Hello everyone!
TheReclamationProject here and I apologize for the lack of frequency in my postings. I just wanted to let you all know I've been working on my own novel and that I am considering posting the prologue here on my page for you all to read. If you enjoy it maybe I'll post more! Anyways, I came back a few days ago after a break and saw my inbox full of your wonderful comments, messages, and review. I am truly touched by you all and will continue to write quality works for you all as long as you stick around to enjoy.
Now enough of that, back to what you're here for: I give you the 9th Chapter of I Now Pronounce You Crane and Viper. Remember the original 7 chapters are all Emmykirk14's work and not mine. If you are now just joining us please visit her deviantart and read them. Also this is only my take on her story and if she wishes to reclaim her work then by all means, she is welcome to it. It is her story after all.
Disclaimer: I do not own KFP or any of the characters, except OCs, all content belongs to their respective creators.
Crane was quick and efficient in his explanation to the young snake. He started at the beginning and worked his way through every detail, from Viper confessing to the others about her worry and the development of their plan. His explanation lasted a few minutes and at its end he looked at the young snake to see a blank expression. Jia didn't move for a few moments as she stared blankly off in the distance. Concern started to build in the avian and he reached out to touch her.
"S-so….Viper and you aren't…"
"Yes Jia, we aren't married," Crane nudged.
She slithered out of his reach as he moved closer. "But why?"
"It's a very complicated situation, Jia. Like I said Viper didn't want to marry Howin and she involved us."
Jia began trying to wrap her head around the whole situation, "So wait, if you two aren't married and everything's an act then why did you two share a room?"
Crane flushed at the idea. There was no doubting Viper's prudent nature nor was there a reasonable explanation as to why they had done such.
"A Kung Fu master spends years mastering many different techniques including the arts of deception and discipline. I assume Master Viper, er, your sister meant well."
Crane had his back turned towards the young snake while he made up the lame excuse and was surprised when he returned his gaze towards the young viper. Instead of the dangerous, fanged beast she was a moment ago Jia had melted into a downtrodden child. Her demeanor and expression reflected one of a kicked puppy. She had been so proud of her sister, happy for her, and then he came and crushed it.
"I'm a total ass." Crane thought to himself, looking over the young snake. If Monkey were here he would've received a vicious slap to the back of the head.
Viper slithered her way through the market stalls with her old friends. They had been playing catch up for the past few hours. She had so many questions: what had they been up to, were did they go after their banishment, how did they get into town, all sorts of questions. For the most part she received honest answers accompanied by the occasional brushing off, or question dodging. But on her end she had no secrets, her exploits were well known throughout China. Her, the five, and a certain Panda.
"So Viper, I have to be the one to ask," a yellow snake called from behind her. "Are you and the Dragon Warrior a forbidden 'item'? Or are those just rumors?"
Viper giggled at the silliness of the question before offering a good natured retort: "Well Lynnah, I must say I am flattered but the Dragon Warrior is more of a brother in arms than a secret mate. Besides, if I even so much looked at him I'd be clawed down by-"
She cut herself short, and shuddered at the thought.
"By who, Viper?" questioned Mayleen.
"Yesss, who?" echoed Yenni.
"You know what, nevermind. That's a story that I'd rather not spill. Otherwise I'll have a few less scales."
Viper began to slither to the next stall while the trio lagged behind, shaking their heads.
"She's as carefree and naïve as ever," Mayleen hissed in a hushed voice.
"Gullible is the term I'd use," smirked Yenni.
They looked on at the green martial artist as she laughed with the merchant behind the counter. A moment later a blue butterfly fluttered right in front of her and made an uncommon flight path, taking loops and barrel rolls in all sorts of directions. Viper's eyes watched with an innocent smile on her lips as she watched the butterfly stumble towards the sky.
"No one in this life should live as carefree as her," proclaimed Lynnah. "She needs to have a harsh reality check." The snake's tongue flicked in a venomous way.
"Yeah, we should teach her a lesson she'll never forget," Yenni agreed.
"But what would be the best way to teach her?" questioned Mayleen.
As the three plotted a villainous male snake stalked in the shadows opposite of them. Only when his gray hood caught a few rays was he visible to anyone. Lynnah was the first to see him and it gave her a wicked idea.
"Ladies, I have a plan," she proclaimed. "But we're going to need a little manly touch."
Shifu had called her to his meditation pool. It was not the first time she had visited her master in the mysterious cave, but this trip was one to dread. Tigress knew that their lie would only be believable for so much longer, not to mention Shifu was old, but not stupid. Soon he would know the truth and the only way to prevent him from questioning her and the others would be for Crane and Viper to return.
She wasn't sure what lie she could say next, especially a believable one. They were out of options and out of time, perhaps it was time they came clean to their master and accept their punishment. The tigress slunk into the cave behind her meditating master. As she crept closer she noticed his ears twitch before acknowledging her.
"Good you are here…."
"Master, before you say anything, I would like to explain my actions."
"No explaination is necessary Tigress. It is I who should apologize."
The Tiger was dumbfounded. He knew? He knew and he was apologizing? Why? She wanted to ask him everything he knew but held her tongue and waited for the apology followed by a stern lecture and beating.
Shifu turned upon his staff to face his pupil and to her surprise was holding a sealed package.
"Do you know what this is?"
"No Master."
The red panda hopped down from his perch and walked towards the student. He outstretched his tiny arms and handed her the package. It felt light in her arms. She looked between him and the box a few times with burning curiosity.
"Open it," ordered Shifu as he turned away. He hopped back onto Oogway's staff and closed his eyes.
Tigress hesitated for a brief moment before shredding the strings which held the box's lid on with her razor sharp claws. She carefully lifted off the lid and was surprised to see a faint glow from inside.
"You are aware of the current political situation in Gongmen correct?" Shifu began.
"Yes, Master." Tigress stated without taking her eyes off the contents of the box. "She was defeated a few months ago, and the Master's council has taken charge of the city. Masters Croc and Ox are currently in charge of running the complicated relief efforts while simultaneously attempting to find a new authority to rule the city. But because of Master Rhino-"She paused for a moment in respect of the fallen Master. "But because of the loss of Master Rhino they cannot make an official decision because they need three votes from three Masters who represent the city itself. No other Master can step in on their behalf."
"Precisely, and you know what must happen in order to resolve the issue and put Gongmen back onto the path to recovery, correct."
"Yes Master, a third Master must be given the honor to represent the City of Gongmen on the Master's council. It's one of the greatest honors a Kung Fu Master in China can receive, behind the title of Dragon Warrior and Master of the Jade Palace."
"Indeed. Masters Ox and Croc also made up their minds as to who would best fill the void months ago. However, I have been delaying the process."
Tigress's ears perked. Her eyes left the contents of the box and rested on Shifu. He had turned to her once more, a deadpan expression on his face.
He smiled and gestured to the box: "Try it on."
The Tiger pulled out a beautiful golden outfit that matched the exact design of her current red one. Only this one had long sleeves and a glorious olive branch imprint around the front. She marveled in its glory before siding it on over her current outfit; a perfect fit.
"My daughter," came an expectantly gentle tone from the old man in front of her.
"Yes, baba," she replied in a hushed tone. Her ears perked, honed on every word said from this moment forward.
"I knew a time would come when the Five would become just Four. I had hoped for years that you and the others, my children, would not fall to battle and that you would live your lives in the best way you know how. Through serving your nation, and enjoying the happiness you win for yourselves and those around you."
He hopped down one last time and grabbed the sleeve of her new uniform with a tender pride. "I knew you'd one day achieve recognition for all your hard work and suffering, I just never expected this as the result."
The two had brief moment where their gazes locked and in Shifu's eyes Tigress saw something from her adoptive father and master she hadn't seen in years, affection and pride. But as quickly as it came it disappeared, as he turned away for the final time.
"Your new duties will almost certainly restrict you to Gongmen. It is likely we won't see each other but once every few years from now on. But know that you will always have a home and family here, Council Master Tigress."
She was shocked, thrilled, relieved, everything at once. But she didn't know where to start with her questions before she could ask, the Grandmaster beat her to the punch.
"The servants have packed your things and will help you ready for your journey to Gongmen. I wish you the best of luck."
…..
Viper had had a wonderful day at the market, catching up with friends. She had made her way back towards her home and was in the best mood she had had in a long time. This trip had really helped her feel better, relaxed, she needed the break from all the fighting, even under the given circumstances. But her mood changed rather rapidly when her younger sister came slithering by in a huff, trailed by a familiar avian.
"Crane what's wrong?" asked the sweet viper.
"We've been found out."
"What?!"
"Yeah, your sister figured it out then forced me to give her the rest of the details."
"And you explained everything to her?!"
"You think I wanted to die a slow and painful death, when this town doesn't have a hospital with antivenin? I mean its home of the Great Master Viper you'd think this place would-"
"SHhhhh!" hissed Viper. "I need to speak with her." S
Viper followed her sister into the house calling her name. Making her way to the younger viper's room. Fortunately the parents weren't home yet.
This cannot end well Thought Master Crane as he looked into the sunset strewn sky before pursuing the pair into the darkening home. As the avian entered the door, a pair of eyes peered from around the bend at the scene unfolding in front of the large home. Whoever it was, happened must have been a master of stealth in order to remain undetect-
"HONK!"
Nevermind.
Hope everyone loved the update! Again sorry for the massive delay. I've been hugely overcommitted on top of writing other material and such. I hope you all understand. I think I will finish this story first before continuing all the others since we are in the heat of things. Anyways peace and love. Leave a comment if you liked it, hated it whatever. Love hearing from you all it makes my day. And speeds up the process of updates.
Again Cheers!
See you all real soon!
~The ReclamationProject