Chapter Four
Chalice
The ride through the mountains was silent for the most part. At least, for Kimiko it was. While the others discussed whatever boys discussed, she sat in silence trying to focus on where the voice was beckoning her to go. Unfortunately, the voice had been silent for the better part of an hour. She stared listlessly out the Ray window as the snowcapped mountains blurred by. Kimiko groaned in frustration.
"Hey, Kimiko, everything cool?"
Snapping from her thoughts, the girl turned her attention to the four friends staring at her. Unease and concern written on their faces. Kimiko waved a hand, "Oh! Yeah, I'm fine. I just can't hear anything."
"Sorry, we'll be quiet." Clay apologized.
Kimiko shook her head, "No, no! It's not you guys. Trust me, even with all your talking I could still hear the Phoenix. It's just…" She glanced back out the window, "I just can't hear her now. It's like she's gone silent."
"Do not worry, Kimiko," Omi patted her arm in sympathy, "Remember what Master Fung said- the Phoenix chose you. She will appear again!"
The 'chosen' girl smiled in thanks.
"Unless she has decided that you are not worthy anymore." He finished with a thoughtful look.
Kimiko frowned.
"I don't think that's how that works, kiddo." Dojo said, looking up from his Dragon's Monthly magazine.
Raimundo sighed, "Anyway, maybe it's just as well. It's getting dark outside and I need to stretch my legs before they fall off."
True to word, the sun was starting to set, casting the sky into a beautiful orange and red glow. The snow sparkled in the light and under any other circumstance, Kimiko would have loved to watch the setting sun. Yet the colors drew her back to the persistent nightmares.
Kimiko nodded, folding her arms around her though it provided little comfort. She wanted to get out of the air, "Yeah." She agreed, "We should probably stop for the night."
Following her word, Raimundo began the slow descent into the wood below them. Carefully picking a spot that was both hidden and away from the frosty tip of the mountains. Finding the perfect clearing between the trees, Raimundo gently landed the Silver Manta Ray and put it in park.
The group gratefully exited the Wu, stretching their limbs while looking around at their newly acquired campsite.
Their leader clapped his hands together, "Right! Guess we should get things started for a fire."
Omi cast him a quizzical look, "But Kimiko can-" His face turned red with embarrassment as his friends glared at him, "Oh… Right."
Continuing on, Raimundo instructed, "Clay, you, Omi, and Dojo get a camp set up and Kimiko and I will find some firewood." He blatantly ignored the knowing look Clay gave him.
"Right. We'll get right on that!" The cowboy patted Omi on the shoulder as Dojo hopped onto his shoulder, "C'mon, lil' buddy. Let's get everythin' out."
Ignoring Omi's protests of not being able to go out with them, Raimundo held out his hand for Kimiko to go first into the forest. He followed close behind, reaching out to move low hanging branches- good thing Kimiko was so short. Smiling to himself, the boy reminisced over the last few years. Sure, they had all grown as individuals and as a team, but the one thing he would always find hilarious was the fact that while Kimiko did grow a couple of inches, all the boys had grown too. For them, their feisty little woman would forever be… Well, little.
"What're you smiling at?" Kimiko asked, looking back at the boy.
Without thinking, Rai replied, "You."
The girl's face turned red. Focusing on what was in front of her once again, Kimiko huffed, "Right." She stopped to pick up a few sticks of wood, "Well when you're done being all dopey, could you maybe help me find some more kindling?" She teased.
"Yes, ma'am." Raimundo responded in jest. They continued to pick up sticks, moving further into the woods when need be.
Picking up another stick, Kimiko frowned when she thought about what they would be used for. Starting a fire. Something she could not do. Good thing she brought the Star Hanabi and Eye of Dashi. She could still use those… Just not with her power. Even her bandaged hands mocked her. She let out a defeated sigh, closing her eyes.
"You okay, Kim?"
Without opening her eyes she responded, "Yeah. Yeah, just thinking." She felt Rai's presence next to her.
"About your powers?"
She let a sad smile form. He always knew exactly what bothered her. Not that it was hard to guess what exactly was bothering her in this instance. Still, Raimundo had shown time and time again over the course of their friendship that he could pinpoint the cause of her emotions.
Blue eyes finally opened meeting the concerned green ones. Sad and defeated, Kimiko nodded, "I just don't understand, Rai. This is going to sound completely childish but this isn't fair!" Anger started bubbling within her the more she thought about her situation, "I mean sure, it's cool to be chosen by a Phoenix or whatever but to mess with my powers? Mess with who I am? Ugh! Why is this- Ow!" On instinct, her power started taking over- steam emitting from her hands causing the skin to burn. Dropping the sticks, she held her hands close to her chest.
Raimundo was by her side in an instant, "Careful, Kimiko!" He wrapped a protective arm around her while the other gently grabbed hold of her hands. He clicked his tongue inspecting the damage, "I know it's in your name but you gotta be more careful, fire girl." He quipped, trying to cheer her up. He received an annoyed groan in response.
The boy frowned, "I know this is difficult right now, but you can't use your powers. Even on accident. Think of it like when you first use the Tangled Web Comb. Just focus on not losing your cool."
Kimiko snapped her head towards him, "I don't lose my cool!"
Raimundo lifted an eyebrow. His "really?" expression said it all and the girl groaned in annoyance once again.
"Okay, okay. I see your point. It's just… Difficult."
A gentle pat pulled her from her sorrows, "I know. But the guys and I are here for you. Remember that."
Kimiko smiled, "Thanks, Rai. I know I can always count on you." Her eyes widened, "Guys! You guys! I can always count on you guys is what I meant, haha!" No powers were needed for the heat forming on her face. She looked away.
Letting her go, Raimundo rubbed the back of his neck, "Right! Yeah… Ahem." He bent down to pick up the scattered sticks, "We should probably get back. Who knows how much Dojo has already eaten of our rations."
Kimiko laughed, "Even raw, Dojo will eat anything." She held out her hands to take some of the load Raimundo had. They walked back without much else to say.
Way to make it awkward, Kimiko. Good job. The girl chastised herself for her slip up.
Just say something, man! You're the Rai-guy! Just tell her how you feel! The 'Rai-guy' tried pressuring himself but ultimately decided that maybe now wasn't the time. Not with what was at stake… But then again, when would he get another chance?
Raimundo shook those thoughts from his head.
After an excruciating walk in tense silence, the two oblivious Dragons made it back to the camp.
….***** *****...
"Kimiko…"
"Huh?" Rising to her feet, Kimiko looked around the landscape. She was surprised by the lack of fire power- the flames crackling around her were dim, barely large enough to be considered dangerous. To her it was peaceful. Comforting.
"Hello?" Blue eyes scanned the area, "Is anyone there?"
The fire around her began to move towards her, but she was not afraid. In fact, she was curious. Kimiko watched in wonder as the flames converged in front of her. The movement in which they formed together reminded the girl of a well rehearsed ballet.
The flames grew, forming the figure of a bird. A Phoenix.
The figure spoke, her voice laced with solace, "Kimiko, you must hurry. The demon is growing stronger each day."
"But, how do I find you?" Kimiko asked, awe and fear coursing through her veins, "Where are you?"
"Continue to listen to my voice, young one. Many forces will try to distract you from reaching me. You have been trying to listen with your mind. But I have formed to tell you to listen with your heart. Focus. Listen. Do not let anything distract you."
Confused, Kimiko shook her head, "But how will I know I'm listening with my heart?"
"You will know." Answered the Phoenix, "Hurry. I will be waiting."
….***** *****...
The first thing that crossed Kimiko's mind when she woke up was, Well that wasn't helpful at all. Follow her heart? What was that supposed to mean? Guess Master Fung was not the only one to guide monks with vague instructions.
Sighing, she sat up. Her back cracking as she stretched. The ground was not comfortable to sleep on. As per the usual she wished for the millionth time since becoming a Xiaolin monk that she had a real bed to sleep on. Raimundo wasn't the only one who missed that type of luxury. She just preferred to keep that complaint to herself.
Looking around in the pale light of the morning, Kimiko noticed that her friends were still snug asleep. The campfire Clay had started the night before nothing more than dwindling embers. Noting that it was still slightly cold out, the girl moved to stoke the fire. While she did, her thoughts wandered to her dream… Vision? Whatever it had been.
Follow with my heart… How do I do that?
She pursed her lips. She felt her temper rise slightly at the lack of information but closed her eyes. Maybe if she used the time she had while the others were asleep, she could meditate on the problem at hand.
Opening her eyes she finished stoking the fire before crossing her legs to begin her meditation.
Inhale…
Exhale…
Inhale…
Exhale…
"No, Grandma Lily… I don't want the piiiig…." Clay's mumbling turned to snores, interrupting Kimiko's thoughts.
Peeking one eye open, she could make out the boy's figure across the fire fidgeting before settling down. Kimiko frowned. Trying once again to regain her composure, she focused on her breathing…
Inhale…
Exhale…
Inhale…
Ex-
"Mmmmm…. Monkey… Strike." Came Omi's own sleep muttering.
Kimiko growled to herself. Now she could only concentrate on how loud her compatriots snored around her. Even Dojo's snores seemed to rock the earth with Clay's. Sighing in defeat, the fatigued girl decided that maybe it would be best to find a more comfortable spot to do her meditation.
Making as little noise as she could, Kimiko got up and moved quite a few yards away from the camp. She was careful to avoid any critters that scampered in the dark. Once she reached a smaller clearing, she picked a nice spot to settle and begin her meditation.
Inhale…
Exhale…
Inhale…
Exhale…
Follow your heart…
Inhale…
Don't focus on your mind…
Exhale…
Heart…
Inhale…
Heart…
"Kimiko… Come…"
She opened her eyes, surprised to find that her head faced to the right. There. That's where they needed to go. Kimiko smiled.
"Well, well, well. What have we here?"
The voice above her caused Kimiko to get to her feet. Twisting around she looked up in the tree and snarled, "Chase Young."
The man gave her a wicked smile, "Kimiko. And how are you this fine, early morning?"
Kimiko snorted, "I was doing fine until you showed up. What do you want?!" Preparing herself for a fight, the Dragon was perplexed when Chase did not make a move to attack. In fact, he leaned against the tree.
Continuing to smirk down at her, Chase responded, "Actually I was looking for you, young one."
Fear gripped at Kimiko's heart. What on earth would Chase Young want with her? A prickly feeling went down her spin. Spinning around she came face to face with the one witch she wished she could punch.
"Wuya." She growled.
The Heylin witch smiled, showing her sharp teeth, "Young monk. My, my, how long has it been? A few weeks? Months?"
"Since I last saw your ugly face?" Kimiko quipped. She took a step back.
Wuya frowned, "Still charming as ever, I see."
With both villains on either side of her, Kimiko backed up so she could keep an eye on them both. She growled, "I won't ask you again. What do you want?"
"For evil to reign, duh!" A new figure appeared out of the trees between the more evil doers.
Kimiko groaned, "Really? You again, Jack?"
The 'evil boy genius' gave her a cocky grin, "That's right! The Jack-y is back-y! And this time it's personal!"
The girl rolled her eyes.
Chase frowned at the boy's bravado, "Quiet, worm." Jack frowned and crossed his arms like a petulant child. The reptilian warrior returned his attention to the trapped girl. He grinned, "Did your teacher tell you everything you need to know about the Spirit of Yaoguai?" Chase asked, a hint of mischievousness in his voice. He jumped down from the tree to advance closer.
"How do you-?" Kimiko shook her head. Of course they knew! How could they not? The monks were practically being stalked by their enemies on the regular. She shifted gears, "I know all I need to know!"
"Do you?" Chase held out his hand to which Jack brought out- from wherever he was hiding it- the Chalice of Qin. He placed the Chalice in Chase's hand. Chase yelled, "Chalice of Qin!" And with the flick of his hand, tossed the glowing Wu towards Kimiko.
Against her better judgment, the girl caught the Chalice. She wanted to take it and run but something kept her in place. Looking down, she watched as the cup filled with water. Her own curious face stared back at her. Slowly the reflection began to shift. The person staring back at Kimiko was a man. A face she did not recognize- older looking with black hair tied in a bun. His face was clean shaven with tired, dark eyes staring straight into her soul. His gaunt, pale skin seemed more skeleton-like than human. He opened his mouth to speak to her.
The image began to shift again. Yellow and orange hues consumed the man.
What stared back at her was the demon from her dreams.
Gasping, Kimiko dropped the chalice. Her heart pounded inside her chest. Who was that?
"That-" Chase began as if he had heard her thoughts, "Was Hua Shin. A previous Dragon of Fire who was consumed by the Spirit of Yaoguai." He raised an eyebrow, "But of course you already knew that?" He walked over picking up the Chalice and placed it into Kimiko's hands. He stared right into her eyes, "Anyone who does not defeat the demon will be consumed by it. Becoming it."
Though she tried to play poker face, the fear gripping at Kimiko's heart made her light headed. She shook her head, "You're lying!" Grasping the Chalice close to her chest, she took several steps backwards.
"Am I?" The villain asked smugly.
Wuya grinned, "Looks like the little monk is speechless. And powerless."
The three moved towards Kimiko. She stood her ground, "I may not have my powers, but I can still kick your butt!" She went to attack but a strong gust of wind distracted the group.
"SHOKU LIBRA! WIND!" The large gust of wind swept both Wuya and Jack off their feet. From the bushes, Clay and Omi sprung out to attack the unsuspecting villains while Raimundo landed between Kimiko and Chase.
Arms raised ready to defend, the leader frowned, "I didn't know we had to take out the trash all the way out here, too. Guess chores just follow us everywhere."
Chase smiled, "Ah, Raimundo. How nice to see you again."
"Wish I could say the same."
The man chuckled, "Guess we've overstayed our welcome."
From where he was busy fighting off Wuya, Clay shouted, "Funny! I don't remember you bein' invited to this rodeo at all!"
Jack dodged a strike from Omi- albeit unsuccessfully as he was then swept off his feet. Coughing out the dirt he swallowed, the boy shouted, "You should be grateful! Now you have the Chalice of Qin and a way to say hi to Kimiko when she's taken!" He squealed when Omi went in for a punch.
"What are you nibbling on about?" The small monk demanded, striking Jack in the back.
"What he is babbling about is how some new information might be of some use. Isn't that right?" Looking beyond Raimundo, Chase caught Kimiko's eye. She looked away in uncertainty.
Ignoring Chase, Raimundo looked over his shoulder. A small, "Kim?" Escaped his lips. He did not like the way she was visibly shaking now. Turning his attention back to the Heylin warrior, he bared his teeth, "You've messed with the wrong monks." His voice low and dangerous.
Chase smirked. He closed his eyes and in an instant morphed into the hideous beast that he was. He let out a bellowing roar frightening poor Dojo who had been cowering in a bush the whole time.
"Nope!" Dojo shouted. Growing to his full size, he divebombed towards the group and scooped up each Xiaolin monk in his arms. He yelled, "Everybody hang on! This is an emergency take off!"
Holding onto Dojo's bicep, Raimundo glared down at the receding form of Wuya, Jack, and Chase Young. Even from their elevated position he could still see the smug grin on Chase's face.
"Man, I really hate that guy." He muttered to himself.
Climbing up to Dojo's back, the boys all turned to Kimiko who stared down at the Chalice of Qin.
"Kimiko?" Omi ventured, walking over to his crestfallen friend. He placed a small hand on her shoulder.
She looked up with tears in her eyes, "I'm… Scared, you guys. I'm scared." Her lower lip wobbled. Letting the tears fall, Kimiko covered her face with her hands as her friends gathered around her. Each monk placed a comforting hand on her back or shoulders.
All of them at a loss for words.
….***** *****...
Wuya groaned with annoyance. She turned on Chase, "Why did you just let them go?! And WHY did you give them the Shen Gong Wu?!"
Chase's shoulders tensed, "Our main objective, Wuya, is to weaken the monks. One way to do that is to instill fear within them. By giving Kimiko the Chalice of Qin, she will be tempted to look into its waters and see the demeaned form of Hua Shin. She will slowly lose control."
The frown on Wuya's face lightened into a malicious smile, "Oh, I see."
Jack raised his hand, "I… Don't get it."
Wuya rolled her eyes as Chase continued explaining, "If she sees what is in store for her potential future, the chances of her losing to Yaoguai is higher." He moved closer with each word towards Jack, "The monks will be devastated by losing a member of their team. They will crumble." He stopped, glowering down at the smaller form of Jack Spicer, "They will fall." He finished.
Jack gulped, "G-got it. Don't ask questions. Just follow along."
Chase Young nodded, "Indeed." He backed off from the teen's personal space, looking up to the sky where the dragon was now just a speck in the distance. He hummed, "Soon Kimiko will perish. And we will move in on the Xiaolin side."
A/N: Now, some of you are probably thinking, "Wait a minute, did Dojo just sly even though he said he couldn't?" And I respond to that with, "Yes. Yes, he did." Anyway! See ya'll next time!