Took me a while to finish this chapter mostly because I wanted to make sure I wrote this one, in particular, as careful as possible since it has touchy subjects and there was a lot of writer's block to go through but here it is, at last.
Disclaimer: I do not own Kung Fu Panda or any of its characters but I do own The Underground, my OCs and this story's plot.
Chapter 25: Broken Wall
The old farmhouse, which contained the secret entrance to The Underground, was now a very crowded and busy place. Outside waited a line of hopeful men seeking a match. Inside, however, was another story.
"Get it together! It's been weeks!" Xinla yelled at the depressed panther, who was hunched over a table.
The ibis pulled out her riding crop and smacked his backside but with no response just a slight flinch.
She then gently placed a wing on his shoulder, "I can still set you up with an even prettier bitch."
"No!" He responded, finally looking up.
She sighed. "I see. I understand what you're going through. Women can be difficult, I know, it's the main reason why I went back to men."
"What?" He responded, taken off guard by her words, "You have no idea what my problem is! I am remembering forgotten memories. Memories about important matters in my life that…" he paused briefly and sighed, "I somehow forgot…"
"What has Xovius told you lately?" She asked.
"That's something else that I need to address: Xovius is missing!"
"What?"
"Xovius is missing!" Alvar shrieked.
"I heard you the first time, that's what I don't understand! You two are the same per-, are very alike! Did something happen between the two of you?"
"I don't know. I was planning on telling him about how we needed some space but he disappeared."
"I see." Xinla said as she sat down next to the panther.
"You think he overheard me planning it and walked away so as to not make me feel bad?" Alvar asked.
"Miss Xinla, tell me, how do I look?"
Both ibis and panther turned to see the female wolf standing right in the doorway of the changing room, an unused closet, showing off her revealing pink dress.
Xinla looked pleased as she crossed her wings, proud of her work.
"Like a classy tramp." She answered. "He'll definitely be swept away!" The bird, without hesitation, began push the canine out the door, "Now, remember not to get that dress dirty or else we won't be able to return it and use the money to buy an even sluttier second date dress!"
"I'll do my best!"
Xinla closed the door as soon as the wolf was outside the room.
"Ugh, I hate the color pink." Alvar expressed as soon as the wolf had exited the room.
"Typical man." She joked as she took a seat next to him.
"It's not what you think, someone once betrayed me."
Now she looked confused, "And the color pink is involved in such betrayal?"
Once again, the panther slumped down in defeat, "I don't know, I don't remember the full details but that is the reason."
He then turned his attention the fabric piled up in a corner next to scattered sewing tools. Usually the pig Xinla had hired was making new clothing for the ibis' clients.
"Where is that lady?" Alvar asked the ibis as he gestured at the pile of fabric.
Now Xinla looked rather annoyed and gave a small huff before answering.
"If you're wondering: where is the seamstress I hired to make my clients clothing? I fired her. I caught that swine snooping around my paperwork, my clientele's personal information."
Good riddance, there was something about her that always seemed off. Alvar thought.
"Besides, that bitch was too expensive for the mediocre work she did." Xinla added.
The ibis then took a sack of flour, laying beneath the table, and threw it against a wall, forming a white cloud of the dust.
"What was that for?" Alvar asked.
"I don't know, there was a bunch of flour stored in this house's pantry and I need to get rid of it somehow." Xinla explained.
She then gently caressed his shoulder with her wing, "Now about your current situation, Alvar, I'm gonna have to schedule a few more visits with Tigress."
Her visits for the majority of the time involve her stocking people and sometimes asking rather inappropriate question to her targets and the tiger master has not exactly been very open and tended to avoid the ibis. However, from the little information she had obtained, Xinla managed to learn a lot from small details.
Alvar, however, shook his head, "I don't think it will work. She's into that tiger guy. I can tell."
Xinla was not going to give up. She was determined to hook up Tigress and Alvar.
"Then I should investigate that tiger a bit more. This time I need to seek deep details." She concluded with a nod as she began to calculate all of her next moves concerning that tiger.
All I know about him is that he bathes in the forest, works as a janitor, is a hot piece of ass and that he seems very polite… a guy any girl could ever wish for. But is there more than what I've seen so far?
This time, Alvar was the one confused.
"I thought you already were investigating him? You told me you spy on him while he's bathing."
"That's just a hobby of mine. I spy on all good looking men for my personal pleasure." She replied and the she padded his shoulder, "By the way, nice ass!"
He didn't even react to the fact she spies on him, he simply just got down to the point.
"Xinla, I need help. Xovius disappeared and somehow I remembered an important fact about my life which I forgot for unknown reasons: I was married!"
Her eyes widened and her beak fell open and it took her a few seconds to react, "How did that happen? You remembering that bit of information about your life?"
"I don't know." He replied, saddened about his current state of ignorance of his own life, "I, I've been remembering things about my life ever since…" and then it dawned on him, "ever since Xovius disappeared."
Could Xovius really be the reason for forgetting such an important fact about his life?
Xinla knew where he was coming from, after all, she did go through something similar once.
"Maybe you should take some time to simply remember. I once got in a bad bar fight and someone hit on the head with a chair, I fell unconscious and when I finally woke up I had no idea who I was or where I was or what happened." Xinla explained.
"Long story short, it took some time but eventually I gained back my memory."
Curious, the panther spoke, "Was there any method you used, perhaps?"
"I kept recollecting events as things began to get familiar once more." She explained, "The woman you married, you obviously loved her. And you are in love with Master Tigress. Perhaps that is the coincidence that linked that memory back in your head?"
That's the best reasoning he could have heard or come up with.
But how did Xovius' disappearance fit into this? After all, he is just an alternate personality.
But Xinla wasn't done with the panther.
"I think before I can help you in any way, you need to retrace your steps. How did you meet Xovius?"
Alvar sighed and recollected his thoughts and memories, "I met him a few years ago, when my life was falling apart and… I was running away."
"Did you just remember that little bit of information?" She asked.
He nodded.
Realizing that this could take longer than expected, the ibis stood up and headed towards the room she had turned into her kitchen.
"I'll prepare some tea. I think we need to deal with this before anything else." She said. "I'll stay up all night if I have to, listening to everything you say, everything you can remember."
Alvar smiled, not sure if this would work but at least it was something.
It had been a week since they departed from the woods with the hot springs, everyone had left refreshed, all except Arc.
Tai Lung eyed his friend. The lion was awfully quiet and avoiding everyone, conversations and eye contact. Almost as if something was bothering him, but what could possibly bother a shameless nudist?
Just what happened in those woods?
They were now visiting a village located floating in the middle of a fjord that was surrounded by mountains. The houses were either built upon wooden rafts or were already watercrafts. The only way to reach the floating town was by boat or being able to swim well. Truly a unique and fun experience and yet Arc still carried the same face, that blank expression that the snow leopard had learned meant the lion was deep in thought.
It concerned him that he wasn't interacting with anybody or his surrounding like how he always joyfully does.
Tai Lung was even approached by a concerned Naki.
"Do you have any idea what's wrong with him?" She asked the cub, clearly worried. "He hasn't smiled once for days now. He just stares at the ground or anywhere as long as he avoids eye contact."
Tai Lung looked at the lion in question and, he was indeed staring blankly into the ground by his feet.
"I even offered him if he wanted to cop a feel and nothing!" Naki added with an exhausted air.
Whoa! If he didn't even react to that by jumping with excitement then there truly was something serious going on and Tai Lung was determined to find out.
"Has he said anything to you lately?" She asked, leaning closer to the cub.
Tai Lung shook his head, "No.", he replied, "It's been a while, actually." He then looked at the lion again, avoiding everyone, "He usually stays as close to me as possible but… he's been distant and I don't know why."
Now Naki also turned to look at her beloved from a distance only to grow more worried at his odd behavior. The snow leopard understood exactly how she felt and he didn't want another sad lion.
"If he didn't respond to anything that concerns your breasts then something must be troubling him. Trust me, he talks about you in his sleep… and how he wishes to take you in a manly fashion." He reassured her with a somewhat embarrassed smile and blushing face.
"What else does he say about me?" She asked curiously, her face a bit red as well.
"Most of it is gibberish with a few understandable, random words in the middle of it." The cub answered.
The lioness sighed and looked back. Something was wrong and there was nothing she could do about it. She felt useless. She should know what her boyfriend was going through but she didn't.
"I wonder if it's something I did?" She whispered to herself.
Tai Lung's ears pricked up. He heard her words and reassured Naki.
"I doubt it." He said, "He had mentioned to me how things were going smoothly with you." He then offered a smile to her, "Rest assured knowing that whatever that is troubling him, it is not you."
"Then what could it be?" She said looking back at Arc, who was now sitting by the edge of the flat bridge they were currently on, dipping his feet in the water, staring into the blue depths.
Tai Lung looked around the group of people he was traveling with. Maybe he should ask one of them? Someone is bound to at least give one good answer.
"Leave it to me." He said with determination to the female.
Naki watched the little cub go. That boy was strange. Almost like talking to an adult. That's why she was confident that Tai would somehow break Arc out of his current state.
On the meantime, she decided to be as close to her beloved lion as possible. Maybe that could work. Maybe all he needed was company.
The snow leopard watched her as she sat down next to Arc, who in return at least acknowledge her presence and actually wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer without a single word. Naki simply accepted it and rested her head on his shoulder.
Tai Lung, on the other hand, went to each person of the group, one by one. Luckily, they were all easy to spot in the town's marketplace, a bridge surrounded by boats filled with their respective merchandise with their owner standing next to them.
"Wen, you seem to be the sanest person here."
"I have to or else the boys would get themselves killed." The vixen replied as she leaned against a boat, trying to see the jewelry on display.
Tai Lung nodded, "Of course, anyway, have you spent any time with Arc lately?"
She shook her head, "No, he usually is doing his own thing while I make sure everyone is safe. Why do you ask?"
"No particular reason. Have a lovely day!"
And with that, he walked away from the female vulpine and onto the next person.
"Um, 'kay?" Wen said, a bit confused by the child's behavior.
Tai Lung then approached the other fox in the group, who was chuckling to himself.
"Hey, Ralix, what's so funny?" Tai Lung asked the giggling boy.
"It's this really funny joke!" The fox replied trying to hold in a burst of laughter.
The snow leopard figured that if he wanted information out of anyone, he would need to get to their level, "Oh, can you tell me that funny joke?"
Ralix nodded and leaned in closer and spoke softly in the snow leopard's ear, trying to hold back laughter.
As Tai Lung listened, he actually flinched several times as he heard such strong and inappropriate topics and words come out of a child's mouth. Geez, where do kids hear this kind of smut?
Of course, once the fox told the dirty punchline, he burst in a fit of laughter. It was cut short, however, as Wen smacked her brother to the ground.
"I heard that!" Wen yelled as she pounced on her younger brother.
The two vulpines were now exchanging blows and rolling on the ground. Luckily, they didn't fall off the bridge.
Tai Lung huffed and backed away from the two vulpine siblings. Seeing no reason to get involved with the brawling siblings, he tried his luck with someone else. He did notice the shy cougar looking at a display of swords with big eyes filled with interest.
"Penpal, have you noticed…" Before he could finish that sentence, he placed his hand on the cougar's arm, which sent a small spark to shock his fingers.
"Aah! Dammit!" Tai Lung cried out as he pulled his hand away.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!" Penpal apologized, his face suddenly sad and afraid, as he tried to soothe the small feline's hand.
Tai Lung backed away from the cougar. "No, get away from me!" He cried out and tried his luck with someone else.
"Hey, Gongju, have you noticed something odd about Arc lately?"
The boy in the wheelchair didn't deter with attention from the scroll he was reading but he did reply to the younger feline.
"As if there is anything normal about Arc?" He joked but, upon hearing the cub groan, decided to put the scroll away and give an actual answer.
"But yes, I have noticed his strange behavior lately. At this time of day, he usually gets us all involved in his shenanigans. He's been avoiding us, that much I can tell."
Gongju turned to look at where the lion was and seemed to be at least happy for the moment, being close to his beloved. The crippled feline then turned once more to look at Tai Lung.
"I can't tell what goes through that mind of his but whenever I feel like crap, Ralix always stands by my side and tries to cheer me up."
To that, Tai Lung raised a brow, "And how does he cheer you up?"
Gongju smirked, "He usually pounces on me or punches my arm or asks me to pull his finger."
"How do you survive all those ambushes?" Tai Lung asked, a bit incredulous. It amazed him how a disabled person was able to accomplish so much, even an annoying and roughhousing kid like the red fox.
"I can deal with Ralix just fine." Gongju bragged, "I once tackled him the ground and farted in his mouth just to prove a point to him. He respects me because I can kick his ass whenever he wants to throw down."
"You two are definitely best buds." Tai Lung said, shaking his head. Kids just keep getting worse and worse.
"You got that right!" The red fox in question said as he escaped from his sister's grasp and pounced on the Gongju, tipping him and his wheelchair over.
"Nevertheless, I don't know what is wrong with Arc." Gongju answered and offered a smile as he held Ralix in a tight arm lock, "But I'll keep an eye out, for his sake and yours."
"Thanks." Tai Lung forced a smile as he watched the two brawling children even after witnessing a perfectly performed pile-driver by the crippled feline against his vulpine friend.
The snow leopard peaked at Arc, who was in his solidarity, staring blankly into the far distance that was the horizon. He then noticed Naki arriving to his side and offering him a pastry she had purchased. Covered in cream, just the way he likes it.
That did the trick as the lion's spirit appeared to be lifted, slightly, by that simple gesture of affection. Maybe Arc's current situation wasn't as severe as he thought but Tai Lung wasn't going to risk it. He would continue his task until he felt he had done all he could to help.
He then noticed Jagter leaning against a pole, waiting for everyone to finish their shopping, and, like always, being the loner of the group. This was common from him. He always seemed to have an eye out for everyone and everything that goes on.
"Jagter," Tai Lung called out, which made the lion turn to look in the direction of the cub, "you're always keeping an eye out on us, right?" He asked.
"Always." The lion replied with a small nod not knowing where the small feline was going with the conversation.
"Well, can you keep a closer eye on Arc? Spy on him, if you must, but carefully, he has astounding senses."
The lion's eyes went wide and his face turn red, "Um, why?"
"He's been acting strange lately. Ever since we left the woods, the ones with the hot springs." Tai Lung explained.
"He is?" Jagter gulped as sweat trickled down the side of his face.
"Yes. At times, he won't even talk to Naki, it's as if he doesn't want to be with her anymore."
"Really?" Jagter now looked curious.
"Or anyone!" Tai Lung added, "Yes, I know, it's odd! That's why I need to know what's wrong with him. I want to help him resolve whatever it is that's troubling him. I thought that you might find a clue or something since you do spy on him a lot."
"I, uh," Jagter staggered but recovered quickly, "I only spy on him to keep my sister out of trouble."
"You don't have to worry about Arc harming her and I know he would never force himself on her." The snow leopard reassured.
"I know. It's her who needs to be restrained, actually." He then sighed, "She took her clothes off and skinny dipped with him on a date. Arc might be wild but he's nowhere near as…" it took him a few seconds to find a proper adjective to use, "as wild as my sister can be when her hormones take over."
Jagter had to look away saying that, trying to hide his blushing face, knowing full well he had done the very same thing.
"It's actually something common in my family. Take my parents for instance and the amount of siblings I have." He reasoned.
"Can I count on you to look after Arc while I can't?" Tai Lung asked. Surely, a stealthy guy like Jagter should be able to sneak around without being detected and find out the source of Arc's behavior.
The lion looked away and responded, "I don't think my sister would appreciate that. But I'll notify you if something does come up."
Tai Lung said and thanked the lion for his time and walked down the bridge. Assuredly, an idea would have to pop up eventually.
I guess I have to find a way to break him out of his current state.
Gongju had stated that their next destination was a Japanese village not far from this one. That could give him enough time to figure something out.
He hoped.
"Shouldn't you be training right about now?"
"Shouldn't you be cleaning the floors at this hour?"
Jun Lao laughed under his breath as he held Tigress close. The two felines were both lying on the grass, staring at clouds, enjoying each other's company.
"You're right. I should be training."
He quickly grabbed her wrist.
"Oh come here, you! I was only kidding! You don't have to leave yet!" He supplicated.
Tigress smirked at his reaction, "I have duties to attend and so do you."
"Oh come on! Five more minutes curled next to you?" He begged once more giving her a big supplicating smile as well.
"Please, don't be so clingy." She wanted to sound more playful but was a bit firm with her words, "It reminds me of-" She cut herself before she mentioned his name.
Jun Lao caught on to that and quirked his ears. Now he was just curious. "Of who?" He asked.
"It's not important."
"Of who?" He asked once more.
She sighed. "Of Alvar."
He blinked once, "The weird panther guy?" And then his eye brows quirked up, "Why?"
She sighed deeply before answering, "He used to pop everywhere trying to seduce me, even invading my personal space and my belongings."
Hearing that, the male tiger actually looked hurt as he ears drooped and he displayed big sad eyes.
"Sorry that I remind you of that guy." He said.
She shook her head at his response and reassured him, "No, don't be, I'm just being stupid."
He then held her hand, "I don't think you're stupid. I think you're the most amazing woman I've ever met." He then looked straight into her eyes, "Still, why would you compare me to him?"
"He's just deeply enamored by me." Tigress answered. It was all she could really say about the panther, to be honest… and that he was probably insane.
"I bet I'm more in love with you than him!" Jun Lao expressed as he leaned closer to her and planted a kiss on her cheek.
And then, suddenly, it hit him, "Wait, did you two do anything together? As in, you know…"
He may have not finished his question but he did make quite an explicit gesture with both hands, signaling what he didn't say with words.
Tigress; face turned red and looked away, "Well…"
Jun Lao looked incredulous at her. His jaw dropped at the realization sank in but seeing how red she was becoming decided to wave it off.
"Hey, it's in the past, right? Now you have me to deal with and if anyone is going to pop everywhere you are, that is me."
She couldn't help but blush at his words. It felt great being praised by him and he seemed to enjoy her reactions to his praising of her.
He giggled at her expense, "And if we're not going to continue our little break, we might as well get to know each other better." He said trying to come off as smooth as possible but sounded a bit more demanding than what he wanted.
She playfully pushed his shoulder, "What else do you want to know about me? It's not like if anything in my life is extraordinary."
"What?" He said incredulously at her, "Don't ever say such bullshit again. I don't want to hear you say such lies about you, got it?"
She followed along his playful demeanor, smiled and nodded in return.
He smiled, feeling pretty proud of himself, "Good." He said right before he pulled her closer for an embrace, "Now, let me wash the taste of panther from your mouth!"
Tigress barely had time to react as he pressed his lips against her but didn't care, she loved when he does that and now she was melting in that kiss.
It felt like hours but was only about a minute. She didn't want to pull away and she hoped he never did.
But he did, much to her disappointment but those gorgeous blue eyes of his made her feel helpless yet safe.
"What about you?" She suddenly asked which confused him.
"What about me?" He replied.
"I want to know more about you too. Where did you come from? Why be a janitor at the Jade Palace?"
He playfully crossed his arms and quirked a brow, "And you call me clingy?"
Before she could reply, Tigress heard Jun Lao's stomach growling and smiled as he tried to not look embarrassed.
"Why don't we continue this over a meal? I'm starving." She offered.
"That sounds lovely." He replied, still a bit embarrassed.
They descended the thousand steps and into the valley. Of course, they were mostly focused on each other. Both seemed to be interested in one another, wanting to know more about their lives.
There were moments of silence as both felines took in their surroundings, like: the people, the stores and wondering where they would eat.
Tigress also wondered about Zoi Zenigata. The raccoon had seemed like a trustworthy person despite her master's warnings but the story she had told the feline concerning Tai Lung made her realize that the reporter was nothing more than a fraud and a compulsive liar.
But what if…
"Hey, whatcha thinking about?"
She turned to look at the male to her side and answered, "Nothing. I was just lost in thought."
"About what?"
"About…" Before she could come up with a response, she cut herself as she noticed they were both walking by Alvar's gift, "my mural." She finished.
Jun Lao then stared at the crude painting of Tigress blankly, "That drawing on the wall is you?" A few seconds passed, "Nice."
She quickly covered his eyes with her hands.
"Hey, stop looking at it!" She demanded.
"Hey, you're the one who spies on me while I bathe!" He replied with a wide smile.
"I should just break this wall down." Tigress sighed.
"Aw, do you really have to?"
She hated the fact that the owner of the house which had the mural painted on, didn't want to remove the crude and inappropriate depiction of Tigress.
She huffed and tried to gather herself. She may be embarrassed but she didn't want to ruin their lovely time together.
"Let's just go eat something already." She said as sweetly as she could muster.
"Noodles?" He offered.
"That sounds great, actually."
Both felines held hands once more and strode to their destination, Ping's noodle shop, enjoying their company together.
"So, you're telling me the owner of the restaurant is the Dragon Warriors' father?" Jun Lao asked.
Tigress smirked at his eager curiosity, "You have a lot to learn."
Looking in wonder and awe at what was around him, Tai Lung couldn't help but act like a child as he and the rest of the traveling group were surrounded by a large amount of cherry trees. It was miles and miles of pink as far as he could see.
Apparently, the region they were in was founded by Japanese travelers and had made sure to mix their culture with the others they had encountered and thus the town they were now approaching with each step was the result of multiple lifestyles coming together to create one of the most unique places The Underground had to offer.
Even though the town could be seen up ahead, Tai Lung stopped his admiring of the view to see his friend, who still seemed bummed out. At least, he was holding Naki's hand but didn't really show much interest.
The town could wait. First, he needed to break Arc out of this bad mood. It's a good thing Tai Lung had convinced the lion earlier that day follow for a special favor. The cub asked the lion to follow into the depths of the cherry forest, reassuring Naki that he'll return him when the deed was done.
Bidding everyone a safe trip to the town, both cub and lion walked away from the group and entered the endless curtain of petals.
It seemed as pink snow falling carelessly, a beautiful sight that would make anyone smile in wonder and yet the lion still looked sad, not caring about anything.
Tai Lung frowned.
He would make sure he found out the reason for his firend's gloom but knowing Arc, it would have to come naturally and not try to be so blunt about it. That's why he was going to spend all day with him and get him to smile all the time, like how he usually is because no matter the situation, the lion seemed to radiate positivity wherever he went and Tai Lung was determined to keep it that way.
Yet, these trees, this endless rain of petals made him feel safe and happy. It reminded him of…
…the field of flowers…
Tai Lung shook his head, trying to push that away. Now was not the time to dwell on that, now Arc was his main focus.
Once they were both far enough, hidden within what seemed an endless curtain of pink, the snow leopard removed his rucksack, placed it on the ground and faced the lion.
"I guess you're wondering why I brought you here, right?"
The lion turned to face the cub, "No." He said.
"Oh," Tai Lung's ears and shoulders slumped hearing that, "well, what do you think we're going to do here?"
Arc quirked a brow, "Trust me, a question like that has millions of answers."
Tai Lung huffed once and crossed his arms, his face remained stoic.
"Arc, I was thinking about that technique you used against Shifu." The snow leopard said and continued knowing he had the lion's attention, "I was thinking if you could teach me how to do it?"
Now it was Arc who crossed his arms but his face had that clueless expression so familiar of the lion.
"You want to learn Lion's Fury?"
Tai Lung placed his fists on his hips and nodded in agreement, his eyes full of determination, "Yup!"
"Are you sure? It's not as easy as I make it look."
Tai Lung smirked and smugly crossed his arms once again, "I've mastered the One Thousand Scrolls of Kung Fu, I can take it!"
Arc finally smiled and nodded, and dropped his own rucksack on the ground, "Then I shall be your master!"
"Pft, yeah right!" Tai Lung scoffed, "As if I would ever call you that!"
"Suit yourself!" Arc said, "Now we fight!"
"What?" Tai Lung said as his eyes widened hearing the last part.
Suddenly, Arc's fist connected to the spot where Tai Lung had been less than a second ago.
Tai Lung barely dodged the attack. The lion shot out at him at lightning speed and that punch actually managed to leave a small crater.
Taken by surprise by his friend's abilities, the snow leopard smirked with a mischievous glimmer in his eye, "So that's how you want to play, huh?"
Tai Lung took a stance prepared to fight back.
"Well, you are a kung fu master, right?" Arc replied.
"You beat the crap out of Shifu without even touching him." Tai Lung reasoned, holding his stance, bracing himself for whatever the lion could dish out at him.
"Still, I want to see what you can do!" The snow leopard added.
Arc nodded and smiled. "Alright!"
And with that he launched straight for the cub just as fast as before but Tai Lung was ready and grabbed the lion's wrist just before his fist made contact and, with the momentum Arc had garnered, the cub threw the teenager over his shoulder and slammed the bigger feline against the ground, leaving an Arc shape imprint.
Tai Lung was satisfied with himself for about a second as he realized he probably just injured Arc in a crippling manner.
"Oh damn!" He yelled as he inspected Arc's limp body, "I thought you'd react, do a somersault or something!"
The lion's eyes were open, showing no sign of harm or pain, but had that blank expression of his. Then he got up and congratulated the snow leopard for besting him.
Tai Lung was mostly concerned he had done permanent damage to Arc.
"Are you in pain?" He asked as he inspected the lion's for any signs of injury.
"Huh, now that you mention it, yeah, I guess my back does hurt a bit." Arc said as he inspected his body then turned his attention to the cub, "Don't worry, it'll hurt worse later but I'll live. I still have to teach you my moves!"
"Alright, I'll take your word for it." Tai Lung braced took a stance and eyed the lion, "If you're going to fight, at least get rid of your armor."
Arc shook his head in response, "No can do. My armor represses my strength. If I'm not careful without it, I could injure you severely."
"Really? I thought you only wore them so as to conceal your arms." This intrigued the snow leopard quite indeed, "Now, more than ever, I want to know just what exactly you can do!"
Arc sighed and returned a small smile, "If you say so."
The lion took off his shirt and neatly folded it and placed it on the ground. Now he could take off his metallic appendages, at least, that's what they appeared to be, and Tai Lung couldn't help but stare and watch every detail. It intrigued him seeing Arc remove his armor. He made it look so easy and yet they seemed to be attached to his arms, almost as if they were part of the lion's flesh.
Once his arms were bare, Tai Lung was mystified just as the first time seeing them. He didn't know why but he couldn't take his eyes away from those markings. It amazed him seeing something rare and those arms were unique, he had never met someone who had that pattern, unless if it was a tattoo, of course.
His right arm was covered in tiger stripes and his left arm was covered in leopard spots, much like the Tai Lung's own. Arc's unique patterns began on his shoulders and ended right on the wrists of both his arms, pretty much all the space his armor covers.
Arc now held his armor in their bracelet form and placed them on top of his shirt. Then turning his attention once more to the cub, he took a stance and launched forward.
Tai Lung was able to avoid every single blow despite Arc's speed. Still, he wanted to know just how strong the lion really was, after all, he did say the armor restrained his strength.
Suddenly, the snow leopard's feet disconnected from the ground and he was now held upside-down. Arc had grabbed his tail and was now holding him.
"If you don't keep attention, I can easily do this."
"Sorry, I was just wondering about your strength. I mean, you once lifted a boulder twice your size over your head without showing discomfort."
"You want to see how strong I am?"
"Yes and don't hold back." Tai Lung replied. He was curious about his friend's power and now he was going to see it firsthand.
Arc nodded and formed a fist as he prepared to launch it.
"Not on me, you idiot!" Tai Lung shrieked as he saw the lion was aiming his punch at his upturned form.
"The giant boulder a few yards away from us?" Arc offered, pointing at said rock.
"Yes, that will work just fine." Tai Lung agreed to the lion's notion. "Can you put me down first?"
The archeologist approached the massive rock, standing at a height of a two story building.
It was quiet, Tai Lung stared at the display and Arc just stood there sizing the boulder with his eyes.
And then, with lightning speed, the lion struck the rock with a fist. At first nothing happened but after a few seconds a crater formed right where the feline punched the boulder. It wasn't just a big dent, it was a hole that anyone, even a rhino, could go through and reach the other side of the rock.
"Whoa." It was the only thing that could come out of Tai Lung's mouth as he stood there impressed with what he just witnessed.
"The secret is to not think about it, I guess. You know, mind over matter." Arc said over his shoulder.
Tai Lung smiled and shook his head, "That explains so much, not just your strength but pretty much the majority of your decision making."
Then Arc flexed both of his arms, displaying the musculature he was proud of, though shy to expose, "Are you sure it has nothing to do with my amazing leonine prowess?"
Tai Lung chuckled at his friend's usual demeanor and nodded in agreement, "You may be right."
He wasn't going to tell him that he has accomplished amazing feats like that one, right now, he wanted to lift Arc's mood. Still, that was impressive.
With proper training he could be a great kung fu warrior.
"That boulder was too small to show my full strength, either way."
"And I thought Tia Ra was strong." Tai Lung said, trying to boost the lion's confidence as much as possible.
"Please, she's way stronger than me." Arc said as he stared at the hole he created, "At least, this boulder can now house anyone who wishes to make it its home."
Then Arc turned to look at the cub.
"Hey, Snow Cub, you want to learn my cool technique or what?"
"You mean you're not going to attack me repeatedly until I kick your ass?"
Once again, Arc shook his head and answered, "No, that was just to warm up, besides, you clearly have plenty of skills to learn Lion's Fury so we'll go directly into it."
Now Tai Lung was basically jumping with excitement.
"So what's first?" He asked not being able to hide his enthusiasm.
"Do you remember the wall in the Ruins of Terkhonazya?"
"Yes. It explained how to perform a technique called Aura Force which apparently is the same thing you call Lion's Fury."
Now the lion looked rather nervous as he scratched the top of his head, "Well, no one has to know that it had a name so let's just keep calling it Lion's Fury."
That last statement simply confused Tai Lung.
So Arc had learned the technique from basic instructions and named it once he mastered. Add this to his keen tactile sense and the lion is a force to reckon with.
Wait, if he was able to sense me, trapped in that chamber, then he was able to see the writing on the wall without having to look at it and found out the actual name of his technique…
"Aside from saving me, is that why you destroyed the wall?"
"Anyway," Arc blurted and continued to speak without addressing the question, "my technique is similar to Aura Force and I can tell that you memorized the basics to perform it."
Remember, it's always better to just go along with Arc than to question his actions. It's easier that way.
"I was only able mimic the shapes displayed, I could not read anything else, but yes, I memorized all the positions." Tai Lung informed as he took a lotus stance.
Then the cub added more of what he could recollect, "And I remember clearly, when you read the hieroglyphs: one needs to use his chi to manipulate matter. Pretty much how you were able to mutilate Shifu without making contact."
"Oh, I made contact." The lion replied as he, with rapid speed, extended his arm, palm flat, his hand directed towards a tree, which now had Arc's hand print dented into its trunk.
"But not directly." Arc finished his statement.
Tai Lung just stared in amazement at the paw print and then at Arc with big enthusiastic eyes.
"I used my chi to do so." Arc explained though the snow leopard didn't need a hint to know what the lion had just performed.
The lion then placed both of his fists on his hips and confidently eyed the snow leopard, "And a powerful warrior who knows a fuckton of kung fu such as yourself, should be able to perform this with ease."
"Actually, I think I have performed it before but not willingly." Tai Lung informed.
Arc then sat by the cub's side, "Same here, at least, when I was still practicing the basics years ago. Which by the way, we are performing the first step at this very moment."
Tai Lung noticed that the lion had taken a lotus stance as well. The first position shown in the temple's wall he studied.
"What you need to do is just as what was written on the wall but control yourself and maintain focused." Arc explained to the eager snow leopard who now was curious about what the lion said.
"You mean, use my chi?"
"Kinda." Arc said. "How were you feeling when you did manage to accomplish Aura Force?"
Tai Lung remembered each of the times he managed to perform the technique, when he was trapped in the ruins and going through the forest.
"I was angry."
Arc nodded and explained what occurred, "You transformed your energy into another form of energy."
He recalled the event in the forest and the effect it had with the surroundings, "I manage to push objects around me away."
"Focus your energy, focus your emotions, the same way I did when I fought Shifu." Arc told the cub.
"You were angry at him." Tai Lung concluded.
"Yes, but I was also afraid for Gongju's wellbeing and him keeping us apart." Arc explained, somewhat as if he was talking to a child, "Sometimes things are easier to perform when you have a purpose."
He now looked firm as he looked at the cub.
"I wanted to protect you and Gongju." He said.
Arc then stood up, still with a determined stare.
"Since you can create a strong enough force to push objects, we can jump a few steps and go right into it.
Yeah, let's get to the good stuff!
"Now, think of something that pisses you off and concentrate all of your energy on your hands so that once you think you're ready, try to push me but not physically." Arc ordered as he braced himself for whatever the cub could send towards him.
Hours passed and yet both felines had not noticed it, they were too distracted with the training and enjoying their time together.
Now Tai Lung lied on the ground, huffing loudly, trying to gain control of his breath. Arc truly was making him sweat as it was hard to keep up with the overly energetic lion.
"I'm going to push you with my Lion's Fury and you must do the same in order to keep me at bay."
"You're not even going to let me breath for a while." Tai Lung complained as he gasped for air.
"Alright, I think you earned it." The lion sighed.
With that said, Arc dropped on the ground next to the snow leopard.
It was relaxing, lying on the petal covered forest floor, looking up at the endless rain of pink.
"Arc, we are still heading to Zola, right?" Tai Lung brought up. After all they had gone through, he still hoped the lion was taking him to the promised destination and not just random sights.
Luckily, the lion nodded in response, "Yes, you want to know as much as possible about a ghost that may or may not be real so I'll take you to Zola so that you may find out the truth."
Arc then turned his head to look at the cub, "I would assume that someone of your age wouldn't believe in ghosts."
This actually caught Tai Lung off guard.
"You don't?" Tai Lung asked him, "But you believe in chi and that's mystical mumbo jumbo."
"Chi, kinetic energy, it's the same to me." Arc explained.
"So you don't believe in ghosts, huh?"
Arc shook his head and looked up at The Underground's sky, "No, if they did, my family would have visited me."
Crap, this is not what he wanted. He didn't want to upset the lion. He wanted to cheer him up but after that exchange of words, the snow leopard couldn't think of anything that could lift his friend's mood.
"And just so you know," Arc suddenly spoke, "I am sad that I destroyed that wall, it was part of history that needed to be shared but I'm glad that I was able to save you. And yes, I sensed the writing and discovered that the nameless technique of mine already had a name of its own."
The lion finished with a sigh.
Clearly, the discovery of the technique and naming it was something the lion cared about and now he had to surrender it.
"No one has to know, it'll be our secret." Tai Lung said, reassuring the lion, "Let's just keep calling it Lion's Fury, it sounds more badass than Aura Force."
Arc chuckled and sighed, "Not my proudest moment but I'm okay with that."
Tai Lung smirked, "I have ruined you… I'm so proud of myself!"
They both laughed as the light of day began to fade.
Arc realized that the ceiling would soon be as black as night soon and stood up to look for his armor and shirt.
"I think we should regroup with our friends." He said over his shoulder to the sky gazing cub.
Tai Lung sat up and stretched. It had been a long day and he deserved a long night's rest. He just hoped he managed to lift Arc's mood and if he didn't, he still had some time to do so and maybe he could find out the cause of the problem.
Nightfall had draped the land or in this case, the ceiling's light faded into darkness.
After a long day of training, the two cats headed back to the inn the rest of their group was staying. Everyone else had spent the day either running errands or just plain having some time for themselves.
The village was pretty much what the description the snow leopard was told: a traditional Japanese village. The architecture, the building even the way its citizens behaved or lived performed their daily routines were different than what Tai Lung was used to seeing in the surface. Then again, he was mostly familiar with Chinese lifestyle.
"Gongju said he was going to stay at an inn and this is the only one in this whole village."
Tai Lung stared at the large entrance with Japanese characters right on top.
Does Arc understand what that says and everything else written in this village?
They entered the hall and before they could go any further inside, Arc stopped the cub in his tracks. He informed the snow leopard to remove his shoes before taking another step. The leopard did as informed and as he placed his sandals in a corner, Arc went to the receptionist counter.
At least he doesn't have to worry about taking off his shoes. Tai Lung joked to himself.
He then heard Arc speaking in a complete different language, clearly Japanese. The lion was fluent as he was able to communicate and understand quite well with the greeter.
Just how many languages can he speak? Tai Lung thought, impressed with the lion's linguistic skills.
Now Arc was approaching him, "Good news: Gongju already rented a room so we can stay here. Bad news: he and everyone else are enjoying themselves somewhere in this village."
"You got all that information from the receptionist?"
"Mhm!"
"Where did you learn to speak Japanese?"
"A few years ago I traveled to Japan and during my stay I learned all I could to speak, write and understand the language."
"Konichiwa!" Tai Lund suddenly blurted out for reason whatsoever. However, Arc smiled upon hearing the word.
"I didn't you could speak Japanese too!"
Arc began to speak Japanese words, trying to start a conversation with the cub. This embarrassed the cub, however.
"Um, I only know that one word, Arc, I don't know anything else about that language."
Arc simply laughed and Tai Lung had to admit, to himself, that it was funny as a smile spread across his face.
They made their way to the shared bathroom of the inn.
After a long day training and building up a sweat, both felines needed a bath. Tai Lung had gotten used to Arc's constant nudity and the lion never minded anyone's appearance.
The bathhouse was just like the rest of the inn. Its Japanese influence was clearly noticeable. It was an indoor rock garden with a waiting bathing pool in the middle with rocky tiles leading to the steaming water.
"I've never been to Japan before." Tai Lung contemplated, mystified by the room. He recalled the lion had informed him of his trip to the country and wondered what adventures he had during his stay.
Arc was already removing his clothing and neatly setting it on a bench. He even took off his armor, a feat which displayed his trust towards the snow leopard.
"Then we should go once we get the chance to do so!" He said in response to the cub's statement.
That sounded swell to Tai Lung but at the moment all he wanted to do is check out the room in a more detailed manner, inspecting the walls and even the large rocks surrounding the bathing pool. He was that intrigued by the chamber that he didn't even notice Arc jumping in the water with a loud splash until it soaked him.
The snow leopard shook himself, only to puff up into a ball of fluff, and looked at the lion a bit annoyed but waved it off seeing his friend actually happy, swimming and splashing around. It reminded Tai Lung of what he intended to do that day and completely forgot: to figure out what the lion's earlier mood came from or what caused it.
"Arc, we're family, right?"
The lion looked at the cub and smiled, "Of course we are!"
"We can tell anything to each other without any judgment from the other. You are aware of that, right?"
"I guess we can." Arc agreed.
"Ask me anything? I'll answer it." Tai Lung said confidently, hoping to inspire more trust between them.
"How long was your dick when you were all grown up?"
"That's… not what I meant, Arc… and I never measured it…"
"I can tell you're lying. It was small, wasn't it? There's no shame in not being fortunate enough to have leonine schlong like me!"
"Fine! When I was about your age I did measure it! Happy?"
"Yes!" Arc responded. A few seconds passed. "So how long was it?"
Tai Lung sighed with a groan. Did he expect any conversation with Arc to be anything else but obscene and personal? He tried his best and at least managed to get his friend out of his gloomy mood, might as well relax and join the lion. The snow leopard went behind one of the decorative rocks and began to unclad, however, he stopped when he heard the door to the bathroom slide open. He couldn't see who it was because the stone blocked his view but, when he looked up, over it, he did notice Arc's sudden change of mood and that he quickly slumped down in the water as if trying to hide.
Since when does he hide his nudity? And who exactly walked in?
However, he recognized the voice.
"How are you?" Jagter said, rather nervously, as he slid the door close and walked towards the bathtub.
Tai Lung, still hiding behind the tub, wondered why the older lion wanted to start a conversation when he never seems interested in talking to anyone.
Known for being a loner, that was uncharacteristic of Jagter. Was this his way of finding out the reason for the archeologist's odd behavior?
And then the snow leopard heard the rustling of water, indicating that Jagter had indeed entered the tub.
I guess he doesn't mind. This is a bathroom that every guest shares, after all.
"Enjoying the town?" Jagter said with a nervous smile.
Arc didn't respond, he simply kept himself slumped in the water.
The older lion sighed seeing the other cat's behavior. "Arc, I think we need to talk. About what happened that night."
Tai Lung's ears pricked up. What night?
However, Jagter continued explaining himself, "Tai told me you haven't been yourself since we departed the woods and he has been curious to know why that is, myself included."
Arc avoided making eye contact with him and even moved away when the older lion tried to place his hand on the archeologist's shoulder.
"Nervous? You can tell me how you feel." Jagter informed but, after seeing Arc wasn't responding, he sighed in disappointment, "Just be honest and I'll tell you why I did what I did."
This made Arc finally turn to look at the older lion and just stared at him for a minute before speaking words.
"I love Naki."
That caught Jagter off guard but he kept silent.
"Now it's your turn." Arc said.
The older lion didn't speak nor did he move as he gathered the proper words to explain himself.
"I…" He took a big breath and decided to just let it out, "I've been in love with you since I first met you, Arc."
He remembered being seven years old and how he enjoyed his first experience with Arc.
"You were always so kind and fun… we were just young children and yet I knew what my feelings were telling me, even though I hid them pretty well. It always bothered that you never wanted to play or spend time with me but only with Naki. I soon realized that what I felt for you, you felt for my sister."
Arc stayed silent, concealing his body in the water. He avoided looking at Jagter but listened, either way.
"When my mother told me about the mission involving helping you keep a snow leopard safe, I gladly accepted knowing that for once you would have to notice me…"
Jagter sighed once more.
"but then, Naki also offered to help and like always your eyes went over to her and I knew that we could never…"
He stopped talking when he felt Arc's hand resting on his shoulder, which made the older lion blush.
"Your touch is so warm." He informed, trying to hide his crimson cheeks.
"I see." Arc said, his face blank but he wasn't avoiding older feline's gaze, "You felt the same way I felt for Naki for so long. I never would have thought that she could ever love me as more than a friend but once we did took a step further, it felt amazing. The greatest feeling in the world!"
"Is that how it felt for you, that night in the hot spring?" Arc asked, sounding curious even though, deep down, he knew the answer.
Jagter gave a shy nod, cheeks blushing and a small embarrassed smile displayed on his face.
"I understand now. All these years I thought you didn't like me, that I wasn't good enough for your sister, but you were just jealous of her."
Arc still harbored a blank expression though but after a while he offered a shy, apologetic smile to the other cat.
"Can we please just be brothers? Like how we were when we bonded. Before you kissed me, that is."
"That would be nice!" Jagter confirmed with a small smile before embracing the other feline who happily hugged him back.
Might as well enjoy this moment before he pulls away. Jagter thought to himself.
Arc, on the other hand, felt a weight being lifted as Jagter accepted him as a brother and that they could both move on to live a healthy relationship.
However, Jagter was enjoying that embrace a lot more than he expected as he began to purr with joy. The older feline also felt that Arc's arms were warm and soft.
"I've never felt your bare arms before." The older cat said as he decided to run his hands along the archeologist's muscular limbs.
Then he noticed something odd as he looked down on the rippling water. Arc's arms had markings on them.
Arc, noticing that Jagter had seen his concealed birthmarks, pulled away and slumped back in the water. Unfortunately, the older feline was holding his wrists and by submerging, Arc exposed both of his arms right in front him.
"What the…?" Was all that Jagter expressed as he gazed at the other lion's arms. They were completely different from the last time he saw them when he spied on Arc and his sister.
And then it dawned on him.
"This is why you felt uncomfortable removing your armor, isn't it?"
Arc pulled his wrists free and slumped one more, "Don't look at me, I'm a hideous monster!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't tell anyone, especially Naki, please!"
It was at that moment that an idea came to be, one that might just be the worst thing he had ever devised. Should he take advantage of this newfound information or not?
Jagter looked at those worried golden orbs, the eyes that he had fallen for, and gulped. He wanted Arc but could he really step that low to get what he wanted.
He looked at Arc once more.
You're going to hate me for this…
…but I don't want to let you go. Please, don't hate me for this.
"I will tell Naki your secret…"
"What? No! She'll hate me!"
"I'll keep quiet but only if…"
Arc just stared at the other lion, eyes wide and full of fear, and he was afraid to find out just what exactly Jagter wanted from this. Unfortunately, he was right because as soon as Arc realized the possibilities, Jagter cupped his face and leaned forward.
And just like that, both of them were once again locked together.
Arc couldn't tell what he felt but it was a mixture of fear, worry, anger, disgust, betrayal, sadness and hate but he knew that he had to withstand it all. For Naki.
From what Jagter was doing, feeling him up, kneading his shoulders, chest and backside and savoring the moment with joy, Arc could tell just how much the other feline had desired him.
Tai Lung, after listening the entire conversation and figuring out the reason for Arc's earlier behavior, peeked and was horrified to see what his friend was going through. It made him grit his teeth. The look of pain Arc displayed was enough to send him into a murderous rage and he was about to but realized that if he exposed himself, Arc would defend Jagter so as to keep his secret hidden from Naki.
He turned away from the two felines and steadily, without alerting Jagter, escaped out a window. If Arc wasn't going to come clean, he would have to step in.
It's time for Naki to know his secret. He thought without a second's notice. Whether Arc likes it or not.
The image of Arc was all that could be seen. He was helpless.
The image of Arc with Jagter was all that could be seen.
The image of Jagter sliding his hands into Arc's pants was…
Tai Lung woke up in a startled gasp.
What happened?
The last thing he remembered was that his friend needed him and…
Arc.
He tried to move but found it effortless. He noticed he was tied up to a tree. He desperately tried to break free but found it futile.
What happened?
Where was he?
And how did he get here? Tied to a tree?
Tai Lung then felt movement on in the distance.
There seemed to be absolutely nothing in the surroundings and yet he felt someone's presence.
"Who's there?" He said.
No response.
"Show yourself." Tai Lung demanded with more ferocity to his voice.
And then, finally, the perpetrator showed itself. It wore a black cloak, concealing its face and held an ax in one hand.
"Who are you?"
The figure just kept approaching the immobile child.
"My dear, Tai Lung," a raspy voice said from beneath the cloak before the stranger lifted his face to reveal the terrifying pearly white smile that Tai Lung remembered too well.
"You are in terrible danger." The Gambler finished as he gestured his ax in hand.
A/N: What a time for a cliffhanger!
Originally, this chapter was supposed to be longer but I decided to chop it in half.
What awaits our heroes, you ask? Well, you'll have to wait to find out.
Please, read and review!