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

Chapter 62b (dark): The Sacrifice for 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 Po 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 with specifically when 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.

Finally, a kick to Kai's back caused him to stumble forward and loosen his grips on Tigress's and my necks. He turned around to see Po deliver a few hard kicks to his side. Kai growled out from the assault as he stumbled forward. Po asserted, "If you want to take our Chi, you are going to have to start with me."

Kai smile as he threw Tigress and I into the distance. He turned around with a stomp. The ground below him indented from the force applied from the yak. Kai smiled at Po, "You can't possibly believe that you are even close to strong enough to defeat me alone." Kai seemed to scan the Dragon Warrior before letting out an amused huff, "I see that you have strong Chi, but it won't be nearly enough."

Po charged forward with a barrage of attacks. He spoke with some strain, "I think I will surprise you."

While that small fight was going on, I laid on the ground right where the Sword of Heroes was. My head was in a daze from the impact against the ground. I tried to focus on what was happening around me, but the blackened vision with the occasional star made it hard. I saw Tigress get up in a hunched position as she tried to regain her breath.

Tigress looked over at me and rushed to my side. I felt her paw on my shoulder while she tried to pull me to my feet. I stumbled back down to my knees. I slowly shook my head to focus my vision, but it was coming back slowly whether I wanted it to or not. My head ached from the impact, and I could see Tigress checking on the wound. Her paw brushed over my temple and retracted. I could see the small, red-tinted liquid stain the tips of her paw.

She asked me with deep concern, "Do you think you will be able to continue fighting?"

I responded as well as I could thought the haze, "Yeah, I… I just need a moment."

"Hiya!"

Tigress attention moved toward Po as he continued to take Kai on alone. His flying kick was blocked by Kai, and then Po thrusted forward trying to get Oogway's charm. Kai caught Po by the wrist and targeted the panda where he was open: his leg. Kai stomped down hard on Po's right knee. A massive 'crack' echoed through the crowd watching the fight.

"AHH!"

Po's pain must have been immeasurable at that moment. He feel to the ground with a thump and looked up to Kai with unadulterated fear. Kai was no longer holding back.

Tigress jumped to her feet and left me there. Po was in danger, and she had to stop Kai before he got any further. I tried to speak to Tigress while pointing at the Sword of Heroes, "Take the… Take the sword." She was already charging in before I finished.

Tigress flew in with a double-palm strike to Kai's side. The yak rolled to the ground before landing on his feet. He looked over to Tigress to see her coming in with a foot extended. Kai caught it with ease before allowing her own momentum to carry her over him right before planting her into the ground. A crater formed from her body impacting the ground, her form was now limp. He picked her up by the same foot and held her in the air before him. She was still conscious, just barely.

Kai looked at the Oogway charm that was laced around his neck before pulling it off. He looked at it with thought as it rested in the center of his hoof. Many of the masters, who were helpless to do anything, tried to get to their feet when they saw the charm in his grasp. Their weakness made it hard to balance well, and it would make fighting against someone as strong as Kai impossible. There was nothing they could do beyond watching.

Kai finally spoke to the group. "It might come as a surprise to some of you to hear that your Master Oogway was once a great friend of mine. I even considered him as a brother." Kai's showed an unusual expression, sadness. He continued, "I would have died protecting him back then, and I guess he wasn't willing to do the same seeing that he betrayed me."

Master Shifu lashed out, "It sounds like you were the one who betrayed him when you started taking the pandas Chi!" Master Shifu moved forward slowly with great effort only to fall to his knees.

Kai's sadness turned to anger, "You really think that taking the panda's Chi was the worst thing that either of us had done?! We bathed the landscape with blood during our conquests. Not all of them were our enemies. It was betrayal on his part. I wasn't taking Chi just for me! I was taking it so that we could build a better, stronger China! I wanted to make us unstoppable."

Kai was visibly breathing from his rage. He looked back at the charm with renewed purpose. He scanned all of the pandas and masters over. He spoke with contempt, "Then he decided to follow a path of peace and harmony. He wanted to create a symbol of hope for everyone. He was done with the violence."

Kai looked directly at Po, who was still withering in pain. He spoke, "I see that he was successful in his lifetime. You have all never heard of my name or deeds, and I can see that you all revere Oogway. If there is one thing I wish to do, it is to make you forget about him all together. I want to destroy your hope."

The hoof Kai held Oogway's charm in began to glow green. Energy from the charm began to flow into Kai. The yak spoke as to strip the charm of energy, "I usually keep the charms as they replenish their Chi after I take it." Cracks began to form in Master Oogway's charm, "The more I take, the more the pendants is stressed."

The cracks began to grow over the jade surface, and a light began to shine from it. Finally, the bright light finally exploded along with a Chi explosion. The freed Chi flowed into Kai's form until he was pulsing a jade aura. There was nothing left of the charm of Oogway's Chi. It was just… gone.

Tigress growled out as she attempted to strike Kai with extended claws. The attempts were rabid, but she was always just out of reach of her mark. Kai finally threw her in the air before delivering a powerful kick to her head. She flew and rolled on the ground until she was residing next to Po. The panda moved to look her over to see if she was alright. Her unmoving form showed me that she was completely unconscious.

Kai walked forward with a smugness. He proclaimed, "With that goes your hope."

Po yelled out with anger, "What did you do to him?!"

Kai smiled, "What do you think? I absorbed all of his Chi. He is just… gone."

Po jumped to his feet as he ignored the scalding pain. He moved forward and tried to strike out at Kai. Kai barely expended effort as he dodged one of Po's attacks before catching his left arm. Kai bent it to a weird angle before strike under it. A similar sounding crack emitted from that part of Po's body right before he was thrown back to where he was before. Po wanted to cry out, but the pain physically exhausted the panda.

Mr. Ping and Li Shan rushed to Po's side, "Po!"

Kai continued to approach both Po and Tigress while I helplessly tried to help myself. Everything that I had watched so far seemed to be coming through a heavy filter. My mind wasn't able to focus, my vision pulsed between wanting to be conscious and unconscious. I wasn't able to get to my feet and keep my balance. I could only watch on as I was powerless to do anything.

Kai was right in front of Po and Tigress with a smile. Li Shan continued to look down at Po with great concern. He whispered to Po, "Come on, son. Please stay awake."

I began to crawl towards the Sword of Heroes with renewed vigor. Po was in danger. Tigress, my WIFE, was in danger. I needed to do something before it was too late. My slow crawling was soon rewarded once my fingers found the hilt of the blade.

Mr. Ping got up from his position by Po as he look up to Kai. He apparently found a cleaver at some point since one was in his grasp. He was fearful for sure, but he didn't let that stop him from trying to protect his son.

Mr. Ping spoke out, "Stay away from my son!"

The goose charged at Kai right as Po tried to stand up, "Dad, no!"

Mr. Ping swung at Kai with fervor hoping to hurt the yak. Mr. Ping didn't know the futility of the move, and it wouldn't even matter if he could hurt Kai since the goose was grabbed by the neck the instant he was within striking distance. Kai lifted Mr. Ping up until he was looking him in the eyes.

I tried to get to my feet once again, but it was like fighting a drunkenness that wouldn't go away. The world kept spinning around me in a disorienting haze. I closed my eyes to get my bearings. I let out small breath, consistently paced breaths as I tried to channel a little Inner Peace.

Even though I was trying to focus on my own mental state, I could tell something bad was happening in front of me. I began to hear the struggling breaths from Mr. Ping and Po's pleas of mercy. "Please, let my dad go. I give in. Just don't hurt him." I could hear the wavering in Po's voice. His anguish was amplified by the sounds of his own crying.

Kai's voice was stone cold. I could picture him leering down at the Dragon Warrior with a dark idea in mind. He finally responded, "No." Kai squeezed down on the gooses neck until a vocal pop resonated out. The cleaver in the gooses grasp fell before impaling into the ground with a metallic sound. Mr. Ping's limp form was then thrown to the side like a discarded bag of trash. Kai continued, "There is no mercy."

Po cried out, "NO!"

A small stream of tears fell down my cheeks. The weight of my failure began to settle upon me. I had failed all of my friends back at the Jade Palace. I had failed Master Shifu when I left him to the mercy of Kai. I failed Po, and Tigress.

I finally opened my eyes with renewed clarity. I watched as Kai began to slowly take Po and Tigress's Chi. He spoke one last time, "None of you stood a chance. Your Chi is too weak, and it will only fuel me. I am unstoppable."

I looked down at the Sword of Heroes in my grasp. I knew what I had to do, and how I needed to do it. I am the immovable object to his unstoppable force. I split the sword into the dagger and blade halves. I concealed the dagger as best as I could by flipping it to reside by my forearm.

I looked to Tigress one last time. I knew that time wasn't on my side as jade began to engulf her and Po. I let out a small sigh as I began to jog toward Kai. My muscles began to feel a little more energy flow through them, and I picked up speed. I was soon sprinting at Kai, with the Sword of Heroes at the ready. It didn't take him long to figure out that I was coming for him.

He stopped trying to take Chi from Po and Tigress and flicked out one of his blades at me. I dodged to the side, and I cut the chains holding the jade blade. His eyes widened as he realized that I posed an actual threat to him. He stood at the ready with his other blade in hand. I jumped in the air with the Sword of Heroes ready to deflect his jade blade so that I could deliver the fatal blow.

My blade arched down to meet Kai's, but it never came in contact with it. Instead, he grabbed my wrist to stop my attack in its tracks. I then felt an incredible pain as he plunged his blade into my stomach. I could feel it move through my front and out the back. The pain moved through my entire lower abdomen. I could feel the blade pierce through my back. My agony was soon followed by an uncomfortable numbness as I tried to take my mind off the pain.

I heard the gasping from the group to the side even though my focus was on Kai. He pulled me closer to him. He basically whispered out, "I told you that you would die. It was your mistake to think you could take me on."

I clenched my jaw as the smallest shifts in the blade would cause searing hot pain to cascade through my body. His body was left wide open, and his arrogance left him clouded. I just needed to overcome the greatest physical pain I have ever experience to exploit it.

I took a few sharp breaths in before speaking through gritted teeth, "Your mistake was getting me this close and not learning from your mistakes."

Kai was confused by what I was getting at until he looked at Sword of Heroes. If I could see blood drain from his face, I would have seen it in this moment. A small inhale came from the yak as his eyes widened when they returned to me. Before he could even react, I flipped the blade forward and impaled him right through the lower jaw and up through his skull. It took most of my strength to impale through the bone, but it still seemed unbelievably easy. The tip of the dagger poked through the top of his head.

There was an unusual stillness between Kai and me. Even I was shocked by what I had just done, and it was taking moments for me to overcome it. Kai would be completely dead the moment I moved the blade, but I wanted to make sure he wasn't coming back from this.

Instead of just pulling the blade out, I arched it upwards to cut through his jaw before splitting his skull open. The blade was free from Kai's head, and the yak became limp. I fell to the ground with his blade still planted in my body. I looked over to see Kai's form disintegrate into jade before blowing away as a dust. All that was left of him was the two jade blades.

I let out a small sigh as I laid on the ground in a daze. It was over, but the moment of relief was very short lived. I was soon checked up on by a majority of my friends. Crane and Viper looked me over with an alarming look I had never seen from them. Monkey's face was devoid of blood, which was understandable. Mantis's sadness was indescribable, and Mei Ling had a feel tears tracing down her face.

I knew that the circumstances weren't exactly good when I looked down at the blade in my stomach. I had come back from many life-threatening injuries before, but this one was different. I knew that I went too far. I couldn't even bring myself to touch the even close to the blade, and I couldn't see it too well.

I rested my head back against the ground in resignation. I was unsure how I should feel at this moment. I had escaped death before, and I didn't know how to really feel then either. Should I feel pride for what I had done? Should I be fearful for what might be on the other side. I just didn't have a feeling that I could express in this moment. Instead, I just focused on the only thing that wasn't completely numb. I felt the blood seep from the wound. Shock had taken the pain, but not the fear.

Master Shifu slowly approached me. His ears were flattened against his head. It wasn't a look that I had seen on him many times before. I could tell that he was dumbfounded. He couldn't find the words to address me, so I decided to start. With a level voice, I asked, "Does it look really bad?"

Master Shifu looked like he wanted to respond, but he failed in his first attempt. He finally asked a question with a dry mouth, "Does it hurt?"

I let out a small sigh of tiredness. I noticed how simple functions were becoming more difficult to complete. Keeping my muscles tensed, moving my extremities, and keeping my head up. Even my consciousness was a bit spotty. I finally shook my head, "No, I don't think so…" I finally asked, "Where is Moira? Are Tigress and Po alright?"

I could see movement through the crowd. Finally, Moira and Rhuya made their way to me. Moira ran to my side and look me over. Tears were cascading down the tiger cubs face as she looked down at me. She uttered in a small voice, "Daddy…"

It wasn't something I was prepared for. I kept my tears at bay, and I choked a little. I finally responded, "It's alright. I am just glad to see you are finally safe."

The cub rested by me and hugged my form. Rhuya was quiet, but I could see that she was blaming herself for what happened. I also looked on as two masters brought a log for me to rest against. When placed behind me, I was finally able to get a good look at all of my friends.

There was a lot I could say to everyone here, but I knew that time was limited. I needed to focus on the important things. I asked Shifu once again, "Po and Tigress?"

He answered back somberly, "Tigress is still unconscious. Po is…" He couldn't even answer verbally. He just pointed over to Po's location. I watched as Po scooped up the deceased form of his adoptive father. I couldn't help but feel failure to protect all those that I could. I knew that it was impossible during the time, but only if I had acted sooner.

I finally answered back with a small voice, "I should have acted sooner. I could have saved Mr. Ping. I could have saved Oogway."

Viper rested her tail on my shoulder to stop me. I stopped knowing none of what I was saying was realistically possible. Master Shifu shook his head, "No, we have failed you. You shouldn't have ever been put in this kind of position. It was only through your bravery and sacrifice that we have survived."

Viper finally came in with a kiss to my cheek. She backed up with tears tracing down her cheeks, "I'm sorry, Kyle. I wish we could have done more." She backed up and looked over to the downed tiger. She slithered over to her fallen sister to check on her condition.

I looked at the blade protruding from my stomach when I remembered something. I remembered being told that the blades were created from the Chi of the pandas in the past. If that was true, then Po should be capable of finally freeing them.

I spoke out, "Can someone grab Po for me. I have to say something very important to him." Everyone looked over to Po who was in very much pain and was grieving beside Li Shan and Song. The older panda obviously heard me with his saddened expression showing confliction. Since he didn't, nor anyone, knew what to do, I spoke again in a calm voice, "I know his condition, but please grab him for me."

Li Shan put his paw on Po's shoulder and spoke to him. He motioned over towards me. Po nodded slowly, and Li Shan helped Po over to my position. The Dragon Warrior's sadness was unimaginable. Tears streaked down how face as he faced the pain of losing a father. However, I needed him to focus on me.

Po's red eyes connected with my glassy. He began to speak, "I'm so sorry. The Dragon Warrior is supposed to be the hero capable of taking on any foe threatening China. Instead, I was powerless to protect the ones I love-"

I cut Po off, "I know you are grieving, and I know you are blaming yourself. I need you to be resilient so that you may make a difference. There is something I need you to do."

The tears were still flowing down Po's face, but he sucked in his breath while he put on a courageous expression. He nodded, "Sure. What do you need me to do?"

I adjusted myself with a little pain flaring from the wound. I grunted a little, and Crane attempted to hold me in place. I held up my hand to him, and he reluctantly withdrew. I looked back to Po, "These blades hold the Chi of all the pandas from the past. I am also willing to bet that many of the tiger's Chi are somewhere in there. I want you to finally free them from their prison."

Po shook his head, "After all of this, how can I? I've failed." He sunk to his knees though the pain in his leg. It was almost like he was intentionally inflicting it on himself.

"I disagree. You only fail if you resign yourself to such. We have bled, and we have sacrificed for this small victory. I know you aren't one for giving in." I reached out and grabbed his paw, "This small act is a world of difference to those still trapped by Kai. So, will you try once again?"

Po nodded slowly, "Yes, I will." Po hugged me with his uninjured arm. It was soon followed by the others of the Five. He let out a few more tears, but his voice held strong, "You were a great friend, Kyle. You gave me the benefit of doubt when no one else would."

I kept a stoic expression through it all. I didn't want to break down at my end, especially knowing that I was going to have to face Tigress at some point. I just wasn't sure how I was going to react then.

The Five separated from me, and Mei Ling continued to crouch beside me. She spoke softly to me, "I know this really isn't the time, but I don't think there will be any other time. I still somewhat have feelings for you."

I looked over at the golden cat and place my hand on her paw. I spoke out, "I know it isn't what you wanted, but I treasure your friendship. I thank you for having the courage to tell me, though."

A single tear dropped from her eye. Mei Ling leaned in and kissed me one the cheek. She parted slowly before looking up at the figure on the other side of me. She got to her feet before backing off to give me and the other person space.

I looked over to see the soul-shattering look present on Tigress's face. The involuntary tears escaped beyond my eyelids. I knew I wasn't prepared. For the many years that I had known Tigress, she had never shed a tear. I watched the thin streams of clear, salty liquid flow down her cheeks. She crouched beside me. I held out my hand and she grasped it in her paw.

I spoke with an uneven voice, "I'm sorry."

Tigress slightly squeezed my hand and spoke in as even of a voice as she could muster, "Why did you have to do it? Why do you have to sacrifice yourself again and again?"

I looked at her sympathetically, "Because you guys are all of my friends, and you are all my family. I did it to save everyone." I looked down at the blade still sticking out of my body. I could see how pale my hands were in this moment. My exhaustion told me that I didn't have much time. I continued, "I would have done it again even if I knew where it would lead."

Tigress shook her head, "I don't want you to go! What am I going to do without you?"

I let out a small sigh as I fought to stay awake. I looked her in the eyes as I tried to smile, "You will manage. You are the strongest woman that I have ever known."

Tigress looked at me with a lost expression, "I don't want you to die. Please, don't die on me…" She pressed her face to my shoulder. I could feel a few tears push through the fabric.

I pulled her gaze to meet mine. I spoke softly to her, "I don't want to die either, but it isn't like I haven't faced death before. I am happy. I am happy that I had the opportunity to live again, to meet the best friends anyone could ask for,…" The Five, Mei Ling, and Po tried to collect themselves through the tears. I continued, "to do something meaningful for once. Best of all, I got to meet the most wonderful girl, start a family with her, and I even got to marry her."

Our friends choked back their sorrow and watched as quietly as possible. Tigress let a few more tears dripped to my shirt. She looked down to me, "I never thought this would be this painful."

I knew this was a moment that she wished she could wall herself off once again to feel nothing. I knew this was unbelievably painful for her. There was one last thing I needed to say, "Tigress."

She wrapped both her paws around my hand, "What do you need?"

Even thought I was sinking into a deepening pool of darkness, I mustered the energy to say what I needed to, "Please continued to feel that pain for a while. I know you must grieve, but please don't wall yourself off on my account. I want you to continue making connections with people, and I want you to build a life. I want you to promise me this."

Temptation to recede into herself had never been so great. I could see this conflict on her face until her expression relaxed showing that something inside her won. She nodded, "I won't. I will honor this request for you."

I lazily smiled up at her, "Thank you." Tigress leaned in for one last kiss upon my lips. It was light and tender. The short-lived moment was just that, short-lived. Not that it mattered much to me since the moments seemed to blend together now.

I tightened my grip around Tigress's paw as much as I could. I sighed out, "I'm ready."

I couldn't help myself as I looked back over to my wife. I spoke once more, "I love you…" My gaze shifted over to Moira as well as she never left my side since coming here, "Both of you…"

Darkness encased my vision. My senses dulled until there was nothing left to detect. The line between consciousness and the unconscious was artificial. I would like to have hoped that I wondered where I would be going next, but there was no such thought. Thoughts couldn't even exist at this point. It was just over, and there was just nothing.

POV: Tigress

I continued to hold onto Kyle's hand even as his eyes closed. I followed his last words, "I love you, too."

Moira clung even more to Kyle's form. I could tell that she never wanted to let go, and I wasn't going to be the one to pull her off. I leaned in once more and planted a kiss on the human's pale forehead. I pulled away and allowed on last tear to fall before wiping the rest away.

I looked over to everyone else to see that they looked completely destroyed by the losses we encountered today. Mr. Ping, Kyle, and even Master Oogway. Each one hurt us in some way, and it wasn't likely any of these losses were going to be forgotten. I guess if that was Kai's goal, then he succeeded in a certain way.

Movement occurred among the group. I looked up to see Po being held up by his father and Song as the trio approached. Po's tears were still very much present on his face, but he addressed me in as strong a voice that he could, "I promised Kyle that I would free the pandas stuck in Kai's jade swords. I'm sorry, but I need to get it." He pointed to the blade that was still imbedded in Kyle.

I looked at the pure determination held within Po's expression. I didn't want to disturb Kyle at all, but I understood Po's resolve. I wasn't going to deny it from him. So, I answered softly, "Alright."

Song and Li Shan helped Po as the Dragon Warrior reached down to the hilt of the blade. Before he got any closer, I held up my paw, "Wait!" They all looked at me with confusion before I answered, "I will grab it for you."

Po shallowly nodded as he waited for me to free the blade. I wrapped my paw around the hilt and placed my other paw over Kyle's chest. Where I would usually find a beat from his heart, I felt nothing. I guess I should feel some reassurance that he wouldn't feel this. I couldn't, though. There was just nothing.

I pulled back on the blade. The sound of the blade brushing up against soft flesh and tissue was sickening. I pulled slowly as if I were afraid to cause his body any more harm. It was a silly notion seeing how he is dead.

The blade finally came free with a small ring. The jade was entirely covered by a layer of crimson blood. Droplets fell off the tip of the blade and back into the mess from the wound and bloody clothing. I couldn't bear looking at the wound any longer than necessary. I grew slightly nauseous at the sight.

I finally handed the blade over to Po. The group surrounding us followed Po as he, with the help of Song and Li Shan, moved to a more open space. He placed the blades in a more open area, and it was followed by Rhuya retrieving the other blade and placing it beside the other one. Everyone surrounded the Dragon Warrior as he performed a little tai chi for the build up of using his own Chi to free those imprisoned in the blades. Moira and I, however, refused to leave Kyle's side.

Po finally extended his paws outwards. He grunted through the pain emanating from his broken arm, and he kept focusing hard on trying to free those stuck in the jade blades. His paws began to glow a blinding golden light. The surface of the swords began to fissure and break apart. Soon an intense light broke through the surface of the blades and exploded outwards.

Everyone covered their eyes from the blinding light until it settle down a little. They all watched with astonished gazes as the tigers that Kai first attacked materialized out of nothing. They were followed by what could only be described as the golden ghosts of the past pandas. Those pandas seemed to share a moment of intense relief knowing that their hell was finally over. They had an opportunity to finally go in peace.

The pandas performed a swift movement before extending their paws out similarly to what Po did moments ago. The air in front of them seemed to shift around a little before finally opening up into a golden void. It was a doorway to the Spirit Realm. The pandas didn't wait around much longer before going to where they rightfully belonged.

The doorway stayed open after the pandas had gone, and it could only be so that the other masters could return. However, no one made a move to enter the void.

A figure pushed through the crowd before finally settling at the front. My gaze moved up to greet theirs, and it caused a few of my hairs to stand on end. In front of me, meeting my gaze, was Tai Lung. He made no further move toward me, and I didn't react in any specific way.

Without a single word, he walked up to my position until he was standing only a few meters away. My breath was taken away when he fell to his knee and bowed his head at Kyle. This sign of ultimate respect was followed by the many other masters from the group. It was soon followed by the pandas of the village, and even from the tigers as they could only guess the root of his sacrifice. Every single individual performed this action where words couldn't suffice.

Tai Lung then raised his head before standing on his feet. With his silent, stoic demeanor, he turned around and walked through the portal. He was followed by the other masters from legend. They all slowly moved through one after another. The last master finally entered the portal, and it closed with a small rush of wind. There wasn't anymore movements among our group.

There was no grand celebration among the village. The defeat of Kai should have been an occasion worth celebrating, but it was almost as if he didn't lose. The sacrifices had been too great for us to even consider this a victory. Instead of celebration, a funeral service was held for those that we lost. It wasn't right for us to bury either Mr. Ping or Kyle here, so their bodies were burned, and their ashes were moved to urns that Po and I could carry, respectively.

We also couldn't forget about Master Oogway. There was no way of holding a service for him that would honor his memory. We knew he had gone to the Spirit Realm before now, but this was different. We had never felt so far from him. We don't know where he went, but he just felt… gone.

Po couldn't help but show his emotions when we held the service for his father. I, on the other hand, showed nothing when Kyle's body was reduced to ash. I was completely blank while I held onto the paw of my daughter. Everyone, even Master Shifu, showed their deepest sadness by shedding a tear or two during the service. My turmoil was all beyond the surface.

I promised Kyle that I wouldn't wall myself off from my emotions. The pain was unimaginable, but it was also not there. My body wasn't aching or in agony, but my soul and mind were in pure agony. My blank expression was broken once a couple of tears escaped my eyes and fell to the dirt below. I kept my promise.

It was shortly after the service when I was approached by Rhuya. I could tell that she blamed herself for the events that transgressed here, as I was coming from a similar position. However, I could also tell that she was suppressing her emotions over the whole ordeal. In a way, she reminded me of myself way back when.

She finally addressed me, "Master Tigress."

I responded in a likewise tone, "Rhuya."

There was a small awkward silence between. She seemed unsure what else she could say to me. Finally, after what seemed like minutes of uncomfortable air did she finally talk, "I am sorry for what happened to Kyle. If there is anything I can do-"

I held up my paw to silence her. I didn't wish to go through anymore emotional turmoil than I had already gone through. I reassured her with a sharp reply, "It's alright…" I swallowed heavily before continuing a little mellower, "I think that I just need time with this."

Rhuya nodded before replying directly, "You should come back with us."

I looked at her with some surprise, "What?"

She repeated, "You should come back to our village. I know that it isn't amongst your friends, and it is somewhat unfamiliar to you, but it is where you belong. We are your kind. It is where you should belong along with your daughter."

I thought about this offer for a moment. It was tempting back when I was offered it then, but I already knew my response, "No." Rhuya seemed somewhat surprised by my answer. I explained, "I don't think I ever really belonged there. I even think I was more of an outsider than either of us are willing to admit. Just because we are similarly looking doesn't mean we are the same."

Rhuya looked slightly dejected, but she finally nodded, "I understand what you mean." She looked over at the tigers who had stayed over the ceremonies. They seemed like they were preparing to head back to their village.

Rhuya turned back to look at me, "I guess this is goodbye then." She bowed.

I returned the bow. We both stood straight before she left to join the rest of the tigers. They didn't linger around too much longer, and I didn't speak to anyone else in that group. I recognized some, and I even saw faces I wished to have forgotten. It didn't take long for all of them to disappear from sigh, and for them to become figures of the past.

Now, I stood alone with Moira on a hill edge with an empty feeling inside. All the pandas began to repair what they could in the village as an attempt to grasp normalcy. It was an illusion, and they knew that. Nothing was going to be the same here after what had happened.

I let out a breath knowing that I was alone for the first time today. I finally sunk down to my butt and held my knees to my chest. The weight of what happened crashing down on me even more than before. I pushed my head into my arms as I let out small streams of tears. I was always the one to be strong in the hardest times, but this felt completely different. I was incapable of holding back anything anymore. I just let the raw emotions flow.

My crying soon became vocal. I knew that it wasn't true, but I felt alone. I felt like I was left here without much direction on what to do next. Were these feelings indicating that I was broken, or was my willingness to show them showing that I was stronger than ever?

I hear the rustle of grass behind me indicating that I was no longer alone. I wiped the tears from my eyes as I looked back to see who was coming. I peered over at the five figures coming over to my position, and I knew exactly who they were.

I looked back forward and brushed the last indications of tears away. I felt that they were really close now, so I spoke to them, "What are all of you doing here?"

I felt Viper's tail on my back. She began to rub me in a soothing way, "We were all worried about you. You shouldn't be alone."

I sighed, "I just wanted to meditate alone for a little while."

Mantis let out a genuinely confused comment while resting on Monkey's shoulder, "That doesn't seem like the correct way to meditate."

I could sense Viper glaring back at the bug. He sunk back on Monkey's shoulder as he realized his mistake. I couldn't bring myself to be mad at him. I couldn't be made at any of them for checking up on me. They were good friends, but I did need this time alone. I answered, "I just wanted to be alone to a little bit to let things… sink in. If it is alright with all of you, I would like to continue doing just that."

Viper wanted to argue, but Crane put his wing over her back before shaking his head. Crane knew it was best to leave me be for now. Viper let out a sigh of understanding, "Alright. I guess we will head back to the village then…"

I could hear them moving away, but my impulse got the better of me. If anyone could understand how I was feeling, it was currently Po. I asked, "How is Po doing?"

They all stopped before giving each other concerned looks. None of them wanted to be the one to respond to the question. Silence hung in the air without the response to fill it. Finally, Crane swallowed hard, "He isn't doing well."

My ears dropped back a little at hearing this news. Monkey got a little more specific, "He is blaming himself for what happened. He believes there was a way that he could have beaten Kai. He thinks he could have at least saved his dad and Kyle."

My eyes dropped to the ground after this. I knew there was nothing more that could have been done. We gave it the best fight that we could. It was going to take a miracle for us to take Kai down without any casualties. Once Kai became even more empowered through all Master Oogway's Chi, then there was only one way to take him down.

I know better than anyone, Po shouldn't beat himself up for such things, "Nothing could be done. They were the only ones willing, strong enough, or capable of doing something." I didn't say how I wished to have traded places with Kyle, but they knew I thought that. Once again, he was put in a position where he was the one making sacrifices.

Viper nodded, "I hope he comes to realize that soon. He is still needed if we are going to continue protecting the Valley of Peace. I just hope he is in a condition where he can make it back tomorrow."

That's right. Master Shifu wanted to give us time to rest tomorrow before we head back to the Jade Palace. The thing is… I'm not going. I had things I need to figure out, and I can't do that surrounded by the memories there. I spoke out bluntly, "I'm not going with any of you."

They all gasped in surprise, "What?!"

Mei Ling responded, "Wait, I… What do you…? What about the rest of us?"

I turned around and stood up. I looked her dead in the eye, "I am certain you will all manage without me, and I am certain you will make a great replacement."

They each looked like they wanted to argue, but the sound of someone clearing their throat reverberated beside us. We all looked over to see Master Shifu standing on a boulder beside us. It was sort of impressive that none of head him.

He didn't look exactly happy. He spoke to the Five and Mei Ling, "Leave us."

They looked at one another as they were unsure what to do. Finally, they faced forward and bowed at Master Shifu. They all walked down the hill to join the rest of the village. Now, it was only Master Shifu and me. Moira was napping after the exhaustive day.

He spoke bluntly, "I don't think that rushed plans are the best course of action right now. I understand that you have lost a lot. We all have."

I growled out, "I don't think you quite understand where I am coming from. Don't you dare equate what you lost to what you have. I lost my husband, perhaps my only love."

Master Shifu lashed out, "And I lost my master and friend!" I glared up at him and he glared down at me. I didn't break eye contact for the longest time. Finally, he continued with a calmer voice, "Kyle was also one of my students. I understand your lost."

My features softened a little in response. I still kept a somewhat sharp tongue, "My decision to leave isn't as rushed as you would come to think. I can't say that I have stopped learning at the Jade Palace, but I think there is more I could still be learning somewhere else. I think I just need time away from the Jade Palace."

Master Shifu sighed, "I can't make you stay. I wish you would take time to reconsider leaving, but I won't pressure you into a decision that you don't think is right. I just wish to ask one more thing: What do you plan on finding out there that you can't at the Jade Palace."

I thought for a small moment before replying, "Answers. I want to know where Kyle went if he didn't go to the Spirit Realm. I think wherever he is will also lead me to figuring out Oogway's fate." I focused more on myself after that. I continued, "I also hope to improve my skills whenever the next threat comes around."

Master Shifu nodded, "I respect your wishes." He began to walk off. He turned around once more, "Just know that some questions don't have any answers. Sometimes the answers can lead to disappointment."

Master Shifu continued to walk away without a response from me. I continued to look out in the distance toward the descending. There had to be answers out there somewhere.

The next morning came after a sleepless night. I couldn't rest my eyes for even a moment as I continued to think through the night. My entire world had been turned on its head. Instead, it was a night filled with thinking.

Through my exhaustive state, I collected all the supplies that Moira and I was going to need at the beginning of my journey. I don't exactly know where I wanted to head to first. I just know there was going to be a place that I wanted to release the ashes of my love.

The Five, including the newly inducted Mei Ling, Master Shifu, Po, Song and Li Shan were included in the group standing before me. The older panda was the first to address me. His face was more serious than usual. He asked, "Were you able to get everything you needed for your journey?"

I nodded, "Yes. Thank you for supplying me."

Li Shan smiled slightly, "That's good. I hope you choose to come by sometime in the future. You are always welcome back here."

I bowed, "I will keep that in mind."

I continued down the line for the Five to say their goodbyes. Viper and Crane wrapped me in a hug. I returned the gesture. Viper was tearful, "I hope you find what you are looking for. I will miss you, sister."

Crane followed, "Good luck, Tigress."

"Thank you, both. I wish you a safe return to the Jade Palace."

I separated from them and continued with goodbyes to both Monkey and Mantis. It was followed with a hug from Mei Ling as she wished me well. Master Shifu was the next one to approach me. I could sense that he was saddened by my choice to go out on my own, but he didn't speak on that. Instead, he bowed with his fist in his palm, "I am proud to have been your father and your master."

I clenched my jaw a little as I bowed in return. I stood up once again to see that he returned to his upright position. I followed by moving and hugging the red panda. I pulled him in tight as if this were the last time I was ever going to see him.

He spoke over my shoulder, "Be safe out there."

I nodded, "I will."

I pulled away and allowed my master to back up. I finally made it to the end of the line to see Song and Po. The leopard nodded in recognition towards me while Po refused to look me in the eye.

I nodded to Song before walking up to Po. His jaw was clinched as he continued to look off to the side. I placed my paw on his shoulder, "Po." He continued to avoid eye contact. I continued, "Would you please look at me?"

Po finally looked me in the eyes. They were bloodshot and glassy. I could tell that he had a similar night to me. His usually jovial attitude was completely diminished. He finally found some words, "Tigress, I-"

I cut him off when I wrapped him in a deep hug. He instantly stopped talking from the shock at my action. I made sure to not put too much pressure on his wrapped arm, nor burden him since he was using a crutch to keep his broken leg up. I stayed in this position for a long while.

When I finally separated, I continued with my own words, "I know what you were going to say, but there is no need for it. I know you did everything in your power to avoid what happened. You just have to realize even the Dragon Warrior has his own limitations. I also hope you come to forgive yourself in time."

Po teared up a little before nodding. His expression lightened up a little, "Thank you, Tigress. I will… I will try and remember that." I knew that he meant what he said. I just hope that he doesn't burden himself for too long. China does need the Dragon Warrior.

I finally moved away from the group and gave them all one last look. I nodded at them all before I turned to look at Moira beside me. She carried her own little pack. I asked, "Ready?"

The growing cub nodded, "Yes, mom."

We both left my friends as we left in the morning sun. Our journey was going to be a long one, and it was going to be a difficult one. I wasn't entirely sure what I am looking for at this moment, nor did I know what we would find. All I know is that I need this journey. Kyle was brought to this world for a reason, and he wasn't meant to leave it in the way that he did. Without the last human, we were left without a guide. Without his wisdom, we were a world destined to follow the same mistakes. Without him, the world was surely going to fall out of 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