The Balance in Love, Lies and War
Chapter 13:
'Waiting for the End'
"But what 'bout when you said Chase was evil, slippery and tough and stuff. You weren't calling him kind then. Why now?" Clay asked anxiously. The Earth smiled to himself, munching on a pile oak tree leaves, replying
"Because Chase of present bad, Evil. Chase of long, long time ago good. Before Demon King, Chase Young kind, honourable." Clay nodded, twiddling a thin stick in between his hands.
"So what 'bout this Kiyoshi fella? Never heard o' Wuya having a son 'fore." The Earth carried on munching away happily.
"Deep secret. I not be there exactly, watched memories from… elsewhere. Moment… had to be there." Clay smiled and leaned against his friend chuckling.
"I'm guessing I'm not ready to know and Master Fung will tell us later?" The Earth blinked, opening his mouth to talk this time.
"Not be my place to tell." Clay chuckled again to himself, patting the dragon gently on his side, watching the tree branches sway. Suddenly Clay looked up, hearing something in the distance, something from the real world, outside of his mind. Grabbing his hat, he said a quick goodbye to the Earth and departed.
"Hello? Spirit of Water, are you here? I've heard you once, you can't be gone, hello?" Omi called out looking around curiously. He was walking into a room filled with thick white fog covering the floor, in the middle an island covered in bright green grass, a Weeping Willow tree watching over a small lake. "Hello? Talk if you are alive!" Omi called out again, looking around for a dragon of some sort. "Are you small? Is that why I cannot see you?" Suddenly a large blue head rose out of the water and said in a drawling tone.
"Please shut up now." Omi jumped back, eyes wide with awe.
The dragon was blue in colour and his scales shimmered, water dripping down them. On his snout there was a dark blue crest, pointed at the tip like a hawk's beak. Horns that swerved upwards before curling down at the tip thrust out the back of his head, silver in colour, tinted with metallic blue. A large sail like green fin nestled between these horns, a similar fin underneath his chin, connecting to his neck. As the dragon lifted itself out of the water, he seemed to resemble a horse, legs thicker and stockier however, hands and feet webbed. Another large fin travelled down his spine, ending at the tip of his tail where there was a large blue-green tail fin. His underbelly was a silver colour and there were patches of light blue dappling his back and legs. Amazed, Omi exclaimed,
"You are most magnificent!" The Water smiled.
"Why yes, I suppose I am." Omi grinned, sitting down beside the lake, his small fingers trailing through the water.
"I suppose now you can tell me much of your wisdom, and help me become stronger and wiser!" Omi exclaimed. The Water grinned.
"Rule number one; never be taken by surprise." Suddenly the dragon splashed Omi, drenching him, laughing. Omi grinned, splashing him back, laughing as well.
Suddenly a muffled, high-pitched scream pierced Omi's mind. Alarm bells.
Raimundo walked along the corridor proudly, whistling to himself. At the end of the dimly lit corridor was a large wooden door, and Raimundo knew where it led to. Pacing his walk faster, eager to get through the door, the Brazilian thought to himself,
'I wonder what he looks like…'
Suddenly a high pitched scream filled his mind and cursing, Raimundo realised he had been woken up. However, the scream had not gone and he realised it was the alarm. Scrambling up, Raimundo panicked thinking Chase was attacking and Kaida was in grave danger…
Kaida didn't have to get up to know that Chase was near by. She didn't even have to open her eyes. But she did both things, as there was no point in trying to sleep; especially if Chase was near by. Not that she'd ever sleep again after that horrifying dream. The alarm was ringing shrilly, but Kaida ignored it. Everything seemed… different. Everything she saw through her pale grey eyes looked different, even her pallid reflection looked different. She didn't feel like Kaida anymore, she had no idea who she was. Everything….
'Everything feels like a lie… including myself…' She thought miserably to herself, fighting off her tears. Perhaps none of this was worth it, maybe she might just give in to Chase, just give it all up as apparently that's what she wants to do… 'But what about Rai…?' Kaida had to stop pulling on her robe, hands shaking, eyes watering. What was she going to do? Nose pink, eyes red rimmed and hands still shaking Kaida finished getting dressed, combing her fingers through her hair quickly. She did not cover up the dark grey bags and lines under her eyes. Sniffing quietly, Kaida tiptoed down the silent corridors, grey eyes watering. She thanked God silently it was a dark night, moon barely shining in the cloud filled sky making the temple nearly pitch black inside.
Her shoes padded noiselessly against the courtyard floor. Multicoloured lanterns hung from the roofs giving out a warm light. The scent of cherry lingered in the air as the light pink blossom created a path leading out of the main gates of the temple. Kaida shivered. The night was warm. Everything was quiet. There was a strange tension in the air. If Kaida closed her eyes she could almost hear the music, feel the rhythm in her veins, feel the touch of… Shaking herself, she walked slowly down the Cherry Blossom path, the Zen shivering slightly as well. She continued to walk.
What waited for her took her beyond the temple walls. The path of Cherry blossom did not stop. Kaida continued walking down it, heat pounding in her chest, fear welling up inside. The dream still dominated her thoughts, the Shadow of Joy's knowing red eyes haunting her. This path of blossom, the lanterns, the soft, warm night air; it was all too much to be a coincidence. Though she could think of no way it was possible, Kaida had a horrible, terrifying suspicion Chase knew what the Shadow of Joy had showed her only hours before. 'It has to be a coincidence… right?' She asked herself nervously.
'Lets hope so…' Was the Zen's only grave reply.
"Where's Kaida?" Master Fung asked calmly, though his icy blue eyes gave his panic away. Raimundo looked around groggily, squinting slightly in the light of the lanterns that illuminated the courtyard with their gentle light. Jack had one arm wrapped around Kimiko protectively, though he shivered in fright. Omi and Clay looked nervous, grouchy and slightly uncomfortable.
"She should be here, she's not in any of the cubicles…" Kimiko's voice carried off into the wind. It wavered and shook, filled with sleep. Her fingers intertwined with Jack's cold hands, seeking comfort, seeking sanctuary. Jack felt a lump rise in his throat. With tired eyes he saw the breeze lift some of the cherry blossoms into the air, crimson irises watching the flowers. Kimiko followed his gaze and her heart skipped a beat.
"Smoke." The others turned to her. "Smoke." She repeated again, pointing to where the Cherry Blossoms led. Indeed, a plume of smoke spiralled up against the horizon, barely visible against the black sky. Only glowing embers that spat up high, illuminating the smoke's thin and wispy edges were seen by the warrior's weary eyes. Every muscle in Raimundo's body tightened. He did not need to be running at a sprint and coming to wild conclusions to know that Kaida was in danger. But he found himself doing both anyway.
"So this is what I have to do to get your attention now is it?" Chase said smoothly, watching Kaida watch him with blank, grey eyes. Or, watch the dancing flames as they flickered. Kaida did not reply, watching the fire burn into the grass. Chase smiled, a small smile that held a glint of smugness in, putting his hands on his hips mockingly. "Ignoring me my Princess? How rude." Kaida's eyes snapped into focus, as if stepping out of a daydream.
"Why?" Her voice was full of confusion and fear. He smiled again, disappearing momentarily and appearing in front of her, in front of the dancing fire. His hand reached out and gently touched her face, his smile no longer containing that hint of smugness.
"My Princess, I would've thought it was obvious." She froze, unable to tell what she was feeling; panic rushing through her, tears welling in her eyes as they welded shut. His hand felt warm against her face and her eyes scrunched together tighter. Her hands clenched to fists. His voice was soothing, quiet; not his usual smooth and seductive, powerful voice.
"Perhaps you'd like to reconsider my proposal. Maybe the Heylin side is more tempting than you think." Kaida caught the tang of mint, one that was sharp and ice cold, contrasting strongly with the smell of ash and fire. Kaida's eyes snapped open. He was gone. But the mint still lingered and with a shock, Kaida realised she had smelt that mint, no… tasted that mint before. It was the same mint in…
'It can't be a coincidence can it?' She asked, desperate for reassurance. The Zen could not answer.
When Raimundo found Kaida she was huddled on the floor, fire already dying down. Breathing in deep gulps of air, spluttering on the ash, Raimundo picked up Kaida slowly, her body a lightweight rag doll in his arms. Her head slumped against his chest and he could faintly feel her heart beat. Her face was red and worn, dark grey lines under her visible eye, nose pink and a small frown painted on her lips.
His olive eyes stared towards where the dying fire was, scowling. Taking a couple of steps back Raimundo realised that spelled out in the grass, marked by ash and soot and blacked, burnt grass, was;
'It starts tomorrow, noon. You have three days to defeat my army. You know what must happen when you lose. In the gorge outside my lair, that is where your war will be.' Just as Raimundo had finished reading them, they scrambled around and turned into a new message.
'My offer still stands, my Princess… I wouldn't want death to be on your conscience when you join my side, my Queen…' Raimundo felt himself shake with anger. Carrying Kaida away from the dimming fire, he wished with all his burning rage that he could just carry her away from Chase and his wicked words forever…
"Armour? Seriously, we're actually getting proper armour?" Raimundo asked, before stifling a yawn. The morning had come too quickly for all of them. Dojo sighed slightly before rubbing his dropping eyes.
"Yep, real armour." Nothing else was said on the subject. Conversation was pointless. No one could think of anything to say. Even Omi stayed silent. They were all caught up in their thoughts.
'Do you really think she's alright?' Clay asked the Earth, light blue eyes darting over to Kaida. The girl walked slowly, her feet dragging on the floor, head bent down, hair covering her face. She had not said a word.
'Warriors of Zen never alright. Just good liars.' Clay could not help but feel his stomach twist. There was something going on with Kaida, something none of them knew about…
'We don't stand a chance do we?' Kimiko asked the Fire desperately, cringing at the sudden anger that flared up.
'And why can you not defeat Chase and his Elemental puppets? You are stronger, faster and more intelligent! Do you not trust yourself and your friends? They need your trust in this war!' Kimiko hung her head.
'I trust them…' She only hoped they could trust her as well.
'I am… fearful of this battle… I am afraid…' Omi whispered to his Spirit. The Water smiled slightly.
''Good, if you were not you'd be a fool. Listen, Chase is no idiot. He knows, this time, if he kills one of you Kaida will never accept him, even if she loves him more than anything and anyone. I do not think he is trying to kill you this time. Use this against him. And find out why. I think he knows something we don't.' Omi took this in, stealing a look at Kaida. He silently agreed with his Spirit.
'I will do my best… Do you have any other advice for me my magnificent spirit?' The Water nodded.
'Don't get angry. Not at the monsters, not at Chase, and especially not at Kaida. And don't die' Omi gulped.
'She doesn't trust me does she?' Raimundo's olive eyes could not prize themselves away from Kaida. The Wind's voice was cold.
'Leave it.'' Raimundo felt a sudden anger flare up inside of him.
'No. I'm going to talk to her.' There was a sudden growl from the Wind.
'Leave it! Kaida's business is her own. If she doesn't wish to tell you then do not try and force her to.' Raimundo listened to him carefully. There was something strange in his voice, a sliver of… When Raimundo caught it, rage boiled up inside of his heart.
'I am not like the other Raimundo! I will never do something like that! It's almost as if you expect me to turn into him!' Raimundo shivered as the Wind replied coldly, his words crashing into him like a cold gale.
'Leave her, she's been alone for four years. She cannot open her soul when it has been closed for so long. Stop expecting miracles.' Raimundo could think of nothing to say in reply and shoved his hands into his pockets.
'…Zen…?' Kaida whispered to the spirit.
'Yes.'
'I'm scared.' The Zen sighed softly.
'So am I.'
"Welcome to the armoury." The room was stiflingly hot, fires burning fiercely, everyone rushing around heating metal and cooling it down, hammers clashing, sparks flying; the whole room buzzed with motion and action. Flinching slightly, Kaida instinctively reached for Raimundo's hand.
'I don't care what that stupid Shen Gong Wu said, I need Raimundo right now…' Shivering, she held his hand tighter, grey eyes watching the sparks fly off the red hot metal. Raimundo squeezed her hand in return and gave her a reassuring smile. Her fingers were ice cold.
The monk who had led them in stood proudly before them, taking off his thick leather gloves and pulling up his blue tinted goggles. "And morning dawns upon us Young warriors. I hope you all slept well and are prepared for the day." He paused and Kimiko silently wondered if anything could've prepared them for this. "If you would like to step to your right you shall note that you five…" his voice trailed off as he noted Jack standing beside Kimiko. "You are not a Xiaolin Warrior." He said simply. Jack puffed out his chest saying harshly,
"That doesn't mean I can't fight." The old armoury monk looked at his with hard eyes before they broke into a smile, his mouth still frowning slightly.
"Let us see what we have for you then." Jack smiled and the Warriors followed the old monk away from the main section of the armoury, Kaida breathing a sigh of relief to be away from the red hot metals and flying sparks. The area they had just entered had six cubicles, a large mirror in each; and a large marble door with no handle and no hinges, a cherry tree indented into the stone. Each of the warriors were ushered in and handed a pile of silken garments, a monk rushing in with garments for Jack, before the curtains of the cubicles were shut for them. When they opened the curtains each was wearing a silk shirt, much like Kaida's, except it was softer, shinier and the sleeves had built in gloves. They were skin tight and fit perfectly against the Warrior's bodies. Kimiko wore crimson, Raimundo a grey blue, Omi a dark blue, Clay a dark green and Kaida and Jack wore black. They also wore silken pants, much like the ones they wore at the temple, full length for the men and knee length for the girls.
"What is this?" Jack asked in amazement, stretching his fingers with ease. The old Armoury monk shrugged.
"No idea, I didn't make it." Kimiko raised her brow sceptically.
"So you're sending us into war with things you can't guarantee will help us?" The old monk turned towards her with an icy gaze.
"If you have doubts Miss. Tohomiko I'll inform you that that piece of clothing holds more magical energy than some of the more powerful Shen Gong Wu and it was created by none other than Miss Kimiko Tohomiko, the first." Kimiko stepped back, gob smacked, all five warriors looking at the silk in awe. It suddenly became even more treasured and precious than it was before. Kaida looked down at hers and shivered as she felt the magic pulsing through.
Suddenly, a large gaggle of armoury monks rushed in, three to each warrior, and in their hands pieces of shinning, beautiful metal. In minutes they had dressed the Warriors in beautiful armour, even Jack had some.
Kimiko had diamond shapes running down her stomach and legs, a V shaped belt connecting them; all a shining gold colour trimmed with fiery red. Raimundo's body was covered in flat, streamlined armour, silver with a hazy blue trim; silk ribbons tied around his fists, neck and brow. Omi's stomach and chest were covered in scale like plates and his lower legs, shoulders and lower arms were coated in sharp plates, almost fin-like; all a metallic sea-green colour, trimmed with deep blue. Clay's whole top half of his body was covered in plates, arranged in layers; bronze colours overlapped with vivid emeralds. The monks graciously let him tie his red neck scarf around the silk of his throat and even let the hat stay. He smiled in appreciation. Jack's armour was quite the opposite, his top body covered in silver, curved talons, spiralling around his arm an chest; a ruby skull sat at his collarbones, another ruby skull sat non the buckle of a silver belt. His hands were covered in heavy silver gauntlets with a ruby gem and his boots were in the same style, a ruby streak travelling down the middle of the silver. Jack smiled as they handed him his trench coat back. They also handed him a pair of goggles, trimmed with black and with yellow lenses. The genius could only nod his head in thanks. Kaida's armour compromised of white plates cupping her chest, ribcage and hips, a silver belt with three gems wrapped around her hips and black plates on her upper leg and knee. Across her shoulders were white shoulder plates connected with a metal chain and a gem similar to the ones in her belt. The gems seemed a grey colour when at a first glance, however they sparkled with blacks and whites. White fishnet covered the silk on her arms and hands, standing out against the midnight black.
When the monks were done, they bowed and departed silently; and not a word was spoken. The warriors were overcome with the beauty of the metal. The old armoury monk smiled with his eyes, the irises glistening.
"Shall we proceed to the weaponry?" Each monk looked at him in awe.
"I thought we were just using Shen Gong Wu?" Omi exclaimed, the thought of getting a weapon sending shivers down his spine. The Old Armoury Monk frowned again.
"The proper weapons that match your Armour are no longer with us at the Temple. You will be using Shen Gong Wu mainly, but Master Fung suggested we give you something else as well." Omi looked disappointed for a moment, a small pout across his lips.
"Does that mean there are proper weapons to go with our Armour?" Raimundo asked excitedly, his blood boiling with anticipation. The Old armoury monk just nodded.
"We believe so. They may awaken during the War and if they do, Dojo will have to carry you to their location. You will be needing those Weapons." Raimundo gulped. Slowly, he began to walk away and the Warriors proceeded in silence; Kaida's hand finding Raimundo's again. The Brazilian looked at her with a smile, but her eyes could not find his. Before they entered the weaponry, the confused boy swore he could've heard a soft whisper of 'Sorry'.
The weaponry was like nothing they'd ever seen before. Swords hung from the walls in all sorts of shapes and size, axes, maces, bows and arrows, slingshots, scimitars, staffs, and every other weapon under the sun. The Armoury Monk extended his hand into the room and simply said, "Take what you wish." While the other warriors rushed in Kaida froze, Raimundo letting go of her hand.
"I have a weapon." She said coldly, her grip tightening on the Silver Sword. The Armoury Monk eased it from her grip and examined it with a Blacksmith's eye; eyes which began to sparkle. Giving her back the sword he said critically,
"A fine weapon it is too. But you have not yet realised how to use it properly." He then turned away to help Kimiko with two long, thin lethal looking swords. Kaida was stunned. Never had her fighting skills been questioned… until now. Gripping hold of her sword tighter, a deep scowl set across her face. Looking down at the silver hilt, Kaida watched the metal sparkle slightly; untold secrets running through the blade. She had to admit there were probably many things she did not know about this weapon.
Kimiko, the first to be fully armoured, holding her twin swords carefully, backed out the armoury with a small smile on her face.
"Just gotta do a couple of things, I'll wait outside." Kaida had a strange feeling that she should follow her.
Hands shaking, Kimiko slowly spread the foundation over her pale face. Her porcelain skin did not need it, as there was not a single flaw; but it was something to hide behind. Picking up the back eye pencil, she heavily surrounded her eyes, eyelashes thickened and lengthened by mascara. Pouting her lips, red lipstick was added, Kimiko careful not to slip. Just as she was about to add the final touch; red eye shadow, Kimiko turned swiftly.
"Kaida. Why aren't you with the others?" Kimiko said softly, trying to smile with her ruby red lips. Kaida walked towards the bathroom mirror, next to where Kimiko was stood; and pulled out her own little makeup bag.
"I too have to hide." Kaida said simply, applying some black eyeliner herself. Kimiko smiled at her, applying the eye shadow carefully.
"Then we are sisters again." Kimiko used her free hand to grasp Kaida's. The Zen warrior did not turn away from the mirror but looked at Kimiko's reflection. Smiling, she gripped her hand,
"We have always been sisters Kimiko. We were just separated for a time." Gripping tighter, a hint of desperation entered her voice. "Please take care of me Kimiko… I fear I can no longer do it myself…" Kimiko said nothing but pulled Kaida into her embrace, showing the last touch of her makeup; three red triangles under each eye. War paint.
Just as the warriors were about to leave the temple, faces pale and rigid, a figure rushed out to say farewell.
"Guys! Guys! Wait up!" Kaida felt sick. The girl's short, feather light hair was falling into her face in bangs and her eyes were the brightest blue. She wasn't exactly tall, but she wasn't exactly small; thin, but not too thin. Her monk robes seemed to fit her perfectly and her smile, her skin was flawless. Kaida's heart sunk. Not only was she stunningly pretty in dreams, but also in real life.
As she ran, Raimundo ran towards her, gathering her into a giant bear hug, and Kaida felt her heart crack.
"Bella! Baby! Where've you been?" Raimundo cried, squeezing the girl tighter. Laughing loudly, Bella pushed herself away from the Brazilian, flashing that perfect smile.
"Oh around, been busy Hun. And I heard you've been busy as well!" Raimundo blushed fiercely and Bella just laughed.
'Even her name is beautiful…' Kaida thought to herself in despair, watching Bella greet the others. She was clearly close with all of them, even giving Omi a kiss on the cheek. Impatient and heart broken, Kaida saw Raimundo watch Bella with a small smile on his face, blush still tingeing his cheeks. Kaida forced herself to look away, mounting Dojo as he waited patiently for the Warriors.
"We haven't been introduced have we?" Kaida looked down to see Bella smiling, flashing pearly white teeth; radiating perfection.
"We haven't." Kaida's voice was cold. Bella seemed to hesitate until her smile brightened, as if her own warmth could defrost Kaida's heart.
"Bella Longbow."
"Kaida Balance." Silence.
"You look after Raimundo, he's a big softy really." Bella joked.
"I will." Bella looked up at the girl, looked straight into her grey, misty eyes.
"You've got many secrets haven't you? I can see the pain in your eyes." Kaida flinched, unable to look away. "Secrets never last long at the Xiaolin Temple, I suggest you share them before someone does it for you." And with that, Bella left, taking her glow and radiance with her, leaving Kaida cold and alone. As much as the sour Zen Warrior tried to hate the girl, she couldn't. Bella had done no wrong.
They landed in the gorge and there was silence. Complete and utter silence. The fog choked out any life. Or that's how it seemed. Kaida could feel the presence of many powerful beings. Her Sword seemed to hum with power. Snarling, Kaida stepped forward. She was going to flush out the enemy. Raising her hand, eyes lighting up with white flames, sword thrumming with power, she screamed,
"Light!" and light poured into the canyon, fog disappearing and the sun shining down, strengthening Kaida's power. The others stepped forward, ready to use their powers at any moment, even Dojo and his armour, ready and waiting. But they were not expecting what they saw.
Hundreds of monsters were before them, maybe more. The gorge was filled with these monstrous beings; Ice, Magma, Mud, Electricity and Darkness. They snarled and hissed and spat and howled at the warriors, the clouds far above black and foreboding; thunder rumbling and hail gently spitting down. The rocks beneath their feet were warm and in some parts even soggy, magma and mud mixing together. The shadows seemed to grow longer in the gorge as Kaida's light grew stronger.
'Where there is light, there will be darkness' Whispered the Zen. Kaida stepped forward again. And again. A Beast made of Darkness stepped forward also, its eyes red. There were no purple eyes this time. Kaida felt sure there would be no mercy shown this time around. They were soon striking distance and silence cut through them both.
"So here is the war you started Chase Young, and so begins your failure!" Slashing through the monster, Kaida screamed this statement, light flaring around her. Howls echoed through the gorge as the monsters advanced, froth spilling from their mouths, eager to taste blood. The warriors held stead; ready. The war had begun.
A/N: Disclaimer: I do not own Xiaolin Showdown or it's characters.
Other: Been a while eh? Well, this has taken me sooooo long... Honestly, it got deleted at least twice S Ah well, it's here now :) I hope you enjoy it, and that's all I have to say :)