NOTE: THE AUTHOR'S NOTES AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF THIS CHAPTER ARE THE SAME AS CHAPTER 62B. THE CONTENT IS THE SAME WITH MINOR DIFFERENCE PERTAINING TO THE ACTUAL CHAPTER.

This is it! We have FINALLY reached the end of the story. 20K words over both endings is definitely the way to end this entire behemoth. It has definitely been a long journey over the course of 3+ years. I am so happy to have been here for all of you to tell this tale. I never expected to get to this length, and I never expected to add this story to the 'completed' section of the KFP fanfiction. This is definitely something worth celebrating

With this in mind, I do want to get down to business. PM's from many individuals did bring some of your guys' concern about the finale to light. Some of them got me thinking on how I should end the story for both the light ending and dark ending. I have done the best I can with wrapping up the story in a way that makes sense, and in a way that gives most of the main characters their own paths to the future. Some details will make you happy, others might not. I just want you all to respect where I was coming from with the monstrous task of wrapping up all the storylines within a reasonable length.

I don't have much else to share with any of you. The rest of my thoughts/comments are at the end of the chapter. Thank you all for taking the time to read this story. I am happy to have been a writer for all of you.

THIS IS THE LIGHT ENDING. IF YOU WISH TO SKIP THIS ENDING, YOU WILL FIND THE DARK ENDING IN CHAPTER 62B.

Chapter 62a (light): A Return to Balance

Kai was the first one to make a move against the three of us. His blades flew in Po's and Tigress's direction at blinding speeds. Po managed to barely dodge the strike while Tigress kicked the weapon away.

I took this opportunity to close the ground between Kai and I before striking. I swung the Sword of Heroes from my lower right to my upper left. When he dodged backwards from the attack, I spun the blade around slashed downwards. My attack was foiled when he struck at my wrists to weaken my grasp on the weapon before using a Chi-enhanced punch to my shoulder. The Sword of Heroes spun out of my grasp as I flew backwards from the strike.

I flew back significantly, spinning down the pathway passed a few buildings. I skid to a stop, my gaze fixed on the Sword of Heroes impaled into a stone. My shoulder exploded in a heavy-hitting dull pain. My movement was hindered, but I don't think he dislocated it or broke it. I let out grunts of discomfort as I got to my feet.

I then looked over to Po and Tigress as they went from the defensive to the offensive. Kai kept his blades close to him as He continually spun them for close defense. Tigress had enough of that as she growled while grabbing on the chain in Kai's grasp. The yak didn't like this as he yanked his arm down to effectively pull the tiger down as well. He then delivered a hard kick to her face. She flew back and struck the wall of a nearby building.

I grabbed the Sword of Heroes and began to run toward Po and Kai. Kai caught the blade in his jade arm before striking the unprepared Dragon Warrior in the chest to give him space. Kai then threw his blade in the wall that Tigress hit earlier. She was at the base still recovering when he pulled at the chain with a green glow coming from his hoof.

The wall came down swiftly. Tigress's gaze narrowed at the oncoming structure. Her eyes focused on a weak spot in the wall, and she jumped up hard to thrust a hole through that point. She exploded through the wood and flipped to join back into the fight.

We all converged on Kai once again in unison. Kai looked between us swiftly before pulling his blade back to himself. He hooked them on his belt before clenching his fists hard. A green glow emitted from them, and it was too late for us to do anything when he struck. Small shockwaves appeared when he hit Po and Tigress with each fist, respectively, and I faced the brunt of his headbutt.

We all fell back, and Kai instantly went towards Po. He picked up the panda and held onto him with fury, "Where are the pandas?!"

Po breathed out, "You won't ever get to them, Kai."

The yak growled out before throwing Po into the air and kicking him far out of sight. Tigress and I got to our feet before regrouping. We analyzed the yak together for a moment. Tigress spoke with a small amount of pain in her voice, "We need an actual plan if we are going to stand a chance against him."

I nodded, "I agree, but we are somewhat limited in our options. I am willing to bet that the Sword of Heroes could deal a fatal blow to him, but I can't get close enough. The other option is Po."

Tigress asked me as her gaze never left Kai, "What do you mean?"

I somewhat shrugged, "If he managed to free all the other masters, then he might be able to overpower Kai with some sort of Chi technique. Master Oogway did specify that a 'Master of Chi' would be the one to defeat him."

Tigress released in a somewhat disbelieving voice, "You can't possibly tell me that you now believe in prophecies."

I shook my head, "I don't, but I do believe it when Oogway says it can be done."

I couldn't get any more words in when Kai threw his blade back in our direction. If the plan to get Po to actually stop Kai was going to work, we need to get to the panda. Hopefully, Po is far enough away from the rest of the villagers so that we could get this plan into action.

With Po

Po struck the ground hard and rolled a few times before coming to an abrupt stop. A little dirt clung to his fur, and he coughed a few times from the dust created in the tumble. The panda picked himself up from the ground with a push. His muscles ached from all the fighting he had done up to this point. Kai's strike only aggravated what was already there.

A door to one of the large buildings flew open and both of Po's fathers rushed out. Li Shan and Mr. Ping spoke at the same time.

"Son!"

"Po!"

They both rushed up to assist the hurt panda to his feet. Po looked at them with worry, "What are you two doing here? You need to get out of here! Kai is probably on his way."

The goose and older panda looked at each other before focusing back on Po. Mr. Ping responded, "There is nowhere else to go. You are in the back of the village."

Po looked up from his spot to see all of the pandas, Kung Fu masters, and his friends and that tiger girl. There was a mixture of worry and stoicism amongst them all. Po looked back to the two in front of him. Li Shan answered with some sadness, "The back passage out of the village has collapsed. We are all stuck here."

Po responded with apprehension as he fully got to his feet, "How is that possible? We checked to see if there was a way out on a couple of days ago." The thought came to Po, "Did Kai know about it?"

Mr. Ping responded, "We don't know. All we know is we tried to get through it when your jade friends got a little close for comfort. I am just happy that you defeated them, Po. There was no where we could go."

Po heard commotion not that far from his current position, and he understood that Kai was closing in on the rest of the villagers. There was nowhere else they could run to. This thought occurred to him right as Kyle's form flew out of a house and right in front of everyone else. Scratches and wear on his clothing showed his prolonged battling with Kai. He was covered in scratches. Each of them has leaked blood only to be smeared with dirt all over his skin.

Po's attention then drew towards Tigress as she flew through the air. She landed hard on her feet and skid backwards leaving two dirt trails. She stopped right beside Kyle. Tigress was also covered in small wounds and semi-ruined clothing. He breathed deeply from some level of exhaustion, but she continued to stand tall.

She looked down with worry as she went to help him to his feet. Po ran over to them to also assist Kyle to his feet right as Kai jumped over the same building that Kyle flew through, and that Tigress flew over. There was no more running. It was going to end here.

POV: Kyle

I shakily got to my feet with the help of Po and Tigress. There was no part of me that didn't sting, or that wasn't aching from abuse. My ability to fight back was slowly dwindling at this point. I looked at both Tigress and Po with a look of appreciation before looking at Kai with lucid resentment.

Kai scanned over all the villagers and exhausted Kung Fu masters behind us, which I had only noticed now. He smiled before laughing, "Finally, after five hundred years I am back on your doorstep. You may run, hide, or fight. It doesn't matter. In the end, all of your Chi will be mine." He looked at me specifically while he said the next part, "Or you will return to the dirt."

Many of the Kung Fu masters with the pandas stepped forward to face Kai once again. The Five, Mei Ling, Master Shifu, the other masters from the past and present. Even Tai Lung stood with those he had fought before to take down Kai. Even thought they were largely exhausted they were willing to fight.

Kai looked somewhat amused as he began charging up for some attack. His hooves and blades slightly glowed their usual green before becoming brighter. He seemed to suck even more energy from the Oogway charm the longer he stood there. Finally, he threw his blades at lightning speeds at the ground right in front of the masters and pandas. The ground before them fractured before exploding outwards. All the masters flew back from the blast of energy. All of the pandas either fell back as well or ducked under their protectors.

Kai focused back on us as he waited for us to make a move. I spoke softly to both Tigress and Po, "We need to free Master Oogway."

Po nodded as he pumped himself up, "Seems easy enough. He did leave it just right around his neck."

I knew the task was easier said than done, but I decided not to kill Po's optimism. The next statement was going to be a burden for him anyways. I continued, "You are then going to have to use your Chi and overpower Kai."

Po exclaimed softly, "What?!"

Kai seemed to have enough of our chatter as he came charging in. The three of us managed to evade his attack, but he managed to account for this. He flicked one of his chains around Tigress's ankle and flicked her into the ground.

He smiled down at her, "Your Chi is mine, kitten."

Po and I, seeing that Tigress was in some trouble as Kai dragged her back towards him, went on the offensive. We both stuck out at the yak. His free arm blocked most of our strikes, but a few fists and feet managed to get through. This cause him to use is other arm to defend his body from an assault that seemed to be more of a nuisance than anything.

Kai then grabbed Po by the end of his paw and threw him over his head a distance away. In a fluid motion with the same paw, he flicked his jade blade into his grip once again. I attempted to strike him with the Sword of Heroes, but by attack was directed downwards. He followed with an elbow to my cheek.

While all of this was going on, Tigress managed to free her leg from the chain. She looked over to see Kai was towering over me with his blades ready to strike down at me. She gripped the chain and spun in the opposite direction from us. Kai moved to strike me right as the chain tied to his other blade tensed. He was pulled off balance from the jolt, and he looked over to see Tigress had reversed her direction to strike him.

A powerful kick hit him in the chest. A golden shockwave emitted from the strike, and Kai was thrown onto his back. Tigress landed after a flip and prepared another special attack she had yet to us. With a small, calming breath, Tigress jumped forward and struck Kai with two of her fingers into his chest. A blue glow bolted through his chest right after the attack, and the yak went limp.

Tigress relaxed a little having believed to have sedated Kai. However, a few seconds passed, and Kai began to laugh. Tigress's body instantly became rigid once she realized her attack failed. She did her best to get a little distance, but it was already too late. Kai was up to his feet in an instant, and he got his hoof around Tigress's neck.

Tigress began to choke as Kai lifted her from the ground. Tigress couldn't get that fresh supply of oxygen, her throat producing the sounds of struggle. He glared right at her, but he had a bit of amusement in his expression as well.

He spoke, "Your skills are impressive, but you make the same mistake that others have already made. Your usual techniques do not work on a Spirit Warrior. Now, your Chi is mine."

The moment those words left his mouth, I charged in. He didn't even get the chance to start taking her Chi as I swung the blade at him. He ducked his head back, but the blade managed the slice at his cheek. He let out a 'augh' sound before facing me once again. I spun the blade around once more to hit him with a more devastating blow. I came up short when he kicked the blade far out of my grasp before grabbing me by the neck.

He held up both up with a smile, "It is only fair to take you two down together."

I felt the grip around my neck begin to tighten and my airway began to collapse inwards. I looked over to see jade form from Kai's grip over Tigress's neck as it began to travel around. He spoke to me through gritted teeth, "I will keep you alive long enough to watch the one you love as she gets taken from you."

Even though my vision slowly began to blacken, I glared back at him. I attempted to get a kick at him, but my feet seemed to passively hit his side. There wasn't anything I could really do except cling onto consciousness. That wasn't going to stop me from trying to free myself.

The constriction stopped momentarily, and Kai's head jolted forward from something hard striking it. The grip around my neck relaxed a little so I could see what was going on. I looked over Kai's shoulder to see a bunch of pandas were beginning to pick up stones from the fissure Kai created earlier. Kai turned around right as a stone struck him right in the maw.

Every panda began to slowly hit Kai with random stones so that he couldn't continue with his act. The jade that threatened to consume Tigress began to recede. His attention was completely on the pandas behind him.

Kai shook off the attacks, and he threw both Tigress and I off to the side. He chuckled, "Is this the last attempt you all have to offer? I didn't expect much, but this is just pathetic."

A voice off to the side cut in, "If you want to take our Chi." Kai turned around to look at the Dragon Warrior standing proudly despite having a number of injuries. Po continued, "You are going to have to start with me."

Kai laughed loudly from the panda's words. He nodded with amusement still in his voice, "Alright, Dragon Warrior. I will fulfill your request then."

Kai and Po rushed toward one another before locking each other in their grasps. Kai pushed down on Po with a tremendous amount of force while Po resisted his pushing. The rock under Po's feet cracked from the pressure.

Slowly, a small amount of energy humming around the two warriors seemed to increase. A golden light seemed to encompass Po while a jade one surrounded Kai. The air around the two seemed to ripple. The longer they held onto one another, and the more they became immersed in their own reality.

After what seemed like a long moment of struggle for power, Po's paws started to become encased in the familiar jade that we knew. Po looked on with wide eyes, and Kai chuckled as the jade progressed up the panda's arms, "You can't beat me, Dragon Warrior. Your Chi is impressive, and your resilience even more so. However, I was too powerful for Oogway, and now I am too powerful for even you."

The jade continued to travel slowly. It finally made it to the rest of his torso where it connected right in the middle of his chest. Po continue to resist all that he could, but the jade continued to progress. It wasn't long until his look of determination turned to one of panic.

Many of the masters to the side moved to help out Po, but it was almost as if a chaotic force stopped them from reaching the two. They were pushed back to the group and were helpless to do anything. They still lacked the strength and energy to help in any way.

I picked myself up from the ground, and my hand held over the side of my ribs. I peeled my hand away to see a small amount of blood covering my palm and fingers. My stance faltered as I almost fell to the ground. However, I was caught and brought back to my feet. I looked over and gave Tigress a grateful expression.

I finally motioned, "We need to do something to help Po. We are the only ones that can actually do something."

Tigress nodded in agreement, "I agree, but what? Kai will see us if we try anything. Po won't last long, so whatever we do needs to work the first time. It is our only shot."

I slowly nodded as I hobbled over to the Sword of Heroes. I thought for a moment before I came to a rapid conclusion. 'It is risky, but it just might work.' I split the weapon into the two blades, and I handed Tigress the actual sword.

She looked at me with confusion, and I responded to her expression, "I am too slow to actually do anything to Kai, but I can be a small distraction." I moved a little closer to the duo that continued to battle for power. I turned and looked at Tigress one last time, "You will know when to attack. I will make your opening."

Before Tigress could even argue, I turned around and began to move toward Kai. As I got closer to them, I saw Kai bend Po's wrists to an awkward angle as he towered over the panda even more. I pushed through the invisible force to get to the two. Every step I took required more energy than the last. It was as if I was pushing up a mountainside that both got steeper and fought back. I was only a few short meters away from them

Kai looked down to the panda before quipping, "Master Oogway would have loved the idea of a panda defeating me. It would have been poetic. Too bad it isn't going to happen."

I made it to the back end of Kai, and he seemed completely oblivious to my presence. I looked over to Po, who was also in his own world, as the jade covered his entire body other than his face. It continued to push up his neck and then to his cheeks. He didn't have long before he would be entirely consumes.

Without hesitation, I pierced and dragged the small blade up Kai's side before pulling it out and plunging it into the middle of his back. Kai screamed out of agony and reacted quickly by grabbing me around the neck. It was the type of reaction I was looking for, but it did have mixed results. He continued to consume Po at the same rate that he had been before. Hopefully, Tigress will be able to do her part.

Kai pulled me off the ground before seething, "I've had enough of you, Jade Master. I am afraid that you will meet your end here." I was going to respond, but his grip tightened around my neck once again and lifted me from the ground. He continued with fury in his expression and voice, "I don't want to hear what you have to say!"

The familiar blackening of my vision returned once again. It didn't take long for me to struggle for breath, my lungs screaming for any sort of air. His grasp was tightening even more. I knew my throat wasn't going to sustain the increased pressure for very long.

Something flew in front of my view, and the pressure was instantly gone. I fell to the ground and held my throat. I coughed a few times and inhaled sharply. My vision cleared to show Kai's severed hoof laying on the ground. I blinked a few times to make sure I was seeing everything correctly. A monstrous scream came from the yak.

"AHHHHHH!"

I looked back up to see Kai holding his forearm right where his hoof was cut at. I imagine that his anger was ten-fold what it was when I took his arm. Now, he technically lost both of his hoofs.

I then looked over to Tigress to see her holding the Sword of Heroes in a firm grip. A growl was escaping her lips as she stood in an aggressive stance. I realized how that Tigress must have flipped over Kai's arm when she sliced it off. The blur I saw before must have been the blade of the Sword of Heroes.

Kai's pain seemed to have lessened a small amount as he looked at Tigress with a rage that I hadn't even evoked from the yak. He spat out, "Forget your Chi. I will put you into the ground myself!"

Kai moved to turn towards Tigress, but he was grabbed from the Oogway charm around his neck by a jade paw. His attention went to shock when he realized that Po's Chi hadn't been taken yet, and he whipped his attention back to the panda. Po tore the charm away from Kai and held it firmly in his grasp. Po's grip surrounded the small charm, and a golden light began to emit through the crack in his grasp.

Kai lunged forward, "NO!"

Po thrusted his palm into Kai's chest and kept it there. Tigress and I moved quickly to grab each of Kai's arms so that he couldn't fully reach for the panda. We slightly struggled against the beast, but we held our ground. I held onto the arm that was freshly cut from while Tigress held onto his jade arm. Po continued to concentrate on Kai from the front.

The jade that encased Po's body began to fully recede to show the usual black and white fur. Kai realized this and began to focus on trying to take Po's Chi. The jade tried to stop the inevitable, but Po continued to free himself from the influence of Kai. Po finally spoke, "The plan wasn't ever to try and beat you alone. Unlike you, I can always count on my friends to be there, and I will always be there for them."

Kai growled out, "How is this even possible!" The jade had finally receded to Po's paw before it completely left his body. The instant Po was free, golden cracks began to form over Kai's form. Kai began to panic, "How are you doing that?!"

Po looked Kai in the eye, "We took away everything that you surrounded yourself with. All that is left is just you."

The cracks continued to spread throughout Kai's body. He began to thrash against Tigress and me. It started out strong, but his movements slowed as he began to weaken. No matter how much Kai tried to fight it, his fate was sealed.

Po threw Master Oogway's charm behind him right while it continued to glow a brilliant gold. Tigress and I let go of Kai's arms as his resistance ceased. A second passed before a golden light engulfed Kai's form and threatened to blind anything that looked directly at it.

A rush of wind and energy passed us all until there was an unusual stillness. We all looked forward once again to see blackened ground where Kai was moments ago. The dagger from the Sword of Heroes that I implanted into Kai's back and the two jade blades of Kai were the only things left. Po still stood with his paw ended out in front of him. He finally let his paw drop where he then dropped to his knee. Tigress and I move to help him, but someone pushed through the crowd of pandas and Kung Fu masters. Tigress and I stood before Po right as Song made it to the tired panda and brought him into a tight hug. The Dragon Warrior replicated the act and brought the leopard closer.

Song spoke to Po with many emotions, mostly relief, present in her voice, "I am so glad that you are alright."

Po responded, "I am, too." He let out a small chuckled, "I can't believe that actually worked."

Tigress and I looked at one another as we pulled each other close as well. All the stress, pain, and worry that had accumulated over the last week or two disappeared instantly. The major threat to China had finally been defeated. We'd sunk into each other's embrace. We were unbelievably lucky that we didn't lose anyone in the process.

Additionally, we felt something small crash into our legs. We both looked down to see Moira hugging our legs tightly. Tigress reached down and pulled the small tiger up to us. The relief felt like bliss.

A voice behind us brought us back to reality, "I see you three managed to do it." It was a voice that we hadn't heard in a long while. An aged voice that could have only come from one tortoise. Po, Tigress, and I turned to look over at Master Oogway standing not far from us. He stood in front of the large group of pandas and warriors. He continued, "I never doubted you all for a second."

Po breathed out, "Master Oogway?!"

The tortoise smiled deeply at Po, "It is good to see you, Dragon Warrior. You have grown a lot since we have last spoke. You are no longer so unsure about your place in the Universe."

Po nodded as he looked over to the Five and Master Shifu who moved onto the three of us with happiness and gratitude, "I learned a lot and had some help from great friends along the way."

The Five jumped and hugged Po while Master Oogway chuckled at. Mantis was the first to speak out of the group, "I have never been so happy to see your face, big guy!"

Po brought them all in closer before saying, "I am just happy that you are all alright, and that none of you are green." Po slightly pulled away before correcting, "Well, that you are the right shade of green."

Master Shifu then stepped forward with an impressed look, "I am impressed with how you three managed to do what all of the masters in all of China failed to do." He looked over to Po, "Even though a part of me is envious of your accomplishments…" He gave Po a fake defeated look after saying this before composing himself once again, "I am grateful you were successful."

Master Oogway smiled, "And I see that you have all learned something in the process as well."

My brow furrowed a little at what Master Oogway had just said. Sure, I did have some new experiences teaching a group for the first time, and I did help Tigress along with her own training. However, I didn't really come away with some great revelation from it all.

Then a thought came to me, and I turned to Tigress. If he said we all learned something, then that means… Before I could even ask her, I was pulled into another hug. She said only one thing, "Thank you."

I held her by the shoulders and mover her away to look into her eyes. Even though I knew what it was about, I couldn't contain my happiness and awe, "You figured it out! What finally clicked?"

"You were right about what I was conflicted by. When I was fighting Master Shifu and Tai Lung, I just had to let go of my thoughts of doubt and realize that I am and can be better than them. When I did that, it finally came to me."

I let out a small huff of laughter, "So, you kicked their asses."

Tigress raised her brow at me, "A crude way of saying it, but yes."

It was only a moment later that I was pulled into a hug by the rest of our friends, and so was Tigress. It started with Viper and Crane, then onto Mei Ling, then to Monkey and Mantis. The latter two cracked a joke during the moment, so I could only roll my eyes at it.

The other masters and pandas got comfortable with one another as they began to converse. They didn't really may much mind to us as they were just excited things were no longer so dire. It wasn't back too normal, but things were alright.

Master Oogway chuckled from the scene before him. Occasions like these do call for some celebration as they are rare. The future always looks so bright when a great evil has been defeated, and when total good prevails. The tortoise has forgotten what this feels like since his living in the Spirit Realm has detached him from his earthly bond.

The great master walked forward to address the Dragon Warrior. Po recognized that his attention was being called in a subtle way, so he turned and looked over at the great master. His eyes were almost unblinking as Master Oogway began to speak.

"I have always come to understand that the Universe works on mysterious ways. If you look at just my life, you will begin to understand that." Master Oogway's aged voice caught the ears of everyone. No one dared make noise over him. He continued, "Since my ambitions drove me to little more than mistakes and pain in my past with Kai, I have always tried to let it guide me. There were still moments when I didn't know why something happened."

Po was hesitant to speak at first, but Master Oogway waited for him to speak. So, Po began, "But you are the wisest person I know."

Master Oogway chuckled a little, "I may be, but even I can't understand the grand design we are a part of." The tortoise moistened his mouth a little before continuing, "When you were chosen as Dragon Warrior, that was one of those moments."

Po looked nervous, "Oh…"

Master Oogway prodded his yin and yang staff, which I had only noticed now, right into Po's chest, "And now I see why you were selected by the Universe. It isn't only your abilities to fight that have made you great at Kung Fu. It is your willingness to put yourself out there in the face of defeat, and your ability to draw those around you together. That is why you were chosen. I did help along the way with some 'messages', like the one I sent to your father."

Po gasped, "You didn't?!"

Oogway chuckled, "I did."

Po was at awe of what Master Oogway was telling him. He couldn't even utter out a word to express his elation. He could only stand in front of the tortoise like a statue. Master Oogway chuckled at Po's response before walking forward and extending his staff outwards. He spoke once again, "Sometimes I don't need the Universe to guide me to my next decision, or for it to tell me what to do. I feel that it is right that I finally leave this world with someone who can carry on my teachings in Kung Fu. Po, you are my true successor."

We all looked on in awe while Po slowly reached out and grabbed the staff. I don't believe his eye could get any wider. Po responded, "I don't know what to say. Do you really think I am worthy?"

Master Oogway smiled, "Yes."

Po grabbed the staff and passed it between his paws to get a feel for it. He spun it around with great enthusiasm. His paws faulted a little and the staff ended up hitting him on the head. Master Oogway laughed the display of 'skill'.

Po then stopped after becoming nervous from all the eyes on him. He looked over to Master Oogway, "What do I do now?"

Master Oogway didn't give much away as he thought. He finally spoke, "That is up to you to figure out." He walked over slowly to Kai's blade and picked them up from the dirt. He brought them over to Po and handed them to the panda. Po looked at them with major confusion before looking back to the grandmaster.

Master Oogway looked at him with a light expectant look. Po shuffled closer to the old master and whispered, "What do you want me to do?"

Master Oogway smiled to Po before explaining, "Kai made these blades from the Chi of your panda ancestors…"

Master Oogway waited for Po to put the pieces together. A few seconds passed before Po understood, "Oh! You want me to do what I did with everyone else. Got it."

Po placed the blades on the ground before taking careful steps in reverse. He took a few deep breaths before performing smooth movements of Chi. We all watch without so much as a peep from any of us. Po finally extended his paw out with a golden glow. The jade blades began to change colors slowly to the same golden light that came from the Dragon Warrior's paw. The same cracks broke the surface of the jade and grew in size. Soon, they connected with one another.

A blast blinded our group for a small moment before settling down. We looked beyond the fading light to see a group of golden pandas and the tigers that were taken from the tiger village. The pandas all seemed to be apparitions more than anything. It confused me why they different compared to the masters who lived in the Spirit Realm, but I decided to not dwell on it too much.

The tigers, on the other hand, were physically here. It didn't take long for Rhuya to run up to the group to hug them. It was almost like a more touching family gathering, but my feelings about the exchange was somewhat mixed. I guess I should just be relieved to see them all alright.

The pandas seemed more than joyed to be freed from their five-hundred-year prison. They hugged one another and expressed joy that was indescribable. They seemed to speak, but we couldn't hear any of the words.

Finally, they created a circle and became in sync with one another. They rotated their arms and extended both of their paws outward. Their right paw was held over their left one, and they touched each other at the wrist. It was a form I hadn't seen yet, but their technique produced results.

A bunch of peach leaves seemed to blow in from nowhere. They slipped between us in streams before rotating around the pandas. Then, out of nowhere, a rift opened up in the center of their group. It was like a golden liquid that you could walk to. A portal to the Spirit Realm.

The pandas turned around and approached Po. They all bowed to the Dragon Warrior, and Po was unsure what he should do. All he could think about was returning the gesture. The pandas finally stood straight before walking into the portal. It didn't take long for the masters of the past to follow behind back to where they belonged.

Po finally asked Master Oogway, "Did you know that you needed the pandas to get back to the Spirit Realm?"

Master Oogway just looked at Po with a friendly expression, "I don't know."

What I didn't expect was a familiar snow leopard to make their way over to Po. Tigress saw this and made her way over to back Po up. Tai Lung stopped in front of the Dragon Warrior right as Tigress got behind Po. I followed soon behind and looked neutrally at him.

Tai Lung looked at Po with an expression that didn't say much. It took a second for him to do anything, and it was something I didn't expect. He bowed before Po. Most of us looked on with astonished expressions. Crane even dropped his jaw at the scene. Tai Lung spoke only two words, "Dragon Warrior."

It wasn't much, but the meaning behind that meant more than two-thousand words. Po, with shock still present on his face, returned a small bow. Tai Lung stood back up before turning to Tigress. She was unsure what he wanted with her, and he was a master at hiding it. He followed up with a similar bow to the tiger, "I apologize for the pain that I have caused you." He looked her in the eye, "I also now see that you are far more worthy of an opponent that I could have possibly imagined. Hopefully, we never have to consider each other 'opponents' ever again."

Tigress was hesitant to answer as this was a lot of information to take in. She finally settled with bowing at him with few words, "Hopefully not, and thank you."

Tai Lung stood back and nodded at the rest of us. He turned around without any other words and walked towards the portal. Master Oogway stopped him by his shoulder. He gave an appreciative look to the snow leopard before letting him go. Tai Lung stopped momentarily to look back over his shoulder. His eyes connected with Master Shifu for a moment, and they both seemed to want to say something to one another. However, Tai Lung walked through the rift without another word.

Master Shifu looked down for a moment before looking over to Master Oogway. The tortoise seemed to understand the look when he responded, "It is your choice. You can find a place on either side."

Master Shifu nodded shortly before turning to all of us. He hobbled over to our group and smiled, "I am happy for how far all of you have come. You have each grown in ways that I hadn't thought possible, and this goes beyond just Kung Fu." He turned to look at Tigress, "I am especially proud of how far you have come. You are no longer that small cub scared of her own anger that I visited back at Bao Gu Orphanage. You have learned to control your impulses, open yourself up, and you even managed to find Inner Peace."

The rest of the Five and Mei Ling looked at Tigress with surprise, and even Po seemed shocked by it but managed to show more happiness. I just smiled at that news. Tigress, on the other hand, seemed confused, "How do you know that?"

The red panda smirked, but he held sadness behind the eyes, "Kai's control wasn't as thorough as he probably thought. I was able to sense things here and there while I was trapped." Shifu stopped momentarily before getting back to his point, "Even beyond that, I believe you are ready for your next step."

Tigress was as confused as ever, "And what is my next step?"

Master Shifu smiled up to Tigress as he pointed his staff at her, "You are ready to take over as the Grandmaster of the Jade Palace."

Air escaped between Tigress's lips as she didn't know how to respond. She blinked a few times trying to figure out what to say. Master Shifu just stood there with a pleased expression. Tigress finally found a way to express her concern, "Why me? Why not Po, or even Kyle? They both seem to have firm grasps of things beyond Inner Peace."

Master Shifu spoke frankly, "Because this is what you were trained up to. Po has many duties beyond the confines of the Jade Palace, so he cannot afford to be the Grandmaster of the Jade Palace. He needs to journey around China. And while Kyle has shown great promise in the spiritual side of Kung Fu, he has found some aspects impossible to attain. He would be better to help you, and as Jade Master, his place is at the Jade Palace with a different purpose."

My eyes narrowed in some thought of what he meant. It was something that I needed answered now. This was the first mention of my 'duties', and my position wasn't entirely clear. I have a feeling that Shifu or Oogway could enlighten me here, but I dared not interrupt.

Tigress's look darkened into sadness, "What are you going to do then?"

Master Shifu smiled, "I have my own path and learning to do somewhere else. I wish I could fulfill them at the Jade Palace, but I feel like my place is in the Spirit Realm."

Tigress shook her head and crouched down to look him further in the eye, "No! You can't just leave us! Master, FATHER, you can't just go."

Master Shifu grabbed onto Tigress's paw to silence her. He smiled, "Going to the Spirit Realm isn't a one-way journey, Tigress. This isn't me saying 'goodbye'. I will still be available to you." He prodded his staff into Tigress's chest right at the ring I gave her. It was concealed under her clothing, but it was almost like he knew exactly where it was. He spoke softly, "You still have those standing beside you." He looked at me with a knowing expression, "Just remember that." He handed Tigress the staff that was passed down to him by Oogway. Tigress grabbed him into a deep embrace, and he didn't hesitate to return it. They stood like that for a long moment. None of us knew if this was a happy occasion or a sad one. Shifu was going, but it was on his terms. I guess it come to if this is really 'the end' or not.

He backed away from Tigress and began to head to the rift. He turned around one last time, "I am happy to have been your master." He bowed at all of us, "I await the next time we meet." He finally disappeared beyond the golden liquid to join the many masters that went before him.

Now, all that was left was Master Oogway. The tortoise slowly made his way to the portal, but there were questions I still had. Master Shifu pointed out that I had a 'purpose'. I had always had these thoughts of what the title 'Jade Master' entailed, but it wasn't until now that those questions came to the surface.

I ran up to the tortoise, "Master Oogway."

He slowly turned around and looked back at me with a smile, "Ahh, Jade Master. It has been a long time."

I started with a small smirk, "Yes, it has. I just wanted to ask you something."

"Anything, my human friend."

I thought how to word my question for a second before asking, "What are my duties as 'Jade Master?" The smile on Oogway's face dropped a little without fully disappearing. I continued, "I imagine that you didn't just create the title without some purpose or meaning behind it. It has some significance, right? What makes the 'Jade Master' special amongst all the other Kung Fu masters?"

Master Oogway was slow to respond. He moistened his mouth in the anticipation of coming up with a response. His smile brightened once again when he answered, "I will answer your question with my own before explaining. What is jade?"

My gaze narrowed, "What is jade?" I scratched at my jaw in thought, "I don't see exactly where this is going, but I will bite. It is a mineral, isn't it?"

The tortoise let out a small hum of amusement, "Yes, it is, but you are thinking too physically. What does it signify?"

I was now lost, "Uhh, I don't know…"

He now chuckled at my expression when he continued, "I know that it is hard to imagine what Jade signifies after fighting my old friend. He became very lost in the pursuit of power. He was a shell of what he used to be." He smiled, "And Kai chose jade not because that was what color Chi was, but because he view jade as power."

I asked with a naive twist, "Chi has a color? Interesting…"

Master Oogway chuckled at my interest before he continued, "Jade has many different meanings behind it, but I have always found it to mean things like prosperity, harmony, and renewal. I could see what you could become and what you could mean for all of China. A perfect bridge between the past and the present. You would be a guide for us all to a better future."

I smirked back at him with some amusement, "You saw all this in my future? I was a completely different person when Po was named 'Dragon Warrior', and when I was named the 'Jade Master'."

"I didn't see that in your future. You are always capable of shaping your own destiny, and I knew that you would choose to follow a path of enlightenment just as I saw that Po would be capable of defeating Tai Lung. We sometimes need to take lessons from the past to better our future."

I rubbed the back of my neck with an awkward chuckled, "I am glad to hear that the Jade Master means more than just a regular Kung Fu master."

Master Oogway nodded, "It was no accident that you received this title-"

I cut him off with a quip, "Because there are no accidents?"

He chuckled with amusement, "Correct, there are no accidents." He continued with a grin, "Anyone can learn to fight. It takes something special for an individual to learn when not to fight for the sake of keeping peace. I knew you learned this lesson deep down the moment you decided to not fight any more for the sake of the Valley of Peace."

I traced out my faded scars, scars that would remain with me forever. My smile disappeared as I mindlessly traced my fingers along the darkened flesh. I mumbled out, "I suppose you are right… I just don't see how I am the only human to exist now."

He looked at the Furious Five behind me. He smiled over at them before speaking to me once again, "You all have your places in the Universe. I understand the struggle of finding it. I don't know why the Universe chose you, but I know it couldn't have chosen a better person. You have given us idea on what it meant to be human." He rested a claw on my shoulder, "Hopefully, my words gave you a deeper understanding of yourself."

I nodded as I stepped back from the tortoise. He approached the portal and looked back once again. He bowed to the everyone and it was returned. He was consumed by the doorway of gold before it closed. The peach leaves that surrounded the portal created a vortex before dispersing.

I walked back to Tigress while everyone approached us. I slowly brought Tigress into another embrace after all the masters from the Spirit Realm left. I let out a long sigh as my eyes closed from some exhaustion. Today was probably going to be a day spent celebrating. I guess my rest was going to happen now.

Mei Ling broke the silence with a question, "What now?"

I felt Tigress slowly move away from me to face her. My grasp was broken as we both turned to look at the golden cat. Tigress looked over at me with a look of approval before I smiled at her, "You are now the Grandmaster of the Jade Palace, you know what you should do."

Tigress nodded before approaching Mei Ling. I could tell that Tigress was somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of being 'the grandmaster', but she would fill Master Shifu's shoes well. She let out a breath before responding, "With my naming as Grandmaster of the Jade Palace, I don't believe it would be a wise decision to continue being a part of the Furious Five." All of our friends gasping in shock. Tigress continued by getting closer to Mei Ling, "I can think of no better warrior to fill my vacant position than you, Mei Ling."

Mei Ling looked on with a disbelieving look. She looked over to Crane and Viper, who both nodded and smiled with approval. She then looked to Monkey while he gave a thumbs up, and Mantis while he continued with a shocked look. She followed by looking at me. I spoke softly, "I would take it if I were you."

Mei Ling came out of her stupor with a few blinks, "I don't know what to say… I am honored, Master."

Tigress bowed her head slightly before speaking, "Then the position is yours, Master Mei Ling, newest member of the Furious Five."

A small group around us began to clap while they overheard the development. The was an elevated atmosphere from all of the pandas, and even all of the Kung Fu masters who surrounded us. It was somewhat surprising to see that the tigers were somewhat 'business' attitude seeing as they were all just freed. Come to think of it, two tigers began to approach Tigress and me. I knew them both, one being Rhuya and the other being Rong.

My muscles became a little rigid while they approached. Tigress felt this at her side and began to slowly rub her paw up and down my back to relax me. It did little to sooth me, but I appreciate her for standing next to me.

Rhuya was the first to address us, "Thank you for helping me recovering my village. I don't think I could ever repay you for this."

Tigress responded frankly, "It was our duty, and we are happy to have helped. There is no need to repay us."

Rhuya seemed like she wanted to argue for the sake of her honor, but Rong held up his paw to silence her. The warrior begrudgingly complied, and he began to speak, "We are still indebted to you both and to all of your friends. It has been a long time since us tigers have been helped so openly by anyone from the rest of China." He looked directly at me, "I guess in our isolation we had forgotten what it is like to be a part of a larger community, and we treated anything new with hostility. I believe it is time that we begin returning that openness by once again joining the rest of China. That means by protecting those who are defenseless against harm as well." He bowed at me, "I speak for my village when I say that I am truly sorry for how we treated you during your stay. I cannot imagine the pain that we caused you, and we are even more embarrassed for what we did when you aided us. I hope that you can someday forgive us."

A small moment of silence surrounded us while I thought. I finally nodded, "I guess I can accept being a casualty for the sake of you opening up more to others. I forgive you and most of your village." Rong cocked a brow at my response. I continued once I got a familiar look of a now freed tiger warrior. I continued, "For I am only human, and some forgiveness will have to come with time."

Rong nodded, "I understand." He smiled genuinely at me, "Hopefully that happens, and you can come back to our village someday."

"I will think on it."

Rong nodded at me before bowing at Tigress. He turned around and barked commands at his villagers. Rhuya stayed behind, "While we would be happy to stay and celebrate, we feel it is best that we get back to our village. It is a long journey, so we best do it now."

I joked, "A little difficult since the elevators up to the village are cut…"

Rhuya smiled in a way that reminded me of Tigress way back when, a little forced but an attempt to be genuine, "We will find a way." She approached me and wrapped me in a quick hug, "Thank you once again, Jade Master. You are a good person." She wasn't one for affection, so the friendly display was still drawing a blush from the tiger.

I nodded when she separated, "It is what I do."

She looked over to Tigress, "It was an honor to train and fight beside you." She looked down at Moira, "And this cub has a lot of talent. I know that she will make you proud."

Tigress looked down at her daughter, "She already has." I smiled and pulled Tigress into my side.

Rhuya nodded and said one last thing, "Hopefully we cross paths again. For now, goodbye." She bowed at us and we returned the gesture. Rhuya stood up straight and joined the other tigers. The group of tigers was somewhat small and was obviously not all of them. Sadly, a reunion between Tigress and her mother weren't in order. She must have fled Kai seeing as she isn't here.

The Furious Five with their newest member, Po, and Song joined Tigress, Moira, and I as we stood and watched the tigers slowly leave. I finally heard a small sigh from a small bug. I looked over at him with a confused expression, "What are you sighing about?"

Mantis responded, "So much is changing! Master Shifu went to the Spirit Realm to continue his training for some reason, Tigress is now our master and Grandmaster of the Jade Palace, Mei Ling is now a part of the Furious Five, and Po is taking over for Master Oogway. I just don't know if my small heart can take so much all at once." He let out a dramatic sigh, "Training under Tigress is going to be brutal." He looked up with realization, "She isn't really going to fully take over for Master Shifu, is she?"

Crane looked over to Mantis, "Any more brutal than Master Shifu? I doubt it." He looked over at Tigress, who cocked her hip at them. He corrected, "Actually, now that I think about it…"

I chuckled, "Come on, it isn't going to be that bad. I think she is going to do well with "

Mantis waved his claw, "Your opinion doesn't count. You will do anything to please your girlfriend. I don't just mean that in this way, either."

Viper slapped the bug, "That was rude, Mantis."

My breath caught in my throat as I just remembered the night before. She wasn't my girlfriend anymore… She was my wife. I was trying to think of a way to break the news, but Tigress beat me to it. She spoke even before I could come up with anything, "Wife, Mantis. I am his wife."

A collective gasp ensued from the group, and I was the one who was kind of nervous to their reaction. We didn't exactly know how the fight with Kai was going to pan out. Hopefully, they didn't take it personally.

Viper wrapped us up in a tight hug, "I am so happy to hear about that! Crane and I were wondering when you were going to tie the knot."

Crane nodded, "We are going to have to find a way to celebrate."

Mantis pondered with his claw, "Does it really count if there was no celebration?" I looked over to Tigress with a 'look'. She shook her head and punched me in the arm as a response.

Tigress then looked to the bug, "Given the circumstances, I don't think that matters."

Mantis was going to answer, but Tigress narrowed her gaze at him. This caused him to think again on what he was going to say. He finally responded, "I agree, it doesn't matter to me. I am happy that you two are married."

We both nodded at his response. An unexpected visitor then entered the group with a big smile. We all looked at Li Shan as he looked at up, "Did I hear someone got married?" Everyone basically indicated towards Tigress and me. We weren't able to respond before the older panda, "We definitely owe you for helping out our village. We are going to celebrate that tonight."

I began to shake my head, "No, it is quite al-"

He cut me off, "It is what we pandas do. We find ways to have feasts. This is definitely an occasion that needs to be celebrated." He began to walk away as he began to organize everyone that was left.

I joked to Tigress, "Well, I guess we are getting another day for our wedding."

Tigress kissed my cheek and smiled at me, "I am sure celebrating with our friends will be an enjoyable occasion."

Mantis mumbled out, "See, change is weird, and too much of that has been going around…"

Mei Ling responded, "Hush, Mantis. Sometimes change is good." She turned to us with a genuine smile, "Congratulations, you two."

Tigress returned the look, "Thank you, Mei Ling."

Po yawned and Song held a paw on his chest. He spoke through his open mouth, "As awesome as this is, I think I am going to get a little more sleep. I will catch you all a little later."

Both Song and Po walked away as everyone else in the village began to disperse. It was in this moment that I did realize the tiredness and soreness that was present in my muscles. It had been there since the end of the fight. It was just now that I chose to recognize it. I think Tigress was noticing a little fatigue as well. It was actually interesting since the Five looked as if they were improving in terms of energy.

I let out a small chuckle, "I think I have to agree with Po. I might need to rest for a little bit."

The group nodded in understanding, and Tigress whispered over to me as she pulled Moira by her paw, "I think I am going to join you."

I cracked a joke, "It isn't usual for you to want to rest so early."

Tigress gave me a stink-eye, "How about you just enjoy the opportunity."

"Yes, ma'am."

The sun began to dip past the mountains, and it began to take its warmth with it. The interesting thing was how I wasn't at all bothered by the chill in the air as I looked at the horizon beyond the thin fog of the village. The scene was serene, and the lantern light behind me with celebrating pandas and masters.

I let a small sigh escape my breath. I was completely relaxed from the defeat of Kai and from tonight's celebration. I did have my own concerns for the future, but I wasn't willing to dwell on them too much. Come to think of it, I don't think I had seen a sad face tonight. The worries that we all usually had were pushed to the back of our minds for the evening. There was always another day in which we could face them.

My eyes never left the horizon even as a paw traced up my back. I knew instantly that it was Tigress checking up on me. She was silent for a moment to watch the view with me. She finally asked afterwards, "What are you doing here alone?"

I let out a deep breath before turning to look at her. I just noticed how the glow of the late evening sun complimented her orange fur spectacularly. It caused a deeply contented smile to settle on my lips, "I am just enjoying the sun with some peace. I am actually happy you are taking the time to enjoy it with me." I looked back to the horizon, "Where is Moira?"

Tigress answered calmly, "She was having some fun 'bothering' Song. I decided to leave her be." I raised a brow at the thought, and Tigress corrected, "Song is happy to watch after her for now. Which now brings me to you. You do know part of this celebration is supposedly for our marriage. I don't think it can be that if you are off alone."

I let out a small chuckle, "I guess you are right about that."

Tigress stood beside me for a little bit longer before asking, "What are you thinking about?"

My face didn't deny the fact that I was thinking a bit. While this should have been a night of no worries and for celebration, I couldn't shake my own thoughts. As I was thinking before, I wasn't stressing over any of it. I was just acknowledging that the future was going to hold something different. I finally spilled it, "Mantis was right about how things are changing. Today has probably brought more change for us than the months before it. I just can't imagine what we will be doing in the future." The last part was somewhat a lie.

Tigress had a look of confusion, "The future is on your mind?"

"I guess it kind of is. A lot has happened over this last day and it just makes me think what tomorrow might bring."

Tigress nodded in understanding before answering, "I assume that you, me, Moira, and the Five are going to head back to the Jade Palace."

A flash of surprise enveloped my face, "What about Po?"

"Po can't permanently stay at the Jade Palace anymore since Master Oogway named him as his successor. He has both a lot to teach and learn if he is going to be successful. Since this is the case, Po decided to extend his time in the panda village to continue his own study into Chi while also reconnecting the pandas with their past by teaching it to them." Tigress seemed slightly disappointed that one of our friends wasn't going back with us. I felt very similarly.

I began to connect the dots, "I assume that Song is going to stay with him."

Tigress nodded once, "Yeah, and Mr. Ping is apparently going to stick around a little while as well." Tigress looked towards the distant peaks, "I never imagined that Po would have grown this much as the Dragon Warrior."

I let out a small huff, "I don't think any of us did. It is still hard to imagine." I turned to her and smirked, "He isn't the only one though. You have opened up, become an even more intimidating fighter, and have finally achieved Inner Peace. Your accomplishments are just as astounding."

Tigress brought me in closer, "I know." She hugged me, "All that we have been through over the last couple years had only made me stronger. I once thought that closing myself off and relying only on my abilities would make me stronger. I know I was wrong to rely on that." She swiftly kissed me and pulled away just as quickly before continuing, "I appreciate what you were saying. Going back to your earlier thought, though, I assume that we have to help repair the Jade Palace."

I recoiled a little in remembrance, "Yes… And a Valley of Peace to help recover. Kai did a number on the surrounding area. It is probably going to take a little time to repair. That isn't including the bandits picking through the scraps and training on top of that."

Tigress spoke confidently, "That is why we are heading back tomorrow."

I smiled, "Sounds like we have a lot of work to worry about when we get back to the village. I guess we should try and enjoy this party with our friends, then."

Tigress pressed up close to me, "I would like nothing more than to do just that." She closed in and kissed me deeply on the lips. I equaled the passion from her and pushed even more into her. We finally separated with a sharp inhale. Tigress uttered out, "I love you."

I tightened my grip around her, "I love you, too."

I relaxed my grip before slightly separating from her. I motioned for her to lead. She only responded with a nod and a grin. She pulled us forward so that we could forget our small troubles for the evening. Tonight was a rare night of pure celebration and relationships that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

There is always tomorrow to face the next challenge. For now, the world is back in a state of peace. Forces of darkness are always conflicting with that of the light. It is a battle that continues to plague this new world, and with it comes the continued struggle to maintain balance.

That is completely it! There is nothing more to tell. Kyle's story is finally done. I hope that it ended in a comfortable way for all of you, or in a way that at least makes sense. I did my best to fulfill either requirement.

This would usually be the section that I reserve for what I might be planning next. Sadly or happily, this is unnecessary as this is finally the end of the story (I am just happy to finally be completed with this work). So, instead, I will implore you to keep updated on what I plan/am doing next. That is if you are interested in my continued work.

For a final tally for this story, I decided to note how this story currently rests compared to the rest of the community. Finding Balance is at the following ranks with the following stats:

Favorites: 668 (2nd among all KFP fanfics, 1st in M-rated)

Follows: 722 (1st among all KFP fanfics)

Reviews: 646 (12th among all KFP fanfics, 2nd in M-rated)

I just wanted to put these here for anyone interest to see how the story might change as time goes on. I also wanted to personally thank anyone who contributed to this. You guys are most of the reason as to why this story was finished.

That is all I have to share.

Thank you,

Forsvaret-Komandir