Lee Da Martial Arts Academy. Twenty Years prior to the Defeat of Tai Lung.

Almost every student was gathered in the training grounds. It was only a week or two before one student would be chosen to be sent to the Jade Palace.

Crane watched in awe as lines of rhinos cut the air in finesse with their staffs. Bulls moved through Kung Fu strike poses and masters were spread out, hitting an arm with a staff to correct posture, or yelling at a student to focus.

But above all, Crane watched one battle. In the center of the training ground, was a large circle. Two opponents would face each other. You had to stay in the circle, taking bashings and whatever pain may be inflicted by your opponent. In the circle was a large rhino, along with a Chinese Mountain Cat. Mei Ling. Such grace! Such beauty! Of course, that is why her name literally meant, beautiful and delicate, (Crane knew all symbols, names, and meanings in the language) though from what he had seen, she was not at all delicate.

She was fierce and strong and magical and wondrous and gorgeous and…

His mind trailed off as he watched the duo battle. She fought so perfectly, never making a flaw. It was said she had mastered over eight-hundred of the One-Thousand Scrolls. Something Crane only wished he had the chance to do. He would spend every moment studying the scrolls, studying Kung Fu. But no, he was a bird. A skinny, worthless bird. He wasn't strong, he wasn't fierce. He was just a janitor. But Mei Ling, oh, Mei Ling was a goddess! Everything he ever could aspire to be and more! He watched as with just a flick of her wrist the rhino was forced out of the ring. Mei Ling bowed and-

"Crane! Get over here" Crane sighed as his 'master'; the gatekeeper of the Academy summoned him. "Crane! New student try-outs are next week!"

Crane smiled in surprise, "Really?" Was the Master suggesting he try out? He could! He would become a student; devote all of him to learning the scrolls. He would be the best student! Better than Mei Ling!

"So, this place needs to be ready!"

He ignored his warden and kept dreaming. How amazing would it be? He'd grow to be a striving, strong warrior! Like the ancient Master Iron Ox! Or Master Raptorbeak! He would be-

"Crane! Get sweeping!" The yelling brought him back to reality. As he started cleaning again he remembered something:

I can't be a warrior…I'm too skinny, not strong, not amazing…I have none of the traits of a TRUE warrior.

Mei Ling threw the sweat and dirt smitten clothes in her room's chute. The best students got the best rooms. Although she didn't keep hers too tidy. She looked at herself in the mirror.

Her eyes weakened. She had a muscular build, her arm muscles compact, but her torso was large. She had the body and traits of a true Kung Fu warrior…But none of those of a bride. She was not beautiful or charming. She broke bones and beat up other men for a living, she didn't know how to cook or clean. No man would ever want her as a bride. Hell, no man would want her as a girlfriend, they'd be too scared.

And they rightfully should be! I don't need men! I'm a Kung Fu warrior, independent and loyal!

But if she didn't need one why did she keep worrying about it. She swiped her paw so it knocked down her mirror. It shattered but she didn't care. The janitor could clean it.

After putting on a robe, Mei Ling swung open her room window and looked out into the night. It was a nice, breezy night. She looked up at the stars and sighed. What she would do to be in the Jade Palace right now. Where people would know her name, respect her! They did here, but yet it wasn't enough.

Suddenly, a whooshing sound was silently creeping through the night. She opened the window up wider to see what it was. She looked to her left and saw a dark figure coming towards her. She jumped back, and the figure ran right into the window glass. With a thud the figure lay sprawled on the window seal.

"What the hell!!!' She yelled, striking a pose to traverse into Tiger Fist.

"Watch where you open your-" He stopped when he saw it was Mei Ling. "Oh, er, Master Mei Ling, I'm sorry, I'll just, uh, be going…" He flew back out and Mei Ling just stood there. After a few moments, she burst into laughter. She went back to the window.

She knew that guy. It was Crane, one of…wait, the only janitor. She watched him. He flipped and threw and knocked and jumped and flew. He flew like no other! It was beautiful! He was so graceful! He'd knock things into place while doing flips and kicks. And when she looked at his face, she saw enjoyment!

Mei Ling jumped into the windowsill, across onto the platform. She approached Crane who had just twisted to turn off two lights.

"Crane…You're amazing!" She said awe-struck.

The Red-Crowned Crane looked behind him, surprised that such a high level (And beautiful) master had even approached him. "Who…me? I was just…cleaning up…"

Her mouth gaped open, "Crane that was…beautiful" She said with a blush.

"Well most of that stuff…was, was just an accident…"

Mei Ling smiled, repeating something one of her most revered masters had said, "There are no accidents."

Crane just stood there motionless, "I didn't really…mean to…do anything…"

Mei Ling gasped, "You should try out for the school"

As he babbled on she looked deeply at him. He was pretty skinny, perfect for the Crane style. They defended, having their enemy wear down themselves instead of attacking them directly. They had to be graceful and quick, two things she knew Crane had.

And not to mention, he was kinda cute. The way the moonlight gleamed off his bill onto his timid face made him look all the better. His torso feathers were shined and straight and she would not dare to look any lower. She blushed at the last thought and remembered Crane was talking to her.

"Well, you'll never know unless you try" Mei Ling said, stopping his babbling. As she turned to leave, she swung her hips and Crane blushed like a mad-man. Crane was smitten by every trait she possessed. Her fur was glowing because of the moonlight. He could get drunk just staring into her bright eyes. Those traits and the fact she wasn't like other women.

She didn't just want to be wed, but she wanted to be amazing, be a hero. She was strong, and fierce and beautiful and…

Crane droned on and on until he realized he was repeating himself. Then a thought hit him.

Surely, if the greatest student in the Academy said he could do it…He could.

And he would. For his pride, for his well-being…And for Mei Ling

Now for those of you who read my Jade Memoirs, you'll realize this is the Crane parts...no duh. I decided to split it up, and maybe do the other stories later. For those of you who haven't, enjoy!