Chase Young vs. Kimiko
Chapter 5: Day 4
Morning sunlight flowed into the room of a teenage girl, lighting the entire scene. Kimiko mumbled sleepily and rolled over in discomfort. A sound of curtains being drawn across the window lazily slipped itself into her ears. She smiled in the comfort of the shade, as well as in the comfort of a gentle kiss on her cheek. Half-opening an eye, she saw a man swiftly slip out of her room. "Mmmm, Chase." She murmured tentatively. A paced footstep was heard shuffling next to her bed followed by a soft, loving hush. Warm fingers stroked her cheek. The moment lasted until she opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was his crossed legs and the gap between them. "What might you be looking at?" he teased in a horny tone, noticing her widened eyes expression.
She scoffed the question off. "Shut up. And wipe that look off your face.", waving her hand in his face. Chase simply smiled back, "Good morning to you too, Kimiko." He offered his hand. She took it and sat up, stretching her arms. she yawned, "Ahh. Morning Chase."
He replied not, but looked deep into her eyes. She looked back into his. Instantly their lips locked together. She slid her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. She ran her hands in his long hair and breathed deeply his fresh scent.
He hugged her and pulled her onto his lap. He slid his tongue through her lips, finding his way in and exploring her slowly. She moaned in pleasure. She lifted her own tongue to have a taste of his. He felt her give him a try and stroked along her to encourage her.
They curled together playfully. Happily together they teased each other. She licked him well, surprising and delighting him very much. He tickled her all over her mouth. She slowly followed his moves, tapping the top of his lip.
He snatched her head and plunged his tongue deeper. He stretched in to lap behind her molar. She sprung back at him by nipping his lower lip.
Pleasure surged through his entire body. Slowly he pushed her below him. He leaned over her, making her lie under him.
Taken by surprise, she flapped open her eyes. He sensed her gaze and broke the kiss. With a loving smile he propped himself on top of her. He awaited her response.
Kimiko took a quick glance at their legs, giggling. She slipped her arms off his neck, making Chase groan in disappointment. His expression - sullen at first - curled into a smirk. He began lowering himself upon her. The girl's heart beat fast as he neared her. She squeaked, "Chase... what are you doing?"
"You teased me." he replied lustfully, "I am simply going to return the favour."
With that he pinned her down and laid his body on her tiny one. She wiggled, struggling from under him. Not again! Her mind screamed. Her face displayed all characteristics of fear.
He leaned his head over hers. She shut her eyelids tight, feeling his breath flow over her skin. She threw her head to the side, refusing face him.
Interestingly, his lips plainly came in contact with her cheek. Finished with his stunt he removed himself from above her to her side. She peered through her eyelids. His head lay next to hers on her pillow. All thoughts of privacy violation faded as she saw his pupils dance with amusement. A few of her thinking moments went past, similarly his eyes were forever laughing.
Finally she clicked her tongue in annoyance and reached to hit him playfully. He sat up, dodging the blow. She raised herself up and tackled him again. Again he dodged her blow. Giving up on hitting, she decided to trap him instead. She lifted a hand to strike. As she thought, he dodged the expected blow. Immediately she jumped on him, forcing him to lie down. He grunted and glared at her; the nerve she had to do this to him was indeed not what he expected. "This is the second time I've beat you Chase!" Kimiko sat on top of him proudly.
"And how." Chase replied, lowering his eyes to their position and closeness. She had her legs apart and over him, their front asses in close contact. She puffed off the remark but got off him quickly, a blush reddening her face. She stood up and opened her cupboard while covering her face with a hand. Nonetheless he managed to notice it. He pounced up and seized her to glimpse the red on her petite face. Hurriedly she squealed, "Shoo! I wanna change!" She swung her arms, swatting him away. "Really?" he started monotonously, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He put his arms around her waist then continued in her ear, "Alright then, change."
A boom exploded, followed by yells and sounds of falling bricks. Kimiko gasped at the sudden noise. Chase instinctively directed his ears to the after-sounds. He heard a faint voice of a familiar sounding teenage boy. "Ha ha! Xiaolin warriors? You?" the voice mocked, "You have got to be kidding me!" The name of the mocker was on the tip of Chase's tongue yet he could not come to himself to say it.
But another voice broke his concentration. "Erm, Chase can you let go? I'm gonna be needed out there." He apologized and released her with a smile, before going out of the room and towards the explosion. No hurry, he thought. It is probably one of their other ridiculous foes. Passing one of the wooden Chinese decorated windows, he looked out. A boy in a designed-torn black coat, thick black boots, red hair and pale skin hovering above the ground on backpack propellers spelled wannabe evil boy genius. Chase's eyes opened wider than usual. "Spicer." he croaked in shock. He hurriedly ducked when the teen turned. That insect cannot know that he was here, he knew. A big mouth and no brain mean trouble. He cannot be seen, he thought and quietly crept away. Out of the blue he heard his name announced by the boy, forcing him turn back and look through the wooden window again.
"Where are your robots Jack Spicer? Hiding, like you would be?" asked Raimondo over-confidently.
"It's not my robots you should be afraid of little man." Jack snapped his fingers, much to Chase's disgust. The ground began to shake. Cracks formed on the earth followed by roaring and groaning. Two metal incisors burst from the ground and a head emerged. Soil flew in all directions as the gold and black creature crawled from a brown hole. The creature's eyes glowed red. Its metal back was wrinkled and claws sharp.
"What is that thing?!" exclaimed Kimiko.
"That, Kimiko, is my new invention. The Bladed Mole Rat 101..." proclaimed the proud creator. The ground shook again and another metallic monster crawled out, and another and another. "...102, 103, 104..." The monks were swept off their feet. The final member of the family had arrived. Three times larger then the rest, it was not just armed with claws but its head had a crown. "...and their Queen!" Jack cackled in his retarded evil laugh, but it managed to taunt the fearful fighters.
The leader clenched his fist, "Wudai Orion Formation!" Omi held Kimiko up, Raimondo and Clay posed at the sides. In a flash, they were outlined in their element colours and shaded in black. With full power at their fingertips they charged forward. Hearts raced as they fought. Omi washed waves over the terrible Moles. Kimiko blasted fire at their bellies. Raimondo swept 150-miles-per-hour winds. Clay hurled tons of earth. But defeat was near. The Moles were resistant to every solid attack.
"Oh. And did I forget to mention that these guys are waterproof? That they can stand up to 1500°c? That they are over 6 tonnes each? Are made of highly modified titanium and ten times stronger than steel? I guess I did." The boy cackled again. The Wudai warriors did not hear him mock, backing their way from the mechanical monsters. One mighty swing of their arms and they knocked the boys out. Kimiko had curled herself in fright on the ground. She heard a yell of anguish and another of attack. Clattering and smashing came and ended as fast as they did. She glanced past her fragile self shield. In the middle of a pile of broken robots stood two figures of victory. One had long hair the other wore a Xiaolin robe. The two most powerful fighters in the world looked at their work then one turned his attention to her. The troublemaker swallowed hard before his jaw dropped at a familiar sight. "CHASE?!" Jack screamed girlishly.
Chase flinched at the voice addressing him. "Yes Spicer?" he hissed through his teeth.
"Wha – What are you doing here?! With them?! In that!" The boy was in complete shock of his evil idol dressed in jean overalls and white shirt.
The man helped the girl up without casting a glance at the fool.
"You are on their side?!" Jack's face grew paler than usual.
"Yep. So you better watch your hide Jack, unless you want the same treatment like your 'bots." answered Clay.
The albino swung his head between the Xiaolin monks and Chase. He saw Kimiko give the man a brief smile. Chase did the same. Jack at last could no longer take it. He hurriedly buzzed away like a freaked fly, all sorts of gibberish echoing from him.
Chase Young watched his dear's lovely smile with a heavy mind. So beautiful, yet so costly. Word will spread faster than wildfire, he groaned inwardly. Nonetheless, he smiled back, I will enjoy the present while it lasts.
"Alright you." Raimondo pointed at his savior's turned back and addressed him suspiciously. Chase slowly rotated his head and stared with empty eyes. Raimondo continued, "How exactly did you scare Jack off? And more importantly, why did you help us?". Then under his breath he muttered, "Or help her..."
"I promised to serve the side of good. I am simply keeping my word, Master Raimondo." said Chase.
"But you did not just saved our backsides by fighting." squeaked Omi, "You also risked other evil knowing of your loyalty to the Xiaolin side!"
"I had anticipated that risk even before losing the showdown four days ago, Master Omi." assured Chase , "Including advantages and disadvantages alike."
"What do you mean by advantages?" snapped Raimondo, his thoughts drawn to the only girl for miles around.
"A useful quality or condition that something or someone has, Master Raimondo." replied Chase humorlessly. He gazed in the direction Spicer had gone.
"That is definitely not funny." growled Clay in his cowboy tone.
"Chase Young, you are not someone who speaks pointless epigrams." chided Master Monk Guan, "And as your superiors, I believe the Wudai Warriors deserve much more respect from you." He cocked his eyebrows with that word.
"It was not pointless, it had a purpose." protested the man, his voice brimming with equilibrium. "But no how, this place gives me a chance for personal memory refreshment and an adequate amount of psychological and emotional relief." He then closed his eyes and bowed before the Xiaolin crowd.
Master Monk Guan observed Chase for a few moments before speaking, "I wish to see you behind the temple, Chase Young." The lowered head rose in questioning. "Now." The Master ordered. The man in overalls merely obeyed the order and slithered away. Meanwhile a puzzled murmuring had exploded from the crowd. Everyone was wondering what the epitome of evil was talking about. 'Emotional relief' was their main concern, especially Raimondo's. Finally a commando voice silenced the rest, later making the crowd disperse. The four teenagers, however, just slinked away to the back room of the temple. Kimiko had her PDA and a shrunken Mind Reader Conch in hand. Master Monk Guan went to the back garden.
The murmuring was but a buzz in Chase's ear as he strolled farther and farther from the crowd. He was in his own world of thought. 1500 years of knowledge flooded his mind, blocking out almost all noise and sight. Wuya would be after him, Hannibal Bean would be all up for his humiliation and Spicer for plain idolism. It would all happen within the week and he had no plan, although his anticipation for such a time had already occurred to him.
Someone from the side called him. His vision drifted back into a green garden, where in it foods have been grown for centuries. The crops were as healthy as he had seen those of years ago. The soil they were planted in was reddish-brown; the perfect lot of earth for agriculture. But the beauty of the backyard did not catch as much of his attention as an orange wearing warrior standing a couple of meters away from him. They both posed in the shade of the temple. To a common passerby they would have looked like statues.
Moments passed, and the world's two most powerful beings were still staring pointlessly at each other. Finally the long haired one broke the silence with a hiss of impatience. The other exhaled slowly then explained the situation from the Xiaolin point of view in the term 'advantage'. Chase Young constantly gave the classical scoffing and folding of arms. Nothing went into his head. Nothing needed to go into his head. There were more important things for him to think about.
When the Master was done, he decided to share his thoughts. His words were quiet. Twisting each and every syllable was his best skill and he used it well. The Master's face darkened with each sentence; the cryptic messages were plucking his nerves. "And so Master Monk Guan, there is no such thing as a sacrifice. Only a strong will." Nicely he bowed, and turned his back on the one audience. His sharp hearing caught the sound of one trying to regain his peace of mind. He cackled for a split second while making his way to the famous storeroom. Fetching hand brooms and dusters he proceeded to the sleeping quarters for clean-up. Meanwhile there was a great discussion going on in the epicenter of the Temple.
"What the hell?!" yelled Raimondo in fustration, "How could you let him go with an excuse like that?! It's crap!"
"He has perfected the art of enshrouding his meanings." responded the Master slightly irritated by the boy's disrespect, "Chase Young is naturally cryptic and cunning, if you will. Like all the other powerful Heylin. There is evil in those words. Evil, or something worse." The words tasted bitter in everyone's throats.
"What could possibly be worse than evil, Master Monk Guan?" instantly asked Omi, a certain flashback buzzing in his head.
"I do not know." The Master's tone was unnaturally low. "But in the midst the lies, the truth stands out." as soon as those words were said, he left the room. The teen boys continued discussing. Raimondo and Clay tried recalling all incidents since the showdown. Chase's defeat, Kimiko defending his rights, (blablabla). Both of them were so bent over recalling they took no notice of Omi's silence throughout. The yellow monk listened to his friends, worried. Do not figure it out. Do not figure it out. Do not figure it out. He kept pleading.
Unfortunately Raimondo was in a sensitive mood at the moment and noticed creases forming on his teammate's forehead. "What's up with cue ball?" he wondered aloud. "Yo Omi, what you thinkin' about?" he asked casually.
"DO NOT FIGURE IT OUT!" screamed Omi, freaked out of his life. Suddenly he realized he had said that and clapped his hands in front of his mouth.
"Whoa whoa. Take it easy partner. You're more worried than a tree at a beavers' Thanksgiving party." Clay said, cooling Omi down. The small fellow took long deep breaths. The other two gave him space.
"So..." Raimondo broke the silence, uncomfortably. "What figure what out Omi?"
Omi jerked his head up "Nothing! Nothing at all, my good friends!"he stuttered. His friends gave him a look of unbelief. "Really! You can ask Kimiko if you don't believe me!" he pointed at where Kimiko was seated. There was a silence. Omi turned to look in the direction he pointed at. Kimiko wasn't there, and Raimondo was shooting him suspicious glares. The yellow monk giggled nervously at his leader.
Chase Young tossed a shovelful of upturned dirt into the hell-big holes, his face twisting harder with every toss. He was bent on worry and planning; something very foreign to his calm personality. Ideas surfaced continuously, just to be struck down by concern for her. "I should have trained Kimiko instead of that little one.", he growled in regret. "So many plans I have to throw aside for her lack of martial arts mastery." Just then, a pair of black street designed boots stepped onto the dirt. "I figure you heard that." he said without glancing up.
"Yeah." replied Kimiko. So what are you saying by 'lack of martial arts mastery'?" she restated his words with air quoting.
He stood up straight and rested his forearm on the shovel handle, facing her. "Your skills in terms of martial arts are, unfortunately, too low in my standards. No offence meant to your Masters, but I had hoped you would have been better trained. Excuse me." Then he continued tossing dirt.
Kimiko gave a snort. "I am good enough for any plan! Besides, what could Jack do?" She rolled her eyes humorously and raised her arms exaggerated. "Tell the world?"
"You don't know Spicer." he mumbled tunelessly. "That pissant is so mindless I'm surprised he knows how to breathe." Then he stopped digging, stood up and placed his hands on the spade handle. Their eyes met, but nothing happened.
"So, what's gonna happen if the world knows?" she asked tucking her green-streaked hair behind her ears.
"A lot of things." he replied with a sigh. He looked down, leaning on the garden tool. "All affecting you and I."
Kimiko tilted her head in confusion. Seeing he took no notice of her unvoiced query, she walked quietly to his side. He still made no move. Her hand lifted onto his. He blinked at her bold move before slowly turning his head to smile gratefully at her. She smiled back and stood on tiptoe, closing up to his lips. His smile did not waver, but he did not kiss her. He put a hand on her shoulder, shaking his head. She lowered herself and pouted, stalking away from his arms. With her back to him she folded her arms. Chase Young remained stolid, standing where he was.
BAM! A door flew open.
The shocked couple whirled their heads around. At the front door stood three obvious creatures – an infuriated Raimondo, a battle-ready Clay and a nervous Omi. Chase did not give face to the little yellow liar, whose knees were jellified or to the snorting cowboy. He lazily rayed his vision into the eye of Master Raimondo. In his defense, Master Raimondo hurled back with icy stares.
Kimiko watched the glare battle rage on from behind her lover. "Hey, like, how long are you guys gonna do that?" she droned, her arms still crossed. However, she really just wanted to scream her lungs out.
Raimondo did not budge, leaving Clay to reply her. "Until we get some answers from this Chase Young." That Texas slang hit her heart like a bullet, making her gasp.
"But being the epitome of evil, I doubt he'll give us any believable answer." Raimondo broke in, snarling but still glaring.
Chase raised one eyebrow. "An answer, Master Raimondo?" he inquired.
"Don't act stupid, stupid." argued the boy, "You know as well, if not better, than we do!"
"Time to let 'em cats outta them bags, fella." decreed the other accuser in a ten gallon hat.
The accused had a look of utmost clueless ness plastered on his handsome face. Kimiko felt fear creep into her nerves and she almost blurted out an excuse, if not for his quick response. "I do not know what you are talking about." Then he further explained, "As you can see I am only refilling these holes made by that twit, Spicer, this morning and Kimiko wondering around the area."
"Yeah right." Raimondo jeered. "What's the real story Kimiko?"
"Pretty much what Chase said." she claimed cautiously then pointed at her footprints in the earth, "Except the part that I stepped all over the dirt he dug up."
"Nice one Kimiko." Clay mildly chuckled.
"You're sure..." Raimondo cross-examined her.
"As sure as the fact that you're getting very annoying." Kimiko elaborated the statement and tapped her foot.
The leader's face darkened at her words as he turned to walk back into the temple halls. Clay briefly reminded her about breakfast, before following suit. Omi stayed behind, meekly squeaking apologies to the girl and Chase Young. Chase ignored him, like he had always done after Omi left the Heylin side. Kimiko, seeing him take no notice, did similarly with a sigh of relief. She walked past without looking at him, heading towards the kitchen. The young monk tiptoed behind her.
Chase stood motionless with his eyes on the ground for moments on end, thinking of what other disasters awaited them on the path of romance.
In the dining room, things were back to normalness, if it not for the silence. Most of the company had their tongues tied. The only words said were Clay's episodic breakfast comments and the soft tapping of cutlery knocking against utensils. Kimiko made attempts to help the situation, but it turned her down making her feel pathetic.
"Come on, guys!" she piped up as her final try, "I thought you all were alright about what'a happened outside!"
Raimondo grunted. Omi dared not look her in eye. That was all the reply she could get. Shaking her head in defeat, she put her plate in the sink and picked up the sponge. "Leave it Kimiko. Chase will do it." suddenly said her leader. She swirled her head in his direction. This was the first time he had mentioned that name since Chase had arrived there. She scanned the looks on her friends – no one else had noticed what she did. With a shrug, she gingerly treaded her way out.
Kimiko pondered over it as she paced down the hallway to her room. Her teenage brain triggered little thoughts of all kinds; why did Raimondo suddenly just say that? Is he jealous? If so, is it because he really really liked her, like she had thought before? The girl scrunched her face in disgust. Did she even hear it right?
She flopped on her bed and chucked any lying junk nearby out of her sight. Heaving an exaggerated sigh, she leaned on her white laced pillow with her back to the wall and window. Now, all comfortable and relaxed, she replayed the breakfast scene over in her mind. A big brown table and five wooden chairs drifted into her imagination...
A sound rustled.
Leave it Kimiko. Chase will do it. Stupid guy! She puffed. As if he is better than him or something...and he is not. She picked up her PDA and keyed in a few unrelated data. While so, her thoughts were driven to wondering if that would do anything to her and him. Her forehead creased thinly as she looked to the ceiling.
A sound rustled.
She propped up on her elbows and turned to the window. A half-bare figure strode across her view, his back on her. Smiling to herself she wondered if she should give him a pop visit...
The sun rays burned him and the daylight was too bright for his eyes. He had to squint painfully to get a look at his surroundings. But no amount of torture could stop his supernatural strength – in other words, filling the mole holes. He had removed his shirt and unbuckled his overalls thus dangling them from his waist. Chase Young faced the blaze barebacked. Hundreds of dirt shovels and rivers of sweat later it was finished and he stood upright, no slouching for him, before striding into the relief shade of a tree.
Light darkness soothed his scorched skin like water on a fire. He sat with his legs outstretched and leaned against the bark, letting the tree's shadow do its cooling work. A faint breeze whispered in his pointed-ears to go to sleep. Slowly but surely, tiredness crept into him and his head began to droop.
Suppose he needs a brief rest, he thought before closing his eyes. Without intending to, he fell asleep.
The first thing Kimiko saw was the glistening body of a full grown man. She giggled. His chest and arms were uncovered. His eyelids were peacefully shut. That lean face was so relaxed. But most of all, the long black hair was flopped all over the side of his face.
He looks so cute. She sighed and squeezed her hands together in pure bliss. Cautiously glancing at her surroundings, she tiptoed to his side and joined him.
But lying next to him was not enough; she could not resist hugging him around his waist. Instantly she was sent flying. Vicious hands clenched her wrist and pinned her face down on the ground. Her attacker snarled.
Kimiko was too shocked to defend herself. Pain exploded from her gut and she could not breathe.
A split moment later, Chase snapped into himself. With his Tiger Instincts back in control he released his unfortunate prisoner. She rolled over in a desperate attempt to inhale. Her breaths came in short, painful bursts. He quickly laid her against the tree and gently massaged her stomach.
The girl's eyes filled with tears of agony and moaned about broken bones.
"You will be alright." he assured her, "Don't say that."
As said, his comforting touch relived the pain and she sat up, her face twisted into a scowl. "What was that for?" she demanded, "You trying to kill me or what?"
"None of that, my dear." He offered an explanation, "Tiger Instincts have a habit of kicking in when a warrior has his eyes closed."
Her face darkened; she did not want an explanation. At her very thought, an apology followed, "I am sorry." He admitted.
Her face lifted. He smiled at her and touched her arm gently, gazing at her porcelain skin.
Then his gaze turned to her eyes, and leaned closer to her. She raised herself from the tree bark and came to an inch of his handsome face. They knew what was coming, locking themselves in each other's arms. A pair of black slash eyes met round light blues. In a moment their lips were locked together. He felt her feel behind his strong neck before fingering her way up through his dark hair. He allowed it, without interfering anything.
Soon her fingers were over his face, brushing his brow, cupping his cheek then flowing down his neck. He moaned in his throat and deepened the kiss. She smiled, continuing to flow her hands deeper down his body. With his chest bare she could do whatever she wanted with him. She moved slowly across his chest, making him grunt. Her fingertips circled around his hard abs and crawled up his back, seducing.
He had enough. Grabbing her tiny wrists he placed them around his neck. She followed it, without struggling. He flipped them over so she was on top of him. Now he was in control, without breaking the kiss. He pulled her lips closer to him and had his hand around her waist. His legs he brought together to let hers space out.
Straight from the nearby distance somebody screeched her name, heavily crashing the heated moment.
She sighed disappointedly. He had the same reaction, but nonetheless lifted his hand to stroke her saddened face. Kimiko smiled again and they shifted away from each other. Chase sauntered off the lawn to the kitchen. Kimiko sprinted to the temple, and not a moment too late.
Dojo was giving a Shen Gong Wu hunt de-briefs as the Wudai Fire Dragon jumped into the hall. All the other Wudai Dragons had gathered around Master Fung and Master Monk Guan and the green reptile.
"Sorry Master Fung, Master Monk Guan, guys and Dojo. I ... kinda got carried away with something." she panted, smiling sheepishly.
"With what?" snapped Dojo, "You missed a whole lot of important parts, and because of what?"
"Carry on with the Shen Gong Wu description Dojo." Master Fung consoled the small dragon, "The other monks will inform Kimiko of the rest."
The mystical talking creature grumbled under his nose before resuming his talk. "The Shapi Duster..." his voice echoing in the large hall, "...can also collect any other particles floating along with the air. Would really come in handy when somebody sneezes and the green goo goes flying." He chuckled at that part.
Chase did not eavesdrop on the de-briefs, although the Lao Meng Long soup ingredient was describing the Wu loud enough for the world to hear. The disturbance did not bother him though. There were better things to think about, like what was going on right where he was currently raking leaves. He enjoyed it, she enjoyed it, and it was perfect. He laughed. She had a feel of the beginning, and he knew it was the point of no return.
Nobody needs to hear from scientists, biologists, teachers, or even sex education lecturers to know about the touché of no return. It can be displayed in a simple ascending chart: from hand holding to hugs, from hugs to cheek kisses, then doorstep smooches, then extended timed kissing, to heavy lip contact, to necking, going on to heavy touching and finally ending up in bed.
Heavy touching, or he preferred to call touché, had been proven to be a no-go zone unless you're married, many times throughout the ages. He, himself, had experienced and knew all about it. But none of the past had a similar promise of true love like this. He breathed pleasurably and continued raking. He had chores to do.
The Shapi Duster was easy Pickens. The Wudai Dragons had no one to fight with to retrieve the Shen Gong Wu, for Jack had wet undines to deal with and neither Wuya nor Hannibal showed up. The day was not as easy though; the sky had chosen today to unleash themselves upon the unsuspecting Chosen Ones on their way home.
A major ice storm, one where rain falls as super-cooled water and becomes instant ice when hits contact with a surface, attacked them. Lightning of all sizes, along with thunder of ear-throbbing proportions attacked them mercilessly.. Poor Dojo glided on, trying his hardest to avoid a plunging fall. It wore him out to dodge every danger. In addition, gale winds at least 50km per hour, almost blew him off course. Omi and Raimondo tried controlling their elements with only the thought of survival in mind. Unfortunately their efforts were of little use – the rain froze Omi to the bone and Raimondo was nearly blown off the dragons back. The remaining passengers screamed and yelled in terror. But the weather was not done with them yet.
A massive lightning strike stabbed Dojo and went right through him. The green dragon roared in fright and pain. Moments later he blacked out. Everyone was thrown off, plummeting into an endless darkness. He then shrunk into a mere midget. Things were at the peak of bleak.
"WUDAI ORION FORMATION NOW!" The leader commanded above the bellowing thunder.
At the sound of his voice, new courage settled in the hearts of the warriors. "WUDAI ORION FORMATION!!!!" they declared together. Their strength built at speeds exceeding normality. Energy burst itself out from within them. A familiar glow shone from their frozen bodies as their elements formed within them. Soon an outstanding bright white light consumed the darkness for miles.
WIND WATER EARTH FIRE
Together they shielded themselves from the lightning and deathly cold rain – an impenetrable sphere of wind and water with a fiery layer underneath. By Clay's earth guidance they lowered themselves onto an unseen shelter. They landed on a wide precipice of some sort, where beyond there was a lighted cave. They made their way in hurriedly, with a limp Dojo in their arms. The cave was safe, protecting them from the crazed forces of Nature. But it was also vaguely recognizable. They saw images of uncomfortable recognition flash before their eyes. Fire torches lit the unnaturally smooth walls. There were grey-white rocks carved to be like teeth outside and on the opening of the cave. Yes, they did know this place. Nonetheless, Raimondo kept his team in it, despite the danger that could positively pounce on them any minute.
There, in a Heylin Dragon's home, they anxiously waited out the deadly storm.
The afternoon passed, extremely slowly for them in the cave. The Wudai Warriors watched the lightning and tried reviving Dojo. Their stomach rumbled hungrily, each rumble louder than the previous. Thankfully they succeeded, although they still had to return home by other means of transport. By the time the rain ceased to pour it was night but the dark did not stop them. They Silver Manta Ray-ed their way home as soon as they had the favor of the weather.
Chase sat on the steps of the temple gate with a bowl of Lao Meng Long soup. He sipped the warm soup slowly, observing the night sky. There had been no sign of them throughout the day and that made him rather concerned. He has had Showdown experiences with them, and none had taken this much of time. Nor has he seen them take a Shen Gong Wu then dilly-dally around. What is going on? He asked himself.
His question was answered, but in a way he never expected. Instead of a long reptile with four figures riding on its back gliding down, he received a fast incoming metal transport flying in his direction. CRASH! The Silver Manta Ray came to a halt in absolute ruins a yard away from where he sat. He stared at it for a few moments then sipped his soup, pretending to be without care.
The cockpit opened with a hiss and four people tumbled out of it. Chase let them sprawl out on the grass before getting on his feet and helping them away from the vehicle. Not long after, the exhausted and starving fighters were put to rest and had their lunch-dinner in bed. Chase did the serving, but they all were so tired even Raimondo did not protest. In fact, every one of the Wudai monks fell asleep while eating, with the exception of Clay.
Chase stood outside their rooms, figuring what delayed them. Their curtains were drawn so the explanations he received were zilch. The older monks and Master monks occupied themselves in the main hall, thus were of no relief to him either way. Why were they so late? He wondered. How did they end up in such a state? His eyebrows arched. Did they meet a Showdown opponent? Who might it have been? The smart did not win though; he knew that for certain because Raimondo had the Shapi duster in his hand upon return. But the loser was a sore one and had struck Dojo. His theories were not far fetched. Just simply unsettling unto his mind.
"Psst!" A quick sound caught his full attention. He headed into the room of the noise-maker. There he heard the whole tale of the storm and the Wu and his former house. It calmed him to know. However, that was all that happened. He had attempted slipping his arm around her but she would not let him night, much to his disliking.
"At least it was by the weather they were delayed." The Heylin acknowledged himself. "Not by another force." Chase slipped beneath his sheets. He heard his conclusion spoken out loud, but could not get himself to sleep after that. For it had just made things worse.