CHAPTER 11: From Bad to Worse

John's POV

As we approached the main palace entrance, I began feeling worried.

'What do I do? How do I get out of this mess?' I thought to myself.

We finally made it inside the palace, where I was dropped off, as the workers who brought me up quickly, and unceremoniously, left me to myself.

"Hey wait a minute. This is all a huge mistake. I need to speak with...Actually, he can wait." I then started looking at the different artifacts placed on the walls or in their respective displays.

To think, all of what I was looking at, I only saw pictures in books. So seeing these in person made me appreciate the history and value this palace had in its name.

Finally after looking around for minutes, I came across this little pool which had some beautiful petals in the water. I then noticed the reflection of what was above me. I looked up to see the very thing I was here to see be crowned.

"There she is. The Dragon Scroll. Only the greatest kung fu master in all of China is worthy enough to unlock its full power. Instead, it's given to a flying redneck from Dallas Texas." I said out loud not thinking anyone would hear me vent my emotions.

"As much as I would like to disagree, you are right… to some extent." A familiar voice came from behind me.

I turned to see Master Shifu coming towards me.

"Master Shifu! Please tell me you were able to talk some sense to Master Oogway. I had nothing to do with his decision as you clearly saw. I was simply stopping that dumbass from causing any harm, pardon my language."

"I understand Captain your frustration with Master Oogway, but as much as I agree with you, someone else however is on his side. Lieutenant?" Shifu then calls out for someone to show themselves. It was Humphrey.

"Humphrey!" I ran to him.

"Well, what did Davis say?"

He gave me a look of sadness before handing me his phone.

"I might as well let him tell you personally."

I then picked the phone.

"Hello?"

"Captain."

"Commander. What the hell is Humphrey talking about?" I asked.

"Well, there's no easy way of saying this captain. But with Master Oogway being persistent with his choice and with both me and Shifu trying countless times convincing him otherwise, I am left with no other option."

"Wait, what are you saying?"

"As much as it kills me to say this, but effective immediately, your duties for the US Air Force are no longer needed Captain. I am so sorry for having to do this to you, especially with how good you are as both being a pilot and just an overall person in general."

My heart sank. Everything I worked for in my life, my dream job, gone. All because of a title I'm not even supposed to have.

"Commander, you can't be serious. After all I have done for-"

"John. Please listen to me. This hurts me just as much as it hurts you. Taking away someone's job and livelihood has always been a bad part of the job. Especially after all you went through."

I started tearing up.

"But what about my dog huh? I need her with me Commander!"

"I am aware of that John. I want you to trust my words I am about to tell you. I will do everything in my power for you to have Zildjian back. I need to fill out some paperwork however, since she was added to the military so you could still fly. So that alone will take some time. But I promise you that you will have her back."

That made me feel a little better. But this was still a very sour pill to swallow.

"Thank you Commander, not just for what you're doing now, but for everything you did for me after my PTSD diagnosis."

"Captain, it was an honor and my utmost privilege of having you as a part of the base. I wish of you the best of luck and I will keep you in touch when Zildjian will be ready for her papers to be signed for her discharge as well."

With that we hung up. I then went over to Humphrey where he gave me a hug. As I hugged my brother in law back, I couldn't help but start crying a bit. After all, I just lost my job and my home.

Eventually I calmed down after a few moments.

"Everything's gonna be ok John. If you need me to bring your stuff, let me know."

"Well. There's a few things I will want. My clothes for starters, my guitar equipment and my 2 duffle bags. The red and camo ones right next to me bed."

"Heh, the ones Chris gave you."

"Yep." I said.

Chris was Humphrey's older brother who sadly was taken from us 6 years ago.

"Alright, fully noted. Well John, it's been fun. It will be weird not having you around anymore though."

"True that. But yeah, take care dude. And please take care of Zildjian for me."

"No worries. Well, see ya around." Humphrey said.

With that he left along with the others. As for me, my new life has officially begun. I then turned back to Master Shifu.

"So, it seems to me that I ain't leaving."

"So it seems. Before we go any further, I just want from now on that you address me as 'Master', understand?"

"Yes Master." I acknowledged.

"Very good. Now if you have any last things to say before we start, now is the time."

"Well, I do want to address a few things. Firstly, consider you and the others very lucky that Master Oogway chose me, he could have chosen some random nobody who has zero knowledge of the palace and kung fu."

"Oh, and why is that?"

"Because myself I am a black belt in kung fu now for 15 years. Being a black belt essentially means that you mastered the art, to some extent. Also, being half Samoan as well, I also learned the polynesian martial art of Lima Lama. So yeah, I know my way around a fight."

"I do have to say, that's quite the resume."

"I also would like to say that yes I am aware of the challenges that I am about to face. As hard and painful as I expect them to be, you along with the five will see the one thing I am not. A quitter. You see, when I am given a task or a job, it doesn't matter how hard or long it is. I do the job and I don't stop until I succeed or I can't physically continue."

Shifu looked at me with a smirk.

"Well Captain, I hope you are willing to back those words up. Because I, along with the five, will not only test your limits. But we will not be going easy on you, understand?"

"Master, I wouldn't want it any other way. I want the five to give me their all. No bullshit, no half-assing it. I want them to make my lungs burn."

"I can't wait to get started." Shifu chuckled as he led me out of the hall of heroes and gave me a quick tour of my new home.