The bubbling magma made a thunderous sound throughout the caves inside the Hubei Volcano. A sound that bounced off the walls of the desolate stone dwelling. And the sound itself only added to the already foreboding atmosphere, made even more unsettling by the eerie light given off from the molten material. However, if one would travel a little farther into the bowels of the abandoned fortress, they would find series of passageways, carved from the very stone the volcano was made of, leading farther away from the center of the deadly mountain formation.

Moving smoothly through the dark and cold corridors, using a single lantern as her only means of light, Mu Lang finally reached her destination; a set of large double doors, that when opened, led to a large, open space, it's wall lined with several lit torches which brilliantly illuminated the space. Looking around, Mu Lang could see that, hanging from the high walls and tall ceilings of the large room, were several empty cages. Although, as the stray feathers inside indicated, they were not always empty. Now, the sound of squeaking chains as the cages swayed would be enough to fill even the bravest warrior with terror. And near the center of the room was a large, wooden table, littered with rolls of parchment, stained with dried ink that had been spilled over them.

If Mu Lang was being honest with herself, she expected the former Wu Fortress to be a bit more, in her opinion, intimidating. Seeing the vacant chambers of the fortress in such disarray made her scoff at the knowledge that they once housed the most feared criminals in all of Chine. But, then again, she had to remind herself that that was nearly twenty years earlier. The Wu Sisters, to her knowledge, were still rotting in their respective prisons, far from the eyes of the people of China. However, Mu Lang was soon pulled from her thoughts as a familiar voice echoed in the spacious chamber.

"Magnificent , isn't it?" Looking up, Mu Lang could see, dangling upside down from one of the vacant cages, a grey furred bat, clad in black, thorn patterned robes, glancing around the large room with her pale blue eyes. With an audible groan, Mu Lang responded as she followed her master's gaze.

"A bit to musty for my taste." The bat merely chuckled, which confused the she-wolf.

"And yet, it was enough for the most feared assassins of ALL CHINA!" the bat exclaimed, her voice bouncing off of the stone walls, as she spread her previously folded wings wide in excitement. Mu Lang, upon hearing this, simply rolled her eyes in annoyance, which did not go unnoticed by the bat, who glared at her. Upon noticing this, Mu Lang began to shrink back in fear, fiddling with her tail in worry as the flying rodent's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. The White Bone Demon had that affect on everybody, and Mu Lang was no exception.

"Forgive me, master." With a clearly visible look of disdain, the slightly irate bat decided to let her servant's little act of disrespect slide for the moment.

"Shi Long?" she quickly inquired with a firm voice, the tone of which conveying a very clear warning to the she-wolf. Dropping her tail from her hands, Mu Lang resumed an upright posture as she gave her report.

"Shi Long still will not accept your 'offer,'" Mu Lang reported, a sly, knowing smirk spreading on her muzzle, which was shared just as enthusiastically by her master, the latter's disdain for her servant now gone as she let out a cruel chuckle.

"The young fool," she cackled, wrapping herself in her wings once again, "she will soon learn why it is unwise to make deals with demons. And with the Spirit Urn within my grasp, ultimate power will be mine once again." With that, the two females began to cackle as the demonic bat's plan began to come to fruition.


Jundui Prison, Haijin Province, 20 Years Earlier


Deep within the mountain regions of the Haijin Province, far from the prying eyes of any civilized settlement, sat Jundui Prison, which was built right into the mountain-space. What made this prison different from so many others was the fact that it's personnel were not your standard run-of-the-mill guards. Rather, they were soldiers of His Majesties Imperial Army, specially trained to handle the, shall we say, "unwilling" inhabitants of the complex. Now, these were not your typical bandits and cut-throats, but rather the most dangerous criminals in China. Maybe even the world. And one such criminal was having a particularly bad day.

In a solitary cell, guarded by more than four dozen guards, a young snow leopard was pacing the confined space, her tail twitching in aggravation as she thought of time and time again on how to escape from her new prison in order to free her sisters. If there is one thing that Su Wu knew, is that no prison could contain her. But this particular prison, was proving to be quite a challenge. Not only was she placed right at the center of the complex, but even if she was able to escape her cell, she would have to fight her way past more than nearly five hundred guards. A task that would be virtually impossible without her sisters by her side, and she knew it. Her thoughts, however, were soon interrupted by the sound of keys being turned in the thick steel door that served as the only entrance to her cell. As the door opened, Su was met with a rather peculiar sight as a new, strong tenor voice sounded in the small space.

"Here is your dinn..." Su found herself face to face with with a young water deer, a buck to be more specific, who froze just as soon as he laid his emerald eyes on the feline before him. Su, on the other, seemed to be inspecting the young buck. In her mind, he appeared to be no more than eighteen, his body lithe, but muscular, clad in a blue military tunic and beige trousers, bound at the waist with a red sash. His face appeared very chiseled, and he seemed to keep his blonde mane tied in a neat ponytail. However, one thing Su quickly noticed is that the buck's stunning emerald eyes had not broken their fixation of her, almost as if he were entranced, his bushy eyebrows raised in clear surprise. Getting slightly unnerved, Su, pinching the bridge of her nose, responded to the buck.

"Just put over there," she groaned, which seemed to snap the buck out of his thoughts as he quickly placed the tray of food on a nearby desk. As he did so, Su couldn't help but steal a glance at the young cervid. She did have to admit, he was rather handsome in his own way. And just as soon as that thought entered her head, she pushed it away. But, something about the buck did cross her mind. "Where is Major Xiong?" she inquired, curious about the bear she had grown accustomed to since her arrival two weeks earlier, "he normally brings me my meals." As he turned away from the desk, the buck responded.

"Major Xiong has been transferred. He is now Commandant of Tufei Prison." Su quirked an eyebrow. The buck was quick, she had to give him that, and the way he carried himself distilled confidence and pride. It was actually almost infectious. Shaking those feelings away, Su decided that she would rather be alone at the present time. Looking to the buck, who appeared to resume his silent admiration of the feline, Su decided to make her wishes known.

"If that's all," she began with an unnervingly sweet tone, only for it to sharply change to a violent hiss, "GET OUT!" And in an instant Su received the biggest shock of her life. Rather than bolt from the cell in fright, the buck smiled slyly at her, before turning around as he began to calmly walk away. At this point, Su's curiosity about the buck reached it's peak as she needed to know one thing.

"What is your name?" she inquired with some disdain, causing the buck to peer over his shoulder to respond.

"Name's Lieutenant Hanfang. Call me Han." He teased, earning an agitated growl from the leopard, who decided to find out something else.

"And just how old are you, Lieutenant," she spat out defiantly.

"Twenty-five," he responded just as the cell door shut behind, leaving Su wide eyed.

He's just two years older than I am, Su thought to herself. And it was at that moment that Su decided that she would solve the mystery of Hanfang.


Hu Chan's Home Village, Present Time


Han's eyes opened as he brought himself out of the memory. The sun was barely up. The inhabitant's of the village were still sound asleep as it was still too early to rise. However, that is just how Han liked it this particular morning, as it gave him time to recollect old memories. Standing on a hill that overlooked the village, offering a nice secluded place to think, Han closed his eyes as he breathed in the brisk morning air. And once again, his nostril were filled with the unmistakable scent of cinnamon. With a hint of aggravation, Han sighed as he turned to meet the smug face of his leopard lover, which greatly contracted from his less-than-amused, deadpan expression.

"How many time's do I have to tell you to meet me at Li's like we agreed?" Su merely rolled her eyes as she wrapped her arms around Hans neck, giving his lips a quick peck before answering.

"Until we do," she teased, which succeeded in getting a chuckle out of Han as he pecked his lovers lips in return. But, before things could get too heated like the night before, Han decided to inquire about a topic still very sensitive to Su.

"How's Wan?" A bit taken aback by the question, Su quickly relaxed as she offered a loving smile to her concerned buck.

"She is doing just fine, stop worrying ya big wuss," she teased, trying to lighten the mood. She failed, and Han shoulder's slumped as he recalled the day when Su had snuck into his camp with the information vital to his survival, only to inform him just after that Wan had been injured in the process. Seeing her love's dejected face, Su brought her hand up to cup his cheek as his eyes remained downcast.

"The last thing I wanted was for any of you to get hurt," Han responded sadly, making Su's heart break at seeing him blame himself for what had happened.

"Hey," she whispered, making Han look her the eyes as she spoke, "it is not your fault. It was Wan's choice, our choice. Stop beating yourself up over it." Upon hearing this, Han finally managed to muster a small smile, which Su was thankful to see as she offered one of her own. "There's that smile." Han's attention was soon pulled to the now visible sun, it's rays giving off a warm aura as it basked the serene area with light. At that moment, Han pulled Su close to his body as they drank in the beautiful sight.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he inquired to Su, who hummed in agreement. "One day soon, my love," he continued, "we will be able to enjoy this more often. No spying. No army. No war. Just Us." SU closed her eyes in content as she began to purr, a soft moan mixing in with her purr as Han placed a loving kiss on the top of her head.


It was now mid-morning. The men filed into position, fully dressed with packs slung over their backs and muskets over their shoulders, bellies full of food and drink. Hu quickly got into position after offering his brother one last hug of gratitude. Before long, the men marched away from the village as the inhabitants waved them off, a few of the does blowing kisses to some of the bucks in the regiment, who shouted back sweet nothings as the others teased them. Han and Chang merely rolled their eyes as they smiled at the tomfoolery. At around midday, Xinshi had rendezvoused with the regiment to get an update on their progress. Upon getting the information needed, she departed again for the Forbidden City. Chang then made an announcement shortly after as they continued marching.

"ALL RIGHT MEN!" he shouted over his shoulder, "AT THIS PACE, WE WILL REACH THE CITY BY LATE AFTERNOON!" Han quickly interjected.

"THEN YOU CAN HAVE ALL THE ALE AND WOMEN TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT!" That last bit from Han was met with roaring cheers from the entire regiment as they began to jostle each other around in excitement.

"You certainly know how to inspire the men," Chang laughed, earning a chuckle from Han in return.

"Part of being a General," the older buck responded as the regiment continued on their journey.


Shi Long's Quarters, The Imperial Palace, Early Afternoon


Shi Long continued to pace her quarters, her nerves on end after her recent encounter with Mu Lang. If Shi Long was being honest with herself, she was scared to death. As Shi Long continued to pace, she failed to notice the doors to her room open, allowing a certain bubbly doe to enter with a tray for afternoon tea.

"Hi, Shi Long," Huifang greeted in her usually boisterous way. The greeting itself actually succeeded in bringing Shi Long out of her worry. Turning to the emerald eyed doe, Shi Long actually allowed a genuine smile to form on her face.

When General Hanfang had first brought Huifang to the Imperial Palace following her father's death, Shi Long was a bit adamant to have her around, as her boisterous personality was liable to be a nuisance to her and the other advisors. But, as time passed Shi Long began to warm up to the young doe, who actually began to see the reptile as a sister, and vice versa. In truth, Huifang was more of sister to Shi Long than the latter felt about Xiao. While Xiao, who the komodo dragon felt swiped the title of future Empress from under her, would insult Shi Long, though unintentionally, Huifang always offered words of kindness, and never once did she do anything that caused bad blood between them.

In a way, Huifang was a tether that kept Shi Long close to the light. But, when Huifang left for the Plum Blossom Temple, Shi Long began a full downward spiral into darkness. Without an anchor to keep her in place, Shi Long surrendered herself completely to the pull of the White Bone Demon. But when the latter betrayed her, one thought came to Shi Long's mind; the realization that she would never see Huifang again. Shaking the bitter memories from her mind, Shi Long greeted one of the only true friends she had.

"Good Afternoon, Huifang," she greeted in an uncharacteristically cheerful voice as she walked toward the boisterous doe, taking in the doe's admittedly alluring figure, accentuated by the green hanfu and beige pants she wore. "What have you prepared today?" she inquired as she watched Huifang poor the tea, her gaze sneaking glances at Huifang's, dare she say, beautiful features. Huifang, however, did notice, and blushed as she responded.

"Rose Water Oolang," she said as she handed a cup to Shi Long.

"OH!" she exclaimed in glee, "my favorite!" Huifang smiled at her companions reaction as she poured herself a cup. As soon as both women had their cups, they took a sip of the strong, yet sweet liquid. Closing their eyes, the duo hummed as the warm tea slid down their throats. "You know just how I like it, Hui," Shi Long said as she gazed at the doe beside her, who blushed in return. "By the way," Shi long continued, "when will your uncle be arriving." Suddenly feeling rather sheepish, Huifang answered.

"Later this afternoon," she said, excitement seeping into her voice as she placed her cup back on the tray, "it'll be so good to see him again. I know he is going to be so proud of me when he sees what a great job I'm doing as Royal Advisooorrrr." Huifang dragged the last two words out as she glanced nervously at Shi Long, expecting her to think that the doe was rubbing her position in the FORMER royal advisors face. Shi Long, surprisingly, was very calm and collected as she placed her cup next to Huifang's

"It's alright Huifang, you can say it," she said reassuringly, taking both of the doe's hands in hers, "besides, your uncle has always been proud of you. I know he has. Just add this to the list of accomplishments." Huifang smiled brightly at the reptile who returned the smile. However, a new feeling over came both of them as they stared into each other's eyes. Soon, the two were leaning in and, before they knew it, their lips met in a tender kiss. While Shi Long noticed that Huifang's lips were soft and warm to the touch, she was concerned that her companion was less enamored with her cold, scaly ones. But, after sneaking glance at the content expression on the doe's face, Shi Long surmised that she wasn't too bothered. While the kiss seemed to last minutes for the two, it was , in reality, only about five seconds. Pulling away from each other, the duo's eyes suddenly snapped open at the realization of what they had just done.

"You should probably go prepare for your uncle's arrival," Shi long quickly blurted out as she turned away from the equally shocked doe.

"Yeah, sure," Huifang responded just as quickly as she started for the door. However, before she got two steps in, she was stopped.

"Hey." Turning to Shi Long, Huifang was met with a shock as Shi Long once again planted her lips on her own. Recovering from the shock, Huifang relaxed, smiling into the kiss that lasted a little longer. Pulling away, Shi Long smiled lovingly at the doe before her. "It's our little secret." Returning the loving smile, Huifang nodded as she turned towards the door, leaving her scaly companion alone in her quarters.


The sun had just past it's peak, and now began it's slow descent as the afternoon began to wane. But the people of the city were still bustling about, making hasty preparations to welcome the soldiers that had so valiantly defended their country from the Dzungar Invaders. Lanterns were strung over the streets, as well as many flags bearing the crest of the Imperial Family, as well as the crest of the Blue Banners, a name that one could not walk two steps without hearing. the same could very easily be said at the Imperial Palace. In the main hall of the palace, Empress Xiao over saw her servants, as well as her water deer security force, make all the proper preparations for the arrival of General Hanfang and his men.

Looking to her right, Xiao could make out the form of Fa Jun, or Jun as she just called her, smiling as the teenage doe assisted Haoxin with preparing the others for the soldiers arrival. Walking to the two does, who were walking past and inspecting the others who all stood at attention, Xiao, now clad in her traditional green gown, cleared her throat upon reaching them. Looking to the royal lynx, both does bowed respectfully to her, along with the others.

"Your Highness," Haoxin said reverently, which only made Xiao smile. Stepping forward, said lynx placed a hand on Haoxin's shoulder, causing said doe to raise her head, her eyes wide in surprise by Her Majesties gesture.

"Xin, I told you, anything other than Xiao is just too formal" Xiao said with a giggle, shocking the doe even further. Haoxin knew that Xiao was not like the other rulers of China that had come before her, but it still surprised her as to how humble and kind she was, even to the point where one would assume that the young lynx had completely forgotten she was royalty, as indicated by her preference just to be called by her own name. Recovering from the shock, Haoxin, with a smile, stood upright along with jun and the other water does.

"Of course, Your, Highn-," Haoxin started, but quickly corrected herself, "Xiao." Xiao smiled brightly at this. But then, she noticed that there was one person unaccounted for.

"Do you know where Jade is? I haven't seen her since this morning." Xiao inquired, so overcome with concern that she didn't notice the others does share knowing smirks with each other. Haoxin, sporting a smirk of her own, offered an answer.

"She is in her quarters," she began, her smirk turning into a devious smile, "she is getting ready for a certain captain's arrival." Upon hearing this, Xiao immediately knew who Haoxin was referring to, a devilish grin appearing on her face as well as Jun, who tried her best to hold back a giggle. It was no secret within the ranks of the former Poison Clan that Jade had caught the eye of Captain Chang Li, and vise-versa. Even Xiao noticed that whenever casualty reports came in from the Eighth Regiment, Jade would immediately begin reading through them, breathing an obvious sigh of relief when she didn't find the name she was looking for. Pulling herself from her thoughts, Xiao decided to check on her master and personal bodyguard's status.

"As you were, ladies," she said playfully, turning on her heels as she began to walk toward the section of the palace that was reserved for her guards, leaving said "ladies" behind, all soon becoming enveloped in suppressed laughter. Heck, even Xiao began giggling excitedly at Jade's current "predicament." Upon reaching the door to the one tusked doe's quarters, Xiao was just about to knock when she heard mumbling coming from the other side. Curiosity getting the better of her, Xiao pressed her ear to the door to listen to the conversation that Jade was apparently having with herself, her voice surprisingly higher in pitch as she frantically was rustling through what sounded to be clothing.

"...Maybe...? NO NO, he wears blue, and he must be so sick of seeing it. Well then, how about...? NO, absolutely not! With all the blood he's likely seen he would be uncomfortable seeing ME in red." Having heard quite enough, Xiao, with a roll of her eyes and a smile on her face, pulled her ear away from the door, only to gently knock upon it.

"Yes?" Came a very gruff, and somewhat irritated voice, one that greatly differed from the nervous, high pitched voice the lynx had just heard. Suppressing a giggle, Xiao responded.

"It's me, Jade," she said, trying hard to keep the amusement out of her voice, "may I come in?" After a brief moment of silence, Xiao relaxed upon hearing Jade's response.

"Come in, Xiao." Upon entering the rather spacious quarters, Xiao could see that the walls and furnishings were just like everywhere else in the palace, as well as the oak wood dressers, closets and bed frame. But one thing that really stood out was what lay on the floor; a plethora of vests and gowns, each of various colors, were strewn about. The multitude of garments seemed to originate from a wardrobe cabinet, which opened up to reveal a full length mirror. But, Xiao's attention was soon brought to the doe that stood in the middle of the room, several other garments around her feet. Looking into the does face, Xiao was surprised to see that the usually passive Jade's expression seemed to possess a nervous smile, which was rather uncharacteristic of her.

"Hello, Jade," Xiao began, a teasing smile on her lips as she approached her master and friend, who at this point was clad in black training pants, with her only top being the chest wrappings she wore during training. Said doe, the nervous smile never leaving her face, quickly responded.

"Hello, Empress, what can I do for you?" Xiao couldn't be sure, but she could have sworn that she heard Jade's voice crack a little as she spoke, which only made her smile grow wider.

"I was just wondering what you were up to?" Xiao asked in a sing-song voice, which succeeded in making the doe before her more nervous.

"I was just sorting through my clothing to find something to wear for the General's arrival," Jade responded rather quickly, which caused Xiao to quirk a playful eyebrow as she offered a simple rebuttal.

"The...General?" At this point, Jade's smile had fallen as she began sweat, her eyes darting back and forth in anxiety. But, just as Xiao was a bout to speak again, a new voice filled the room.

"She's talking about Chang, Jade!" Huifang hollered into the room in the same sing-song voice that Xiao had used just moments ago, all while walking by with a tray of tea.

"SILENCE, HUIFANG!" Jade shouted after the boisterous doe before she was just out of earshot, her tough demeanor back in an instant, greatly intensified as Huifang briefly stuck her head into the room and, opting not to use use her usually pantomime of zipping her mouth shut, playfully stuck her tongue out before returning to her business. A flustered Jade quickly turned her attention back to Xiao, her smug grin never once having left her face. Slowly, Jade's face softened, her eyes closing as she let out a long sigh. Soon, Xiao took in the sight of a dejected doe, her head hung low as her shoulders were slumped down. Upon seeing this, Xiao's smug grin quickly melted into a smile of compassion. Cupping Jade's cheeks with both of her hands, Xiao brought the doe's face up. Opening her eyes, Jade could see those of a kind, caring, and compassionate girl. In the end, Jade couldn't help but offer a sad smile in return, sorrow that did not go unnoticed by Xiao.

"Oh, sweetie," the lynx cooed, "you really like him, don't you?" With a frustrated sigh, Jade removed herself from Xiao's embrace, crossing to her bed, promptly plopping her butt on it, letting out another exasperated sigh.

"I don't know what is wrong with me Xiao," she began to vent, "I meet the guy once, and now it's like I can't get him out of my head. Every time I hear his name, my heart races. Every time I think about his eyes, my knees get weak." Jade's voice soon drifted, as a dumb, love struck smile came to her face. "And every time I remember that deep...rich, voice..." Jade couldn't help but shutter at the last thought, which seemed to greatly amuse Xiao.

"Honey, " she began teasingly, "I have got three words for you; YOU-GOT-IT-BAD (Chinese translation: Nǐ bù hǎo)!" Looking back to Xiao, Jade couldn't help but scoff at the lynx's remark.

"Xiao," she began, agitation returning to her voice as she spoke, "I am the leader of the most skilled guards in all of China. I have trained under one of the greatest Kung Fu masters of all time. I do not have time for something as trivial as romance!" Xiao simply rolled her eyes. But, deciding that Jade needed to admit her feelings to herself first, chose to let the topic slide.

"All right, Jade," she relented, turning on her heels to leave the room. But quickly stopped when she remembered something about the coming celebration. "Oh, just to let you know, I have invited Master Po and his students, Master's Croc and Ox of the Master's Council, and Master Shifu and the Furious Five. They should all be hear by mid-morning tomorrow." Upon hearing this, Jade's face took on a look of surprise. And, for a change of pace, decided to do a bit of teasing of her own. Getting up from her bed, Jade walked toward Xiao, who quirked an eyebrow in curiosity.

"With so many Kung Fu masters around," she began, "you probably won't need me or the girls." Despite the playful atmosphere, Xiao allowed a warm smile to cross her face before gently enveloping a shocked Jade Tusk into a tight hug.

"I will always need you," she whispered, sighing in content as Jade finally returned the gesture.

"I love you, Jade," Xiao whispered, the statement causing Jade to suddenly stiffen, only to relax a moment later as a single tear escaped from her eye.

"I love you too, Xiao," Jade responded with a smile. After a few moments, the two pulled apart, with Xiao resuming her exit from the chambers, but not before offering some advise to her master.

"Oh, and I'm sure Chang would think the jade colored hanfu would look gorgeous on you," she teased before rushing out of the room laughing just as Jade playfully chucked one of her discarded vests at her. But, the merriment quickly vanished as soon as it appeared, leaving Jade alone once again. Looking to the aforementioned hanfu, Jade gently picked it up, running her thumbs over the smooth silk that made up the finely crafted garment, dropping to her knees as another sigh escaped her lips.


"TO THE EIGHTH REGIMENT!" The reception was most definitely a loud one. As soon as Han and Chang set foot through the gates of the Forbidden City, they were met with uproarious cheers and applause. Almost immediately, citizens were handing the men of the Eighth Royal Regiment fresh food, mainly bread and sweets, as well as fresh water, and of course, bottles of wine and rice vodka. And, pretty much true to Hans word, many women, ranging from rabbits, to wolves, even some water does began to shower many of the men with deep admiration and affection by calling flirtatiously to them, our simply blowing kisses, which the men did not mind in the slightest, some whistling to the girls in the crowd, causing some to swoon. Chang, upon witnessing this, rolled his eyes, but he could not help the smile that came to his face.

"They're in uniform, for God's sake," he huffed in amusement, shaking his head as the men behind him continued to call to the woman beckoning them over. Han, on the other hand, simply laughed.

"Oh, let 'em have their fun, Chang," he playfully scolded, "It goes a long way to relieve the burden of war." Looking ahead of them, the duo could see that the young, flag bearing water buck was receiving his own fair share of attention from a few water does and she-wolves.

"Hey there, cutie," a doe called, batting her eyelashes, making said buck blush brightly, a nervous smile on his face.

"Oh, the way you carry that flag," a she-wolf joined in, "you must be so strong." That comment actually succeeded in eliciting a nervous chuckle from the young buck.

"Oh, I like shy ones," another doe cooed. Finally deciding to relieve the buck of any further embarrassment, Chang spoke.

"Alright ladies," he jokingly called, catching their attention, "enough of that." But all that succeeded in doing was bringing the attention of the female's to him, their eyes going wide upon seeing the strapping young buck marching through the streets, before their eyes took on a look far more dangerous than mere affection; lust. One doe even nuzzled into him.

"Well, then," she began seductively, "what about you handsome?" Han couldn't help but burst out laughing at the look of shear shock on Chang's face. In fact, his Captain looked like he was about ready to die of embarrassment himself, even more so when the bold doe whispered and obviously lewd request in his ear. Deciding to relive both the private and captain of this seductive onslaught, Han cleared his throat.

"Perhaps another time, ladies," he addressed, "we have business to conduct with the Empress." Upon hearing this, the group of females began pouting as the group of males walked away. But, before they could get too far, a doe and she-wolf planted a firm kiss on both of the private's cheeks, causing him to blush madly, earning a barrage of cheers and applause from the soldiers close enough to see. Taken aback by the action, the private quickly turned his head to see his admirers blowing him goodbye kisses. Soon, a love struck smile spread across his face as he continued to stare back at the group of females, only to have his attention returned to were he was marching, courtesy of Chang's hand playfully slapping him upside the head.

"Eyes front, private," he mock-scolded.

"Yes, Captain!" said private responded curtly. Han just chuckled.

"Your time will come private," he added with a laugh, "your time will come come." Looking back to Han with a shocked expression, the private smiled as his commanding officer offered a smile and a wink.

"Yes, General!" he responded before turning his attention back to the path ahead. Looking to each other, Han and Chang shared warm, friendly smiles as the Regiment continued their trek to the Imperial Palace. But, during the march, Han's eyes traveled to a nearby tavern, a sign hanging over the door that read "Li's Tavern & Inn." Looking at the doorway, Han could make out the form of a auburn furred buck, who sent a discreet nod in Han's direction, which was gladly returned with a subtle smile.


In just twenty minutes, Xiao was greeted with the sight of hundreds of soldiers standing in the main courtyard of the Imperial Palace, a vast majority of them water deer with some wolves and snow leopard in the mix. Standing at the forefront of the formation were two of her dearest and closest friends. Glancing to her right, Xiao could make out the form of her most trusted friend and advisor, who, to be honest, was having a hard time staying still as she smiled giddily at her uncle. Looking to her left, Xiao smiled at her master, clad in the jade hanfu she had suggested, which went well with a pair of grey pants, bound at the ankle with white puttees. But, what Xiao noticed, is that Jade never once took her eyes of Chang Li, and as the lynx observed, vice-versa. After a few minutes of getting settled, Xiao finally stepped forward. All eyes were now on her.

"You men have fought gallantly for your country. Your actions have ensured that our Empire and Civilization will live on for generations. My father had entrusted the safety of this nation unto you. And seeing you here now, and hearing the voice of the people as they celebrate this victory, know that never for moment, did I not believe that his faith was misplaced. For that I say, it is a privilege and an honor to be in your presence. I know I speak for us all when I say, my father thanks you, my mother thanks..." Xiao paused briefly, contemplating whether or not she should say what she wanted to say, until finally she made her decision. "My SISTER thanks you, and I thank you." The courtyard was silent for a moment. Until a voice rang out. A voice that sent chills down Jade's spine.

"REGIMENT!" Chang bellowed, causing every soldier present to stand at attention, "WILL REMOVE HEADDRESS! REMOVE..." each soldier reached for the tips of their peak caps, "...HEADDRESS!" Removing their caps from their heads, the soldiers placed them on their left shoulders. This time, Han spoke up.

"THREE CHEERS FOR HER MAJESTY, THE EMPRESS! HIP HIP!"

"HOORAY!" each soldier shouted, raising and lowering their caps on their shoulders.

"HIP HIP!"

"HOORAY!"

"HIP HIP!"

"HOORAY!" After a moment of silence, Chang's voice rang through the courtyard again.

"REGIMENT WILL REPLACE HEADDRESS! REPLACE," he called, each soldier lifting their caps so they were inches from the tops of their heads, "HEADDRESS!" With that final word, the caps came to rest on the soldiers' heads. Looking to Xiao, who nodded her head, Chang turned on his heels to address the men.

"REGIMENT, DISMISSED!" And so, as the men began to disperse out of the courtyard and into the city, Han and Chang began to make their way to the stairs that would lead them up to their friends and loved ones. But, just as Han had reached the top of the stairs, he was nearly sent tumbling down them as Huifang latched onto him in a tight hug. But, Han could only laugh as he gladly returned the embrace.

"It is good to see you too, Sweet Hui," Han said as he held his niece close to him.

"I missed you so much, Uncle Han," Huifang practically wept, tears of joy streaming down her face, which warmed the hearts of everyone present. Soon, everyone, save Han, Chang, Xiao, Huifang, and Jade had left the space, having been dismissed by Xiao to also partake in the city wide festivities, leaving the group of five alone with each other. Pulling away from the embrace, Han took Huifang's hands into his own.

"Oh, Huifang," he began, "I have so much to tell you, but right now, their is something very important I need to see to in the city. But tomorrow, you have me all to yourself." Huifang smiled again, having briefly developed a frown at her Uncle's announcement that he was spending the evening in the city. Turning to Xiao, Han bowed respectfully, only to be briefly enveloped in a tight embrace from the lynx herself, before leaving Chang alone with the three females. A devious smirk forming on her lips, Xiao turned to Huifang.

"Huifang," she began, feigning fatigue by placing the back of her hand to her forehead, "I feel faint, would you please escort me to my chambers?" Huifang, catching on to what Xiao was doing, replied in an over dramatic fashion.

"Of course, Your Highness." Before all was aid and done, Chang and Jade were the only ones left on the balcony overlooking the courtyard. After a minute of awkward silence, accompanied by uncomfortable glances at anything but each other, Chang, finally mustering enough courage, spoke.

"It IS good to see you again, Jade," he said, a hint of longing in his voice, which did not go unnoticed by Jade, who offered a warm smile to the handsome buck, who was enraptured by her stunning amber eyes.

"And it is good to see you, Chang," she responded, staring into his deep blue eyes. After another moment of silence, Chang, after clearing his throat, moved alongside Jade, offering his arm to her, which was gladly accepted as the two began to walk down the steps into the courtyard toward the city.