her hip to her back. Kaida bit her lip and forced herself to look away, watching everyone in this strange and different new style, looking out for her friends. Then her heart stopped.
Raimundo was dancing with a stunningly pretty blonde haired girl, wearing a dark denim skirt and a top that was low cut and had thin straps criss-crossing her back. Her hair was short and feather light, small bangs falling into her face. Her black leather ankle boots shone in the light of the lamps that glowed in the trees. Kaida took a step back, wobbling slightly, realising suddenly that she too was dressed differently. Looking down at herself, Kaida did not see the Kaida she knew. She saw a different Kaida, a darker Kaida.
Her dress was black and the top half was like a silk corset, black with red thread and trimmings, laced up tightly at the back in such a way that the laces criss-crossed against bare skin, exposing her spine, her scar; pushing out her chest more than Kaida would've liked. The rest of the dress was made out of the same black silk with red thread and trimmings, a split starting from the very top of her leg and ending where the dress ended, just below her knees. There was an identical split on the other leg as well. Overall, Kaida felt rather exposed. Covering her hands were elbow length gloves of black silk and Kaida was glad that she was still covering up something. On her left hand there was a delicate silver bracelet, one her father had given her years before. It was one part of the outfit Kaida did recognise. On her feet she wore black leather boots that ran up to her knees and laced up at the front, the heels high. Her hair was down and it felt soft and light under Kaida's touch. Kaida did not need a mirror to know her eyes were darkened with mascara and eyeliner, lips ruby red. To complete the outfit, there was a black velvet choker around her neck and a pendant dangling down. Attached to it was a golden eye, one very similar to the one on Chase's armour; too similar to be a coincidence. Chills were sent down her spine.
'What the Hell…?' Kaida whispered to herself, walking through the crowd, trying to get to the other side. It was to no avail though, soon the music engulfed her system and Kaida found herself dancing, hips swaying with the music, arms above her head, eyes closed. She knew not of the time, or of the people around, only of the music and it's hypnotising affect. It set Kaida's senses on fire and she danced with passion, throwing her head back, hips swaying faster, neck exposed. Suddenly it stopped and Kaida realised the spotlight was on her and everyone had stopped dancing, taking steps away from her. In front of her, sat in a golden throne, was Chase Young and Kaida felt her body moving on it's own accord towards him.
He wore a black short sleeved shirt, three buttons undone exposing his muscled chest. He wore black jeans and sat with his arms on the armrests, leaning back, smirking, orange eyes sparkling in the shadows of his face. As Kaida moved towards him, she felt her hips still swinging, her steps slow and graceful, and his eyes were watching her carefully. She eyed him with a hungry look, gaze settling on his eyes before skimming over the rest of him, pausing at his lips, returning to his eyes. Those orange orbs fascinated her and she felt privileged she was being looked upon by them.
'Seriously, what the Hell?' Kaida thought to herself, more panic in her voice when she realised she was no longer in control of the dream or of herself. Her heart pounded in her chest wildly; but whether it was from dancing, fear or something else, she could not tell.
She reached the throne and Chase moved his arms, letting Kaida sit across his lap, her legs dangling off the armrest. There was silence as Kaida felt her arm move upwards, gloved fingers brushing against his smooth cheek, running through his silky mane. He smiled, orange irises focussing on her and her alone.
"My Princess." His voice was strong, powerful and seductive. It made her insides melt and strange feelings well up inside of her, heart pumping faster and faster in her chest.
"My Prince." was Kaida's reply and even her voice sounded different, darker, powerful, and seductive… One of his arms held her waist gently before a single finger traced down her spine, making Kaida's back arch back in tingling delight. His other hand ran its fingers through her hair before stroking her cheek gently. The touch sent shivers through her whole body.
Their bodies were closer now, chest pressing against chest and Kaida's heart pounded in her ribcage, adrenaline rushing through her. She felt Chase's breath against her skin and tasted a sharp tang of mint, one that made her ruby lips part.
If he was feeling what she was then he did not show it, his fingertips dancing along the bottom of her back, making her skin tingle, his other hand stroking her hair. Each tiny notion sent another wave of joyful chills and delightful shivers running through her.
"My Queen." He said softly, voice still containing that power, that seduction. Kaida felt like melting again, one hand still stroking his mane of midnight black hair with beautiful green tints, the other hand gripping his shoulder tightly. Their faces moved closer, noses touching gently and Kaida felt her eyes half close.
'What's happening!' Kaida asked herself, voice filled with panic. She did not like the fact she was having this dream, nor that part of her enjoyed it.
"My King." Kaida whispered, breath and heart accelerating, Chase's grip on her waist suddenly tightening, orange eyes filled with something. His face and her face moved slightly and slowly, their eyes closing just as their lips were about to touch.
'This is NOT supposed to happen!' Kaida yelled at herself, who did not listen, her lips touching Chase's. In that one moment Kaida felt fireworks and stars explode in her head and behind her eyes, tingles shooting through her body and as suddenly as the dream had started it stopped.
Sitting up, gasping, panting, Kaida looked around her. She was back in her cubicle, safe. No Chase, no corset dress, no… Kaida shivered as the last of the chills and tingles rushed through her, heart still pumping wildly fast from that rush of adrenaline. She looked down at the Shadow of Joy that was cradled in the crook of her arm and gulped.
"That must've been a nightmare, there's no way…" But her scars were not burning, for the first time not even aching and Kaida could've sworn she saw the Shadow of Joy wink at her. Kaida threw the object down, unbelieving, scared and shocked. The teenager wished more than anything she hadn't picked up that accursed Shen Gong Wu; she would've much rather not known, new troubles, doubts and fears wandering her mind.
'Oh… dear…' Was the Zen's only contribution.
"What the Hell?" was Chase's only reaction. He looked at Athanasius who smiled at him, fangs pointing from under his silhouetted lip.
"I told you, I made some modifications." Chase Young looked disappointed.
"So that was just a dream?" Athanasius laughed, grinning.
"No. That was real. The only modification I made was that if the Zen Dragoness used the Shen Gong Wu, you would see what she saw. And you did." Chase looked at him with disbelief.
"How do I know you didn't tamper with it?" Athanasius looked at him coldly.
"Look into my eyes and ask me again." Chase flinched but reluctantly looked directly into those crimson eyes and asked,
"Did you tamper with what Kaida Balance would see?" Athanasius simply said,
"No." Truth. Chase stepped back and turned away, hope daring to flare within him. Fragments of the dream flashed in his mind, bringing shivers down his spine. If that would make his Princess happy then he'd have no choice but to obey. Obey with much delight and passion. He turned back to Athanasius, small smile illuminating his pale face.
"We battle tomorrow."
A/N: Disclaimer: I do not own Xiaolin Showdown or it's characters.
Other: If you want to send me hatemail, go you. I love this chapter and nothing you say will ever change that. It gives me tingles when I read it. I know that's sad but it does. (Kai is a luck cow! (So is Kim!))
Now the question is, do we trust Athanasius, or do we not? (Ha ha, I know, I know!
I don't know who Omi's with, she just random. (And in this Fic he grew a little, so no, she is not an ant) The girl Clay is with is called Clover from my story My Name Is Clover. It had absoloutely nothing to do with BLLW. The girl Raimundo is with is not random and will be apparing ;)
In other news chapter 14 the war begins. Chapter 13 is awesome. No fighting, but there is armour. Oh Aye. Armour. None of those whacky blue things they get in the series. Proper armour. I designed it :D
Anyway, thank you very much for reading and any suggestions, comments or critques will be most welcome! (in other words, R&R please :D)