Chapter 3: The Arrival

Later that morning, we see Zhong and Mei Ling waking up to see another boating harbor and become surprised that they've finally made it. They've reached Mei Ling's wonderful hometown where they see lots of mountain cats that are similiar to her. They turned around to see Mei Ling and started to murmur.

"Look, it's Mei Ling", said mountain cat #6.

"She's back", said mountain cat #5.

"And look at that wolf", said mountain cat #8.

"Why is he with her?", asked mountain cat #7.

"Is she married or something?", asked mountain cat #5.

"I think she is", said mountain cat #7.

"Let's greet her", said mountain cat #5.

The mountain cats ran up to Mei Ling and Zhong and greet her graciously for her return with lots of hand shakes. Then, she introduced them to Zhong, who also shook their hands without getting nervous despite him being shy enough to greet them. She asked them if they know where her parents are and they took them to a large house.

"Wait right here", said mountain cat #5 and walked inside the large house while Mei Ling and Zhong wait patiently.

"Are you excited, Zhong?", asked Mei Ling.

"Yeah", said Zhong, hoping that he doesn't screw up when the time is right and he will get to know Mei Ling's parents.

Then, the door opened and to their surprise, it turns out to be Mei Ling's mother and father.

"Mom! Dad!", said Mei Ling and hugged them both.

"Oh, Mei Ling, my daughter", said Mei Ling's mother.

"We're so happy you've returned", said Mei Ling's father, "and who is this wolf?"

"I want you two to meet my husband, Zhong", said Mei Ling and the two mountain cats stare at the wolf for nearly a minute or so. Then, Zhong spoke.

"Hello, um...", said Zhong.

"My name is Ashiku", said Mei Ling's mother.

"And I'm Haru", said Mei Ling's father.

"It's nice to see you, Ashiku and Haru", said Zhong, "You two wouldn't know anything about... Lord Shen, do you?"

"Why I'm afraid we do, Zhong", said Haru, "He did build a deadly cannon to destroy kung fu once, right?"

"Well, yes", said Zhong, "but the peacock has just changed over... shall we say, four years ago. So, I guess everything at Gongmen City got back to the way it was before. Have you two been there before?"

"Only once", said Ashiku, "Now, we have to talk to Mei Ling in private. Why won't you go and take a tour to our town, Zhong?"

"That'll be great", said Zhong, "I'll be back in a few minutes, sweetheart."

Then, Zhong walks to the village and sees at the rest of the mountain cats staring at him while Mei Ling's parents have a chat with Mei Ling.

"Mei Ling", said Haru, "However did you manage to marry this wolf?"

"It's... It's a pretty long story", said Mei Ling.

"Do tell, daughter", said Ashiku.

Mei Ling explains how she met Zhong in the first place and everything she had went through two years ago after they got married. The rose he gave her, the way he was nice to her instead of being a threatening monster, her decision to stay with him and his sacrifice for her before the last few petals of the rose fell and brought him to life due to her beauty.

"And then, he told me the Soothsayer revived him after Shen killed him", said Mei Ling.

"You mean, the goat?", asked Ashiku.

"Yes", said Mei Ling.

"I never thought I'd say this", said Haru, "but I think your husband would like to stay here in the village the same way we wanted to see you again, Mei Ling. What do you think?"

"I don't know", said Mei Ling, "I have to talk to Zhong about this sooner or later, if you understand."

"We do, sweetie", said Ashiku, "Now come inside. Me, Haru, and the rest of the villagers will be making a feast celebration for your return."

Mei Ling becomes shocked in amazement. A feast celebration? She hoped that Zhong would be surprised about this wonderful news and the three mountain cats went inside their lovely home.

I'll continue the story with Zhong finishing exploring the village and Mei Ling's father telling her why he and the others are making a feast celebration. So, enjoy and review, dear fans.