In the morning, everyone packed up their stuff and started on a long journey.
The Emperor's palace was about a five day journey.
The group traveled the rest of the day and five more days afterwards, reaching the palace on the 13th day since their fight with Kiro.
"Wow." Viper said as they all stopped to marvel at the magnificent structure that stood before them. The palace building was at least 15 stories tall and its design was the epitome of grace, elegance, power, and the will of success. Gold sculptures wrapped around the pillars of the palace, making almost the whole building shimmer.
The courtyard was about the size of the Valley of Peace. Flowers, bushes, and trees grew up out of the ground, truly making it a sight to behold.
"Let's go down and meet the other students." Tigress said.
They marched all the way to the front gate. To their surprise, the guards let them in, with no questions asked.
"We can tell that you are great kung-fu masters," one guard said, "and also we know what the Dragon Warrior looks like. It's an honor."
"No problem. Do you think that we'll be able to meet with the Emperor today?"
"That is not our call, Dragon Warrior. W're very sorry, but you will have to ask one of his messengers."
"Alright! Can do!" Po said.
They walked in and saw kung-fu warriors all over the place. They ranged in age anywhere from 18 to what looked to be 30s.
One sprinted up to Kiro.
"Kiro! Dude, you're back! We missed you!" He said.
"It's good to be back, Los!" Kiro replied.
"Hey! Is that… the Dragon Warrior?"
His reputation follows him wherever he goes… Kiro thought.
"This is he." Kiro replied. "We need to speak with one of the Emperor's messengers. Do you know where we can find one?"
"Sure! All of them are in the palace. Hold on! I'll go get Sashi! She'll want to see you."
Los ran off into the crowd.
"Ah, it's good to be home!" Kiro said.
"You live here?" Crane asked.
"Sure do, my room is way on the eastern side of the palace."
Just then, a very pretty wolf ran up to Kiro and almost tackled him.
"Kiro, you're back!" She said.
"Sashi! What's up? You seem happier to see me than usual."
"I've missed you!" She said, still hugging him.
Po nudged Kiro with his elbow.
Kiro looked at him and Po raised his eyebrows up and down.
Kiro's face reddened and he turned away from the group.
Their so cute! Viper thought.
She looked over at Crane and saw him looking at her out of the corner of his eye.
When he saw her looking at him though, his eyes immediately darted straight ahead.
"I've missed you, too. My friends and I here have to go meet the Emperor, so we gotta go, but stop by my room tonight and I'll make ya dinner. Deal?" Kiro said.
Sashi blushed. "Deal."
She ran back into the crowd.
"So," Mantis said, "How long have you two been dating?"
"Wh—We're not dating! We're just… really good friends." Kiro stammered.
"Suuuuuure." Tigress said as she walked past him. "Come on, let's go meet the Emperor."
They walked up to the palace entrance.
Po's face dropped as he looked at the 500 stairs that stood before him.
"Oh, come on! Is it like a requirement for every palace to have a huge number of stairs? What is this?"
"Come on, Po." Tigress said with a smirk as they made their way up the steps.