"Uhhh... Po"...? I got myself to ask after getting over the shock of seeing those cursed seeds again.

"Mmmm"? He half responded, keeping his focus on the bag as he dumped its contents straight into the burning cauldron.

"What are those"?

"Oh, uh... just some seeds"...

It wasn't a complete lie, but it wasn't enough to fool me. That was indeed the bag that held the Shu Yong seeds. But... if he was burning them... then that would mean...

"Uh... just out of interest, what day is it today"? I spoke, trying not to sound shaky...

"Tuesday I think".

Tuesday?! It was Friday not two hours ago! Wasn't Tuesday the day Fenghaung attacked?! I quickly checked the suns position. Fenghaung attacked when the sun was at its highest point in the sky. There was at least another hour until it happened...

So let me just TRY and wrap my brain around this. If Po is burning the Shu Yong seeds before Fenghaung attacked, then Po wouldn't have needed to have used them and accidentally expose them to me, which means that I would have never been able to use those seeds in the first place, and if I never used the seeds then I wouldn't have been sent back in time which means that the last few days that I had endured and suffered... they hadn't actually existed!

...

My mind was silently battling itself on whether I should just go and throw a violent tantrum right here, right now or not. I mean, everything... Every exhausting, pain enduring moment that I had to suffer and battle through was all for naught... If there was ever a time for me to utter the eff word, now was the time. And believe me, I would have done if Shifu and the five hadn't emerged from the training hall. While the majority of them kept their eyes on Po, only Viper and Shifu looked over to me. Viper with shock, Shifu with an eye raised. I didn' have long to find out why I was recieving those looks as they rushed towards me. Shifu was the first to speak.

"Python. How did you aqquire those wounds"?

Wounds?

I looked down. I still had the claw marks raked across my body. Sure, the last few days didn't exist, yet I still have these injuries? That is just fantastic... thanks a lot time and space continium... I quickly tried to think up a story as quick as I could.

"I... got attacked in the bamboo forest, Master Shifu"... I quickly responded.

"You were attacked"? Viper questioned.

"Yeah... by... wolf bandits"... I quickly spoke. Although I had yet to see whether wolves were sentient or not in this world or not, I had to take a gamble and pray that they were, otherwise I'd be sunk.

"Those marks seem rather large for a common wolf". Shifu pointed out.

"... They were big wolves"...

Both Viper and Shifu looked at each other then suspiciously to me. I tried to distract myself as I looked to see Po throw away the now empty bag and leave. I then turned back to face the two. Neither of them looked convinced.

"And the reason your injuries have been treated"?

"The wolves had plenty of resources"... I thought up quickly. Anymore questions and they may end up trying to pry open the truth.

"I see"... Shifu mused. "If that is truly the case, I suppose that we should have no business to press on with any further matters concerning these matters. The past is the past now".

Yes... it sure was...

"At least we are now aware of your lack of presence this morning, and your reasons are understandable. However, I would recommend that you inform me of when you are planning on going into the forest without permission. You are still a student remember".

"Of course Master Shifu".

Shifu nodded and I bowed, slowly and carefully before he left. Viper however stayed planted to her spot, keeping her usual worried face. I could tell that she was concerned. I sighed and held her tail.

"Go on". I spoke gently. "I know you're going to say it sooner or later".

"... Can I at least take a proper look? They may need stitching"...

I doubted that. If they did, then they already have been done so... by her past self. I'm sure she was just over thinking things, fearing the worst for my safety. Couldn't say I blamed her for it. I'd have done the same thing if our positions were switched.

"Trust me Viper, I'm fine. I promise". I had to speak while looking into her saphire colored eyes.

She looked back into mine for what felt like hours. I wasn't sure whether she was going to begin demanding more about the subject or whether, like Shifu, she would drop it. I was about to speak until she gave a sigh at last.

"Alright. I believe you Mike". She nodded with a smile which I returned. "But don't think that I'll be letting you out of my sights so easily next time. After all, Oogway did once say that it is more than strength and power which bonds two warriors to each other".

I had to supress a chuckle. That would indeed sound like something Oogway would say.

"You don't think I can protect myself"? I asked innocently while keeping my smile. This only got Viper to roll her eyes as a response.

"Of course I do. But it doesn't stop me, and everyone else from worrying about your safety. We all care for you Mike, just as you do for us".

I adopted a more serious face.

"You're right. sorry"... I sighed, feeling as though I was breaking whatever bond we all shared.

"It's fine. I know you meant well". Viper smiled, wrapping her tail around my neck and resting the top of her head on mine, causing me to blush. It helped that everyone else had already returned back into the training hall at this time, otherwise I would have felt embarrassed as they would have most likely been watching us. Eventually, she pulled away and I followed the motion, pulling back to my side, both of us giving a small smile to each other. Silence followed for a moment.

"So... if you're feeling fine, how about we have a little sparring match"?

I gave a small laugh. I guess some training sounded relaxing enough ironically.

"I would like that". I responded.

With that, the pair of us slithered our way into the training room. For now, I could take a break in the action and just... enjoy spending time with the snake of my dreams. Yet despite our talk, neither of us had noticed the single seed lying on the ground near the cauldron, sitting motionless until found...

(Follow the rest of Mikes story in Legend Of The Kung Fu Python)

THE END

...

O. M. G. I have finally done it. I have gotten off of my lazy backside and finished this story at long! Dang! Last! And the feeling is amazing! I apologize for keeping you guys waiting for so many months, but here we are. It is done! So thank you all so much for your patience, and I hope you will continue reading my stories in the future. Cheerio!