A/N: A very calm chapter unlike the previous few. Hope you can enjoy, thanks for reading!
The Valley was still dark as morning approached. Smoke lingered in the town like a ghost to remind everyone what happened, thought it's not like anyone could forget even if they wanted to. It was eerily quiet as numerous amounts of strong willed beasts helped search for any survivors among the rubble. Any lifeless bodies were placed, with the utmost care, into a cart to be wheeled out into the fields to be given a proper burial. Crane had managed to come back and assist, not wanting everyone to think that the Furious Five abandoned the area last night. It was hard for the avian not to be with his comrades, but he knew this is were his duties lie for now. Crane had left Shifu in the care of Mantis, however he did not bother to ask how Mr. Ping was doing. He didn't want to hear any more bad news that night. Fortunately, Master Shifu would be alright and would make a quick recovery.
There wasn't much to be said as Po and Viper stood over the bound body of Tigress. Her bloodied wounds have been cleansed, but the bruises and cuts still remained. Viper couldn't bare to look at either Po or Tigress, so she kept her gaze to the ground. Guilt ran through her body as she stood guard over the feline, she wanted to be down in the valley helping out. She couldn't leave the criminal though, not alone with Po at least. The panda may have apologized for his rage earlier, but she didn't feel Po was emotionally stable enough to be left alone. The panda's eyes drooped as he gazed out toward nothing in particular. They had taken Tigress' bound body up to the Sacred Peach Tree, since the smoke wasn't as heavy there. He wasn't really sure what to do now. There were plenty of things he could do, but for some reason he didn't feel like doing any of them. The valley would be taken care of well enough without him, Tigress was tied up and not going anywhere, he didn't even want to think about his father's condition right now.
Then there was Viper sitting a few feet away from him. He knew she was watching over him, and he felt stupid for letting his emotions control him. But this silence was going to drive him mad if it went on any longer.
"So what happens now?" The tired panda asked quietly.
Viper looked over at him briefly and then away again. "We wait to put Tigress in the palace prison until her trail, and then she will be out of our hands for good."
It hurt Viper to say it so matter-of-factly, but she didn't want to sugar coat anything at the moment.
"Do you think…" Po swallowed as he looked down at the feline. "Do you think she will be executed?"
"I am not sure, but it's not like I can do anything about it." Viper sighed. "Not that I want that to happen, mind you, but I will accept whatever her sentence may be."
Po wondered if Viper really meant that, or if she was just trying to be strong. Tigress was her best friend after all, even if it didn't seem like it.
"I wonder if any outside help has arrived." Po wondered openly, but wasn't expecting any response.
Viper only hoped that more help would arrive soon, but it's not like a simple stroll to get to the valley in the first place. Not with having to cross the Thread of Hope, and a lot of people were afraid to walk on that old dangly bridge. The tree snake was beginning to get fidgety, having to wait around didn't seem like it was accomplishing much anymore.
"Po." Viper spoke softly, finally looking down at Tigress. "I don't think she'll be waking up anytime soon. I was thinking you should go down in the valley and help out. Also to tell Crane to inform Shifu and the others that we have Tigress contained. I'll look after her until then."
Po looked at her guardedly, he wondered if she was still upset over his actions earlier. He almost felt that he was trying to get rid of him, or at least remove him from the tiger's presence.
"No…I'm sorry Viper, but I can't. I'd rather watch over Tigress if you don't mind." His tone was a little more condescending then he wanted it to be. He didn't even look at the snake as he spoke, but kept his gaze on the feline. "Shifu will no doubly head straight back here when he wakes up, which is probably very soon if he's not on his way already."
Viper didn't respond, only because she didn't want to start an argument, but at least her suspicions on Po's attitude were correct. He was definitely not the bubbly, optimistic and understanding panda he normally was, not that she blamed him. Viper then looked at the two red lines across the panda's chubby cheek. She knew that where she had slapped him earlier and she did feel bad about it, even though it was justified. She then noticed a curious expression grown on the panda's face and wondered what he was looking at. Po stood up and walked over to Tigress' body to kneel over it. Viper then immediately got up to make sure he didn't do anything else he would regret. Po sighed as the snake came to his side rather hurriedly, wishing she would just calm down. But since she was closer now he decided to ask her the question that had puzzled him.
"Have you ever seen Tigress wear these?" Po stated as he lifted her paw, the one that was adorned with Genkuro's mystical beads.
Viper looked at this just as curiously as the panda did and shook her head. "No, I don't think I have ever seen her wear a beaded bracelet. She was never really into jewelry, but she does have a few things stored away, though I've never seen that."
Po gazed at the large beads as if he were trying to look into them like crystal balls. He definitely got a weird feeling from them, but he figured it was just because his emotions were off.
Gripping the bracelet from her wrist Po gently slid the item off and his paw fell immediately. With a surprised grunt, he tried lifting the beaded bracelet again. "Geez…this thing feels like it weighs a ton."
The suddenly Viper gasped and nudged Po out of the way. "Po look out!"
Po stumbled back in a mild panic and fell on his cushioned behind with a thud. "What is it viper?"
Viper stood guard by the unconscious feline and stared at her cautiously. "She moved…"
Things were very quiet at the Sacred Pool of Tears, but it wasn't the eerie calm that seemed to loom over the valley. Mantis had been busy with Po's father since he first arrived there, and Monkey did his best to assist the insect. It was a shock when Crane showed up with Shifu. Not only because of the master's condition, but because of what they were told about Tigress. Neither of the two masters wanted to believe it, but the it was clear that she was the culprit now. Crane was quick to leave to get back to the valley; Monkey longed to join him, but stayed behind to watch over Master Shifu. It was incredibly difficult for both the ape and the insect not to become emotionally distraught over the recent news, but they had to pull it together. Mantis mainly as he went back to tending to Mr. Ping as Monkey sat by his master. It wasn't long before the red panda started to move, slowly regaining consciousness and trying to open his eyes. As the old Master finally woke from his sleep he was confused about his whereabouts, but Monkey was there to inform him.
"How could Po do such a thing?" Shifu sounded upset, not at the panda necessarily. "I should be there."
Shifu got on his feet and did his best not to stumble as he began walking.
"Master, please…" Monkey pleaded quietly, placing a hand on his master's shoulder. "It's best you stay here with Mantis for now. I'll go and see how things are."
"I can't stay here! Are you not aware of what happened last night? Not just with Tigress, but with the village!" Shifu spat in irritation. "It is my duty to be there…I cannot just sit here and wait for news from you or anyone else. How am I to know if Po and Viper succeeded in apprehending Tigress? What if they got hurt and need our assistance now?"
Monkey sighed, he knew Shifu had a point, but Crane had told him not to let him go.
"I am wasting time here, I must go." Shifu said sternly to make sure his student listened.
Monkey was about to speak again before his friend interrupted. "It's better to let him go, Monkey. I've stitched him up, he should be fine. Master Shifu can take care of himself, you know that." Mantis spoke lightly.
Shifu looked over at Mantis and just remembered about Po's father. Scanning the area he didn't see the goose's body anywhere. He couldn't go without asking how things were going with him and he hoped he wouldn't regret it.
"Mantis, how are things with…?" He couldn't finish his sentence, but he knew Mantis was aware of what he was asking.
Mantis sighed and lowered his head. "I've done all I could do, he is still alive, but just barely. It's up to him now, but the fact that he is still among us gives me hope. We need to get him to the infirmary…so he can be watched over."
Shifu nodded and looked over in the direction of the smoke. "Let me go down and check on things. If all is done I will send Crane to retrieve you. Until then watch over Po's father."
Soon after Shifu was gone, leaving the ape and insect to their duty for now.
His heart pounded fast in his tiny chest as he ran as fast as he could, hoping to reach the Jade Palace as soon as possible. A million things were running in his head, a million questions needed to be answered. He certainly hoped Po and Viper were ok, and he didn't even want to see the village after all the smoke cleared from the area. And then there was Tigress…his daughter, whom he loved so much, but was now his newest mistake. A mistake he felt he made in raising her, after what she told him before she attempted to rip out his throat. It was déjà vu all over again, as he remember his son almost snapping his neck as he was being strangled. How could he have destroyed two of his children's lives? He knew he shouldn't be blaming himself, but he couldn't shake it, his heart ached with shame. Despite what Tigress did, and surprisingly to him he wasn't resentful of her. Yes, she would have to face the consequences of her actions, but he knew he still loved her. So he silently prayed that she was still alive and nothing more devastating had happened while he was unconscious.
The Palace was getting closer and closer with each passing minute. Smoke still rose from the village, but it wasn't anywhere near as dark as it was before. That gave him some sense of relief knowing that the fires had at least been extinguished. He could see feather creatures soaring over the smoky village, doing what they could to help out the villagers. He wish he could be down there helping, but his priority was the Jade Palace. Soon his tiny feet carried him all the way to the gates of the Palace and he stopped before them and took time to catch his breath. He was nervous as well, not knowing what he would find when he searched around the grounds to see if the three he was looking for were even still around. The smoke was still thick in the courtyard as he entered, and he couldn't see more than a few feet in front of him. There was definite signs of a battle on the stone floor, even the grassy parts were dug up and made a mess of. Blood trailed from here to there, but it wasn't an abundant amount or enough to make Shifu panic. He kept quiet as he ran about in the smoke, listening to any signs of movement or breathing.
Shifu checked inside the Palace, and even in the buildings everything seemed to be void of life. He had hoped all of the staff and other residents of the Jade Palace were alright. Whether they were in hiding or down in the village to help out, all Shifu hoped was no one was hurt after Tigress made her way up here. Nothing indoors seemed to be out of place though, with the exception of the bunkhouse which he refused to go into. Running back outside he only had one more idea of where to look before trying his luck elsewhere. Knowing how to get to the Sacred Peach Tree by memory, he had no problem navigating his way to the steep ledge where the tree stood from the smoke. Even before reaching the top he saw two familiar figures sitting under the tree. His heart rejoiced as he knew they were ok, but soon began beating fast again as he wondered where Tigress was. No longer running he slowly made his way up to the top of the ledge, soon capturing the attention of the two emotionally worn out students.
Viper was first to notice the sound of someone approaching, as she turned to look at who it was she gasped loudly. Po then turned to see what was going on, he didn't need anymore surprises especially after the little scare of Tigress moving earlier. To his surprise, even though he earlier stated that the red panda would be with them soon, he saw Master Shifu slowly emerge from the smoke. Po stood and bowed in respect to his master, wondering if Shifu was going to be upset with him for knocking him out. Not one to keep things quiet for long, Po spoke softly as he held his head down. "Master…I am glad to see that you are ok."
"You're hanging your head in shame, so how is it you can see anything?" Shifu spoke rather coldly, much to his surprise even, maybe he was upset with Po after all.
Po sighed and looked up to meet his master's gaze. "Alright, I know you are expecting an apology, but I don't regret doing what I did. Yes, I am sorry for upsetting you, though I know I did the right thing."
Po braced himself for one of Shifu's retorts or a harsh scolding, but was relieved not to hear either.
Shifu took a breath, he knew he shouldn't be upset with the panda and even if he was this wasn't a time to argue about it.
"It is alright Po, I shouldn't be upset with you over it, there are bigger things to deal with." Shifu had noticed Tigress' body on the ground behind the panda when he first emerged from the smoke, but said nothing.
"Master…" Viper soon chimed in. "We've apprehended Tigress." She intentionally kept her new short and blunt, and would most likely leave any details for Po to answer.
Shifu only nodded as he walked over to his daughter's lifeless body. He stood as composed as be possibly could, almost as if the sight before him didn't bother him at all. He knew she was still alive, there was some relief there, but he wanted to scream out in agony anyway. Looking over his daughters battered body, her face beaten to a bloody mess he figured even with the wounds cleansed, he reached out to touch her.
Po flinched as he saw Shifu's small paw run over the felines muzzle, feeling all the more guilty in bashing her relentlessly.
"She's been paralyzed…" Shifu looked over at his students. "I wasn't aware one of you was familiar with the nerve strike."
Viper and Po looked at each other in confusion and then back at Shifu. "Master we were not aware that she was…in fact she moved just a little under an hour ago." Viper spoke softly, wondering if what he said was true.
"Well her chi is being blocked in every part of her body, I don't see how she could move even if she wanted to." Shifu was sounding a little confused now too. Po looked at the bracelet he removed from Tigress earlier he had left on the ground and wondered if Shifu knew anything about it.
"She moved shortly after I removed this." Po bent over to pick up the bead with both paws and struggled to pick it up. Turning with a grunt as if he were weight lifting, he showed the item to Shifu. "I am not sure what it is, but it's a lot heavier than it looks. Maybe she was wearing to boost her strength or something?"
Shifu took the item from Po, and even though his paw never dropped from the weight of it his eyes did widen at how heavy it really was.
"I wonder…" Shifu stared at the beads for a long moment, trying to decipher their purpose. "I cannot say what these were used for, but there is a definite energy coming from them."
"Like I said, maybe it boosted her strength, chi or something…" Po spoke quietly. Viper just shook her head and sighed, "I don't think so, I mean when we were fighting her she didn't seem to be exceedingly powerful. If anything that bracelet was weighing her down, since she was not exactly the same when I fought her. Her movements were a little off…"
Po pursed his lips and thought about that, he was able to pounce on her pretty easily. "Just another mystery to add to all of this nonsense! Nothing is making sense anymore, what's the use of trying to figure out anything."
Shifu clenched the beads in his small paw and scowled at the panda. "The point of figuring out all of this will help her during the trail! I am prepared to let my daughter go to prison, but I am not prepared for her to be executed! Any shred of reasoning about her actions will help secure her life."
Po only lowered his head once again, he didn't look hurt, but he did look a little angry. Shifu's expression softened, he knew Po must have been aching inside about his father.
"I am sorry for what happened to your father Po." Shifu said softly, turning his gaze away from the panda.
Po lifted his head again and looked at his master, wondering if Shifu had any updates on his father's condition. Setting the beads down Shifu placed his paws behind his back and stared out into the sky. "Despite your anger toward Tigress, I know too that you don't want her to suffer a fatal fate."
Po sighed and fell back against the peach tree, knocking a few peaches down as he did. "Of course I don't want Tigress to be put to death…it's just all too much to handle. I am not used to all of this yet, not even with Tai Lung was there this much destruction…during my time as the Dragon Warrior anyway. All those people in the valley, who knows how many are dead. I even tried to save a few who ended up dying despite my efforts…I'm not used to seeing people die. You all have been on dangerous missions in the past and have seen much horrors I am sure, but I haven't. I don't mean to sound like a whiner, or seem selfish, but forgive me if I can't be the optimistic panda you know me to be."
Viper slid over to Po and coiled her tail around his paw. "It's not something I think any of us will get used to, but in time you will be able to come to terms with it quicker. I don't blame you for feeling the way you do, and I am sorry if I said any hurtful things to you. You must remember to not let your emotions overtake your actions though, cause you might do something you'll end up regretting. It's not an easy thing I know, but you are strong and I know you'll be able to succeed."
Shifu only nodded and gave the panda an encouraging smile. "You are still learning Po, but you are a quick leaner fortunately. You've done better with all of this than you realize, and I am proud of you for that."
Po nodded, Shifu and Viper did make him feel a little better and he was thankful for that. A moment after Shifu's ear twitched and he looked over to the direction he heard sound.
"What is it Master?" Viper asked curiously.
"Crane is on his way." Shifu replied, setting down the heavy bracelet on the ground.
The feathered warrior flapped his wings through the dissipating smoke and headed toward the Sacred Peach Tree. He was quite surprised to see Shifu there, but he knew he shouldn't have been. Setting down on his feet the avian coughed some of the smoke out of his lungs and waved a feather wing in front of him.
Bowing, he looked down at Tigress for only a moment before standing up right again. "Master, I am glad to see you are ok. I've come to tell you all that the fires in the valley have been put out."
"Not only that, but the number of casualties is much lower than we expected them to be. Granted it's a shame there are any casualties at all, but most of the villagers survived."
There was a slight sigh of relief from them all, glad to know that the death count wasn't as high as they thought.
Crane continued, "Some of the damage is located around the explosion areas, and even those aren't devastating. As we know the explosions were set off at each corner of the village and one in the center. I'd say the fire caused from the explosions did most of the damage. Luckily only a few buildings were completely burned to the ground, and only the roof tops of others have sustained the majority of the fire damage. I can't say I understand Tigress' reasoning for doing all this, but I can at least say she wasn't dead set on obliterating the entire village. Worst I can say is that she wanted to soil the good name of the Jade Palace and her own. I am sorry to say that some of the villagers are sore at you Master…they say you've just ended up raising another monster…"
Crane didn't want to say it, but he felt he needed too. Master Shifu wasn't surprised to hear that news, but that didn't mean it didn't stab at his heart.
"If this was just Tigress' way of getting back at us for whatever reasons she had then I am afraid she succeeded. In the end I don't believe she expected to get away with all of this, it's almost as if she was asking for us to throw her in prison." Crane's voice trembled, but he fought to keep the tears away.
Shifu thanked his student for the news and gave out instruction for them all. "I am sorry for being hasty here, but we haven't much time. Crane I need to you to fly over to Monkey and Mantis and tell them what you've told us. Also that they can bring Mr. Ping back as soon as possible to the infirmary. Po and Viper, please take Tigress and place her into the Palace holding cell. I can't say how much longer she'll be paralyzed, but it'll eventually wear off, but her shackles will secure her enough. I don't think she'll be much of a problem now anyway…ahem…I will go down into the village and see what I can do there. I am sure the Magistrate and guards will have plenty to say and do soon as well, so I'll take care of them."
Shifu only waved his small hand and Crane was gone, Po and Viper too were heading down the steep hill will Tigress with them. As they disappeared Shifu picked up a peach and turned back to the sky. With everyone gone he looked desperately into the heavens. A breeze blew his whiskers and he could smell the peach blossums as they brushed passed his nose. The scent made his bottom lip quiver as he became vulnerable in his lonliness.
"Oh Master Oogway…how desperately I need you now." The peach squished in Shifu's paw as he held it tightly, body shivering as he finally set his tears free.
Miles away the cold mountain air blew blankets of snow over it's surface. The clandestine prison held within it stayed protected from the harsh weather outside. Not much activity was going on, but that was to be expected in this well guarded prison.
"It's been done…" A shiver went up the spine of the fat raccoon as he stood sipping on his favorite tea. "I can feel it in my bones…he succeeded in his quest." Kiyoshi was standing in the leader of the Tiger Tribes cell. He had been paying him visit's the past couple of days, for what reason he wasn't sure, but it made him feel more at ease than being alone.
"You're intuition is very strong, but I'd be lying if I didn't get the same shiver up my spine." The feeble tiger spoke. "But succeeded he did not, there is still a chance to save her."
Kiyoshi set his tea down on the newly set table in the cell and sighed. "I know, but you know that wont be easy. I've no idea what he has done already, but I can sense that it's absolutely horrid. Getting her out of here will be much easier than any redemption she will have to try and gain afterward."
"Despite that…" The tiger coughed, "the most important thing is getting her out of here first. There will be no chance of redemption if that does not happen."
"I hate to sound like the pessimistic one, I truly do, but he has everyone here on his side. I can't set her free like I did when she was a cub, it's impossible now. He'll have her in his sights constantly and the guards at the ready to strike down any threat." The portly coon took a seat and rested his forehead in his paws.
"You are still sounding like that scared cry baby from a few days ago. Genkuro is powerful yes, but I've seen his kind fall before. Stop being a god damned coward for once in your life!" The tiger retorted.
"You've seen his kin fallen because your tribe took advantage them. You are still a murderer and criminal, so don't think I will put up with your disrespectful tone. Remember who is in charge here, and try not to take advantage of my kindness cause I will not end up like those you've dealt with in the past."
Kiyoshi stood and even had a hint of a growl in his voice as he spoke.
The prisoner let out a fairly strong laugh even in his condition. "There's that fighting spirit I wanted to see! I'll be honest though, you can be intimidating when you want to be." His tone eventually became more serious. "I wouldn't be saying these things to you if I didn't believe you could save my daughter. I know I am a criminal and I belong here, but you know just as much as I do that she does not. I take back the things I said a few days ago about you not truly loving her, but you must understand my disappointment. Heh I am sure that sounds funny coming from the chained convict with no legs."
"Prisoner yes, but you are still a father." Kiyoshi replied, fanning himself once again. "Genkuro is my friend…perhaps I can reason with him. If not then I will just have to trust in myself and a few others to get her freed."
"I certainly hope your love and trust of your friend pays off." The old tiger spoke softly, sounding more weak than usual. "Being here chained up like this does wonders you know…I almost regret doing all the things I have done in the past. There are some things I do regret though, and you are a kind fellow. I can honestly say that I don't want anything bad happening to you, so be careful."
Kiyoshi was flabbergasted by the tiger's words, mainly because he knew he was telling the truth.
"I appreciate that." He said with genuine gratitude.