"Master Shifu. I think we need to talk".
I had slithered from the Village back up to the Hall of Heroes in search of Shifu. As I had, I couldn't help but feel a little angry and disappointed in myself thanks to my attitude back at the village. Snapping at Viper like that... which is why I needed to talk to Shifu at once before the situation gets anymore out of hand. Thankfully I was able to catch him meditating near the reflecting pool with his back turned to me. The only response to show that he was listening was a small flicker of his right ear.
"I have something of a serious matter to discuss".
Shifu slowly got up from his spot and spun round. One of his eyebrows raised towards me.
"I see". He spoke as he walked slowly up to me, not stopping until he was but three feet away. "I take it you are ready to confess the truth"?
I wasn't thick. It was obvious to me that he had worked out most of what had been going on with me. The attitude I'd been giving, taking a scroll, the lessons, you'd have to be just as old and wise as Shifu if you ever wanted to fool him. Of course, there was no chance of that happening anytime soon.
"Yes Master Shifu".
"Very well then. Speak when you are ready".
I took a deep breath and began.
I was sure to explain everything I knew about the Mèngyǎn and what it had done to me thus far. Trying to persuade me onto its side for what it believed to be for an act of Justice. Justice, hah. If anything it was more an attempt for revenge against the ruler of China, the emperor, and what seemed worse was that I knew that the demon actually saw me as nothing more than a tool for its own needs, trying to win me over with crocodile tears. I made sure to tell Shifu about the first time I encountered it in Sh'e village up to the point where it had almost tricked me into shoving a broken bottle into my skull. As I spoke, Shifu stroked his beard, already deep in thought on what to do. I just hoped that whatever he was planning, he'd have it in motion as soon as possible. No sooner I finished the story, he stopped his train of thought and looked me in the eye.
"That is a serious claim Master Mike. For your sake, I wished you would have confessed this much sooner".
I felt a bit guilty by his words. Shifu proved to be depressing in two ways when it came to scolding his students. The first method is when he actually goes and snaps at his students in a somewhat nagging tone, mostly when it comes to Po, and the second method was just as bad. When he doesn't snap. It's there you can sense the disappointment within his voice and... well, it's enough to make you think. Thankfully Shifu continued before I could dwell on said thoughts any longer.
"Let us be fortunate that there are several ways to help you with your situation. But in order for this to work, we'll be needing the help of Po and the five. Do you understand"?
"Yes Master Shifu. I understand".
"Good. Now, I need you to pass the word onto them. It is imperative that you do so as quickly as you can".
"By myself? Master Shifu, I'm not too sure if that is such a good idea. What if the Mèngyǎn should choose to show itself again"?
"No worries python. A Mèngyǎn soul can only interfere with the living every so often. You're safe for the time being. Now go. Bring Po and the others here and we shall begin at once".
I did what I was told and rushed out of the hall of heroes to find who I could. The first thought on my mind was how they would react. Knowing my history, I have been known to keep a few secrets to myself. Mostly bad ones. But right now, I couldn't really see any other choice. So I spent twenty minutes having to round everyone up. I figured it would have been better to wait until they were all together for me to explain what was going on. When I had done that and told them, they reacted... well, like anyone would after figuring out one of their friends had been possessed by some sort of evil spirit obsessed with seeking revenge on an emperors ancestor by trying to turn me to its own side ... It's less complicated than it sounds... Anyway, bottom line was they were willing to help. Just as well. That seemed to be the only good side about it. The worst part was that Viper was slightly annoyed at me for keeping this sort of thing to myself. I suppose it was understandable. But hey, if I can, I'll be sure to make it up to her... somehow. Anyway, I watched as Shifu strolled back into the hall of heroes where we were all waiting and he opened up a scroll he had within his hands. He quickly began to read whatever it said within. A moment or two passed before he picked up something else. A small blue stone that barely fit in his hand. Curiosity got the better of me. I had to ask.
"Master Shifu, what is that"? I asked as calmly as I could, pointing to the blue stone.
"This python, is a dream stone. It grants one the ability to jump inside anothers head and explore the realm within".
I nodded in understanding. Though, it still didn't explain why I had to go and summon pretty much everyone else.
"The dream stone is able to affect more than one being at a time when activated". Shifu began explaining, as though he had just heard what I had said within my own mind. This made me worry. And for good reason.
"Master Shifu, do you mean to say"-
"That we will all be entering your mind python? That we are".
Okay, now it's my turn to start drawing the lines! There was no way in hell that I was going to let these guys to risk their lives for me! They had no idea what thoughts and horrors I had seen playing video games and watching movies. Each one served as an advantage against them, like the tyrant!
"Master Shifu, I must respectfully decline! It's too dangerous"!
Tigress stepped into the conversation, trying to make me see reason.
"Mike, you can't expect us to believe that this is what you wish. But it is the only way. And we're all willing to help".
"Tigress, it's still "-
"She's right Mike. There isn't much other choice". Viper interrupted me. Her look was one of heartbreak to me. "This isn't something we have to do, it's something we WANT to do. To help you".
I frowned sadly, slithering only a little closer to her. I spoke the only thing I could.
"I... I just don't want to see any of you get hurt because of me".
Viper looked away for a second. As did most others. Finally, one of them broke the silence. Turned out it was Monkey.
"Don't worry about us buddy". He walked next to me on his knuckles. "We've been through worse".
"It's true, we have". Mantis agreed.
"Besides"... Viper spoke up again, looking me dead in the eye. "... You said it yourself Mike. We're like a family. And we don't leave family to suffer".
I couldn't help but sigh. Bless them. Bless them all for doing this, but... still, I was beginning to pull myself in two different directions. It's just that...
"... I don't know what to do"...
At this, it would have paid to keep my mouth shut. Because within seconds...
"Then it is fortunate that one of us do"...
Before long, I began coughing violently! I could feel something crawling through my head! A cold wave washed over my head as I fell to the floor, shivering violently! The last time this happened, I had no control over my body. I was certain that I was going to die. That the Mèngyǎn wasn't even going to allow me the satisfaction of having a free mind ever again. Turned out it had something much worse in mind. Even as my brain began to get tired, I could see the dream stone in Shifus hand glowing. So was he. It was the last thing I could make out before I was out like a light once again.
...
First second I gained consciousness, I got up, fast as lightning and viewed my surroundings. It was pitch black. Everything around me, was pitch freaking black. Looking down, I noticed I was still my python self. For a moment, I wondered if the dream stone had done anything. Had Shifu and the rest entered my mind? Or were they transporting my unconscious body to the barracks. I mean, let's face it. I know I'm sleeping. Which means that Kèxīng must be nearby. I shook my head to clear whatever dizziness I felt. Apparently you can feel dizzy while unconscious. Who knew?
"You might as well show yourself. I know you're out there somewhere".
I didn't even need to yell. Just my unenthusiastic tone was more useful than shouting my head off. Turned out it worked. In seconds the Mèngyǎn showed itself, popping out of thin air. At least it didn't try firing itself out of my nostrils and mouth again in which I was a little thankful for. I just got straight to the point.
"What did you do"? I asked in my calm tone. Anger was not going to do anything other than delay time for both of us.
"Nothing that wouldn't have happened if that dream stone had been used... And it turns out that it worked"...
The dream stone worked? Hah! Perfect! Score one for the mortal! Kèxīng was done for now! She can't hold off against so many of us. She was doomed! She was finished! She was... smiling...? Why was she smiling?
"An excellent opportunity has presented itself... Now you will see how high the cost of friendship will get you"...
A quick wave of her arm, I saw several orbs appear out of thin air. I was surprised in what I saw. Each one of them showed an individual member of Shifu, Po, and the five. Had they all made it into my mind? Huh... Kind of weird, knowing that there are other peoples subconscious minds existing within your own. They all looks to be lost and confused. Not that I blamed any of them. Putting that to the side, I thought back to the Mèngyǎn's previous statement.
"What do you mean"?
"You will see"...
I tried to demand a proper answer, but she disappeared into thin air. The orbs showing each and everyone of my friends however, did not. All I could do was look through them to see how they were faring. Not that they got much of a chance. The Mèngyǎn reappeared in front of all of them at once. I don't know how she was doing that! judging by the position of the orbs, none of Po or the five were anywhere near each other! It was like Kèxīng had just split herself into seven of herself, one for each member of the Jade Palace. Then, as though she was talking through a microphone, I heard her voice, or rather voices.
"Greetings mortal... A pleasure it is to come face to face with one who considers themselves a source of hope and inspiration... No doubt you are here because you believe you can help the one you consider to be your friend... Now, I am able to see how far you are willing to go to claim that stake"...
All at once, multiple voices emitted from the orbs. Each one of them belonging to one of my friends. I tried focusing on one for the moment before I would move onto the next one. First up was Shifu.
"So, you are the one Mike claims to be the Mèngyǎn soul". He Pondered, almost impressed. "The being who foreshadows others in order to claim their goals for your own selfish needs".
"Say what you will if it brings you some form of amusement... But I am here to offer you a deal"...
I moved onto the next orb which turned out to be Tigress.
"I am not interested in any deal the likes of YOU have to offer"! She snarled as she was already in a pouncing position, ready to strike at a moments notice, though I doubted it would have done anything to harm it.
"Oh but you may find the opposite to be true... Especially since it revolves around the life of your python friend"...
Trying to ignore that last statement, I moved onto Monkeys orb. Like Tigress, he was in his own stance. But instead of being in a pouncing position, he was balancing on his own tail, ready to strike.
"... I'm listening".
"What I offer is simple... A simple fight against an opponent of the pythons realm... Should you win, you shall be one step closer to saving his life"...
I moved onto Po's orb, feeling more and more anxious as the ongoing conversation went on between each warrior and their demon.
"Bring it on little miss creepy! Ain't nothing the dragon warrior can't handle"!
I almost felt the urge to slap myself upside the head at his cockiness. The Mèngyǎn however just smiled at this.
"Is there not"...? She spoke in what sounded like a mocking tone. "Just remember this... seven of you play for the life of one... Should even one of you fail... the python shall be the one to suffer for it"...
I was now looking into the orb showing Viper. She looked as though she wanted nothing more than to rip the Mèngyǎn's head off with her bare teeth.
"Nothing is going to stop me from helping the ones I care about the most". She spoke with determination. "Especially the one I love".
Despite the situation, I couldn't help but feel a little touched at her words. She showed no fear, none of them did. They were all going through what may be hell for just me. Kèxīng just smiled at this.
"And that is where you have made your mistake"...
With that said, the conversation between all seven warriors ended. Each Kèxīng disappeared. Not even a second passed before just one of them found its way back to me. Her eyes stared back at me showing no emotion whatsoever. She eventually spoke.
"Your friends are determined to see you unscathed... but they know not what they face... Not yet"...
I knew I was going to regret asking this...
"And what exactly are they going to face"?
Kèxīng snapped her fingers and stepped to the side and revealed a large door revealing nothing within.
"One warrior shall receive one opponent each... Seven warriors, seven monsters... the creatures that are kept contained with your mind, only to exist in fantasy, revealed"...
"Anything in particular you want to tell me"? I urged.
"I am not familiar with these beasts... though they are unique... One of them, quite interesting indeed... A tall slender figure wearing something of a business suit... It seems to bear no facial features and looks to have tentacles emerging from its back"...
I almost froze in worry at the description! Slender man?! Bloody slender man?! How are you meant to fight that?!
"Still, the remaining six prove to be fascinating... allow me to present some of them to you"...
I looked upon the door to see what would appear next.
The first thing to walk through the door was a big creature, about seven foot tall with a scaly face and sharp teeth. It wore a helmet with horns, a metal shield and a large flail which exploded upon impact with the ground. Its Armour was reddish grey and it kept repeating the word "Crush" and often gave a deep booming laugh.
Next was something just as disgusting. As first glance it seemed human. But that was if you could see it at a distance. Upclose, the thing was horrific! Its face was caked in dry blood and seemed to be slowly rotting away. The most noticeable feature was the large blades emerging from its palms and the open stomach revealing two smaller into hands. The thing was savage. Unable to communicate and had one hell of a blood lust.
The third being was far from an improvement. This was something of a demon itself! It wielded a double sided chainsaw, a weapon all too familiar with most games I've played. The creature wielding it looked similar to Kèxīng itself. Glowing eyes, and was a dark color. It also had a metal chestpiece attached onto it.
"This will do for now... all you need to do is decide who gets to fight them"...
Oh good, so let's clarify what we have so far. A mauler from gears of war, A necromorph slasher from deadspace, and the Empress boss from house of the dead 4. This was far from good! Especially since I have to choose who gets to fight what!
Okay uh... let's see I guess Tigress would be best fighting the Empress. She's fast and agile, not to mention her strength will hopefully give her more of an edge... Crane... The mauler I guess? I mean, it is a slow beast, and Crane can attack from above without worry of being hit from the heavy flail. As for the necromorph... uh... I don't really know... uh... Mantis? Screw it. Not like I've got anyone else in mind.
I quickly gave my answers. Kèxīng smiled and the first three creatures evaporated before my eyes. Three guesses where they were just sent.
"Now then... Let the games begin"...
...
Okay, now we've finally moved onto a major part of the story. It will be split into several chapters, so it seems I have my work cut out for me. Hope you enjoyed reading.
Also, I'd like to say Thank you to the Author Benjamin King for sneakily adding an alternative version of my OC into his story :D Very much appreciated
Cheerio!