The Ball of Death

Part I

And the remaining days passed in the twinkling of an eye. Week came to an end and important day has come. The Day of Big Game.

The Emperor summoned the whole neighborhood's most notable people on fancy carnival. On this day, not only gathered to sign a set of agreements on world trade, army and other affairs but also to announce important news. Emperor's daughter will be bound by marriage with a man who is destined to become the next Emperor of China.

So the day started with the preparations for the holiday. Lian was organizing the Ball and sending invitations, she had fully taken in mind the personalities she was dealing with. While some were accurate, others didn't do so well with timing. A characteristic example was the early arrival of Grand Duke Yingjin from distant provinces. The green peacock had been ruling for the last ten years of his festive life, a life full of dancing, drinking, hangovers and whores. But this is understandable, he had first come to contact with the family business at an early age, alcoholic beverages. His family enjoyed the wealth of being the only industry producing this kind of drinks and had a big fortune thanks to that. Such fortune was only wasted in the wings of an alcoholic good-for-nothing womanizer, such as Yingjin. There was only one aspect of his character that granted him his high place. He was extremely cynic and clever. Duke was a type of how an animal that can use its mind can rule above others, regardless of size or strength. Because compared to the gorillas and lions inhabiting his province, Yingjin was only a bird.

Lian knew him. She remembered that Yingjin's father asked for a betrothal, but she was lucky to have a caring father. Even since that day they didn't have good relations. But it seems it doesn't upset him because of the advantages of riotous life. So she was lucky, again, that it wasn't her who must meet him. While she was standing on the balcony and watching his cohort arrived, Rashifa waited for the peacock in the courtyard. Shen was standing right next to her, too overprotective to leave an inch gap between them. He wanted to make sure she knew that he is always there for her, as well as the fact that his future wife out of reach of others.

The carriage baring Yingjin and his cohort halted in front of the entrance, followed by a bigger one, in which the Grand Duke's eight wives had traveled. It's a common thing for peafowl to have harems of many wives. Only a few can boast that they have found the ideal partner for life. Peacocks kept a lot of peahens. Doctor Rashifa always amused by the idea that she instead of running after males forced them to run after her. He always said that this was due to the upbringing of her father since her mother died at her birth. Father defended her and not raised her as a delicate girl but as a strong ruler. Quite boyish. Just imagine a female with a harem of her own peacocks. Of course, her father had his own concubines until he met the one that won his heart.

Lian always gets what she wants forcing others to do what she needs. Rashifa called her a woman of many faces. She charmed men with her smile or attitude, yet she still remains the same untouched flower. For some, such as Shenlong, she was a charming establishment in which they couldn't find the errors. She was perfection. For others she was someone else. Once she flirted with a swan. Lord Xingfu was his name. He was an advisor on military matters. Despite the fact that he was a slim bird he was very cruel to his wards. With him she was just as cold and ruthless leader as he was. With someone like Crane she was a peace-loving and understanding. With Shen she was cocky and slightly depraved.

Shen… just like Crane was her new marionette… and yet there was something different in him.

She tied him to herself, promising him what he wanted. Her throne.

When you are playing, it's important not to get used to the role and attached to others. This is the first rule that you should never break.

But there is more important matter at stake for now…

Rashifa removed the expression of indifference from his face and replace it with a fake polite but amusing smile.

"Good day, my good sir." Yingjin's husky voice sounded like a snake coughing or claws marring wood.

"I see you've had a busy night, my Duke?" Rashifa mocked. The green peacock chuckled and coughed out.

"I've seen busier." He smiled and hugged the lizard.

"I could say it's a pleasure to meet you as well, Grand Duke Yingjin." He said when he was done hugging the peafowl.

"Now if you could excuse me, I would like to go and relax in my quarters, since, as you commented, I've had a… well… tiring night."

"Our servants will show you to your room, Duke. I trust you will enjoy your stay."

"I'm sure I will…"

Forbidden City (Shen's room)…

"It seems this guy isn't trained in manners." Shen said with a little disdain.

"Well, nobody is perfect, my dear Shen." Lian began to touch various boxes with many different things, "Despite his problems, he is not a bad guy. He refers to the life easily, doesn't hold a grudge against the others and lives as if every day is last. You could learn something from him."

"Yeah… For example, how to bed a woman every day, right?" Shen chuckled.

"And that's too." She said in jest, "But enough of that, it's time to prepare for the evening. You still need to find the perfect costume for the dance."

So went the whole day… Guests arriving gradually and finally it was evening…

Forbidden City (present time)…

So here he was…

The Ball was in full swing.

Many guests had arrived to congratulate the Emperor and support the peace talks. He stood next to the Emperor in his white outfit with face hidden behind the mask.

Emperor Zengsheng was dressed in elegant blue gown with a black pattern. His face, too, was hidden behind a mask that was of no interest. It was the usual silver half mask. But what caught the attention of almost everyone around him was a golden emblem on the back of the Emperor. Emblem of two-headed bird was made of pure gold, and weighed a whole lot. Bird's wings were spread and feather edges sharpened like spearheads. It slightly resembles a large shield on the back of a soldier. Despite the heavy burden, the Emperor did not show any discomfort. His back was straight; he had graceful shoulders, head raised high and proud. He stayed confident, his whole appearance showed unwavering excellence and authority. Frankly, Shen was fascinated.

The Emperor was the center of attention. Everyone was waiting for their turn to greet him. Guests divided into pairs, men were on one side and the women on the other. Emperor stood next to the throne on an upland platform, answering guests.

And here she appeared...

Lian was wearing a purple costume likeness of her father, but unlike him, her costume looked more slender, as if covering and emphasizing her shape. She had the same ordinary mask.

"I must say you look breathtakingly, your Radiance." Shen said when he had approached her.

"You are welcome. You, too, quite good looking." Lian greeted him as well, "Well, should we go then?"

Together with her, he went to the Emperor. They walked side by side. Seeing them, all immediately drew attention to the future Empress and companion, accompanying her.

"And now, presenting: Lady Lian, the future heir to the Chinese imperial throne of the royal clan of peafowl. And accompanying her: Lord Shen, the heir to the throne of Gongmen clan, savior and defender of the Crown." Some servant announced.

As they were walking, she whispered to him, "Remember to smile. This is all for show, my dear."

"I know. Did you see their faces? Priceless. They seem shocked that you have a cavalier. Their jaws are fallen off."

And they stood before the Emperor.

"I am always honored when your presence graces my court, dear daughter. Now, allow me to present our cousin, Lord Fei-Ong, without whom this gathering would never been possible. He made a considerable endowment to this feast."

A green peacock with a beard came out to them from behind the Emperor. He was a bit younger than the Emperor. Fei-Ong was wearing a light gray suit and a silver half mask. The mask was the same as that of the other two. It seems that all the members of the royal family and their blood relatives must be in these masks.

"What an unexpected pleasure. I was not aware that the Gongmen clan would be part of our festivities. We will certainly speak later." After these words, Fei-Ong left, giving Shen a smile.

"What about the peace talks, my Emperor?" This time, in front of the nobles, she addressed him by his title, "How does everything go?"

"I will meet for the negotiations with the rest after I have seen to our other guesses. But I'm sure everything will be fine, so don't worry, dear."

Lian bowed to her father and stepped away.

Emperor's eyes finally fell on Shen.

"Ah, welcome, my friend. Your arrival at court is like a cool wind on a summer's day."

"It looks like it, but, unfortunately, the weather may turn foul." Shen smiled to Zengsheng, "Nevertheless, I am delighted to be here, your Majesty."

"Today many have heard much of your exploits. They have made grand tales for long evenings."

"And why shouldn't they, your Grace?"

Zengsheng smiled, "So tell me, my friend, how you enjoy Zi Jin Cheng?"

"I must say, I've never seen anything to equal The Forbidden City."

"I hope you will find time to take in some of its beauties. But for now, feel free to enjoy the pleasures of the ballroom. We look forward to watching you dance."

Shen bowed and moved aside.

Lian stood in his way, "A word, when you have a moment, Lord Shen."

She moved to a quiet corner and wait until he comes to her.

"And here we are. You haven't embarrassed yourself as much as I feared. Well done, my dear."

"Well, I tried as best I could. Does it really amuse you to gratify to everyone?" Shen whispered to her.

"This is The Game. Of course I enjoy it. If I didn't, I'd be dead by now." Was Lian's answer, "As I have already told you: the problem is not to get the throne, but to keep it. Many take advantage of this evening, as we should. I received confirmation from my spies that assassination is going to happen to my father. This shouldn't be allowed, Shen, so keep your eyes open."

"…I-I understand. I will save your father and not allow for you to be hurt."

He looked into her eyes and squeezed her wing in his own as a sign of comfort.

"Thank you, Shen… I appreciate your sincerity and care. It means a lot to me."

After a moment, they withdrew from each other.

"You better look around and find out the local people. In the end, the more you have connections at the court the better." She said departing, "…I put in a good word for you ... just in case."

Forbidden City (dungeon)…

Here are only dark cells. Weak torches on the walls barely dispel prevalent thick darkness. Quite recently the great masters of kung fu were imprisoned here. They all kept separately, but now finally got together. They were all chained and put in one big prison.

"…As a result we all got caught." Mantis was telling from his little cage on the wall.

"Well, even though… It's a good thing that you okay Master Shifu." Tigress gave voice.

"I wouldn't say so." Some sadness sounded in the voice of their teacher.

"What happened to you?"

Ox responded this time, "When we arrived for an audience with the Emperor that godforsaken bird fooled us. We came with good intentions having handed over our weapons, but they are dishonestly hit us in the back."

"With us, there was a bit similar story." Tigress began, "We got to the Jade Palace but it looks like they are already prepared an ambush for us. They used some gas to lull us… That's all I can remember."

"And what happened to Crane… He wasn't with you when you were dragged here." Shifu asked.

At the mention of their feathered friend, Po looked up from the floor on which he looked at up to this point. A look of inconvenience appeared on his face.

"I don't know. Maybe he managed to escape." Viper said with some hope, "Maybe he'll find us and get us out of here…"

Po wanted to say something but changed his mind and looked at the floor again.

However his lack of confidence was seen by watchful eyes.

"Po, are you ok?" Wild cat asked.

"…I-I-I… W-Well you see…" He began to speak stammering almost at every word either from fear or from uncertainty, "C-Crane… He-He…"

He paused and looked away from the others. His mouth opened again but no words came. He didn't know what to say next. What should he say? What can he say?

"What? What happened to him? Is he hurt? Is he-Is he…" Viper was unable to say the idea that was occurred in her head.

"Crane… He…" Po closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Pulling himself together, he continued, "I don't know. Maybe he was forced to but… I think it was he, who led the soldiers to us."

"What? Po, what are you saying?" Tigress asked in astonishment.

"When we were in the palace, he knocked me out… He said that he was sorry."

"No, he wouldn't do that, would he?" Viper began, "Crane wouldn't have betrayed us. He's not like that. I know…"

Heavy silence hung in the air.

"What is happening? All that we know and what we were are falling apart right before our eyes?" Shifu said.

Everyone sat in silence in their own thinking. Suddenly someone's satisfied voice broke the silence.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Said a female voice of a woman in expensive clothes.

She-wolf was dressed in a cream dress and wore some fancy mask made from the petals of some orange flower.

She was carrying some kind of a box which she put at the door of the master's cell.

"We do not have much time." She said as soon as she took a key and opened the door.

Going into a dark cell, she began to release prisoners.

"Who are you?" Ox asked incredulously, "Why should we trust you?"

"In fact, you shouldn't." Wolf said, "But what choice do you have? As for me… My name doesn't matter. All you need to know is that I'm your friend."

After all Kung Fu masters were freed, they lined up to listen to their fabulous savior.

"Masquerade at its height." Stranger started her explanation, "Today there is a lot of influential and wealthy people. The only problem here is that they only think of how to tear each other's throats. And just today someone decided to touch the Emperor's throat… Of course we mustn't allow this to happen."

"Why should we help the Emperor? He's the one who left us here." Ox demanded.

"Well, then you will be pleased to know than that the Emperor didn't even know you are here. You don't even meet him yet, right?"

"Are you trying to say that he is not aware of what happened to us?"

"Yes. That's why you have to prove your loyalty to the Crown."

Masters looked at each other.

"All right. What should we do?" Shifu asked expressing the consent of all.

"To begin with put on these costumes and masks. You don't want to be immediately uncovered, yes?"

Fighters shook their heads and stated to dress.

"Remember, you mustn't share a word of this with anyone. The Emperor is in danger and the killer could be anyone. I and my agents know only that the assassin is from Gongmen City."

"Gongmen? How strange. So you want to save the Crown?" Croc asked.

"What I want is irrelevant, my friend. Right now is a hard time. China requires stability, and that is best served by Emperor Zengsheng, no one else."

Forbidden City (ballroom)…

"That fool should have returned hours ago! Dallying with some serving girl while I deal with palace vermin." Some lion was angry on someone.

Shen, following Lian's advice, decided to improve relations with important animals at the court. So he curried favor with lion.

"Awfully selfish of your friend, running off to play and leaving you with all the work." Shen said with a fake concern.

"I've half a mind to inform Lord Shenlong. That would teach him to shirk his duties to roll some maid. Tonight of all nights, leaving me to deal with the organization of the ballroom dance. Wonderful timing." Lion sighted, "Thank you for listening to me rant. You are too kind, Lord Shen."

After these words, he left to deal with the affairs of his partner.

"Well, well, Lord Shen himself." Someone said behind Shen.

Turning, peacock saw a sumptuously dressed swan. He was wearing a gold kimono decorated with real diamonds and a gold half-mask similar to the long beak. His voice was firm but this proprietary feature gave him some charm.

"And who, may I ask, you are?"

Swan smiled, "Here as a guest of my dear Lian, no less. How curious. And such manners… You are talking so sweet and kindly, but are these words truly yours or hers?"

"What do you mean?"

"Ah, our dear Lian. She was raised like a true ruler. All her life, she was told that she would be Empress. It was her destiny. Her duty. Tell me, Shen, what else should you do with your life, if not fight for your destiny?"

"…So you know Lian?"

"Ah, yes! Where are my manners? I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Lord Xingfu. You can say that I am admirer of our dear lady. We knew each other for a long time."

Suddenly Shen heard shouts, "My Lord! My Lord! May we have a word? It is very important. The Empress has sent us with a message for you!"

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw three wolves dressed in identical outfits. Women already went to him. This three were dressed in gray dresses and green masks on their muzzles that didn't look like Chinese fashion. Their costumes were carrying a foreign culture.

"Looks like you are now in the spotlight, my friend. Well I won't distract you from dialogue with your fans." Xingfu said, turning and leaving Shen to fend for himself.

Clearing his throat, he returned to the noble speech, "I'm always honored to hear from Her Majesty."

"Oh! She is the honored one, Lord Shen." One of she-wolf said, slightly bowing her head.

"We are here to say that the Empress is grateful to you for your help and you will be rewarded at the end for your service to the Crown." The other one said.

"That's a generous offer, my ladies."

"She looks forward to cementing an official alliance, my Lord." The third one said.

"Courtiers get used to you. Lord Shen, you are one and only matter of discussing."

"Now we leave you but know that if you need anything Empress can meet you on the balcony not far from the negotiating table. We'll be there, not too far away. If you wish to see us, we will not be against a little chat."

After these words, the dogs bowed deeply and hurried back to their mistress, leaving Shen alone.

After spending some minutes in thoughts, he decided to visit Lian. But suddenly someone stood in his way. Some animal in familiar gray suit and silver mask.

"Enjoying the night, my friend. We met briefly. I'm Lord Fei-Ong. Welcome to our party." Peacock with beard said.

"Why am I not at all surprised that you want to see me now?"

Lord Fei-Ong chuckled, "This is Forbidden City. Nothing happens by accident. I believe tonight you and I are both concerned by the action of… a certain person. Come, dance with me. Curious people will not hear us on the dance floor."

At this moment, he remembered what Lian had taught him.

Flashback…

"If someone offers you to dance you have to accept without even a slight hesitation." She once said.

"Well, it will not be a problem, I assure you." Shen smugly said to her.

"Even if it is a male?"

At first there was silence and then there was Shen's laugh.

"Aha-ha-ha, why would a male invite me to dance?" He said laughing and looked at her.

Her gaze was serious.

"You're not joking, are you?" Shen said slightly nervous. If admit, Shen doesn't love to talk with other animals of any kind. He was in some degree a sociopath. Moreover his exile has tightened his attitude to everything around him. So far, the only living thing to which he felt at least some warmth was Lian.

"Of course, I'm not."

"Two males dancing? Would it not be strange?"

"It will be much weirder if you refuse to dance, Shen."

End of Flashback…

"Very well. Shall we dance, your Grace?" Shen said smiling.

"I'd be delighted." Elder peacock answered.

Guests parted and dance couples lined up in the center of the hall.

They stood side by side and joined wings. Calm and relaxing music began to play.

"You are from the Gongmen, are you not? How much do you know about our little civil war in China?"

"I assure you, the effect of this war reach beyond the borders of the Forbidden City and the Chinese Empire itself."

They began to move to the front with accurate and skillful moves. They walked wing in wing.

"Perhaps it does, I should not be surprised to find that the Empire is the center of everyone's world. It took great effort to arrange tonight's negotiations. Yet the one party would use this occasion for blackest treason. The security of the Empire is at stake. Neither one of us wishes to see it fall."

Stopping they turned to face each other. Waving their wings, they bowed to each other, stretching their right wings behind their back and tucking their left wings closer to their bellies.

"What would Lian thought? What would she said? This is the game. The game of intrigue, deceit and flattery. Why does he come now? What does he want?" Thoughts flew through Shen's mind as he remembered something, "We look forward to watching you dance. This is what the Emperor said, isn't? Is it some kind of… test… or challenge? That's why Zengsheng's cousin here, isn't? Ah, I got it. Curious people won't hear us on the dance floor, will they? They overhear us… They want to play. I'll show them how to play."

Shen smiled in his mind.

"I need to be wary and misty. Neither one of us wishes to see Empire fall he said. Could it be the truth? Is that what we both want?" Shen lifted his red eyes from the floor and looked at his dance partner, "Do we both want that, Lord Fei-Ong?"

They stood up and continued to dance. Placing their right wings on the waist, they took each other's free wings and began spinning in place.

"I hope we are of one mind on this." Fei-Ong answered smiling.

"In times like these, it's hard to tell friend from foe, is it not, your Grace?"

Stretching out their bound wings up, Shen grabbed him by the waist and led through the center of the room. Again turning to each other, they held wings and began to spin but no longer in place. They danced in a circle on the dedicated to them free territory.

"I know you arrived here as a guest of my niece, Lian. And have been everywhere in the palace… You are a curiosity to many, Lord Shen… and a matter of concern to some."

"Am I the curiosity or the concern to you, your Grace?"

"A little of both, actually. This evening is of great importance, Lord Shen. I wonder what role you will play in it. Do you even yet know who is friend and who is foe? Who in the court can be trusted?"

"I… trust Lian… but it is The Game." Shen said with a smile, "If I've learned anything, your Grace, it is to put my trust in no one."

Other dancers have already begun to disperse to make room for the dance of remaining pair.

Lian stood in the corner of the room and drank wine, her head tilted slightly to the side; she listened to every word the two were saying.

The same can be said about her father. With one ear, he listened to his interlocutors annoying complaints: a little bit cheerful Grand Duke Yingjin talked about a trade of his alcoholic products; nearby, Indian snake, ambassador muttering something about misbehavior of Duke, thank Gods the rest representatives of the countries leave him in peace and enjoy the evening. But with the other ear he listened to the conversation of his cousin and lord.

With the edge of his eye Shen saw the attention of all those present was drawn to them.

"In the Forbidden City, everyone is alone." Fei-Ong said sweetly, "It can't have escaped your notice that certain parties are engaged in dangerous machinations tonight."

"I thought "dangerous machinations" were the national sport in here."

And their dance came to an end…

When the music stopped, Shen slightly bent on one knee and leaned the elder peacock back. Then they straightened, bowed and went in different directions, everyone in the audience applauded them.

Departing they whispered a few words.

"The attack will come soon. You must stop the criminal before he strikes." Fei-Ong whispered.

"We'll see what the night has in store, won't we?" Shen said quietly.

Sighing, Shen was about to continue on his way when suddenly the one, who he was looking for, came to him.

"You'll be the talk of the court for months. I should take you dancing more often." Lian said happily.

"I'd happily do more dancing… just not with your father, ok. If be honest, he scares me sometimes." Shen said with his own chuckle.

"I promise not to invite him to your next ball." She said giggling.

Forbidden City (dungeon)…

Every fighter put similar costume that resembled Chinese red shirt and blue pants, expect Masters Ox, Croc and Shifu.

"Tell me how do they know about our plans? Is it true that a traitor was among us?" Little red panda asked.

"I do not know about that traitor of yours but your friend probably told them everything." Wolf answered.

"Friend?"

"Yes, the one that's here somewhere in the dungeon. The bird."

"Bird? Do you mean Crane?" Viper asked softly. The thought of what Po had told them haunted her.

"I think it was not a crane, but a goose."

"What? No… We call him Crane… I mean he is… It's just…" Snake tried to speak, but then gave up, "You know that's not important. So you were talking about a goose?"

"Recently, they brought him here from the Jade Palace…" Wolfish voice was a little sad, "Poor fellow, he endured so much."

"Do you know who it was?" Po asked suddenly with panic in his voice. Many thoughts raced through his mind. Crane helped the enemies; it is possible that they took his father. The wolf lady had said that it was goose after all.

"It seems he was some messenger. I think his name was Zong, or Zeng… or something like that."

"Zeng? Is he here?" Shifu began, "Then we have to help him. We must find-"

"I'm sorry, Master Shifu." Their canine rescuer interrupted him, "But it seems to me that even if you find your friend he would not survive the night due to his injuries."

"We won't leave him here." Shifu said firmly.

"So be it."

"We, I and masters of Gongmen, will go in search of him and you'll try to deal with the threat to the Emperor's life."

"So let us not waste our time." She-wolf said, urging others Kung Fu fighters to follow her.

Forbidden City (ballroom)…

"Come, I want to talk to you alone." Lian said, leading Shen to the door to the balcony.

Coming out to fresh air, she waved her wing, letting the servants know that they should not be bothered. Courtiers hurried to close the door and leave the couple alone to enjoy the night sky.

"Is something wrong? I didn't miss anything, did I?" Shen asked when the door was closed.

"No… I just want to discuss something." She said, turning to face him, "One of my little "birdies" chirped to me that we have a problem."

"Oh?" Shen said a little awkward. His awkwardness was caused by a disgruntled and slightly furious look Lian sent in his direction. And her tone. It was not the calm and gentle voice she used in full view of guests, that voice that warmed his soul and sounded in his head all the time. It was something different.

"All is well, right, Shen?" Peahen asked a bit angry.

"Well, everything is… fine?"

"You would not betray me after all the kindness that I showed you, would you, Shen?"

Hearing her question, he was taken aback slightly. Shen blinked once, and then once more, and then the third time.

"What?" He uttered, not understanding anything, "What are you getting at?"

"One of the guards was found dead. His throat was cut. Dying, he was able to pass some kind of information. He said, choking on his breath, that the killer is connected to the Gongmen City. Murderer from Gongmen. You understand that there is our problem. As far as I know you're the only one who came here from that city. So I'll ask again: are you going to betray me, Shen?"

"How can you say that? You know that if there, in this world, is any creature that I will never betray it's you."

"You have to understand my fears."

"You know that I will never betray you." Shen sighted, gaining confidence before saying his next words, "I-I… I love you."

"Love me? Do you know how many times I've heard those words? Words that have no true meaning."

He walked over to her and grabbed her by the shoulders, forcing her to look at him, "Look me in the eyes and tell me that they have no meaning for me."

For a while, they looked at each other.

"Maybe I can't make you understand. I can't make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I can't even explain it to myself." Shen said, "But I know for sure that I love you more than anything in this life."

"Maybe you are." Lian said, looking straight in his eyes, "But can you be sure that our feelings are mutual? That I really love you? That our love even exists?"

"If so then I would venture to make myself believe in this illusion."

For the first time in their conversation under the cover of night, she smiled and said, "By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired."

He gently took her face in his wings and pulled her to him. In the next moment they shared a passionate kiss. Shen decided to make this first step, closing the gap between them and bringing her close for the inevitable kiss. He was still hesitant, giving the slightest uncertainty as their beaks touched, but Shen soon banished his doubts, when Lian had wrapped her wings around him. Her reservations melted away at his eagerness, sinking into Shen's embrace as a surge of triumph flooded him. This was all he wanted – this, forever. Every touch lasted for age, each press of her wing seeming to remain on his skin under his feathers long after it had moved away, burning into his memory, a hot flush filling her cheeks as he finally broke the kiss and pulled away, both of them needing to catch their breath.

Catching her breath, Lian said, "Do you really believe that these seeds of love can sprout?"

"Yes, I do." Shen immediately replied without any hesitation.

"Then you are a fool."

"Maybe I am, but it worth it."

Lian chuckled and slightly nuzzled him.

Shen asked, "Why? Are you afraid?"

"No." She said with the utmost seriousness, "Fear is the tame part of my soul. Keep in mind, Shen, that it's that fear that drives us. Compels us. Fear of death… It's the basic emotion that keeps us alive. Those who control fear, control life itself."

Forbidden City (ballroom)…

Meanwhile the fighters came into the banquet hall pretending to be the court servants. Wolf went somewhere else but she said that she will be back soon. Walking a little, masters have assisted some noblemen with their little whims. Gathered in an inconspicuous corner, they were waiting for their companion.

A few minutes later a mysterious stranger approached them and looked a little agitated.

"You look worried. Is everything all right?" Tigress asked, seeing their distressed helper.

"No. Things only got from bad to worse. The peace talks are crumbling. We had better to come up with something to do quickly until it's too late. I hope you trust me with what I'm gonna do."

"With trust we recently are not ok. How can we trust you if you don't even tell us who you are?"

Wolf sighed, "…My name is Ling. I came here from Japan to prevent the attack on the Emperor and ensure the signing of peace treaty between China and Japan. Listen, we are at the dead end but maybe I know who may be responsible for the upcoming murder."

"So don't torment us as time is running out." Tigress said.

Ling began, "The Indian ambassador is up to something, but she can't be our focus. The best place to strike at Zengsheng is from his side. Moreover, it could be possible that the assassin may try to use Emperor's daughter against him. Empress Lian is fascinated by mysticism-"

"Mysti-what?" Po asked, not caching the word she said.

"Mysticism – foreseeing the future, speaking with dead, that sort of rubbish." Ling continued, "I know it sounds ridiculous but it can be quite real. She has a "royal seer". An apostate who charmed the Empress. I've heard of him, but don't know anything useful. He is a mystery to me. And there's a royal adviser. I've had dealings with him in the past. He is ruthless and capable of anything. A cruel being which has no mercy in its heart. But he is cunning and can be the one, standing behind all of this… Or it may be an unexpected guest who appeared here recently. Look…" Ling said pointing at the far side of the room.

Five Kung Fu masters followed her gaze and saw…