"That's not possible. The Galadriel gates are at the Mongolian wastes. You can't expect me to believe that I've been moved to there from the Valley of Peace in such a short time". I argued my case, knowing that this was some kind of trick. Yinshen gave a small chuckle before responding.

"You know, for a smart guy, you can be so dumb sometimes".

"Oh? Then explain. Unless I've been knocked out for days then I see otherwise". Yinshen looked out of a nearby window. the sun shined on her black fur. She wasn't wearing her old blue dress anymore but instead a black robe with a golden dragon that stretched round the waist and chest that covered her whole body apart from her paws and head.

"You're partly right. You've been unconscious for five hours, but it wasn't hard to get you where Fennu wanted you".

"That reminds me. What does he think about his latest warriors failing their mission"? I asked with a smirk, referring to the two gorillas that had been armed with explosives and had tried to kill me.

"Oh he's far from happy. But I'll let you talk to him about it. As I was saying, I had to drag your body for a couple of mile until I finally got picked up by one of Fennu's air ships. After that, all I had to do was sit back and wait until I reached my destination".

"Air ship? And you expect me to believe that"? I asked in disbelief.

"Very well, if you won't listen, I'll show you". She replied, turning from the window at last and undoing the chains that held me. Normally, I would have attacked at once, but if she was telling the truth about me being at the Galadriel gates, then I'll be swarmed by an army of gigantic brutish gorillas. Instead, I slithered and followed the panther, up to the window and looked out.

The view itself was incredible. At least over a hundred and ten stories high. I could see nothing but dirt and sand riddled across the wasteland. Bearly to the right of the window was the gate itself. It was tough to see but I could make out small dots moving across the top of the flat floor ten meter thick gate. Most likely more soldiers. And above, well I'll be damned, a couple of airships passed by. These things were like old ships that pirates used to have centuries ago, but instead of having sails, these ones had huge oval balloons filled with hot air. Kind of like a zeppelin.

"Told you so". Yinshen spoke up after a minute or two.

"So you did. But why"-

I was interrupted by loud footsteps approaching. Louder and louder they got until my door was opened. I watched as the gorilla walked in the wide metal door. The gorilla with grey fur and the hammer on top of his back.

"Fennu".

"Hmmhmhm. Python. It's been some time". Fennu responded with a wicked grin as he walked up closer on all fours. "For a snake, you're one of great bravery and skill I must admit. Not many have lived against sappers and lived to tell about it".

"Yes well, I can't take all the credit. I did have some help".

"But you're also one of disloyalty. A fool to get yourself captured so easily a second time. You are anything but a warrior".

"So tell me, what happens to me now because I'm doubting you're going to try and offer a trade to Shifu again".

"Indeed not. You've been a thorn in my side for far too long Python. No, this time you shall be executed for my men's amusement". This even seemed to surprise Yinshen other than myself.

"Lord Fennu"?

"Do not give your pity to myself or even the worm. I have spoken. Tomorrow morning he shall be beheaded on the top of the gates. His blood shall stain the walls by the time my soldiers are finished ripping his corpse to pieces".

"I take it you've never heard of respect for the dead then"? I asked, trying to rid the unpleasant thought from my head.

"Say whatever pleases you Python. You won't have a chance to do so tomorrow. Come Yinshen".

Yinshen seemed to look back at me for a second before taking her leave behind Fennu. The doors closed behind me. Once they did, I could hear what seemed like arguing.

"... You wish to spare the miserable creatures life? What nonsense is this"?

"Was it not agreed that the panda was the only one you wanted to kill"?

"Why does such a thing even matter to you"?

"It's a personal matter".

I heard a snarl of disgust.

"Do not tell me you care for the worm"?

"Don't get carried away. The least you could do is allow him to let me back in with him. Even I wouldn't want him to spend his last moments alone".

Silence passed for a minute until I heard Fennu bark. That must have been some kind of signal as the door reopened and Yinshen walked back in by herself.

"You have ten minutes". I heard Fennu warn her on the other side before the door closed. We just stared at each other for a moment until Yinshen spoke.

"It's funny. How I knew you were different from the other warriors I've seen and faced the first moment. But the truth came to light eventually. Didn't it human"?

That last sentence was more effective to me than a slap to the face as my eyes went wide.

"H- how do you know what I am"?

"I've been keeping an eye on the Jade palace for some time. Guess I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I didn't believe it myself until you used that shift stone. Then the truth revealed itself. I wonder how the others took it"?

I kept silent.

"They don't know. Do they"?

"...".

"How unfortunate for you. After all, you may never have the chance to do so again. To train at the Jade palace or even see your beautiful girlfriend again".

"If you're trying to cheer me up, you're doing a shitty job at it".

"You know, I must say that the two of us aren't as far apart as you may think".

"I think otherwise".

"Believe me, I know how tough it is to be separated from family and friends. I used to live in Gongmen city once in a great home with a great master. However... things didn't work out the way I hoped they would and now I'm here. Dealing with a new master, fighting for a living, having only my thoughts to push me on".

Yinshen seemed to stop speaking and looked down in pain and guilt. This was the first time I had ever seen Yinshen like this. To be so... vulnerable. I was still unchained. I had the moment to attack. But I didn't. Maybe she really did understand what it was like to be an outcast.

"Can I ask you something"? I spoke up. Yinshen looked up from examining her claws and stared at me.

"Go ahead".

"Why work for Fennu? You, of all people, know what he's capable of. Why work for a tyrant when you can just leave at any point, any time? There must be more ways than one for yourself".

"... It's complicated".

"Hmmm... is it now"...

Another moment of silence passed. Yinshen sat herself down just underneath the window, her ears gave a twitch.

"All I know is that when life throws you a curve ball, it always asks for something in return. I didn't have a choice".

"You're preaching to the choir there". I spoke with a smile. In which she gave her own. Though instead of giving a sinister smile of which she alway wore, this one was... more friendly. Perhaps she was right, as much as I don't like it, maybe we aren't as different as we seemed. Maybe.

"At least you've still got friend to look out for you. I had nothing of the sort. Kind of a lone wolf, or panther in my case".

"It wasn't easy. Getting where I am today... sort of. There were a lot of issues. The stress of things got to me more than once. I even tried leaving the Jade palace once, knowing that it may have been the only place I could call home".

"Why? Why throw away so much only to risk losing everything"?

I gave a smirk. "It's complicated".

Yinshen gave a small laugh before turning away. At least until I continued.

"But all I can say is that despite all odds, the risks, everything I had gone through, I felt like I had to do what's right. I did it because I wasn't given the choice. Nobody would do so for me. So I gave myself one".

Yinshen seemed to reflect those word and looked as though she was playing them in her head over and over again.

"And I'll say this as well. I don't regret what I did, because it showed me what I was meant to do with my life. My own choice made me that much happier than I ever could have been if I had sat back and done nothing".

The last few minutes we had together were spent in silence. Both of us had said all we wanted and needed to say. Once the whole ten minutes were up, Yinshen got up and left, smiling as she did, but didn't say a word. I could tell that I had poured my heart out to her and in response, she listened. Only very few people have done that for me. And my final hours of my last day were that much more peaceful, that much happier.

I only regret not having the chance to say goodbye to my friends and Viper.

...

This was a bit of an emotional chapter. But to me, it turned out well. But what's to come of Mike tomorrow morning? Is this it for him? Guess you'll find out soon enough. Cheerio!