Erdan 3: A Legend's Rebirth

by Jeffwolf21

Erdan, the young wolf boy, now has a happy life, with a loving family, a bright future, and prosperous living. But a series of events will lead him down a path that will determine not only the fate of himself and his family, but also the fate of an entire people. And after three years, an evil from his past emerges, as the boy embarks on the greatest adventure of his life.

9. Chapter 8: A new journey

Chapter 8: A new journey

Piercing across the distance, the first beams of morning rays arrived, the new day has begun. Once again the land was washed with warmth and replenished with the earth's bright, distance companion. The remains of a small camp lingered on the hill top. The camp fire taken out hours ago, equipment and tools taken away with their owners and any remnants of intelligent life barely could be found. The small temporary home was now a ghost sight, devoid of what it once was just earlier in the previous night. The heavy steps of a visitor sounded as a lone man came to inspect the now barren scene. The lone warrior looked through his battle mask and scanned the campsite. As he examined, his thoughts hypothesized the possible events of last night.

(Hmm… three… no two… hmm… small fire… tents… small tents… how many days… two… or three… maybe three.)

The warrior took a knee and bent down to examine the dirt near the campfire, his armor making the low platting sounds as he slightly moved every few minutes. He sniffed the air and ground.

(Fish… river fish… fresh… very fresh… how many days?) He cleared his mind and focused. (Two days? No, one day… one day of fish… last night maybe?)

The armored warrior stood up, his curved swords lightly tapping against his armor. He looked out to the south, the direction he suspected his target could have moved. Finishing with his investigation, the warrior hiked south, continuing his pursuit for his prey, and his mission for his master.

((()-()))

"Erdan… Erdan…" A soft feminine voice echoed in the distance.

Erdan opened his eyes and heard the beckoning of the familiar call.

"Erdan… Erdan…"

The teenage lupine sat up and rubbed his eyes before realizing his surroundings. The ground was soft, cold and pale. The air was chilling and his breath became visible with every push of oxygen what came out from his lungs and out of his mouth. He searched the area, finding numerous trees and plant life covered top to bottom with pure white snow. The entirety of the forest, from the earthly soil to the highest point of ironwood trees was blanketed with winter whiteness. Erdan looked ahead and saw a great view in front of him, a massive sight of the world from a mountain's line of sight displayed before him; featuring fields, valleys, towns and rivers all within the far and wide horizon miles away.

Erdan looked around and found a large wooden barrier, made out of numerous trees and logs. A sense of confusion tingled in the boy's mind. He approached the large door, and opened, revealing a small village where a peaceful tribe lived. Nostalgia quickly filled Erdan as he slowly walked through the town. The soft padding of his hind feet on the snow and the whistling of the cold wind was all the noise heard on the lonely mountain. As the young lupine slowly walked by the wooden homes, he was in disbelief, and yet a feeling of dread slowly built up in his gut. There were no people anywhere. No men building or fixing homes. No women farming and cultivating the earth. No children playing and laughing. The snowy home was alone, completely empty and devoid of life, besides the wild trees and vegetation that grew in these isolated regions. Erdan walked along the covered dirt road, looked around and reintroduced himself to sights and scenes that ignited memories from days long ago, some good, but just as much bad. For every hour he spent in love and warmness, there were always afternoons of judgment and scorn. But the wolf teen attempted to not ponder on those miserable hours and continued on slowly.

"Erdan… Erdan…" The soft voice sounded again becoming louder.

The alluring call beckoned the young wolf, and he followed the sound of the familiar voice to the far edge of the village, when he found the destination the call was leading him too. Standing ten feet away in front of him was a house, built by the man who lived in it along with his small family. Erdan stood still and breathed in the cold air before exhaling it out of his warm body. His heart became heavy and his mind filled with dread. Every piece of logic, sense and reason warned him to not enter the wooden house… But still.

"Erdan… Erdan…"

With a few minutes of preparation over with, the fifteen year old wolf slowly approached the front door. He held onto the handle… but hesitated for a moment. His inner self fell into conflict between his mind and his heart. His paw shook as he debated one last time on whether to enter or leave. He removed his paw from the entrance, turned and slowly walked back. Yet it was only five feet away when he stood still, his head and soul going back and forth with what his decision would be. He breathed in and out once again, and closed his eyes to center himself and collect his thoughts. The now older boy felt the mountain air flow through the fur coat on his upper body as he began his meditation to-

"Erdan… Erdan… Erdan…"

Not wanting to break his mental concentration, the young wolf tried his best to-

"Erdan… Erdan… Erdan…"

His mind struggled and was trying to put as much effort it could too-

"Erdan… Erdan… Erdan…"

He did his hardest at-

"Erdan… Erdan… Erdan…"

Finally the boy snapped. He turned and dashed towards the house, opened the door and hurried in. He looked around the old place, recognizing all the various items and décor that filled the home. As the young wolf scanned the house, he looked and was reunited with a sight that shattered his heart. Laying before him were two bodies, down on the floor and surrounded by pools of dark red blood. Open wounds and large cuts visible on the corpses, with one having a crushed neck. Both bodies were lifeless and pale, devoid of any life that remained until their last mortal moments. Erdan fell to his knees, overcome with grief and overflowing sorrow that flooded his heart. The sight of one of the darkest days in his life become too much for him to handle. The wolf cried with his paws to his face and tears streaming down from his eyes. The heavy sobs echoed through the empty home and across the mountains.

While Erdan cried in sorrow once again, his ears detected something nearby, a sound repeating itself again and again, the subtle noise of heavy padding becoming louder and closer. Putting his sorrow aside, Erdan looked and saw with shock as a large shadow covered him from behind. He got on his feet and turned to see a man, a wild cat, wearing a leather poncho over his dark attire. Instantly Erdan recognized the monster, remembering full well the atrocity he committed. The fiend looked no different than on that dark, blood soaked night. As he gazed at the murderer just five feet away from him, Erdan's grief quickly melted into anger which then gave way to fury. The young wolf bared his fangs, extended his claws and rushed towards the monster. Blood boiled with vengeance and his heart pumped rapidly as he charged and proceeded to attack. He swung his paw, ready to rip and tear apart the man who had caused him so much misery. Unexpectedly, Erdan soon found himself lifted off the floor as the wild cat grabbed him by the neck and held his younger opponent off the floor, while giving off a darkly blank expression. Erdan tried to tear the man's face off, to do to him what pain and suffering he inflicted on others. But as if he were a speck of grain, Erdan was then thrown back and landed on the wooden floor. As he got back up, the scent of smoke floated into his nostrils, and within the blink of his eyes the entire house was engulfed with flames. Scorching fire blackened the wooden home as it destroyed everything that stood or hung in the house. Erdan looked back in front and saw the wild cat slowly walking out of the home and into the flames. Driven by rage, the wolf teen attempted to rush after him, but fire surrounded him until nothing but red burning flame swallowed him, engulfing him in agonizing pain and-

((()-()))

"Ahh…" Erdan gasped in shock.

In a split second he was brought back to reality, only to find himself tumble off of his bed and onto the hard, wooden floor, laying belly down and with his blanket wrapped around his body a bit. The teen took a moment to breathe as he stood upwards. The warmness of another summer's morning and the quiet air of his home brought reassurance to his mind. Realizing the nature of his nightmare, he held his paw to his forehead, taking a minute to center his inner being. As he reflected on his night terror, a few small tears escaped his eyes and rolled down his cheek before falling onto the bedroom floor. With a collective sigh, Erdan got up on his bed, and like every morning, he opened his window's doors and greeted the new day. Once again the sun burned warmly on the Valley as the young wolf stretched out his arms and felt the wind flow through his fur coat. Laying his elbows on the window, he looked out and saw villagers strolling, shopping and going about their day. The morning was already a few hours in, later then Erdan normally would wake up. The wolf's mouth let out a long yawn, still feeling tired after the eventful gathering just last night. As he relaxed at his view, the teen couldn't take his mind off of the disturbing sights and scenarios that haunted him just minutes ago. His mind wandered off and his head became lost in thought, puzzled by the nature of the sudden dream that wasn't exactly like others before. But, he had other matters to worry about now. Getting off of his bed, Erdan dressed himself in a pair of shorts, choosing to forgo a top like most Saturdays, and proceeded to wash himself before making his way downstairs.

Every other day he'd find his parents cooking breakfast together in the morning, like many other weekends before, but he was surprised to find the kitchen and dining area empty. The table was bare and without plates or silverware, the stove cool and without flame and the smell of warm, fruity baked goods ready to eat. Light peaked through the cracks in the window doors, and small specks of dust were visible, floating aimlessly in the quiet room. Figuring that both of his foster parents were still asleep, Erdan decided to wait in the family room until they woke up. The young wolf walked into the lounge room, his mind still foggy and his movements sluggish. Suddenly his foot bumped into something and he fell forwards onto the floor. He let out groans after his front body collided with the hard sandel-wood floor.

"E-Erdan?" A tired, feminine voice sounded.

The wolf teen then looked to his left and found his adoptive parents together against the wall, with blankets and pillows around them. A quick scan of his surroundings revealed that his father's relaxed leg was the cause for his stumble.

"Mom… Dad?" Erdan muttered.

Zhong rubbed his eye and noticed their son in front of him. "Erdan… are you alright?"

"Y-yeah, I'm… fine."

But his tone and body-language said otherwise. His face was tired, his bushy tail hanging motionless and his demeanor bore a slight hint of confusion.

Shu, wondering what was wrong with her boy, asked "Are you ok Erdan?"

Her son stayed silent before lightly shaking his head sideways.

"Oh, come here son." Zhong asked.

Erdan then walked over and sat on the blanket in between his foster parents. Zhong and Shu hugged and comforted their pup, tapping into their paternal instincts in an attempt to ease away his worry. Erdan embraced the warmth of this newfound yet familiar support.

"What's bothering you?" Shu asked.

A quick moment of silence followed before Erdan answered "I… I had a… dream."

"Was it a bad one?" Zhong questioned.

"Yeah-" Erdan replied as he leaned onto his dad's shoulder. "I… relived… the moment when my birth parents were… and… I…" Erdan muttered.

Shu petted her son's head calmly. "Shh… it's ok. You're here now, we're here now." Erdan became silent, choosing to let the comfort of his foster family help him heal the conflict in his soul. "I, you never should have to relive those days again… it's all my fault." Shu said regretfully, remembering the previous night and the horrible results of the gathering.

"It's not your fault mom." Erdan spoke to her.

The two wolves continued to hug their puppy in need, comforting him when he was trying to give reassurance to his mother at the same time. Quiet, peaceful minutes passed. The morning rays slowly moved as the early light's presence was made clear. Erdan looked at his father and then his mother before a small smile formed on his face, telling the family his emotional struggle was eased.

"You ok now?" Zhong asked.

"Yeah… I kinda am." Erdan replied.

Warm faces were beamed from Zhong and Shu as the large wolf responded. "Good, why don't we all make some breakfast?"

"That sounds good to me." Shu included.

"Can we have bean-buns again?" Erdan asked.

"But you had them for breakfast yesterday." Shu asked in a light tone.

"Please mom?" Erdan asked.

The she-wolf couldn't help but warm up to her son, and replied "Oh alright."

Erdan then gave a thankful smile and got up on his feat. Just as he stood again, it suddenly dawned on him that he found his mother and father in the living room instead of their own bed quarters. With a number of pillows and blankets, as well as lanterns hung up from the ceiling, whose flames were now blown out.

Perplexed, Erdan raised an eyebrow and in a curious tone asked "Did you two sleep on the floor here?"

Zhong and Shu looked at each other and then back at their boy. "Umm-" Shu answered. "It's a… couples thing, right Zhong?"

For a moment the one eyed wolf remained silent, thinking of what to say in response. "Oh, uh, yeah, it's something you do if you're dating someone." He let out a chuckle of light embarrassment.

"Couples… Sleep on the hard floor?" Erdan asked in a puzzled manor.

"You'll understand when you're dating someone, son." Zhong answered.

"I don't know if I want to know, at least… whatever… this was." The teenage boy replied.

Light blushing was visible on Zhong and Shu's faces. They both had an idea of what their son was theorizing of what transpired last night, though such thinking would only bring unneeded awkwardness for everyone. As if the timing wasn't more perfect, the sound of the front door being opened was heard. All three wolves then heard a couple familiar voices that had just entered the building.

"Honey, she doesn't even lock her doors at night!?"

"Well, yeah that is an issue, but I'm sure everything is fine."

The two middle aged wolves walked through the house and entered the living room. One quick look brought surprise for the sight before them both, though the shock was leveled differently for the two older parents.

"Mother, Father?" Shu asked in confusion.

Jiao noticed the position her daughter was resting in; a makeshift bed and under the blankets with that brute of a man half nude. "Shu, I can't believe you lied to my face!"

The young she-wolf realized what warranted her mother's reaction and quickly got up and out of the blanket, fast to defend her situation.

"Mother I know what you're thinking but let me say that nothing like that happened!"

"You said you weren't sleeping with him, but now I find you… entangled with that man?" Jiao argued.

The two women went back and forth as the men of the house greeted each other while Zhong got up from the floor and stood.

"Good morning Zhong, good morning Erdan." Renshu greeted with a light yet tired smile.

"Morning sir" The one eyed wolf replied.

"How are you doing?" the middle aged father asked.

Zhong scratched the back of his neck as he answered "Well, I'll start by saying nothing like what your wife thinks happened… happened."

"Oh I believe you, don't worry." Renshu replied reassuringly. "And how are you Erdan?"

The teen boy let out a long yawn before answering. "I'm good, just… still a little tired."

Renshu chuckled. "Aren't we all?" He himself yawned, proving the boy's fatigue habit contagious.

Looking back to his wife and grown child arguing again, he had already seen enough drama recently, deciding to intervene for both of their sakes.

"Honey any respectable woman doesn't behave that way!" Jiao said judgingly.

"What does that have to do with being respectable?" Shu protested.

"Dear you have no idea how-"

"ENOUGH!" Renshu interrupted. The room fell silent, and the mood was made mute as the needless bickering ceased. "Now Jiao, this isn't why we came here so early, is it?"

"… No…" Jiao answered.

"Right, so how about we start over right now, alright?" Renshu ordered with a mature tone in his voice.

The middle aged mother looked at her daughter with regretful eyes. "Ok… Good morning Shu."

Shu crossed her arms as she replied. "Good morning mother."

The older she-wolf looked to the other two males, both half bare like before. "Good morning Zhong, how are you?"

"I'm just fine, ma'm." Zhong replied simply.

"And how are you this morning Erdan?" She asked politely.

"Okay…." The wolf teen replied.

An awkward silence filled the air, as if no words could appear in anyone's minds after an introduction like that. Renshu brought his paws together and rubbed them against each other in anticipation before changing the subject. "Jiao, isn't there something you want to tell Shu?"

Jiao looked at her daughter, a sense of uneasiness overcame her, and the thought of what she was asked to say would feel like admitting defeat.

"Shu-" She started while her daughter crossed her arms while listening. "It seems that… that last night… I may have… overreacted a bit."

"It seems!?" Shu said shockingly.

"May have!?" Zhong questioned.

"A bit!?" Erdan pondered out loud.

Renshu placed his paw on his wife's shoulder, giving her a cross look that he rarely gave, but had a level of controlled anger.

"I'm SORRY!" Jiao said loudly. "I'm sorry, that's what you all wanted to hear, right?"

Shu paused a moment, keeping her arms crossed and her mind debating. A censer look from her father convinced her however to settle their dispute.

"I… accept you're apology." Shu replied.

Another session of silence came, but a hint of relief was sensed as well. Jiao breathed in and out as her husband gave a little nod in response.

"Good, now that that's over and done with, we came to ask you something Shu." Remshu said.

"Ask me what?" She asked, now with a curious tone.

"Your brothers came up with an idea; would you like to come and stay at the village for a week?"

Surprised, Shu replied "Wait, you mean come home with you all?"

"Just for a little while." Renshu continued. "A little vacation with family, Erdan and Zhong are welcome to join, of course."

The young she-wolf debated on her new option for a moment. She wondered if a prolonged time with her mother would be for better or worse.

"I don't know?" Shu thought out loud.

Jiao walked to her daughter, a sincere expression accompanied her following sentence. "Shu… sweety I don't want us to fight, and I'd like to have as many good memories while we can. Please?"

Shu peaked and saw genuine feeling in her mother's eyes. Despite their relationship always being hectic at times, the young woman always found herself giving second chances numerously.

"Well… maybe, but-" Shu then turned to her mate and pup. "What do you two think?"

Zhong crossed his arms over his burly torso as he replied "It could work."

"Really, but what about your job?" Shu asked.

"Actually, Shifu's given me the week off, so it's ok with me." Zhong answered.

Shu raised an eyebrow, curious as to the sudden time off her boyfriend was given. She turned to Erdan, who gave his response. "It'd take some negotiating, but maybe we could convince Mr. Ping to give me some time off… I think."

"Would he really?" Shu causally questioned.

Erdan simply shrugged his shoulders in unsure response. Shu looked back at her parents, taking a quick minute to think again. Finally, she gave her answer. "Alright, we'll accept and spend some time with you all."

"Are you sure your ok with this?" Jiao asked with concern. "Leaving your shop and all?"

"I can leave my money and savings with some good friends I know can keep them safe, and I can ask Mrs. Yung to take care of the shop while I'm gone." Shu informed.

Jiao gave a small smile, relived that she may have a more time to restore her relationship with her little grown girl.

"Gen, Gin and Ru are out getting the supplies for the journey back." Renshu informed.

"How long will the trip take?" Erdan asked.

"Oh don't worry sweaty, it'll just a take a day and a half for us." Jiao answered.

"When do we leave?" Zhong asked.

"Around mid-day." Renshu answered. "We need to return soon."

Shu, overcome with all these new plans, breathed in and out, peacefully processing what needed to be done. "Ok then. Zhong, get dressed and take my savings to Shifu for safe keeping, and you can talk with him about the vacation." Upon hearing his instructions the large wolf nodded and moved to his room to prepare. Shu then looked to their son. "Erdan, I'll go with you to convince Mr. Ping to give you the week off."

Jiao tapped Shu's shoulder, respectfully adding herself in. "If it's ok, I'd like to go with you two. I want to see this handsome young man's work place."

Erdan blushed a bit and sported a small grin. "I… I'm handsome?"

"Ok then. Dad, what will you do?" Shu asked.

"I'll tell your brothers and go with Zhong after."

"Good. Well then, let's get started." Shu stated.

"Wait-" Erdan interrupted. "What about breakfast?"

"I'll whip up something quick for the three of us before starting out." Shu answered.

Jiao butted in. "Um, If I could help, we'd be done quicker?"

Shu nodded, accepting her mother's offer of assistance. Zhong returned, now changed into a pair of shorts and a vest. His torso was covered, but his strongly large arms still showed with all their muscles. The family then sat down at the table as the mothers tended to the kitchen. Jiao couldn't help but be pet peeved that Erdan was still shirtless, even at the table. She saw him, sitting and continuing to appear like-

"Mother, are you listening?" Shu said, breaking away Jiao's train of thought.

"Hmm? Oh, yes Shu, I'll focus." The middle aged wolf replied before fiddling with kitchen tools.

Shu took notice of how her mother looked at Erdan, clearly the aftermath of last night have not gone away yet.

"Mother, if we're going to spend more time together, you need to do something." Shu asked in a serious tone.

"What's that Shu?" Jiao asked, taking a break with the knife to avoid injury.

"You need to stop judging my boyfriend and our son." Shu demanded.

"Okay." Jiao answered simply.

"I mean it!" Shu continued. "Don't ridicule their appearance, interests, dress habits or backgrounds. They are a family I made on my own, so to me, they always come first. So if you do anything like last night, I'll take them back home and end the vacation then and there. Understand?" her tone was filled with seriousness with an unmovable will.

"I understand, Shu." Jiao answered in an equally serious tone.

And with that, the family cooked a quick morning meal while planning their upcoming family week. Nearly an hour later the five wolves left the pottery shop to make the preparations for the following week. The day, like before, was warm and hot. Again the sun was unforgiving with the summer atmosphere on the fur coated family. As the young boy and two women strolled towards the famous noodle shop the Valley became known for, the two fathers went the opposite direction, heading towards the market area.

((()-()))

Laid out amongst its fellow lookalikes of nearby produce, a bright red apple was picked up and held before inspected for ripeness. Gin looked closely, his eyes paying detailed attention for any signs of rot or bruising on the fruit. After a good couple minutes of inspection, he concluded on his decision.

"I'll take five of these, please." He asked calmly.

"O-of, course… sir." The apple cart duck replied.

As the produce merchant handled the newly bought fruit, his arms slightly shook and his speech was fidgeted. Gen noticed that every now and then the duck's feathery hands would be positioned by his waist, likely to remind himself of a knife or small dagger in his possession for self defense. His arms continued to shake slightly as he handed the filled bag to his canine customer. Gen gave a thankful nod and walked on his way. As he continued to gather supplies, he constantly felt the weight of many eyes upon him. Everywhere he, or his brothers went, there were always nearby people feeling uneasy. Women hiding in their homes, men keeping tools and small weapons close to their hands and children would almost instantly run to play somewhere else. A scenario like this made Gen wonder how his sister truly made a good life here, with people seemingly always afraid of her, or rather her species. Then again, he understood their point of view. If one ox moved into their village, everybody would get used to the small change eventually. Now if a whole group settled in, or even just stayed for a few days, that would certainly put all the townsfolk on edge. Most of the time the family of lupines have spent away from home, anybody who didn't sport a thick fur coat or large bushy tail gave the same on edge and fearful reaction. Gen tried his best to keep his mind off of his current reality. But an attempt like that is rather difficult when almost everybody around you acted like a constant reminder of the social image wolves were known to have.

As the lupine continued down the market street, he saw that his two brothers were conversing with father, and from the looks of it, Zhong as well. Gen quickly walked to join them, eager to know the answer to the proposal him and his brother conspired together.

"Hello father." Gen greeted politely.

"Ah, Gen, we've got good news; Shu, Erdan and Zhong have agreed to your little idea." Renshu gladly reported.

"Really?" Gen asked, turning towards Zhong.

"Well, it took a minute of thinking, and it's not how I would first consider my plans for the week, but we all agreed it might do some good." Zhong answered.

"And Shu thinks it's alright and all, with… mother?" Gen questioned.

Renshu placed his paw on his grown son's shoulder while beaming a smile. "My boy, there's no way I'd wed your mother if I couldn't, at least, get some things my way." The middle aged wolf's eyes moved around, seeing the silent reactions of his sons, and possible son-in-law. "Um… please don't tell her I said that."

"No problem." Gen replied.

"My snout is sealed." Gin answered with making the zipping motion across his mouth.

"I make no promises." Ru stated with a cocky grin, earning a serious glare from his father. "I, I'm just joking!"

Zhong, wanting to deliver his girlfriend's savings and return on time, budged into the conversation. "Look, I don't mean to interrupt, but I need to get this to a friend for safe keeping while we're away, and I need to go now, so if you'll excuse me."

The one eyed wolf started his way down the village road and towards the grand Jade Palace stairway, but before he left he felt the tap of a paw on his shoulder from behind.

"Hey, Zhong." Gin asked. "Mind if I come along? I need a break from… you know who."

"I heard that!" Ru shouted before coming to join them. "You know what… I'd like to go too."

A face of annoyance bared on Gin. "…Fine."

"So, where are we headed?" Ru asked.

Zhong simply pointed upwards, to the Jade Palace atop the mountain overshadowing the Valley. Gin raised an eyebrow while Ru made gasp-like laugh.

"Ok, let's be serious now, where are we headed?" Ru asked.

"Oh now you want to be serious." Gin replied sarcastically.

"Shut up." Ru scorned jokingly.

Zhong turned to his fellow lupines and stated "I'm serious, that's where I work."

Instantly both of their expressions turned to bafflement.

"You mean, you really work up at that fancy house-thing on top of the hill?" Ru questioned in a legitimately curious manor.

"You mean a palace and a mountain." Gin corrected.

"I know what those words are." Ru protested.

"Then why didn't you use them the first time?" Gin argued.

The two brothers bickered as Zhong just sighed before starting his way. He knew time was money, so he simply begun his hike. By the time Ru and Gin noticed he was gone, they quickly ran after their new pack member. But by the time they caught up with Zhong, the two were faced with a climb they never prepared for. As the younger (by a few minutes) brothers journeyed to the Jade Palace, Gen continued to be the responsible one, and helped father gather supplies for their new company members. Meanwhile, the youngest of the pack, and the two women, prepared for some negotiations with a local restaurant owner.

((()-()))

Ping's noodle shop bustled with sounds of kitchen wares cooking and customers consuming delicious homemade soup. On weekdays the store would get its main income of hungry buyers in the mid-day hours or maybe the evening. But on weekends, the store becomes full with families treating themselves to a nice meal out on the town. Couples conversed while sipping noodles, children played table games while waiting for their orders, and a well known panda helped with his adoptive father with cooking and serving the various dishes the restaurant had to offer. Mr. Ping chopped carrots while listening to people's orders. A multitasking skill he developed over years of careful management of reflexes with a knife.

"I'd like the ping pan noodle, please." A pig man asked.

"Coming right up sir" Ping replied.

The pig man left to go find a seat as a rabbit woman took her turn at the desk.

"Could I have a bowl of dumplings to split?" She asked.

"We'll get it to you soon." Ping answered.

The rabbit woman left to her seat as another, more familiar voice placed a quite different order as the goose poured the freshly chopped produce into a pot of boiling stew.

"I would like a few minutes to talk with you Mr. Ping, please."

The goose looked back, surprised to see his young employee baring a welcoming smile and dressed in his normal village attire, complete with his red bandana around his neck.

"Erdan? What are you doing here?" Ping asked.

"If it wouldn't be any trouble, I need to speak with you about something." Erdan asked.

"Did you start working for a new restaurant!?" Ping questioned suddenly.

The teen wolf took a second to be silent before correcting himself. "Um, no… I just need to have a talk with you and my mom."

Mr. Ping then looked over to a table where Shu was sitting, along with another wolf, an older female lupine by the looks of her.

"Ok, but just for a few minutes." The goose stated before walking from the kitchen to the table where he'd have this 'talk'.

Po came to the front desk, seeing that his honorary little brother had come to the noodle shop. The lovable panda displayed his usual friendly, optimistic attitude as he greeted his friend.

"Hey Erdan, what brings you here on your day off?" Po asked while taking a quick break from cooking.

"Hi Po, I'm here cuss my-"

"Erdan, time is money!" Mr. Ping shouted, interrupting the boy.

"Sorry, I gotta go." Erdan explained.

But before he left Po gave his friend a bowl of dumplings to split, saying "Here, it's on the house, just don't tell my dad that, k?"

Erdan simply made a zipping motion across his mouth, replying in their own little secret motion language. The panda returned to cooking and serving orders while his younger wolf brother joined his boss and family for their negotiations. After being introduced to Shu's mother, and snacking on dumplings (which Ping believed Erdan paid for) He heard the proposal Erdan had for some time off, explaining the positives it could have. Mr. Ping though, didn't see the idea of a sudden get away as appealing.

"A whole week!?" Ping questioned.

"It's just one week, Mr. Ping." Erdan explained. "Afterwards I'll be back and I'll work an extra hour for seven days to make up for it."

"Erdan… I don't know." Ping pondered out loud.

Shu, decided to insert herself into the conversation. "Look Mr. Ping, I'd be good for Erdan to have some time away from his life here just for a bit."

The goose's focused look remained unchanged, despite the arguments the two lupines made.

"Erdan I need you, without someone else to help, running the shop can be difficult on my own."

"But not as much on weekdays, and I'll be back by next Saturday, I promise." Erdan proclaimed.

"And a wolf always keeps his promises, right?" Ping replied, followed by a sincere nod from Erdan.

Upon hearing that saying, Jiao sported a curious expression and leaned by her daughter.

"Shu, what kind of saying is that?" Jiao whispered.

"Erdan says that's a creed that's been in his family. It's something he takes very seriously."

After a few minutes of back and forth banter, the goose still was unsure of this sudden time off Erdan was asking for. So Shu decided to come to her son's aid with a last resort argument she saved if needed.

"Mr. Ping" Shu joined in. "I know how it feels to have the weight of your business' success on your shoulders. But, Erdan hasn't been with others of his kind for quite some time. Ever since he lost his parents, he hasn't had many opportunities to explore his race's culture. And even less these days. So, please, let him have the week off…I know you think of him like a second son, right?"

The goose looked at Erdan, this young wolf who had been a great help and sometimes greater company on lonely days. He never would be one to admit to anyone, but he did see his employee like another kid of his own. After giving a sigh, he concluded that after all Erdan's done for him, it's only right for him to do something for the boy.

"Alright, you can have the week off Erdan." Ping finally answered.

"Thank you, Mr. Ping." Erdan replied with gratitude.

Then, an idea popped in the goose's head.

"On one condition though." Ping suddenly said.

"Sure, anything." Erdan replied.

The goose then held a feathery finger up, signaling the three wolves to wait as the avian man rushed into his store. While waiting, Jiao was able to have a few words with her daughter and grandson.

"I have to say, that Mr. Ping is not an easy man to talk with." Jiao said while eating the last dumpling.

"Yeah, he's always dead focused on profits." Shu replied.

"Now that's a mindset you should have with you potter shop, Shu."

"You mean constantly thinking about getting as much money as possible?" Shu asked with a slightly offended tone.

"You run a business, a business that provides food and care, of course it's what you should think about often." Jiao answered in her usual self-sure manor.

"Well what about passions, aren't those worth more than a few coins?" Shu protested.

"Of course sweety… but you need to focus on things that are actually important." Jiao answered.

Shu, internally furious, simply looked away while crossing her arms. Erdan decided to stay out of this matter, and soon after the goose return, placing down a box full of papers. Both were filled with fliers for business. Taking one and looking at it, the advert said 'Ping's Noodle Shop. Home of the Dragon Warrior. It's Noodlerific!'.

"Mr. Ping, are these signs?" Erdan asked.

"That's right. I'll let you go on your vacation, if you post all these handmade signs for us." The goose answered, smiling at the free labor he was getting.

"Us?" Shu asked.

"There are adverts for Jimbo's place too." Ping said as he pulled out of the box and showed another sign.

The advert said 'Jimbo's Dumpling Hut; Where Home Cooking Comes to You. It's Dumptacular!'.

"Noodlerific?" Shu quoted questionably.

"Dumptacular?" Erdan said confusingly.

"I wrote them myself." Mr. Ping explained.

Despite the… well crafted slogans… Erdan figured that a small task wouldn't be too difficult.

"Sure, I'll get all these up before I'm back." Erdan said.

"Very good, now, if we're done, I have a shop to run." Mr. Ping stated before returning to the kitchen with his son.

Erdan placed the few posters that were on the table back into the box with the rest of the adverts. Him, Shu and Jiao left the noodle shop and returned back home to finish their preparations.

((()-()))

Gen slowly scrolled his finger down his list. Various written items were checked off. Little remained of the provisions to acquire for the return trip, almost everything needed was either bought or waiting at Shu's house. The son and father lupines exited the market area as Gen crossed off and almost finished his list. Unlike his brothers, Gen was always collective and organized. Since young age he always found a sense of satisfaction with keeping his possession and tasks in an orderly manor. He could never understand how his siblings could never realize the benefits of his organization methods, despite the numerous attempts to convert them to a more stabilized way of accomplishing goals. Despite the lack of mathematical enlightenment they lacked, Gen often found himself supporting the family, and was thankful that at the least, his parents knew the pros to well paced thinking.

Renshu held bags of food and goods, ready to return back to Shu's home. He began to walk down one way at the fork of a road, when he felt his son's paw tap on his shoulder.

"What's the matter? We got everything, didn't we?" Renshu questioned.

"Yes, we did father. But, I'd like to try out the food of a local business while we're here." Gen informed.

Renshu turned and faced his grown son. "What kind of place?"

Gen reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a folded up poster he found. He opened it up, showing it to be a picture of a goat enjoying a bowl of dumplings while an over exaggerated smile spread across his face. The picture was well drawn, if not a bit out there with its choice of bright coloring.

"Jimbo's Dumpling Hut; Where Home Cooking Comes To You. It's Dumptactular!" Renshu read the advert before giving his opinion. "What kind of idiot wrote that slogan?"

"Well, bad writing aside, I've heard it's a good place to eat, and the food is well cooked. I was wanting to pick some up and take it back home for all of us to have for lunch."

Renshu looked at his son, who gazed hopefully with eager eyes. The middle aged wolf sighed. He wanted to avoid interacting with the locals as much as possible. Past experiences taught him its best to avoid dens that breed only trouble. But, with some thinking, he deduced that with only a few hours left before departure, granted his son's request could be acceptable, especially if it was a favor from the one son who didn't act like an idiot half the time.

"Alright, we'll go get some dumplings." Renshu approved.

"Dumptactular!" Gen replied with a sheepish smile.

Renshu stopped walking for a moment and turn to his son in bafflement.

"Never. Say. That. Again." Renshu ordered seriously with a side of embarrassment.

Gen stayed quiet, listening to his father's request, someone had too in this family. Five minutes later the two found the business they were looking for. The Dumpling Hut, a small building, likely only featuring a kitchen and storeroom inside its walls. The dining area was almost outdoors, with most of the tables and chairs placed under a wooden built roof. Barely anyone was around, apart from the staff, which consisted of a goat father and his two teenage boys. The overall appearance of the eatery gave off a homemade vibe, with its décor and menu. The two wolves walked to the window counter to place orders, ringing the wind chime to signal when customers arrived.

Quickly the owner of the shop came to the front window. Immediately Jimbo took mental note of his two newest customers. Both of them were wolves. He set back any pondering thoughts and focused on his services.

"Welcome… What would you two like?" The goat father asked in his usual marketing manor.

"Um… two dozen for our family to split." Gen ordered.

"Two… Dozen. Ok." Jimbo looked back towards the kitchen. "Boys, an order for two dozen dumplings!"

"Alright dad!" Kenny shouted back as his brother James prepared the food.

Curious about the unfamiliar faces in the Valley, Jimbo decided get to know these men a bit.

"So, what brings you two to the Valley, we don't get many wolves out here."

Gen was the first to reply. "We came to visit a relative who lives here."

Jimbo raised an eyebrow while he asked "Would that relative by any chance own a pottery shop?"

"Yeah, her name is Shu." Renshu answered. "She's my daughter."

"Oh" Jimbo replied. "I didn't think I'd meet her family."

"You're friends with my sister?" Gen asked.

"Well… not exactly. We're good neighbors, and my boys are friends with her son." The goat father said while fixing a hanging sign above him.

"How long have you known them?" Gen asked.

"Well, not very long, though at first I was pretty… un-neighborly to them." Jimbo said with a hint of shame.

"I'm not surprised by that." Renshu mumbled.

The middle aged father never liked the idea interacting with local folk. And it didn't shock him that someone living here would socially mistreat his daughter and her new family. However Renshu was unaware that Jimbo heard his grumbled opinion, causing the goat to change his attitude to friendly and optimistic to suspicious and a little offended.

"So, is this Dumpling Hut a family business." Gen asked.

"Yep, my boys and I run it." Jimbo replied plainly.

"Has it been a traditional family thing?" Gen asked again.

"No, it's just something I started to keep my family secure." Jimbo informed.

"And your sons are willing to help?" Gen asked.

"Well, they were a bit hesitant at first, but they understood my intention and decided to help." Jimbo said with a hint of pride.

Gen listened with a sliver of envy. "Already they sound more reliable then my brothers. Don't tell them I said this, but they can be a bit… unintelligent."

"Absent minded more like it, like last night." Renshu replied.

"Hey, nobody got hurt last night." Gen told back.

"Good thing. What with you three shooting bow and arrows when you don't know how!?" Renshu scolded.

Jimbo then dropped everything he was doing, suddenly bringing his fullest attention to this startling revelation.

"Wait, wait… say what!?" Jimbo shouted.

"Last night my boys were shooting arrows without knowing how." Renshu answered.

It didn't take a genius to put two and two together. Once Jimbo realized the cause of his late night trauma, his anger and fury boiled.

"It, it was you… it was you people!" Jimbo yelled.

"What do you mean?" Renshu questioned.

"Last night, I was almost killed by an arrow flying into my bedroom, and almost piercing my head. It was your family that almost killed me!" Jimbo shouted with righteous fury.

"Now hold on." Gen interrupted. "Let me just say that it was my brother who most likely shot that arrow, not the rest of us."

Despite Gen's attempt to calm nerves, Jimbo's anger only continued to burst.

"Well you can tell your moronic son, that he nearly committed murder!" the goat yelled to Renshu's face.

"HEY!" Renshu shouted back. "He may be an idiot, but he's my idiot son, so shut your mouth!"

A moment of hostile silence came, both fathers eyeing each other with vengeful glares.

"Maybe you deserved it, what with how you treated my daughter before!" Renshu said back with a still furious tone.

"Excuse me!?" Jimbo yelled back.

Then, Kenny came with a straw box full of cooked and ready dumplings. "Alright, you're order is-" but only a second later the boy's box was snatched by his father before being forcefully shoved to Renshu. Gen gave the money for payment as Jimbo gave a dark stare at Renshu.

"Enjoy those Dumplings, because they will be the only ones you or your sons will ever get from me." He then shouted. "NOW GET OUT!"

Renshu contemplated on verbally retaliating, but a paw on his shoulder and a look from his son convinced him it wasn't worth the effort. The two wolves walked away from the shop as Jimbo told Kenny to man the front desk while he works on some dough to vent his anger. The father and son lupines slowly made their way back to Shu's shop/house, still effected emotionally by the outburst fuelled fight that just transpired. Gen looked at his father, his face pointing downwards as he walked, and his face shown with now controlled anger.

"Father, are you… alright?" Gen asked.

Renshu stopped for a moment, sighed and then looked to his son. Regret beamed in his eyes. "This is why I never like to leave home." His tone now filled with sorrow and loathing.

Not much was said afterwards, and the two made their way back to Shu's house, with dumplings that seemed to not be worth the trouble.

((()-()))

High up top the small mountain overlooking the Valley, the Jade Palace stood with all of its splendor and spectacle. The grand home of China's greatest heroes, built by the late Oogway, and since its completion has watched over the peaceful citizens below, it's shadow giving a comforting shade and a reminder of protection.

Climbing up the thousand steps leading to the fabled home, three wolves pressed onwards and upwards. The leading lupine was enduring the hike well, this after all was far from his first trek up the stone staircase. The young wolf by him experienced some strain, but nothing he couldn't handle, given his physical condition from hard labor and previous hiking. The third member of the group however, wasn't so enthused with the difficult escalation.

Ru trudged slowly up the stairs, exhaustion and swore muscles ached inside his legs and arms. His tongue dangling out of his mouth while he was panting with exhaustion. Slowly his took one step after the other before he finally had enough and sat down on the flat stone step. Gin looked back, noticing his brother staying put and resting.

"Are you ok Ru?" Gin asked.

"Y-yeah… I… just… need… a… rest…" Ru answered tiredly.

Zhong looked back as well, noticing the younger man taking a break.

"You feeling alright?" Zhong shouted.

"…I'll… be… fine…" Ru shouted back.

"Alright, just come up when you're ready, ok?" The one eyed wolf yelled down.

"… Alright…" Ru answered back loudly.

Zhong looked at Gin, concerned for the struggling fellow wolf. "Is he gonna be fine, being up here with the heat and all?"

Gin raised an eyebrow as he answered in a slightly fed up tone. "Yeah, he's just lazy."

"Are you sure? He seems kinda… drained out." Zhong questioned as he looked down at Ru, almost motionless and laying on the stairway.

"Yeah, yeah… he's just never the type to get his paws dirty, or work extra hard… like, at all." Gin answered.

"And yet you three run a business together?" Zhong asked.

"Well, 'going into business' is more like it, but yeah. It's honestly a world wonder how we've managed to get this far." Gin explained.

Zhong took the younger man's word, deciding to listen to one more experienced with the (as it seems to be) the slacker of the family. Keeping his girlfriend's saving safe inside a box wrapping in his arms, Zhong continued up the stairs alongside Gin. The remaining hike was demanding on their physical capabilities, but nothing two grown, strong lupines couldn't conquer. After what seemed to be an hour long upward trek, Zhong and Gin finally reached the Jade Palace. Wasting no time, they both traversed through the palace grounds. For Zhong it was like an ordinary day. But Gin was finding himself glaring with awe at the majesty of the grand home of Kung Fu. Ever room featured ancient artifacts, hundreds of scrolls of wisdom, or deadly crafted weaponry. In no time the two finally reached the training hall, where the remaining masters were currently partaking in their master's latest lesson.

Shifu remained quiet, observant and focused. Sitting in front of him were his five students, all relaxed on the training hall floor with their legs crossed, their paws (the ones that had paws) resting on their knees (the ones that had knees) and both eyes closed. Their minds were opening to their inner selves, concentrating on achieving what only the truly devoted of masters can do, inner peace. For many, martial arts is seen primarily as skill of empowerment. But one of the core principles of Kung Fu is the pursuit of the true self buried deep within one's soul. Only through the journey of a warrior spirit, can a master unlock his true mental talents. Shifu understood well the benefits of tuned souls and calm minds. And so he enchouraged his students to pursue their inner peace as well, through meditation and the searching within their souls. The red panda looked out at his pupils; Tigress and crane, being some of the most serious of the Furious Five, were the pinnacle of discipline and focus. Monkey and Mantis always did their best to keep their heads in tune with their soul, but every once in a while the simian master would crack a smile and a small chuckle could be heard, likely remembering a humorous joke or prank from recent past. He was after all, a practical trickster in heart. Viper would always remain with the upmost stillness. But being a snake, if one didn't know better, could mistake the serpent woman for dozing off. Shifu beamed a small smile, proud of the devotion and determination his students showed.

Shifu looked to his right, gazing at the ray of sunlight beaming from outside and through the nearby window. The positioning of the light told that midday was almost upon them. With a quick moment of thinking, the teacher decided that a meal break could be suitable after a long morning of reflection.

"Well, we've been meditating for some time now. I believe now is an appropriate time for lunch." Shifu spoke.

The group of six collectively stood up and proceeded to exit the training hall for the middle of day meal. But as Shifu, who lead the group, approached the doors to outside, he could hear the sounds of footsteps coming. Just as the red panda was about the grab the door handle, the exit slid open for a familiar one eyed wolf.

"Zhong?" Shifu spoke surprised.

The Five all shared their master's shock at the sudden and unexpected arrival of their fellow warrior and friend.

"What are you doing here, on a Saturday?" Monkey asked.

Zhong entered the hall, holding a box and stepping in while the rest of the masters back up and gave him space.

"Uh, hey… Something has come up today." Zhong started, thinking of how to properly explain the events leading to this moment.

"Anything bad happen?" Tigress asked with a face of slight worry showing.

"Well-"

"Damn… this place is something else!" A voice sounded from behind the lupine.

Out of nowhere, a fellow wolf walked into the training hall. He was young and strong, with a simple outfit and a face of awe and impressments.

"Zhong, I gotta say; you work in an impressive place." Gin said joining his guide.

Suddenly, the young adult wolf realized that the room he entered was filled with Kung Fu masters. A Tiger woman who was alert, and yet, attractive in Gin's eyes. A monkey, praying mantis, snake woman, crane and a red panda with a cane were all staring at him. A sense of uneasiness washed over Gin a bit, feeling the weight of more than a dozen eyes staring at him.

"Zhong, who is this guy?" Tigress asked.

"This is-"

"Hey Zhong?" Gin interrupted.

"What Gin?" Zhong replied.

"Who's the sexy cat?" Gin whispered.

Zhong looked with confusion at the younger man as he told her name. He could see the intent in Gin's eyes, eyes that he's seen before from men driven by their most… rawest of instincts. While he first considered ending this issue here and now, the ex-general realized the golden opportunity before him.

"Is she single?" Gin asked, keeping his quiet tone.

"Yes, she is… and she loves to be wooed on." Zhong whispered back mischievously.

"Really?" Gin replied while a sly smile tugged his lips.

The young man then braced himself and approached the feline master. Just as the other warriors were about the stop it, Zhong silently halted them, eager to see the practical joke about to happen before him. Gin stood just a couple feet away from Tigress, a sly smile and a confident attitude accompanied his body language, passing off a masculine and tough.

"Hey, kitty… aren't you lovely today?" Gin greeted.

Tigress stayed silent, wondering just who is this… buffoon was.

"You know, if you're gonna be lonely this evening, I could treat something special." Gin proposed as he flexed his biceps and nodded his eyebrows. Tigress remained silent and her posture unchanged as the wolf continued. "You, me and a moonlight dinner, just the two of us, what do ya say?" Gin offered as he placed his paw on the tiger's shoulder.

In a split Tigress almost instantly grabbed Gin's paw with her own. She applied a grip on his limb with that of iron or steel.

"Woah, you… you've, got quite a grasp." Gin said in surprise. In just seconds his confident attitude was replaced with fear and pain. "Ok, let me go now."

Tigerss ignored his demands, only increasing the pressure she applied to her grip. Meanwhile, Monkey, Mantis and Zhong all tried their best to contain their laughter at the humorous sight.

"Let me go!" Gin yelled in pain. "Get this crazy woman off me!"

He was now on his knees and practically begging for sweat release. Tigress then pulled him close. A face of controlled fury was what met Gin as he instantly regretted his recent life choices.

"I'll tell you two things." Tigress answered to Gin. "One; NO!" Gin nodded in fearful agreement. "And Two; I'd never in my entire existence show even an ounce of interest in… whatever you were… offering." She said with a face of slight disgust.

Finally the tiger let go of him, making the wolf back off away from her. His spare paw tended to his hurt arm as lightly agonizing pain coursed through his stressed limb.

"What the hell! This is my dominate arm! I use it for work… and stuff." Gin yelled.

Half of the rest of the warriors all burst with laughter as Shifu tended to Gin's arm. As the red panda made a few pressure strikes, the pain was passing.

"It'll recover fully in an hour." Shifu reassured.

Tigress looked at Zhong with a disapproving face. "Alright, so who is this guy, ZHong?" She asked.

After calming down after his laughter, the one eyed wolf answered. "He's one of Shu's brothers."

"WHAT!?" The rest of the master said shockingly and collectively.

Zhong then proceeded to explain the events of just last night, all leading up to this moment. But as informed his friends and master of the new visitors in the Valley, another of Shu's relatives remained on the stone stairs still. He looked up at the sky, and laid on the large step. In the little time he stayed in his little spot, thoughts of what his brother said before echoed in his mind.

('He's just lazy') Ru thought.

He looked up at the rest of the stairs. They appeared very imposing and daunting. Ru then remembered all the times in his life when he was told to not be a slacker. To finish what he starts, and be productive in his life every day. So after getting up and looking up at the rest of the stairway, He breathed in and out. He mentally prepared himself muttering "I'm not lazy. I'm not lazy. I'm… not… lazy." And then, he boldly took his first step forward again. The scorching heat, the pain in his legs, the tiredness of his body, all of which couldn't compare to the self shame of failure. With courage, strength and determination, Ru climbed up those stairs, ready to prove once and for all, that he's not lazy.

As Ru faced his perilous trial, Zhong finished his explanation and told of the proposal Shu's family made, that of a weekly vacation. Needless to say, the master and warriors of the Jade Palace were surprised by such urgent news. Shifu stroked his chin before giving his opinion.

"Well, as… sudden as this all is, I think a vacation would be very good for you, Zhong."

"So, can you guy keep Shu's savings safe?" Zhong asked.

"Of course." Shifu replied.

Mantis jumped on Zhong's shoulder, saying "Wow Zhong, what are the odds you get a week long vacation, right when Shifu gives you a whole week off?"

"It is a little… coincidental huh?" Zhong replied as he shrugged his shoulders.

"Life does work out in strange ways sometimes." Shifu added.

Crane, with a gaze of looking into empty space, contributed to the conversation, saying "You ever think that maybe our lives and the events surrounding them aren't ours to choose, and are simply just written down by someone or something, like fate or destiny?"

The entire room went silent. All the masters (plus one idiot) were simply speechless, unknowing of what to say or respond to their friend's brief suggestion of existential query.

"Nahhhh." Monkey plainly said.

A duck servant of the palace came and took the box of money from Zhong's paws, taking it away to be safe under lock and key.

"So Zhong, when do you and Shu's family leave?" Viper asked.

Gin budded in, still feeling his paw, and staying a good distance away from Tigress. "We're actually setting out in just a couple hours. Mom and Dad have been away from the village for a while, and want to return soon."

Viper, thinking over of what Gin explained, got an idea out of that plucky brain of his. "Hey, how about we all head down to the village and see Zhong, Erdan and Shu off when they leave the Valley?"

Shifu, with a warm smile replied "Sounds like a good idea."

"I agree." Tigress added, giving a small grin at the edge of her lips.

Gin joined in, stating "Well, If you're all going to see us leave, we better get back down to the village now, it's almost noon."

Shifu nodded before replying "Very well, we can all get something to eat while at the village while we're there."

The rest of the masters agreed to the notion and together the group of eight left the training hall. While exiting the palace grounds, Gin was keeping his distance from Tigress. Rightly so in the mind of the feline warrior, given the shallow intent she pegged him to have. She couldn't understand how a kindhearted woman like Shu could have such a womanizer for a sibling. As Shifu led the group to the infamous thousand stairs, they noticed someone coming up to them. Another wolf, who had been climbing up the stone stairway. His body tired and sweat dripping down his forehead and bearing a face of exhaustion. And yet, for all his trouble, upon looking down at the mountain he had just climbed, a face of pride and an accomplished energy took over his character.

"Yes… YES!" Ru shouted in triumph. "I've done it, I finished it!"

Zhong, Shifu and the rest of the group looked at the young man who was basking in his personal glory.

"That's right world!" Ru continued to shout for the universe to hear. "What's this here? Oh it's a thousand stairs. You thought you were better than me? You thought you were greater than me? Well look who's on top now!"

Gin could only smile sheepishly at the sight of his brother, while the rest just gazed in confusion.

"You laughed at me from above, well now… I LAUGH AT YOU!" Ru proclaimed. "HA HA HA HA HA HA!" The adrenaline of victory was like the combination of joy and pride mixed into an elixir of life itself. "That's right; they said it couldn't be done. They all said I was a fool… they all said I was mad… well they can all take a hike! Over at the loser hill!"

The man was practically drunk on his accomplishment.

"HEAR ME, VALLEY OF PEACE! MY NAME IS RU, AND I. HAVE. CONQUERED. YOU!"

Ru took a moment to calm down, finally finished with channeling his energy into this victory cry. A couple minutes passed, a moment of calm after a rather… unusual declaration of triumph. The masters and Ru simply just stood nearly five feet away, watching the show. Ru, now feeling complete and proud, turned around and saw his brother, Zhong and a group of various animals of different species and sizes.

"Oh, hey guys… what's up?" Ru asked with a smile on his face.

Gin smiled simply and replied "We're going back down now."

"CRAP!" Ru shouted in anger.

((()-()))

Down in the Valley, within the inner area of the village, stood the Hao residence. A humble little home, occupied by a family of three rabbits, and long time citizens of the town. In the home, making his way to the front door, Gerald readied himself for a small outing. He held his money pouch in his pocket securely as he grabbed the door handle. But before he set out, he turned back to his wife and son, who were sitting at the dining table.

"I'm going out to the market. Fang, can I get you anything?" Gerald asked.

His son turned and the young rabbit replied "…Freedom?"

"I don't want that kind of attitude when I return later. Understand!?" Gerald scorned.

Fang simply grumbled and looked away from his father. Gerald looked to his wife, seating by the table and nodding at him, signaling to go now. The father bunny then walked out and closed the door behind him. Now only the mother and son occupied the house. Margret looked at her son, desiring to find the root of her boy's nearly constant habit of mischief.

"Fang, why did you arrive home so late yesterday?" She asked, doing her best to remain calm.

Her son said nothing and just sat on his chair while looking away from his mother.

"Fang, do you hear me?" She asked.

"Yeah I hear you mom." Fang answered rudely.

The mother rabbit tried her best to keep her temper under control. In times like these, where paternal/ child drama would run rampant, she always turned to soothing tea to help ease her mind and judgment.

"Fang, make some tea for us now." Margret ordered.

"Why do I have to do it?" Fang talked back.

"No arguing or you'll get no dinner tonight!" She scolded.

Fang grumbled as he hopped off of his chair and prepared the kitchen. He was taught how to make tea some time ago, as a way to bring some sense of independence into the boy's life, though not the kind of freedom the kid yearned for. The stove was lit and the cups were waiting on the table. Fang opened the cabinet to find the right ingredients. Jars of spices and grounded leaves and plants populated the shelf. Just as he grabbed a jar of grounded leaves, he spotted a special jug. One filled with a special spice. For a moment the bunny boy contemplated on what to do, before he took the special jug down. Once the water was hot, he placed spices in the cups, poured water and stirred. Within a few minutes the scent of fresh beverages floated into the air. Fang then brought the cups of tea to the table before sitting down. His mother smelled her drink before taking her first sip and continuing her talk with her rebel of a son.

"Fang, please tell me… why do you always cause trouble wherever you go? It's not good for you at all?" She questioned.

Her son however, remained silent, only taking small sips of his tea.

"Well… I guess we're just going to sit here and stare…" Margret's mind began to wander off. "To just sit and… and…" Her vision became a bit blurred and her head felt different… less… fueled.

"Mom" Fang asked. "Are you ok?"

She placed her paw to her head as she replied. "I feel… I feel tired."

"Maybe you should rest on your bed for a while, ok?" Fang suggested.

"O… Oh…ok." Margret replied.

She then sluggishly made her way to the bedroom that she and her husband shared. She laid on the bed, aided by her boy and laid on the mattress with her head on the pillow.

"I'll just snooze for a…" She then gave a long yawn. "A little bit."

Fang tucked her in with the blanket while saying "That's good mom, and when you awake, we can talk all you want, ok?"

But no reply was heard from the parent rabbit. Instead, fang looked and saw his gamble paid off. Margret was now slumbering peacefully. Seizing his opportunity, Fang quickly went into her room, grabbed the pair of nunchucks he got yesterday and stuffed them in his robe before leaving out the front door. He made sure to close and lock it, so his mother wouldn't be in danger (at the very least he wouldn't do that). The young rabbit boy ran down the stone roads of the village. After ten minutes of searching he finale found what he seeks.

Turning around a corner, he saw some familiar faces; three pig boys sitting together playing a tile game laid on the ground. Fang reassured that the nunchucks were still in his robe, and with anticipation, he casually walked towards his foes. The three brothers played the game set as the middle sibling kept rubbing his nose, keeping himself aware of the bandages around it. Fang smiled, seeing as the opportunity for payback was now being served to him on a silver platter. The rabbit boy walked over towards the three pigs, confident with his new toy, his pair of payback.

"Well well… look who we have here." Fang greeted.

Two of the brothers gave only dark glares while the middle boy just looked plainly.

"Get out of here you bastard!" The pig on the right replied.

"Where did you learn that word?" the pig on the left asked.

"That don't matter." The first brother replied. "You get away from our faces, or we'll have to bust you up. And you don't have you're wolf friend this time."

Fang, then sported a cocky face, replied "Oh, I won't need him this time." He then pulled out his pair of nunchucks, twirling them around for his rivals to see.

"W-where did you get that!?" One of the brothers asked.

"Oh this?" Fang answered. "I have all kinds of friends, some of them let me borrow this thing here."

"W-Well…" one of the brothers stuttered. "I-it's two against one, even with you're toy!"

"I don't care!" Fang yelled. "You three stole my money."

"It was just ten coins." The brother to the left commented as the middle piglet stayed silent and watched.

"I DON'T CARE!" Fang yelled. "You steal from me, insulted me and now called me a bastard!" a new found fear quickly settled into the two brothers. "Nobody listens to me, so I'll take my justice into my own hands!"

Fang readied his nunchucks as the two pigs became worried. Just as they were about to run, the middle brother stood up and approached the angry boy slowly. His angered rival hesitated for a moment before the injured brother pulled out a small pouch that was in his pocket. He held It out, and gave a regretful expression.

"Here… take it… its yours, isn't it?" the injured pig said.

"What are you doing?" One of his brothers asked before his sibling urged him to wait with a raised hoof.

"Yeah, what are you doing?" Fang asked in a curious yet still angry tone.

"You're right… we did steal your money… and insult you." His voice filled with regret. "You have every right to be angry. But… I don't want my brothers to have broken noses too." His two siblings were speechless of his sudden change of character. "If you want justice… then…" He then stood still with his eyes closed and waited.

"W-what… are you doing?" Fang asked still unsure of the scenario.

"Go ahead" The injured brother answered. "Leave them alone… and do what you want on me."

"Just like that?" Fang asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, just get it over with." The pig replied.

Fang then took a second to consider the outcome before him. He took the pouch of his money back and readied himself. His nunchucks ready to attack and the other two pigs backed off, but didn't leave their brother. Fang's anger came… but not his action. The rabbit paused, not even taking a first swing. His target stood still, anticipation the beating that didn't come. Fang kept reminding himself why he was angry, and that he was acting out his own justice. But something inside of him possessed his mind to cease his behavior. Though he wanted to hurt his enemy, he found himself unable to physically act out what his mind commanded. A strange silent befell the scene.

"Well… go ahead." The pig urged.

Fang looked at the pig, then his weapon, and then back at the pig again. An angry expression and a drive of confused emotions clouded his mind.

"AAAHHHHGGG!" Fang yelled as he slammed the nunchucks onto the ground in frustration. Again and again he continued until his anger was under control. "Forget it!" He shouted before walking away.

The injured brother was thankfully greeted by his siblings and once the fear of the moment passed they continued their game. Fang however, strolled down the street, concealing his weapon inside his robe. He didn't know what to think.

(Why didn't I let him have it?) The rabbit thought to himself. (He deserved it… right?") while more questioning popped into his head, a sense of falsehood was there to counter his thoughts. Eventually, he gave up attempting to make any sense of the last ten minutes. (Well… Maybe Erdan can hang out for a while.) The young rabbit then made his way down the middle street and strolled his way to Shu's pottery shop.

The main street down the village appeared just as lively as any other weekend, people strolling back and forth, rushing here and everywhere on errands and children playing their favorite games outdoors, though Fang didn't pay much attention to his neighbors. All he wanted now was to forget recent events with some company. He approached Shu's pottery shop, but was shocked at what he saw; an unfamiliar wolf taking things out of her store and loading them onto a rickshaw. The rabbit rushed over to stop the crime being committed in broad daylight.

"Hey, YOU!" Fang shouted as he approached the wolf.

The strange lupine looked around, unsure of where the sudden voice originated.

"Down here!" Fang yelled as Renshu looked down to find a young bunny. "What are you doing!"

Annoyed, Renshu replied in a frustrated tone. "Kid, I don't have time to mess around with you." He then proceeded to finish his work.

"You won't get away with this!" Fang shouted.

"Get away with what?" Renshu replied.

"You're robbing this store, aren't you!" Fang accused.

Renshu just stayed silent, his face baring a look of tiredness with local interaction. As if nothing happened, he continued his job, replying "I don't have time for stupid games, now just get lost."

He approached the front entrance of the shop, ready to take another bag of supplies into the rickshaw. Suddenly his eyes spotted a flash of grey before something dashed towards him and impacted on his body. It all went by so fast, but in a second the only thing his brain could process was the unbearable pain between his legs.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHGGGGGG!" Renshu screamed in agony as he gripped his groin with his paws.

Fang stood defensively towards the unknown wolf, when a second later, Shu and two other unfamiliar wolves came out of her store.

"Dad?" Shu then spotted Renshu on his knees. "DAD!"

Immediately she tended to her father, who was bearing unbelievable pain in his private section, the fatal flaw every man shares.

Jiao came to her husband's side. "Renshu what happened?"

The middle aged wolf then looked to Fang with a darkly glare. "THAT THING!"

Shu looked to her left and saw the familiar rabbit boy standing nearby.

"Fang what did you do!?" She asked in and angry tone.

"He was trying to steal… wait… did you call him!?" Fang replied.

"He's my father, visiting!" Shu corrected.

"Stay away from him you… you miscreant!" Jiao shouted.

As Jiao took her husband into the house to treat his injury, Erdan and Gen came out of the house in a rush, eager to see what was happening.

"F-father!?" Gen asked in shock. "What happened to you?"

Renshu simply pointed towards Fang, and in Erdan's head, all was now made clear.

"Mom, finish getting things ready, I'll have a talk with Fang." Erdan stated in an angry tone.

Shu nodded, and she gave Fang a disappointed glare before helping Gen with the supplies and food. Fang simply stood there and watched everything transpire around him.

"Hey Er…dan" Fang greeted as he saw the angry face his friend gave.

Erdan then took Fang to the side of the building, giving them some space and privacy for a few minutes.

"What did you do?" Erdan asked.

"I thought he was robbing you're mom's store, I didn't know he was your grandpa… Also, you have a grandpa now!?" Fang asked in confusion.

"Shu's relatives came by yesterday for a quick visit. And time with them hasn't been going well since." Erdan replied. "But you shouldn't have kicked him in the groin!"

"Well excuse me for wanting to protect your home from who I thought was a robber!" Fang yelled back.

"He was packing up food for our journey!" Erdan corrected again.

Fang paused with confusion.

"Wait, what journey?" Fang asked.

Erdan crossed his arms as he answered. "Shu's relatives are taking her, Zhong and me to visit my mom's home village for a week."

Fang was shocked. "S-so you're… leaving for a whole week!?"

"Yeah, I am… and maybe while I'm gone, I'll find a new best friend, one who has some actual self control in his life!" Erdan shouted in anger.

The teenage lupine began to walk back to this family, when the voice of the rabbit behind him sounded.

"Y-you… didn't mean… what you said… right?" fang asked in a subtly sad tone.

Erdan simply sighed heavily before answering "I don't know… I really don't know anymore."

As his now former best friend walked around the corner, Fang stood on the street, unable to process what to do. He sat down on the ground and dug his face into his paws. A small tear streamed down his face as slight whimpers escaped his vocals. As the family of wolves finished up their preparations, just down the street, a large group of Jade Palace warriors (plus one idiot) walked down the street to see their friends off. As Zhong and Shifu lead the group, they noticed Mr. Ping and his son, Po walk out of the noodle shop and came to join them.

"Hey guys." Po greeted happily.

"Hello Po, hello Mr. Ping." Shifu replied.

"Hello Shifu." The goose replied.

"So, did I miss anything this morning?" Po asked as they all walked down the street.

Monkey, with a sheepish grin, joined his panda buddy's side and let him in on the juiciest of gossip.

"Oh you missed a lot, like Tigress' new boyfriend." Monkey informed.

Po's expression perked up before joining Tigress and asking "Really, tigress who is-"

But his questioning was cut short when she gave a dark glare towards her comrade. Fury in her eyes, wrath in her demeanor and extended claws all screamed to not speak a word at all. Monkey meanwhile was holding his giggling best he could, that is until Shifu gave a good whack with his cane on the simian's shoulder.

"Never ask of this again." Tigress darkly commanded.

"…okay…" Po muttered as he backed off.

Tigress saw Gin keeping his distance away from her decision of good reason, for his sake. After a few minutes the large group reached Shu's shop, where a rickshaw was loaded and ready for travel. Erdan, Jiao, Renshu and Gen all waited outside the shop as the owner of the store exited and locked the door, finishing her instructions on how to care for her shop with a good friend all while her parents exited the shop, and Jiao tended to her husband.

"Feeling better, honey?" Jiao asked.

"… Only… when I get out of this town." Renshu grumbled.

The middle aged mother and father sat down by their family rickshaw as Shu wrapped up her direction with her house keeper.

"Now, you know what to do now, right?" Shu explained to the kind goat woman.

"Oh yes, I'll be just fine. And I'll keep it just as it was this day." Mrs. Yung replied.

"Good." Shu then handed the goat a key for the building. "Now keep that safe, it's the only one you'll have."

"I will." Yung replied. She then turned to Erdan, wanting to say her goodbye before he left. "Be good now Erdan, and have fun."

Erdan returned the friendly goat with a warm smile. "I will Mrs. Yung."

"Here-" She then handed Erdan a fresh apple." For the road" She said with a smile as warm as the summer sun.

"Thank you very much." Erdan replied before giving the goat a hug.

The lupine teen then noticed the Jade Palace heroes had arrived, and joined them. He spoke with Shifu, Po, Monkey, then Mantis, Viper and Crane. All while Zhong and Tigress had a small farewell chat of their own.

"You seem a little better today." Tigress commented.

"Oh, really? I guess it's from being with Shu and Erdan last night." Zhong replied.

"Well… take care of yourself, Zhong."

The one eyed wolf smiled and replied "Thanks, Tigress."

The two warriors bowed to each other, showing their respect they harbored for one another. A remarkable sight, since not that long ago, they were sworn enemies back in Gongmen City. The ex-general proceeded to join his mate and kid, when he felt a paw on his shoulder.

"And if you ever think if pulling a trick like that again, I'll kick you in a very, very unfortunate place again. Understand?" She commanded sternly.

"Y-yes… yes ma'am." Zhong replied out of fear.

"Good." Tigress simply replied.

Meanwhile, Erdan was enjoying and entertaining story that Monkey shared.

"Wait, he did what!?" Erdan said. Monkey nodded. "With… her!?" Monkey nodded once again, and the teen could help but burst with laughter. But the hilarity of the story drew in a rather threatening presence. Erdan with held his laughing to see Monkey point at something behind him with a concerned face. The boy looked behind to see the woman of the story herself just a few feet away.

"Uh… I wasn't talking about anything, right guys?" Erdan said to the rest of the warriors.

As the other guys collectively said their replies, Tigress knelt down to Erdan's level.

"take care of your dad, alright kid?" Tigress asked.

Erdan, feeling relived, answered "I, I will."

Tigress nodded with a small smile before giving a threatening look to her friends, giving the boy a break from her righteous fury. Her fellow masters behind him though, weren't in as good favor in the tiger's eyes. After the moment of danger passed, Mr. Ping took his turn for a word with Erdan.

"Erdan" The goose started.

"Yeah Mr. ping?" Erdan replied.

For a brief second Ping stayed silent, considering of what to say, or rather how to say it.

"Erdan… make sure that… all those posters get hung up, and… not damaged…ok?" But ping's words were quickly countered when the young wolf hugged his boss. Mr. Ping embraced the affection and hugged back before letting the boy go.

"I will Mr. Ping." Erdan replied with a smile.

As Zhong was taking his time to finish his temporary farewells, he looked around and saw his son, standing by the corner of Shu's shop. He went over to his son, and upon arriving at his side, noticed his boy looking out at the empty street. Zhong laid his paw on his son's shoulder and his boy looked up at his old man.

"You ok son?" Zhong asked.

Erdan looked back at the street, empty and devoid of life.

"Yeah…" Erdan answered quietly.

"Aren't you gonna say goodbye to Fang?" Zhong asked.

Erdan turned and walked back to the group, answering "I already have."

Zhong took note that something was bothering his boy, so he halted his son and knelt to his boy's level.

"If… you'd rather stay here, there's still time?" Zhong proposed.

"No." Erdan replied. "Let's go on the trip."

"Are you sure?" Zhong asked.

"Yeah, let's go." Erdan answered.

Ten minutes later the family was ready and packed. Renshu and Jiao sat in the rickshaw, and Zhong volunteered to take the first carry for a while. Shu held her bag around her shoulder and Erdan wore his backpack, ready and able. Gen, Gin and Ru were eager to get going. But before they left, Shifu approached Zhong for a quick word.

"Zhong" Shifu started. "I want you to keep meditating while gone, and too keep finding you're peace again."

"I will, master." Zhong replied.

The wolf then made his paw into a fist and pressed it against his free paw, which was an open palm. He bowed, and Shifu did the same, a sign of respect between teacher and student. And with farewells done with, the family of wolves began their journey. Due to age and past injury, Jiao traveled in their rickshaw with her husband. So Zhong carried the rickshaw, which the three brothers would normally take turns doing, while Shu, Erdan, Gen, Gin and Ru walked along side it. Shifu, Po, the Five, Mr. Ping and Mrs. Yung waved goodbye as the pack of lupines left the Valley of Peace, and begun their week long getaway.