Ailurophile

Author note: Hello everyone, not a lot to say, though I think I should tell you that unless I want you to know what the character is saying I've decided not to translate everything in a different tongue. So if there is a translation then it's because I do want you to know, otherwise it is because I don't. It's nothing big just saying. As for single words, those will continue be translated at the bottom.

Thank you my reviewers viz: PhanOfTheOpera96, Urbannerd(Thanks a lot for the feedback on every chapter, it was a big help!), Olivia-B52007, Gaaraluva15, Shadowess 88, Unolai, Shoujokrm26, Monica(It means a lot that you think you think that highly of me, thank you), Niama, o,babyb0y.o, kougaluv, Airmylith73, m. Wongchaowart, Bowtie Lion, Scarlet Embers, Sword-Master-Caracal, KristenTheKittyKat, babycakes22, Sek, chibiles. So many reviews I must be doing something right!

This took a long time to write up. It's like I said before choreography isn't my strong suit. I spend such a long time trying to make sound right in my head, I won't post the chapter otherwise, and even when I do I can't have it come out perfect... but hopefully I've done good. Anyway read and enjoy...and review.

Your support is invaluable to me so I'm glad you all enjoy. Certain comments that were in your reviews are really encouraging, Thank you all.


Encirclement

The air around him was hot and damp. The fog made it difficult for one to see, but this did not impede Tai lung. He knew where he was going. The orientation Raja provided was exactly on the mark. It was a safe bet that those who tried to usurp Raja's palace would encamp themselves on the coast nearby in order to reach the city more quickly. It was a good thing too, since he had no wish to travel an obsene distance just to finish something that really had nothing to do with him.

Tai lung felt a sudden temptation to flaunt the ship's guns. He had actually never gotten the opportunity to use them before, but... perhaps this situation didn't call upon such measures. He didn't really consider this an emergency. Clearly it was a bad idea... It was a shame, the weapons were shown to have radical results on their unfortunate targets, as he had seen during a demonstration by a certain warlord. Well... he wouldn't completely cast idea out of his mind... if the opportunity presented itself.

The occasion was rare, but sometimes even he had to question his own logic, and consider the consequences of going into a blind alley. Now was one of those times.

Tigress appeared so willing to join in on their little outing that he'd been compelled to ask if she'd give him something for letting her come along. There wasn't really anything she owned, but then it wasn't really any small object that he wanted. To his surprise, she was willing- within reason- to give him a little something for letting her come. He didn't tell her what he want right away, but he could see that she an idea. It was his for the taking, and his desire was even greater than the last time.

He was starting to consider that this desire was getting out of hand.

He never questioned his passion, it made him stronger, but what she had brought out made him feel like his armour was being ripped away.

Perhaps it actually was for Raja's nǚér, maybe he hadn't given her enough space- and she wanted to get out... or she was looking for an opportunity to escape. He found the latter unlikely on account of the former. She was ultimately a protector and would not so easily deviate from her preferences. But that didn't prevent him from feeling irritated. Obviously he would have to let her come. He gave his word, and once given wouldn't go back on it. He didn't know why he was being so paranoid. She had no idea where she was, which meant she couldn't leave without him.

Even though he unsure of this arrangement, he was also curious. She seemed to have forgotten that she had proposed to work with one who was her enemy, had almost killed her and those she cared for. He wondered how well she would actually work with him.

Tai lung discarded the linen shirt he'd been wearing and allowed the warm wet air to flow through his fur. The hazed sun touched down at his bare upper body. He had only just realised it but the day was red hot. He looked to his crew and noticed just how it was affecting them. They were all weary and half naked showing the obvious toll it had taken on them. Unlike all of them, he loved being out in the open, on his ship in the wide ocean. He was free and uninhibited, polar opposite to what he had experienced in Chorh-gom prison.

He had, over long years of training, learnt to maximize his threshold for extreme conditions. This was when he was put in Chorh-gom, not at the Jade palace. Whether it was heat, cold or pain, it didn't matter. He became so good at it that he had almost started to enjoy it. Now, he felt his body lax from the heat and his mouth slowly becoming dry, but he had never felt more alive. He raised his head and inhaled the damp, undesirably warm air, feeling the fiery ambience travel down through his body.

It was occasions like this that reminded him that he was lucky to be alive. This feeling of presure the sun threw down on him was just one of countless ways he used an aesthesis. He had survived... He had spent so long after his defeat wondering about it, because honestly he didn't believe it himself and when he'd Gods-sure convinced himself that he was in fact: still breathing, he had ended up putting himself into a half-dead state all over again. It was insanity to risk death a second time, but otherwise he had felt deprived of life. It wasn't enough that so many years had been taken away when he was put in prison.

It was shortly after his recovery that he sought all new ways of feeling alive. That way, the void would feel just a little less empty.

He took his attention from the atmosphere, and turned to Hong. "Make sure you keep everything in order while I'm gone." Hong gave a nod. Having arranged everything now, he began making his way towards the long boat which was ready to be off, jumping on he turn to face Hong again. "And if anyone should step out of line, be sure to pull their head off!" he commanded loudly. Hong raised a brow, and smirked.

"Are you sure you require no assistance?" Hong asked seriously.

Tai lung started on about how he didn't even need the current help, and saying it all with an cavalier smile. Tigress eyed him hauntingly as she sat impatiently in the long boat. She tugged at collar of her shirt, the heat was all too noticeable, but she couldn't do more than fan herself. Removing any attire was out of the question, especially because she wasn't wearing anything underneath.

She rolled her eyes at his instructions toward Hong, he may have sounded exuberant, but she knew he was serious about what he said. She could almost picture the crewmen fleeing and hiding, or nervously pretending they couldn't hear the exchange. Even she could find that amusing. If she had been leading this task then she would have told him park his ass down and get moving, but she was not, and it left her out of her element, working with the five involved everything being completely reliant on her commands, but this time she was working on as subordinate... with Tai lung.

Raja appeared, and slithered past Hong entering the boat "I've 'explained' to Nisa that we'll be gone for a little while, I think she suspects something though," he said mainly to Tai lung.

Crossing his arms, Tai lung gave the cobra a cynical look; he was really looking to him for advice about this? The topic wasn't something he had a base of knowledge in, and after the stunt he pulled earlier... he didn't feel like offer any thoughts. "I don't think you need to keep her in the dark; it's not as if she can't be trusted." he said mockingly.

Raja looked unimpressed "Your... unpleasantness, does you no credit."

The snow leopard looked bitterly tempted to retort, but when about to reply he decided against it. Instead the two glowered at each other and everything suddenly went quiet, tension was building up.

Tigress eyed them warily. They choose to have an argument now, of all the times they could have a problem; it has to be now? Didn't they have a mission of crucial importance to get on with? And then she spoke without thinking. "Shall we go now? Or are you two not done caressing at each other with your eyes?" Tigress asked in annoyance.

They both broke contact and looked at her in bewilderment; both seemed confounded by what she had said. It gave her some satisfaction, but it was, unfortunately, short lived. "Caressing? Have you been teaching her these words Tai lung?" Raja asked in curiousity.

Tai lung pursed his lips.

Tigress looked between the two of them. Her cheeks turn red. "... Are we going, or not?" she snapped angrily.

Tai lung smirked at her, and finally took the oars setting them off. Tigress wondered how he knew where he was going through the fog's cover? She decided not to ask, and Raja opted to settle in where he was sat and look out. She could see the dim outline of land not far off. They were close but they were still other issues that she thought needed to be discussed; they might have already covered it, but she could regret it later if she didn't ask.

"These invaders, when we've beaten them?- And she knew they would. "Might they just send in more soldiers?" It was good point, and it meant things may remain dire for him.

It was Raja who answered her. "They don't have a big enough army to try and take Singapore, and protect Malay- all at the same time. Anything could happen while their army leaves. So once this mercenary group has been shattered, they will have no choice but to withdraw... that is if they want to protect themselves." Tigress nodded. It made some sense now, especially since not much could go wrong.

Tigress looked at Raja. She was irritated by the thought, but... "Perhaps it means little, but I do agree with Tai lung."

Raja gave her confused look. "What do you mean?"

"I don't think you should keep Nisa in the dark, you should tell her the truth. She would resent you if she found out later rather than sooner." Raja gave her a measuring look then stared out thoughtfully, and Tai lung looked amused. He had obviously found some kind of entertainment in her speaking out. What she had just said probably had nothing to do with why he had gotten upset in the first place.

Eventually they had reach within fifty metres of the coast, and were just about to reach land. The fog was thinning, revealing to them the outlook of the beach... only it wasn't wide open space as it would normally have been. The area was crowded with massive tents and small ships. Tai lung slowed down and brought them in gently. Jumping out into the shallows, he took the boat by its bow and dragged it on land. Tigress jumped out the boat and her paws padded the sand softly and Raja almost floated out and moved next to her. "How are we going to do this?" Tigress asked.

"We'll stealthily pass by and find their leader. Without him, they will be easily killed," Tai lung answered.

Tigress looked around. The task seemed easy enough. It was matter of stealth. She assumed, rather cynically, that the two of them were aware of how that worked... or she hoped at least. "And where would he be?"

"The biggest and most decadent tent probably," Raja answered. "The one in charge is probably snake like me. We will probaby face more than a few when we find him, and they can all fight decently, so stay sharp." Tigress nodded in affirmation.

The three of them ran up to the nearest tent, and hid behind it; Tai lung retracted his claws and sliced a hole through so they could get inside. Going through they were welcomed by the sight of about a dozen sleeping soldiers all scattered around the ground consisting mostly of canine but you also spot one or two feline laying around and they were all snoring loudly, Raja looked at them distastefully "This is not cliché at all" he muttered to himself.

"Shall we sneak by?" Tigress asked.

Tai lung looked ready to mock the suggestion, instead he leapt over them all and landed near the entrance, Tigress narrowed her eyes, he could have been more subtle, it was like he was hoping for them to wake up but she decided to do the same and landed next to him a bit more softly than Tai lung, Raja slithered and swerved around them all swiftly making no noise whatsoever. The three of them were about to leave when.

"Hey? Who er' you?" a bewildered voiced asked.

Turning round they saw a hyena looking warily at them. Tai lung exchanged a glance with Raja, then he grabbed the hyena by the throat making him choke out. He threw him in the centre of the sleeping soldiers. The hyena ended up landing on the head of one of sleeping wolves, making the canine jump awake. Looking around frantically he saw the Hyena at his feet looking dazed. He grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and shook him "What's the big idea?" he asked in annoyance. The Hyena merely pointed dizzily to the exit. Looking the wolf's eyes widdened.

Tai lung eyed at the wolf severely, then walked back into the tent. "Wait outside." Tigress furrowed her brow in annoyance, and considered following him in. In fact she found no good reason why she shouldn't.

She charged to go in but Raja placed himself in front of her. "Trust him."

Tigress frowned in discord, which told the snake he'd hit right on the nail. "Why should I?"

Raja shook his head at her continuing to block her path. She gave him a heated scowl, but reluctantly she complied. They heard nothing, the silence seemed to go on for over a minute then Tai lung emerged looking totally fine.

Tigress could picture the scene in happening in her head and repressed a shudder, poor scum. She wondered how went about it without feeling any distress from the culpability. It didn't matter who she fought or even how much she would hate her enemy she always felt remorse after killing, even if she didn't let it show, but she could sense nothing like that from him. The thought disturbed her. "Let's go," he said.

They could see a single guard posted outside each tent, their biggest problem was getting by them without alerting the whole army of their presence. The three of sped from one tent to another. Raja nimbly coiled around the tent's guard whom was a Dhole, and covered his mouth. The Dhole tried crying out in alarm but wasn't loud enough, "Hush!" raja whispered. He silently ceased his breathing and mutely hid him inside "That must be the one," Raja called out to them. Tigress looked where he was staring and she saw a huge tent over triple the size of the others. It was embroidered with fancy patterns and the same symbol Tai lung had seen when they attacked the palace. The tent was on straight path from where they were, but to the sides were many other tents likely housing a host of soldiers each. Raja turned to both of them "If were quick we can rush straight there and go unnoticed."

They both gave nod and then the three of them lurched into a sprint across the sand right toward to the tent. It was instantaneous, when a pair guards being a Clouded leopard and a Singapura came into view. Instincts kicked in when the clouded leopard's mouth opened, "IN-" Tigress used her momentum launching a kick straight in his gut causing him to let out a gargled grunt then she smack her fist in his temple; Tai lung lunged his the scintillated blue fist into the other cats sternum quickly making him fall unconscious unfortunately he felt like recoiling after it. He managed to hold back revealing the soreness but he would have to avoid using such an attack until he was a little better.

Reaching the entrance they paused. Raja eyed the tent. "Hopefully he will be sleeping like those others."

"It wouldn't really make a difference," Tai lung said. Balling his fists he turned to walk in but a hand reached out to his arm, looking over his shoulder he saw Tigress staring apprehensively at him.

"... You can't just walk in, we could alert everyone." She gripped him lightly, but Tai lung was much less concerned. It was a mixture of worries that had brought this on, but it was mainly how apathetic he was with completing this errand. He couldn't be so confidant about this, it was like he didn't care if every soldier here woke up. Maybe there was something else that bothered her... She denied it firmly, her worries were obviously elsewhere. Surely he knew the value of staying unseen. They could have this mission done without anyone even know they had come if it was done the right way.

As though he sensed the kind of thoughts she was having he turned and took in her exposed concerns. Something told him she would not be pleased by him if he met her halfway. Instead he moved close to her and leaned next to her ear. "Trust me," he breathed out. Then like nothing happened he resumed entering the tent, leaving her baffled and following behind. Raja watched them both with a recognitive look in his eyes, and followed in next.

Walking in the three them were welcomed by the sight of what looked like a meeting in session... Sat around an ivory table was an Elephant similar to the one Tai lung had killed recently, then a haggard Vulture with a hybrid look of grimness and ugly written on his face, and a Cobra who looked quite similar to Raja only in colours of bronze, black and a pale underbelly. 'One for each of us' Tai lung mused. The looks of awe on their faces were quite enjoyable. It was all too obvious that they recognised at least Raja; Tai lung noticed that the two Reptile were about ready to maul each other, but it was the vulture who spoke first.

"I have no idea who you are, but I know you were not invited, which means you are intruders. I'm surprised you got passed the guards... Tell me, are you harebrained or do you have a wish to die?" the vulture asked menacingly.

"So much for stealth..." Raja whispered. Tigress rolled her eyes.

Tai lung smirked darkly. He already knew what was going to happen now, but decided that this time he would humour the preference of his fiery confrere. "I'm sure that you recognise my friend here," he gestured to Raja "I'll assume that you don't completely lack intelligence, and tell you plainly. The deal is this... You will return to Kuala Lumpur and give up this futile effort never to return, and I will give you the very generous gift: of not killing you."

Instead of beoming enraged the vulture looked awestruck, then like he'd just been told something hilarious, he barked out in laughter. As for his counterparts they were still angry. "Is that so? Well it would be foolish of me to deny such a generous gift." Then his humour vanished. "But I have an offer for you. You surrender right now, and I promise you will have a quick death."

Tai lung shook his head. " Well I could promise you that! but I'd be telling a lie."

The vulture scowled at the Snow Leopard. "Then I believe we are at an impasse."

The cobra hissed aggressively gaining everyone's attention. "Enough of this! You have made a terrible mistake in coming here Raja. But since you came all this way I take that our first visit did not go well."

Raja gave the a hard smile. "They are all dead."

The cobra bristled, but this time the Elephant spoke "Saudara... is dead?" he looked stricken, then he looked like one possessed. "Who?" the elephant snarled.

Tai lung looked at him curiously. 'Saudara?' He assumed he meant the other Elephant he's fought the day before... They were brothers. Tai lung didn't blame the man if he was out of revenge. "If you mean the Elephant who led the attack then I was the one who: took care of him," Tai lung confessed flatly. The fool had it coming... Ater seeing his cruel intentions, Tai lung saw fit to reward him with some cruelty of his own.

Tigress had watched the whole preceding on edge; it seemed that all the opponents had been picked out. Raja and that other snake clearly wanted to fight each other and that Elephant was eying Tai lung like he was the embodiment of indignity, which left only her and the vulture. This was going to be a quick one- she could tell.

Out of nowhere the Cobra snarled and charged himself at Raja. The two became a tangled blur as they wrestled towards who could plant the toxic bite.

Tai lung had turned his attention to Raja for just a moment, but that was all it took. In the rim of his vision he just caught sight of something large a white coming his way, his eyes widdened, being just quick enough to stop it, he had caught the elephant's tusk the second before it could crash into him and brought it to stiff halt. He was starting to get tired of fighting elephants, he might have just been lucky in that way but he seemed be magnetic towards the big one in fights lately 'At least there are no spikes' he mused warily.

The elephant scowled and push hard against the snow leopard causing sand gather to behind his paws, also bring out irritation in his hands. Tai lung returned the elephants scowl and instead of push back he pulled forward with the elephant's force bringing him closer then launched a forceful straight kick into the giant's forehead making the beast's whole body recoil. He fell on to his back with a thud. The elephant rolled over and grasped the front of his head. He started to get back to his feet.

Growling ferociously, Tai lung lunged.

Tigress had kept her eyes on Tai lung for most of the time since they had set foot in the tent. She had gotten so occupied with what he was doing that she had not noticed that her own prey was about leave, right until now that is. Turning round she caught the vulture about to exit, probably to alert everyone that they were here. Leaping up she landed herself in front of him and blocked his path. She narrowed her eyes. "You can give up right now, because there is no way I'm letting you pass."

The vulture looked wild. "You don't know what getting in to, little girl move!" he screeched.

Tigress took stance and frowned. "You know, I think this proves that all scavengers are cowards."

"Fine." The vulture bowed his head in submission- then in out of his feather he drew a Jian Sword and swung straight at her. She ducked under and knocked the scavenger back with her palms. The noise of the hidden blade was so loud that she probably could have dodged it with her eyes closed. The vulture stepped back and extended his wings. He took flight. Up high, he stared down at Tigress who had her own gaze set on the vulture threateningly. He screeched and flew straight down pointing the sword to thrust. Tigress easily avoided the sharp blade letting it pass her by. As the vulture's head came close to assing her, she brought her fist closer along with it and then they connected.

The vulture fell to the ground with his face planted in the sand. Tigress allowed herself to smirk, he was obvious no fighter as she been had warned. She made her way towards him to be certain that he was unconcious. When she was right behind the scavenger, he swiftly snapped round and threw a feather-balled fist full of sand right for her eyes. Unfortunately for him it didn't get the desired effect. She had managed to move her paw in the way before it could hit.

She frowned. That was the second time someone had tried to catch her off guard, but this time she saw it coming. The vulture was about to let his smugness take over- but then he saw her enraged expression. He was not fighter, but a dirty one, which in her eyes was worse than someone who couldn't fight at all.

The snow leopard gradually approached the elephant with dangerous pursuit. He dodged the elephant's oncoming strikes one after the other effortlessly and slowly gained distance between them. His adversary was seething because this.

Why wouldn't he stay still? That look on the leopard's face was what bothered him the most, it wasn't normal, in fact it made his thick skin crawl. Rage built up at his own discomfort. Right now this snow leopard was just toying with him and it infuriated him. He wondered if he had done the same thing to his xiōng dì before he killed him. The thought only filled him with even more anger. He brought his fist down again to where he was standing only for him to side step as if he was courteously allowing someone to walk by. "STOP. DODGING ME!" he roared through his teeth.

The snow leopard watched him purposely and ducked under the elephant's fist again- then gave him a louring smile.

He hissed aggressively and threw a punch down at him again, which the snow leopard flitted away from before it went crashing into the sand. "I will wipe that look from your face, and kill you!" he hissed.

This time the elephant brought both his fists high and prepared to crush the snow leopard, but astonishingly he stayed in place watching as the elephant's huge fists drew near. His fists ploughed into the sand making crater and sending a plum of grains everywhere.

The elephant had the snow leopard in sights the whole time since he had commenced his attack till its end... and to his own eyes it looked like he had simply disappeared, it left him with a chilling feeling, and he couldn't help becoming fixated on where he had just stood.

Then what happened next filled him with even more astonishment, the snow leopard reappeared right in front of his eyes! He knew his face was stricken, his own eyes could only have been wide with what was defined as disbelief. And the snow leopard merely looked grim.

Bizzare as it was The feline's eyes held something. Looking into them the elephant could only recognise it as his own folly.

Tai lung scanned the beast, his eyes roamed over the elephant's neck. All it would take to bring this to an end would be a well-aimed wound to the correct area, then he'd bleed out and yes, die... 'Quick and easy'. He released his claws. His paws stung. It might bothered someone lesser- but it was easily tolerable when he knew how much damage he'd inflict on his prey. Any hesitation on his own pain simply went away. This was his element, the role of the predator, and dealing in its functions came naturally to him. In this place, he never felt more at ease.

Thoughts turned darker as he drew nearer to what he was about to do, but then suddenly... something struck him. What would she think? Seeing his ruthlessness at its worst would disgust her... he knew it. She was already wary of him, and the sight of him murdering someone- not matter the reason- would only repulse her. In her eyes it would either be black of white. He didn't want to give her any reason to push him away, and even if that didn't matter she would probably be wary only because it was him doing the killing. Damn, he had to decide now. Then vexation filled him, he suddenly forgot about convenience and started rethinking his plan of attack. His posture shift through the air, and his mind- though hesitant- was made up.

Pulling back his leg the beginnings of blue energy started to discharge from it as he projected great focus. The elephant was frozen- whether it was with fear or astonishment Tai lung couldn't have cared less- but now it was too late.

Tai lung brought his swift foot down planting it on the elephant's chest causing an ethereal wave to resonate through the giant's whole body. The massive animal went rigid and his eye went white, then he started to sway on his feet.

Tai lung landed back down and allowed a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

Watching the tipsy giant sway, he considered simply knocking him down, but then he didn't have to because the giant's balance had finally given out.

Raja and his own combatant had been brawling for a while and both were still tangled in a struggle on who bites first, but they both came to a halt for a moment as they watched the formerly enraged elephant swinging on his heels as if he was drunk, neither knew what to make of it, and brushed it off, resuming their battle.

Tigress had the vulture pinned down under her foot and had the sword he carried pointed at the scavenger's throat, before she had time to decide what to do with him, she felt the sudden sensation that something was behind her. It could have to do with the fact that she felt the ground behind her give off slight a tremor. Strangely a large shadow cast over her and her enemy- it seemed to be quickly growing bigger. Turning around, she was greeted by the back of the large beast. She narrowed her eyes in shock. The giant was falling backwards- right towards her and the scavenger. She took her foot from the gasping vulture and leapt away at the last second- the vulture shrieked then there was loud thud, and it was over.

Tai lung scrutinised the fallen elephant; he was a somewhat taken that what he'd had done, though he shouldn't be, the idea of using his nerve attack through the foot instead of hand was a little far-fetched, but the method worked essentially the same, just sending the energy through a different part of his body. Although, it seemed locking the elephant's nerve points had malfunctioned for an unknown reason, because the effects were usually instantaneous but using it on the large fellow the effects had taken a bit longer to kick in.

Tai lung looked past the large mammal's unconscious form and noticed Tigress eying it strangely; she must have been close by when he had fallen. He made his way to her.

Tigress felt him behind her and stiffened slightly. She didn't need to guess who it was, she decided speak out before he did. "You almost got me crushed you know."

Tai lung made note of her body language as he gained nearer to her and frowned, even though it was almost nothing- The way she went rigid made him stir inside, but he approach her as if he hadn't noticed. "Very sorry dear, I'll make sure that next time the enemy won't get in your way."

She could hear the smile in his voice, obviously he wasn't bothered. She turned round to face him. "Where's Raja?" Tai lung didn't answer, instead he look past her. She followed his eyes and saw Raja still fighting and his opponent still standing.

Raja was beginning to get tired. He eyed the other cobra wearily he was obviously no spring chicken, but it he didn't anticipate that his opponent would last so long, let only match him. The other snake was equally worn out at least; otherwise he would have felt a bit shamefully. He just didn't have the stamina he had when he was younger although he'd grudgingly admit if he had kept up train instead of getting messed up in politics then he would have won already.

The bronze cobra flared his nostrils "You're doing well, old man I thought you would have keeled over by now."

Raja wasn't surprised by his arrogance, it came with youth and it was especially prominent in the young powerful alpha like the one in front of him. He out of shape, and this enemy was strong. Raja snarled and to which it was returned, and they prepared to attack each other again.

They charged, but then suddenly a grey contour shot between them blocking whatever they had planned to do to one another, and then they saw that it was a sword. Both of them eyed the object in shock for a moment- until they heard two other unspecified objects land on either side of the bronze cobra.

Raja smirked at and waited for him to turn around; the cobra wearily frowned at Raja then craned his head to look behind him. He saw a tiger on left and a snow leopard on his right both harbouring threatful expressions- and in that instant he wised up, they had won. The next thing he knew the sword that was fired between them was now forced against his neck which was enough to force into staying still regardless his eyes scanned the huge span of the tent and he saw his huge ally slumped around the centre close to the entrance. His mouth turned into a thin line, he looked back at Raja who looked about ready to finish him then to the other two surrounding him. He sighed, and lowering his head accepting defeat.

Tai lung smirked at him and stepped forward. The cobra had been wary of him since the moment he appeared. "Every soldier here would be alerted with a loud enough noise. You won't get away with this," he said defiantly, but the snow leopard sneered.

"If you want to live you'll make sure we do..."

The snake snorted dismissively. "I do not fear death."

Tai lung growled maliciously. "That is good, because I do not fear to kill you."

The cobra swallowed, but other than that there was no sign that he was threatened. He quivered beneath the surface. The venomous look he was receiving didn't help with the ominous growing fear that was now festering inside him. The effect of his words no matter how simply they were looked at, were very profound and now the snake was afraid at least of the snow leopard's wrath, were it any other way he would have faced them unflinchingly and he wasn't thinking that way just to lessen a loss of pride.

Tai lung walked right on front of the snake and leaned down "Now you will listen to me"


The cobra stalked out of his tent and set a straight course to where he had been ordered. He managed to ignore the two bodies lying outside his tent. He had no idea if they were alive or dead, but they were at the bottom of his list of concerns right now. Behind him his unlikely company followed in silence. He couldn't believe he actually was doing this, but then he didn't expect these newcomers to finish off his general officers with such little effort. These two warriors... had beaten them down like they were nothing! He wasn't boasting to say that he was adapt, but the pair cats had an unworldly confidence and he was stricken by it. He looked to his right and saw the snow leopard bright irises bore into him without restraint, the message was clear 'One wrong move and see what happens...'

The snow Leopard's hand tighten around the Wushu sword he'd picked up from Raja. He was ready to behead the snake should he step a fraction out of line, and he made sure that the snake knew it. Raja slithered behind the snake and looked frustrated, Tai lung didn't understand why he would be- they had everything in hand, and all that was left was to leave with their unwilling captive. A leaderless army was as helpless as a... valley full of citizens. He did not laugh, not even inwardly.

He flicked his eyes to Tigress for a moment, but it was enough to notice that she was staring at him.

He chose to ignore it for now. She probably wanted to interrogate him about something meaningless, he would deal with her in time.

They had gotten halfway back to the longboat and passed by unnoticed, so far... "Sir?"

All four heads snapped in the direction of the soldier's voice- the wolf flinched. He stuttered, but managed regain his composure "Er...I-I didn't expect see you outside you tent sir." The wolf turned his eyes on his companions obviously not recognising any of them.

The snake paused and dared glancing at the snow leopard. He regretted it instantly, turning back to the wolf he put on a stern act and regarded him half-heartedly "Even I need to get breath of fresh air the odd... spring evening. Now. I'll be on my way." The wolf nodded uncertainly and went back to whatever he was doing.

"That was sly," Raja mocked. The other snake tried not to sneer, and kept leading them on.

"Why are you even here? You aren't from Singapore I can tell, so why fight for it? The place is no real nation; Raja has it running into-"

Raja hissed loudly but Tai lung answered. "I have no interest in politics; my own reason for why I'm here is nothing to do with you."

Tigress followed in silence, listening to what the snake had to say, not that she was conflicted about his motives. But it did have her wondering- infact she been thinking about it since even before the snake had brought it up. She watched as frown appeared on Tai lung's face and realised she was staring. Then suddenly he turned to her realising she had been watching. She pretended as if she wasn't bothered that he'd caught her, and turned her eyes forward. She caught the boat ahead and couldn't help but sigh in relief, it was a welcome sight.

She had felt somewhat insecure and a little odd without the rest of the five watching her back. When she was out on the frequent quests for china's safety they had always been a constant, and she now was away from her home and with strangers. Spending this long away from home didn't make her as homesick as she imagined, though she still missed everyone, somehow it wasn't so... unbearable. A feeling of lightness washed over her, it actually felt better without the weight of leadership holding her down.

She heard the faint sounds of talking nearby. It sounded something like 'Get in the boat' but she was too lost in thought to pay attention.

'Tigress' "Tigress." She looked up and saw Raja staring at her inquisitively. "Get in the boat." She looked past Raja and saw Tai lung who had their captive already in the boat. He had his sword aimed at the snake.

He glimpsed at her as she moved her view to the open area of beach. Tai lung dared to let his attention shift completely onto her. He followed her eyes catching on to what she was looking at 'The wide open' yet he couldn't bring himself to move, only watch frozenly, and see what she would do.

"We're wasting time, come on," Raja said impatiently.

Tigress flicked her eyes back on to the boat, and swallowed.


What's going to happen? Find out once I've finished chapter 10.

Thank you for reading! Until next time everyone, Goodbye.

Malaysian translation

"Saudara" - "Brother".