Well this was completely unexpected. I mean that seriously, I didn't expect to whip this out as quickly as I did. I don't know exactly what overtook me to write this much in such a short time span.
Anyways, welcome back to our story. I am finally here to bring you Chapter 46 of Finding Balance. It was a little rough to write at points, but I managed to get through it alright. I am sure you are glad by that. The long waits can be torture sometimes and this is, thankfully, not one of those times. Trust me, I dread delay as much as anyone else.
So, this chapter also marks 300,000 words. I know of only a few stories that make it this far and I am happy to say that we are slowly, but surely, getting somewhere at this point. We still have another whole movie to get to, but that is going to happen a distance into the future. I still have a good chunk of the story to cover (including the lemon that was promised way back when). Yes, that is probably going to happen sooner rather than later. We just have some things to get through...
Back to the movies part. With there only, currently, being three movies, I don't see how much I could write beyond the third movie. If I end up finishing that section before a forth movie is announced or anything, I will wrap the story up to a point that can be called an 'ending', but something I can pick up from beyond that point. From there, I can start on new content or add anything I please.
Jeez, I am rambling a little, aren't I... Guess I should just start the chapter.
Chapter 46: Forsaken
POV: Unknown, Midnight
"What do you mean they got away?"
A large croc spun around to see two wolves looking on at him with some hesitation. They were obviously afraid to aggravate their leader any further. Finally, one stepped up to answer, "We could only find the bodies of our comrades. They must have been ambushed by those warriors of the forest while they tried to retrieve the Kung Fu masters."
"And the Kung Fu masters weren't among the dead? What about the warriors of the forest? Were any of the dead one of them?" The large croc seemed more interested in the ones that lived more so than his own units.
The other wolf responded, "No, Lei Feng, there was nothing left from them. Even their bags seemed to be taken at some point. We lost their trail along the cliffs."
Lei Feng was angry at the news of some of his troops being killed, but he was also happy to see a change in pattern. "It is unusual that they chose not to target these masters. They have left the bodies of those wishing to find their village along with some of our own. What makes these masters different from the rest of them?"
The wolves didn't dare answer his rhetorical question, but it didn't stop one of them from getting some kind of order. One asked, "What should we do about this?"
Lei Feng stood up from his seat, "Send one of our best scouts to search around the cliffs. This information might be our way of finding that village and destroying them." The wolves were about to leave but were stopped with one addition, "Oh, and if they manage to not be killed and if they come back with nothing, I will personally end their life."
Both saluted their bandit lord, "Yes sir." They were both on the verge of tripping over their own feet as they sped out of the tent.
Lei Feng brought himself into deep thought. While is initial intention was to capture the Kung Fu masters, he now has an opportunity to gain control of these woods. He had an opportunity to destroy the Village Beyond the Ridge.
POV: Kyle
While Xiulan showed no nervousness toward me spending the night in her home with my own room, the guards and Rong weren't as welcoming to the idea. I don't think they wanted me so close to a vital member of their government at such a vulnerable time. Therefore, I was back in the room that I had initially woken up in. I am sure that there are some guards outside as well.
My sleep had not been entirely restful as I barely slept a wink. I stared up at the ceiling with tired eyes as the smallest amount of light poured into the slight space opened for the entrance. The morning was close, and I was not at all in the condition to face today.
While Ti expressed that she is not wanting to live here if that meant giving up our friends, Master Shifu, the Jade Palace, and me. That was only halfway through yesterday and I could already see some change that scared me. She seemed more interested in learning about tiger culture and was building a stronger connection with her mother. I am happy that she is finally fulfilling a dream of hers that she had held onto since Bao Gu, and she seems genuinely happy to be here. For that, I was happy she was able to experience this.
That wasn't what was scaring me, however. Sha-Ren came by in the evening with our belongings and Xiulan invited him to join us for dinner. The conversation over the course of the meal preparation and the meal itself with me largely nonexistent in it. Tigress and Sha-Ren seemed to get along better as the conversation seemed to drag on.
It wasn't that hard to see as Sha-Ren was a talented warrior and seemed to relate to Tigress pretty well. More importantly, he is also a tiger himself and that is just impossible to compete with. Jealousy is a toxic feeling that I do everything to avoid, but I cannot do that here. It is hard to not feel jealous when your girlfriend is connecting with someone who is seems far more compatible in every way. I fear that she will get completely overwhelmed by everything and it will begin to affect her choices. Regardless, I don't know if I should step in to talk to her about all of this.
I got up from my bed and began to rummage through my belongings. From them, I pulled out the journal that we found in the doomsday facility. I sat back on my bed and began to randomly look through the pages filled with details of my species demise. I finally closed the book without reading a word. It was just a reminder that I am now alone in this world while Tigress is amongst her own. My place in this world is just not as clear as it used to be.
I put the book back in my bag and was able to see that morning was here and it was time for me to get up and check up on Tigress. I slipped on my shirt and was about to walk through the door until my path was blocked by none other than Sha-Ren. He seemed hardly surprised at my awakened state, "I assumed you would be up at this time." He motioned for me to follow, "Come along. I am sure you were heading out to meet with Tigress anyways."
I only nodded as a response as I followed him out the door. I looked to see that there were indeed two guards outside my door as expected. However, I wasn't expecting so many people out as they put up decorations.
I asked, "What is happening?"
Sha-Ren looked around with amusement, "Ahh, we are setting up for the Winter Festival. We usually like to celebrate early compared to the rest of China. It is one of the better celebrations of the year."
I nodded in understanding. Not exactly the thing I wanted to endure while being here, but I don't really have a choice in this matter. I am sure that it is quite the event like what the Valley of Peace has, but I don't think I would enjoy it here much myself. I am not even sure they want me here for it.
We both came up on familiar territory. Xiulan's home was just ahead, and I could already tell that both her and Tigress were awake. Well, it was easy to tell since they were both outside working on their own decorations. It wasn't much, but I was surprised to see them up for this.
Sha-Ren and I got close and they both noticed quickly. Xiulan was the first to greet up, "Ahh, Sha-Ren and Kyle, I am glad that you two could join us. Do you mind help in us with some of these decorations?"
Sha-Ren smiled, "You two seem to be doing alright without us." Xiulan looked at him for a second as if trying to say otherwise. He folded, "Alright, what do you need help with."
She gave him a box containing a bunch of paper lanterns. "I can't quite reach to get these where I need them. Tigress has been a great help, but she can't do everything for me."
Sha-Ren shook his head with a smile on his face as he began to set up the lanterns around the ends of the roof. Sha-Ren looked over to Tigress and asked, "How has your time here been so far?"
Tigress placed one of the lanterns up before answering, "The night was very nice. It was a very comfortable sleep."
Sha-Ren walked up to Tigress and looked her in the eye, "I didn't mean just the night. I was referring to the village and what you think so far."
"I guess it is the first place that I have ever been that I haven't felt like I was being looked at constantly. I blend in with the people here, and I feel like I really fit in." Tigress finished putting her last lantern up and took a moment, "I just never thought I would be here."
Sha-Ren smiled and got a little closer, "You don't have to leave if you don't want to. I am sure that with even more time you will be able to find your place here."
Tigress thought for a moment before looking over at me. Her eyes softened and she responded, "I have a responsibility at the Jade Palace. I cannot just leave and break my vow of protection there."
Sha-Ren seemed saddened by what she said. It was almost as if he were personally wishing for her to stay… Anyways, he thought of what to say after her rejection, "Well, if you end up changing your mind, our people do need more protectors. We could very much use your services in protecting our village from those who wish it harm."
Tigress deadpanned, "I will keep that in mind." Tigress brushed past Sha-Ren lightly before coming up to me. She must have noticed that I was largely ignored. "How was your sleep?"
I worked out a few cracks from my back, "It wasn't terrible but not exactly great." I decided that it would be best to avoid talking about my shit night of rest. Hopefully my exhaustion wasn't too notable. I followed with a whisper in her ear, "Would have been better with you."
Tigress lightly blushed before containing herself. She nodded, "Well, I hope it is better after today."
Xiulan interrupted our conversation, "I think that should do for decorations." She looked over at Tigress, "I really do hope you enjoy the festival. It is one of the most enjoyable times where we all gather in the center of the village to just be together." She then looked up at the sky as if to tell what time it is. She then looked at Tigress with an apologetic look, "I have some things to do before the festival. If you don't mind, I have a few things that need to be done that I need you to do."
Tigress looked over to her mother, "What do you need?"
Xiulan seemed to check around herself for something and then produced a piece of paper. She then handed Tigress the piece of paper with instructions. "I usually make some little cakes for the festival and I need you to pick up the ingredients. I wrote down what I need and also where to get them. You shouldn't worry about covering the cost."
Tigress scanned the list and then looked back to her mother, "I will get it done."
Xiulan smiled boldly at her daughter, "Excellent! I will see you later this afternoon. I was hoping we could do some of the baking together?"
Tigress hesitated. While she had been the one to make most of the food for us on this trip, she wasn't much of a cook beyond that. This was way outside her comfort zone. Regardless, she nodded, "I will help how I can."
Her mother smiled before leaving. That left us with only three in our little group. Speaking of which, Sha-Ren walked up to Tigress, "I would like to tag along. That is, if you two don't mind?"
While he didn't seem to be that bad of character, something was still going off in my head. There was something I didn't like about him hanging around Tigress. I am certain that it is coming from the jealous side of my mind. All I know is that I didn't want him to come.
Tigress answered, "That is alright with me."
They both looked at me for an answer. It would come off wrong if I refused his request. I am sure that I would also catch Tigress's attention in the wrong kind of way if I refused. Through near-gritted teeth I answered, "Sure."
Sha-Ren smiled, "Great! I know exactly where these places are. It should take no time to go through all of them if there are no crowds."
There was definitely a crowd. It was like the entire village had come to the town center to set up everything for the festival. While some took notice of me with their unending stares, a lot of them were too busy with their own tasks. I do prefer them ignoring me rather than staring at me with hate and confusion.
I lingered behind Tigress and Sha-Ren as the male tiger struck up conversation. "So, you train at this palace where you also protect over your valley?"
Tigress nodded in confirmation, "Yes, we train in a palace resting on a mountain. We fight the occasional bandit or warlord. Sometimes there is a greater threat that we have to face."
Sha-Ren seemed deeply impressed, "I do envy your home and the intensity of training that you endure. However,…" He looked around at the village, "my place is definitely here. I am not sure I would be cut out for such a place."
Tigress let out a light huff as a smirk grew on her face, "I am sure you could find a place in our training hall."
"Perhaps. I am sure the area we train here is nowhere near as sophisticated as where you train, but I am drawn to that. The simplicity of it and the toughness of it makes us strong. That is exactly what we need." He showed a little of that tiger pride with his words.
Tigress seemed interested at this, "Hmm, I would be interested in seeing what equipment you have there."
Sha-Ren turned to her, "Only if you show me some of your moves when we get there." He got a little closer, "It isn't often that I am in the position to learn from someone else." He seemed to lean in a little.
Before he could get any further and before Tigress even noticed what he was doing, I cleared my throat. They both looked at me as they acted as if I had just come out of nowhere, "Shouldn't we get moving? I have a feeling that we are going to be dealing with crowds while we are here, and it would be best to not delay ourselves any more than we already have."
Tigress cleared her throat, "Right. We should probably complete this task." She looked over at Sha-Ren, "I am sure we will have some time later."
He shrugged, "Right…"
We continued into the first building to get some supplies. We entered the space filled with a variety of grained ingredients to get what we came here for. Behind the desk was an old tiger that was seemingly busy with something. They looked up long enough to be surprised at the customers and, more specifically, at me. They glared at me slightly and said, "Before I fetch what you need, I must ask for them to wait outside."
I glared back, "You cannot seriously-"
Sha-Ren cut me off, "You should be welcoming all those who come in."
The old tiger nodded, "And I do, Sha-Ren, but I am not comfortable with them in my place of business. I will serve your group, but not while he is here."
I let out an angered huff. I was about to rebuke his statement, but Tigress grabbed onto my hand to quiet me, "I know it isn't fair for him to ask this, but we need to get these items. For me, please wait outside."
I was in slight awe for what she was requesting of me. I couldn't formulate the words to express how I felt for her to ask me this. Had she forgotten what it is like to be an outcast and not welcome? Has she forgotten the feeling of being looked at as a monster?
With no response to give, I just turned around and left the building. I looked around to see that Sha-Ren was giving me an apologetic look. I gave no expression as a response. As I exited through the entryway, I heard the old tiger ask, "What can I do for you?"
I walked a few steps out of the entry and just waited. A few tigers looked at me from where I stood and all I did was ignore them. I was too preoccupied by all that had happened here so far.
Being amongst her kind had made Tigress… different. She seemed more willing to turn a blind eye at how I had been treated so far. Her dream of being reunited with her family and people has altered her perspective. The longer we stay away from palace, the more she seems to forget that is where our true family resides.
However, this made me think back to my family way back when. More importantly, it made me think back to my parents. Even before I came here I hadn't seen them in years. The moment I last saw them was a dark and yet light moment in my life. I had made my choice to leave them and not turn back. Now, they are dead. They are all dead.
Tigress never got that choice. Her first memories are ones inside of Bao Gu. At this moment, everything she is experiencing new and unique. She has the same choice that I made long ago ahead of her in less than a day now. Even from where I am standing, I don't think it is an easy decision. If I had the opportunity to choose to be back in the human world vs this one, I don't know what I would do. It has been so long that I don't even know what world the dream would be. Her choice isn't nearly as complicated.
After a few minutes, Sha-Ren and Tigress exited the building with a few things in their grasp. Sha-Ren was the first thing to say something, "I apologize for that. As you can imagine there are a few people who aren't as welcome to you being here."
I grunted, "I am used to it. I am just not used to how irrational it has been so far." I was far from please with how much of today is a replay of yesterday. "Come on. I have more stores to wait outside of." I grabbed the items from Tigress and Sha-Ren for me to carry.
I waited for Sha-Ren to lead us to the next store. Tigress and he shared a moment glance at one another and continued on without a word. I followed behind as they continued their conversation ahead of me. Even though it was maddening, I could feel Tigress slipping slowly away from me. I don't know if it was just sheer paranoia or if I had a right to worry.
A group of tiger children ran up to Tigress and Sha-Ren and gave them some flowers and homemade items for the festival. Tigress seemed slightly shocked at seeing children, but it shouldn't have been that surprising. She didn't exactly know how to react to them. She wasn't exactly the most experienced in bonding with them.
They all seemed really excited with meeting a new tiger that they have never seen before. As Tigress slowly got used to their attention, she began to smile down to them. I would be extremely happy at the scene if it weren't for the male tiger sharing the experience right beside her. As she laughed with the children, he just stood there looking at her with a smile. I knew that look. If anything, that he had shown toward her wasn't an indication, then this did confirm it. He was infatuated with her. It shouldn't be that surprising. Even with the amount of tiger female here she is one-of-a-kind. She is a fierce warrior with an extraordinary personality.
Staring me in the face was something that I could never do for her. As early for me as it seems, I could never have children with her. It is beyond the desire to and rests with entirely the ability. As time has gone on I didn't think that would ever be an issue. Now, I am not sure that will be the case forever. If that happens, she would be better off here.
I shook my head. No, I cannot give in to these darkening thoughts. They are coming from a spot of grief that surrounds my own life right now. She is not going to do anything that would jeopardized what we have and what friendships we have beyond this place. She won't do that for something she can't have anywhere else in the world…
Before I could continue this back and forward thinking, the children ran past me with looks of wonder and fear. They handed me nothing and continued on. Tigress and Sha-Ren continued onward to the next store and I soon followed behind. I was completely consumed by my internal struggle to say a word of input in any topic. Without me knowing, I was slowly causing a rift in our relationship.
I could hear the two female tigers working in the kitchen as Tigress worked on one of her weaker skills. The scramble to produce something for this event would have been a really funny thing to watch had I not been preoccupied at the moment. Sitting across from me was Sha-Ren. Even with him getting visibly used to my presence I could tell there was still an awkward atmosphere between us. I personally didn't mind it much. I didn't really want conversation. However, that wasn't to last.
"So… You are one of these Kung Fu warriors that Tigress talked about? You are one that defends that valley with her."
I nodded, "I do."
He stroked his chin, "Interesting… We had only guessed that you two were warriors by watching over you. We couldn't have guessed that you would be Kung Fu warriors." He thought for a second, "Tigress also told me that you two have a panda as a part of your group?"
"Yeah, he is what we call the 'Dragon Warrior'." I thought for a moment through the silence before asking, "Why are you so interested to know these things now?"
"After hearing what Tigress had to say I must admit when I may have read you wrong. I was tasked with watching over you and teach Tigress our ways. It is impossible to do both without learning a little about you." He got up from his seat, "It is amazing what a little knowledge will do to change a person's perspective. I know that you mean us no threat. While this village won't change its view on you, at least one person here will view you for what you are."
I raised my brow, "Alright… There must be more to this."
I hesitated for a moment before responding, "Well, I did promise Tigress last night that I would listen to her and keep an open mind about you. After a little bit of today, I can't say that I trust you fully, but I am willing to look past what I have seen in the past." He looked over to the kitchen, "She does have a way of persuasion. She is something."
He didn't notice my gaze, "Yes… she is."
He looked back at me, "I thought we should at least clear that between us. It is the least I can do for at least until tomorrow."
I began to think to myself. I don't think this was entirely for me but something that had to deal with Tigress. Perhaps he was only saying this to because of her? I don't know, but I guess I will just let it go. It would be best to be on better terms with anyone here that I can. Afterall, I am only dealing with all this shit so far for her.
I replied, "Thanks. I appreciate it."
He smiled a little before sitting back down. There was silence between us once again. However, conversation was not needed as Tigress and Xiulan exited the kitchen. Xiulan smiled at her daughter, "I appreciate your help. Cooking just takes a little practice."
"I am much more of a fighter than a cook. I did enjoy cooking with you a little."
Xiulan nodded, "I am glad that it wasn't torture for you." Her attention was drawn to Sha-Ren and me. She began to direct, "I am going to need your guys help to get them to the festival."
Sha-Ren smiled, "That should be no problem. I have no duties to really perform today."
"Good. We should probably get to doing that. The earlier we get a spot, the sooner we can actually enjoy the festival." She headed to the kitchen to grab the batches that Tigress and she had made. That only left the three of us in the room.
Tigress walked up to me, "It should be a fun festival. I am interested how they run one here."
I was a little doubtful, "I am sure it will be alright…"
Tigress sensed the hesitation in my voice. She consoled me, "You will be alright. I will be right beside you for the entire event and I am sure Sha-Ren will also make sure if goes well."
I looked at Tigress with a confused gaze. Say what now? I then looked over at the male tiger with the same gaze. He responded, "Tigress asked if I would be available to join you two, and how could I refuse? I was assured that you would be fine with that."
I was a little shocked that I wasn't told this until now or even asked it. I have a feeling that she is going a little over her head as she explores this world. The unease that I feel is definitely not disappearing anytime soon.
I breathed a little. It is only for six more hours and then we should be alright. I don't see how anything could drastically changing in her decision to leave. Sure, she should have a part of her that wants to stay but not a majority.
I grunted as a response and then made a motion to indicate 'alright'. It was hard not to allow my mind and actions to translate a little poison.
Sha-Ren smiled and nodded as if I didn't show my displeasure. I don't think he really cares what I have to say as long as Tigress is alright with it. That isn't surprising. Tigress, however, seemed a little irked at my attitude.
As if it were on cue, Xiulan called out from the kitchen, "Sha-Ren, do you mind carrying these."
He answered swiftly, "Coming right away." He walked by Tigress, "I will catch you later."
She nodded at him as he passed by. Her glare intensified on me as if she were setting up for an interrogation. Who am I kidding? That is exactly what she is doing. We were the only ones in the room the noise in the kitchen confirmed that we wouldn't be eavesdropped. She finally asked, "What are you doing?"
"You are going to have to be more specific," I asked this in a stoic manner.
She finally walked up, "You know exactly what I mean. I am referring to the fact that you are being incredibly antagonistic."
I took a seat. I knew she wasn't going to ignore my actions for long, and I am surprised that I got this far. Might as well tell her. I looked down at the table in thought "Did you know that journal is what gave life to the human extinction event for me. Before I looked through those pages and before we traveled around that bunker, everything that happened was a part of a past that I didn't experience. It just felt like a dream and that it didn't happen. Sure, I knew that this was my world and that humans didn't exist on it anymore. The how and what were just never there." I finally looked her, "After all of that, it feels like a piece of me has been added, but I also lost a part of me. I don't know my place here, and I feel mostly alone now. All I have here is the family I built here and, more importantly, you."
She crossed her arms. Her anger still present. "That still doesn't explain why you are being hostile to everyone here."
I narrowed my eyes, "Other than the fact of most everyone here treating me like I personally murdered their family members? It isn't even about them since I can deal with how they look at me. I said that all I have here is my family and you. I cannot bear the thought of losing a single part of that regardless of the circumstance. I am just afraid that you will not want to leave the longer we spend here. I am afraid of that you want something here that isn't possible anywhere else."
Tigress's eyes widened as she understood what I was getting at. However, it reverted back to a glare almost as quickly, "I hear what you are saying, but I don't understand your reaction. I have the right to make my own decisions. You seem cold to Sha-Ren for no reason as well." I bit my tongue on that one. Does she seriously not see his interest in her? My thoughts were broken, "He has been extremely helpful to help me understanding this culture and village."
I could see that Sha-Ren was about to enter the room. Tigress took notice of this as well and looked back at me, "I really want you with me at this festival, but only if you are going to be friendly toward him."
I was in awe about this. She is choosing to go with Sha-Ren to the festival rather than with me? It wasn't exactly the response I was expecting. Hell, she isn't being the person I expected right now. Sure, she confronting and angered self but not at the moment I expected. It felt like I was back on the rooftop of the Jade Palace trying to tell her not to go after Tai Lung. Am I destined to end up at the same spot once again?
Before I could comprehend what had just happened, Tigress walked out the door with Sha-Ren following behind with a large amount of the cakes in his possession. He asked, "Is he not coming with us?"
Tigress responded, "He will catch up." They both exited out of view and let me alone in the living room. Well, that is what I thought.
"Are you doing alright?"
I turned around swiftly to see Xiulan. I looked back at the door with an urge to follow after Tigress. However, the larger part of me decided not to. I think she needs to vent a little before I go after her again. I responded, "Yeah… We just had a little disagreement."
Xiulan approached me with a few cakes in her grasp. Her look indicated that she didn't fully by that. "I would think that it is more than just a little disagreement." I let out a sigh in response and she continued, "Perhaps you should give her some time to think about things. I can see that she is a little overwhelmed by everything even though she doesn't like to show it."
I looked back at her, "Yeah, I know that."
"Whatever your argument may be about, you should try and forget it for now. Maybe trying to enjoy this festival might be good for you." She held out some of the cakes for me to carry.
I grabbed some and looked at her, "I think my ability to enjoy this festival is out of my hands. I have tried to relax and let everyone get used to me, but there is only so many glares I can take. I think I am just going to find a dark corner to drink at and then find Tigress."
My look translated a challenge to argue with me. I did my best to be friendly with everyone or at least bite my tongue, but it seemed pointless now. Now I am just going to avoid contact with everyone I can. Whatever view they had gained on humans must have been directly tied to Shen. I am the scapegoat of all their problems and hardships. Even though it took a lot just to break Sha-Ren's view, he was one of the most openminded out of them all. There is nothing I can do now except endure.
Xiulan understood that I was done talking about it and led me to the town square. We passed many citizens on our way with their looks burning into my back. Now, I didn't care anymore. All I could do now was drop these cakes off and find some place to drink.
There was a 'bar' at the edge of the town square. It was small and only a few older tigers who wanted to drink together were in there. It was dark, quiet, and away from the commotion. It was exactly the place I was looking for.
I went to the far end of the bar, all eyes followed me as I walked. I finally sat down with a tiger looking at me with an interested look. He looked at one of them by the door who jumped up and made their way out of the bar. I knew what they were going and who they were grabbing. I didn't care.
"Pour me a drink. Something hard."
The tiger hesitated, "Look, I don't-"
I looked up and instantly silences him, "Look, it has been a really long day and I just want to dull it a little. While your friend fetches a guard, could you please indulge this one request while they get them? You think you could do that?"
He hesitated for a moment before fetching something off the shelf. He started to pour it into a cup and then he served it to me. He then backed away toward the other side of the bar.
I brought the cup to my lips and instantly began to drink. It had been a while since I have had any alcohol, so I wasn't exactly used to the burning it brought to my senses. It was strangely refreshing for some reason though. I brought the cup down and hunched over my seat as I just looked at the cup's contents.
Just as I was getting used to my seat, people entered the bar. I looked over to see the same tiger who had left not moments with one of the guards in tow. I let out a scoff and looked back down as I recognized the tiger guard as the one I had first met when waking up here. What was her name? I believe it was something like 'Rhuya'."
She walked up slowly and then stood right behind me. I waited for her to speak, "I knew you were going to be causing trouble at some point."
"If you mean by simply buying a drink, then yeah. Of course, I would make trouble at some point if that was your definition."
She then came to my side to look me in the eye, "It doesn't matter how I define it." Venom dripped from her voice, "I was notified you were making a scene. I am here to escort you out of this place."
I glared back, "To where? A jailcell?"
"If need be."
I motioned for her to sit, "Take a seat and let's talk for a moment."
Her gaze narrowed as she drew a dagger on me. She responded forcefully, "I don't think so. I am here to remove, not to sit here for drinks."
I nodded, "I know, and I will leave right after our chat with no resistance." I looked back at her with a glare and sharpened my words like swords, "Now sit."
She glared back for a moment before looking around at the server and patrons. She motioned with her paw to go back to what they were doing as she put her dagger away. She sat right beside me and waited for me to start.
"Why do you hate me?" I just dove right in.
With anger, she responded, "That is your question?! Let's start with how you are dangerous, threatening, and-"
I cut her off, "I meant personally, not everything you were apparently taught."
She seemed surprised as she thought for a second. Then, she answered, "How about we start with the fact that both of my parents are dead because of your people."
I responded with some anger, "And how is that my people's doing? My kind has been extinct for thousands of years. By my math, you and your parents missed meeting anyone like me for… that's right, thousands of years."
She asked accusatorially, "Then how are you here?"
I scoffed out, "That discussion is going to last longer than either one of us want. Besides, this is about you and your irrational hate for me. Now, how did they die."
Rhuya lashed out with her words, "It isn't irrational!" Everyone in the building looked in our direction. It took a look from her to make them busy again. She continued, "They had finally broken deep into those caves. They made it to some large room and an explosion killed them. It was most likely from one of those weapons left by your people. So, yeah, your people did kill my parents."
While I slightly depressed at hearing the very brief story, I could still see clearly. I responded, "Humans know horror and destruction that this world has yet to see. Perhaps you will never see it, and I truly hope that is true. And I am sorry to hear about your parents." I waited for a response, but she seemed to actually wait for me to finish. I continued, "I am still going to defend my species and say what happened wasn't their fault. Their equipment should have failed long ago and to blame the dead is not only silly but insane." I started to get up from my seat before sharing one last word of wisdom, "Maybe it is time to move on. Never forget the dead but live like they would want you to." I downed the rest of my drink and began to walk.
Rhuya growled out, "It doesn't matter how it went down. Your people were still the cause of what happened."
I let out a hollow chuckled, "I didn't expect my words to change your mind. I was more interested in knowing what happened to cause such a great amount of hate. I could have gone for a longer conversation if I saw it possible to change your mind,…" I got more serious, "but I will keep to my word and leave now. Can you at least point me in the direction of Tigress?"
"Your friend is with Sha-Ren."
I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, I know she is with him. I want to know where."
Rhuya seemed to hesitate for a moment, "He didn't seem like he wanted to be bothered while he was with here."
I stopped in my tracks and swiftly spun around. I spoke and made sure to enunciate my words, "Where is she?"
Rhuya glared back and finally responded, "They are in the training area. I think he wanted to show her around the equipment."
I nodded as a thanks and began to leave. I did not like the sound of him wanting to be alone with her. Of course, he would want to be alone with her. A large part of me was angry at myself. Was I to blame for this happening?
I pushed through the crowds while I was still in thought. I didn't even notice the people getting out of my way with fearful looks. Not like it would matter much to me anyways. I was just focused on where I needed to go.
Perhaps I am overexaggerating a little? I do feel like I am giving her too little credit. She wouldn't do anything that would hurt me or jeopardize what we have. It took so long for us to build what we have together.
Then I thought about him. Whether he knows what he is doing or now is beside the point. He has started to push it too far, and I am not going to lose Tigress to this place.
In my angered haze, I forgot to get directions to this place. I was out of the crowds and searching through the various buildings. It really didn't help not knowing what this place looked like to begin with. I looked for an imposing stone building, weapons outside, guards, anything that would indicate there being a training ground.
Finally, I found something that looked something I was looking for. It was indeed an uninspiring stone structure. It just imposed on its own with walls surrounding the backside. That had to be back behind that wall somewhere.
I tried the front door to the barracks and was surprised with the fact that they were locked. I thought for a moment before letting out a sigh. I guess I am going to have to get into this place the more difficult way.
I jumped up and grabbed on of the wooden supports to the overhanging structured to the entrance and flipped over to get my feet to the roof. From there, I crouched down and looked over the edge. From my position, I could see Tigress sparring with Sha-Ren. He seemed to be giving a great deal of effort as she was giving hardly any. It is what one would expect a Kung Fu master fighting an elite soldier would be like. He could fair alright against her, but she was on another level.
I let my body relax a little as I just watched for a moment. I felt completely ridiculous for being paranoid to the point of actually spying on my girlfriend. Then the shame of what I had done overcame me. She was right… I didn't trust her judgement enough. This was a good experience for her. She was finally able to open up to her own kind for the first time in her life.
Sha-Ren struck out at her which she dodged quickly while having her paws behind her back. Then, with one of them, she grabbed the arm he struck out with and bent it in an awkward position. She the asserted, "If you blindly strike out like that then I can easily put you into this position."
He struggled for a moment before smiling, "Not that bad of a position." He laughed, "It at least allows me to do this." He lurched forward fully and took Tigress completely by surprise. Hell, it took me by surprise to the point of jumping up to my feet.
Their lips were locked together from a completely shocking action. Tigress was as still as stone. She didn't move away or toward the male tiger. She just stood there with wide eyes.
A second passed and then another. Not a single one of us moved. As the information finally processed in my mind, rage began to build up. A spear felt like it had gone through my heart, and my mind shattered like glass under a hammer. I could no longer handle the anger within me as I chose to act.
I jumped down from the roof with a loud thump. Finally, they separated, and both of them had looks of complete shock. I approached with my eyes lock on his as my fury built. I looked briefly at Tigress and I could tell she knew I saw everything.
Sha-Ren then spoke, "I didn't know you were there, Kyle. I was just showing Tigress-" He didn't even finish his words before he prepared a block against my strike. With a strong kick, I launched him back into a post. The post instantly snapped from the impact of his body.
He didn't even get a chance to fully get to his feet before I palm struck him back even further. He then pulled a weapon from his belt. A grave mistake as it only deepened my anger. I spun around and kicked the blade out of his grasp into the wall near us. Before I could moved any further, however, Tigress landed right between us with her paws blocking us from continuing the conflict.
"I am going to say this once. Stop." She glared at us both, but mostly at me.
I sneered, "Stop? You want me to stop?! I think my reaction is quite justified."
Sha-Ren responded, "All I was doing was protecting myself."
I laughed, "There would be nothing you could do to protect yourself against me."
Tigress growled out and used both of her paws to hold me. She was angered as well, "I am trying to keep you from making a grave mistake."
A looked at her with a 'really' face, "A mistake? No, the mistake was me allowing him to be alone with you. I knew he felt something deeper than 'friendship', and I still let this happen."
"Why have you had the need to feel like you should watch over me while we are here? What are you not telling me?"
My anger subsided as I became sorrowful, "I just don't want to lose you. You are perhaps the one thing I cannot live without here. This place scares me in the way that I think it will take you away from me. I am afraid that this place will make you question 'us', and you will be drawn to stay here. This place is a poison to my soul as much as it is a poison to your mind. You seem to forget everything that you have been through, everything WE have been through, since arriving here."
Her look softened as she looked back at Sha-Ren. I looked back at him with a glare. He expressed nothing as he understood what he had stepped over. His look of sheer disapproval showed, and she now had a choice to make. While Xiulan was willing to stay silent over this matter, I don't know what he will do.
Tigress's eyes settled back on me, "Look, these are my people. This could have been my home if things had ended up differently. That doesn't mean I have forgotten what we have been through together." Her look tried to conceal some pain as she changed thoughts, "From Tai Lung and Shen, I don't know if there is anymore growth I can do in the shadow of the Dragon Warrior. I thought there was more for me to gain from the Jade Palace, but I am not sure anymore."
I was surprised by this, "And what does that mean? Why are you sharing this with me now?"
Tigress responded as she grabbed onto my hands with her paws just to hold, "I was hoping that this journey would not only help me locate my family but also help me find a new perspective to train under. Then I could begin my journey toward Inner Peace." Tigress paused for a moment and looked me in the eye, "After this mistrust and you not acting the same and what I have learned here and what I have yet to gain, I think that it would be best for me to explore my options here for a little while longer."
My hands instantly shot back against my being as if they were made of burning coals. I could no longer hold back the hurt, "What are you saying? Are you separating from me and staying here?"
She nodded, "You are right, you lost something in those caves. You need to figure things out as much as I need to. I think those are two separate paths we must take alone. My path starts here, and I don't know how long it will be."
I took more steps back as I was overwhelmed with grief. My heart was broken before, now it was shattered. The years of friendship that had been built between us had felt as if it disappeared in an instant. Her gaze was now somewhere other than me as she couldn't even look me in the eye.
A single tear fell from my eye as I responded with a cynical laugh, "Apparently not."
She looked at me with confusion now, "What?"
I shook my head, "Apparently you won't be by my side through it all, and I can't count on you." She still looked at me with confusion. I continued to clarity, "That is what you said to me at the campfire, that I could 'always count on you'."
Tigress's eyes widened as she understood what I was saying. I didn't even wait for a response as I turned my back on both of them and left. A couple more tears fell from my eyes as the gravity of what just happened began to sink in a little more. Still, I never even looked back at them. I came to this village lost. Now I would leave it broken.
POV: 3rd Person Scout, Seven Hours Later
A wolf had been looking along the cliff for as long as the sun had been shining in the sky, and then many hours past that. The clouds were collecting above to signal deep rains were to come. He understood that if he didn't hurry, then whatever trail was left behind would disappear completely.
His tired muscles were close to giving out and his joins screamed in discomfort. The only motivation through the pain was the fact he would die if he returned with nothing. He must dig deeper to find something.
He squinted his eyes through the tree line to see a discontinuation in the rock. He approached it with caution as he ran his paw against the line to see if this was the secret entryway he had been waiting for. One side of the rock was smooth as can be, the other was rough and jagged.
With what strength he could muster, he pushed the rock to one side. It failed to budge so he tried moving it to the other. We a groan from the rock, an entryway slowly opened up the more he pushed. Footprints of travelers could be seen clearly in the dirt on the other side.
Since the scout saw all he needed, he pushed the rock back into its original position. He had found what he was tasked with finding. With his mission complete, he began to run on all fours back to his camp to deliver the intel. With a little luck, the rest of his forces should make it here tomorrow at dawn. The further he got from the cliff, the more he understood. There was nothing that could possibly stop them now.
A ton of messaging in one chapter to unpack. For those who feel a little lost, I can kind of feel you. It was unbelievably tricky trying to get everything I wanted to work the way I did. Basically, Kyle doesn't want to lose anything else and Tigress is feeling trapped both in that moment and back at the Jade Palace. Basically, her feeling in the end is my own take on the episode "A Tigress Tale" that I had seen a long time ago. For Kyle, he is constantly facing internal conflict on what he should feel, how he should act, and at some point her reaches a breaking point. Yes, even before he witnessed the kiss.
I am guessing a lot of you could guess this was the way it was going. I am also sure some of you are angry with how this chapter ended. All I can say is that conflict is inevitable. This is a damaging thing that has happened as well. All I will say is that I plan on reintroducing a character into the story in a couple of chapters or so. I still need to figure out how to pace some things after next chapter, so we will see.
As always, thank you all for your continued support. I hope I am delivering the quality content (to what I have been doing) that you all expect. Welcome all those who are new followers, favorites, and those who review/PM from time-to-time. Hopefully we break through that 200K view threshold soon.
All I can say now is that I will not abandon the story at this point. I am sure that would piss a ton of you off and I am not comfortable leaving it here. I guess this just give me more reason to start and finish the next chapter quickly!
Until Next Time,
Forsvaret-Komandir
