Sorry for the delay, but here's the next chapter. . .
NONE OF US
The Five are back at the Jade Palace; at the esplanade. There's nothing they can protect now. They have no purpose. They all walk to their rooms, except Shifu, who stays in front of the gates of the Palace. Tigress walks to her room, when she suddenly stops. Everyone is too afflicted to say something or even look up. Tigress turns around and goes back to where is Shifu and stands with, where they both contemplate the Valley, completely desert. They keep quiet a few more seconds.
SHIFU: -You were right Tigress… we did not fulfill our oath. We didn't save anyone…-. Tigress is still looking to the horizon while she listens the Ugly truth from her own Master. -I think I don't deserve to be called your master anymore… you all are free to leave when you want… The Jade Palace has no longer any object-. Shifu sighs deeply, containing all his shame and his frustrations. Seconds later he turns around and walks away. Tigress stays a few more moments next to the gates.
That same night, The Five are all reunited at the dining room, but no one is eating this time. Tigress sits at the table with the others.
TIGRESS: -Master Shifu told me that… that we can leave the Palace when we want- Says, looking down. Everyone is thinking quiet. This is their home, or at least it was until this afternoon.
CRANE: -Yes. I was thinking about that-. VIPER: -I can't believe everything is over-. MONKEY: -There's nothing here for us now-. A tear escapes from Crane's eye, and he wipes with his wing.
CRANE: - We should have known that nothing would be alright since the day Po died-. Viper gets close to console him, gently wrapping it around his shoulders, but she has no encouraging word to tell him. Mantis on the other hand, is very quiet. MONKEY: - Guys… I just want you all to know, that with you I lived the best years of my life-. No one has anything else to say.
At the next morning, The Five are at the entrance of the Palace; everyone is carrying with them a small luggage. This is where their paths diverge. But, Mantis isn't around.
VIPER: -Where's Mantis?-. The training hall doors opens. They all turn to see. Is Mantis, who is standing at the entrance. MONKEY: -Mantis? You have not packed yet?-. Mantis stares at his friends.
MANTIS: -There's no need… I'm not leaving-. CRANE: -What?-
VIPER: -But Mantis, what are you saying? Its over-
MANTIS: -This isn't over yet. I'm not leaving the Jade Palace, or the Valley of Peace-. These words surprised everyone and leave them speechless.
MANTIS: -This is our home. And it has taken a lifetime to make it so… our mission here will never finish, unless it finishes with us-. They don't know what to answer. Mantis is demonstrating the determination that anyone else has at these moments. Everyone is looking to each other, with doubt. Crane looks at the small handkerchief tied to a stick; with his luggage. CRANE: -What are we doing?-. Viper gets to think for a moment. VIPER: -We have to talk with Master Shifu-. And quickly, they all run to Shifu's room.
The Five arrive to his room, they open the door and surprises to see their master. Shifu is lying on the floor; completely drunk and holding a bottle. TIGRESS: -Master- She says exalted. Shifu looks up, and in the middle of his dizziness he hardly distinguishes the figure of his students. SHIFU: -What are you still doing here?-. They all go quickly to help him stand.
VIPER: -Master, have you been drinking?- She says while everyone helps him stand. Monkey stares agape. Shifu turns more aggressive agitating his arms getting rid of his students.
SHIFU: -You should already be gone…! Don't you see that I'm not your master anymore?!-. TIGRESS: -You still are-. SHIFU: -That's not true! I have no honor; I have nothing to defend now!-. VIPER: -But this is not the answer!- She says at the time she takes the bottle from Shifu's hand. –We still can fight for the Valley of Peace-. SHIFU: - And how is it supposed you are going to do that?-
MANTIS: -Master… you only have to believe-. Shifu is stunned to hear that. In that moment, he remembers that same words the Master Oogway the day he left this world.
MANTIS: - If we don't have nothing to protect here, then we will recover it. No matter what costs-. Shifu begins to regain his composure. SHIFU: -Al right then…-
They are all back in front of the stairs of the Jade Palace.
SHIFU: -Foremost, I want to offer all of you an apologize… for have given up hope-. CRANE: -You don't have anything to apologize. We all lost hope too- He says, outlining a smile on his face. Shifu also smiles. MANTIS: -Well, we not have a fixed course… but that's not reason to stop, right?-. MONKEY: -Of course not-. SHIFU: -I'm glad to hear that-. Crane is thinking. CRANE: -But… it won't take much longer to all bandits and criminals want to take over the Valley-
SHIFU: -Well, if that happens, they will have to face me first-. Everyone looks at Shifu with concern. VIPER: -Master, aren0t you coming with us?-. The expression on Shifu's face is peaceful now. SHIFU: -I will stay and protect this Valley… and I will be doing it until you come back with the citizens-. The Five are stunned; everything could happen if he stays alone to protect the entire town. Shifu can see the worrying of his students, and before someone regrets… SHIFU: -Go now! There's no time to lose!-
FURIOUS FIVE: -Yes, Master-. And without more time to think, The Furious Five turns around and start walking downstairs, thus beginning their mission. Shifu sees his students leaving, he doesn't know what awaits them, and also for him… defend an empty Valley.
The warriors are walking down the street; they pass in front the houses, all of them were abandoned, as if people had suddenly disappeared.
Finally, they reach to outside the Valley. Tigress looks over her shoulder to the top of the stairs, where the Jade Palace is. Quite to the distance, the Master Shifu observes them disappear to the horizon; he is now feeling some hope.
On their way out the town, Monkey seems thoughtful. MONKEY: -And, do we have a plan? Where do we start?-. TIGRESS: -It doesn't matter where. We are going to get it-. Mantis smiles to hear that.
MANTIS: -That's the attitude Tigress!-
A couple of miles later, The Five are walking over a narrow path beside a cliff and next to some bushes. Tigress realizes that something's wrong, she shows suspected. CRANE: -What's wrong?-. Tigress suddenly stops. The others do the same. There is a moment of silence. Suddenly, a group of assailants bulls jumps out the bushes, lashing against The Five. They adopt fighting stance.
One of the bulls runs, ramming against Monkey; he avoids him, jumping over his head. The bull keeps straight and goes after Tigress. She receives the strong impact with her hands, literately taking the bull by the horns. Another one runs with his big axe to Viper.
BULL: - I'll slice you in two!-. Viper irritates to hear that and jumps, wrapping herself over the face of the bull, blocking his view. The bull runs disorientated until he hits against the bull that is fighting with Tigress, they both fall down. Mantis disposes to attack; he jumps to one of them and hits him with a powerful flying kick right on the chest. The bull does not move an inch, leaving Mantis confused. Crane takes flight and lashes out with his head against a bull. This one sees him getting close and prepares his sword and stabs right in Crane's hat. The bull smiles, thinking he had killed him. CRANE: -Over here!-. The smile on the bull's face disappears when he looks up and sees Crane, plummeting right over him with a kick, knocking him out. Monkey observes the feat of his friend, and with a sly smile on his face, he turns to see another of his opponents. The bull runs to him and Monkey avoids him, jumping over his back. The bull realizes and tries to get rid of Monkey. He stands on four legs and starts kicking to the air and spinning wildly. Monkey loses control a little, but remains on the bull's back while he is furiously waving. A couple of bulls run to Tigress, she slides on the ground in the middle of them, making them fall down. They roll and quickly stand up, watching Tigress with anger. She outlines a slight smile on her face, when behind the bulls appears Viper jumping, hitting them like a whip and knocking them out. Another bull surprises Tigress from behind, she reacts surprised, and while he prepares an attack with his axe, she manages to connect a powerful tiger blow on his chest. The impact makes him drop his axe, but he's still on his feet. She seems surprised, and then she gets mad again, connecting another punch, but this time on his head. The bull remains standing in front of her, and he even smiles. Tigress surprises even more, when in that moment, the expression on the bull's face changes to a lost expression and drools a little. Then, the bull turns around and starts walking dazed and wobbly. Monkey is still on the back of the bull; the bull looks already tired and he falls to the ground. Monkey jumps out his back, and stand in front his face. The bull tries to reach him with the hand, but he's too tired. Monkey smiles, and then he throws a kick, throwing it into the bushes. The other bulls stand from the ground and start to flee, except one, who walks disoriented by the punch on the head, and falls into the bushes. The Furious Five had success again.
In that calm moment, Tigress suddenly hears a noise. VIPER: -What is it? More of them?-. Tigress gets on all fours, preparing for a powerful jump attack. TIGRESS: -Apparently Yes!- She says while she jumps to the bushes, to a hidden enemy. When she impacts, everyone hears the scream of who was hiding there, and quickly they run to see.
Behind the bushes, Tigress is over who was hiding, subjecting him. All are surprised to see who it is. Is the Jaguar; that bandit who stole from Mr. Ping's restaurant some days ago.
JAGUAR: -Please! Don't!-. Tigress recognizes him in that moment. TIGRESS: -It's you…!-. She rages and starts to squeeze his throat. Mantis is stunned. MANTIS: -Is the same guy!-. JAGUAR: -Don't hurt me!-. TIGRESS: -You are the same bandit!-. The Jaguar is trembling, with Tigress on him, in a more than anger's attitude. –But this time, you won't escape!- Says while she raises the hand, preparing for a strong punch.
It hears a scream from behind some bushes.
JIN: -Nooo…!-. A small Jaguar, obviously a child, comes running and jumps among them, hugging the bigger Jaguar.
JIN: -Let go my brother!-. Tigress is surprised, but she's still angry. Her hand is shaking on the air, still ready to hit him. Monkey come quickly and takes the child from the middle. The child struggles futilely. Tigress has now free way to attack. But now she is doubting. She looks at the Jaguar that she's strangling, and who cannot talk, while he looks at the little Jaguar. The poor child is in panic while Monkey is holding him. Tigress is in conflict. Her wrath is overflowing from each fiber of her body; just seeing that same Jaguar makes her think of the miserable and lonely death that Po must had suffered. But that scared child makes her think that this is wrong. The tension accumulates inside of her, while her friends are observing her, the same as the child, and the Jaguar in her claws. In that moment, she remembers the friendly smile of Po, and her mind clears then. She relaxes her arm, calms her breathing and then releases the Jaguar's throat. Then she gets up off him. When she do that, the child is released from Monkey's arms and runs to his brother, who is coughing on the ground.
JIN: -Brother!- Says while he hugs him. The Jaguar manages to recover a bit and hugs his little brother. Tigress walks a few steps away, without even looking at them. The others are shocked. The Jaguar regains speech.
JAGUAR: -I'm sorry for have surprised you that way…-. Tigress stops. Everyone is looking at the Jaguar while he stands up, helped for his little brother. –It wasn't my intention… but I've came to you about something very important-
TIGRESS: - And what kind of important thing could a bandit like you be telling us?- She says without looking at him. The Jaguar gets some thoughtful for a moment. JAGUAR: -I understand… I know what you must be thinking… because of what happened last time-. CRANE: -Are you talking of when you stole and attacked to the old owner of a noodle shop?- Says Crane with anger. The little Jaguar shows confused looking his brother.
JIN: -Is that true?-. The Jaguar looks down with shame. JAGUAR: -It's true Jin…-. The child seems sad. JAGUAR: - I want you to understand, I will assume all responsibility because of my actions. But do not blame my brother… it was me who committed those crimes to have something to feed him… I would never let my brother go hungry-. The little Jaguar hugs strongly his brother's leg. The Five begin to reflect about him. Tigress feels a lot of inside pain right now, but she knows that he's not the guilty of Po's death. Then she turns around. TIGRESS: -So, speak… what's that thing so important?-. The Jaguar stares at her for a moment.
JAGUAR: -I think I know what you are looking for-. The Five seems intrigued. –A few days ago, me and my brother were going to the north, when we saw something unusual… a huge crowd of people were walking in group, headed by a weird Mole and a horrible lizard. Tigress is shocked to hear that.
JAGUAR: -I see you must know them- He says when he notices her expression. –Anyway. They all were walking to the same direction, so me and my brother came to ask them where they were going. We thought this could be our opportunity to start over, in a better life. But no one answered our questions… they were all walking in line, without taking his eyes off their road. We talked to them, I even took one of them by the shoulders, but it was like if we didn't exist. They seemed like mindless creatures.-. MONKEY: -And what happened then?-
JAGUAR: -We thought in leave and let them go, but then I recognized someone on the crowd… it was the owner of that noodle shop-. VIPER: -Mr. Ping- She says exalted. JAGUAR: -Yes… he passed just a few inches from me. I thought he was going to recognize me, but then he walked away-. TIGRESS: -And I guess you were very happy about that- She says with some anger. The Jaguar looks away. JAGUAR: - Then, yes… I felt relieved… but I could not forget it. So, I decided we should follow them… which was really difficult-. JIN: -It really was-. The Jaguar rubs his little brother's head while he smiles.
MONKEY: -And why it was?-. JAGUAR: -It was due to their so persistent march… they were walking for several hours at a rapid pace without stop… they went through a large distance. The hardest I've ever had to walk in my life, but none of them seemed tired. Finally, they reached to that abandoned town… it was a bunch of ruins, and then they started working, like if each one knew what to do in that moment… everything was too estrange, so I decide it was time to leave, and tell you; Furious Five-
CRANE: -And how do we know you are telling the truth?-. JAGUAR: -You can believe me or not. But I have a debt with the Valley of Peace… and I assume they were all its citizens. So, in which other way could I pay it?-. Tigress is thoughtful. Now there is too much at stake to miss any opportunity.
TIGRESS: -All right then…- She says, staring at the Jaguar. –But it will be you, who lead us to that village-. The Jaguar stares at her for a moment, and then he makes a reverence. JAGUAR: -It will be my honor-. They all seem calmer now. They finally found direction for their mission.
Back on the mission, The Furious Five are walking behind their two new guides, the Jaguar and his little brother. The seven travelers are walking over a path next to a cliff.
Now, they are walking through a great plain, where our heroes keep their distance from the jaguars.
After a stretch, they walk, now next to a bamboo forest. No one says anything, until Mantis breaks the silence.
MANTIS: -Wow, This is awkward!-. Everyone, including the Jaguars turns to see him with confusion.
It's getting late. Viper observes how the little Jaguar seems tired; after all, he's only a child. Then, his big brother takes him on his arms, carrying him. This scene makes Viper smile. Tigress, on the other hand, still sees them like their enemies.
VIPER: -I think we should rest for now-. Tigress looks somewhat exalted to Viper. TIGRESS: -What? No. We have to reach that village today- Exclaims strongly. VIPER: -Tigress…- She says to her friend while she points at the little Jaguar, who is tired on the arms of his brother. Tigress sees them for a moment, and then she sighs.
TIGRESS: -Alright… we'll camp here tonight-. The Jaguar listens to these words and then smiles to his little brother. JAGUAR: -Did you hear that Jin? We're going to rest now-. The Jaguar puts his brother in the ground; he seems really tired. JIN: -Ok… Do you want me to take out the food?- Says yawning. Monkey reacts to hear that.
MONKEY: -Food?- It can hears his stomach rumble, and he holds it with his hand.
JAGUAR: - Yes… actually, it was part of my debt with the Valley… we were going to give back the food I stole from the noodles goose, and then I was going to beg him to pardon me; but now… I guess I can pay him later. I think you need it more right now-. Says at the time he takes his travel bag from his back. He opens it, and inside, there are several pieces of bread and vegetables. Crane and Mantis gets close to see. They are with the watered mouth. JIN: -Well. We need fire… I can cook for you-
VIPER: -Do you cook?-. JIN: -Yes ma'am-. Viper smiles with what he says. The child, now more awake, starts looking for firewood.
JAGUAR: -He is the best cook I know… it was supposed I would cook for him. But Jin makes a better job. My stews always taste bad- Says smiling. Then Crane, Monkey and Mantis sit at the ground, waiting anxious to the little Jaguar, who is going to cook for them.
Later, Jin prepares a vegetables soup, with a makeshift pot made of a rock, and some herbs to contain the water; everything over a flame that heats the soup, emanating delicious smell that opens more the appetite for all them. Crane inhales closing his eyes. CRANE: -Wow, that smells good-
JIN: -And just wait to taste it- Says while he stirs the soup with a stick. The child smells what he's cooking and sighs. JIN: -It's ready-. Then he takes some plates and spoons out the travel bag. His brother looks at him confused. JAGUAR: -Did you bring plates and spoons?-
JIN: - Yes, in case we feel hunger-. His big brother looks at him with disapproval. JIN: -What?-. JAGUAR: -We were supposed to give that food to the goose; we were not going to eat it-. The child looks down, he was scolded. Then the Jaguar sighs and smiles. JAGUAR: - Okay. It's good that you brought them anyway. Now we need it-. Jin smiles; then he serves soup to everyone, and looks anxious at the Furious Five to taste it, waiting for their reaction. When they do it, almost all of them outline a big smile on their faces. It was the most delicious thing they have had since Po used to cook for them. And this is precisely what makes Tigress sad. The child looks at her confused. JIN: -You didn't like it?- He asks on the most pure and honest way. This takes her by surprise. TIGRESS: -No… I mean… yes. It's delicious-. Viper realizes of what's going on to her. VIPER: -It's just that… our friend used to cook this great for us-
JIN: -Really? And where is he?-. This innocent question makes everyone sad. The soup on their mouths comes to taste bitter. –What?-. He asks without understand what is going on. His brother puts his hand on his shoulder. He turns to see him and the Jaguar is looking at him, shaking his head sideways. Then he understands, he had made feel bad all of them. IN: -I'm sorry… it wasn't my intention-. He apologizes, looking at the ground. CRANE: -Don't worry-. To see him, all start to feel better now, everyone less Tigress and the child realizes. She looks at the ground without saying a word.
Jin stands up and starts walking to where Tigress is sitting. He stands in front of her. Tigress looks up and observes the little child, standing on front of her. Then he gives her a hug. She had not expected that. This practically unknown child is giving her something that anyone else had occurred to give her, one simple hug. Is comforting; is just that, a pure sign of affection. Everyone stares gaped. Her tear overflows as that day when she lost Po; but this time is because of something completely different.
TIGRESS: -I need him so much- Says between sobs. Jin is still hugging her. She's seriously depressed. The others are staring stupefied. The Jaguar is smiling; his little brother knows how to make feels better a broken heart.
The night passes, but this time, are the Jaguars who had made of this, a memorable evening.
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Thanks for following the story.