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Description
Larissa was the newest addition to the Xiaolin family. Formerly a master at her own temple in London, she had traveled to China as requested by Master Fung to help train the four talented monks to become Xiaolin warriors.
She had been greeted warmly by the youngsters who found her a refreshing change of pace in their rigorous training routines. Kimmiko was delighted to have another woman around and enjoyed sharing her hairstyling techniques with Larissa. Omi couldn't get enough of Larissa's many battle stories, for in the past she had been a great warrior who fought alongside Master Monk Guan for a time. Raimundo on the other hand swapped jokes with his new mentor and was relieved to finally be able to speak to somebody who understood his slang and actually presented a challenge when they played soccer. While Clay was continually impressed with Larissa's knowledge of country cooking. At times he could swear that she had stolen his mothers prized recipe for the best barbecue ribs. And after only a few days, Larissa became accustomed to her new role and began to enjoy her time there.

It was before dawn when Larissa arose to begin her daily ascent into the mountains. She enjoyed the brisk morning air and the challenge the steep hills presented her body as she climbed to the top as quickly as possible. From there she could meditate and watch as the sun rose and life in the temple began to stir. Even from here she could hear the young monks moaning at their early wake up call by Dojo and it left a soft smile on her face. Returning to her meditations Larissa focused her conciseness out into the world, searching for any impending danger.
Ever since she had arrived, Larissa had sensed a dark presence over the land, but could not quite pinpoint where it derived from. It wasn't, however, the darkness that had piqued her interest so much as it was the familiarity of it. She knew that she had come into contact with this force before but despite her many enemies, Larissa could not decide which one it could be. So she remained ever vigilant, and searched for any change in the dark source. So far, there had been none.
Reining in her conciseness, Larissa proceeded back down the mountain and with the sun ascending into the sky, she joined the young monks for breakfast.

"Tell me Master Larissa. What might you teach us today?" Omi asked eagerly as the group followed her outside. "Perhaps you shall teach us how to split a mountain in two? Or become invisible? Oh I have always wanted to become invisible!"
Larissa smiled at her students persistence. "As I recall Omi, it is Clay who possesses the power over earth. And it is the Shroud of Shadows that makes you invisible."
"But what about all those stories you told us?" Raimundo asked. "About how you split the mountain in two to get to your enemy or how you became invisible to sneak up on an opponent?"
"Merely parlor tricks" Larissa confessed to them. "I do not possess supernatural powers as the rest of you, but I can create illusions." suddenly Larissa disappeared before their very eyes.
The monks looked around astonished. Larissa's voice projected to them "Your challenge today is to find me. I warn you, it will not be easy. Not everything is as it seems. Each of you may choose one of the Shen Gong Wu that I have provided. Good luck young monks."
"Well if she ain't slipperier than a greased hog." Clay scratched his head as the four of them approached the Shen Gong Wu displayed in the middle of the court yard.
"I got dibs on the Falcons Eye!" Raimundo shouted before grabbing it.
"Hey! I wanted the Falcons Eye." Omi pouted.
"I got the Changing Chopsticks!" Kimiko claimed her Wu.
"But I wanted those second." Omi tried to point out.
"Third Arm Sash!" Clay grabbed his prize and took off.
"Wait I-" Omi called after his friend and realized that he was the only one left standing there. He sighed and looked down at the last Wu available, the Reversing Mirror. "Well I suppose this will have to do" and he set out in search of his mentor.

"Falcons Eye!" Raimundo cried as he began to search the premises. Instantly the walls inside the temple disappeared and he could see into every room. "Yuck!" Raimundo stuck out his tongue as he saw Master Fung bathing, and he turned his sight away. Suddenly he spotted his target meditating in the Vault room. "Gotcha!" Raimundo smiled to himself and ran to the vault.
He crept silently up to the door, not wanting to give away his position and peeked around the corner. There, in the center of the room sat Larissa with her back turned to him. Grinning at his victory Raimundo leapt at the figure "I got...you?" Raimundo tumbled into a scarecrow dressed in Larissa's usual green clothing.
Suddenly mirrors began to appear around the room reflecting Larissa's image. They began to spin around and around Raimundo confusing him further. "Did you really think it would be that simple?" Larissa's voice chided him. "Come now Raimundo, give it another try. Find me."
Raimundo launched at the nearest mirror, shattering it and wounding his knuckles. Larissa tutted at him. "What's that, 7 years bad luck?" she asked.
"Ah come on. This isn't fair!" Raimundo called as he spun around, searching for the original.
"Use your instinct Raimundo. See through the illusion." Larissa coaxed him.
But as hard as he tried, Raimundo couldn't tell which mirror she was hiding in. Becoming frustrated Raimundo poised for attack.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Larissa warned.
"Typhoon Boom Wind!" Raimundo shattered all of the mirrors in the room. As the glass exploded, the shards whizzed at his body, cutting Rai in a million places. Drained of energy and in pain, Raimundo collapsed onto his back. Looking up he saw his mentor, perched on the ceiling with several mirrors of her own to project her image below.
Smiling, Larissa jumped softly to the floor and stood over her student with her hands on her hips. "You are much too impulsive young monk. You must learn to think through your actions."
Exhausted, Raimundo simply closed his eyes and slept.

Walking around the temple grounds Kimmiko felt someone breathing down her neck. Turning quickly however, she saw no one. Kimmiko thought to herself 'She must be invisible. Maybe she'll reappear if I disappear myself.'
Using the Changing Chopsticks Kimmiko shrunk herself down to the size of a grain of rice. As she did so, she heard footsteps ahead of her and Kimmiko scurried to peek around the side of the temple. There she saw Larissa walking slowly down the path. Kimmiko sneakily scurried up the side of the temple and continued to follow Larissa down the path. When Larissa stopped, Kimmiko saw her chance. Lunging from the building Kimmiko threw herself at Larissa, using the Changing Chopsticks to return to her original size as she did.
"I got you now!" Kimmiko cried triumphantly. But before she could tackle her mentor, Larissa vanished and Kimmiko slammed face first into the ground. "Ow" Kimmiko moaned sitting up and rubbing her head. Looking up Kimmiko saw Larissa smiling down at her. "But how did you-" Kimmiko reached for Larissa but her hand passed right through her. Kimmiko gasped in surprise "Hologram" she realized aloud.
"Very good Kimmiko" Larissa spoke. "But recognizing the situation and learning to overcome it are two very different things." as she spoke, more holograms of Larissa began to appear around Kimmiko. "Use your intuition and try to find me amongst the clones."
"Well that shouldn't be too hard" Kimmiko took her position "Judolette Flip Fire!" Kimmiko's fire spread out around her, passing through all of the imposters, causing them to disappear. "But you're not even here" Kimmiko pouted.
"Are you so sure?" asked Larissa as a small pebble hit Kimmiko in the back of the head.
"Hey!" Kimmiko whirled rubbing her head but the holograms of Larissa had returned, hiding where the original might have been. Growling Kimmiko attacked the nearest clone, only to be hit in the back by another pebble from behind. Whirling around Kimmiko slashed at the clone behind her but a pebble came from the side and nicked her in the hand.
Frustrated Kimmiko began to lash out at all of the holograms, continuing to get hit with a pebble every time she turned her back in every direction.
"Focus Kimmiko" Larissa warned "Your anger makes you blind to the solution."
"Would. You. Cut. That. Out!" Kimmiko cried, releasing a large amount of fire around her and a cracking noise was heard.
Exhausted from using her power, Kimmiko collapsed onto her back and looked up to see that she had destroyed the machine that was creating the holograms to begin with. She also saw a series of bamboo shoots lined along the buildings on each side of her. Her view was then skewed by Larissa jumping down from the building beside her.
"Do you understand now Kimmiko?" Larissa asked.
"The holograms were just a distraction" Kimmiko realized "You were never on the ground to begin with."
Larissa nodded and looked back up at her bamboo shoots and broken projector. "I once used this simple trick to deter an army of over 70,000 from attacking a village that consisted of 200. The holograms are meant to cause confusion while shooting pebbles through the bamboo creates pain which fuels anger. Anger will always blind you to the truth."
Sore and wiped out, Kimmiko allowed herself to sleep, Larissa's words still resounding in her head.

"Hmm, if I were a Kung Fu Master, where would I hide?" Clay wondered aloud as he searched the grounds. Ahead he saw a strange fog emanating from the greenhouse. "Ah Ha!" Clay approached the green house and cautiously opened the door. "Hello?" he called. "Anybody in here?"
A shadow flew by him and disappeared into the fog. "So that's how it's gonna be huh?" Clay straightened his hat and walked inside.
He continued to follow the path inside the green house, hearing strange noises left and right, never quite seeing shadows pass in front and behind him. "Come out, come out, wherever you are" Clay called.
Suddenly something lunged at him "Third Arm Sash!" the sash darted out in front of him and caught a cat in mid pounce. "Aw" Clay laughed a little embarrassed "It's just a kitty cat."
"Not quite" Larissa spoke from behind. Hissing the cat lunged away as Clay turned on his heels only to have his feet swept out from under him and Larissa disappeared into the fog once more.
"Dag nabit" Clay growled as he got to his feet "Darn cat scratched me" he sucked on his wounded hand.
Larissa chuckled, still hidden among the fog. "Right now I'd have to say that's the least of your worries." as she spoke, a flower pot crashed right beside Clays foot.
"Yikes! My brains coulda been splattered worse than the barbeque on Uncle Sal's face!" Clay took a hesitant step back, then another and another as more pots began to crash around him. "Hey! What's the big idea?"
"Best find me soon Clay. Or your brains will resemble Uncle Sal's face." Larissa taunted him as she continued to fling flower pots from inside the fog.
Clay began to dance around and around avoiding the obstacles being flung at him. Even his Third Arm Sash was of no use if he couldn't tell from what direction the next projectile was coming from. "Think Clay. How can you escape this fog?" Larissa called to him.
After narrowly avoiding a pot flung at his face Clay took his fighting position. "All right that's it. Seismic Kick Earth!" Stomping his foot on the ground, the whole greenhouse began to shake. All of the hanging pots of flowers and shelves began to tumble down and with the fog Clay couldn't avoid them. He was buried in dirt and clay pots.
Groaning Clay opened his eyes and saw a shadow before him, it moved and turned a lever which activated the sprinklers. The sprinklers cleared away both the fog and the dust to reveal Larissa standing before him, holding an annoyed cat in her arms. "Brute force alone will not overcome all obstacles."
Aching and dazed, Clay allowed himself to pass out.

Omi had no idea where to start his search. In the end he decided upon exploring the temple. He hadn't looked long when he heard a crash coming from the vault room. Racing there Omi came upon Raimundo covered in broken glass from what appeared to be mirrors. Looking up he observed the vantage point from which Larissa had likely pulled off her scheme. "Oh, Master Larissa is very tricky indeed. I shall have to outsmart her to win this challenge." Omi nodded to himself.
He then scurried outside to search for where Larissa may have gone from there. Hearing Kimmiko giving a loud wail, Omi ran towards her. Approaching his fallen comrade Omi looked around for the source of her fainted state. On the rooftop he saw the bamboo sticks aligned and observed the pebbles around Kimmiko. He then spotted the broken projector. "Hmm Clever and resourceful" Omi spoke to himself as he picked up one of the pebbles "But she shall not blind me with fur!" Omi declared as he raced off in search of Clay.
Omi found his Texan friend in the greenhouse amongst the smashed pottery. Fog still lingered low to the ground, giving Omi the clues he needed to figure out what had occurred. "Master Larissa is proving to be a most worthy opponent." Omi spoke to himself.
"I'm glad you think so." came Larissa's voice.
Omi whirled around to see Larissa standing in the doorway. "You will not fool me! I know that you are merely an illusion!" Omi cried as he threw the pebble he had picked up earlier.
Larissa caught it in her hand easily. "No illusion Omi." She smiled. "I am the real deal."
"I have made no deal with you imposter!" Omi charged at Larissa throwing punches and kicks.
Larissa blocked easily with one hand as she began to walk backwards out of the greenhouse and into the courtyard. She laughed to herself "Omi, Omi it's me. I'm the real Larissa" she grabbed him by the back of his shirt and held him up to her face before dropping him to the ground.
"How do I know that you are no illusion?" Omi questioned.
Larissa smiled "Use the mirror. If I am an illusion then I will be exposed will I not?"
Omi smiled "Yes that is a good idea." he pulled out his Wu and pointed it at Larissa. "Reversing Mirror!" but nothing happened. "It would seem you speak the truth." Omi said slightly disappointed.
"Of course" Larissa smiled at him. "Now come, you must be thirsty after all of that running around."
"Well yes" Omi smiled following his mentor "I am rather parched."
Larissa led Omi over to a small table upon which a pitcher of lemonade sat with a single glass. "Here you go." Larissa poured Omi a glass and handed it to him.
Omi gulped the sweet liquid down eagerly. "Thank you very much" he smiled up at her. "May I please have more?" he held out his glass.
Larissa chuckled "No, I don't think so. You've had quite enough sleeping powder."
"Sleeping what?" Omi asked concerned. But already he could feel his mind clouding.
"Omi, you must learn to sense deception. You cannot be so gullible for surly it will get you killed."
It wasn't long after Larissa spoke that Omi fell into a deep sleep.

All four monks awoke safely in their beds that evening. Each had been bandaged and attended to. And they all reflected upon the days lessons.
Larissa also meditated upon what she had learned that day as she sat up in the mountains watching the sun set. The monks had so much to learn before she could advance them to the next level. Their rashness continued to endanger everyone around them. She had to find a way to open their eyes to the world.
As she meditated Larissa felt the darkness she had been watching shift. It was on the move, coming closer and closer. Why did it feel so familiar? Why didn't she fear it?
A distinct rustle came from behind her. It was too distinct to have been an accident. Somebody was here and they wanted her to know it.
Slowly rising to her feet, Larissa approached the woods. It was deserted and deathly quiet. Larissa closed her eyes and listened. She could hear light breathing coming from the branch above her. She could tell it was a large animal, probably a carnivore by the way it was shifting its weight to pounce. She readied herself for the attack and when it jumped, Larissa already had her blade ready. But the large creature did not come at her. Instead it jumped down in front of her revealing itself to be a hefty black panther.
The two of them locked eyes for a moment. The panthers bright golden ones stared into her brown ones. Finally the panther made a motion for her to follow with its head and began to lead her further into the woods.
Larissa wasn't sure if she should be following this wild cat. It went against her better judgment. But she could tell as they walked farther and farther along that the dark presence she had been studying so intently was just ahead. This realization should have made her body tense up for battle, she should have felt frightened, she should have been going over battle strategies, figuring out what kind of illusion she could use against her enemy this deep into the woods, unprepared. But despite all of this, curiosity drove her forward. She was not afraid of this dark force, whatever it was. It seemed just too familiar and almost friendly...almost.
The panther led Larissa to a clearing. In the center of which was a long standing mirror. The frame was embroidered with golden suns and moons. It depicted many animals from monkeys, to elephants, to wild cats and fish. The attention to detail was astonishing. It was one of the most beautiful things Larissa had ever seen.
As she was admiring the craftsmanship, a face appeared in the mirror behind her. Larissa gasped but didn't turn. "Do you like it?" the husky voice asked her "I thought it appropriate. Given the circumstances."
Larissa finally whirled around to face the man. "Chase" she whispered in disbelief.
"Larissa" Chase gave his classic smile "It's been a long time."
"I thought you were dead. I heard rumors but..." Larissa hesitantly reached up to stroke is cheek, afraid he might break like glass.
Chase closed his eyes and enjoyed the touch he had so longed for all these years. "Fear not Larissa. I will bring you no harm." Chase began to fiddle with her curly hair. "I enjoyed your lesson today." Chase took a sudden step back, placing his hands behind his back as if to restrain himself. He walked around Larissa and gazed at the ornate mirror, gauging Larissa's shocked expression in her reflection.
"You were at the temple? But I didn't sense-"
Chase turned to her once again a small smile playing upon his lips. "Oh my dear Larissa. Sometimes you try to sense too hard. The very lesson you were trying to teach those monks was the exact opposite of the lesson you need to learn yourself...to use your eyes."
Larissa thought for a moment before glancing over at the panther seated at the edge of the small clearing. "The cat." she recalled. The cat had never been seen around the temple before and she had spotted it several times that day, not just in the greenhouse. So he had been watching her.
Chase frowned slightly "Don't look so suspicious. I told you, I will not harm-"
Larissa had suddenly flung herself at Chase in a fit of rage. She pounded him with halfhearted blows that they both knew wouldn't even leave a bruise. "Why did you come back? I know what you are. I know you chose the Heylin side. So why? If you don't want to kill me then what do you want?" Larissa gave into her emotions and sank to her knees.
Slowly Chase followed suit. He spoke softly to her, showing a tenderness reserved for only those he loved. "You know why." he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You left me." Larissa whispered. "You left me out of jealousy of Guan."
"I know. But I've changed." Chase caught her eye.
"How am I supposed to believe you?" Larissa looked into his eyes, searching for a truth, hoping for it.
"You trusted me once." Chase replied.
"That was before you tried to conquer the world." she pointed out.
Chase thought for a moment. "I didn't kill the monks did I? They were passed out all day. I could have easily destroyed them had I wanted to."
"So then why didn't you?" Larissa asked.
"Because I didn't want to. Because, I'm not the monster I used to be." Chase answered as earnestly as he could.
Larissa searched his eyes. All of her training had taught her how to fight using deception. She could see a liar a mile away, she knew how to deceive and how to see through falseness. But being so close to him, having her heart beat as loudly as it was, could she really make a fair judgment? This was exactly the kind of situation she had been training the monks for. "I don't know if I can believe that."
Chase sighed. He needed this woman, more than he needed anyone before. It had been a mistake for his rivalry of Guan to get in the way of his love life. He used to be so happy with this woman but after he changed, after he drank the soup, everything was different. Now he had a chance to make things right again. He could make her happy again. "Then you must believe this." Chase pulled Larissa close to him and collided their lips together. He poured as much of his desire and longing as he could into that kiss and it was well received.
Larissa hadn't kissed a man since Chase had left her and now to have him back, claiming he was good again. She let all of her doubts fly free. This was Chase Young! Her first and only love. They were meant to be together. How could she not trust him?
Finally the two pulled away but rested their foreheads against one another. "Chase...I-"
"Shh" Chase silenced her with a soft kiss. "Close your eyes. I have something I want to give you."
Larissa obeyed, wondering what exactly Chase could have for her. Then she felt his lips on hers once more, his tongue asked for entrance and she obliged. His hand sat on her throat and he gently caressed it with his fingers. It was then that she felt a strange liquid pour into her mouth from his. It was warm and tasted good. It tasted like soup...Soup!
Larissa snapped her eyes opened and tried to pull away but Chase tightened his grip on her throat, forcing her to swallow all of the liquid. Struggle as she might Chase had his other arm wrapped around her torso and he only deepened the kiss to pour the rest of the Lao Mang Lone soup down her throat.
As she struggled Larissa had no choice but to look into that intricate mirror that Chase had displayed behind him. In it she could see the golden dish from which he had stored the soup and she knew that he had planned this from the beginning. He used her own deceptions against her. She was as bad as Omi drinking the poisoned lemonade simply because he was asked! She was a failure as a teacher. How could she have allowed herself to think that even for a moment Chase had changed? How could she be so foolish? What would become of her now?
As Chase forced Larissa to swallow the last drop he let go of her and she scurried away from him clutching her stomach in pain. "I know it hurts. But trust me, this is for the best." Chase stood and collected the golden dish.
"Why?" Larissa cried in anguish.
"Isn't it obvious?" Chase asked walking towards her, he knelt down beside her and took her chin in his hand. "Because I love you Larissa. And I want you to rule by my side forever."
"You're a monster" Larissa spat.
Chase gave a toothy grin "I'll take that as a compliment." he stood. "You can keep the mirror. I'll have my cats collect you later."
"I don't want your gift!" she threw her knife at Chase but he had already vanished and it shattered the mirror, disfiguring her reflection into ugly cracks.
As she felt her insides begin to change and her heart grow cold, Larissa gazed upon the mirrors intricate designs. Chase was right, it was fitting. The sun and the moon reflecting the two sides of light and darkness. And all of the animals no longer seemed to be smiling but rather sneering at her. What kind of horrific creature would she become? A bear? A Lion? Or a reptile like Chase?
As her form began to change Larissa couldn't help but laugh at the irony of it all. She thought her students were the ones that failed the test today. But rather it was their teacher who couldn't see through the illusions. And now, as she had warned them, she was about to pay the ultimate price for not seeing through the veil.

Description
Larissa was the newest addition to the Xiaolin family. Formerly a master at her own temple in London, she had traveled to China as requested by Master Fung to help train the four talented monks to become Xiaolin warriors.
She had been greeted warmly by the youngsters who found her a refreshing change of pace in their rigorous training routines. Kimmiko was delighted to have another woman around and enjoyed sharing her hairstyling techniques with Larissa. Omi couldn't get enough of Larissa's many battle stories, for in the past she had been a great warrior who fought alongside Master Monk Guan for a time. Raimundo on the other hand swapped jokes with his new mentor and was relieved to finally be able to speak to somebody who understood his slang and actually presented a challenge when they played soccer. While Clay was continually impressed with Larissa's knowledge of country cooking. At times he could swear that she had stolen his mothers prized recipe for the best barbecue ribs. And after only a few days, Larissa became accustomed to her new role and began to enjoy her time there.

It was before dawn when Larissa arose to begin her daily ascent into the mountains. She enjoyed the brisk morning air and the challenge the steep hills presented her body as she climbed to the top as quickly as possible. From there she could meditate and watch as the sun rose and life in the temple began to stir. Even from here she could hear the young monks moaning at their early wake up call by Dojo and it left a soft smile on her face. Returning to her meditations Larissa focused her conciseness out into the world, searching for any impending danger.
Ever since she had arrived, Larissa had sensed a dark presence over the land, but could not quite pinpoint where it derived from. It wasn't, however, the darkness that had piqued her interest so much as it was the familiarity of it. She knew that she had come into contact with this force before but despite her many enemies, Larissa could not decide which one it could be. So she remained ever vigilant, and searched for any change in the dark source. So far, there had been none.
Reining in her conciseness, Larissa proceeded back down the mountain and with the sun ascending into the sky, she joined the young monks for breakfast.

"Tell me Master Larissa. What might you teach us today?" Omi asked eagerly as the group followed her outside. "Perhaps you shall teach us how to split a mountain in two? Or become invisible? Oh I have always wanted to become invisible!"
Larissa smiled at her students persistence. "As I recall Omi, it is Clay who possesses the power over earth. And it is the Shroud of Shadows that makes you invisible."
"But what about all those stories you told us?" Raimundo asked. "About how you split the mountain in two to get to your enemy or how you became invisible to sneak up on an opponent?"
"Merely parlor tricks" Larissa confessed to them. "I do not possess supernatural powers as the rest of you, but I can create illusions." suddenly Larissa disappeared before their very eyes.
The monks looked around astonished. Larissa's voice projected to them "Your challenge today is to find me. I warn you, it will not be easy. Not everything is as it seems. Each of you may choose one of the Shen Gong Wu that I have provided. Good luck young monks."
"Well if she ain't slipperier than a greased hog." Clay scratched his head as the four of them approached the Shen Gong Wu displayed in the middle of the court yard.
"I got dibs on the Falcons Eye!" Raimundo shouted before grabbing it.
"Hey! I wanted the Falcons Eye." Omi pouted.
"I got the Changing Chopsticks!" Kimiko claimed her Wu.
"But I wanted those second." Omi tried to point out.
"Third Arm Sash!" Clay grabbed his prize and took off.
"Wait I-" Omi called after his friend and realized that he was the only one left standing there. He sighed and looked down at the last Wu available, the Reversing Mirror. "Well I suppose this will have to do" and he set out in search of his mentor.

"Falcons Eye!" Raimundo cried as he began to search the premises. Instantly the walls inside the temple disappeared and he could see into every room. "Yuck!" Raimundo stuck out his tongue as he saw Master Fung bathing, and he turned his sight away. Suddenly he spotted his target meditating in the Vault room. "Gotcha!" Raimundo smiled to himself and ran to the vault.
He crept silently up to the door, not wanting to give away his position and peeked around the corner. There, in the center of the room sat Larissa with her back turned to him. Grinning at his victory Raimundo leapt at the figure "I got...you?" Raimundo tumbled into a scarecrow dressed in Larissa's usual green clothing.
Suddenly mirrors began to appear around the room reflecting Larissa's image. They began to spin around and around Raimundo confusing him further. "Did you really think it would be that simple?" Larissa's voice chided him. "Come now Raimundo, give it another try. Find me."
Raimundo launched at the nearest mirror, shattering it and wounding his knuckles. Larissa tutted at him. "What's that, 7 years bad luck?" she asked.
"Ah come on. This isn't fair!" Raimundo called as he spun around, searching for the original.
"Use your instinct Raimundo. See through the illusion." Larissa coaxed him.
But as hard as he tried, Raimundo couldn't tell which mirror she was hiding in. Becoming frustrated Raimundo poised for attack.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Larissa warned.
"Typhoon Boom Wind!" Raimundo shattered all of the mirrors in the room. As the glass exploded, the shards whizzed at his body, cutting Rai in a million places. Drained of energy and in pain, Raimundo collapsed onto his back. Looking up he saw his mentor, perched on the ceiling with several mirrors of her own to project her image below.
Smiling, Larissa jumped softly to the floor and stood over her student with her hands on her hips. "You are much too impulsive young monk. You must learn to think through your actions."
Exhausted, Raimundo simply closed his eyes and slept.

Walking around the temple grounds Kimmiko felt someone breathing down her neck. Turning quickly however, she saw no one. Kimmiko thought to herself 'She must be invisible. Maybe she'll reappear if I disappear myself.'
Using the Changing Chopsticks Kimmiko shrunk herself down to the size of a grain of rice. As she did so, she heard footsteps ahead of her and Kimmiko scurried to peek around the side of the temple. There she saw Larissa walking slowly down the path. Kimmiko sneakily scurried up the side of the temple and continued to follow Larissa down the path. When Larissa stopped, Kimmiko saw her chance. Lunging from the building Kimmiko threw herself at Larissa, using the Changing Chopsticks to return to her original size as she did.
"I got you now!" Kimmiko cried triumphantly. But before she could tackle her mentor, Larissa vanished and Kimmiko slammed face first into the ground. "Ow" Kimmiko moaned sitting up and rubbing her head. Looking up Kimmiko saw Larissa smiling down at her. "But how did you-" Kimmiko reached for Larissa but her hand passed right through her. Kimmiko gasped in surprise "Hologram" she realized aloud.
"Very good Kimmiko" Larissa spoke. "But recognizing the situation and learning to overcome it are two very different things." as she spoke, more holograms of Larissa began to appear around Kimmiko. "Use your intuition and try to find me amongst the clones."
"Well that shouldn't be too hard" Kimmiko took her position "Judolette Flip Fire!" Kimmiko's fire spread out around her, passing through all of the imposters, causing them to disappear. "But you're not even here" Kimmiko pouted.
"Are you so sure?" asked Larissa as a small pebble hit Kimmiko in the back of the head.
"Hey!" Kimmiko whirled rubbing her head but the holograms of Larissa had returned, hiding where the original might have been. Growling Kimmiko attacked the nearest clone, only to be hit in the back by another pebble from behind. Whirling around Kimmiko slashed at the clone behind her but a pebble came from the side and nicked her in the hand.
Frustrated Kimmiko began to lash out at all of the holograms, continuing to get hit with a pebble every time she turned her back in every direction.
"Focus Kimmiko" Larissa warned "Your anger makes you blind to the solution."
"Would. You. Cut. That. Out!" Kimmiko cried, releasing a large amount of fire around her and a cracking noise was heard.
Exhausted from using her power, Kimmiko collapsed onto her back and looked up to see that she had destroyed the machine that was creating the holograms to begin with. She also saw a series of bamboo shoots lined along the buildings on each side of her. Her view was then skewed by Larissa jumping down from the building beside her.
"Do you understand now Kimmiko?" Larissa asked.
"The holograms were just a distraction" Kimmiko realized "You were never on the ground to begin with."
Larissa nodded and looked back up at her bamboo shoots and broken projector. "I once used this simple trick to deter an army of over 70,000 from attacking a village that consisted of 200. The holograms are meant to cause confusion while shooting pebbles through the bamboo creates pain which fuels anger. Anger will always blind you to the truth."
Sore and wiped out, Kimmiko allowed herself to sleep, Larissa's words still resounding in her head.

"Hmm, if I were a Kung Fu Master, where would I hide?" Clay wondered aloud as he searched the grounds. Ahead he saw a strange fog emanating from the greenhouse. "Ah Ha!" Clay approached the green house and cautiously opened the door. "Hello?" he called. "Anybody in here?"
A shadow flew by him and disappeared into the fog. "So that's how it's gonna be huh?" Clay straightened his hat and walked inside.
He continued to follow the path inside the green house, hearing strange noises left and right, never quite seeing shadows pass in front and behind him. "Come out, come out, wherever you are" Clay called.
Suddenly something lunged at him "Third Arm Sash!" the sash darted out in front of him and caught a cat in mid pounce. "Aw" Clay laughed a little embarrassed "It's just a kitty cat."
"Not quite" Larissa spoke from behind. Hissing the cat lunged away as Clay turned on his heels only to have his feet swept out from under him and Larissa disappeared into the fog once more.
"Dag nabit" Clay growled as he got to his feet "Darn cat scratched me" he sucked on his wounded hand.
Larissa chuckled, still hidden among the fog. "Right now I'd have to say that's the least of your worries." as she spoke, a flower pot crashed right beside Clays foot.
"Yikes! My brains coulda been splattered worse than the barbeque on Uncle Sal's face!" Clay took a hesitant step back, then another and another as more pots began to crash around him. "Hey! What's the big idea?"
"Best find me soon Clay. Or your brains will resemble Uncle Sal's face." Larissa taunted him as she continued to fling flower pots from inside the fog.
Clay began to dance around and around avoiding the obstacles being flung at him. Even his Third Arm Sash was of no use if he couldn't tell from what direction the next projectile was coming from. "Think Clay. How can you escape this fog?" Larissa called to him.
After narrowly avoiding a pot flung at his face Clay took his fighting position. "All right that's it. Seismic Kick Earth!" Stomping his foot on the ground, the whole greenhouse began to shake. All of the hanging pots of flowers and shelves began to tumble down and with the fog Clay couldn't avoid them. He was buried in dirt and clay pots.
Groaning Clay opened his eyes and saw a shadow before him, it moved and turned a lever which activated the sprinklers. The sprinklers cleared away both the fog and the dust to reveal Larissa standing before him, holding an annoyed cat in her arms. "Brute force alone will not overcome all obstacles."
Aching and dazed, Clay allowed himself to pass out.

Omi had no idea where to start his search. In the end he decided upon exploring the temple. He hadn't looked long when he heard a crash coming from the vault room. Racing there Omi came upon Raimundo covered in broken glass from what appeared to be mirrors. Looking up he observed the vantage point from which Larissa had likely pulled off her scheme. "Oh, Master Larissa is very tricky indeed. I shall have to outsmart her to win this challenge." Omi nodded to himself.
He then scurried outside to search for where Larissa may have gone from there. Hearing Kimmiko giving a loud wail, Omi ran towards her. Approaching his fallen comrade Omi looked around for the source of her fainted state. On the rooftop he saw the bamboo sticks aligned and observed the pebbles around Kimmiko. He then spotted the broken projector. "Hmm Clever and resourceful" Omi spoke to himself as he picked up one of the pebbles "But she shall not blind me with fur!" Omi declared as he raced off in search of Clay.
Omi found his Texan friend in the greenhouse amongst the smashed pottery. Fog still lingered low to the ground, giving Omi the clues he needed to figure out what had occurred. "Master Larissa is proving to be a most worthy opponent." Omi spoke to himself.
"I'm glad you think so." came Larissa's voice.
Omi whirled around to see Larissa standing in the doorway. "You will not fool me! I know that you are merely an illusion!" Omi cried as he threw the pebble he had picked up earlier.
Larissa caught it in her hand easily. "No illusion Omi." She smiled. "I am the real deal."
"I have made no deal with you imposter!" Omi charged at Larissa throwing punches and kicks.
Larissa blocked easily with one hand as she began to walk backwards out of the greenhouse and into the courtyard. She laughed to herself "Omi, Omi it's me. I'm the real Larissa" she grabbed him by the back of his shirt and held him up to her face before dropping him to the ground.
"How do I know that you are no illusion?" Omi questioned.
Larissa smiled "Use the mirror. If I am an illusion then I will be exposed will I not?"
Omi smiled "Yes that is a good idea." he pulled out his Wu and pointed it at Larissa. "Reversing Mirror!" but nothing happened. "It would seem you speak the truth." Omi said slightly disappointed.
"Of course" Larissa smiled at him. "Now come, you must be thirsty after all of that running around."
"Well yes" Omi smiled following his mentor "I am rather parched."
Larissa led Omi over to a small table upon which a pitcher of lemonade sat with a single glass. "Here you go." Larissa poured Omi a glass and handed it to him.
Omi gulped the sweet liquid down eagerly. "Thank you very much" he smiled up at her. "May I please have more?" he held out his glass.
Larissa chuckled "No, I don't think so. You've had quite enough sleeping powder."
"Sleeping what?" Omi asked concerned. But already he could feel his mind clouding.
"Omi, you must learn to sense deception. You cannot be so gullible for surly it will get you killed."
It wasn't long after Larissa spoke that Omi fell into a deep sleep.

All four monks awoke safely in their beds that evening. Each had been bandaged and attended to. And they all reflected upon the days lessons.
Larissa also meditated upon what she had learned that day as she sat up in the mountains watching the sun set. The monks had so much to learn before she could advance them to the next level. Their rashness continued to endanger everyone around them. She had to find a way to open their eyes to the world.
As she meditated Larissa felt the darkness she had been watching shift. It was on the move, coming closer and closer. Why did it feel so familiar? Why didn't she fear it?
A distinct rustle came from behind her. It was too distinct to have been an accident. Somebody was here and they wanted her to know it.
Slowly rising to her feet, Larissa approached the woods. It was deserted and deathly quiet. Larissa closed her eyes and listened. She could hear light breathing coming from the branch above her. She could tell it was a large animal, probably a carnivore by the way it was shifting its weight to pounce. She readied herself for the attack and when it jumped, Larissa already had her blade ready. But the large creature did not come at her. Instead it jumped down in front of her revealing itself to be a hefty black panther.
The two of them locked eyes for a moment. The panthers bright golden ones stared into her brown ones. Finally the panther made a motion for her to follow with its head and began to lead her further into the woods.
Larissa wasn't sure if she should be following this wild cat. It went against her better judgment. But she could tell as they walked farther and farther along that the dark presence she had been studying so intently was just ahead. This realization should have made her body tense up for battle, she should have felt frightened, she should have been going over battle strategies, figuring out what kind of illusion she could use against her enemy this deep into the woods, unprepared. But despite all of this, curiosity drove her forward. She was not afraid of this dark force, whatever it was. It seemed just too familiar and almost friendly...almost.
The panther led Larissa to a clearing. In the center of which was a long standing mirror. The frame was embroidered with golden suns and moons. It depicted many animals from monkeys, to elephants, to wild cats and fish. The attention to detail was astonishing. It was one of the most beautiful things Larissa had ever seen.
As she was admiring the craftsmanship, a face appeared in the mirror behind her. Larissa gasped but didn't turn. "Do you like it?" the husky voice asked her "I thought it appropriate. Given the circumstances."
Larissa finally whirled around to face the man. "Chase" she whispered in disbelief.
"Larissa" Chase gave his classic smile "It's been a long time."
"I thought you were dead. I heard rumors but..." Larissa hesitantly reached up to stroke is cheek, afraid he might break like glass.
Chase closed his eyes and enjoyed the touch he had so longed for all these years. "Fear not Larissa. I will bring you no harm." Chase began to fiddle with her curly hair. "I enjoyed your lesson today." Chase took a sudden step back, placing his hands behind his back as if to restrain himself. He walked around Larissa and gazed at the ornate mirror, gauging Larissa's shocked expression in her reflection.
"You were at the temple? But I didn't sense-"
Chase turned to her once again a small smile playing upon his lips. "Oh my dear Larissa. Sometimes you try to sense too hard. The very lesson you were trying to teach those monks was the exact opposite of the lesson you need to learn yourself...to use your eyes."
Larissa thought for a moment before glancing over at the panther seated at the edge of the small clearing. "The cat." she recalled. The cat had never been seen around the temple before and she had spotted it several times that day, not just in the greenhouse. So he had been watching her.
Chase frowned slightly "Don't look so suspicious. I told you, I will not harm-"
Larissa had suddenly flung herself at Chase in a fit of rage. She pounded him with halfhearted blows that they both knew wouldn't even leave a bruise. "Why did you come back? I know what you are. I know you chose the Heylin side. So why? If you don't want to kill me then what do you want?" Larissa gave into her emotions and sank to her knees.
Slowly Chase followed suit. He spoke softly to her, showing a tenderness reserved for only those he loved. "You know why." he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You left me." Larissa whispered. "You left me out of jealousy of Guan."
"I know. But I've changed." Chase caught her eye.
"How am I supposed to believe you?" Larissa looked into his eyes, searching for a truth, hoping for it.
"You trusted me once." Chase replied.
"That was before you tried to conquer the world." she pointed out.
Chase thought for a moment. "I didn't kill the monks did I? They were passed out all day. I could have easily destroyed them had I wanted to."
"So then why didn't you?" Larissa asked.
"Because I didn't want to. Because, I'm not the monster I used to be." Chase answered as earnestly as he could.
Larissa searched his eyes. All of her training had taught her how to fight using deception. She could see a liar a mile away, she knew how to deceive and how to see through falseness. But being so close to him, having her heart beat as loudly as it was, could she really make a fair judgment? This was exactly the kind of situation she had been training the monks for. "I don't know if I can believe that."
Chase sighed. He needed this woman, more than he needed anyone before. It had been a mistake for his rivalry of Guan to get in the way of his love life. He used to be so happy with this woman but after he changed, after he drank the soup, everything was different. Now he had a chance to make things right again. He could make her happy again. "Then you must believe this." Chase pulled Larissa close to him and collided their lips together. He poured as much of his desire and longing as he could into that kiss and it was well received.
Larissa hadn't kissed a man since Chase had left her and now to have him back, claiming he was good again. She let all of her doubts fly free. This was Chase Young! Her first and only love. They were meant to be together. How could she not trust him?
Finally the two pulled away but rested their foreheads against one another. "Chase...I-"
"Shh" Chase silenced her with a soft kiss. "Close your eyes. I have something I want to give you."
Larissa obeyed, wondering what exactly Chase could have for her. Then she felt his lips on hers once more, his tongue asked for entrance and she obliged. His hand sat on her throat and he gently caressed it with his fingers. It was then that she felt a strange liquid pour into her mouth from his. It was warm and tasted good. It tasted like soup...Soup!
Larissa snapped her eyes opened and tried to pull away but Chase tightened his grip on her throat, forcing her to swallow all of the liquid. Struggle as she might Chase had his other arm wrapped around her torso and he only deepened the kiss to pour the rest of the Lao Mang Lone soup down her throat.
As she struggled Larissa had no choice but to look into that intricate mirror that Chase had displayed behind him. In it she could see the golden dish from which he had stored the soup and she knew that he had planned this from the beginning. He used her own deceptions against her. She was as bad as Omi drinking the poisoned lemonade simply because he was asked! She was a failure as a teacher. How could she have allowed herself to think that even for a moment Chase had changed? How could she be so foolish? What would become of her now?
As Chase forced Larissa to swallow the last drop he let go of her and she scurried away from him clutching her stomach in pain. "I know it hurts. But trust me, this is for the best." Chase stood and collected the golden dish.
"Why?" Larissa cried in anguish.
"Isn't it obvious?" Chase asked walking towards her, he knelt down beside her and took her chin in his hand. "Because I love you Larissa. And I want you to rule by my side forever."
"You're a monster" Larissa spat.
Chase gave a toothy grin "I'll take that as a compliment." he stood. "You can keep the mirror. I'll have my cats collect you later."
"I don't want your gift!" she threw her knife at Chase but he had already vanished and it shattered the mirror, disfiguring her reflection into ugly cracks.
As she felt her insides begin to change and her heart grow cold, Larissa gazed upon the mirrors intricate designs. Chase was right, it was fitting. The sun and the moon reflecting the two sides of light and darkness. And all of the animals no longer seemed to be smiling but rather sneering at her. What kind of horrific creature would she become? A bear? A Lion? Or a reptile like Chase?
As her form began to change Larissa couldn't help but laugh at the irony of it all. She thought her students were the ones that failed the test today. But rather it was their teacher who couldn't see through the illusions. And now, as she had warned them, she was about to pay the ultimate price for not seeing through the veil.