Enjoy.
For the past week it has been the same. Wake up, get dressed with the new clothes the ladies made for me, eat breakfast, clean up, train for 8 hour's, maintain the equipment in perfect condition, clean again, scout the perimeter, help in the infirmary, make a list on things the camp needs, take inventory of the food, and help maintain order. It was tough in the beginning since everyone was either scared of me or would completely ignore me, but none the less it's for the master so I must obey. For now it was upgrading the wall until I heard a familiar voice.
"Hey Hunter" A voice behind me called out.
"Yeah?" I turn around and see a cheetah walking towards me.
"Hey Jiao. How can I be of assistance?" I was carrying a log and placing in on the fence.
"I need you to make a run to the valley of peace." She said in a normal tone but I was shocked because they never allowed me to leave the camp.
"And did Song authorized this?" I was given specific rules and I need clearance in order to go outside the wall.
"She told me to give this to you. "Jiao then handed the scroll over to me and I took it and it read:
Dear Hunter,
The camp is running low on certain items and I want you to go to the Valley of Peace to get more. Jiao has another scroll that has a list of items we need along with 100 Yuan to purchase them. I would tell you in person but I am busy with a predicament. You will have your katana blade for defense out there. Please be careful.
-Song
After careful inspection of the signature the only thing I was able to say was "Tell song I won't be gone long." Then left the camp as soon as possible as soon as I got a map and my katana blade.
2 hours later
I was entering the valley and saw that people walked pass me without looking at me.
"Maybe shifu's announcement change their minds. Well it's off to buying the items. Let's see here." I took out the scroll and read it but near the end I began to blush. "Why would song tell me to go get these things? Surely a female would be a better candidate. Oh well if it's song's wish then I must obey." After 2 hours of getting almost everything on the list, the last item had to be purchased at a herb store and I was trying to make as fast as possible.
"Hello Master Hunter. How may I be of service today?" A female sheep said with a smile on her face.
"Um. Do you sell this type of herb?" I showed her the name of it and she let out a small gasp.
"What have you been doing Master Hunter?" She raised one eyebrow and was leaning forward making me super uncomfortable.
"It's not for me. It's for a friend. Now do you sell it or not?" I wanted to leave immediately but not before the herb.
"Of course. Wait one moment while I go look for it." Then she left to the backroom leaving me with the rest of the herb that were on display. One got my attention and decided to buy some of it. A branch or two should do. Then the goat came out of the back room with a bag filled with a green herb that I was looking for. "I'll take this herb as well." I gave her the herb and she was starting to blush madly.
"Are you sure you want this herb. It has a negative effect on males" She was putting the herbs in a bag and was telling me the side effects.
"I know the risk and I am willing to go through them. How much will that be?"
"20 Yuan" she said and after I paid for the herbs I left the shop and was about to leave back to the camp until I heard a familiar voice."
"Hunter?" I turned around and see viper and tigress walking towards me while tigress was looking pissed off.
"Hello masters. How may I be of service?"
"Where have you been? After you've been missing for the first day we thought you have abandoned us until we saw the blood. Shifu identified the poison in your blood stream and we were all worried about you." Viper said while examining me for any injuries.
"I am alright. Somehow I've been poisoned and there was only one antidote. I ran towards the bamboo forest to try and find it but was unconscious. I've been saved by a group that took me to their camp and fixed me. I was about to leave until I helped them fight off and enemy raid. During that time I was about to perish until the leader saved me, but by my honor as a warrior I am bound to assist the person who saved me until I either save her life or if I've repaid my debt. So now I've been ordered to get supplies and return back to base." I was starting to walk towards the entrance to leave until I felt tigress put her hand on my shoulder.
"You need to stay and tell Shifu as well as answer some questions. And this is not a request." She ended with a growl.
"Master tigress. I have been meaning to talk to you about this for some time now. What is your problem with me? Ever since I've been her you've done nothing but either threaten me or kick my ass. So I need to know. WHY?" I put everything down and was facing the angry tiger in the eyes and I was not backing down.
"You. Plain and simple. We don't know about your history other than your childhood and yet we don't know if you are a criminal, murderer, or even a soldier in Lord Shen's army."
"Who is Lord Shen? I just got here and yet people are talking to me like if I should know who he is. So enlighten me tigress. Who is he?" I was so eager to know what all the fuss was all about.
"It all started a month ago when an evil peacock threatens all of china with a weapon that can stop Kung Fu. His name was Lord Shen whose family ruled Gongman City and created fireworks. What brought color and joy also brings destruction when Shen turned it into darkness. A warrior of black and white was destined to defeat him, which is when Shen unleashed his wolf army to destroy pandas. Years later Shen created a weapon that spits out fire and was made entirely of metal. When his army of wolves attacked Gongman City we were sent to stop him. Later when trying to stop Shen, Po was blasted out of a warehouse and we all thought he was dead and after that we were all captured and chained in front of the armada so people can see that we failed. But as soon as the ships were about to leave to destroy chin, po was there alive on top of a roof. After a giant battle to the finish everything came down to po against an armada. Using inner peace po was able to win the fight, but wolves escaped Gongman city and scattered all across china. We don't know nothing about you other than your childhood and yet some of the five trust you. I guess what I'm saying is show me that I can trust you." That's when I realized something about her.
"Viper go and get some fruit. I need to talk to tigress alone." Viper looked at me then at tigress who gave her a nod. Viper left to give both of us some privacy.
"Tigress you have no reason to trust me, but I am not lying. Oogway sent me here for a mission and I need to be here. Even though I am in a camp miles away I train every day for the impending doom, besides I can either save you and your team as well as china or you refuse my service and you would be the cause of their deaths and many more. Listen I am a reasonable person so I'll make you a deal"
"What kind of deal?"
"If you can trust/believe in me on who I am and keep the weapon that you saw when I was in the infirmary in my room hidden from everyone and owe gave me 3 favors. Nothing inappropriate it's for future use. And in exchange I shall answer 20 truthful answers you want. No holding back." I was looking at her in the eye but then the last remark made me stare at the ground.
"When will you use those favors?" Tigress was curious to know.
"Those are for the future, but for now I shall give you one free question. Ask away." I know she doesn't trust me but hopefully she would after this answer.
"Tell me who you are." Tigress crossed her arms and gave me an unemotional look.
"Huh. I thought it would be easy but not for you. Alright but I must warn you that the information that I am about to say must stay between you and me until I tell my true story in front of everyone. My name is really Humberto Spearman a 25 year old who was in military and police force but was not part of Lord Shen's army and I do have a code of honor that I am bound to as we speak." I looked at tigress who had a smirk on her face.
"I knew that was not your name. But I shall accept your deal and hold you to it." Tigress shook my hand with a tight grasp but then I shook hers and we were the same strength.
"As agreed, my weapon is under the dresser in a secret compartment. Keep that out of anyone's hands and the favors for answers. And if there is any trouble, use the weapon. Just point, take off the safety and pull the trigger. Just hope that your aim is true otherwise you would harm the people you care about." I told the tiger with a serious look.
"How do I know you will not back out of this deal?" Tigress was getting serious while squinting her eyes.
"I can't break a deal. Just trust me on this and I shall show my good side. Now if you would excuse me I need to go and get the camps supplies before they miss me." I went back for my things and carried everything towards the entrance of the valley. "Goodbye tigress." I was about to leave until I heard another familiar voice.
"Hunter. What are you doing here?" I turned around and saw song looking tired and pissed off.
"Song? What are you doing here? I was about to go back to the camp." I tried to explain to the snow leopard but she didn't listen.
"Never mind that. What are you doing here? You know you are not allowed outside the camp without my approval." Song walked towards me but she was so mad that she didn't see tigress until she heard a growl.
"What are you doing here THIEF?" Tigress got into her fighting stance and was getting ready for a fight.
"Tigress stand down this is between me and song." I put everything down and was staring at tigress like a prey.
"She stole Shifu's Dragon Chalice." Trying to get a clear shot to take down the snow leopard.
"Tigress I am bound by my honor to protect Song. If you are going to attack her then you are going to have to go through me." I got into my own battle stance and starting growling at the tiger while showing my teeth.
"SONG!?" We all turn around and saw the big fluffy panda everyone likes holding a crate of potatoes.
"PO!" Song ran up to him and pounced on the panda barely giving him enough time to drop the crate to catch her in a hug. Viper soon came back and saw everything that has happened. I saw song run to po and I stiffened up while gripping my weapon tighter but there was a growl that wanted to escape but I held back and I didn't know it but I was glaring daggers at po. Tigress was looking at the two hugging and clenched her fists tight and was glaring daggers at song. Viper was the first to awaken from the trance and saw me walking towards the panda with my weapons about to be unleashed until she jumped at me and wrapped her tail around my hand making me look at her in the eyes forcing me to stop and wait for a minute until they broke the hug and stepped back to look at each other.
"It is good to see you po." Song said while smiling at po.
"I missed you too song. But why are you here?" Po looked at song in the eye with a confused look.
"Well I came here to look for my ally." Song looked at me and then her anger came back.
"And who is your ally?" Po wanted to know who she was looking for.
"Hunter." Song said flatly while pointing at me.
"Hunter? How do you know him?" Po was confused that he looked at me twice.
"I'll tell you later. Maybe during lunch?" Song asked hopefully. Since po was himself he didn't know that song was just asking him to go on a date with her.
"Ok. Are you free right now?" Po was hoping she was since today was a free day at the jade palace.
"Sure. I just need to give Hunter some orders and then we can go." Song looked at me and started to walk towards me with a fiery look in her eyes. "Scout the perimeter and make sure there is nothing dangerous or trouble in the valley. I will look for you later on so after that go eat maybe take a nap. I will see you later Hunter." Song then walked back to po who gave her his arm like a gentleman and song took it while giggling and left with po.
"Tigress." I said coldly.
"Yeah?" She never stopped looking where her friend and song left.
"I think I'll use one of those favors that you owe me." I looked at the confused tiger while she looked at me.
"What do you want me to do?" She raise an eyebrow and crossed her arms.
"I want you to ruin their date by any means necessary." I gave an evil grin with the idea.
"Whoa. Guy listen to yourselves. You are going to ruin your friends lunch date and for what?" Viper kept on staring at both of us at the same time. "Well?" She was getting a little impatient.
"I lo… like song as a friend and want to keep her safe." I was rubbing my head and was blushing a little thinking about that slip up. Viper slithered towards me and got face to face with me while looking at my eyes.
"Do you love song?" viper asked in a serious tone and looked at me for any signs of a lie.
"Well….. Yes. My feeling changed for her a few days ago when she saved my life I got to know her and instead of just respecting her it turned to like then friend then love." I looked at her with my own look and she gasped while dropping her jaw and went wide eyed. I looked at tigress and she had the same expression but put her paw in her mouth and was trying to look everywhere else but at me. I thought about it in my mind on what they are shocked about and came up with two theories. 1) There is an animal that is rare in these parts of china or 2) Song is right behind me. Please let there be a dragon or another panda maybe a tiger behind me.
"Do you really feel that way about her?" A voice behind me said.
Oh Crap. Well might as well get everything out into the open.
"Yes. I have loved her on the second day I was at the ladies of the shade. Many of them tried to court me or tried to get me to mate with them but I couldn't. Po as a friend I must ask you to not to be in a relationship with her. I believe we both made a connection when we first held each other's palms, which is when my feelings for her changed. Please po I know it's not easy to not love someone but I was planning on telling her today if we could go out on a date. I would very much appreciate it." Viper got off me and I looked at po who was smiling at me then walked towards me.
"I never get between true love and besides, song said that she liked you but she doesn't know what type of like. She thinks she loves you but doesn't know if you would return her affection." Po put his arm around me and pulled me towards himself. "But song is my friend so if you hurt her you will feel the might of the dragon warrior." He tightened his grip and was starting to crush my shoulder bone.
"Yes sir." I was already rubbing my shoulder. "Damn po you've been working out more haven't you." I laughed a little what I said.
"Well what are you waiting for Romeo? Song is at the bottom of the Jade Palace steps waiting for me. Tell her that I was called back to the jade palace by Shifu. Go. Go" Po was shoving me now and I was happy that he was understanding, but before I left I whispered something to him so low that neither females heard me.
"Po. Tigress has feelings for you. She told me what happened in Gongman city and she was sad and about to cry. Take her out or spend time with her to show her you like her too. I know when someone is in love and tigress has the fever for you."
As soon as I told po this he started to blush then he looked at tigress with a shocked look until I pulled his face so he looks at me.
"Just be careful my brother and treat her right." Then I left. Unbeknown to anyone that song was on top of a roof hearing everything we said.
"He loves me? I'm so happy but sad. I'm sorry po but maybe tigress is meant to be with you."
Song got off the roof to run all the way to the stairs that lead to the Jade Palace and waited.
After a minute of trying to run to the steps of the Jade Palace I saw song waiting at the bottom with a smile on her face.
"Hey Song." I got closer to song but as soon as I did I got nervous.
"Hello Hunter. Where is po?" Song knew the answer but had to pretend that she didn't.
"Oh he had an emergency that needed his attention immediately. I'm sorry if your date left." I wanted to sound sympathy for the news. "So what now?"
Come on Humberto, she is a female that you love. Just ask her out. It's a 50-50 chance that she would say yes.
"Hey um Song, I was wondering if you um, would like to have dinner with me? Po's dad owns a noodle shop and heard it is pretty good." I was rubbing the back of my head, since I was never good at this dating thing. The only reason I was with Maria is because of my rank and my money.
"Sure Hunter, I would love too" She took my hand and led me down the stairs while I was blushing at her action but then ran next to her, the sun was setting as we headed to Mr. Ping's Noodle shop and was greeted by the grey goose who hit me with a frying pan on the head.
"Hello; Hunter and Song, how nice to see you again. How can I help you?" asked Mr. Ping with a smile, on his face, while we took our seat in a table close to the kitchen. I pulled Song's chair out and pushed her in while she smiled at me while I took my seat.
"We would like two bowls of noodle soup and some dumplings please." Song said
with a stern tone.
"Yes ma'am" Mr. Ping said and left leaving us alone again.
"I loved coming here with Po, it was nice," Song said with a smile on her face. I looked away thinking maybe this was not a good idea. "Yet, I want to let you know that I do have feelings for you too," she said softly. As soon as she said this my eyes grew wide.
"Did you hear me while I was talking to Tigress, Viper and Po?" I was so, shocked to hear her say that.
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I was curious." Song said. I was more nervous than ever. When the soup and dumplings came, we ate in silence. Soon we were done but I didn't want Song to leave just yet.
"Mr. Ping I would like a few desserts to go." I had a plan but needed some dessert.
"Would you like some coconut cake?"
"Sure. Give me two to go. And here, this should cover everything." I handed him the rest of the money I had and he just said no.
"No charge for you Hunter. This is an apology for when I first meet you." He said while looking sad.
"Listen Mr. Ping I don't hold grudges on people and I already forgave you. So there is no need to feel sad. I know about the story about Gongman City and I would have done the same so don't worry. Now about those desserts?" He ran towards the kitchen and moved along a lot and then came back with a small tray with two desserts.
"Thank you sir. And I will pay next time." I then gave him a smile and left with song. I then took her to the Peach Tree that took a 30 minute trip and gave her, her piece cake. Soon we ate while we star gazed on the beautiful night sky.
"This is really romantic and coconut cake is my favorite," Song purred.
"Funny mine too" I said while smiling. "Song, I never met a girl like you before. You are brave, smart, funny, and a very beautiful girl. Any guy would be lucky to have you and I was hoping, um if you, if you," I was so nervous that I began stutter.
"Hunter," Song said.
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Shut up and kiss me already," I was shocked at first but I was more than happy to oblige and gave her a kiss under the full moon. Then realized that her lips, were so soft and warm. As soon as we broke the kiss I looked in her eyes and felt a spark lit up and knew that this was destiny.
"Best kiss ever." I heard song say while purring a little. This gave me the courage to cup her cheeks and kiss her more passionate while she wrapped her arms around my neck and I wrapped mine around her waist. After 5 minutes of kissing we broke for air but a small trail of saliva was shown but we didn't care. And she just started to rub her head in my neck while purring, this would be wrong in my world but in this world it just felt right and soon I just started to rub my head with hers.
"I think this was the best date ever." I said then realization hit me. "Hey Song?"
She looked at me. "Yeah?"
"What are we going to do with the camp? It's too late to go now. So what do we do?" I know that this wasn't the time but I needed to look at the outcome.
"Can we stay here at the Jade Palace?"
"I'll try to get Master Shifu to agree."
"I don't know about that since Shifu would probably train me until I can't move my body anymore. But for you I will ask him" I smiled at song while we both got up and walked down the steps to go inside the Jade Palace. After a while of walking I stood face to face with the doors that open the doors to the Hall of Heroes where I saw Shifu meditating with his staff.
"You stay out here and when I come back I will tell you what will happen." I gave her a quick kiss and went inside with a smile on my face.
"Master." I was kneeling down and waited for a response.
"I see that you have returned wolf. But where have you been?" Shifu got off his staff and walked in front of me. I got up and looked at him square in the eye.
"Master, I am bound by my honor to protect the location of where I've been but I have been with the ladies of the shade camp for the past week." I got up and was standing straight.
"Care to elaborate for me?"
"Of course master."
Meanwhile with Song
"I hope Shifu will agree to let us stay for the night." She said while pacing back and forth nervously until she heard a familiar voice.
"Song everything will be ok." Song turned around and saw viper.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm sure Hunter is convincing Shifu right now to let you sleep here for tonight. And if you'll excuse me I'm sure he needs help to convince Shifu. Oh and by the way, I consider Hunter as a brother so if you hurt him in any way you would have to deal with me." Viper said while giving song a death glare followed by the creepiest smile she ever saw. Then viper left leaving song alone again.
"That was creepy but she doesn't have to worry about that." Song was daydreaming about their date earlier and was purring when she remembered the kiss.
Back with Hunter
"And that is what happened master." I was still standing straight but waited a while for him to absorb the information until I asked him. "Master. Me and Song need a place to stay for the night. It is late to go out to our camp so can we stay here for the night?" I asked in a begging tone but saw his stroking his beard while his eye brow was raised.
"I can allow the stay, but only under strict rules."
"Yes Master. Anything." I said in a cheerful tone. As soon as I said this song came through the doors and rushed next to me while holding my hand.
"Master Shifu." Song said while bowing to him.
"Hello Song. I was just about to tell Hunter the rules if both of you wish to stay for the night."
"Continue on then master." Song said while tightening her grip on my hand.
"If you and Song are in a relationship then I cannot allow both of you to share a room since we cannot have any inappropriate activities happening late at night." Shifu looked at me with a serious look.
Both of us started blushing when we realized that he was referring to sex but that was understandable. "You don't need to worry about that Shifu since we are not that far into the relationship." I said while rubbing my shoulder and blushing madly as was song.
"Alright then. Neither of you shall go to any of the other master's rooms, the Hall of Heroes is off limits to both of you, both must respect the authorities of the master's, be respectful, no stealing artifacts, and there will be a chaperone with you to make sure you are following the rules. Any questions?" Shifu said while looking at both of us.
"Who is going to be our chaperone?"
"Master Viper will be outside your room where either song or yourself shall be staying at but not together. You may choose who sleeps where."
"Well since song is a guest here, she deserves a bed so she takes, my room and I'll bunk with one of the guys. I mean if they let me or if that doesn't work I could always sleep on a beam." Everyone looked at me with questionable looks and realized that I needed to clarify." During the war some troops had to sleep in beams to have better cover from enemies and have a fantastic view. "I was smiling thinking all that military training was not a total waste.
"Thank you." Song whispered in my ear.
"Well it's been a long and amazing day today, but we must sleep if we wish to make it to our camp tomorrow." I looked at song and she was about to leave until I remembered my mission.
"And I tried to look for the pineapples but no luck master but don't worry I won't stop searching." Shifu gave me a nod and gestured with his hands to leave and I did.
"I guess I should ask Mantis if I could bunk with him."
"Really? I thought you are going to sleep on a beam." Song gave me a smirk and I laughed at her antics.
"The only beams I could find where I won't disturb anyone is in the training hall. So I need to sleep with a friend. Even though I would probably regret it in the morning." Then Mantis came out of his room and saw me and Song together.
"Well, well, well. I never thought I would see you again. Either of you. And I see a young couple so you know what that means don't you Hunter?" Mantis was smiling and jumped on my shoulder and whispered in my ear.
"If you are going to be one tonight then make sure she doesn't moan a lot. And what position are you going to choose?"
I blushed at what he meant then that was replaced with anger. I punched the green bug off my shoulder and gave him a death glare.
"That is none of your business insect. Now go back to your room and don't come out until morning. OR YOU WILL FEEL MY WRATH!" My claws came out and a growl came out making the insect run in fear to the safety of his room.
"What did he say?" Song was curious to know why my emotion changed. I whispered what he said to her and she blushed so hard that it showed through her fur. "It's ok I'll get him someday but for now you need sleep." I took song to my room and opened the door and she walked in. But not before giving me a quick kiss on the lips.
"Goodnight my warrior." She closed the doors leaving me there with a smile on my face.
"Goodnight my snow queen." I left towards mantis room where I saw him with defensive stance ready for an attack. "Easy mantis, I'm tired right bow so I'll push your beating for tomorrow that is unless you give me your bed." I was smiling at the insect while he was pondering.
"So you won't hurt me at all?" Mantis wanted to be in the clear but what I said crushed his hope.
"I never said that. I will hurt you a little for the remark you made but not that much. So do we have a deal?" I gave him a wicked grin.
"Fine but not the face since I'm saving that for the ladies."
I laughed at his comment but that was acceptable." Sure thing man. Now make yourself a small bed for you to sleep on. And goodnight." I just jumped on his bed and he was grumbling and muttering to himself but I didn't care. All I cared about was what is going to happen tomorrow with song. But that is a problem I'll face when the time comes. I closed my eyes and soon enough I was dreaming about song.
Another chapter done. Sorry again that it took forever but it was worth it. Also if there is any misspelled words I apologize but I'm using my phone. A big thanks to Lady Shadow 92 for her help. If anyone has any questions then just send me a message. Review.
