The battle begins...
Chapter 9
No Escape
The Garnet Palace courtyard was engulfed by a massive swirling cloud of dust and debris as Master Hui-ying hit the ground with the force of freight train. Her sizable eyes scoured the ashen billow for any sign of her opponent.
"Since you're in such a hurry to die let me assist you Hui-ying!" Xaili emerged from the brume, claws extended in a classic crane style attack. The owl swiveled her head fully around to face her incoming adversary, skillfully blocking his lunging metallic talons with her durable wings, metal claws sparking against the masters tough feathered exterior.
"Attacking from behind I see. Such a cowardly tactic!" Hui-ying flexed her wings forward clearing the courtyard of the dust cloud while sending the white tailed eagle back with considerable force. Distracted by the ensuing battle between the avians, Chen Mei had lost sight of her own opponent.
"Clink!" The artful wolf attacked the lynx from her side, grasping at her extended Bado with an open paw while planting a hefty kick to her side. "Did you forget about me?" Chen Mei fought through the pain of a broken rib, grabbing several throwing stars from her side holster, her neon green eyes tracking Nianzus incredibly fast movements.
"How could I forget such a disgusting mug?" Chen Mei threw her throwing stars straight toward the approaching master.
"YAAAYYY!" The wolf competently blocked the approaching weapons with several quick kicks. "You'll have to try harder than that pretty kitty." Nianzu grinned as he rushed the wounded lynx. Chen Mei hastily blocked his flurry of punches and kicks with her two Bados.
What's going on here?! Why did the Qogir masters show up so suddenly?! Mugan watched intently as the eagle and owl locked talons overhead spiraling toward the earth. Unless….
"Sorry about this." Dei Feng appeared next to the tank.
"About wha-Ahhhhhh!" Mugan screamed in terror as the tarantula pushed her tank off the battlefield toward an open doorway, just in time to avoid the massive brown bear slamming his fist into the tiled courtyard. Master Weizhes attack split the tiled earth creating a large gauge in the center of the Garnet Palace courtyard, the nearby wall cracked under the brute force of his punch.
"Easy Weizhe! We need to keep this place intact." Nianzu warned as he dogged several of Chen Mei's throwing daggers.
"Ha, destroyed, intact, it doesn't matter so long as we eliminate these demons!" The hulking bear eyed the cobalt hued tarantula who'd narrowly avoided his attack. "I'll squash you like the bug you are!" Weizhe charged at his miniscule opponent.
"I'M A SPIDER! Here let me demonstrate!" Dai Feng swiftly wove a web wrapping it around his would be attackers' legs. The brown bear toppled over with a loud thud. "Hmm so much for this guy, sweet dreams teddy." He manifested several poison tipped needles, rearing to stab them into his captured opponent.
"YOU-YOU UNDERESTIMATE MY POWER!" Weizhe snapped Dei Fengs web, rushing at the stunned spider.
"This guys no joke." Dai Feng managed to keep ahead of his lumbering opponent cleverly throwing his poisoned needles in the bear's path.
Weizhe artfully extended his broad paw, the poisoned needles uselessly dropping against his tough leathery paw pads. "Poison darts eh? What other fiendish little tricks do you have for me little spider?"
"Uh, oh, this ain't looking good." Dai Feng struggled to come up with a strategy to counter the behemoth.
Xaili vs Hui-ying
Both raptors plummeted toward the Garnet Palace, talons locked in a death grip, each waiting for the other to let go. Moments before smashing into the ground both masters released shooting across the courtyard, perching atop opposite pagodas.
"Not bad Kai, I'd say that was a good warmup. Now shall we get down to business?" The owl extended her wings prepping for the next onslaught.
"I thought you'd never ask! Hyyyaaaa!" Xaili soared toward Hui-ying, alloyed talons glinting in the mid-day sun. The owl smoothly leapt from her perch seconds before the eagle smashed through the pagoda. Smoke and debris littered the courtyard below as the tower crumbled. Where did that witch go? Xaili searched the surrounding air for any sign of the crafty owl.
"Looking for me?!" Hui-ying appeared above the eagle spinning her body in a cyclonic fashion as she bored into her off guard opponent.
"Ahhh! That attack?!" Xaili caught himself mere inches above the ground, never losing sight of the owl.
"Complements of Yuey!" Hui-ying glared down at her bruised foe. He's nowhere near finished if we drag this out it'll be a test of stamina, and he's much younger.
Xaili brushed the dust from his feathers as he cracked his joints for the second round. "She fell before me, what makes you think her second hand attack will defeat me witch?!" A twisted grin crept across the villainous eagle's beak. "Would you care to know her last words before she died?!"
"You'll answer for all you've done my former comrade!" Forgive me Yuey, but I must put your student down. He's no longer pure of heart, his mind as been warped and twisted by rage and darkness. Distant memories began to surface in the steadfast master's mind as she prepped her body for the final attack.
7 years earlier at Ruby Palace, Peking
"Are you ready Kai?!" Master Ming Yue looked delightedly toward her accomplished student as they made their way toward the Golden Hall of Heroes.
"Yeah, sheesh could you please stop acting so giddy Yuey?" The white tailed eagle looked up toward his master and adopted sister, her exquisite crest of crimson feathers shinning in the setting sun. "It's great and all but you're going a little over board sis."
"How can I not be excited?! My little brothers about to become a full fledge master!" The red crowned crane jumped with excitement as they neared the center atrium. Masters Hui-ying, Weizhe, Nianzu sat solemnly with their backs to a large fire pit.
"Ming Yue please join the others." An elderly black snubbed nosed monkey stood behind the trio of masters clutching an ancient staff.
"Yes sir!" The red crowned crane bowed giving Xaili a slight nudge and gently whispering in his ear. "Good luck bro!"
"Xaili?!" The monkey turned his attention toward the adolescent white tailed eagle.
The primates booming voice shook the eagle to his core. "Yes grand Master Dàzhong?"
"Prepare yourself!" Xaili lost sight of the primate as the fire went out, eyes frantically searching the hall for his whereabouts.
"CLANK!" The young eagle managed to catch the old monkey's staff with his outstretched talon.
"Mind your footing!" Master Dàzhong swept at the eagles other leg causing him to lose balance. Xaili quickly caught himself, performing a back flip.
"You think you are deserving of the title master?! Prove it!" The old simian rushed at the eagle throwing lightning fast punches and kicks. Xaili remember his crane style training, the key of which was deflecting your opponents own force against him. Each punch and kick were gracefully dodged by the quick footed raptor. As the monkey closed in for his final strike Xaili used his left wing to absorb the force of the attack letting it flow into his right wing which struck the agile primate. "Click." Master Dàzhong's staff fell to the ground.
"YAAAY WAY TO GO XAILI! WOOHOOO!" Master Ming Yue cheered for her students resounding success only to realize the other three masters coldly staring back at her. Feeling the blood rush to her face Ming Yue quickly sat back down. "I-I mean most impressive Master Xaili."
"Yes, you've clearly mastered the art of kung fu young Xaili." Master Dàzhong brushed himself off. The eagle could feel his pride rising. I've finally did it! I'm one of the legendary Masters of the Qogir! The elderly snubbed nosed monkey steadied himself with his staff. "Unfortunately, I cannot grant you the title of master."
The eagles heart sunk as his masters words set in. "What?! But why grand master? Am I not skilled in the scared arts?"
Yuey watched from the sidelines as heartbroken as her adopted little brother. "But master has Xaili not proven his worth?! His skills are on par with all of ours are they not?!"
The owl looked at her comrade who struggled to fight back the tears at her master's cruel decision. "Yuey please, master knows what is best."
"No I won't accept this! Give Kai a chance!" Ming Yue stood up pushing away Hui-ying.
"That is enough! I've made my decision!" The monkey's voice thundered through the golden hall.
"At least tell us why my master." Hui-ying asked trying to diffuse the situation as best she could.
"It's because of his family Hui-ying." Nianzu answered coldly.
"My family?" The eagle turned toward the wolf.
"I fear Nianzu is right young master Xaili." Master Dàzhong looked troubled by the wolf's revelation. "I'm under the orders of the Emperor to see to it that you do not become a master."
"T-the emperor?!" Xaili struggled to hold back the torrent of emotions.
"Your family the Lie Fu clan was known for aiding and abetting the terrorist organization named Rì shí, who mercilessly killed countless innocents. Therefore a penchant for darkness courses through your veins. I tried to sway his majesties decision but alas I too felt the darkness upon fighting you." The Monkey looked down ashamed by what he had done to the young vibrant master. Hui-ying and the others watched as the young white tailed eagle stood quietly in the center atrium taking in Master Dàzhong's news.
"He's not evil! He's one of us master! Please reconsider." Ming Yue could no longer hold back her own emotions, tears cascading down her face. "How can the imperial court pass judgment on an innocent child?! Yes, maybe his family has a dark history but that shouldn't keep him from being one of us, a pure of heart master!"
"Heh." Xaili shuddered, a deep rage boiling within his very soul. "HAHAHAHA! I GET IT!" The others turned horrified by his sudden change in character, his eyes had glazed over, cold and listless. "This is a conspiracy! A plot to tarnish the Lie Fu clan's name! To white wash us from the history books!"
Ming Yue could hardly believe her own eyes as the eagle hissed toward their omnipotent master. "Xaili please stop this!"
"You prove my point young master." Master Dàzhong stood his ground starring at the tormented soul before him. "Take me down if you wish."
"I curse the day I set foot here! And I curse you and that blasted chicken you call the emperor!" Xaili spit as he took to the air, racing out of the sacred hall.
"No brother wait!" Ming Yue took off after the enraged eagle ignoring her friend's pleas to not follow him.
Outside the night sky was churning with thunderclouds as the rain pelted the red crowned crane trying desperately to catch her brother. "Kai please wait!" The eagle stopped mid-flight spinning around to meet the crane.
"You're the worst of them all Yuey! Filling my mind with hopes dreams and aspirations! Lies! All of it lies! And to think I called you my sister!" Xaili's face hid nothing, the crane could visibly see the anger and hatred coursing through his being.
"They were not lies Kai! I meant every word of it! You are my brother, my student, my friend!" Ming Yue's tears mingled with the cascading rain droplets tracing black streaks upon her feathered cheeks. "Please Kai, please stay with us brother!"
"Heh, your ignorance is laughable, clearly that old baboon deems me unfit, dangerous, a cursed relic from a dark past! You still cling to hope that there's actual good in this sickening world." The white tailed eagle approached the red crown crane, they were now face to face.
"I love you Kai please don't do this to us, to me! We're all family!" Ming Yue stretched her wings to emphasize how much they cared about him. "I've known you since you were a little chick, please stop this nonsense and come home!"
"HOME!? There is no home Yuey! There never was, I was an orphan cursed by a nation for my families past, accused of their sins! I'll find a new home, a new clan, and destroy that vile creature you call the emperor!" Xaili removed a blade from his brown hanfu. "Then, the balance shall be restored and history properly written, that the Lie Fu were the bravest and strongest of all the royal court, the leaders of China!"
"I'm not going to fight you brother!" Ming Yue postured herself in a defensive stance.
"Then join me sister, help me right the wrongs which my family had been dealt! Help me destroy the emperor!" Xaili looked into his sisters eyes with a warm sincerity which seemed to negate the fear she'd felt a moment ago.
"I-I can't Kai, I made a vow to protect the emperor, to protect China!" Ming Yue stood her ground, heartbroken and drenched.
"Very well, then you are my enemy!" The eagle lunged toward the crane, hell fire eyes lit by nearby lightning. Before driving the blade into Ming Yue the eagle stopped short overcome with incredible pain as he watched his left talon leave his body. Xaili crashed to the ground with a thud, his left talon still clamped around the blade fell nearby.
"You stay away from her!" Hui-ying appeared holding a hook sword in her talons, massive amber eyes casting their own eerie glow.
"Cough!" The eagle picked up his injured, mud covered body using his wings to steady himself on his remaining leg. "You'll pay for that witch! You'll all pay! The next time we meet shall be in battle!" Xaili flew into the overcast void as the owl embraced her devastated comrade.
Back on the Battlefield
Mugan watched from the safety of the inner corridors as her once pristine palace crumbled under the strength of the battling masters. If they keep this up they'll be no palace left! The cretins!
Hui-ying looked down on her former comrade turned enemy as he prepared to launch his next attack. Blinded with hatred the eagle raced toward the owl readying to tear her apart with his wicked metal talons. "You'll pay for what you did to me Hui-ying!"
The owl dodged the attack placing several blows to the eagle's wings, she had to finish this fight here and now. It's time I put an end to this hatred to this monster we created! Xaili fell against the tiled courtyard and rubble, wings immobilized from Hui-ying's pressure point attack. "Yuey never gave up hope on you Kai! She believed that with in your cold heart was still the kindness and compassion she'd seen in you. Yuey died believing that, that's why you were able to defeat her so easily!"
"How touching! Be sure to say hello when you see her in hell!" Xaili raised himself prepping for his next attack. She's crippled my wings, no matter I'll use master Dat Sao's forbidden technique to finish her off. "I've learned some new tricks since the last time we fought!" The eagle summoned is remaining chi focusing it on the earth bellow. Hui-ying looked on astonished as the earth in front of Xaili began to bubble forming into a geyser of mud.
Chen Mei continued her prolonged duel with Master Nianzu as she caught sight of her comrade. He's using that technique? He's either stupid or desperate. "Clank!" The lynx blocked another barrage of hits form the swift wolf.
"Hey you haven't forgotten about me yet have you pretty kitty?!" Nianzu smirked as he unleashed several more blows.
The lynx smiled as she readied her next attack. "How could I forget that nasty wet dog smell?!"
"That really hurts babe! But not as much as this will!" Nianzu attempted to drop kick the feline who adeptly dogged.
What-what the heck is that?! Hui-ying could hardly believe her eye's as the mud geyser began to mold into a familiar shape taking on the features of a snake.
"Now taste your defeat! First the Garnet Palace then the Jade Palace, and then Peking shall fall before our might!" Xaili had visibly become deranged by facing the very master who took his left leg. "Serpent of Stone!" The eagle lifted his immobilized wings to direct the massive stone snake, guiding it directly toward Hui-ying while breaking his own bones.
Drat, I can't dodge it! I'll have to rely on strength alone! The owl braced herself as the wicked rock serpent opened its monstrous mouth swallowing the master whole. Following its feast the creature fell back to earth crashing into what remained of the Garnet Palace.
Xaili looked on delighted by his victory. "Mwwhahhah! Yes, join that other fool in the afterlife where you two belong! Now to destroy the rest of those Ruby Palace worms!" The eagle prepared to assist Dai Feng as the spider looked to have his legs full against his gargantuan adversary. Before taking another step the eagle was knocked to the ground by an impressive blast of purple chi as the stone serpent exploded into tiny pieces.
"Like I said Yuey never gave up hope on you Kai. Me on the other hand I knew you were a retched low life after that day." The owl took several deep breaths as the cloud of purple energy dissipated.
"WHY?! WHY WON'T YOU JUST DIE ALREADY?!" The white tailed eagle hissed as he blindly charged owl.
"I've learned some new tricks too Kai. I was saving this one just for you." Hui-ying moved her body through multiple graceful stances before holding her wings vertical. The villainous eagles eyes widened with terror as a small sun like ball of energy formed between the owls wings. "It's called the Mongolian Fireball. Now to answer for all your crimes! Hyyyaaa!"
"Noooo!" Xaili moved as quickly as he could away from the Mongolian Fireball before it detonated. A golden light enveloped the entire courtyard dissipating and leaving a small black hole. The eagle dug his wings into the earth as the relentless vacuum pulled at his body. His prosthetic legs were sucked into the lifeless void as he clambered away from it, using his remaining chi to stay planted on the ground. Finally the vacuum ceased leaving the legless eagle exhausted. "You-you can't defeat me!" Xaili passed out at Hui-ying's feet.
"One down, two more to go." Hui-ying looked toward the ferocious battles ensuing around the courtyard, her comrades seemed to have things under control for the moment.
Chen Mei and Nianzu's battle of attrition
"Clank! Clank! Clank!" Sparks showered over the darkened corridor inside the Garnet Palace as Chen Mei and Nianzu matched blows. The Lynx landed several hits on the wolf but he still kept attacking ferociously.
"Y-You tried yet pretty kitty?" Nianzu panted as he stepped back from the posturing lynx.
"Hu-Hu-I-I'm just getting started flea bag." Chen Mei rushed at the wolf, her grey fur turning into a blur as she gained momentum. "Yeeeaahhh!" Several more slices at Nianzu who continued blocking the blades with his bare fists. I need to come up with a better strategy, this guy's seriously cramping my style. "Clank, clink, clank!" Blade against paw, paw against blade, the masters fought through the darkened corridors waiting for each other to weaken enough for a finishing blow.
"Anyone ever tell you you've got the prettiest eyes?" Nianzu smiled as he blocked several of Chen Mei's slices.
"No, anyone ever tell you to keep your mouth shut?" The Lynx blocked another strike from her adversary as the pain from her broken rib was starting to make each breath excruciating.
"All the time, they don't call me big mouth Nianzu for nothing." The wolf gave the perplexed feline a thumbs up.
"Is this a game to you fool?!" Chen Mei growled as she showed her formidable canines.
"N-no I just enjoy fighting, it's kind of my thing babe!" Nianzu winked as he unleashed another roundhouse kick.
"STOP CALLING ME BABE AND PRETTY KITTY! IT'S CREEPY!" The lynx threw her dagger axe at the wolf, comically hitting him in the forehead.
"OW! Ok-ok, but you never told me your name pretty kitty." Nianzu rubbed his swelling forehead.
"It's Chen Mei! And who might you be flea bag?!" Chen Mei felt her side holster only to discover her ample supply of throwing knives and stars had run dry. Guess it's time to use Dai Fengs special elixir. There it is! The lynx looked down at the blue vile in her leather gloved paw wondering if it would actually work.
"Names Nianzu! Master of the Ruby Palace, and number one ladies man." The wolf made an awkward gesture as he grinned at Chen Mei.
"I was wondering if you could help me out Nianzu? I've got this special potion my friend cooked up but I've never used it for battle." The lynx showed the wolf the glowing cobalt liquid between her fingers.
"I uh-"Nianzu looked on unsure of what to make of the potion.
"Like I said you're going to help me out…by being my sparring partner. I want to see how good this stuff really is." Chen Mei popped off the cork and brought the blue vile to her lips. The smell of sulfur mixed with lavender filled her acute nose as her friend's warning echoed in her head. Remember Mei only one drop of this stuff should do the trick. Anymore and your body might not be able to withstand the stress. "I was hoping to save this for my epic battle against the dragon warrior, oh well." Chen Mei gulped down the entire vile, wiping her mouth and waiting for the effects to take hold.
Several seconds past as Nianzu looked on baffled by the lynx's act. "So is something supposed to like happen?"
"I told you I've never used this before, I don't know!" She scowled disappointed by the apparent dud Dai Feng had given her. "So much for that-AHHHHH!" Chen Mei's iris narrowed as she felt the chi begin to flow through her body, unbelievable chi. Blue energy began to dance around the feline as her canines grew larger along with her entire frame gaining about several feet, her retracted claws extended forming into formidable weapons. Nianzu slowly backed away from the monster cat as he looked for any viable exit.
"Why did I let her drink that?! Stupid, stupid, stupid!" Nianzu looked up greeted by the now 10ft saber toothed cat looming over him with a devilish grin. "Uh, oh…"
Dai Feng and Master Weizhe's attention turned toward one of the palace walls as it exploded, Nianzus body flying through the air like a rag doll followed by a massive sabre toothed lynx on all fours. "Well, there's something you don't see every day." Master Weizhe looked on in astonishment.
Darn it! I told her not to drink the whole vile! I hope the chi doesn't destroy her. So, reckless! Dai Feng hoped his friend wouldn't die from his chi infused performance elixir.
"Your fights with me spider!" The brown bear growled as he swung at the distracted arachnid.
"I never forgot!" Dai Feng blocked the bears attack with a net of web.
"I crush wolfy now!" Chen Mei or what used to be Chen Mei approached the dazed wolf. Her voice had dropped several octaves along with her I.Q. The saber toothed cat monster raised her fists preparing to crush the stunned kung fu master. Without a moment to lose Nianzu rolled to the side avoiding the unbelievably powerful hit on par with Weizhe's earlier demonstration.
Ever the adept master, the wolf took note that despite her exponential increase in raw power the lynx had sacrificed her agility and cunning, crucial tools for winning a battle. "I'm sorry honey but I don't think it'll work out between us." Nianzu managed to land several hits on the towering lynx monster, though they had little to no effect on her toughened exterior.
"RAAAAWWWRRR!" The creature slashed at Nianzu with her knife like claws, the wolf painfully blocked the sharpened keratin blades. He could sense the battle slowly turning in her favor. Nianzu struggled as the lynx monster grabbed his body in her massive paw, slowly crushing the poor master.
"Ghhhaaaaa! Go a little easy on the grip kitty!" Nianzu struggled to keep his cool while staring down the gullet of the towering feline monster.
"You make yummy snack!" Chen Mei's huge canines dangled to either side of Nianzu's head, her hot stinking breath nearly suffocating the distressed master.
"Well I suppose it couldn't have ended any more theatrically for the best kung fu master in all China baby!" The wolf closed his eyes preparing to meet his end in Chen Mei's stomach.
"GRRRRAAAAAWWW" The sabre toothed monster released Nianzu as several chi blasts struck her from behind.
"What the heck is going on here?!" Hui-ying perched next to battered wolf.
"Heh, well it's kind of a long story Hui-ying." Nianzu smiled at his comrade as the hulking feline approached the pair.
"Never mind how do we take him out?" The owl tried to pinpoint any weak spots on the monster.
"He's actually a she and I haven't found any yet." Nianzu readied himself for the next onslaught.
"HAHAH, so little birdy wants to play to?" Chen Mei approached the masters preparing to cut them down with her razor claws but stopped short. "Gha!" The behemoth fell to her knees grasping at her stomach. "Ahhh!" Both masters looked on as the creature began to shrink.
"She's changing back?" Hui-ying watched uneasily as the creature transformed back into the normal Chen Mei.
"GRAHHH, NOOO! I must stop-" Chen Mei reached at the pair before she fell unconscious.
"That's two down one more to go!" Nianzu gave an approving thumbs up as he and Hui-ying looked toward the continuing battle between Dai Feng and Master Weizhe.
"Mei!" Dai Feng watched his friend fall before the other masters while trying to outwit his persistent opponent.
"You're the only one left little spider!" The brown bear prepared to finish off the Singapore blue tarantula as the other Qogir masters approached from either side.
"Surrender now and we might spare your life." Hui-ying ordered as she prepared to launch a side attack on the spider.
"You should listen to her man, it's not worth getting squashed under Weizhe's big bear feet." Nianzu motioned toward the hulking tower of fur and muscle.
"Ha, the Five Shadows Never surrender! I'll die before I give up you scum!" Dai Feng bravely stood his ground against the three Qogir masters hoping for death to come swiftly. Before the bear could crush Dai Feng beneath his foot he froze. Dat Sao, Xing Lee, and another figure draped in an emerald hood appeared in front of the other masters.
"Looks like I timed my arrival perfectly." The hooded figure spoke in a low gravelly voice as he eyed the three stunned kung fu masters.
To be continued...