Hey guys! What's up? How's life? Thank you for the reviews. I love you guys! So sports are over THANK YOU GOD. That means ill have a lot more time to write this story and ill be a lot less stressed out. Well no guarentees on the stress part. I promised that id give I-Swear-i'm-a-Ninja some credit. I mean shes constantly putting up with me txting her randomly asking 4 her opinion. She makes all the hard descicions so thx girl! I love you like a sis. You deserve a virtual cookie. Here you go *gives a cookie*So heres the next chapter please enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Xiaolin Showdown!

Chapter 10:
Home Sweet Home

"Raimundo!" Dojo yelled from Rai's doorway.

"What? What's wrong? Are we under attack?" Rai shot up from his bed.

"No worse. Kimiko's missing!" he cried. "She's not in her room."

"Hmm?" Kimiko sat up as well.

Dojo froze. His eyes bulged. "What's going on here?" he demanded.

"Kimi had a nightmare. She was really scared so she slept with me," he said nonchalantly. Dojo still looked at him suspiciously. So he added defensively, "I didn't do anything I swear!"

"Come on Dojo. Rai's not like that," Kimiko told him.

"Yeah, but still I don't think two teenagers should sleep in the same room, especially with all those hormones and…"

"Please don't tell Master Fung. It won't happen again. I promise," Kimiko pleaded. She did her big-blue-pleading-puppy-dog-eyes thing.

"Fine, just don't let it happen again. I don't want to be held responsible for anything that happens between you two," he scolded. Then he left the room muttering about teen pregnancy.

Kim smiled and laid back down, but Raimundo looked troubled.

"What's wrong?" Kim asked.

"Nothing it's just that… you know I wouldn't do that to you right?" he asked.

"Of course you wouldn't. You may have been raised on the streets, but you're more of a gentleman then most 'properly raised' boys I know." She of course was referring to her encounter with the American boy, Dane, but Rai had no way of knowing that. Just then her stomach growled.

"Breakfast?" Raimundo smiled.

"Yeah," Kimiko said, standing.

They arrived at breakfast hand-in-hand.

"Good mornin' you two," Clay greeted them. He was standing at the stove cooking…

"Pancakes?" Kimiko said hopefully.

"The best!" Aelia exclaimed from the table.

"Agreed," said Omi, before stuffing his face.

Raimundo and Kimiko took seats next to Omi. Clay set a stack of pancakes in front of each of them. Kimiko picked up her fork and knife and attacked them. Then he set the rest on a huge plate in the center of the table, took half the stack, and settled down next to Aelia.

"So where's Ash?" Raimundo asked, his mouth full.

"Right here!" Ash said, cheerful as always.

"Don't talk with your mouth full," Kimiko scolded, her mouth full as well.

Everyone burst out laughing. Ash flopped down next to Aelia, helping himself to some breakfast.

"Good morning my huntress!" he said.

Aelia choked on her breakfast. Clay pounded her back. "Excuse me?"

"That's what you are no?"

Aelia just shrugged it off in a "whatever" gesture and continued eating.

"So what's on the agenda for today?" Ash asked. "Delicious by the way," he nodded to Clay.

"Ol' family recipe," Clay told him.

"Young monks I have a wonderful announcement," Master Fung said, appearing out of nowhere with Dojo on his shoulder.

"What is down?" Omi asked.

"Up," Rai corrected him.

"That too."

"Aelia," she looked up at him, "your Wudai Weapon has revealed itself," he told her.

"Really?" she seemed excited.

"Yes," he told her.

"Well what are we waiting for?" Rai said standing. "Let's go get our girl her weapon."

Everyone stood up and piled out of the kitchen. Before Aelia could leave, however, Ash grabbed her wrist. He let everyone else go ahead of them. Kimiko gave her an odd look, but Aelia just shrugged.

"What?" she asked rudely when everyone left.

Ash looked hurt.

"I'm sorry, it's just last night…" she apologized.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," Ash told her. He was uncomfortably close. Aelia gulped and took half a step back. Ash noticed this.

"Go on."

"I wanted to apologize for how I acted. And I was kinda hoping that we could still be friends…" he told her.

Aelia looked at him. He looked so much like Nico it was scary. She couldn't turn him away. Besides, even if she couldn't love she still enjoyed talking to him.

She smiled, "Of course we can still be friends."

"Really?" He looked so relieved. "Great."

"Shall we go?"

Ash nodded and they left together.

They departed immediately. Kimiko and Aelia were sitting together. Kimiko was so happy that she finally had another girl to talk to, even if Aelia wasn't the average girl. Meanwhile, Raimundo and Ash were talking.

"You almost kissed her?" Rai asked quietly.

"Yeah, but she pulled back and kinda fell apart," Ash told him.

"So what'd she say?" Raimundo said eagerly.

"She told me that she can't love. Some sort of religious thing," Ash said, looking upset.

"Ouch," Rai winced. "Just give her time.

Ash was about to reply, but Dojo interrupted. "Ladies and gentlemen we have arrived at our destination. Welcome to Greece or I should say welcome back. The temperature is in the mid 90's with mild winds so it's a perfect day to go swimming, fly kites, or hunt Shen Gong Wu-" everyone laughed "-thank you for flying Air Dojo."

Aelia instantly perked up, she was home. Her eyes widened when she recognized where they were. The landscape had changed and of course the city had been reduced to rubble, but she could still picture everything clearly. "Calydon!"

"What? Where you born?" inquired Clay.

"Yeah," she pointed, "the castle used to be right over there. And the palace walls there. I grew up in these hills."

They all took a few moments to look at Aelia's former city. They could see the rivers that were nearby, but mainly the land was just rolling hills covered in wild flowers. A little ways away they could see the dense forest that had hosted the Calydonian Boar Hunt so long ago.

"What happened to it?" Kimiko wanted to know.

Aelia's eyebrows furrowed. "In 31BC after the Romans took over, Emperor Octavian had her population, art and treasures moved to a new colony called Nicopolis."

"Amazing," Rai said. "And the Boar Hunt actually happened? I mean it's not just a myth?"

Aelia laughed, "Of course it did. I was there."

"You were?" Ash asked, dumfounded.

"Yeah, I disguised myself as a boy. I was Atalanta's weapon's bearer. She was the only one that knew I was a girl," she told him.

"And you observed her boot the beast's behind?" Omi asked.

"What?" Aelia was staring at him oddly.

Everyone thought for a second.

"I think he means you saw her kick it's butt," Rai put in.

"Oh, well yeah I guess I did," she said smiling, remembering her fierce, beautiful friend.

"Less talk, more finding the weapon," Dojo said impatiently.

The gang set off searching the river valley. They looked everywhere, but they couldn't find anything. Finally, Clay announced that he had found something.

"Hey, I think yall better come over here!" he called. He was standing at the base of a hill between two trees.

When he moved out of the way the monks saw a stone slab in the hill. Centuries of rain and wind had worn away the picture, but the monks could still make it out. A picture of a woman had been carved into the stone. She was in a hunter's crouch and had a bow in her hand, a quiver on her back, and a deer by her side. Aelia dropped to her knees in shock.

"Oh my gods," she whispered. "The lost shrine."

"Come again?" Kimiko said.

"It's the lost shrine of Artemis. I thought it was only a myth…"

"Aren't most of your 'myths' true anyway?" Ash said exasperated.

"Well yeah, but this shrine was built years before my time and then it just disappeared and no one could find it again."

"Great, so how do we get in?" Raimundo asked.

"I dunno," she rubbed temples thinking. "I'm trying to remember the story."

"I've got an idea," said Clay. "Stand back."

Raimundo grabbed Kimiko by the shoulders and pulled her several feet away from the slab, then stood in front of her. Omi hid behind Ash. Clay put his hands together as if in prayer and huffed.

Aelia, suddenly remembering the story yelled, "No wait!" But it was too late. Clay stomped his left foot out in front of him and pushed his hands outward. The earth shook as he blasted the stone. Instantly, the attack rebounded right back at the monks, knocking them backwards. Kimiko was knocked into Raimundo and they landed on the ground in a heap. Clay flew into a tree, breaking it in half. Ash and Omi crashed into a boulder. Aelia was thrown about twenty feet from the rest of the group.

An assortment of moans and groans could be heard from the monks. Clay stood up, wincing. Aelia's vision swam when she sat up so she had to put her head between her knees. Kimiko and Raimundo were untangling themselves. Ash and Omi peeled themselves off the rock. Ash limped over to Aelia while the Xiaolin Warriors stood staring at the unscathed rock, baffled.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

She nodded and looked up into his sparkling brown eyes. He held out his hand so she took it and let him pull her up.

"I don't get it," Clay said shaking his head.

"It can't be opened like that," Aelia told him.

"Well how can it be opened?" Clay asked rubbing his head.

Aelia walked up to the stone. She ran her fingers over the surface while her teammates observed. When she touched Artemis's face the goddess's eyes glowed for a second.

"Magic," she whispered. Then she added louder, "Stand back."

Everyone hid behind Clay this time, who looked terrified.

Aelia took a step back, pointed her fingers at the rock and said, "Na shi hafstra," in a harsh ancient voice. Silver mist shot out of her fingertips. It curled at the rock and then it seemed as though the slab absorbed the magic.

There was a moment of silence. Then it was as if the earth had sighed. The ground began to shake and groan. Then the slab slid open revealing a cave entrance. The gang cheered, but stopped when Aelia stumbled backwards looking pale. She felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her, steadying her. Aelia didn't need to look up to know who was holding her.

"Are you okay?" Ash asked in a husky voice.

"Yeah, I sometimes use too much magic and it weakens me. I'll be fine just give me a second." She was already feeling better, her head clearing.

"We're not all going to fit in there," Dojo speculated, peering into the hole.

"It's my Wudai Weapon. I'll get it," Aelia volunteered.

"I'll go with her," Ash said immediately.

"Alright, we'll wait outside then," Rai said plopping down on the ground.

Ash and Aelia entered the cave. It was moist inside and the air smelt like the forest. The magic inside the cave was so great that Aelia could practically see it. It was thick like fog and just as heavy, but peaceful too. Eventually, they got so deep that the light from the entrance no longer illuminated their path. Aelia went to summon her powers like she did in the Amazon, but Ash stopped her.

"I got this," he said. He cupped his hands together then opened them slowly. Something glowed brightly in his hands. Something that wasn't there two seconds ago. It was so bright that they were both blinded for a moment.

"Oh Ash," Aelia gasped. "Is that a star?"

Indeed, Ash held a star in his hands. It radiated warmth and lit up the cavern with a luminous white light.

The two walked for a long time, at least that's what it felt like to Aelia, in silence. It was comfortable and yet awkward. It seemed as though their friendship was the same, but completely different. Last night had changed them, changed her. Aelia shook her head. She had to focus on this task. There was an eerie glow up ahead.

The tunnel opened up into a miniature cavern. The walls glowed blue. In the center was an altar carven out of stone and literally attached to the floor. This cavern was the main source of the magic. It was emitting from the rocks themselves. But what shocked Aelia the most was the fact that there were two smiling women waiting for them behind the altar.

"Welcome my daughter," one of them spoke.

Ash's jaw dropped. The women were beautiful. The one that had spoken had shoulder length blonde hair. She was tall and lithe with slender ankles and flashing gray eyes, the same color as Aelia's. The woman had a strict face, but it softened as she smiled. She wore a white tunic with sandals. She held a razor sharp spear. Ash didn't know how he knew it, but he could tell that this woman was wise beyond her years.

The other woman was just as magnificent. Her brown hair flowed to the middle of her back. She was just as tall as the other one with tiny hips and the athletic build of a runner. Her warm brown eyes gazed at Aelia with pride. She wore a white tunic as well, but this one ended at her knees, whereas the other woman's went down to her ankles. She was barefoot and her skin glowed as though she had taken baths in liquid moonlight. She carried a bow in her hand and a quiver on her back.

Aelia ran into their open arms. They hugged her tightly, like a mother would hug a child that she hasn't seen in a while.

Daughter? Ash thought, still dazzled by their appearance.

"Lady Athena, Lady Artemis! What are you doing here?" she asked with obvious joy.

"Well we haven't visited you in a while and we wanted to drop by," said the brunette.

Aelia opened her mouth to say something, but Ash cut her off. "Who are you?"

The blonde woman turned her sharp gray eyes on him and he gulped.

"I am Pallas Athena, goddess of wisdom. Who are you little mortal?" she said.

"No. That is not possible. You're pulling my leg," he told her, shaking his head in disbelief.

"It's true Ash," Aelia told him. "Did you think I was lying?"

"No of course not. But I mean, that was way back when. Gods and goddesses, they don't exist anymore. They're just AHH…" That last part was because an arrow had sprouted at his feett and he jumped back in fear. The brunette woman was holding her bow, another arrow already notched.

"Say another word child, I dare you," she threatened.

Aelia put her hand on her arm. "Don't shoot Lady Artemis. He's just in shock."

Artemis lowered her bow as Athena said, "Indeed…"

So Ash had finally met Aelia's guardians. He desperately wished she had warned him that they were very irritable. While Ash pondered this the goddesses turned their attention back to Aelia.

"There is another reason we came of course," Artemis started.

"What?" Aelia asked.

"To present you with your Wudai Weapon," Athena finished.

"Really?" Aelia said.

"We had it made especially for you," Artemis told her, "by Hephaestus."

"Get out," Aelia said in shock.

"Oh we don't kid around with this stuff," said Athena, "You need a weapon that won't let you down in battle. I knew Dashi. His Shen Gong Wu are often unpredictable."

"You knew Grand Master Dashi?" Ash couldn't help himself.

"Of course," said Athena. "I was born centuries before this one was even though of." She ruffled Aelia's hair.

"So where is it?" Aelia asked eagerly.

"Hermes is bringing it. He should be here in a second," Artemis told her.

Suddenly, BANG, a bright light filled the cavern, blinding everyone. When the light had faded, and everyone stopped seeing spots, a man wearing also wearing a white tunic with winged sandals, a winged helmet, and carrying a caduceus was standing on the altar. In his other hand he held a package that was at least four feet long.

"Aelia!" he said happily. "What a pleasure it is to see you again!"

"Hello Lord Hermes," Aelia blushed.

"Wow you sure are popular with the gods aren't you?" Ash muttered.

"Well my dear, here you go. Your very own bow. Hephaestus sends his regards," Hermes said handing her the package. "I must be going now. I'm sorry I can't stay longer, but I've got a lot more packages to deliver. See you around!"

Aelia thanked him and he began to glow. Then, as though she had just remembered something she turned and tackled Ash to the ground. With a flash Hermes was gone.

"What on earth?" Ash began, but Aelia cut him off.

"You can't look at an immortal when they reveal they're true form. You'll be vaporized."

"Oh," Ash looked into her concerned gray eyes. "Thanks."

"No problem."

Athena and Artemis watched this scene with looks of amusement on their faces.

"I'm afraid we must be going as well," said Athena. "We're not allowed to interact with mortals for a long period of time."

"But…" Aelia began.

"She's right my huntress," said Artemis.

Aelia looked at them both then said in a sad voice, "Okay."

Artemis lifted her chin. "Don't worry. We won't stay away as long this time. I promise."

Aelia looked a lot happier at that. She thanked them for their gift and hugged them good-bye. Then she and Ash turned away as they disappeared. Once again, they were left alone. Aelia unwrapped her bow. It was beautiful, silver with flowers carved into it. She held it close to her. Then, together, Aelia and Ash left the mysterious cavern and headed for the light.

Wow Ash's right. Aelia is pretty popular with the gods. Then again she's the only one that knows they still exist. Hahaha Artemis almost shot Ash. Im so mean to him. And Dojo freaked about Raimundo and Kimiko : ) Im not sure what the point of the chapter was but i liked it. It was gonna be different but i changed my mind. So im not sure what to write here. My brains kinda fried. Um i would like some feedback obviously. SO please review. Oh and this is very important so pay attention. This is a shoot out to all of my soccer playing readers. It is very crucial to the story that you tell me all the positions. And no dont tell me midfield. I want specifics like goalie. Please i have never played soccer and never will play soccer but its very important that i learn the positions and any terms would be very nice. Im begging you guys. Please review and include that or PM me. Thanks!