Hey, people! Sorry it's been so long, but I've been busy. I'm asking anyone that is willing to read this to please keep my Papa (my grandpa) in their prayers, because he passed away Jan. 8. He was a mentor, tutor, a good friend, and I miss him terribly. I dedicate the rest of this story to my wonderful Papa, and to the strongest man in my life, my Dad.

"What are we doing today, Master?" Ebon was the first to ask when Shifu walked into the kitchen the next morning.

"YOU are going through the training of a life time. The rest will go into town and help the villagers prepare to leave. You will help them later."

"Yes, Master." Ebon bowed respectfully and walked out to the yard to start her training.

Po and the Five went down and helped all the villagers pack what they needed, while Shifu trained Ebon mercilessly. By the time he was done with her, it was a surprise she could stand.

"Go help the others."

"Yes, Master." Ebon was glad to get away. She knew Shifu still hated her and refused to trust her, but if it meant defeating her father, then she would bear anything.

"Po!" She found him helping a family of rabbits.

"Oh, Ebon. Done already? It's only been eight hours." When she raised a brow, he grinned. "Sorry. Did he work you hard?"

"I think he was trying to kill me." Her tail wagged when he laughed.

"Hey, my dad asked for some help when I'm done here, but since you're here, why don't you go ahead?"

"You're sure about that?"

"Yeah. Go."

"Yes, Po." A little hesitantly, she walked into Mr. Ping's shop. "Mr. Ping?"

"Ebon?" He waved from behind the counter. "Did Po send you?"

"Yes, sir." She walked in, being very careful of the villagers sitting at the tables.

"Oh, I've been so busy! Here, put this apron on." He didn't let her argue, but tied the huge apron that used to be Po's around her slim waist. "Now, take these out to the tables."

"Are you sure it's wise to put me out there? They don't exactly like me." Ebon noticed the dirty looks she got.

"Yes." Mr. Ping nodded and served some soup. "Go out there and smile."

Ebon mentally winced and sighed, then tried to smile.

"You look like you're dying. Try again." Mr. Ping winced.

She sighed and did so, with little success.

"Well, it'll come. Just go."

Sighing yet again, Ebon took several bowls on a tray and carried them out, watching her every step. The villagers obviously didn't like her, but she tried to keep her voice somewhat cheerful.

'How does Mr. Ping DO this all day? This is almost as bad as training with Shifu!' Ebon sighed and picked her way through the tables. Three hours after she'd started, and the villagers were still coming.

"Gah!"

Ebon froze as a little rabbit grabbed hold of her leg. She knew the villagers would be watching her carefully, so she tried to figure out how to make the little one let go.

"Let go." She tried to sound gentle and moved her leg just a tiny bit. That only made the little one giggle. "I can't work with you clinging to me like that. Or can't I?" She very carefully moved her leg, walking slowly and cautiously, just in case the little rabbit fell off.

"Hahahahaha!" The little one squealed and clung tighter.

Mr. Ping watched her walk around, carefully watching what she was carrying and the little one at the same time.

"Me too!" A little pig clamped onto her other leg.

"Ha. You think that's funny, do you?" Ebon set her tray down and picked the little ones up. "You silly little creatures!"

"Hey, Eb-" Po walked in and had to stop. The wolf he was used to seeing wasn't there anymore, and in her place was someone who was happy, who knew how to laugh, and knew how to smile.

"Oh, hey, Po." Ebon had abandoned her job for the moment, and was on her back, with several little ones crawling on her and trying to wrestle her. And she was grinning like a fool. "Uh, how 'bout a little help?"

"Alright, guys, everyone off the wolf." Po shooed them away, tickling one or two as they ran to their parents. "I take it you've had a good time?"

"I can't ever remember being so happy." She smiled hugely and let him help her up. "Po, this is what I've been looking for. This is what I want- what I need."

"I understand." He smiled at her, then at his dad. "Hey, Dad."

"Oh, good, Po. We could use some more help."

Po and Ebon both laughed as they got to work.

For the rest of that day, Ebon smiled and laughed with Po and his father as she helped. The villagers seemed to accept her at least a teeny bit, now that she wasn't so stony.

"Mr. Ping, I have to thank you." Ebon bowed deeply as she and Po prepared to leave.

"What for?"

"You helped me get out from behind this mask I've been forced into. You helped me find happiness, something I thought was forever ripped from my grasp."

"Just keep smiling." He embraced them both, then sent them off.

"Wolf!" As soon as they got back to the temple, Shifu was on Ebon. "Get into the yard, you need more training."

"Yes, Master." With a little grin, she walked right in.

Po watched her and smiled. Something about this wolf was different. She was a special creature, strong, wise, and good. He knew, he just knew, that she would be a great warrior, and an even greater friend.

YAY! So Ebon knows how to grin! Wez happy, right? RIGHT? Now, y'all need to review, kay? Or I won't update, AND my demonic teddy bear will be after you, got it? ~Ria Wei~