Chapter 33: My Return Home.
John's POV
The flight to Marshal was rather uneventful and quiet on my end. Every now and then, I would look behind my seat to see how Shifu was holding up. As I did so, I would get the same answer from either Lilly or Garth saying he was stable.
About five minutes from touchdown, Humphrey finally decided to bring up my fight with Tai Lung.
"I forgot to ask you John, but what the hell happened back there for us to be called in?" He asked.
(Since this happened two chapters ago, I won't explain what happened.)
I gave a quick summary of the whole fight, including a small backstory about who Tai Lung was. After explaining, I got the same facial reaction from the three, which was anime style wide eyes.
"So, you've officially become a murderer." Garth jokes which in return Lilly slapped him. I however simply snorted knowing he was kidding.
"No he isn't Garth. Judging by who Tai Lung was, he was too much of a threat to be kept alive. It's not uncommon for situations like so to take place." Lilly said.
"I know Lilly, I was just joking."
"Well save the jokes for later Garth, we'll be landing shortly." Humphrey said.
"Speaking of which, will you be coming with us John to get looked at?" Lilly asked me.
"No I won't Lilly. All I really need right now is a change of clothes and if possible a fucking shower too."
"Tell you what John. When we land, I'll be heading back home to fill out the mission report. I'll drive you home with me, so then you can get that shower and change of clothes."
"Thanks dude. I guess now I need to let Davis know of my whereabouts."
"Why is that?" Garth asked.
"I have some papers he needs me to sign."
"For your discharge?" Lilly asked.
"Yeah."
I then took my phone out and texted Commander Davis that I was to be at home instead of the hospital. I also requested that he could go and see Shifu so that I could get a report on the injuries he sustained and how long he would be in the hospital. Not long after, he simply texted back 'Roger That Cpt.'
A couple minutes later, we touched down at the Marshal Medical Heliport just a couple minutes away from the hospital. As we got out, an ambulance was waiting for us to pick up Shifu and take him in. Before heading off with Humphrey, I went to have a quick word with him.
"Shifu, I'm not gonna be going in the ambulance with you. I have some other things I need to take care of."
"It's all good John, I heard about it earlier."
"Alright. Well, I guess this is goodbye for now. I promise though that I will be back soon."
"See you soon Captain." Shifu said as he was loaded into the ambulance.
It then sped off to the hospital, leaving me and Humphrey beside the helicopter. Lilly and Garth went with Shifu so that they could relay the information to the doctors and nurses.
"So, are you ready to go?" Humphrey asked.
"Lead the way."
We headed over to his truck and began the 10 minute drive back to our place. As we were driving, I kept looking around the area and sighed.
"Feels weird, not being able to call this place Home anymore."
"Hey, just because you don't live here anymore, doesn't mean it ain't home. You've dedicated five years of your life here, so it will always be home."
"I know Humphrey. But still, it feels weird."
"Well, I have a feeling somebody will be ecstatic of seeing you walk in the door."
I smiled, realizing that Zildjian was there.
"Oh but of course she will. Can't wait to see her too. Hell, I can't wait for her to come back to the Jade Palace and see Tigress in person."
"Oh my god! I forgot about her Tigress toy. Her reaction will be priceless." Humphrey laughed.
"I promise to film it." I said.
A few minutes later, we pulled into the driveway and I could see Kate and Zildjian sitting on the porch outside. I knew she was going to pounce on me for sure.
"Hey Zildjian!" I walked out of the car.
She immediately barked and began running at me. She pounced on me and knocked me to the ground before she began licking my face. She was whimpering with joy as I was rubbing her back.
"Hey girl. It's so good to see you again, I missed you so much!" I said.
"Lilly texted me that you were, I didn't think you would come here directly." Kate walked over to me.
"What the hell is with all the blood?" She asked.
"I would love to tell you, after I'm done taking a shower." I chuckled
"Don't need to tell me twice, come on in."
I walked in and went towards the bathroom so I could wash the blood off my fur. I walked into the shower and right after turning on the water, I just stood there. I let the water run down my body and boy did it feel great. I could even feel the blood and sweat come off as the water fell onto me.
During this time, I kept thinking about what I just went through and how much this was a wake up call about what being the Dragon Warrior was truly about. I then thought about Tigress and how she was acting when me and Shifu were airlifted. I knew that the events of today would have changed her forever emotionally. Whether it was her and Shifu finally addressing each other as father and daughter, or our relationship as a whole, I knew that this was the start of a new chapter in her life. I smiled, knowing I was able to be a part of it.
About five minutes later, I got out and dried myself off. As I opened the door, I saw a set of clothes that Humphrey left on the floor in front of the door.
"Thanks for the clothes!" I hollered.
"Anytime John." He said coming out of his bedroom.
"Sorry for yelling, thought you were in the living room."
"No worries. Come on, Kate's made us some lunch."
We then went and sat on the couch in the living room. Kate had just finished making us some food and was already seated. I sat down and Zildjian came over to sit on my lap. I gave her head a pat as she looked at me smiling.
"She really missed you John." Kate said.
"The same with me for her."
"By the way, Humphrey told me what happened at the Palace."
I gave a look of guilt, knowing what happened to Tai Lung.
"I'm not proud of it, but I had to Kate. Both me and Shifu knew that he needed to be taken out like that. He was too dangerous."
"I wasn't planning on talking shit about you doing so. I was merely going to say congratulations."
"For what?" I asked.
"Well for earning your spot stupid." Kate giggled.
"Pfft, whatever. All I know is that I couldn't have done it without the Five and Shifu. So in a way, we all did it together as a team."
"There he goes again, always never wanting to take the full credit for something." Humphrey said.
"I'm just speaking the truth dude. Even Shifu said that himself."
Two hours later.
We were just wrapping up watching a movie when we had gotten a knock on the door. Humphrey went to answer.
"Commander Davis, come in."
Both he and Davis walked into the living room.
"There he is." Commander Davis said.
I got up and went to shake his hand.
"Commander, long time no see." I said.
"Sure has John. Hello Kate."
"Afternoon sir."
"So, how are things with you Captain? He asks me.
"Considering all that's happened in the last few hours, life's pretty good."
"I heard about the fight you and a certain Tai Lung had earlier this morning. Shifu told me in person. I'm surprised that you aren't with him in the ER."
"I got lucky I only sustained a few cuts and bruises. Speaking of Shifu, how is he doing?" I asked him.
He then hands me a note and a folded up piece of paper.
"The folded up paper is a letter written by Dr. Stevenson on behalf of Shifu, you can read that on your own time if you wish. As for the little note, it's an injury report and recovery time."
I put the folded up letter in my back pocket and read the note which stated as follows:
Injuries sustained,
3 fractured vertebrae.
2 broken ribs
Grade 2 Concussion (moderate), needs to stay in hospital for seven days for symptoms to wear off.
Total recovery time; 12 weeks (3 months)
Will be eligible for being checked out after the seventh day.
Hutch.
"THAT'S IT?!" I said shocked as hell.
"What is it?" Kate asked.
"He's less injured than I thought."
"Umm, John I don't mean to be rude or anything but Shifu looked like shit when we arrived." Humphrey.
"You should have seen the beating this man took before I was able to fight Tai Lung for him. So to see that he only has a recovery time of three months is mind blowing for me."
"Well, hopefully it's a speedy one because he's not a fan of sitting in that hospital bed." Davis said.
We gave a small chuckle.
"On a change of topic, I have those papers for you to sign Captain."
I then sat back down as he handed me the papers. Kate gave me a pen and I proceeded to sign/initial where I needed to do so. This process took just under a minute.
"And just like that John, you are officially a veteran of the US Air Force. Congratulations and thank you for your eight years of service. We really will miss having you around Captain." Davis said.
"Thank you sir." I said giving him back the papers.
"And as for Zildjian, the request for her discharge is being processed as we speak. However, the papers will not be ready for another few days."
I heard Zildjian give a little whimper of sadness. I pat her head, cheering her up.
"Will they be ready when I come for Shifu?" I asked.
"Yes they will."
My face lit up upon hearing this.
"Awesome!"
"I'm glad to hear your excitement Captain. Well, as much as I would like to stay and talk some more, I have some meetings to attend in 30 minutes. Take care guys and John, see you around."
"You too Commander, and thank you for everything you've done. It really means the world to me."
"My pleasure Captain." Davis said walking out the door.
"I guess with that information, I should probably get going." I said.
"I'm assuming you need a lift." Kate said
"No, I was planning on walking there." I said sarcastically which she gave a grimace in return.
I heard Zildjian give another sad whimper. I looked over to her and knelt down to hug her.
"It's ok girl, I promise that the time will go by quickly. I need you to be patient just a little longer and be a good girl for uncle Humphrey and aunt Kate."
She looked at me with a sad look.
"Tell you what, when I come back to pick you up, I promise to give you a special surprise when you get to the Palace next week. I have a feeling you will love it."
That got her mood back up as she gave a bark of excitement. I gave her one last pat on the head as I was getting back up to my feet. Kate had gotten her keys from her room.
"I'm ready when you are." She said.
"Lemme just make sure I have everything…" I checked my pockets to confirm that my belongings were with me.
"All good, let's go."
We then went over and got in her car.
"Where do you want me to drop you off when we get there?" She asked backing the car out of the driveway.
"At the village entrance is fine. In fact, wake me up when we're about five minutes out. I'm gonna take a nap if you don't mind."
"Not at all John. In fact, I had a feeling you would after the shitstorm you went through today. I'll make sure not to turn the music on too loud."
A minute after leaving Marshal, I closed my eyes and fell asleep for the whole length of the car ride.