In the week since the Rite of Passage Ceremony the monks had been learning more about their new powers as well as their history then ever before. They knew that the time to chose a pair of Shoku warriors was fast approaching and any advantage they could gain would help them nail the top spots.
It was a beautiful sunny day with barely any clouds in the sky and warm gentle breeze made it's way through the Temple. The monks were lounging under the big tree by the green house reading up on their Legacy Scrolls and marveling about all the interesting information they found.
"Isn't it most strange how the soul's of the Ancient Warriors always was reborn into a person not just of the same element, but same sex as well?" Omi asked as he continued to scan the names of past Water Dragons.
"Not really, Master Fung did tell us elements tend to go to the same sex depending on how hard they are to master. What I don't get is why one of my Dragons is missing. Seriously there's gap between Agni and my third dragon Ember. That would mean it would have to be the Dragon from Dashi's time," Kimiko said showing the gap to her friends who were equally puzzled. They knew that even if Dash hadn't found the Dragon of Fire from his time her stats should still show up.
"That's one mystery that's kookier then a cow dancing in fields at night and causing crop circles to form. I reckon you should ask Master Fung or even Master Monk Guan seeing as how he was the Dragon of the Earth at the time. Hmm I wonder how a guy from that long ago made it into this time. Sheer will power?" Clay pondered.
"A more likely explanation is Grandmaster Dashi gave him the Sands of Time and he came to the future to hide it. It would explain why Dojo didn't remember where he hid them. Anyway did you guys know Master Fung was a Dragon of Wind when he was younger?" Raimundo asked them. They all shook their heads in amazement.
"That is so cool! I wonder if he was a prankster like you when he was younger Raimundo. Hey cut it out," Jack said as Raimundo tried to swipe his goggles. "Any who listen to this little tidbit. Turns out I'm not the first Dragon of Metal to start out on the wrong path. One of the past Dragons by the name of Metalo was training to be a mercenary when he rescued a little girl from some thugs. He adopted her and from then on started using his skills for good. It makes me think that there's hope for me."
"That is kind of crazy, but I found out something even stranger then yo. Did you know that one of the past Dragons of Gravity actually went up into space? I'm not kidding; according to this scroll of NASA's best and brightest was able to control gravity," Jermaine exclaimed happily. To think that he carried a piece of someone's soul who went into space inside him was unbelievable.
"You guys are so lucky. None of my past Dragons are nearly as exciting or mysterious. In fact the people who tend to get Wood as their element seemed to end up roaming the wilds as nomads or even become environmental protesters. I'm not saying that isn't great, but it makes me question my own sanity if I'm going to end up a crazed lunatic running around the forest," Dagwood remarked casually.
"Dagwood I don't think you'll end up a half starved raving lunatic. You're not a least bit crazy although sometimes I wonder about your fashion sense. Moving on people you wouldn't believe what I uncovered about Quintessa that she didn't tell us. It turns out that Quintessa had a twin sister named Electra that died of pneumonia when she was two. I wonder if that's why I always resenting being an only child?" Lu mused.
"I think that your resentment stems from something more recent then that Lu. You've always been a live wire that wouldn't conform to the flow of things. Still I find it comforting to learn that many of my past Dragons turned out to be scholars. In fact one of my dragons spent her adult life teaching children in remote mountain villages how to read. Isn't that sweet?" Crystal asked.
"Yeah, it's strange how while the four main elements were here learning to control their powers our past Dragons were making a difference in the world. According to this one of my past Dragons actually became a nuclear physics in order to better understand her gift. She pushed the research on finding better ways to make nuclear power safe," Stacey said never lifting her eyes up from the scroll.
"That's fantastic Stacey! You must be very proud to be related in some small way to her. According to my Legacy Scroll the Dragon of Light before me was a young woman from Greece. Her name was Apolla and she was amazing! This woman traveled the world as a public speaker! Maybe if my dreams of stardom flop I could do that," Auara mused.
"I guess that just leaves me. Darkness really gets a bad rap, but according to this my past Dragons all managed to help those who had fallen into darkness. I can't wait see if I can do that," Callie said.
"It's a lot to live up to. I can only hope that when Master Fung chooses the Shoku Warriors that they are able to live up to his expectations. I wonder when he will make the announcement about what are final quest is?" Omi asked out loud while playing with his locket. It still refused to open up.
"I wouldn't worry about making Shoku Warrior seeing as how I'm going to be shredding you to pieces momentarily!" A voice called out from the Temple entrance. Everyone turned to and saw to their surprise Katnappe casually leaning against the gateway surrounded by her genetically altered super kittens. "What's the matter Xiaolin losers, cat got your tongue?"
"Katnappe what are you doing here? We haven't seen you in ages you cat obsessed diva," Raimundo replied confused by the return of their foe.
"Yeah the last time we saw you was months ago when Hannibal and Chase were at each other's throats during the eclipse. You won that Showdown then disappeared off the face of the map. When we didn't hear from you after awhile we thought you'd given up your quest to regain your old powers and take over the world," Kimiko said suspiciously.
"Shows how smart you are. I didn't give up on my quest to be the worlds most evil diva I merely took a sabbatical. These past few months I've been training like crazy and turning my kitties into lethal weapons. After finding this lovely little Shen Gong Wu while traveling I decide the time to resurface was at hand. So move over Xiaolin Losers, cause this kitty claws are sharp and I'm ready to pounce! Kitties attack!" Katnappe commanded before activating the Mikado Arms and gaining tremendous upper body strength. With a crazed glint in her eyes she dove head first into battle along side her pets.
Caught off guard the monks were soon overwhelmed by the super kittens. Katnappe had really done a number on them. They were much stronger, faster, and even wilder then before. With no Shen Gong Wu or Wudai Weapons to protect them they could only rely on their martial art's skills to defend themselves.
"I love animals as much as the next guy, but even I have to draw a line with these creatures. Have you ever thought of getting your cats fixed? It makes them calmer yeowh!" Dagwood yelped as a kitten sank it's teeth deep into his butt.
"Don't give me lip nature boy. I'm a responsible cat owner! I always get my precious babies fix, I just naturally adopt the more aggressive ones!" Katnappe yelled at him as she used her newfound strength to deliver a crushing blow to Callie's abdomen. The Dragon of Darkness sank to her knees trying not cry out in pain. "Ooh did that hurt? Here let me help you up!" she hissed swiping her claws at Callie's face.
Seconds before connect Katnappe was knocked off balance and skidded across the courtyard. "Normally I don't hit a girl, but the way your acting I think I can make an exception," Clay told her as he helped Callie back to her feet.
"We have to end this cat fight before she turns the Temple into one giant scratching post!" Crystal shouted as back flipped out of the way of two kittens. Pushing of the side of the wall she used her momentum to deliver a swift kick to their side.
"If anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears! These stupid felines are working my last nerve and I've run out of patience!" Lu snapped.
"What about using the Souls? I'm sure they have enough power get rid of both Katnappe and her feline posse," Stacey suggested.
"Are you sure that's smart yo? We have no idea what if we can control the bling without ending up stiff," Jermaine shouted as he ducked and weaved among the cats. He let out a scream when a whole gang of them jumped on top of him and tried tear his clothes off.
Jack rushed over and started pulling the crazed animals off him. The poor albino's eyes were watering and he was sneezing up a storm. It looked like he was starting to develop an allergy to the cats. "I don't Achoooo think we have much of Achoooo a choice. Achoooo! If we don't Achoooo do something Achoooo quick Achoooo Katnappe's going to use us for cat toys Achoooo!"
"Master Fung wouldn't have given us the Soul Pendants if he didn't believe we could handle their powers!" Auara pointed out as she battled a hissing and angry Katnappe. The catgirl had certainly polished her fighting skills and add new tricks up her sleeve firing not only nets and blades, but also smoke grenades now.
"It's time to throw the garbage in the street!" Omi declared. Everyone was so busy no one bothered to correct him by saying it was kick the trash to the curb. Instead they all closed their eyes and focused on the essences of the elements contained in the Soul Pendants.
The pendants glowed brightly and Katnappe and her forces took a step back as brightly colored aura's surrounded the monks' bodies. "What in the world?" Katnappe whispered.
"Souls of the Elements Combine!" The monks shouted combining all twelve super powered attacks together forming a storm like none other. Katnappe and her cat's tried to out run the storm, but it's power was to much and soon Katnappe and posse were flying through the air all the way back to her condo leaving behind the Mikado Arms. The storm disappeared and the monks fainted from using their zenith powers for to long.
When they woke up later they found themselves in the Great Hall being attended to by Dojo and Master Fung. "I'm glad that you kids are okay. I was so worried that you weren't going to make it! Don't ever scare me like that again!" Dojo cried hugging each of them tightly.
"Master Fung what happened? Why did the Soul's power drain us so much?" Crystal asked.
"The Soul's power are great, but they tax your life force when used. That is why you should only use their powers when you absolutely need to and then for a short amount of time. As time passes you will be able to use their power longer and for more complex moves, but not right now. Now for more pressing matters I have an announcement to make."
"What is it? Come on spit it out already!" Lu snapped. "I'm sorry Master Fung, I guess I'm just excited."
"I understand young one you've all been waiting months for this news. So I'm here to tell you the time has come for all of you to embark on your final quest has arrived. This time things will be different because you will go on a quest with your lover and it will be one of your own design. Chose wisely because this will help determine who is the best choice for the rank of Shoku by observing your actions. Once all the quests are complete two leaders shall rise. Dojo shall be at your disposable to assist you in any manner. When you've come up with a quest please come to inform me. Until then I will be in my room having Dojo give me a foot rub," Master Fung said cradling the little dragon in his arm and heading off to his room.
The second he was gone the monks headed off to their rooms to discus with each other to determine what was the best quest for them. It was very confusing and difficult time for them seeing as how they weren't sure what kind of a quest would impress Master Fung enough to chose them for the rank of Shoku.
"This is ridiculous guys, I mean how hard is it to think of a quest? These past several months we've gone on personal quests as well as group ones. We just need to relax and let the quest come to us," Stacey pointed out with her insight. "Now why don't we stop trying to top each other and get down to business?"
"Yeah my home girl is right. We're all friends and we need to stop worrying about hurting one another's feelings if we get promoted over one another. I mean Master Fung did inform us that we'll be making Shoku rank eventually so what's the point of getting sad about it if we don't make it the first time?" Jermaine added.
"Let's make a pact that right here right now. That no matter what happens during the final quests or even after Master Fung has chosen the Shoku warriors that we respect his decision. We don't get angry or upset and no matter what we always remain friends," Auara suggested.
"I second that motion," Dagwood said along with everyone else. They all placed their hands on top of one another and recited a pact promising each other that no matter what happened they would respect Master Fung's choice and stay best friends for life.
"Hey I think a quest idea just came to me! Kimiko, how would you feel about trying to track down more ruins belonging to the Ancient's society? I'm sure with your computer skills and my mechanical genius we'd be able to find at least a dozen more forgotten sites," Jack told her.
"That might actually be a good idea. It would really test my abilities as a programmer and yours with coming up with new and inventive ways to id old artifacts. I love it!" Kimiko exclaimed kissing him passionately.
"Good plan you guys, but I think my idea will be a bit more challenging. Lu and I have decided to create a chronicle dictating the history of both Xiaolin and Heylin up to this point in time," Raimundo revealed with confidence.
"It will be a great way to learn more about the Heylin side and help us in our battle against them. Not to mention Rai and I might learn something that will help us deal with the fact were the Prince and Consort of Darkness," Lu added.
"Mighty fine idea, but my idea is sweeter then a fresh baked apple pie on Thanksgiving Day. Would you care to share our prize winning idea with the folks Callie?"
"Gladly Clay. We've decided to see if we can show how much the Ancient's influenced both our cultures throughout history. It will be hard work and require long hours without sleep, but I think it's important to my culture to learn where our traditions came from."
"That's a great idea you two. I wish you the best of luck. Hey Jermaine I just came up with a brilliant idea for our quest. Why don't we do project dealing with the Shen Gong Wu. I mean there's still a lot we don't understand about them."
"That's perhaps the single most coolest idea I've ever heard. We can get started right away and if we have any questions about the Wu we can ask Dojo!"
"Only if he isn't to busy helping us. We've decided for our quest we want to learn more about mystical creatures. Meeting Daphne got us both really inspired to learn more about the mystical beast we've encountered," Dagwood said.
"Yeah and I know Dojo would greatly appreciate all the attention he is going to get. Well now that we have each come up with an idea why don't we go tell Master Fung so we can get started right away," Auara suggested. The others followed to caught up in their own lives at the moment to realize one pair hadn't made a selection.
"Omi will you please talk to me. I know that you want to come up with the best quest, but I don't think the answer will come by standing on your head all day. I have an idea for one, but I'm not sure we should do it unless you feel comfortable about it. I think we should go on a quest to find your mother. I don't know if that will best demonstrate our worth as Shoku Warriors, but it would make you happy I know. Omi have you been listening to a word I've said?" Crystal demanded angrily.
"I doubt he could hear anything you've said when's he that deep in meditation. How are you guys?" Dojo said as he entered the room.
"I thought you were with Master Fung giving him a foot rub."
"I was until everyone barged in and demanding Master Fung's attention. After seeing me clipping his toenails they hastily told him their ideas before racing out of the room. Last I heard they were in the courtyard trying to rid their minds of the image. So you don't have a clue with what you two want to do for a quest?"
"Well you heard my suggestion for a quest, but so far Omi has yet to say a word on the subject. I think he's just nervous about accepting my idea of searching for his mother as our quest idea."
"Actually I have come up with an even better idea that will make the rest of our fellow monks ideas taste like month old moldy biscuits," Omi said as he righted himself.
"You mean week old stale bread. So your dismissing my idea to find your mom I take it?"
"No, I'm not dismissing it I just think we could do better. Because with my idea we are going to change history literally! Something Raimundo said earlier got me thinking about how many times we've had to deal with the Heylin side in battle and barely survived. Despite them helping us out from time to time the Royal Heylin Family and Chase Young are dangerous enemies especially when they work together so I think we should take one of them out of the equation. Were going back in time to stop Hannibal from turning Chase evil thus creating a brighter future!"
"Omi are you nuts? How exactly do you plan to pull of this crazy scheme of yours seeing as how Jack's time machine is busted, we can't invoke the power of the Rite of Passage, and we don't have the Sands of Time to aid us either. Oh you are not thinking about freezing yourself into the future so you can ask your older self where you hid the Wu are you? Omi wait where are you going!" Crystal asked as her boyfriend raced out of the room to gather his supplies.
"Come on girl we might as well go with him to make sure he doesn't get hurt. Who knows he might just be able to pull this one off," Dojo said as the two of them followed him to the Temple basement. "That is if something doesn't go horribly go wrong."
"I see you've decided to join me. Dojo you can carry the Wu. I've already set up the timer to wake us up in eighty years. Now let's get this stage show on the street. Orb of Tournamie Ice!" Omi said freezing himself.
"Get inside my robes Dojo so you can stay warm. Comfy? Soul of Ice!" Within seconds Crystal was wrapped up tightly in a blanket of ice preserving her for the next eight years.
The two monks were unaware of the passage of time as they remained in cryogenic slumber. Outside the world passed them by as days turned months and months turned into years. Finally eighty years had passed and the voice recording Omi had left behind activated the Eye of Dashi freeing them both. "Hello Crystal, hello Dojo! I'm pleased to see you two haven't changed a bit since I last saw you."
"We've been in a suspended state of animation for the past eighty years what did you expect me to look like a hag? So before we go running up the stair to talk to your older self I think we better put on our Elemental Wu and get our weapons out just in case okay?"
"In case of what Crystal? Stop being such an anxious blister. I'm telling you everything will be okay!" Omi exclaimed as he raced up the stairs.
"Sounds like the kids been running on sugar for the past eighty years. Well I'm with you on this one. One time I went to sleep for a month and when I woke up the Temple had been remolded," Dojo told her from his perch on Crystal's shoulder. The two of them exited the greenhouse to find Omi staring at the destruction of the Xiaolin Temple. "Great ghost of Dashi, what happened?"
"I'm not sure when I came outside to find our friends I was greeted by this site. At first I thought the others had slacked off from their chores, but now I'm not so sure. Could I have my weapon and Wu please?" Omi asked as Crystal handed him the items. She got down on her knees and began to exam the damage.
"By the looks of things I say the damage to the Temple is pretty old, probably decades. Look around you Omi nothing has been disturbed in quiet some time. Something big happened here and I don't think we won the fight this time."
"Look the Vault! I hope the Shen Gong Wu and the entrance the Kung Site are still intact!" Omi exclaimed as he raced over to the remains of the building. What he saw didn't encourage him one little bit. All the drawers were emptied and the Shen Gong Wu were nowhere to be seen. What was worse was the entrance to the Catacombs was ripped wide open and he could just make out the signs that Catacombs had been disturbed. "No, all the Wu are gone and I fear the Kung Site has been turned evil!"
"No, if that was the case I would have sensed it. It's still good just very very weak. I don't know how, but it's been nearly drained of all its power. Whoever did it has to be extremely ruthless and intelligent to pull of something like this," Dojo insisted.
"Yeah someone who likes cat's a lot by the looks of all those claw marks. I wonder if that person is still around?" Crystal wondered. That's when the trio heard the sounds of paw steps behind them followed by a very loud roar. Turning around quickly they saw that a group of humongous jungle cats had them surrounded. When they say humongous I mean they were the size of an elephant with razor edge claws and large fangs.
"Somehow I don't think this is the welcoming committee. Dojo hide! Will take care of these unwelcome guests. Mirror Deflector, Shayera Mace Ice!"
"Kajim Charm, Shimo Staff Water!" The two combined attacks sent the cats scurrying, but only for a while. It seemed these cats didn't mind a little water and ice. After brushing off the ice shards and shaking themselves dry the let loose a mighty roar before charging them. "I think a retreat is called for. Run!"
"I don't understand those type of cats hate water not to mention they should have been roaring in pain from that sonic blast of mine!" Crystal shouted as they raced through the remains of the Temple hoping to lose their pursuers.
"Perhaps they are deaf? What the ahh! Let me go you stupid furball! Crystal help, I've been captured!" Omi screamed as he dangled from a Siberian Tiger's mouth. He struggled to break free, but it was no use. He turned to see Crystal being carried by a panther. After a few minutes of growling the group of felines started heading back to their mistress home at breakneck speeds.
Within the hour they arrived at their destination, the Nilyeh City, but something was seriously wrong. "What happened here? The city it's shaped like a cat!" Omi exclaimed as they started descending into the city.
"That's not the only difference. The color scheme is no longer red, black, and green. Everything is now black and purple. None of this makes sense where are all the bare footed females and scattering of men? Where are the evil creations? Everything here is centered on cats! This isn't the Nilyeh City this is Catatopia!" Crystal shouted as they were tossed down a chute into the prison below. As the two brushed themselves off they were shocked by what they saw.
"Great Ghost of Dashi looks at all the prisoners! It looks like every citizen of the Nilyeh City is trapped down here in this smelly place!" Omi said as started walking through the endless maze of cells.
"I think it's more then that. I don't know how, but it seems to me that Katnappe has become the evil Empress of the city! All the clues point to a demented diva taking power. Come on we need to find someone who can tell us what the heck is going on," Crystal said grabbing his hand and dragging her boyfriend behind her.
They didn't stop until they came to biggest and highest security cell in the prison. Inside they could make out the outline of ten prisoners who vaguely reminded them off their friends if they weren't so old. Using a combo attack they disabled all the security and went inside. "My friends it is so good to see you! I was so worried that something had happened to you!"
"What? Whose there? State your business coward or prepare to face my wraith!" Lu snarled. Omi and Crystal gasped as they got close enough to see the group. All of them looked severely undernourished and suffering greatly from the effects of advance age without medical benefit. However Lu's case was different seeing as how her eyes had clouded over. She was blind. "Well answer me you fools!"
"Lu it us Crystal and Omi. Are you okay? Where's Master Fung?" Crystal asked anxiously. She wanted so much to hug her friends, but she was afraid she would break something if she did.
"Is it really you guys? After so many years of wondering and praying I'm beginning to doubt my own senses," Stacey croaked. The poor girls hair was gray and starting to fall out and it looked her teeth were in definite need of a dentist.
"It's them yo. Looks like our prodigal hommies decided to mosey on over and pay us a visit in the slammer. What took you so long Omi dawg? I feel like I haven't seen your big head for eighty years," Jermaine wheezed. The once star athlete now looked like he had been out to pasture for centuries instead of decades.
"It has been eighty years since we last saw you two. Sorry for not getting up to greet you, but I think I've got arthritis in my legs. It really hurts to walk these days," Auara informed them. Omi took one look at the former dancer/actress and wanted to cry. Her beautiful legs were slightly mangled and her lovely face had scars all over it. She would never be able to perform.
"As you can see we're not exactly okay. Maybe if you can tell us where you went on your what was it again? Oh yeah a quest. If we knew what happened then we might be able to answer what are they oh questions on Master Fug. I mean Fung. Sorry my memory isn't what it use to be," Dagwood admitted sadly. The once proud nature lover had lost his muscles, hair, and now his mind. It was a sad state of affairs.
"Well both of us came up with two great ideas for our quest. I suggested that we search for Omi's mother. It was a practical and noble goal. Unfortunately Omi had other ideas," Crystal began as they all sat down to listen.
"However, I thought that idea was a little selfish. But I must admit I had two reasons for not wanting to go on a quest to find my family. After my initial search was a flop I was hesitant to try again and secondly I was afraid of what I would find. I just didn't was to be disappointed again. So I rejected Crystal's perfectly good idea for in favor for far more impressive and dangerous one. I took Raimundo's suggestion about the Heylin Side being too powerful seriously. So I froze myself into the future along with Crystal and Dojo. I had hoped to talk to old Omi about the location of the Sands of Time. My plan was to use the Sands of Time to go back in the past and prevent Chase Young turning evil. Surely that would have made our present better," Omi told them hopefully.
"It might have or it could make it worse. Omi didn't you learn anything from your first time traveling through time? Your actions had serious consequences for us in the present because you forgot one fundamental rule of time travel. One that should have been obvious to you," Callie said. The once proud shawoman now had a bad back and sagging skin.
"What my wife is trying to say is that the space/time continuum is very different from her Dreamtime. Without you here to grow old there was no Omi left behind to grow old. It's too bad that you didn't listen to Crystal and dragged her and Dojo along with you. We sure could of used your help with what came next," Clay rasped.
"Could you enlightened us about that. Which one of you became Shoku and what tragedy occurred to create a Katnappe happy universe?" Crystal prodded gently.
"Kimiko and I were made leader. For a while we did okay, but without you guys around the team started falling apart. We tried to keep up to group moral, but it was soon obvious we'd never be the same again. That's when Katnappe took advantage of our troubles," Jack recalled.
"She had broken into a genetics lab and combined prehistoric cat DNA with her already genetically altered super kittens. When she stormed the temple Master Fung tried to hold her off with the Chi Bubble, but she was too powerful. By the end of the day Katnappe had seized the Temple, the Shen Gong Wu, and absorbed nearly all the power from the Kung Site. After making us her slaves she decided to take her show on the road," Kimiko explained.
"After that things went down hill. We tried to stop her, but after she caused Lu to go blind by throwing a flash bomb at her we lost our spunk. Without us helping them Valonia and her daughters stood no chance against Katnappe. The Nilyeh City was captured, the Heylin Flames power distributed exclusively to her, and then she renamed the city Catatopia Anyone who wouldn't bow down to her got turn into cat toys for her pets," Raimundo continued.
"A few people tried to oppose her including Chase Young and Hannibal Bean. From what I could hear they put up an impressive fight, but in the end it wasn't enough. Both were defeated and Katnappe annexed their land. With no one else opposing her Katnappe dominated the world for the last seventy-five years. So I hope your happy cheese head for plunging the world into darkness and taking us along with it!" Lu snarled at him.
"Please my friends arguing will not help. We need to dream inside the triangle if we are to fix this mess. Do you still have your powers? What about your weapons, elemental Wu, and Soul Pedants?" Omi inquired.
"Katnappe locked those away along with the rest of the Shen Gong Wu. Before you ask she has both the conduits always with her. The Xiaowmei Bracelet is on her wrist and she wears both the Xiaowei and Heylin Dragon Star around her neck. It's her way of making sure that we stay at minimum power," Raimundo informed him.
"Which means we still might have a chance. If we all work together we can come up with a plan to get your power restored and retrieve all the Shen Gong Wu!" Crystal said determinedly.
"Hah if we can pull of one more heroic save the day I'm in for it. Plus I've been itching to bash her Royal Painess skull in for what she did to me. Once I've done that then I'm all in for breaking and entering to take back what belongs to us. I know from her never ending constant conversation she has the Sands of Time. We get the Wu and you two can go back and fix this mess," Lu said. Her enthusiasm was catching and soon everyone ready to give it one more go. There was only one problem.
"I hate to be the voice of negativity, but the only way were going to get a chance at Katnappe is if she decides to let out. You know she only let's her prisoners out when she decides they're going to be the prey for her cats during the hunt. That's how we lost Master Fung remember?" Auara reminded them as she struggled to stand.
"Katnappe had Master Fung killed? I can't believe that she would do anything that cruel!"
"Well he refused to be what was it again oh yeah the royal litter box changer so she had her cats hunt him down. He lasted for a couple of years, but after awhile his age caught up to him and was gulped down by a lioness," Dagwood told him.
"Did that happen to anyone else we know? Like perhaps your families?"
"Nah, they all went into hiding hoping to come up with a way to save us. Of course they never managed it. Katnappe threatened all our other weakling enemies with it, but they decided they liked living. Last we heard she had them doing grunt work," Kimiko wheezed.
"Yeah Pandabubba and his gang tend to her beauty treatments. Vlad and Tubbymora serve her all her meals while Le Mime has to entertain her cats all day. Cyclops got the job of being her throne. I know they were our enemies and all, but I can't help feeling sorry for them," Jack admitted.
"To bad hommies seeing as how their know how would have come in handy for this little jail break," Jermaine said sadly.
"Maybe we can still get some help. We know at least five disgruntle beings that would love to assist us if we could get to them. To bad Dojo isn't here. We could really use his help," Stacey stated sadly
"Then ask and you'll receive!" Dojo said appearing in the middle of the group. "Sorry I was so late guys I had to sneak past a lot of cats. Saw Katnappe boy does that girl look like she is in need of a face-lift and plastic surgery. So I know it's not Christmas, but I thought you could use some presents!" Dojo said showing them a sack full of Shen Gong Wu!
"Hey I remember this one! We never really got a chance to try it out. You think we could give it whirl just to see if it still works?" Callie asked fondling one Wu in particular.
"Only one way to see lady. Well ladies and gentlemen it's time to board our getaway train. Next stop anywhere but here. Ready? Cannon Blaster!" Clay shouted as the thirteen of them were turned into a giant cannon ball. The shot blasted them through block after block of cells shaking the palace above to its knees.
"What was that? I don't seem to recall any seismic activity occurring in my country. Minions take me down to the dungeons. Let's see what rats are scurrying about!" An aged and very ugly Katnappe said. She was no longer wearing her cat costume, but some kind of cat gown with a tiara on her head. She had really let herself her go and everyone obeyed her without question unless they get lashed at with her flame whips.
"That was one sweet ride. I feel like I'm seventeen again instead of eighty seven!" Lu exclaimed.
"Glad you feel that way daughter. I was wondering if you were going to visit us," a voice said. Everyone looked to see who had spoken and what they saw made them feel a little less confident about their plan.
Valonia and her daughters were chained up to the wall wearing filthy rags instead of their kimonos. No longer were they the supernatural powerful beauties. Instead they finally looked like they were nearly 1600+ years old. Valonia's skin was wrinkly all over, her breast sagging, and her hair pure gray and shedding. Wuya and Meribor hardly looked any better with their fangs missing and they were so undernourished they looked like walking skeletons.
There was a pedestal with a glass box on it next to the woman. Inside one could make out the shriveled up form of Hannibal Bean. He still bore the scar and the lost limb from when Chakra attacked him on the Rite of Passage day. "Never thought I am happy to see you monks. How did you manage to escape?"
"Yes and why are you here? If it's to ask for our help in fighting against Katnappe I'm afraid you'll have to look elsewhere," Chase said apathetically from the rack he was on. Chase hadn't changed physically except for his armor being traded in for a tunic, but inside he was a broken man. He had lost his kingdom, his cats, but no one knew that the greatest lost he had was when Katnappe had used her new powers to freeze his sister for all eternity. He just didn't care anymore about anything.
"Omi, Dojo, and I are from the past. We made some slight miscalculations when went on our final quest together. We like to make up for the trouble we caused, but we're going to need your help in order to do that," Crystal informed them.
"Yes, in order to defeat Katnappe we must be able to get to her Shen Gong Vault and take back what is ours. If you help us by keeping her busy the rest of will have the time we need to get back our stuff and defeat her. So what do you say? Will you join us in our last stand against Katnappe?" Omi asked hopefully.
"Little Ouza are you insane? Look at all of us were no longer who we use to be. None of us have any powers to fight with and our bodies will betray us if we do," Meribor replied.
"As much as I would love to take my revenge on the little diva the fact is it's impossible to beat Katnappe even if you do get the Shen Gong Wu. She's just to powerful thanks to all powers she's stolen," Wuya added.
"Do you think any of really like the situation we're currently in? I lost my Flame, my city and people, and my looks to that wannabe Empress. My loyal subjects fought back to restore me to the throne and they paid the price as did I. I can't risk losing my daughter in a suicide attack."
"Don't look at me for help. After Katnappe devoured Ying Ying for her breakfast I've given up any hope of ever getting freed."
"You should return to your cell and just try to live the remainder of your life out as best you can. There's nothing you can do."
"I don't believe what I'm hearing. The five greatest evildoers of all time are giving up before they even tried. Pathetic! You think just because you don't have any powers anymore and that you got your butts kicked by a teenager girl you can through in the towel? I don't think so! I know your situation sucks and your feeling pretty sorry for yourself, but I don't give a damm about it right now. Katnappe needs to be stopped and I'm going to take her down despite the fact I can't see anymore," Lu snapped at them. Everyone looked at her as if she lost her mind. Everyone except Rai who understood what she was doing.
"Chase, didn't you once say that a warrior who relies to much on his powers and not enough on his skill won't ever become a master? Hannibal, you were a force to be reckon with even when you didn't have any powers so why is now any different? Meribor, Mother both of you in the past had to rely on your brains and brawns rather then your powers to accomplish evil and you can do it again. Valonia, why aren't you fighting back to take control of the Heylin Flame? After all you're the only person who truly knows how to utilize its powers correctly. All of us in this room use to fight to keep the delicate balance between good and evil from falling apart. Well thanks to Katnappe it has and this is our last chance to fix this mess? So are you going to stay here wallowing in self pity or do something about it?" Raimundo demanded. After receiving an enthusiastic yes from the group both he and Lu used the last remaining drops of their Heylin powers to free the prisoners just as Katnappe arrived.
"Well well well. Isn't this a surprise? The Xiaolin Monks have teamed up with the loser Heylin Warriors in an attempt to dethrone me. Whatever shall I do? I know!" she said snapping her fingers. Their lesser enemies put down her throne and looked at her waiting for instructions. "Crush them!" Without any further instructions they lumbered forward ready to attack.
The monks got into position to fight them when Chase held them back. "This is our fight young ones. Katnappe is only using them in attempt to tax your energy reserves before she sends in her cats. Allow us to handle this," He said tossed Le Mime over his shoulder and into a wall.
"You must get to Katnappe's safe and retrieve the Sands of Time at once! Hurry it's located in my old private storeroom near the throne room. Now go!" Valonia ordered as she went up against Cyclops.
"You heard the lady its time for the tough to get going. Dojo, you got a Wu that could get us to the store room quick?" Raimundo asked. He didn't think the group could survive another Cannon Blaster shot.
"Let's see I don't think the Shroud of Shadows is the way to go, neither is the changing chopsticks, ah how about the Fancy Feet?" Dojo asked handing him the winged sandals.
"Works for me. Everyone grab a hold of me where busting out of this joint. Fancy Feet!" Raimundo shouted as everyone held on to him. The glow from the sandals formed around all of them as they raced through the dungeon, up the stairs and through the palace, into the throne room and finally ending up in Valonia's old private storeroom. Instead of all the shelves being filled with a variety of potions they were all empty and a rather large electronic safe was bolted into the wall.
"Just great Ashley had to use an electronic safe instead of a combo. How are we going to open it now?" Jack growled.
"Leave that to me. Dojo you wouldn't happen to have the Denshi Bunny handy would you?" Lu asked as Dojo handed her the rabbit shaped Shen Gong Wu. "Thanks. Stand back everyone I'm going to short circuit this baby. Denshi Bunny!" As soon as she was pure electricity Lu leapt into the safe door and overloaded the circuits blowing the door right off the hinges. "Looks like we hit the jackpot of Shen Gong Wu!"
"Quick we need to find cough Sands of Time before cough Katnappe arrives!" Kimiko ordered weakly.
Crystal nodded and raced inside the safe looking frantically for the Sands of Time. She was slowed down by the fact Katnappe had put everything in lockboxes. Quickly freezing the first three boxes she managed to smash them open. "Well I didn't find the Sands of Time, but I did find your Wudai Weapons, Elemental Wu, and lastly your Soul Pendants!" she exclaimed tossing the said items to the group. They quickly put them on and a good thing to because Katnappe strolled angrily into the room followed by a dozen of mega cats with blood dripping from their fangs.
"My pet's have disposed of your Heylin friends. It was quite a spectacle watching them have their limbs ripped from their bodies. My pets are still hungry so I thought they could have you for desert. Kitties attack!"
"Crystal keep looking! Omi, Dojo help her out! Will handled these overgrown house pets! Ready team? Crest of the Condor, Blade of the Nebula Wind!" Raimundo shouted as he created a mini twister sending the cats flying.
"That wasn't very nice!" Katnappe growled at them angrily as he cats got their feet once more.
"Who said we were going to play nice? Zeus Order, Thunderbird Sais Lightening! Oh yeah I may be blind, but I can tell when I zapped your precious felines out of at least two of their nine lives!" Lu whooped.
"You can celebrate later Lu! Right now we need to cage these wild beasts! It's time for a combo attack. You ready Kimiko? Okay here it goes. Magnetic Grip, Olaf Shield Metal!" Jack cried out using his power. At the exact same moment Kimiko reacted. "Cats Eye Draco, Arrow Sparrow Fire!" The two attacks merged into one creating a flaming metal ball that caused at least three cats to lose consciences.
"Our friends are doing pretty well for a bunch of old guys aren't they Crystal?" Omi asked as he pried open another lockbox. No Sands of Time, just the Sweet Baby Among Us.
"Less talk, more work. Dojo, have you found it yet?" Crystal asked desperately as she threw the Ring of the Nine Dragons on the ground in disgust.
"Not yet, there are to many Wu in here for me to sniff out the right one. Once open a few more boxes I should be able to watch out!" Dojo screeched as two lioness got ready to pounce on the group. Dojo threw up a protective barrier, but the lioness pushed their way through with their jaws wide open.
"Leave my friends alone you mangy feline. Longhorn Taurus, Big Bang Meterang Earth!"
"Mystic Ward, Shiva Lance Darkness!" The two cats never had a chance as the weapon struck their target killing the two lionesses instantly. "I hate killing animals, but it had to be done in this case."
"Clay! Callie! We could really use your help out here yo! Grava Guard, Goliath Slingshot Gravity! Alright I nailed the three pointer!" Jermaine cheered.
"Then let me pick up the penalty shots! Bomber Plate, Mei Xing Knife Flare! I think this is my most beautiful piece of work yet," Stacey commented on.
"I hope you guys find the Sands of Time soon because we're almost out of time. Woha Armor, Bunyan Battle Ax Wood!" Dagwood shouted sending a wave of vines at the jungle cats and entangling them.
"It's time to finish this! Lantern Fold, Mulan Sunfans Light! Oh yeah your pets are finished Katnappe!" Auara cheered happily.
"I think I found it! Yes it's the Sands of Time! Now all we have to do is use them to ahh!" Crystal shrieked as a Heylin energy blast hit her hand causing her to drop the Shen Gong Wu. It rolled away from Omi and Dojo who scrambled to get it before it got stuck underneath the bottom shelf, which it did.
"You're not going anywhere! I refuse to allow any of you monks spoil what I worked so hard to obtain. I didn't bust my butt off for seventy-five years to lose the power I so desperately craved. Your finished Xiaolin Monks prepare to die!" Katnappe bellowed as she released energy blast after energy blast at them.
The old Xiaolin monks were barely able to dodge as Omi, Crystal, and Dojo took the brunt force of the attack as they scrambled to dislodge the Sands of Time. "It's no good. It's wedged in tight. I think I can squeeze myself behind it and push it out, but it will take a few minutes," Dojo told them.
"A few minutes? We don't have a few seconds before Katnappe incinerates us!" Crystal exclaimed.
"If only we could keep her busy a few minutes longer," Omi mused. He was all prepared to go out and use himself as a distraction when Raimundo's voice stopped him.
"No Omi you stay in there and help Crystal and Dojo out. We need you alive to fix this mess. The rest of us will handle Katnappe by using our Soul Pendants."
"But if you do that in your weakened state you'll.."
"Die, we know, but sometimes you have to make a sacrifice for the greater good. Don't worry about us cheese face will be fine. Okay everyone knows what to do? Then get ready because here comes the big one!" Lu ordered as Katnappe poured all her power into one final blast. With a roar worthy of a lion she unleashed her powerful attack.
"Soul of Fire, Earth, Wind, Metal, Gravity, Wood, Lightening, Flare, Light, and Darkness!" The old monks shouted in unison.
Their Soul Pendants glowed and each of them unleashed a powerful beam of elemental energy. The two attacks collided with each other in midair causing a power struggle in mid air. The old monks poured every last bit of their life force into the attack keeping the Heylin power beam at bay. Soon the power became too much and it obliterated their elemental beams, then them, before heading dead on for the trio. At the last possible second they freed the Sands of Time and used it to escape.
Instead of going back eighty years to prevent the catastrophe they had just witness the poor frazzled teenagers and anxious dragon were sent nearly 1600 years into the past. As they were in the midst of comforting one another the sounds of battle interrupted them. Taking a look around they saw that they had arrived during the final battle between Wuya and Dashi. Looks like their quest wasn't over quite yet.