Wuya stepped out from the boulder perched at the top of the sandy hill, watching the monks fight the Jack Pack. There was something weighted about their movements, something held back. It wasn't until Raimundo and Jack came into view that she knew the answer. The monks were aware of the prophecy, it was the only explanation. Usually Jack fought Clay, and Raimundo went after Stryker. For Rai to give up his own grudge and go after Jack, it had to be serious.

Stryker's teachings seem to be helping him greatly, Wuya observed as Jack blocked one of Rai's punches and clocked him on the chin. He used to be much easier to defeat.

Jack kicked Rai into a sand dune, stirring up the dust around him. A black bow skidded out and across the sediment; Azrael's Bow, a Wu that could shoot arrows of earth, fire, water, and air, depending on the user's element. Jack surged forward and grabbed it. Wuya pounced.

She saw her nephew's eyes widen at the sight of her, but she ignored it. She swept his feet out from under him and caught him around the waist before he fell, pulling the Conch out of his ear before dropping him.

"Hey!" Jack cried as Wuya whisked away.

He caught Rai zipping for the Bow out of the corner of his eye, and after growling he dashed for it himself. They grabbed it at the same time and pulled, glaring at each other as the Wu glowed.

"Fine, I'll take this out on you then!" Jack snarled.

Rai froze. Something about his eyes, the maliciousness in them, that churned his stomach. The others noticed it too, and hesitantly came up to them.

Wuya hesitated near the boulder, knowing that she should go if she got what she came for. But she held fast; she wanted to see how this ended.

"Nice ta see I'm not the only one spyin'."

She whirled around and scowled at Hannibal. He was almost as tall as her now, thanks to the Moby Morphers, and his grin was wider than normal.

"What do you want," Wuya growled.

"Nothin' with you, darlin'," Hannibal said, his yellow eyes falling to the kids below. "I just came to watch the match."

"How quaint. Now why are you really here?"

"Wouldn't you and Chase like to know? Don't look so distressed, Wuya, he isn't here for you. I'm surprised, with how close you are, that you didn't sense his presence."

Her fist tightened around the Conch and Hannibal laughed.

"I've no interest in Stryker's thoughts, Wuya," he assured her. "In fact, its useless. Those kids were smart enough to put a hitch in, if someone were to take it. The Conchs only work if they're in one of the Jack Packs' ears."

Wuya's brow raised and she looked down at the Wu. No wonder Jack didn't chase after her. She sniffed and crushed it between her fingers. Chase would just have to believe that Hannibal broke it.

"So, again," she started, glaring at him. "Why are you here?"

"Wuya darlin', I thought you liked surprises," Hannibal sniveled. "I assure you, you'll find out in due time."

With those words, he bounced off, leaving Wuya to fume silently. She looked back once more as the Showdown started, then raced for the citadel.

******JP******

Next five coming soon!