Morning had arrived and I was glad not to wake up in an old dungeon this time. The only problem was my neck which still hurt from the tight rope that I had around me yesterday, not to mention the few bruises from Yinshen. I suppose I should consider myself lucky given the circumstances of last night where I might have died. Seeing how I was up, I might as well make myself breakfast. I rose from my bed and left my room. As I did, I was happy to see that the tied up gorillas were now gone. Probably taken by the royal guard. I made my way into the kitchen and started scanning for food.

Okay, we have bread, noodles, potatoes and several other vegetables in. I hope that someone is heading into the village for more supplies later on. I guess the only thing I could have for breakfast was the bread. I took a couple of slices and placed them onto a plate before sitting down and eating. Soon enough, Crane entered. Looking a little down.

"Hey Mike".

"Hi Crane. Sleep well"?

I asked, ready to turn away as I was certain that he had his nasal thingimajig, I'll admit I never really bothered to learn the name of the tool, but relaxed as I noticed he wasn't carrying it with him. "

Yeah, yeah. I sleep fine... Although I can't say the same for Viper".

"What do you mean"?

"I guess she's down on the whole breaking up thing soooo... I was planning on talking to you about it".

Oh Jesus Christ! Why is everybody and their mothers so interested in me dating Viper, or in this case used to?

"Look, Crane. There's nothing to talk about okay? We went out on one date, got into an argument, I broke up with her, the end. It's as simple as that".

"I know it's none of my business but you could at least hear me out".

I looked Crane in the eye to see him nearly pleading to talk to me, much like when a child wants a cookie. I really didn't want to do this but I doubted that he'd leave me alone until I did. So instead of saying anything, I just spun my tail round in a gesture for him to continue.

"Viper's a nice girl Mike. I mean she's smart, funny, beautiful"-

"Well maybe you should go out with her then". I half joked.

"But she seems to have a bigger connection with you than the rest of us. I think you should maybe... reconsider going out with her again".

"Crane, I'm sorry but Viper's time and mine together are over, even if it lasted a few days. Plus I think it was the right decision".

"Why do you say that"?

"Because I'm... I'm... not the right guy for her and I never will be". I spoke, unable to tell the avian the truth. I only hope that I would be able to tell them soon. Little did I know that that time would be sooner than I thought.

"Well, can you at least see how she's doing? I checked up with her earlier and she seems to be a little upset".

I suppose he had a point. I should check if she's okay.

"I'll go and check on her. But that's it Crane, okay"?

"That's all I ask".

I left the last slice of toast on the plate and slithered up to Vipers door. I looked to see that Crane remained in the kitchen. I didn't really want to do this. Sometimes, women don't react all too positive to the guys that have broken up with them. I can't say that it's ever happened to me but there's a first time for everything right? I softly knocked on the door.

"Come in". Came Viper on the opposite side.

I entered and saw Viper resting on her bed. I saw the giant box of chocolate was opened and that a couple, out of the hundred remaining, had been eaten. She looked up to see me standing in the entrance.

"Hi Viper, I just wanted to see how you were doing". I spoke up after a few awkward seconds had passed between us.

"I'm doing fine. I guess". She spoke with a hint of boredom.

"Look, about last night... I know you're a little upset with the answer I gave but it WAS for the best".

"And why was it for the best"?

"Well... let's just say I'm not the snake you think I am".

"What do you mean"?

"I'd rather not explain".

Viper got up from her bed and made her way past me. "Very well".

As I expected her to leave, she instead got in between me and the door.

"Um, what are you doing"? I asked.

"You're not leaving until I get the full explanation". Judging from her glare, she was being serious. I did not like where this was going.

"Don't you think you're going a little overboard with this"?

"Well just tell me what you meant by not being who I think you are".

"For petes sake Viper, will you jus- That's it"!

Having enough of this nonsense, I tried to slither past her and leave. At least I tried to until I was tackled to the ground by, blow me if you don't know.

"Viper! The hell are you doing"?

"Getting the truth from you! Now I'm going to ask you one more time, and so help me if you don't give me an answer"!

I did what I could to get Viper off of me but she had a good grip on me. Damn it all, I was hoping I could have waited a little longer but, I guess I don't have much of a choice. I calmed myself down and sighed. "

Okay!... okay. I'll explain. The reason behind why I'm not the snake you think I am is because... I'm... not really a snake at all...".

"What do you mean"?

"This is going to be a lot to take in but... I used to live in another universe as another creature called a human where I was killed by thieves and went into limbo where I met Master Oogway who gave me a second chance at life by taking me into this new world where I became a snake. Then, before I could figure out what had happened, a bulky rhino begun to drag me to the Valley of Peace where I was knocked out and taken to the Jade Palace dungeon. And... well you know the rest".

Well, I finally spilled the truth about my origins at long last. It's out of the way with at last. I could see gears turning in Vipers head as she tried to process what I had told her. Eventually, after a full minute, she spoke.

"I... can't believe it".

"Look I know it's a lot to take in but"-

"I can't believe you'd create such a ridiculous lie just to avoid answering the question"!

"... SERIOUSLY?! You actually think I just made that story up just like that"?! I yelled.

"Well it's not like you have any proof of it being real now, is there"?

I grumbled to myself. She had a point. It's not like I had the chance to take a picture or a phone or something that will prove that I'm not of this world. That is unless...

"Actually I think I might, if you could just hear me out". I smiled.

"Go on...".

"If you can get me one of those shiftstones you used for training yesterday, I can show you what a human looks like"!

Viper thought this over, keeping her eyes on me. "Okay, fine. I'll get you a shiftstone. But if this is a joke"-

"It isn't". I responded, looking as serious as I could, matching her own glare. A few seconds of staring each other down continued until. Crane walked through the door

"Hey Viper, can I borrow... your"...

Crane stared wide eyed at us. I had no idea what was wrong with him. Until I noticed the position myself and Viper were in. Oh shit!

"OH WAIT! NONONO IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK"! I snapped quickly.

"uhh... never mind, I'll- I'll just ask monkey".

Crane was quick to leave the room.

"CRANE, FOR GOD SAKE IT'S- God damn it, how can this morning get any worse? Feel free to get off of me any time Viper, no need to bloody rush"!

Viper slithered off of me at last, and despite the embarrassing moment, she gave a small giggle. "Sorry. I'll go and get that shiftstone for you". And just like that, Viper left.

I sighed to myself. These last few days have been the worst.

...

Two chapters in one day?! Guess I had a lot of time on my hands today :D So here it is, the big reveal. Mike's about to uncover the truth on himself to Viper. How will she react and will she think of Mike the same way? You'll find out soon enough! Cheerio!