Chapter 21: A Slight Change of Plans

John's POV.

Both me and Tigress began making our way towards the thousand flights of stairs about to begin our trip to the village when she stopped us for a minute.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing, I was just wondering if instead of taking the walk down the mountain, we could take the cable car. It will cut us some time on the trip and we can make it quicker to Mei Ling's"

"Whatever you want to do, I'm down. Besides, we've got nothing better to do after anyways."

"So it's settled then, follow me."

After a couple minutes, we arrived at the cable car station where the gondola was waiting for us.

"After you." I said.

We got in and we were off.

The view on the way down was breathtaking. I decided to get a couple pictures of the scenery once again. I made sure that the camera was facing in front of me.

However, as I took the picture, I forgot to turn off the shutter sound, which caused Tigress to turn towards me.

"Oh, sorry heh. I was just capturing the view. You may also be in it too. I can delete it if you want me to." I apologized.

"No worries John. Besides, I'm used to having pictures taken of me. It comes with what we do."

"Oh ok, good to know."

Moments later

After a 10 minute ride, we made it to the village. We got out of the car and began walking to Mei Ling's.

Not long during the walk is when I heard a disturbance coming from one of the valleys ahead.

"You hear that?" I asked.

"Yeah, sounds like someone's getting assaulted or harassed."

I then turned my head to the right and saw 3 thugs targeting this female snow leopard.

At first I thought it was Song, one of Roman and Mei Ling's friends, but as I listened closely I then realized it wasn't.

"How do you want to handle this?" I asked.

She gave a quick look around.

"You confront them, I will make my way around the back. Once you have them distracted and I have the leopard safely removed, I will jump in."

I nodded and we split up. I made my way over towards the group.

"Let go of me!" She screamed

"Easy sugar, we just wanna have a little fun-"

"HEY!" I roared. The three then faced me.

"Who the hell are you?" One asked.

"Somebody who's not in the mood for 3 assholes like you trying to assault this woman over here."

"Look pal, I don't know if your parents taught you this when you were younger, but it's not nice to intrude in someone's business." One guy said getting in my face.

"Well, as the Dragon Warrior, everything here is MY business. So right now I'm-"

"Wait. You, the Dragon Warrior? Hahaha, that's the funniest thing I ever heard."

"He was picked 2 days ago for your information." The leopard said.

"Shut it bitch!" The goon said.

I was about to yell at him when I saw Tigress in position. I knew it was time to initiate her attack.

"As I was saying, you have 2 options. Leave the leopard alone and get lost, or you three dickheads will be granted a trip to the ER. Your choice." I threatened.

"Hmm, very tempting indeed. But personally, I prefer option three: kick your ass."

He then swung his fist at my face, which I proceeded to grab with my hand and began digging my claws in it. Unlike when I was fending off the pig from 3 days ago, I made sure he knew who was fucking with and dug them deep into his hand.

"Ow!!! Get him off me boys." He said.

"Bad idea gentlemen." Tigress said as she then attacked the 2 others.

I on the other hand kept eye contact with the main suspect, giving him the deadliest stare I could give.

Tigress made quick use of these 2 before then tending to the leopard.

"Please, let go of me. You're hurting me!!" He begged.

"One one condition. You and your 2 buddies leave her alone and never mess with anyone in the village ever again. Otherwise, the result of our next encounter will end VERY differently. Understood?"

He frantically nodded.

"Now GET LOST!"

Within 5 seconds of letting him go, he and his 2 buddies bolted out of there. I then went over to see if the leopard was hurt.

"How is she?"

"A bit shaken but no injuries." Tigress said.

"Thank you Master Tigress and to you too John for saving me." The leopard said.

"Uh, how do you know my name?"

I was a bit confused with her knowing my name considering I never met her before.

"You're friends with Song. I'm her younger sister Su. She's told me quite a bit about you."

"Well it's a pleasure meeting you Su. I never knew she had a sister. She never talks about you." I shook her hand.

"I moved here a few months ago. You must have still been on duty. So I never had a proper chance of meeting you."

"I don't mean to interrupt Su, but the Dragon Warrior needs to have his shoulder checked out." Tigress chimed in.

"Actually if it's ok, can I stick with you 2 for the day. I'm still shaken up with the whole incident and being with you 2 makes me feel safe."

"I myself don't mind, considering you most likely will bump into your sister at Mei Ling's place. What about you Tigress?" I asked.

She thought for a moment.

"I think it's a good idea. That way, if those 3 goons try to pull off a fast one on us, we will be ready. So yes you can come with us Su."

"Oh thank you so much!" She hugged me and Tigress.

"It's our pleasure Su." I said.

We then made our way to Mei's place to get that shoulder checked.