(Láng Wō)

"You gonna leave already, Baby? Your little brother was really looking forward to spending more time with you." Lièrén said as her son was getting his things ready to follow his friends. "In fact...why don't you take him with you? He could use the adventure."

"You know I can't do that, Mother. Especially not where we're going." Ànyǐng said while packing his supplies for the next stage of their journey. "I can't head to Gongmen with Zing. It's very dangerous there, if Shen is really went back." He closed his eyes. "Po will be in danger. Everyone will be in danger."

"Of course they will be. It's Shen." She tilted her head. "I'm more worried about you doing something and it results in something...a little less than what you're trying to achieve." She then tilted it back. "If it's not obvious, I'm saying that there's a high chance you might something up and it bites you in the ass later."

"Mother, please. Zing could have heard you."

"The little pup is asleep, I'm not worried about him. Once again, what I'm worried about is you. What if you run into your pops?"

He was silent for a very long while after that. Then he continued. "Then I guess I'll figure it out when it happens. If it happens."

"You don't really care if you actually see him, do you?"

"If I do, that's fine. If I don't, I won't lose sleep over it. We've been doing fine without each other, there's no reason the arrangement can't still be maintained." He slung a satchel over his shoulder, and nodded. "I will be off. They'll be waiting for me to catch up."

She shrugged. "Fine. I can't stop you. You're a big boy." She said while walking up to him with her arms initially folded. Then she reached out and wrapped her paws around him, hugging him. "But that doesn't change the fact that you're still my big boy. Do try not to let yourself get your ass kicked by your old man when you meet him. He's not that bad a guy...but his loyalty to Shen is extreme."

"I know, Mother." He said as he returned the hug, pulled back and kissed the top of her paws. "I'll be careful." With this, he let go of her paws, and went out to join his friends, running on all fours.

Lièrén nodded as he ran off. She then sat back down in her den as her other son lies peacefully sleeping in his bed, while the older one went off to dangers known. Then she lied back and closed her eyes at the events that's about to come.

It looks like the panda is heading towards Gongmen after all...just like you said, Geezer Tortoise. And he has the comrades to back him up. Including Tai Lung of all guys. Who would have thought. She thought silently to herself as she kicked her leg up a bit.

Which is good, because for now...I don't have to lend my own paw out for him. It'd be a bit too easy if I repaid my debt now...

(Gongmen City)

Shen was supposed to be in a good mood. All of his men thought he would be happy, even. He had taken control of Gongmen City in such a short time with little to no resistance whatsoever. Master Rhino, Master Ox, and Master Croc were forced to coerce with his will, and with an army as large as his own, there weren't many able to stand against them. And just so they couldn't send for help, he had all purposes of messaging shut down and/or completely destroyed, and the Masters under very keen surveillance. All possible transports to Gongmen were under his control, and he sent his men out to multiple locations that could possibly lead back to Gongmen. No one in the city would be getting help, and no one would be coming to offer it. Thus, when he was ready to begin his attack, no one would be prepared for it. He made sure he was prepared for that possibility. It seemed that there would be no way to stop him.

As such, while he was reveling in his apparent success, he had confronted the Soothsayer in order to have his fortune be read. He clearly expected something that met his standards and expectations.

He got...less than what he desired.

"WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!"

And he was incredibly displeased.

The Soothsayer was sitting in front of him with a rather indifferent yet non-antagonistic look on her face. Shen had asked her to tell him his future since he so confidently believes that everything was going his way and falling in his favor. He's believed he's already won. Though the fortune she's told him was much less what he expected, and even less of what he wanted to hear. Because...

"I have already told you. You're just refusing to listen. One defining trait of yours that you still have even after all of these years." She said, not flinching at all from his infuriated and enraged glare. "A peacock...is defeated by a warrior of black and white. Fate had not changed for you, nor will it ever, if you continue the path you're on now."

Shen shook his head furiously. "No...no no no...that isn't...there's no way. It CAN'T! I've killed them all, I'm absolutely sure of it!"

"You don't sound too sure." Soothsayer said patiently.

"I don't care about your perspective!"

"Then why did you ask me for a fortune if you don't care for my perspective?"

Shen snarled fiercely, throwing a knife into her bowl, shattering it into pieces. He turned around with a huff. "Hmph. I have no reason to worry. What you're saying is impossible and you're merely trying to bluff me. Well it won't work."

"Well, if you don't believe me...then do what you will." She shrugged carelessly. "Though I have never had any reason to lie in my predictions, Shen. And no matter how vile you're acting, I'm still not lying now. You may choose to believe me, or choose not to. Either way, it won't change your fate if you stay on this path. And I cannot say what the consequences will be for failing to heed my warnings."

"...Zhong. Take her to her room. We're done here." Shen says without looking at her.

"Alrighty, Granny. Let's get a move on." Zhong said as he gently took her by the arm and lead he away. She could only look at Shen with a sad look before she ultimately turned away from him. She knows he will be very stubborn no matter what she says. But she still cares about him, and feels like she has to at least try. But currently, she won't be reaching him, not now. And if things are looking really bleak...probably not ever.

Shen still didn't bother seeing her out, but when she was truly out of sight, he let out a deep-thoated sigh. "Blasted goat...how can she not see things my way...?"

"That's pretty cold of you, Shen. Giving your nanny the cold shoulder." Shen sighed once again when he heard the voice of Storming Ox echo through the room. He turned to see that he and Master Croc were entering the room. "Especially since she's constantly given you windows to give up on the chaos you're intent on causing."

"The things she's muttering about are not useful to me in any way. If she's not going to assist me, she's getting in my way. And I'm more than willing to move her if need be." Shen raised an eyebrow. "Where might Master Thundering Rhino be?"

"He's still on patrol for any...signs of trouble." Master Croc said quietly. He was the most obedient of the trio, if only because his students were still imprisoned, and Shen will hurt them if he doesn't cooperate. Though if his heart was right, Fung will sense something amiss, and come for them. And that's when he'll truly begin to worry. Right now, his facial expression is completely neutral, even when the soldiers take advantage of his lack of resistance. Discipline was something he's not a stranger to. When it comes to being pushed around, he now takes it quietly.

Storming Ox was obviously the most rebellious of the trio, he was the one to usually back talk Shen and is even the one who tries to to lash out. Those attempts were not successful, judging by the talon marks across his body and bruises on his face. Shen does the clawing, his gorillas do the bruising. Even right now, his look towards Shen was the most antagonistic. And as such, he takes the most punishment. The wolves even consider him the 'Punching Bag' of the trio. Because no matter how much he resists, he knows the people are at risk of annihilation if he doesn't submit.

Master Thundering Rhino was the most reluctant to follow Shen's orders, but he does so no matter what he has to say about it. The patrols Master Croc was talking about was Rhino going around and assisting the civilians however he could. He prevented Shen's men from being too hostile towards them, he sneaked food to those who starve, and he's the one who takes punishment without flinching. He won't give them the satisfaction of seeing his apparent helplessness affect his emotions. He refuses to break. Even if the people of Gongmen suffers, as much as he hates it, the status is currently better than Shen turning his weapon on them. He won't risk their lives.

And he especially won't risk Po's life. Shen was still blissfully unaware that the three of them are fully aware that there was a panda still around in China, parts of China that they were familiar with. Though the danger was still very possible, because it obviously couldn't stay that way forever. Either Shen's forces spread farther throughout China and inevitably find the panda...or the panda will come to him. Either path shall result in a very violent confrontation.

"Ah...I see." Shen said as Croc was brought out of his thoughts on the situation. "I trust he is doing his job at attending to the civilians...their lives do depend on his obedience...as well as yours. Is that understandable to you, Ox? You do tend to do a lot of charginf even thought shall bring you nothing but pain. Pain to your being...and pain to your comrades."

"Punishing me for my 'insubordination' shouldn't even involve them! They don't try anything at all!"

"Ah, you're right. But even so...what kind of example would I be setting for everyone else if I let all of you off the hook? Nonono...you all must be taught a lesson, every time you resist, I shall bring you down a couple pegs. Everyone should be reminded that you three are no longer in control. There is only me. And that won't change by your actions, or by some fantasy prophecy that has no chance of succeeding. Especially since I've eliminated the threat long before it could become one." Ox rolled his eyes at the statement...which was unfortunately noticed by Shen, who's eyes turned critically dangerous. "What's with the eye roll? Can't handle the truth? Or...could you be hiding something from me?"

Ox scoffed. "You're a real paranoiac, Shen. I've only rolled my eyes because of how overconfident and egotistical you sound. It really makes me laugh on the inside."

"Ah yes, I've seen that part. But what intrigues me is the way your eyes flashed afterwards." Shen announced coldly as his metal talons scraped across the ground, before standing in front of Ox. "Not only do you mock me, you're doing something else as well. Could you possibly...be hiding something from me?"

"What could I possibly be hiding? It's not much of a secret that I think very lowly of you. You're still being a tyrannical little punk forcing everyone under your heel. All Hail Lord Shen, the Royal Nobody."

Shen frowned as he stared at Ox for a very long time, their eye contact not breaking for an instant. Master Croc grew incredibly nervous at the fear of a confrontation that Ox would surely lose, especially since the wolves in the room had their spears pointed at his neck. After a long while, Shen simply smiled. "Very well. See if I care if you hide things from me. It won't change how all of this will end, anyhow. Besides, out of the three of you, you're the most durable chew toy for the wolves to play with, since Rhino is always out." Shen said as he turned away and waved his wing. "Take him."

Ox growled lowly at the sound of his hands being shackled behind his back, and another wolf punching him dead in the face, knocking him into the floor. They all cackled gleefully as they grabbed him and carried him out of the room. Master Croc looked after him with an overwhelming sense of sadness. After everything they have been through, this is how things turn out. But at the very least, Ox didn't reveal anything significant about Po. Though how long can they all last under this severe abuse?

An extended period of time, definitely. But not forever.

"Master Croc." The named Master stood straight in attention. "Do check the waters again. Can't be too careful for any surprises from below, can we?"

"Of course, Lord Shen." He bowed submissively and quietly, before moving out to do his 'duty'. Shen was left alone, continuing to look out towards Gongmen City. What was rightfully his. No one else could understand how he sees things...but they shall. Sooner or later. And he hopes for the former.

Still...the Soothsayer's fortune is still plaguing his mind. She was right about one thing...she doesn't lie. She wouldn't be a very credible fortune teller if she lied in her predictions. He just couldn't fathom it. He was absolutely sure he had killed them all...and his future, according to her, hasn't changed. There's nothing he can say to sway her, because she's insisting she's telling the whole truth. He thinks it's nonsense, he knows it's nonsense...but the very back of his mind is telling him to take special caution when managing the city, just to be on the safe side.

Even if...if he hasn't really changed his fate back then, there's still a window of opportunity for him to be able to change it now. Again, this is a precautionary action. The Soothsayer insists that his fate hasn't changed. That means somehow, somehow, he had missed a panda or two. No matter, if there is a panda still out there, he'll find him. And then he'll kill him to assure that his future changes.

"If there is a panda out there that's this famed 'Warrior of Black and White' I'll have to take special care in dealing with him." Shen said quietly. "Him being the one to stop me, he must be very powerful, very resilient, and he puts fear into all those that cross his path. Ha...I can only imagine what kind of threatening force he may pose. For all I know, he's well aware of what I did." He narrowed his eyes.

He's most likely full of vengeance, and is plotting my downfall...right this moment...

(Meanwhile, right this moment)

"Fenghuang said that I wouldn't be able to fit forty-eight bean buns in my mouth...you can just imagine the look on her face when I proved her WRONG!" Po said cheerfully while he had a rather wide grin on his face.

"Forty-eight. I never knew any mouth could get so spacious." Tai Lung said, slightly impressed.

"No way! He's bluffing!" Mantis denied, pointing an accusing foreleg towards the panda.

"Bluff? Mantis, you underestimate me." Po grinned, lightly patting his belly. "I could have gone for more, but Mr. Ping slapped my back thinking I was choking, and I spit them all back out right into Fenghuang's face. It was hilarious!" He laughed a bit, relishing the memory. Then he lowered his tone and shyly twiddled his fingers. "Then she kicked me into a tree and made me go without lunch for three days and made me work out all day for all three of them. The day after, I fell asleep."

"Wow. That's...a bit much." Song tilted her head.

"That was cub's play. When I woke up I began stuffing myself like crazy because I felt like I couldn't walk."

"Indeed. She must really care panda. It could have easily been much worse, since she's more sadistic than Shifu. Trust me, if she wanted you to break from the pressure, you would have most definitely been broken." Tai Lung said, paws behind his neck.

Po laughed sheepishly. "Yeah...that might be true. But there is a trait of mine that she really fines impressive."

"And what would that be?"

Po tilted his hair a bit, smiling. "I'm not a guy who gives up easily."

"Oh believe me, I can tell that just by looking at you. Both you and Tigress." Tai Lung looked around. "In fact, all of you seem to share this trait in some form or another." He blinked a little at Bian Zao. "Except you. You look like a Lazy Ass."

"What?!"

"Yeah. You look like someone who will give up at the first go."

"Told ya it fits you." Lian smirked smugly at the warthog, who was just looking at Tai Lung in disbelief. Peng merely patted his shoulder lightly.

"If it's too much to ask, mind telling us how far we are from Gongmen City?" Crane brought up, a bit shy of due to Tai Lung's presence.

"Well we should be decently closer, due to a map I've required. I usually prefer not to do much traveling if I don't have a map. When I do travel without a map...well...eh, I just wing it." Tai Lung grinned, wrapping an arm around Crane, making him flinch slightly. "Come on! There's no need to be afraid of me."

"Don't mind him. He's always been jumpy." Fung snickered. Crane glared hard at Fung.

'But ever since we've set out with Po and the others, he's definitely been getting better." Mei Ling smiled proudly at Crane. Crane's response was to lower his hat enough so that his blush couldn't be seen. Tai Lung had accurately guessed that they knew each other for quite a long time.

"I'm gonna have to agree with that one. Crane turned from Cowardly Crane to slightly less Cowardly Crane." Monkey snickered.

Crane loomed over the primate with a dark look on his face, which made Monkey sweat a little. "I dare you to say that again, to my face. Go on. Say it." No response was made to the threat, which seemed to be the wise move to take, as Crane lowered his wings and huffed. "Didn't think so."

"Heh. The skinny one has a strong backbone. I can definitely respect that." Tai Lung chuckled, as he looked forward. "Look, there's a harbor over there. One of them should surely lead us to Gongmen City via river. Though I can't really show my face, so you all are gonna have to do it." He said as he pulled his cloak over his head, hiding his face.

"It's that easy? No problem!" Mantis hopped over to who appeared to be the ship's captain. Tigress took special note that he was a fairly large Komodo Dragon. She doesn't really see many of them. Though this one didn't look that trustworthy. But it seemed like he was their only ticket to Gongmen. "Hey buddy! Do you think you can give us all a ride to Gongmen City?"

The reaction was to instantly narrow his eyes at the insect and stand straight. "All transports to Gongmen have been canceled. No one goes in or out." Fung instantly narrowed his eyes at the statement. Something was definitely wrong.

"What?! What do you mean by that? 'No one goes in or out'? What kind of stupid rule is that?"

"It's a new rule that's just been put in place. Gongmen is on a complete lock down of almost every possible way." He folded his arms and glared. "It's none of your business anyway. Take a hike, insect."

Mantis narrowed his eyes, forelegs folded. "There's no need to be an asshole, buddy."

"I'm not your buddy."

"Clearly!"

Tigress pinched the bridge of her nose in aggravation. The LAST thing they needed right now was to start a fight in the harbor, especially since there were a strangely large number of komodo dragons all around them, and they looked ready to hear down anyone who antagonizes them at any moment. Of course, she was confident they would win, but then they'd lose their only method of transport.

"I can force him to comply." Tai Lung offered, silently cracking his knuckles under his cloak. Tigress quietly shook her head in response. They needed that transport, they shouldn't ruin that by starting a needless conflict, regardless of how much they wanted to. There had to be a way to get their approval without starting a huge brawl. There were still smaller citizens such as sheeps and bunnies that they clearly didn't want to endanger.

"Now now boys. Let's not get hostile so soon." Song interrupted, moving past Tigress and in front of the Komodo Dragon, using her tail to gently brush Mantis aside, to his great annoyance. "Now then...are you sure that we cannot take one of your boats to Gongmen City?'

"I'm under orders to keep all transports to Gongmen shut down. NO ONE can go in or out."

"Really? No one? Boy, what a bummer." Song pouted a bit, closing her parasol and handing it to Monkey, who was lightly confused by her actions. "I was really looking forward to bringing me and my friends there. I heard it's quite a metropolis, and a fairly vast one. I really want to go there and check it out for myself."

"Sorry miss, but I can't make any exceptions. You all best turn around and leave."

"Really? No exceptions whatsoever?" Song asked curiously, walking up to him and lightly standing on her toes, fluttering her eyes. "Not even for me or my friends?"

The Komodo Dragon grunt's posture weakened slightly, and he began to blush. "T...That's right..."

"Come oooonnn...be a team player." She says as her tail swishes slyly from side to side, as she lightly patted his chest, her eyes halfway closed. "I do find it quite amazing that you're dedicated to your job..I find it really respectable how devoted you are."

The grunt began to smile, trying to find a distraction anywhere. "Well, I have to set an example for my unit in some way..." He tried to regain his composure. "It's exactly why I can't let anyone on the transports. My superiors won't take it kindly."

Song flirtatiously blinked at him, as she placed a paw on his cheek. "Is that what this is about? You don't need to be so stuck up all the time. Be a rebel! You have a right to act as a free spirit once in a while! I just know that you're stressed out all the time for following orders down to the letter all of the time. It makes you seem like a mere soldier grunt than an actual person." She smiled. "Luckily, I don't see you that way. I know you can be the first of your unit to act like a total free individual. That way, as they follow your excellent example, they won't end up as mindless grunts, either."

He seemed to think deeply on the thought, his own tail stopped moving to showcase it. Everyone watched him with quiet expressions. Po was clearly the most anxious. Ànyǐng was the one who was most likely to strike, if only out of caution. Ultimately he didn't need to, as the komodo dragon managed a cracked smirk. "Heh...I'm most likely gonna get into serious trouble if I do this for you."

"I'm a pretty great secret keeper. I won't tell anyone. Snow Leopard's Honor." Song raised her right paw as if to swear it.

"Grrr...fine. I guess I can make this one exception. I'll get the boat set up. But just know that if you all get caught, I've never seen you before in my life."

Song jumped cheerfully as she grabbed his snout and kissed his cheek. "Thank you! You're so awesome! You have NO idea how much this means to me!" He seemed pleased by her actions, as he turned and began barking orders for his until to get the boat ready. After he got out of hearing range, she turned towards the others and grabbed her parasol from Monkey, and she smirked victoriously and mischievously, with a small bow.

Tigress folded her arms in disapproval. "That was deceitful, dishonest, conniving, and manipulative."

Song walked up to her and lightly poked her nose. "Tigress, I come from a group that has all of those traits as second-nature. Besides, I got us a free boat ride out of it, thus avoiding bringing damage to the boats in a fight. You're welcome." She patted her cheek and walked past her. Tigress took a deep breath, clenching and unclenching her fists.

"She did help with the situation. Don't punch the snow leopardess...don't punch the snow leopardess...don't maim the snow leopardess..."

Tai Lung smirked a little under his cloak, his face still mostly unseen. "You don't like her much, do you?"

"I respect her as a comrade and a friend...but sometimes our personalities contrast so much that we come dangerously close to coming to blows...and sometimes I want it to come to that so I can knock her teeth out."

"You know, sister stuff." Viper beamed positively. Po seemed to disagree with that just a little bit, but he didn't make a comment about it.

Tigress wasn't the only one who was peeved. Fung had seen the entire thing...and he wasn't happy. He had been quietly snarling behind his teeth the entire time, trying not to lash out at the Komodo Dragon to attempt to bite his head off. Monkey noticed his angered look with a raised eyebrow. "Fung? You okay buddy? You look pretty aggravated by something."

"Aggravated? Me? Pfft! Don't make me laugh!" Fung scoffed, not noticing that he had ripped off several planks from the wooden harbor, placed them between his jaws and bit down hard, completely snapping them all in half. No damage to his jaws whatsoever. "I'm totally cool, Monkey. Why would I possibly be aggravated?"

Monkey blinked a little bit...then he shrugged. "Eh. You're right."

Ànyǐng slowly eased his paw away from his blade and sighed. "That was too close. We don't need that sort of attention so early. Not this time."

"Agreed." Tigress nodded, calming down.

Po looked around at the Komodo Dragon's armor and their shoulder plates...then he saw they also have that same symbol in his dreams, and those other wolves. He began seeing multiple flashes of red, as well as fire and blood all over the place, and found of himself in a village he didn't recognize, and yet at the same time, he did. The flashes ended, and he suddenly lost balance, only for Tigress to catch him before he could fall. In it's place, loud ringing, as well as screams of terror and blades cutting through flesh began to fill his ears, and he slapped his paws over them in a vain attempt to block them out.

"Po...? PO!" Tigress said, lightly shaking him as he blankly stared forward for a full minute. Any voice he heard was blurred and disoriented, therefore unable to be undersrood, therefore interfering with his ability to respond. The others noticed this and surrounded him with their eyes full of concern. He blinked when the ringing stopped and his vision became clear again.

"Tigress...?" Po said slowly as he still had a hard time standing up on his own. The visons are beginning to greatly shake him on a mental level. Tigress helped him stand up, though he waved his paw in a gesture to show that he could do it on his own. His eyes looked...distant. "Let's just...get on the boat. We don't want to waste too much time." he said this in a low tone of voice as he walked onto the boat meant to take them to Gongmen. Tigress still eyed his back with concern, but reluctantly nodded and followed him onto the boat along with everyone else.

Tai Lung was at least the most aware that the way Po was reacting was some sort of trauma reaction...and those symbols on the Komodo Dragon's armor, as well as the wolves, are most likely the triggers. It wasn't looking good for Po's mental health.

"Alright, you all! Here's your boat. Should lead you straight to Gongmen City." The Komodo Dragon mentioned to them. "But don't blame me if you get killed. I'll completely deny all claims of me knowing you all."

"We'll be perfectly fine, I assure you. Bye bye!" Song cheerfully waved as the most began to take off, moving down the river at a steady pace. Mei Ling and Tigress rolled their eyes at her, while Lien wnd Peng laughed softly at the ruse. At the very least, they were finally on their way to Gongmen City.

(The Following Night)

Po was standing over the railing of the boat, his hat lying on his back hanging by it's string, and his scarf flowing with the cold night wind. Everyone else was sleeping peacefully...well...most of them. But he didn't know that yet. Right now, he had been thinking to himself for a long time, staring at the moon above him, as the light reflected off of his jade eyes. He was thinking about how intense these visions have been getting the closer he got to Gongmen City, as well as the more he kept thinking about it. He still had doubts about the connection, but they're now absolutely minimal.

He was also right, and oh so very glad, that he had requested(close to the point of begging) Mr. Ping to stay behind and that Fenghuang and the elders watch over him. He was subconsciously sensing the danger, and he did NOT want his father to be a part of it. It's best that he stays safe with someone he knows will keep him that way. It was just a gut feeling for him to keep Mr. Ping away from where the danger was, and he feels like he's definitely made the right decision. But he definitely doesn't feel too good about it. He misses him dearly. Plus, these nightmares are becoming increasingly difficult to deal with.

He looks slightly down the river, then he sees flames dancing around on the horizon, and smoke filling the skies, which have turned red. He blinked and the cool blue of the area returns. He groaned and held his head in aggravation.

"Graaaag! Why won't these stupid visions just leave me alone?!" Po grumbled, his eyes closing tightly. Seriously! It's getting to the point that I can't even sleep properly without waking up with coldness in my heart and sweating all over! And now they're interfering with my focus for when I'm awake! Just what am I supposed to do?!

"You're still awake." Po turned his head around to see Tigress standing on the roof of the boat, looking over him. "You seem deeply disturbed. Those nightmares and daymares of yours are getting more and more unbearable, aren't they?"

"I just don't know why this is happening. The closer we get to Gongmen, or even mentioning it at all, the worse they get!" Po shook his head. "I'm seriously feeling like I'm losing it..."

"Maybe you could use something to ease your stress." Tigress then flips backwards off of the roof of the boat, and right behind Po. She then folded one arm behind her back and held her paw outward. "I am ready."

Po blinked. "Ready for what?" He asked. Tigress waved her paw a bit again. "Oh, you want me to strike into it? How is that supposed to help?"

"It should be worth a try, right?"

"Alright. If you say so." He shrugged as he stood up fully and stood in a battle-ready stance. Then he clenched his fist tightly, reared it back, and threw it hard into Tigress's palm.

BOOM!

The impact was enough to cause the water around them to splash upwards a couple inches and spreading outward away from them. Then the water splashes back downwards and the water became calm again. After a couple moments of silence, Po drew his paw back, grabbing it and jumping around in pain.

"HAAAAAAOOOoooowwwww! Ow! Ow! All of my Ow! Dammit!" Po hissed in pain, and repeatedly blowing on his paw. "Geez, Tigress! Were you just holding back this entire time against the bad guys?"

"It's not always about me restraining myself, Po. I've just grown stronger." Tigress explained calmly. "There are two certain ways this can happen. You're either training, or you're growing experience through battle. As you can see, we have our share of both and it's definitely helped us so far. Mostly through the latter."

"Yeah...I guess I can see that as a thing.' Po mumbled, fully standing up and rubbing his paw. "Well, on the bright side, the pain in my paw is temporarily my brain's main focus, so it won't be pounding me with nightmares." Po managed to block out most of the pain and raised his fists again. "Well, we most likely won't be going to sleep soon. We might as well chat some more."

"Hm." Tigress nodded in amusement, paw raised. "Again."

Po nodded as he began practicing against her one paw, while seemingly baffled by how far apart their levels of skill are, yet they're still in the same league as one another. Probably because his skills lie in more chi based attacks and custom, mostly unpredictable Panda-Style, with his just as unpredictable behavior throwing enemies off, plus his fat making him quite durable. While Tigress's skills lie in her Tiger-Style with her raw power and much more practiced, disciplined, polished physical might, and she tends to make quite a tactical fighter when she needs to be.

"So...Tai Lung. Your big brother is back. What are your thoughts on that?" He said as he placed multiple strikes at her paw, as she effortlessly catches them all and pushes them in different directions.

"My thoughts on him are...mixed at best, and mildly antagonistic at worst." She admitted as she caught his fist, lightly pushing it away. "My mind hates the fact that he's here, due to the horrible memories and nightmares he's given me. I'm not a big fan of the fact that he's trying to squirm his way back into me and Father's lives as if nothing happened." She pushed away a roundhouse kick from him. "Yet my heart speaks differently. While it may have been in pain due to his actions, it also feels like he deserves a second chance. It wouldn't be right of me to deny him the fhsnce to redeem himself just because of my own personal feelings. Like or not, he's family. Second chances are almost automatic."

"I feel ya there." Po nodded. "So, how strong do you think he is now?" He said while throwing another kick, which she caught.

"I'm not sure. But I'm going to take a bet that he wasn't spending his time lazing around during his redemption journey. We should be glad we're on the same side and not the other way around."

"Of course he's on our side. He genuinely wants to make things right. Besides, you're his sister. He wouldn't hurt you."

"I know. I'm not too worried about me. I'm worried about the influence he might have on Peng. Unlike me, he's actually blood-related to him."

"Come on, Tigress! Peng's a good kid, and Tai Lung's working his way to be a good guy again. He's not gonna 'corrupt' him or some junk like that. Oogway took care of that before it could begin." Po jumped back a bit, catching his breath. "Tigress, just be straight with me. Do you love your big brother?"

"Without question." She answered calmly. "Though my trust in him is another matter entirely. I'm not as lenient on the issue as Shifu. Tai Lung wants me to trust him, so he has to earn it. Because nearly all of it was lost on that day, and I'm unsure if he'll ever be able to get all of it back."

Po sighed. "At least you're willing to give him a chance to try. Who knows, it might work out! Look at me and Fenghuang!"

Tigress thought about it for a little bit, and a soft smile graced her lips. "I suppose you're right."

"I totally am." Po said. He then flipped right over her and aimed a kick at the back of her head, thought he was instantly caught by the wrist by her tail. "What the-?!" Was all he had time for as he was unceremoniously flipped sideways, landing on his back with a rather painful this. Tigress turned around and looked down with a sly smile.

"Tail strength. I've begun incorporating it into my skill set." She then walked back into the boathouse. "Good talk, Po."

"Glad...I...could help...ow." he groaned while sitting up and rubbing his aching back.

Unknown to them, Tai Lung hadn't been completely asleep. His left ear had twitched slightly the moment Po awoke, and he begun to truly listen in when they began talking about him. He felt his mood dampen as Tigress said she still loved him as a sibling, but confirmed that gaining her trust wasn't going to be easy like Shifu. If anything, it would possibly be significantly harder.

That's okay though. Tai Lung appreciates a good challenge.

(Early Morning)

"Peng. Peng. Wake up." Lian whispered softly, placing both paws on her boyfriend's arms and shaking him awake. "Time to get up. Seriously dude, you gotta check this out!"

"Mmmm..." Peng opened his eyes and stared up at Lian. Smiling softly, he sat up and allowed her to hug his arm and sweetly kiss his lips good morning. "What is it, Lian?"

"We've made it. Gongmen City is really close!" Lian said excitedly. Bian Zao was still sleeping soundly. Lian fixed that by lightly kicking him in the side, which still hurt him quite a bit. "Rise and Shine, Lazy Ass!"

"I don't think kicking me was really necessary. Lame..." he grumbled while trying to force himself awake, very reluctantly. "Are we really getting close to the city?"

"See for yourself." Lian pointed out down the river.

Indeed, when they looked further down the river, they could see the city clearly. Even Bian Zao got himself to rub his eyes and look again in surprise. The city was huge. They weren't even inside yet and the number of buildings in the distance seems close to uncountable. Granted, he knew there were a couple cities in China that had to be larger than Gongmen, but he never actually got interested enougb to go out to see them. So seeing them for himself...isn't completely lame.

"Not bad." Bian Zao nodded in acknowledgement. "I can see the harbor. Those boats are really bunched together...maybe that Komodo Guy was telling the truth about Gongmen being off-limits on nearly every angle."

"But why? When I left the joint, everything was fine!" Fung grumbled as he sat up, placing his helmet. "I'm not liking this at all..."

"If there are hostile parties at work, we're running the risk of getting caught in a group as big as ours. So we'll splitting up for a bit." Tai Lung folded his arms and nodded towards the harbor. "Croc-boy is right to be cautious. Peng, Lian, Bian Zao, Song, Ànyǐng, and Xuě are going to go with Fung in one direction of the city and figure out what's up." The latter nodded quietly. It would be a pain for the goat, but using her powers would not be wise at the moment. "The rest of you. Po, Tigress, Crane, Monkey, Viper, Mantis, and Mei Ling. You all will go to yet another part of the city to do the same."

"What are you gonna do?" Po asked as the boat began approaching the harbor.

"I'm gonna go solo to see what I can dig up. In the meantime, you all just do what you need to do." Tai Lung said while he looked in one direction. "Time to get off. You all ditch the boat. Can't risk you being found on it, not with the rumors we've heard from those Komodo Dragons."

"Right. Good luck to you guys. And Fung...make sure to stay safe. As best as you can." Tigress nodded softly as she and her team noticed the decks were currently unguarded, and they hopped off one side of the boat and sneakily dashed off in one direction. Fung nodded back while he took his own team and went in the other direction.

In the meantime, Tai Lung cracked his neck and rubbed his paws together as he docked the boat himself. Sensing it come to a stop, he stepped off the boat and began moving along the harbor. Though he stopped when he heard something behind him. He turned to see a wolf just exiting one of the boats after checking it, and his eyes laid upon Tai Lung.

There was a bit of an awkward silence between the two. The wolf recovered, and tried to sound a warning howl. But he found his muzzle to be forced shut, as well as finding Tai Lung using his left paw to do so.

"Now now, there's no need for that." Tai Lung shook his head silently...then swiftly knocked the wolf out with a hard blow to the head, them hid him inside a barrel. Making sure there were no more where that one came from, he lowered his cloak over his head and has begun to move. Infiltration was a success. Now they needed to know why they had to resort to that in the first place.

...nobody seemed to notice Master Croc's shadowy form follow Fung's team while underwater...