Hey, guys! First off, my first story officially has fifty reviews!

I would like to personally thank the following people for making this possible (at least the people who followed it the closest): FFcrazy15, who was the very first person to review the story, staying with it until the end.

Inkheat5351, who is also behind the main areas for the OC Leah.

Soul of A Lion, who read my stories on personal request and has stayed with them ever since the first chapter.

The GINNNNGRRRRRRR, who was THE person to give me my fiftieth review.

Well, here's the next chapter, and I do hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. BTW, I have a picture on that gives a small example of what happened between Crane's encounter with the guardian of the academy mentioned in the story. It's titled "Mei Ling and Crane" and it's by a deviant ocartina. Also, there's this part involving Spencer and Leah that, while it may be random, I wanted to throw it in there, seeing as they haven't had a genuinely sweet moment together in quite some time. The song used for the part is "Watching the River Run" by Kenny Loggins, and I chose it simply because both the lyrics of the song and the instruments the band in question uses match up the closest within the story's timeline. There's also this one part where Shifu takes out his flute to play a certain song, so also look up "Sorrow and Sadness Flute" on youtube.

Chapter 12

Xin-Ju: East City Mountains: 8:00

"Where could that stupid archway be? Mei Ling gives me a scroll with detailed upon detailed descriptions of where to find the Academy, and I can't even seem to get a single glimpse, even though I'm thirty feet in the air!"

Crane decided to land on the top of a large house to see if he could try and spot the entrance to the aforementioned academy, taking to the skies once again after failing to spot the entrance that he was searching for. The wind flowed through the feathers of the graceful bird circled back around, finding this search for a simple gateway incredibly meticulous.

"Hey! Straw-head! Get down here!" shouted a citizen from the ground, one that caught Crane's eye immediately.

Not wanting to cause a scuffle, Crane gracefully landed before the man that had called out to him, walking up to the man to see what the matter was. The citizen in question was a tall Grizzly Bear, standing at least two feet higher than Crane, a scar going over his left eye, which had been covered with an eye patch that hid his injury that he had gained from his experiences in battle while his other was a deep purple, filled with the dark memories of fierce wars and lost allies. His brown-furred chest was completely exposed; the hairs on his chest wavering in the soft breeze, giving his fur the effect of a loose cheongsam. Wrapped around the apex predator's wrists were bandages studded with dulled spikes, obviously placed there for extra punishment while the behemoth was in combat. His lower body was covered with a pair of fairly loose black silk pants while a golden dragon wrapped around both legs. This man was obviously a skilled and experienced warrior; one that demanded respect for his exerted energy and noble sacrifice.

"I'm sorry, my good sir. Is something the matter?" asked Crane as he bowed to the large bear Kung-Fu style.

The large Grizzly could only smile at the avian.

'This bird knows how to show respect to those he knows have been through the wear of war. I will have to make sure that his is the one Master Mei Ling spoke of.'

"Rise avian. I have a few questions to ask you."

Crane did as he was told, patiently waiting for the large bear's interrogation.

"Why were you soaring around the sky like you were? You seemed to be searching for something."

"Oh, I was looking for the archway entrance to the Kin-Jong Kung-Fu Academy. An old friend of mine is the grandmaster there."

The Grizzly curiously eyed the bird, leading Crane to crane (actually, pun completely intended (maybe)!) his neck in guilt, thinking that he didn't give a clear enough answer to the large fighter before him.

"Hm… you seem innocent enough. Where are you from, avian?"

"I have come from the Jade Palace in the Valley of Peace, traveling in a caravan with Grandmaster Shifu, the Dragon Warrior, the rest of the Furious Five, and three of the four Elemental Dragons. We also picked up a few others that will soon be taking up residence in this village. We are staying here for the night before we disembark for Sheng-Fong in hopes of finding a dear friend of ours." Replied Crane, lifting his head back to at least try and reassure his answer to try and not seem conspicuous and just draw even more attention to himself.

"So you say. Do you have any proof of this claim?"

"Well, I don't really have any possessions on me, but I suppose I could-"

"You expect me to believe you simply by watching you perform some basic kata? A trainee could perform those with little to no assistance!"

"Oh, well, I suppose I could-"

"You're a spy! Do you really think that you can take over this city so easily? I will tear you apart using nothing by my claws!"

"No! I mean, I'm just-"

"Enough! Prepare to meet your punishment, vile worm!"

The Grizzly lifted his paw above his head as Crane prepared to fight the large warrior; flying towards him as the hammering set of claws came plummeting to meet with Crane.

"Kaito! What on earth do you think you're doing?" screamed a voice as its owner sprinted down the stairs, leaping in front of Crane and the Grizzly Bear, impeding their attacks before either combatant could come close to landing a blow.

"Mei Ling? Is that you?"

The mountain cat turned to face her old classmate, staring into the avian's dark brown eyes as he returned the stare into her blue-gray eyes surrounded by the golden flood of her cornea, the two letting smiling at each other as Crane let out a chuckle, Mei Ling returning it with a small giggle as she turned to face Crane's attacker.

'She's just as I remember; short, flowing fur, smooth leather cuirass, same silk pants, same leg wraps.'

In fact, the only thing that had changed was that Mei Ling's scarf had put on a little length, being at least four inches longer as it flowed in the wind.

"I don't believe I heard your answer to my question, Taiko. Why are you attacking this great master? You do know who he is, correct?" asked Mei Ling with absolute anger in her tone.

"Forgive me, master. I had to make sure that this man wasn't an attacker or an assassin, though if he was, he would really suck at his job." Replied the large bear, bowing to Mei Ling in apology as she shook her head in slight frustration.

"Kaito, you take your job as guardian of the Academy very seriously, and I respect you highly for that, but you know that I gave you labyrinth-detailed descriptions of my dear friend. Maybe you need to relax for a while."

"My apologies, master. Now, you two run along. I believe you have some catching up to do." Replied Kaito, winking to the two masters as both Mei Ling and Crane turned their heads sheepishly to hide the blushes that had appeared on their faces.

"Well, Mei Ling? Shall we soar into the night?" asked Crane as he spread his wings, ready to erupt from the ground and take to the air with his old friend.

"Only if you can keep up!"

With that, Mei Ling leapt into the air and started sprinting across the city rooftops, Crane chuckling before he too took to the skies, trailing the mountain cat at a breakneck speed. The two warriors continually chased each other throughout the city, looping and twisting through the air, Crane diving to the streets as Mei Ling sprinted above him, hopping from roof to roof before being scooped up by Crane and taken into the skies.

"Whoa! What's with you tonight, Crane?"

Crane released Mei Ling as she flipped onto another rooftop, Crane flying ahead of her before she jumped off of the end of the building she was running across as Crane caught her, setting her down within the square they had stopped in.

"It's great to see you again, Crane."

"It's nice to see you too, Mei Ling. I have so much to tell you about that I couldn't mention in my letters!"

Mei Ling's head began to wander before he eyes darted toward two men unconscious near a closed building.

"Um, Crane. I think we might want to help your friends before we do anything."

"What do you mean Mei-… un-freaking-believable." said Crane before shaking his head in utter disappointment at what Mei Ling had been talking about.

Much to Crane's annoyance and Mei Ling's humor, Monkey and Mantis were slumped over the steps of the building in a hung-over stupor with drool falling from their lips.

"Come on, Mei Ling. Help me with carry these two back to the hotel." said Crane, taking Monkey in his clutches and desperately trying to carry him.

Mei Ling let out a small giggle as Crane tried to carry the drunken master by his pants alone, dropping him to the ground some three times before Mei Ling intervened to make sure Monkey's face didn't get grounded into the Earth. Finally picking up Mantis, who was much easier to carry, the two warriors headed off to the hotel, where a certain mountain lion was helping three panthers settle into their new home.

Xin-Ju Hotel: 8:10

"Well, I think that should do it!"

James had finally finished rolling out the mats in, giving the panther trio a place to stay for the rest of their lives, no longer having to fear the thieves and bandits that could attack them, or continually have to steal food just to survive.

"Thank you, James. Will I be able to see you and everyone else before you leave tomorrow?" asked Wu Ye.

"Depends on what time we wake up." Replied James, winking to the panther as she turned to giggle before James left the room to try and find something to occupy him.

Wu Ye sighed in sadness, seeing as that was probably the last time she would see the only friend that she had ever known.

"You alright sis?" asked one of Wu Ye's brothers.

"If you're wondering about whether or not I have a crush on the lion, then the answer is no." responded the panthress with a slight bit of harshness in her tone, jerking her head back as she stared at the floor.

"It's not that. I'm just wondering if you really want to stay here in this city."

Wu Ye lifted her head as her mouth dropped open in shock at her brother's response; he had just asked if she felt like leaving the city.

"No… I couldn't leave you two here alone. You… you aren't ready yet." Replied Wu Ye as she turned to face her brothers.

"Sis, you've taught us how to survive for weeks on end without eating anything but thirty berries, using the dew off of the grass to quench our thirst. My only question is why do you want to go?"

"I-I want to learn."

"What?" asked Wu Ye's brother while his mouth opened in a scowl-like fashion, questioning her sister's response.

"I want to learn more about my talent. I want to learn how to use my fighting prowess to protect people that are hurt, even the people that we've, no, that I've wronged. I don't expect you to understand, but I need to do this."

Wu Ye's face went emotionless as those final six words exited her maw. The flare for battle burned like a raging inferno in her eyes; she knew what she had to do, where she had to go. She just wasn't sure whether or not she was ready to go through with it.

"Then go; go and learn the art of masters before you."

"You're… you're letting me go?"

"Don't worry sis. We'll be able to manage on our own. Besides, at least you'll have someone to cuddle whenever you get scared." Replied her brother, winking as she turned her back to her.

"I-I already told you I don't have a crush on him!"

"Heh, heh. I know; I was just messing with you. Now get some sleep; you're going to need if you expect to follow that caravan."

Walking over to the mat and laying down, Wu Ye blew out the lone candle that illuminated to room, falling asleep under the gentle glow of the moon.

Xin-Ju Alleyway: 9:00

"Come on Spencer! I heard the music coming over there!" shouted Leah as she was sprinting on all fours, Spencer desperately trying to keep up.

The duo charged down the alleyway, skimming across the walls and continuously changing positions, each trying to find out where the supposed music was coming from. The walls of buildings encased the sprinting couple in a labyrinth, creating a gargantuan maze out of a simple city, making it near impossible to traverse without having a proper map or already have living there. Suddenly, Spencer came to a halt in front of Leah, his ears twitching to the apparent silence before Leah lifted her head to try and pick up anything as well.

And she did.

The melodious sounds of a Chinese flute hit her ears, her animalistic instincts kicking in as her tail began to shake rapidly in joy.

"Do you hear that?" asked Spencer, turning his head to address Leah.

"Yeah; do you know where it's coming from?"

Spencer's head bent downward, his eyes closed tightly in concentration as he tried to pinpoint the location of the wonderful music that had filled their ears.

"Uh, Spencer?"

Spencer lifted his head, now knowing where the musicians were, and ready to find them and do whatever it took for them to play just one song.

"Follow me." said Spencer before leaping onto the rooftops, using a piece of rock from the street to propel himself into the air.

"Wait up!" replied Leah before bounding after Spencer, using the air currents to increase her height and slow her decent.

The two canines landed on the rooftops, leaving the bricks behind them in a cloud of dust as they sprinted across the rooftops on all fours, the wind shooting through their fur like streamline spears. The two continually leapt from building to building before Spencer dove toward a near-empty fountain area, the only people there being a goat, a Komodo dragon, a swan and a snow leopard, three with a different instrument in their hands. The goat held a lute in his hands, tuning it while the snow leopard beat on what seemed to be a medium-sized bongo. In the hands of the swan was a Chinese Flute; the same flute that had created the beautiful sounds that had hit the canine's ear drums. The Komodo dragon, however, was doing something entirely different from the other three; the reptile seemed to be doing voice warm ups, going through the musical over and over, changing octaves as he went.

"Oh, hello. Who might you be?" asked the swan, lifting her head to meet the two warriors.

"Funny you should ask; we're two-"began Spencer before getting cut off by Leah.

"We're just visitors. We both heard some music coming from the alleyways; were you three playing it?"

'What was that for? I was just introducing us.' Said Spencer using the telepathic bond between him and Leah.

'That was to make sure that we didn't seem like impotent jerks that boast about who we are and what we do! As Shifu said 'The mark of a true hero is HUMILITY', and I am not about to start bragging about being heroes!'

"As a matter of fact, we were. We have a performance tomorrow and we thought we'd get some practice in while the night was young." said the goat, strumming his lute.

"Would you like us to play a song? Our instruments are ready, and it would be nice if we had an audience." asked the Swan, taking the flute from her lips as she looked towards her colleagues

"That would be wonderful; do know any songs for dancing?" asked Leah.

"Just one, but I think it'll be nice to play it. It's been a long time since someone asked us to play it, so it will make for excellent practice." replied the Komodo Dragon, standing up to prepare to sing.

"Okay you three; you ready?" asked the Komodo Dragon, looking over to his partners who all nodded in agreement, picking up their instruments to start playing.

The Komodo dragon mouthed a from-three countdown, and that's when the music began. The goat began to strum his lute for about eight seconds, the swan joining in with a soft but flowing flute tune. Spencer took Leah's hand as the music continued, putting his right hand on her waist as the two prepared to dance.

"If you've been thinking you're all that you've got, then don't feel alone anymore. 'Cause when we're together then you've got a lot, 'cause I am the river and you are the shore."

The two canines were dancing in a very familiar ballroom-style fashion, spinning and waltzing through the fountain square, holding in other in their arms.

"And it goes on and on, Ooo-hoh. Watching the river run, further and further from things that we've done, leaving them one by one. And we've have just begun, watching the river run… listening and learning and yearning; run river run."

As the swan's flute returned to the music, the warrior couple went into a little dip, coming back up just in time for the next verse, which they only began to spin to again, but more in rhythm with the music, and each other (I know: really cheesy).

"Winding and swirling and dancing along, we pass pas by the old willow tree. Where lover's caress as we sing them our song, rejoicing together when we reach the sea."

The swan took the flute from her lips, opening her beak to begin a duet with the Komodo Dragon, both of them smiling at each other before beginning the next verse.

"And it goes on and on; watching the river run. Further and further from things that we've done, leaving them one by one. And we have just begun, watching the run. Listening and learning and yearning; run river run."

Still beating on his drum, the snow leopard began to sway, opening his mouth to join in with his partners as the other three began to sway as well.

"And it goes on and on; watching the river run. Further and further from things that we've done, leaving them one by one. And we have just begun, watching the river run…"

The Komodo stepped up to the fountain, dipping his paw in the cool waters as he stared back at his colleagues.

"Listening and learning and yearning; run river run."

Spencer and Leah were still waltzing to the melodious music that the band had been playing; Spencer twirling Leah with the lute, bringing her into a final dip as the last bit was played, placing a gentle kiss on her lips as the song ended.

"Thank you for the wonderful song; you four truly know how to properly play a wonderful melody." Said Leah as the two rose back to a normal stance.

"You are very welcome, and may I say that you two make an adorable couple!" said the swan, giggling at her own comment as Spencer and Leah began to blush at the remark.

"Well, we had better be going; we have to meet everyone else back at the entrance to the city, remember?" said Spencer.

"Oh, that's right! Thank you again!" replied Leah as she ran off with Spencer back to the entrance of the city.

"They look so happy together, don't they?" said the goat, turning to face the swan and the reptile who were making out, much to his surprise as a shocked smile instantly appeared on his face.

"Would you two please get a room?"

The snow leopard had been utterly disgusted by this scene, turning his head to gag as the couple stopped to respond.

"You'll understand when you find a soul mate." Replied the Komodo dragon, only for him to return to his practice.

East Xin-Ju: 9:10

'Damn it. Why does this city have to be so big?'

James was aimlessly wandering through the streets of the city, passing different citizens and shops, trying to find out just where the heck he was. As James walked through the streets, his caught sight of a metal works, with a peculiar looking antelope stepping out with a basket containing different metals inside.

"Kin-Kinshu? Is that really you?" said James as he wandered over to the antelope in question.

"James! So nice to see you again. How have you been?"

"Um… I'd rather not go into the details. Anyway, what are you doing back in China? The emperor give you an order or something?"

"Oh, no. I came to pick up some metal that I was going to use to reinforce my ship. Why? Do you need a ride somewhere?"

"How could you give me a ride? There aren't any rivers near the city, are there?"

"Actually, my boat is docked just three miles away. Where are you heading?"

"My friends and I are heading to Sheng-Fong; do you think you could give us a lift?"

"Not a problem; just lead me to the place where you're meeting up with your friends."

"Um… that might be a problem."

"And why is that?"

"I have NO idea how to get around in this city; if you follow me, we'll probably find ourselves on the opposite end of nowhere."

"Don't worry; I know this city like the back of my hand. All I need is the rendezvous point where your team is supposed to meet."

"Then the front entrance is where we need to be going."

Xin-Ju Front Entrance: 9:30

Tigress, Po, Yu Chui, Viper, Crane, Mei Ling, Sarah, Spencer and Leah had all arrived at the meeting place at exactly the right time; 9:30, on the dot. Everyone was wondering where Shifu was, and what had caused him to be late, albeit Monkey and Mantis, who had been laid next to a tree near the entrance, still asleep due to their hangovers.

"What do you think is taking Master Shifu so long?" asked Crane.

"I don't know. But I bet he has a perfectly good reason for-"

"Reason for what?" said the red panda, standing directly behind the group of warriors that thought he was genuinely late.

"How long have you been there?"

"Long enough; I suggest that you all open your eyes a little more often, it could help you- what are they doing?"

Shifu had just spotted the hung-over Monkey and Mantis, letting out slight moans and snores, slumping over the tree trunk.

'Speaking of open your eyes…' thought Po as he let out a little snicker, instantly earning him a smack from Oogway's staff.

Shifu wandered over to the unconscious duo, leaning over to Monkey's ear to whisper a threat he was sure to wake him up.

"Monkey, if you don't wake your sorry rump up this instant, I will personally ban almond cookies from the Jade Palace for all eternity!"

Monkey's body jolted upward instantaneously, shaking his body into composure and concentration as he tried to make himself presentable. Mantis had also been awakened by Monkey's sudden reaction, falling to the ground as his only footing shot up like a firework.

"Ah, Monkey, Mantis. So nice of you to join us. Now, does anyone know where James is? I know he's the sarcastic type, but in the small time that I've known him, he's never been late for anything."

"Oh, he's up in the tree taking a snooze." Answered Kinshu, stepping from behind the tree, revealing himself to everyone.

Gaining the answer to his query, Shifu took a few steps away from the tree, only to dent the bark with a kick of incredible force.

"Wha? AAH!"

James hit the ground with an incredibly loud thud, shaking himself to regain his focus as he stood up, incredibly angered at his master, who was equally enraged.

"What the fuck, man? What, a guy can't catch a few z's anymore?"

Shifu's frustration was pushed over the edge with that statement. In a fit of rage, Shifu grabbed James' head and shoved it into the base of the tree, denting the bark even further.

"Damn it! That uncalled for!"

Shifu slammed James head into the tree again, breaking off pieces of wood as the second layer of the tree began to surface.

"Okay, I kind of deserved that-"

James' head went into the bark again, a piece of wood actually getting stuck in his teeth before Shifu finally released him.

"What'd I do that time?"

"The first two times were punishment; the last time was for entertainment."

'You sick, sick creature.' thought James with a look of shock and disgust spread across his face.

"James, that terrible outburst aside, this antelope seems to know you. Is this true?" asked Shifu, composing his emotions to make sure an unnecessary fight didn't break out.

"Yes; everyone, this is Kinshu. He's a sailor in charge of shipment deliveries for the emperor of Japan, and he's offered to give us a lift over to Sheng-Fong." Said James as the antelope stepped forward, becoming fully visible in the surrounding lights of still-lit lanterns.

"Well, you have me and my students' thanks. When will you have set off?" asked Shifu.

"We'll set of tomorrow at 6 O'clock sharp, so I suggest that you all get some shut eye if you're to have all your energy tomorrow. My ship is docked three miles to the northeast. I expect to meet you all there."

"And I expect to meet you there as well. Students, use the tent fabrics to make hammocks within the trees. It will take too much time to repack the tents tomorrow morning, and we'll all need our energy for tomorrow."

Everyone nodded in compliance, running off to different trees to set up their temporary resting areas for the night.

Xin-Ju Hotel: 5:30: Day 3

Wu Ye slowly woke up a more intense shine of moonlight still illuminating the skies, her deep purple eyes adjusting to the sudden burst of the pale illumination. Slowly getting up and putting her hooded cloak on, she began to gather all of her weapons, from her kunai, to some small packs of senbon needles wrapped by pieces of cloth, to her signature wind and fire wheels, placing them all inside the different pockets within her cloak and the pouch tied to her pants. After checking and re-checking all her supplies, Wu Ye finally started for the door, only to stop once her hand was on the handle, turning around to see her sleeping brothers that she was about to leave behind. Slightly smiling, Wu Ye walked back over to her siblings, lightly kissing them both on their forehead before starting for the door again.

"Goodbye, my dear, sweet brothers." She whispered before finally leaving the room, sprinting out of the closest window the window she could find, scaling the outside walls of the building, leaping to the roof and "owling" on the peak of the hotel, her cloak flowing in the early morning wind as she scanned the streets for any sign of her allies.

Finally, found the caravan, slowly and lazily, albeit Shifu, Tigress and Yu Chui, drudging through the alley ways in order to get to their destination.

'So, they're already leaving, eh? Well, I guess it's a good thing that I woke up early, or I might not have been able to find them.' Thought Wu Ye, her eyes carefully following the caravan as they traveled through the maze-like city.

"Guess I better get a move on"

Taking one final look at where the group of warriors were going, Wu Ye leapt from the top of the building, plummeting from the fifty- foot building before sliding down the roof of another building twenty feet below, flipping over another abode before she started to sprint across the rooftops in an attempt to catch up to the traveling caravan.

Xin-Ju: Northeaster River Shore: 6:00

The group had finally arrived at the river front where Kinshu's ship was waiting, the bow facing towards the group. It was a simple ship, not really catching the attention of anybody in the vicinity, only for Po to immediately fall to the ground and shoot back up again as everyone burst into laughter as he rapidly shook himself back into focus. Little did they know that a certain panthress was waiting just inside the trees behind them, waiting for an opportune moment to sneak onboard.

"Kinshu? Are you there? It's James!"

Suddenly, a hatch built into the front of the vessel opened up with Kinshu waiting inside.

"Well, took you guys long enough. Come on in; it's perfectly safe. We'll shove off after I get everything else set."

The group began to wander into the ship, Kinshu walking out as Wu Ye dashed inside before anyone else could notice.

"Hey James, you never did tell me how you got back to the Jade Palace so-"

Po had just been cut off after his eyes met the amazing propulsion system that helped Kinshu travel more rapidly from location to location.

"This is awesome! Kinshu built all of this on his own?" said Po, obviously amazed by the advanced work of machinery before him.

"As far as I know, yes. I was just as surprised as you are when this puppy stared mein the face as well."

Hiding behind one of the furnaces, Wu Ye was also amazed by the intricate piece of technology that not only stood before her, but that she was also hiding behind. Taking a peek from behind the furnace, her eyes instantly caught view of James; the one person she knew was a real friend to her.

The two acquaintances let out a laugh as they returned to running diagnostics on the furnaces, making sure that everything was in perfect working condition, making adjustments as needed so that the different pieces of machinery so that they could each run at optimal capacity.

"Well, I think that's it. Everyone ready to shove off?"

"Um, do you mind if I head onto the deck? Boats and I don't really agree." Said Tai Lung, causing everyone to stare at him.

"Tai Lung; YOU have an issue with boats? I'd think that you'd be fine being inside a boat." Exclaimed Viper in absolute surprise.

"Well, it's not as much boats as it is water."

"Why's that?"

"I'm a cat; cats hate water."

"Not exactly; from what I know, tigers are among a few wild cat species that enjoy taking a nice dip in a stream."

Everyone's heads suddenly turned towards Sarah, filled with question and shock.

"What? I was studying to be a zoologist."

"Tai Lung, to answer your question, go on ahead. Now, without further ado; James, if you would."

The mountain lion nodded as he walked over to each of the furnaces, starting the air pumps that would start propelling the ship.

"Sarah, could you back us out?"

"What do you mean James?" asked Kinshu.

Sarah had already started changing the water currents, turning the boat around as the group set off on the next part of their journey.

"James, you never told me your friends had such extraordinary abilities!" exclaimed Kinshu with a wide smile on his face.

"Don't ask, don't tell. I've followed that rule for a LONG time."

As the gunpowder began to enter the furnaces, propelling the ship forward at fairly considerable speeds downriver. The Five, Yu Chui and Shifu had all gone up to the deck with Tai Lung, leaving the Dragons and Po to chat with Kinshu and each other. Wu Ye had, on the other hand, had much different ideas. As Wu Ye tried to move toward the next furnace, her feet stumbled and twisted as the boat rocked from side to side, leading her to try and grab onto to something, and she did.

If you count a bowl of gunpowder as something.

Wu Ye's hand slipped, sending the bowl crashing to the ground, breaking with a loud *Crash!* as it shattered.

The Dragon's heads jerked immediately toward the sound, only to find an incredibly sheepish Wu Ye staring at them with a goofy but guilty smile on her face.

"Wu Ye! What are you doing here?" exclaimed James, gaining the attention of everyone that was on the deck as they rushed back down to the "engine room" to see what was wrong.

"We heard someone scream. Is something- what is she doing here?" exclaimed Tigress who was equally as angry as Shifu in terms of appearance.

"I am going to have to agree with Tigress, Wu Ye. We escorted you and your brothers to Xin-Ju, and you have the audacity to abandon them in the city? What kind of warrior-"

"I left with my at my brother's consent!"

The inside of the ship instantly fell silent at Wu Ye's sudden outburst. Tears were already falling from her eyes in fear and shame.

I… I left because they wanted me to. I want to learn more about what you're able to do, and I want to use what I've learned to benefit those around me. I want to do some good in my life…"

The panther started lightly sobbing, ashamed with herself for leaving her brothers so suddenly for her own personal gain. She turned her body away from everyone else as the warrior that had so unfairly accused her began to take pity on her. Viper finally decided to do something about it, being the most compassionate of the group.

"Sh… sh… it's alright dear. You did what you thought was right, and you had the approval of your brothers behind you. There's no reason to feel ashamed for your decision."

"You-you really think so?"

"Wu Ye, I would've done the same thing! Even though I never had any brothers, or even knew my-"

"Oh, not this again!" exclaimed Tigress, cutting Mantis off so she wouldn't have to hear his ridiculous father-story again.

"The point is, you followed your heart, and it brought you back to us. Wu Ye, we're family now, and we totally respect your decision, right guys?" replied Po, patting the hurt warrior on the back while turning to find his friends nodding in agreement.

"Then it's settled. Wu Ye, I, Grandmaster Shifu of the Jade Palace, hereby take you under my wing as a kung-fu master in training. While I wouldn't normally say this on a first day, we'll begin your training when we reach land, seeing as attempting to spar on the ship would cause an unnecessary account of destruction of property."

Everyone in the engine room began laughing hysterically at Shifu's comment, even Shifu letting out a chuckle at his serious but joke-like remark.

"Now Kinshu, what shall you have us do? Is there anything that we could assist you with?" asked Shifu.

"Master, yesterday night, during my re-encounter with Kinshu, he was carrying a basket of assorted metals. Didn't you say you were going to use it to reinforce the ships exterior with those metals?"

"Yes; unfortunately, we'd have to dock to make the modifications; it's not only the sides of the ship that I was going to reinforce, but I was planning on also increasing the integrity of the bottom, which poses a problem all on its own. Thank you for trying to be a help, though. For now, try to just keep yourselves from rotting your brains from boredom."

"Well then I have the answer to that problem." said James taking out the puzzles that he had both packed and crafted.

"Go ahead; I built these puzzles essentially for a time like this. The instructions are printed along the wood, so just follow them and you'll be fine."

Everyone then began trying to solve each of James' incredibly intricate puzzles, working for hours on end simply to try and find out what they were supposed to do next. The shifting of pieces and twisting of the items went on for the entire day, lasting from 6 o'clock P.M to late that night, and by the time night had fallen, only one person had completed a puzzle, and that person was none other than Wu Ye.

River Front: 2/3's To Sheng-Fong: 2:30 Day Four

Not much had changed on the ship; Tigress had been practicing her kata on the ship's deck, Crane soaring above the boat, simply to feel the wind flow through his feathers. Mantis, Viper and Monkey were down below, trying to figure out the rest of James' puzzles with Po. The other Dragons were simply chatting it up, leaving Yu Chui and Shifu to discuss the matter of what to do when they arrived at Sheng-Fong.

However, this peace wasn't' meant to last. Storm clouds began to roll in, though the day before then had been utterly cloudless.

"This is a bad omen." Said Shifu who was still talking to Yu Chui.

"I know; it's a sign of approaching evil, but where could it be coming from?"

Shifu's eyes shot open immediately, knowing the answer before the question was even asked.

"Tigress! Crane! Monkey! Mantis! Viper! Po! Defensive positions, now!"

The warriors immediately took a position on the deck, each taking a position with their backs facing each other. The winds began to increase in speed, beginning to tear small holes within the sail of the ship and causing small swells in the waves of the river, dampening the boards of the deck as rain began to fall. As he winds began to gain more power and force, they Five and Po felt like they were converging; coming into a single mass as a small tornado began to erupt in the air, enveloping itself in the water of the river as it circled around the ship before exploding, revealing the person that had hidden inside of the vortex.

"Renju? What are you doing here? You shouldn't even be able to stand, much less appear before us within a vortex of water!"

"Oh, the powers of darkness do wonders for your body. Maybe you should give it a try Tigress. After all, your friend Ryan already loves it!" replied the mountain, laughing maniacally as Tigress began to grit her teeth in rage, wanting to claw the madman's heart out artery by artery.

Back down in the engine room, James' rage began to rise upon hearing what had happened to his closest friend; how he had turned to his enemies for power and strength. James began to rise, looking towards the staircase that led up to the deck, anger and rage burning in his eyes as small sparks of telekinetic energy began to left his tightly flinched fists. James made a mad dash for the staircase, intending on brutally murdering the bastard that tried to kill him, only to run into an air-wall that Leah had conveniently created.

"James, don't. We can't reveal ourselves to Renju." Said Sarah, trying to calm the enraged warrior.

"And why not, Sarah? May I remind you that Renju dropped us off a cliff, sent us plummeting down the side of a canyon, which also caused you to fall into a freezing river, causing you to nearly freeze to death, and also knocked me unconscious?"

"Yes, I know, but if we do end up revealing ourselves, we'd only be putting the rest of the group in danger."

"Not to mention that Renju would probably snitch on us, only increasing our group as a target." Added Leah.

Still clenching his fists, James begrudgingly wandered back over to his allies, taking a seat beside Spencer and Wu Ye, doing his best to contain his urge to shred Renju and tear him limb from limb.

Back on the deck, Renju began to float down from his position in the air, cracking the deck of the ship with his first step. The winds continued to whirl and waver, whispering in the air as the six warriors waited for someone to strike.

"Well, what are you waiting for? An invitation?" mocked Renju, only to further this with the "bring it on" hand gesture.

Tigress, being the *ahem* "respectful" master she was, gladly obliged to Renju's request, charging toward him and sending a swift kick to the head, Renju ducking while Tigress swiftly spun back around and knocked him into the air with a back-flip kick.

"It's seems like the kitty has learned a few new tricks. I guess I better step my game up."

Renju thrust himself towards the six warriors, all of them charging towards him in an attempt to down him instantly. Knowing that something like this would happen, Renju thrust himself five feet into the air, everyone but Po and Tigress leaping after him while the others ran into each other.

"Tigress, Tower of Sacred Flame, now!"

Tigress knew exactly what Po meant, grabbing onto his writs and flipping before using his weight and her momentum to send Po rocketing into the sky after Renju. Impacting with the mountain lion, Po started with and upward-flying kick, knocking Renju backwards as Po used his wide abdomen to slam the mountain lion back down to the ship as Tigress used her bare fist to provide a "ground" for the hated man to fall on, impacting his spine as the cracking in his bones echoed throughout the riverfront.

However, Renju simply began to laugh maniacally once again, turning his head to the shocked Tigress as he shot to the skies again.

"Thank you for that, Tigress! I can finally feel the bones in my spine again! Now, where was I?"

"You were about to find yourself with a knife in your head." Said Wu Ye who had just stepped out of the engine room, James waiting the doorway, making sure to conceal himself, lest Renju attempt to kill them all in one fell swoop.

"Tigress! You never told me you picked up a new friend! It'll be a pleasure watching you squirm as I run her through with her own blades!"

Wu Ye instinctively threw three kunai knives at the lion, which he blocked easily using a dark energy shield, visible scratches already appearing on where the kunai had stuck.

"Tsk; I was hoping we could deal with this in a civilized manner. Oh well; I always enjoy aggressive negotiations!" yelled Renju before dashing over to Wu Ye, grasping her by the throat and tossing her into the air.

Wu Ye regained her focus, tossing a plethora of senbon needles, aiming for nerve points in an attempt to incapacitate her assailant. Again, they only hit the barrier, a few actually embedding in the dense shell of the barrier's exterior before being kicked by her attacker back down to the ship's deck. She knew her velocity was too great to keep herself from crashing through the floor boards; she would go through the whole ship at her speed. However, a certain young mountain lion, determined not to let this warrior fall through the ship and risk losing their only source of transportation, leapt from his concealed area, catching the panthress before sliding along the slick surface of the ship's deck.

Renju's eyes shot open in horror at the sight of the man he thought he had killed as the other victims of his attack stepped out of their hiding places as well.

"You… you all are dead… I dropped you four off a cliff!"

"You know what, that's been a matter of opinion for the past week or so!" exclaimed James, only egging Renju on even further.

"Well then, allow me to make it a matter of fact!"

The waves around the ship began to grow even more intense as gigantic tentacles of water began to enter Renju's grasp, tearing through the air as the winds howled with the screams of fallen warriors. Within an instant, Renju swung both tentacles, slicing the ship in two as it barreled through the air, pieces of wood and metal shrapnel being sent in multiple directions as the remains of the ship crashed on the edge of the river. Content with the sudden amount of destruction that he had caused, Renju left within a whirl of water vapor, a letting out a snicker as he left the scenery. Shifu and Yu Chui had instinctively landed with absolute perfection while the others had crashed into the shore of the river, Sarah encased in her signature ice armor. Wu Ye was still in James' arms, smiling at the hero who had saved her, Leah and Spencer in the same position. Suddenly, James' head began to search the area for the captain of the now-ruined ship.

"Kinshu? Kinshu, where are you?" James bellowed out, trying to find a trace of the missing antelope.

Suddenly, James heard faint groaning from a pile of rubble as he began to tear away at the different pieces, tossing them into the river with his abilities as he tried to find the missing sailor. Finally, after digging through three layers of ruined ship pieces and metal rubble, James found Kinshu with a piece of shrapnel embedded in his neck, blood trickling from the wound as the sailor's breaths were short and labored.

"Kinshu! Just hold on. I can help you; we'll find a way. You've got to hold on; please just…" said James in a panicked frenzy, hyperventilating at the sight of the mortally wounded sailor.

Kinshu lifted his hand to James' mouth, silencing him as his breath began to slow.

"James… I do not have much time. Please, honor my final wish; tell my wife of what has happened; tell my son that I'm sorry. Tell the emperor that he will have to find a new shipmaster, and please…" said Kinshu, pointing to the remains of a small basket with metal plates and sheets.

"Use that metal for something resourceful… use it… to remind yourself of me…" said Kinshu, his body going limp with his dying breath as James began to weep at the sight of his dead body.

James took his right hand, closing the dead shipmaster's eyes while using his free hand to construct a floating coffin out of the rubble of the ship, placing his body inside before letting the casket drift down the river as the group of warriors watched flow and weave down the river.

"Master… if you would?"

Shifu nodded at James' request, taking out his flute to play a memorial tune for the fallen sailor.

Tree leaves began to flutter and twirl with the wind as Shifu's song seemed somber, but fitting. The rain poured down on the group as distant lighting flashed, creating shadows in the water as the caravan of warrior watched the casket drift out of sight.

Well, that's it for this chapter, and yes, I know that there was quite a bit of random moments, but hey. It's MY story and I choose what goes into it. For now, peace!