It was another beautiful day at the Xiaolin Temple. The monks were taking a break from all their training and questing to pursue more leisurely activities. At the moment Omi was sitting in the shade of a tree enjoying a good book with Crystal. On the porch working hard on an upgrade for the security bots were Jack and Kimiko. Close bye Clay and Callie were enjoying some pastries that Callie had just freshly baked. In the meadow a game of soccer was being played between Raimundo and Lu. Sitting in the courtyard listening to rap music with a pair of headphones were Jermaine and Stacey. However near the training course the last two monks were doing something worth watching.
Auara was dressed up in the traditional clothes of a harem dancer from Ancient Egypt. With her Mulan Sunfans in hand she twirled around in an exotic and memorizing dance while Dagwood photographed her. "That's right give me more passion! Come on Auara work with me here. You're suppose to be enjoying yourself. Give me more face, look at me and smile. Now move a little to the left so I can get more light for the shot. You're an amazing subject to shoot."
"Well you do have a good eye for beauty. For a first timer doing his first ever photo shoot I must say your doing well. Why don't I try to make this shot more interesting?" Auara asked mysteriously waving one fan in front of her face. Without waiting for reply she drew back her wrist and let out a cry "Mulan Sunfans!" The second she snapped her wrist the two razor sharp fans began to circle around her body causing the chiffon wraps to fly and the air buzz. "Hot enough for you?"
"Now this is the stuff people dream off! Okay just a few more shots and done. Great job Auara you really did well for a first time model. Have you ever thought about pursuing a carrier in modeling before?" Dagwood set cleaning off his camera lens and packing up his bags.
"Modeling isn't exactly allowed for girls like me. In Egypt there are a lot of laws about what woman can and can't do. I mean I was pretty privileged growing up in the Embassy with two parents who worked for the government, but I still didn't get to do a lot of things a typical American girl would do."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you also Egyptian by birth? I mean I can understand why you want to embrace your American heritage, but isn't there anything your proud of about your native roots?"
"Besides my favorite foods and dance not really. I think modern Egypt has a lot left to desire. Probing my roots of my ancient ancestors isn't fun either. I know that they had a fantastic empire and elaborate beliefs in gods, goddesses, and the afterlife, but that's not me. The only thing I have that links me to that particular time is this," Auara said pulling out a delicate gold chain that had a piece of amber hanging on it. With further inspection Dagwood was surprised to see scarab beetle perfectly persevered inside. "What is that?"
"Freaky huh? It's protective amulets that suppose to represent rebirth and protection. Juliet sent it to me for my birthday. According to the hieroglyphs inscription on the back this amulet will protect me from harm, both physical and magical. Of course I don't believe that one bit," Auara explained.
"Just because its ancient superstition doesn't mean it doesn't have merit. You really need to learn to let go of rationality and embrace your magical heritage. After all you've seen magic at work with the Shen Gong Wu and your powers, would it be that hard to accept your cultural past?" Dagwood asked.
Auara just glanced down at the amulet once more. Inwardly she sighed. It wasn't that she hated being Egyptian and honestly there was a lot to love about her culture. She just couldn't get over the fact there was a lack of freedom.
In the Nilyeh City Valonia was gazing at the group of happy monks in disgust. It had been twenty months since her people had been freed of the blasted chi barrier. Since then much had changed, but her goal to obtain the last remaining Kung Site for evil hadn't occurred. Time and time again her plans for world domination had fallen through.
"What does it take to defeat these monks? No matter what I come up with nothing works! If only I could find a way to break up their winning streak! If only I could break up their friendship then defeating them would be a lot easier, but how?" Valonia mused.
The doors opened and Wuya strolled into the throne room tossing her flame red hair. "You wouldn't believe the exhausting day I've been having. Managing the men and their labor is taxing work. If we didn't need them for procreation and manual labor I would obliterate them where they stand. What are you up to on this glorious day mother?"
"Hello my dear, your evil mother is hard at work examining all her options. It seems like no matter what I come up with those blasted monks seem to counter my efforts. If only I could think of a way to break up their winning combination. At last even with the Flames help I can't think of any strategy that would work."
"Your not alone in your thoughts Mother. During my time as a disembodied floating head I racked my brains for a solution to the dilemma. The only time I ever came close was when four Shen Gong Wu went off at the same time. In that little escapade the original four were fighting amongst each other making them easy targets for my minions. To bad you can't force them to fight amongst themselves," Wuya commented offhand.
"Fighting amongst themselves. That's it! Wuya you are brilliant! The solution to destroying the monks winning streak is to sow the seeds of discord and strife among them! I know just how to do it!" Valonia exclaimed. Leaping off her throne she magically opened up a secret passage and strolled through with Wuya hot on her heels.
"Mother I know that I'm brilliant and all, but how exactly are you going to create enough strife among the monks to defeat them? Even with your magic and the Flames power it's not enough to force them to fight amongst themselves."
"Your correct about that. Even if I cast a spell I could never force a conflict big enough for the monks to use their powers against each other. However while you were trapped in that puzzle box my wolves brought back more then just children for me to feast on. Ah here we are," Valonia said as they entered a large room stock filled with mystical treasures. Each and every shelf contained something associate with magic and in the center of the room was a magic globe displaying the amount of evil in the world.
"This is my Treasure Room Wuya. Among these shelves are magical items belonging to thousands of different cultures including the Ancients themselves. One of their more powerful items was this little trinket," Valonia explained gently removing an item from the shelves. She held out the small trinket for Wuya to view. What Wuya saw didn't impress her.
It was medium size pure gold apple with the words 'To the Fairest' carved around the middle. The little piece of fruit gave off a soft glow. "What exactly is it Mother? How will this make the monks easier to capture?"
"This my dear is the Apple of Discord and with its magic powers will be the monks downfall. It will create a conflict so enormous that they will attack one another with their powers. According to the Ancient Laws, one can never use their elemental powers against a fellow ally only your enemy. The penalty is either a temporary suspension of their powers or it becomes permanent if they don't make amends. Once the monks lose their powers we can swoop in and use the Heylin Star to rejoin the two halves together. I can just taste victory!"
"Should I summon a Heylin Dragon for you?"
"No need I already have and here she is," she said acknowledging Heylin Auara who entered the room. The Heylin Dragon bowed respectfully towards her evil empress.
"What is your bidding Empress?" Heylin Auara asked. Valonia handed her the deadly apple giving her instructions. She was to attack the monks pretending to raid the vault. At the height of battle she was to use the apple's power and then get out of there. Once enough time had passed she was to return to collect the monks for the rejoining. "Consider it done my evil Empress. By this time tonight you will rule the world."
Back at the Temple Master Fung was enjoying a soothing cup of jasmine tea while Dojo basked in the sunlight. "To waste a day of peace by preparing for one of war would be quite foolish. Don't you agree Dojo?"
"I know what you mean Master Fung. With all the chaos between training to be Wudai Warriors, personal quests, school and battling evil it feels nice to enjoy the quite harmony of today," Dojo replied.
"Believe me you two will be wishing you had been training when I'm through with you," a voice hissed from behind the two. The two of them whirled around to face Heylin Auara with her Shadow Fans in hand. "Go on I dare you to attack me. After all it would the logical thing to do wouldn't it?" she mocked.
"I don't know why you have chosen to come here, but I promise you won't leave with what you came for. Elemental Blade!" Master Fung cried activating the ancient weapon's power and a sent a wave of darkness at the girl.
Heylin Auara jumped into the air and threw her Shadow Fans. The deadly weapons blocked the attack and effectively knocked the Elemental Blade from Master Fung's hands. "You're going to have to do better then that old timer!"
Without blinking Master Fung dove straight into the Hammering Crane attack he had used once to rid the Temple of Chase Young's cats. It was ineffective when found himself trapped in a glass box created by Heylin Auara's power of projection. Dojo didn't escape her watch either as she put him into a kennel. "Don't bother trying to super size out. My magic will just cause the kennel to shrink further if you do. Ah I see our little squabble has caught the attention of some dear old friends. What took you so long?" she asked as the monks came running to investigate the noise.
"Evil Auara I don't know why you are here, but prepare for a most humiliating defeat!" Omi stated drawing out his Shimo Staff and Kajim Charm.
"Yawn, I'm supposed to be afraid of a little Ouza like you? Please I met more terrifying dust bunnies then you!"
"We shall see. Kajim Charm! Shimo Staff! Water!" the little guy cried using his weapon to create a huge fountain of water. The streams of water arced before shooting straight at her face. With a wave of her Shadow Fan she repealed the water back at him. The force of the blow was so severe he crashed into Crystal who was just about to use her Mirror Deflector and Shayera Mace together. The two attacks when collided with one another caused them both to be trapped in an iceberg.
"I didn't see that one coming," Heylin Auara commented as Kimiko and Lu attacked. She effectively countered each of their punches, avoided being tripped and used a spin kick to knock both girls out.
"Kimiko! You're going to pay for that! Jackbots attack!" Jack ordered his robot army. From the sky rained hundreds of automatons.
"Relaying on your crummy Jackbots? How 'Evil Boy Genius' of you Jack, not! Hiyah! Hiyah. Osprey knaps fish!" With a new move learned from her Dragon Master she totaled all the Jackbots and buried Jack, Raimundo, and Clay under a mountain of rubble.
"If only we could use our combo moves then we show her!" Stacey snapped angrily.
"Well we can't so let's try something similar instead! Darkness!" Callie shouted turning pure black while Stacey turned pure orange. The others weren't far behind calling for the full power of their elements. Without communicating verbally they moved in for the kill.
"I'm supposed to be worried about your full elemental power? I don't think so. Duel of the Leaping Monkey!" Heylin Auara cried. Using the buildings and walls around her she leapt about like a crazed monkey. Anytime anyone got close to her she would whirl around and smash the heel of her hand into their faces nearly breaking their nose. "If this is the best you can do, I'm wondering if I even need to implement Valonia's plan."
"You may have been able to beat us one on one. Can you handle all twelve of us at once?" Auara politely inquired as the twelve warriors surrounded her. Each of them readied a Wudai attack preparing to take her out. "On the count of three. One, two."
"Three! Apple of Discord do your think!" the Heylin Dragon of Light cackled reaching into her robes and pulling out the malevolence fruit. The glow of the apple intensified and the monks shielded their eyes to avoid going blind. The sounds of people shouting and evil laughter filled the air. Twelve beams of white light shot out from the apple right into their hearts infecting them with its wickedness. However when the beam tried to penetrate Auara her amulet flashed bright amber deflecting the beam away. Finally the light show ended and when everyone could see again Heylin Auara was gone.
"She's gone! Escaped back to the Nilyeh City. It was your fault Callie that this happened," Omi, snapped uncharasticaly at his friend.
"Why is it my fault chrome dome? Just because I couldn't summon some kind of shield of darkness so we could attack her? Next time we need a screen I'll use your big head for one," Callie retorted angrily.
"If you two would quite arguing like two raccoons spitting rabies in each other's face we might be able to determine what the evil lady wanted," Clay interrupted.
"What is with you and those dim-witted metamorphous? Are you just incompetent of talking like a ordinary human being or are you just born dumb," Stacey asked him.
"At least he has an excuse. What's yours for preaching like a manic or ruining everyone else's day by acting like you're a know it all?" Raimundo demanded.
"Don't you dare make fun of her you two timing jerk! You're one to talk with that 'I'm so cool and powerful' attitude. Don't get me started on the way you act towards the other girls. If you had your way you be sleeping with a different one each night!" Jermaine lashed out.
"At least he flaunts what he's got. Compared to your lack of talent and that screeching you call music I'm surprised the NYPD never picked you up as a public disturbance! I know I've wanted to strangle you a couple of times!" Lu snarled.
"Fighting like a crazy person is so typical of you. I doubt your puny brain can come up with any other solutions. Unlike the rest of you pathetic retards I'm a true genius. If I wasn't so busy helping you guys win Showdowns I could have won a Noble Prize in Robotics!" Jack mentioned.
"As if the scaredy cat mama's albino could ever think of something on his own. Let's face it you have an IQ of a doormat! Your robots have a greater intelligence then their creator. Why don't you just do us all a favor and donate yourself to science? It would be thrilling to investigate the evolution of failure!" Crystal remarked rudely.
"Why not donate yourself Ms. I lose My Grandpa so I'm going to the Dark Side. If you were half the warrior you're supposed to be Hannibal never would have tricked you. Your just an emotional pile of goop waiting to be walked on," Kimiko pointed out acidly.
"Well at least she's not related to a crazy nut case! How are we supposed to know if you're hot little temper isn't the sign that you're losing your mind? It only takes one temper tantrum before you're locked up in the funny farm!" Dagwood informed her.
"Guys what is the matter with you? Why are you saying such horrible things to each other? Apologize right now so we can get started on figuring out what my double is up to."
"Aw stuff it Princess! Were only in this jam because you're too incompetent to deal with some wannabe. Why don't you go quote some lines from your plays or do some silly ballet?" Dagwood snapped shoving her to the ground.
"Dagwood what has gotten into you my fair warrior?" Auara asked seriously. She watched helplessly as her friends continued to bicker with one another about the stupidest things. She was surprised how quickly it escalated and gave a shout when they started fighting one another. "That's enough you guys! Stop it this instant!"
"Why don't you blossom in my organization? Shimo Staff!" Omi said as he raised his weapon to harm her. That's when the eleven bickering monks found themselves locked up in cages of their own element. Auara turned to see Master Fung resheathing the Elemental Blade.
"Master Fung thank you! I don't know what's going on with them. One minute were fighting my double, the next their arguing with one another. If you hadn't stepped in I don't know what would have happened."
"Something evil is amiss and we need to determine what. If you would be so kind to use the Xiaowmei Bracelet it would greatly help find out what's going on."
"Of course. Xiaowmei Bracelet! Wow Master Fung it's unbelievable how much hatred and strife is pouring out of them. I don't think they hesitate to use their powers on one another. Master Fung what happened to them?"
"I'll explain back inside the Temple. Dojo bring the other monks with you. I expect we'll need to keep an eye on them," Master Fung said as they headed for the Main Hall. A little while later they were seated beneath the giant Xiaolin Symbol waiting for some answers. "Auara how much do you know about mythology?"
"Master Fung Callie's the mythology buff not me. That girl can tell you any story, legend, or tale from across the globe without getting them mixed up. Me I have trouble keeping the Gods of Ancient Egypt straight."
"Did Callie ever share the story of the Apple of Discord with you?"
"I recall her telling me something about that story. The Goddess Eris wasn't invited to a wedding. So she stole a golden apple with the words 'To The Fairest' carved on it. Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite all claimed it. Some prince chose the winner and his decision caused the Trojans War. That's just a story it's not real is it?"
"Girl you be surprised how many legends have a grain of truth to them. That story while not entirely historically accurate did happen. That apple is one rotten piece of fruit. While not a Shen Gong Wu it does have the power to sow the seeds of discord amongst friends. The end result you see is armed conflict and lost friendships. Rumor has it that apple was the reason for both world wars," Dojo explained to her patiently.
"Valonia knows that the key to our winning lies with strength between the bond you all share as friends, teammates, as well as lovers. If not reversed soon I fear the monks will destroy themselves."
"How come I wasn't effect Master Fung? What shielded me from the Apple's spell?"
"I believe it was the power of your amulet. The magical energy from it must have been powerful enough to protect you from the Apple's influence. That will work well in our favor. Auara, you must go and retrieve the Apple from your Heylin halves clutches before time runs out."
"Right, I'll just stock up on some Wu and Dojo and I will head out."
"No, you must go alone. I will need Dojo's assistance is keeping the monks in check. Don't be so fearful Auara. The only way for the mighty oak to grow is if the small seed sets out on its journey alone first."
"I understand Master Fung. Don't worry about a thing. I promise to return with the Apple of Discord and fix this mess if it's the last thing I do!" Auara said before leaving the room. A few minutes later she hopped onto the Crouching Cougar. In her backpack she carried the Orb of Tournamie, the Sun Chi Lantern and in her hands she held the Compass of Erised. "Compass of Erised! Guide me to the one I seek. Whoa!"
A few hours later Auara was surprised to find herself in her homeland. Why would her Heylin half come here instead of returning to the Nilyeh City? Not to mention if she was here why would she come to Giza instead of Cairo? Her thoughts were interrupted when a fierce sandstorm came out of nowhere. "Sandstorm? Cough, cough, the one thing I really didn't want to revisit. Got to find some shelter ah!" she screamed as something hit her in the chest. She clutched her side and fell off the Crouching Cougar. "Got to get out of here," she said before passing out.
She awoke a little while later to someone giving her some water from the Orb of Tournamie. Forcing herself up she found that she was in a small shelter with Chakra by her side. "Your lucky that the Compass of Erised led you to me. If I hadn't found you be dead."
"Not that I'm not grateful for you help, but what are you doing here? After you didn't show up when Hannibal crashed Stacey's wedding we thought something had happened to you. Since I doubt Hannibal is Egypt then why are you here?"
"To answer your first question I wasn't in Mumbai because I lost track of Hannibal's movements for a few days. I was glad that he failed to retrieve the Bands of Shiva. Currently I'm here on business for the Order. There was a minor matter that needed to be dealt with and I volunteered. Besides it gave me a chance to pick up some rare ingredients for a potion I'm working on."
"What kind of potion is that?"
"That's not important right now. What you need to understand in order to retrieve the Apple of Discord is. You're Heylin half came back here for a reason. I'm sure that you know by now that you understand your Egyptian heritage entitles you to great power."
"Why does everyone keep saying that? Being Egyptian isn't that great. The country's democracy is a joke! It's more like a totalirent society. I enjoy the rich foods, arts, and the language is cool. But my schooling was only better then most because I didn't have to go into the military!"
"Your ignorance shall be your downfall. Your ancestors had more respect for the magic that allowed them to become one of the most powerful empires of all time. Tell me my little Ra do you know where they got all their knowledge from?"
"No, but what does that have to do with the Apple of Discord?"
"Plenty because both the Apple and your amulet came from the same people. The Ancients did more then create Xiaolin and Heylin sides and harness the elements. When their empire was destroyed the remaining citizens scattered across the globe joining other tribes. These tribes used the knowledge left behind to help them create their world. The Romans, Druids, Native Americans, and even the people today own the Ancients for their influence. Without their knowledge and respect for one another the world would be a harsher place. So you see my dear the only way to obtain the Apple, an Ancient's relic, is to trust in your ancestors and allow them to help you in your personal quest. Your Heylin half has gone to the Sphinx to use its ancient heka or magic to aid her in defeating you. Come I'll take you there," Chakra said hopping on the Crouching Cougar and taking off once more.
As they rode Auara's eyes fell on Chakra's necklace. The teardrop crystal glittered in the dazzling sunlight. For some reason the necklace reminded her of the scarab amulet she wore. "Tell me Chakra, is that necklace of yours an amulet like mine?"
Chakra held the jewel in her hand and gazed fondly at it. "This necklace is known as the Tear of the Gods. It was the last Shen Gong Wu that Dashi ever made. He gave it to me for reasons I can't discuss. Trust me when I tell you its in safe hands. Here we are. I shall wait outside for you. Remember, trust your ancestors to guide you."
Auara nodded and disembarked from the Cougar. Screwing up her courage she descended the stairs into the tomb built inside the Sphinx. When it became to dark to see she used the Sun Chi Lantern to light the way. Using the Compass of Desire Erised she came upon a sacred chamber where her Heylin double was resting against a stone sarcophagus. "I was wondering if you would come here. I believe this is what you're looking for?" she said dangling the precarious fruit in her hands.
"Yes I have. Now are you going to hand it over or are we going to have to battle for it?"
"I've got a better idea. I challenge you to a Heylin Showdown for the Apple of Discord."
"What's a Heylin Showdown? How come I've never heard of it until now? I mean if it's a Heylin Showdown why haven't the Heylin Forces challenged us before to one?"
"To answer you last two questions I only learned about a Heylin Showdown last week from Master Young so that's why you haven't heard of it until now. Believe me when you learn how to play you'll be happy no ones ever challenged you to one before. In a Heylin Showdown we can't use any Wu at all. Instead we wager something of great importance to us, mainly our elemental powers or magic gifts. During the duration of the Showdown you may not use what you have wagered. If you win you can chose to keep my magic powers or give them back, but you will get the Apple. However there's one key thing you should be aware. The reason rational and polite girls like us don't generally play this game."
"Why don't you just spit it out? I'm itching with excitement at the thought of using your power of projection against you."
"If you live that is. Haven't you ever noticed in a Xiaolin Showdown there are safeties of sorts? All injuries are fixed, no lasting scars, and if someone is close to dying the game stops? Not in this game. You can die so if your still brave enough we can get started."
"If our ancestors believed in an afterlife I swear to you I will return from the dead and kill you for letting me die. I don't want to, but I have no choice. I wager my power of light against your magical gift of projection."
"The name of the game is Escape from the Tomb. First one to escape from the tomb alive wins. Let's go Heylin Showdown!" Instantly the magic of the showdown ripped apart the Sphinx lifting them both into the air. The historic landmark then reconfigured around them until it was a labyrinth with hundreds of rooms, dead ends, and booby traps.
Both girls were in their respected armors. They both looked at each nodding. "Gong Ye Tempi!" Leaping across the room they both reached the entrance at the same time. Heylin Auara took the path to right while Auara went to the left. Both girls were being extra cautious to avoid being killed.
As Auara raced through the corridors she tried to remember everything she knew about her people's ancient culture. As she was running she pushed a stone down setting off a trap. A barrage of arrows shot out of the wall straight at her. "Oh man, Wudai Sun Light! What the? Oh yeah no powers. Eep!" she dove to the ground narrowly avoiding the arrows. "I never knew I miss my powers so much.
Picking herself up she carefully picked her way through the next few corridors. She was able to escape from collapsing floors, armed statues, and undead soldiers, but each obstacle wore her down and she was getting injured. By the time she came to the center of the maze she had no idea which way to go or where her double was. "This would be the most ironic joke if I lost because I couldn't find the exit."
"True, then you only have yourself to blame because you relied to much on your powers and not enough on skill. Something Master Fung failed to teach you while Master Young trained us in that sense the beginning," Heylin Auara commented from the other side of the room near the exit.
"You! I don't care what kind of tricks you pull I'm not giving up! I don't need my powers to win this game!"
"Oh really? Will see about that. Heylin Sun Light!" A brilliant flash of light bounced off the mirrors on the wall and hit a button activating the trap. The doors closed sealing Auara inside as tons of sand poured into the room burying her alive.
"I got to get out of here otherwise I'm dead! There has to be another exit. In every tomb there was a second exit to allow for the deceased ka to go to the afterlife and being separated from the ba. Wait a minute? The mirrors reflected Ra's light. If I follow them back I should find yes a Bull leading to the afterlife!" Auara pumped her hand as the sand reached up to her chest. Noticing a keystone hole she put her amulet in it allowing the rebirth symbol to open the passageway just as the sand reached up to her head. A mountain of sand spilled out into the corridor with her. Spitting a mouthful of sand out she hurried towards the exit.
When she reached the final room leading to the exit she spotted her Heylin half cowering on the ground. "Why are you sitting on the platform in fear? All you had to do was cross the pit to reach the exit."
"Yeah and be bitten to death by asps? Even my powers didn't scare them and I don't know any moves to get rid of them," Heylin Auara snapped at her. Auara took another look into the pit and saw the snakes. They hissed and bared their fangs daring her to cross.
"What do I do? I have to get across to win, but if I try I'll be dead within seconds. I can't just stand here all night getting rid of this sand. It's so hot my birthmark is starting to itch. Wait a minute that's it!" Auara thought. Ripping off the right ankle of her uniform she revealed her asp shaped birthmark. Taking a deep breath she put her right foot in first and started walking across the pit.
Heylin Auara watched in stun disbelief as the deadly snakes allowed Auara to pass through them without attacking her. "What in name of the Heylin Flame did you do?"
"The ancient Egyptian's believed birthmarks were a signs from the God. The asps sense the mark and believe I am a messenger from Apep, the desert snake god. They won't dare harm me."
"Thanks for the tip, it will be your last one. Heylin Sun Light!" she cried sending a massive ball of light straight at Auara. She grinned knowing there was no way for her to beat that.
Auara turned to face the oncoming attack. Closing her eyes she focused her mind. An ancient move from her ancestors entered into her mind. Letting her body flow she twisted into an s shape similar to a snake. She waited until right before the ball of light hit before striking. "Strike of the Flying Serpent!" With a twist of her body she sent the ball back at Heylin Auara knocking her out. Smiling triumphantly she exited the tomb ending the Showdown.
Once things had returned to normal Auara found herself outside standing next to Cougar with Chakra. She felt the rush as her powers returned and she clutched the Apple tightly. Looking up she saw a small green flame representing her doubles power. She glanced at her double and knew what she wanted. "Keep your powers, I don't want to be struggling to control something that came from evil. I got what I want so tell me how I reverse it's magic."
"In order to undo what's been do you must reverse the incantation. Say the name of the item backwards and the seeds of discord will return to the Apple. Now if you excuse me I need to return home." With a blink of the eye she was gone.
"Come child there isn't much time," Chakra said helping her up onto the Cougar. Within in seconds they were bounding off towards home. It was nightfall by the time they reached the Temple. Auara rushed inside worried what she find.
Inside she found her friends shouting threats and trying to break through their cages with their bare hands. Dojo and Master Fung were looking on clearly exhausted. They turned at her approach. "Oh thanks goodness your back! A few more hours and they would have killed each other. Once they even broke free of the cages using their powers and attacked us! Master Fung had to use the Elemental Blade to absorb their powers before reimprisoning them. Oh hey Chakra."
"It is good to see you once more Chakra. You are always welcomed here. Auara, I take it your mission was a success?"
"The apple is right here Master Fung and I wouldn't have retrieved it without Chakra's wonderful wisdom. Now let's get our friends back. Drocsid fo Elppa!" The infected monks let out a screech as the discord was pulled right out of them and deposited back into its source.
"Oh my I have a splitting headache. Hey Master Fung why are we in cages?" Omi demanded. The others shouted similar questions so Master Fung freed them and restored their powers.
"That was really strange. I wanted to hurt you guys and Auara! Oh I'm so sorry if I said anything hurtful," Dagwood apologized
'The heavens forbid/ But that our loves and comforts should increase, Even as our days do grow!" Auara quoted, "Othello, Act 2 Scene 1, lines 189-191. Your apology is accepted and I owe you one too. You were right about being proud of my heritage."
"So now that were all back to our lovable selves what are we going to do with that stupid piece of produce? It's to dangerous to keep here and I doubt we can destroy it," Lu said.
"If you would permit me I shall take the Apple of Discord back to the Order of Concordia. They will make sure that it never falls into the wrong hands ever again," Chakra said accepting the poisoned fruit. She bowed respectfully. "It was an honor to assist you in this crises. I hope that we will have more opportunities in the future." Without another word she was gone and the monks were left to once again enjoy each other's company.