A/N: Hi everyone, this is the special chapter before New Year, Forgotten Hope is entering the third year of existence 2012-2013-2014. A period way longer that I would expect, and probably more years are still to come, BUT with this chapter we finally reached half of the story. And now I want to thank everyone who kept along since 2012 and those who entered in 2013.

Of course I'm also planning a new KFP fanfic, this time featuring a CranexTigress!Hahah, I bet nobody expected for that one!And makes me wonder why this paring, despite being two main characters so popular and close to each other on friendship(I believe), was never taken(or at least on the five stories that were never completed about this pairing in the whole archive) more seriously before. I know people love PoxTigress, but then if there were people who did Tai LungxTigress a lot too, why CraneXTigress was forgotten about?I think it deserves a new try, and this time I'll make a story and I'll complete it!

Due the fact I decided to start Tails & Tales story first I couldn't make a chapter for this story yet, but since ADGTH archive traffic is on a stop I might delay some updates on that story to work in this new one. Of course that anyone interested on helping doing this CranexTigress is more than welcomed. I have wonders about this story, it will be a real challenging one since Tigress is a very difficult character to take it on the right way, which mostly means in-character, no matter if thoughts, actions or etc...

Anyway, I'm truly excited about this new project and I can't wait to star it soon!And now my very thanks for all those who came along and joined!

Note: This fic will have 90 chapters.

Forgotten Hope 2013-2014 = Special thanks to:

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Everyone was gathered at the Hall of Warriors, the only exception being Helo. Trigger notably complained about the eagle's absence, but quickly was silenced by Zach.

"He got his own business Trigger, we don't own anyone to do whatever we want, now shut up and be nice."

"Easy for you to say," Muttered the Hawk with venom.

All the kung fu masters were reunited while Zach was giving them the instructions of what would be of each group. Notably Zach did his groups taking into consideration the terrain advantages and who would explore them better, but Shifu's choice was way different from any of that.

"Wait, wait, wait. So...Po and Tigress, Monkey and Mantis, Viper and you, Crane and Shen, Mei Ling and Fenguang?" The fox asked with some uncertain.

"That's correct," Master Shifu said with a nod.

"I think it's not necessary to have two people so intelligent like Crane and Shen in the same group, it would be a waste."

"Hum...I agree, so what do you suggest?" Shifu asked politely. The red panda internally cringed annoyed, his purpose of sending Crane along with Shen filled with hopes of they would set things right between each other was now at stake.

"Let Crane and Mei Ling tag along, so Shen will go with Fenghuang," Before Shifu said anything he carefully approached of the fox for a private conversation.

"I understand your reasons, but I need someone I can deeply trust to watch on those two, I cannot guarantee that Fenghuang will keep the spirit," Zack smirked. Shifu wasn't being complete honest with his motives, but Zach didn't saw throughout his faked excuses.

"Someone to watch over both, huh?Okay...then let Fenghuang with Tigress and Po with Shen. What do you think?"

"An interesting idea I might say, I just wonder if Po and Shen will handle each other," Shifu said knowing there was no way he could send the avians together now.

"Just time will tell."

After setting the groups a specific number of trust-able renegades was select to compose each group, after ready they would leave in the next hours without delay.

Meanwhile...

"So we'll go after this factories, huh?A long time out for some entertainment," Mei Ling commented with a chuckle. She was in Crane's room again after finishing her own badges. The waterfowl was busy thinking on bringing along only the necessary, but honestly Crane wasn't one of gathering stuff in his room. He had very few with him, something that did not went unnoticed by the mountain cat.

"I thought that being so popular as a Furious Five would help you to suit yourself with more...properties," Mei Ling said throwing an indirect at the avian. Crane chuckled.

"If it was the case my room would have more junk than the basement of the Palace, but since there's something called honor and good deeds I believe hardly I would get into such situation," The waterfowl's response was kinda harsh.

"You never wanted anything special?Or something you praised or needed?" She asked being a bit surprise, Crane praised the hat she gave him, and a lot. There was no reason to believe he wouldn't feel the same for something else. The waterfowl stopped what he was doing and stared silently at the wooden floor.

"Well...not really. I...never could think of anything more special or that I needed...at least not more than you."

Mei Ling was surprise and extremely content with his answer, she could understand his point of view about that.

"Heh, can't say you're wrong about that, but even you Jien has a personal desire for a certain material. No matter what. I expect you to trust me such feeling since we're together now,"

The way Mei Ling said that sounded critical, as if she got disappointed with the way Crane was acting as life partner, way below her expectations so far. The waterfowl understood her discomfort, but even on couples there was a tendency for privacy at certain aspects.

"I know Mei, I'm not trying to hide anything, I'm not used to think I can have what I want since I've been living under strict rules for too long. This huge liberty is...disturbing me a bit."

"Oh, when you say that I have to agree, but I can help you.*chuckle* Money is not a problem," She said while swinging her tail around the avian's legs. Crane just love when she does such.

"Heh, never would be, not when you have a cave full of jewel anyway," The avian said finally packing the rest of his belongings.

"Oh yeah!I nearly forgot about that place!" Mei Ling was amazed with herself for nearly letting that memory come to a lose. Crane felt a bit hurt, that place was even more special for him after he and Mei...

"Sorry about it Huang, I don't get it how I forgot that there were so many jewels and other treasures there. I think our fun made me forget it completely."

Crane raised an eyebrow. Fun?That was a weird way to referee about s-

"Hey!Crane!Are you there?!"

The sudden yell at the door interrupted Crane's thoughts.

"Po?What's going on?" The avian asked without opening the door.

"Sorry for disturbing, but the renegade dude said that the Wu Sisters may hunt us after we leave the Valley, so everyone must be very cautious otherwise we'll get into serious trouble, especially if we're divided in small groups."

"Oh, that's true. Those Wu must still be near the Valley, I doubt they would leave even if we stayed here for months," Mei Ling said tiredly.

"Yeah, so...see you two at the Hall of Warriors!" The panda said before leaving noisily.

Crane took a moment to reflect. The Wu still being around would only mean they were waiting for the right moment to attack Mei Ling. There was no other reason whatsoever for them to be here, but the group Ling would travel would have him, Helo, Trigger and some renegade lady wolf called Kathrin, besides few elite men from the renegade's forces. Crane had extreme doubts that any of those, apart of him and Ling , could handle the Wu in close combat.

"Thinking too much again?" Mei Ling asked while caressing the avian's neck. The feeling that the touch caused on Crane relieved the avian partly of the concern the situation was generating inside him.

"Just the usual, not much as I would before. Of course that any distractions you have to offer are more than welcome," Crane replied while smiling teasingly.

"Silly, don't get too comfy with that idea," Mei Ling said with a light laugh.

Meanwhile...

After a couple hours every one in the Palace left and gathered at the village, while Po went to say goodbye to his father the others were already meeting with the rest of their teammates.

Zach introduced the members he selected to make part of the groups. Oddly enough the number of people was way below the Five expected.

There were five renegades only.

"Wait a minute, I though you would send more people with us," Mantis said being surprise by the familiar renegades. They were nothing more than Paol, Yallin, Trigger, Helo and Ryskin.

"I know, but I'm afraid this is a task that will require skill and experience at maximum with numbers at minimum, especially because I'm sending my best men, and I cannot send more cause we need all the rest," Zach replied formally.

"So who's going with who?" Monkey questioned.

"Paol will go along Po and Shen, Yallin will go with Viper and Shifu, Ryskin will go with Tigress and Fenghuang, Trigger with Monkey and Mantis, and Helo with Crane and Mei Ling,"

The eagle totally did not appreciate the group he was set in, not only displeased but also concerned. He obviously would try to argue.

"Hum...can I ask something?" Helo said lifting his huge wing to call the attention of Zach. The fox looked at him.

"Really?Well the answer is 'no', now since you packed your things Helo you can start moving on, we don't have any more time to waste here. I wish you all good luck. Most of renegades in the Valley will be leaving shortly to the Imperial Valley, we'll meet with the rest of our army there. Take care everyone, we'll be counting on you, if you succeed I'm recommending for you all to regroup at Hei Shing province located at the Imperial Valley outskirts, we'll have that area under our control until you return."

Everyone nodded silently, most buried under deep concern of the new challenge they'll be facing, one that will cost very much if they fail.

Shen walked away while having the young renegade Paol next to him, the peacock did not say anything since he barely knew the wolf, after a couple minutes Po was back.

"Hey, so we're going already?" The panda asked noticing the two separated from the rest.

"If you wanna say goodbye to them it's fine, we'll be waiting for you," Paol said while crossing his arms. The panda nodded while rushing for the rest. Paol carefully watched over the peacock, the avian barely moved, it amazed the wolf how calmly the peacock was acting, as if the fact of going into a total war did not bothered him at all. The behavior of a very experienced man in this kind of situation.

'I wonder why Dai Lu Yan had so much interest in this man'

Meanwhile...

Crane and Mei Ling watched as Po said his goodbyes while being very emotive. They chuckled as they saw he get all red while talking with Tigress.

"You really think he got something for her?" Crane asked with wonder while watching the panda.

"I believe so, I know when a man gets flustered for no apparent reason near a women," The mountain cat replied.

"I hope he can handle this, I'm not sure if Tigress is one of getting involved at all," The waterfowl said with skepticism.

"You would be surprised of how different Tigress can be from what she let apparent to you boys, I myself was at the start," Mei Ling said appreciating the view.

Helo was nearby the two, and since he was out of their view they couldn't see the anxiety on his expression. He was deeply infuriated with Zach for getting him in the team he totally shouldn't make part of. He had a deal and carried it, but now odds were totally against him. Since the Wu would be tracking them Helo could not expect that those cats wouldn't attack him at all, they didn't seem the type of being reasonable.

One Wu alone wouldn't dare to fight him but three?If Helo wanted to stand a chance he would need the help of the other two, but with that the two could find out the true about him and let the eagle all by himself, if the couple was attacked first Helo could just fly away, but he seriously doubt it wold be that easy, the Wu knew that they had more chances of taking down quick a big target without kung fu experience like the eagle instead experienced thin ones like Crane or Mei Ling.

"Hey, are you alright?"

Helo almost jumped frightened by the sudden contact. He calmed himself to see it was Mei Ling talking with him.

"Err..yeah, I'm fine, just a bit nervous, that's all,"

What Helo said was partially true, he was nervous by personal reasons than the mission itself. Another thing that was making Helo wonder about himself was the mission, of course that he did not want to take down one of Dai's factories, but everything Dai Lu Yan had done so far made the eagle wonder what kind of promising future that man wanted for China, so far Helo only saw death and destruction. Dai Lu Yan convinced the eagle of better times to come under his leadership, but how good they could be being under so many deaths?

In contrast with what he saw from the that man the people in Valley of Peace were totally different, especially those who lived in the Jade Palace. Helo did not expect to see such humble and dedicated warriors like them, he always listened the stories of the Five greatest battles and achievements, but looking closely at them...they were normal as any other.

While Mei Ling went to gather their bags Crane aproached Helo for a private talk.

"There's something I wanna talk with you, but I need you to keep it a secret." Crane said with some seriousness. Helo was curious with it. The waterfowl then revealed something he was holding in one of his wings. Helo beak dropped a bit.

"You...you're gonna...ask her?" Was all the eagle could say. Crane nodded.

"Just waiting for the right time to come, I'll know when it comes of course," The waterfowl said full of proud. Helo said nothing more, this new info just made his conscience felt heavier than ten rhinos on top of each other. Mei Ling returned few seconds later placing the bags near them.

"Well, let's get going, we have a long road ahead of us," Crane said while walking across the two, Helo slowly followed him, but Mei Ling didn't. Crane took notice of this and stopped to stare at her."Mei?"

"Are you two idiots?" She asked while frowning. The avians were stunned.

"What?" Crane did not understand, neither Helo. Mei Ling groaned.

"What road?!You two can fly!We probably can reach our objective faster than anyone else!"

Crane and Helo eavesdropped.

"Oh, yeah, that's truth, but what about you?" Helo asked while being extremely content for this good appointment she made.

"Well, I'm sure you're big enough to carry me on your back, aren't you?" She said with a smirk. Helo stared silently. He could support her weight easily, but that felt a bit humiliating.

"That sounds a great idea, can you do it Helo?It would save us great time," Crane asked while looking expectantly at the eagle.

"Sureee..." Helo said while lowering himself slowly so Mei Ling could sit on his back. Helo felt his face heating up quick when he saw the renegades nearby laughing like hyenas when they saw the cat on his back.'I'll make sure when I get back to teach those idiots a lesson,'

The mountain cat adjusted herself on Helo's back without any trouble. The eagle flapped his wings harshly while Crane took their bags to carry. After few seconds they flew towards the horizon while the rest watched with apprehension, most wondering if they would see them again.

Meanwhile...

"Can I ask you something?" Trigger said to Zach while checking his equipment.

"What is is?" The fox replied with suspicious.

"Why can't I go with the girls?"

This question surprised the renegade a bit. The hawk probably was talking about Tigress and Fenghuang.

"Why?Well, first off I seriously doubt you'll find any other two women more independent than those two, second off I think you're nothing more than a show off and I doubt again that you would last long in their company, especially cause any of the two can give you a beat."

Zach ignored the annoyed expression of the hawk and moved on to his own business.

Meanwhile...

Ryskin had his bag ready, Tigress and Fenghuangs have said their goodbyes to their friends but waited for the renegade to talk with his brother before departure. Paol was reunited with Po and Shen.

Shen was totally ignoring the panda the best he could, mostly because he still couldn't get used with Po's silliness at most situations. While Paol talked with his old brother Po came close to Tigress to say his goodbyes, again.

"So, heh...we're going, it's been the hell of a week, huh?" Po said sheepishly while looking at the female tiger. Tigress nodded.

"Yes, and now the greatest fate is upon us, we shall make our best to not fail this mission," She replied fomally. After few second Po opened his mouth and close a couple of times, as if he was trying to say something but had his own doubts. But then...

"Take care out there, Tigress."

The female warrior stared at him surprised, that was something she heard a couple of times before when fighting or going into missions, but why this time it felt so special?

"Yeah, you too...Po," She said with a tiny smile.

After Paol and Ryskin finally were over each group followed separated ways. Crane's group had left already, and so Shifu's group, Mantis group was at the outskirts already and Po and Tigress group left for last.

A voyage they would never forget finally started, the fate of the whole China relying on them, more than ever they could not fail. While aiming for the future and always having hopes for the best.

A/N: Happy New Year!