The monkey led Mowgli deeper into the city. Mowgli had to avoid nearly getting hit by cars, bikes and running into people as he tried to keep up with the monkey.
"Hey can you slow down?" Mowgli called out.
"Hurry it up kid. If you're that desperate to get out of here come on." The monkey called from ahead.
Mowgli sighed and got up and ran after him. Trying to ignore the burning sensation of his ankle.
-
The Furious Five and Po were still sleeping. Po was tossing and turning violently. He scrunched his eyes and opened them. He was back in the jungle as he had seen many times.
"Hello?" He called out.
Po heard crying, just like he had many times before. He got up and ran towards the sound of despair. He pulled back large ferns and brush. The sounds getting louder. He pulled back large palm leaves and saw a figure in the middle of a field. On his knees with his face in his hands. Po took a deep breath and ventured out towards the figure. He could see now it was not an animal at all. It was indeed human. But what was a human doing out here?
"Hello?" Po called out softly, careful not to startle him or her. He moved in closer. The figure looked scrawny looking. Po could just make out of cuts and bruises that marred the skin.
"Hello? Are you ok?"
This time the figure stopped crying and looked up, hearing Po. Po was confused. This was the first time he had gotten a reaction from the figure in his visions. Po took a cautious step closer.
"My name is Po. I can help you. I'm a kung fu mas-"
Po was cut off as the figure turned and Po saw his face. Scars and cuts barely covered with unruly black hair, dark brown eyes and a thin face. The boy uttered two words.
"Help me."
Po felt himself wake up, "AHH. Guys get up!" Po shouted.
The furious Five all sat up from their sleeping mats.
"Po, what is it?" Tigress asked.
"We gotta move now." Po said, frantically trying to pack his things.
"Po," Tigress got up and placed both paws on his shoulders, "What's wrong?"
"I had another vision. Only this time, he was hurt."
"He?" Crane asked,
"Yes. I saw who he is finally. It's a human boy. He's hurt. I saw cuts on his face and everything." Po said sounding scared.
"Po, we'll pack up and be on our way but you need to calm down." Tigress said.
"Tigress is right Po. Freaking out isn't going to help us find him sooner." Monkey said.
Po sighed and stopped fretting, "You're right guys. I just hope he's ok. Wherever he is."
Viper curled up on Po's shoulders, "We'll find him and when we do we'll help him in every way we can."
Po smiled and calmly resumed packing his things, however he couldn't help the lingering thought that something was wrong.
Mowgli ran as hard as he could after the monkey. He was no longer in the busy city streets, but running through a series of back alleys. The monkey was leading him on a cross country run. Mowgli was out of breath and tired. There almost seemed to be no ending to this. Maybe he shouldn't have trusted that monkey with leading him away.
"Keep it up kid, we're almost there."
Mowgli huffed and bit back a retort as he stumbled before gaining back his momentum. Mowgli was led through one more back alley till the monkey came to a complete stop.
"Why'd you stop?" Mowgli panted.
"'Cause, we're here kid."
Mowgli had a blank look on his face.
"Look behind the wall here, tell me what you see."
Mowgli did as he was told and saw a high fence with two humans holding rifles standing guards.
"I see a high fence and two humans with guns."
"On the other side of that fence I the border to get into China. You cross that line and you're out of India for good."
'Out of India.' The thought went through Mowgli's mind in a tailspin. He was close to the border that take him out of India. His home?! The idea that he'd be leaving was scary but he realized that if he did India, there'd be no way for Kaa or Shere Khan to find him. The thought was enough to make Mowgli swallow and ask the monkey, "What do I have to do to get over the fence?"
"You're gonna have to sneak past those two humans and dig under the fence or climb it. Some say its electrified but I don't know for sure."
"Electrified?" Mowgli parroted.
"Meaning if you touch it you'll get zapped." The monkey said blandly.
Mowgli grimaced, he knew what zapped meant. He then got an idea.
"What if I trade you my shoes for distracting the guards?" Mowgli asked.
"Excuse me?" The monkey said crossing his arms.
"I'll give you both my blanket and my shoes if you are able to distract the guards for me." Mowgli said.
The monkey started thinking for a moment before he sighed, "Alright kid ya got a deal. Lemme have the shoes."
Mowgli took off his shoes and gave them to the monkey. He tried them on and smiled a bit as he left the roominess inside the soles.
"Not bad. Ok. Here's what I'll do…" The monkey began whispering in Mowgli's ear.
Mowgli kept himself hidden as the monkey started walking out in the open. Mowgli watched as the monkey began tormenting the guards by chattering throwing the shoes and jumping around. Mowgli saw it starting to work as the guards started to become preoccupied with the monkey. Mowgli took his chance and slowly walked out towards the fence. As soon as he reached it he began to hastily climb. The fence was hard but years in the jungle favored Mowgli as he scaled the fence with little issue. As soon as he made it to the top, he saw the monkey still keeping the guards busy. Mowgli slowly heaved himself over and began climbing down. He let go of the metal fence and dropped the last few feet. He looked back and after seeing no one began to run. He ignored the painful movements of his ankle with each stride he took. He didn't bother to look and see where he was going, all he knew was that now he was on his way out of India and heading into China.
-
Bagheera wondered aimlessly with Baloo. The bear refused to give up that Mowgli was nowhere in the jungle. He continued to search with him but deemed it hopeless as there was no scent or anything to say he had gone to the jungle. Shanti had stopped coming into the jungle as she seemed to have lost hope just as much as he had.
"C'mon Baggie, we gotta keep going." Baloo said.
"Baloo, we've been over this before. Mowgli didn't make his way through the jungle. We would have found out by now which way he had gone."
"So you're saying we should just give up?" Baloo asked.
"I'm not saying that Baloo, I'm just stating that we know for certain that Mowgli did not go into the jungle. If he had we would have found him by now."
Baloo sighed, shoulders slumping as he soon fell to the jungle floor. Bagheera sighed and padded over to the bear.
"Baloo I know you're worried. I am too."
Baloo looked at his long-time friend, "Baggie, why did he go? Why did he have to leave?"
Bagheera sighed sadly, "I don't know Baloo. He thinks he's protecting us."
"Its us who should be protecting him!" Baloo said.
"I am aware of that Baloo. And we should have been there as soon as they came into the jungle. Maybe than Kaa wouldn't have striked first." Bagheera said sadly.
That was all for Baloo as he started to cry. He threw himself into Bagheera and sobbed. The panther was shocked at the sudden change of emotions but he too couldn't help but allow a tear to fall as he placed his paw around Baloo's back and began to rub it up and down.
'Please come back Mowgli. We need you.'
Mowgli huffed and puffed and finally he came to a stop. He didn't know how long he had been running but figured he was far enough from the fence that separated India and China. He slowly stopped and coughed out the dust that had made its way into his mouth.
"Ughh, at least I'm out of India now. They'll never find me here." He said to reassure himself.
Mowgli looked ahead and realized he had no clue where he was.
"Guess I can try looking for a village and see what there is." He said to himself.
Mowgli's stomach grumbled and he winced as he realized he was hungry and had no food. His feet were killing him from stepping on many rocks while running. He also was very parched.
"First I find water." He said out loud.
He started walking again. He looked around to find himself walking off into some far-off woods. He didn't recognize the trees which were long stalks with few leaves. Very different from what he was used to seeing in the jungle. He saw a beaten path and decided that'd be safe to follow. Mowgli looked around for any signs of a river or running water. His mouth was dry and felt like he could swallow a whole jug worth of water. His ear heard water trickling. A smile graced his face and he started running further down the path. He heard the sounds getting louder and decided to go off the trail into the bamboo forest. Mowgli kept going in between the tight enclosure of the forest. He pulled back some large ferns and saw a small series of rapids! Mowgli burst from the trees and got down on his knees, cupping his hands together and scooping water into his mouth. Mowgli drank as much water as he could stomach. He was dizzy from the lack of water, now he had to find food to settle his hungry stomach.
"Ah that was good." He said after swallowing his last scoopful of water.
Mowgli wiped his mouth on his sleeve and looked around. He wasn't familiar with where he was but decided that he'd be better off to stick to following the river. Maybe there was a village nearby that sued this river.
"Might as well."
He got up and started to follow the river down the hill. He had found water, now he just needed food.
It was almost nighttime and Mowgli had yet to find a village or any food for himself. He was still full from another drinking session of water from the river, but that didn't help settle his need to eat. He knew he couldn't go without food for long, but what was he gonna do. He saw no fruit trees and no sign of any bananas either. He was going to have to find food some other way. His stomach rumbled again and Mowgli ignored as best he could. He was still following the river not sure precisely where he was going. It was dark out and a slight wind was flowing through the trees. He was going to have to find shelter for the night. But where? He didn't really see a place where he laid his head for the night. He was going to have to look for a cave or a tree with shade, if he could find one. He let out a jaw breaking yawn.
"Where am I gonna sleep for tonight? This jungle is different than the ones in India." Mowgli said out loud.
-
Shanti's mother came into her daughters room and sighed. Shanti was asleep but there were tears tracks on her face. She had been crying again. She had been crying herself to sleep ever since Mowgli had disappeared. She silently walked in and at down next to the bed and rested her hand on Shanti's back, rubbing it softly.
"Where are you Mowgli? We need you home." She whispered into the night
-
Ranjan was dangling his feet from the bed.
"Ranjan, its time for bed." His pa said as he walked in.
"Ok pa." He said sadly.
The man sighed as he noticed the emotions on his youngest child's face. He had been like this since Mowgli had gone. He came over and sat down on the bed next to Ranjan.
"When will Mowgli be back Pa?"
He sighed, "I don't know Ranjan. We've searched everywhere but we don't know where he's gone."
Ranjan sighed and whimpered a bit as he grabbed his blanket in his hands. He missed Mowgli. Why did he have to go? The father sighed and pulled Ranjan into a hug which he gladly accepted. Ranjan sniffled a little as his pa tucked him in and went off into a sad sleep. Messua watched from the doorway. Her husband looked at her sorrowfully.
"He asked again?" She said.
"Yes. I just don't know what else to tell him. We tried looking in the jungle and the pathways to the nearby cities and nothing."
Messua grabbed her husband by the shoulders, "We'll find him. He can't be gone for long."
The man smiled sadly and embraced Messua. They both missed Mowgli. Wishing he was home once more.
-
Mowgli yawned once more and decided to stop. He saw a small cave next to a patch of open field near some bamboo trees and decided he couldn't go any further. He sighed and plopped himself down on the floor. He looked over at his ankle which was looking more enflamed and red by the minute. Mowgli knew that he was hurt badly and was going to need to find something or someone to look at it. His eyes drifted up to the sky where he saw the stars twinkling. His mind going back to the village, Shanti, Ranjan, Pa, Ma, Baloo and Bagheera. A tear escaped from his eye and trailed down his face. He missed his friends and family terribly. He wished he could be home with them, but he had come too far to go back. Besides, it wasn't safe anymore. If he stayed, all he'd be doing is hurting them by being around. He frowned as he thought about the reasons why he left.
"Kaa." He growled out loud.
That stupid snake. He's the reason why he couldn't go home. Why he couldn't be with his family or friends. All because he tried to eat him.
"I can't go home because of that snake. Now I'll never go home again."
For the first time since he left Mowgli started to cry as he began to fall into a fitful sleep.
-
Po struggled as he tried to get to the top of the mountain. They were far away from the valley of the peace and now were close to the border of China. Near bandit country.
"Guys, come on we gotta keep going." He said to the lagging furious five behind him.
"Po, its late, we should camp for tonight." Viper said as she struggled to slither further.
Po was about to retort but when he saw the gang all barely moving forward he knew he couldn't ignore it. They were tired from walking all day.
"Alright guys, lets stop for today."
Groans came from everyone as they fell to the ground in exhaustion. Po whipped up some dinner as everyone set up their sleeping mats and belongings on their ground. After dinner, everyone was sound asleep, expect for a certain panda. Po was too engrossed in thinking about last night's dream that he couldn't bring himself to sleep. He tried rolling over but all he succeeded in was rolling over a sharp rock that made him jump a bit at the sharp pain. He grunted and tried another position, but it was no use. He just couldn't fall sleep. One for sure, they were all closer to finding the boy, but why was he still seeing a human? IT made no sense. Po sighed and drifted off to sleep, not realizing that he was closely than he thought to finding the mysterious boy.
-
A rooster crowed over China. Mowgli was still sound asleep in his cave. He had a rough night, spending half of it crying and nightmares. He had more dreams of Kaa managing to get Shanti and then Baloo and Bagheera scolding him for allowing Kaa to get his friend. IT was too much for the young boy to endure so he spent most of his night trying to not sleep. However, that proved to be fruitless. Mowgli snored loudly. A drop of water landed onto his face and he jumped up.
"Who? What? Where?" He said looking around.
After seeing no one Mowgli calmed down. His heart slowing down to a steady beat. His stomach grumbled again making him groan.
"Gotta find some food today." Mowgli said to himself.
He picked himself up from the ground and walked out of the cave heading back towards the river. He immediately took large gulps full and then started following the river downward.
-
Po was up as he felt the sun's rays on his face. He yawned and got up stretching.
"Morning Po." Crane said.
"Morning guys." Po yawned again.
"You ok?" Mantis asked noticing Po was out of it.
"Didn't exactly sleep." Po said as he cracked his back.
Tigress got up and grabbed his neck as he kept moving it. She than cracked the bones.
"AH! AH! Thanks Tigress." Po said.
"So where to now?" Monkey asked.
"We keep following this pathway here," Po pointed out a pathway into the bamboo forest up ahead, "I have a good idea we'll run into the boy if we keep to this path."
"Are you sure Po?" Viper asked.
"I feel it in gut. But we need to hurry. I don't know if he's alright right now." Po said sounding worried.
Crane placed his wing on Po's shoulder, "We'll find him and make sure he's safe."
"I know, I just can't help but wonder who it is were' brining back with us to the temple."
"We'll find out when we find him Po." Tigress said as she looked out over at the forest.
They were almost there.
-
Mowgli was staggering as he kept following the river. He had gone too long without food and it was taking a toll on him. He felt he could eat a whole bundle of bananas or a dozen coconuts and mangos all together. What would he give for even a small slice of bread right now. Mowgli nearly tripped over his feet as he jumped over a large rock. He failed to realize where he was walking. He was smack dab in the middle of bandit country and failed to notice that he had been spotted by some bandits already.
-
A team of wolves was traveling through the tops of the bamboo forest. As soon as they got a whiff of unfamiliar scent they began to investigate. IT was human which was rare. Humans never came near the valley of peace or let alone into their own turf. The wolves traveled high and low and that's when they spotted him. A scrawny looking boy who looked like easy pickings for a heist. This was going to be too easy. One of the wolves dropped down his perch in the trees, his yellow eyes watching the boy.
"Well, well, what do we have here? A human boy all alone? This is too perfect." He said rubbing his paws together.
"What's a human doing all the way out here?" Another wolf asked.
"Who cares? We're bound to get something from him." Another wolf said.
"And if we don't?"
"Then he'll be nice for a little bit of play time." The main wolf said as he locked his gaze on Mowgli.
Mowgli was too hungry to realize he was being watched. His stomach grumbled and Mowgli nearly was on the verge of tears. He was so hungry. The tops of the bamboo started to rustle making him stop. Mowgli listened but found the forest eerily quiet. His senses now on high alert as he felt himself being watched. Mowgli never saw it coming. He was jumped from behind and went straight to the floor. His arms were pinned behind his back painfully, making him cry out. He found himself looking at a group of humanoid wolves! The wolf holding his arms hoisted him up forcefully.
"Well, well, a human boy all on his own. Let's see whatcha got on ya huh?" The wolf sneered at Mowgli.
"Wait why are you doing this?" Mowgli asked.
"We're thieves kid. Its what we do. Now shut up."
The wolf backhanded Mowgli hard. Making his neck creek. Mowgli felt stars dancing around his head.
"But we are blood you and I." Mowgli said.
"You're a human. We're wolves." One of the wolves said.
"But I was raised by wolves. In the jungle."
This made the wolves pause. "You were raised by wolves?" The leader asked.
"Yes. I was raised by the wolf pack in the jungle of India. We are blood." Mowgli said, hoping to get through to them.
The leader just laughed and the other wolves just laughed as well.
"You are a long way from home little human and let us tell you this. We wolves steal for a living and are not like the wolves where you're from. You don't have anything good on ya, so instead, we're gonna give you a little welcome to China present."
The other wolves laughed viciously and Mowgli gulped. He was in big trouble now.
-
Po and the furious five were walking through the bamboo forest keeping their eyes and open for anything suspicious. Po had a feeling they were very close to finding this mysterious individual. They all heard wolves howling which made them pause.
"You guys hear that?" Mantis asked.
"We all hear it Mantis." Tigress said.
Then they all heard a yelp which got their attention.
"I heard that too." Monkey said.
Po felt his instincts over take him and before anybody knew it he was running directly towards the direction of the yelp.
"Po!" Tigress called after him.
Po ignored her and kept on running. Along the way, they all heard more wolves growling and howling and the sound of yelps. Someone was in trouble. Po stopped as he noticed the last growling sounded close. He stopped suddenly which caused the furious five to bump into him.
"Po, what are you-" Tigress started.
Po put his finger to his lips and gestured her to be quiet and then follow him. The Furious Five all ducked low to the ground and followed Po. They slinked through the bamboo stalks and saw the wolves gathered around someone. One of them moved and revealed Mowgli who was bleeding from slash marks and on the verge of crying from the pain he was in as the wolves continued to have their fun with him. Po felt his heart stop. It was him. The boy from the visions. He was here…and in trouble.
Po turned to the others who looked just as shocked as he was. Po than used two of his fingers to make a motion symbol to head toward the wolves. Tigress and Monkey nodded. Po turned to Crane and motioned for him to head up to the trees. Crane nodded and silently flew up into the tree tops. Mantis and Viper took cover under the leaves and Po began to move along with Tigress and Monkey.
"You're starting to not be as fun anymore human." A wolf than threw Mowgli to the ground.
Mowgli barely bit back a cry of pain. A wolf stepped on his back, keeping him pinned to the forest floor.
"Time to end this." The wolf leader said.
Mowgli felt his heart freeze. They were gonna kill him. He squeezed his eyes hut, waiting for the final blow to end his life. Po, Tigress and Monkey came out of their hiding places and launched a full-frontal attack on the wolves. Po attacked the wolf pinning Mowgli to the floor. Tigress got the surrounding wolves that circled the boy and Monkey was on top of the leader, making him walk around blindlessly. Viper and Manti surrounded Mowgli and more wolves came from the trees up above. Crane dove from above and started attacking with his wings. Mowgli watched from below confused as to why he was seeing a bug and a snake protecting him. He felt the blood loss overcoming and then lights out.
Po and Tigress took care of the last of the wolves as they fled.
"Nice work." Po said to Tigress.
"You too."
They all turned to the fallen Mowgli who was being looked at by Monkey.
"He's unconscious." Monkey said.
"Po, is this him?" Viper asked.
"Yes. This is who I've been seeing in my visons. This is him. I know it." Po said.
Tigress leaned down and gently turned Mowgli over onto his back. His black hair was matted with blood from a blow to his head and his face was slick with blood too. He had gashes all over him. The wolves had done some serious damage to him.
"He's very hurt, Po." Tigress said.
"We gotta get him back to the Valley if Peace. He'll be safe there." Po said.
"But first we need to treat his injuries. He's bleeding badly." Monkey said.
Po went back and grabbed the first aid kit and brought it back. The Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five began working on the small boy. Hoping they had made it in time.
