It took a little longer than I had expected to get Viper back to the barracks. But she seemed to be a little better than before. Once in, I managed to get her onto the bed without any problems. Still, it didn't stop me from staying, just in case. I owed her that much since this whole thing was my fault in the first place. Damn it, why hadn't I mentioned Kèxīng sooner? Then perhaps this whole incident could have been avoided! I was almost tempted to just put my tail through the paper wall just to calm myself down. However it didn't come to that. Instead, I just curled up onto the floor and waited. The first thing I needed to do was to apologize. To her more than anyone else.
1 HOUR LATER
It was surprising how dark it had gotten. How long had we been asleep for? I softly mumbled to myself, about to head into the kitchen just to slither around, my spine was beginning to get stiff. What stopped me was a small cough. I faced back round to see Viper coming to. Something that made me smile. However, I became that much more nervous. How I was going to apologize, I wasn't sure. Not to mention, her reaction could go any direction. She could either be understanding or she may snap and yell at me. Even so, I'd feel much worse if I didn't say anything. It was worth the risk.
"Hi Viper". I smiled, breaking the ice.
"Mike"? She mumbled. "What's going on"?
"Well...". Oh how to put this... "To make things short, you and the others may have gotten sucked into my head and forced to fight hideous creatures from my past (sort of) all while I was forced to watch myself through wierd glowing orbs".
And that was just putting it simply.
"And really, it should have been something that could have been avoided if I had given mention of the Mèngyǎn from the start... instead of leaving it and letting everyone suffer for it". I became quickly depressed the more I talked on. "It may not be much, and I'm not expecting forgiveness for this, but I'm"-
"It wasn't your fault". Viper quickly interrupted. I passed a look that basically said "Seriously"?
"Not my fault? Of course it's my fault, how can you even say that it wasn't"? I almost snapped. "It's thanks to me that you, the five, Po AND Shifu could have lost their lives or worse! Not to mention the fact that you could be pregnant, which just adds onto the guilt pile"!
The mention of pregnancy made Viper blush slightly.
"We don't know that Mike. Not yet at least".
I calmed down as best I could. If anything, she's meant to be angry at me, not the other way round. Why does she have to be so calm and understanding?
"It doesn't change anything, whether it's about what is or what isn't. It doesn't excuse the fact that I messed up. I failed you. The least you could do is pretend to hate me".
While most people would have agreed with my words, Viper just couldn't. Despite her weak state, she found the energy to pull me in for a hug. I couldn't pull back in case I hurt her. But even with her making it seem like I was innocent, it just made me feel even more guilty.
"I could never do that. Just as you wouldn't do so with me". She whispered gently.
I sighed, knowing how right she was. If she was the one who had been in my position, then I would be the one on that bed doing the exact same thing she was doing. Once she let go, I stood back up straight.
"Maybe. But it doesn't excuse me from what happened. And I'm sorry for it, allow me to say that at least, please".
A moment of silence passed. All that could be heard was the wind outside rattling against the window. I just looked at Vipes with sad eyes while she looked back at me with understanding ones. In mere moments, I turned back round with a mind to leave. Partly because she needed to rest, but mostly because I didn't feel like sitting round hearing the girl I cared about talk about how making her suffer wasn't my fault. I begun to head back the way I came.
"Oh no. You're not getting away so easily".
Viper had her tail around mine, preventing me from going anywhere. As I faced her, I found her to be right in my face with an angry look. It was amazing how fast she was when she wanted to be.
"You're not going anywhere until I hear you tell me it's not your fault". She persisted.
I frowned. "Viper, can you seriously tell me that it isn't my fault? Can you look me in the eye dead on and tell me, with the most truthful of words, that nothing was my fault? Nothing at all"? I asked, challenging her.
She did what I said and looked me right in the eyes. However the more she thought about the events, the harder she found it to say what she believed. She now understood what I was feeling. Her grip was weak enough for me to pull my tail back to my side with little effort. I waited a little longer for any sort of answer, but instead was stuck with Vipers sealed lips. I waited patiently. A minute passed, then another one. Enough was enough.
"See"? I replied at last. "I have every reason to be sorry. No amount of convincing is going to prove otherwise".
Since I had made my point, I headed out of the room. I needed to take a long walk.
15 MINUTES LATER
I had slithered down into the Valley of Peace, taking a few lefts and rights along an unfamiliar path, surrounded by bamboo stalks. Not that it mattered, I preferred to be alone right now. Just myself and the stone bricks underneath me. Turned out that I wasn't as alone as I first thought. I heard several people chatting just down the road, over a hill. Sounded like there was some sort of gathering going on. Sounded like it was worth checking out. Not like I had anything better to do. With that decided, I slithered towards the source of the noise and peeked over the hill. It looked to be some sort of market. Several stalls selling... some interesting items. Weapons, armor, clothing and so forth. The customers didn't appear to be all that well mannered either. A lot of them seemed to be rather fussy and moody, it was impressive that no fight had broken out between anyone. Interested, I couldn't help but slither down and in through the market to see what all the fuss was about.
Moving through the crowd, I managed to get a closer look at some of the stalls that sold food. Some of it looked... exotic. Nothing I'd feel like buying, that's for certain. Not unless I was really hungry with nothing else being sold. I passed and kept on slithering.
"You seem troubled". I heard someone say to my left.
I turned round, ready to asure them of the opposite, instead I let out a small scream before falling over backwards as I literally came face to face with some old warty pig lady. I couldn't help feeling a bit rude for it. But still, Dear God, warn someone next time you do that lady!
"Perhaps I may have what you seek". She continued.
"Heart medication"? I wheezed out, clutching my chest with my tail. She ignored the comment and continued.
"You seem, unhappy. Is there a reason for it"?
I rose back up slowly. Suppose I might as well explain the story.
"Putting it simply, I got into a serious mess and because of it, I feel like I can't protect the ones I care for anymore. Inside I feel... guilty because of it. Alone even".
Might have been me, but I swear I could have seen a spark in her eyes.
"And because of this... you no longer feel cared or loved for"?
"Mostly, yes".
I suppose that was true. At least I felt as though I didn't deserve it at the moment.
"Very well. One moment please".
She headed into the tent behind her, closing the flap of it. For a few moments I heard several items being tossed around until she came back out, holding a small pink bottle.
"Behold, the Àiqíng potion! A powerful concoction that will give you the respect you feel you deserve"! She spoke dramatically. You know, normally I wouldn't be buying weird potion bottles from strange elderly looking pig ladys, but I had to admit, it was something that caught my interest.
So, if I was hearing this correctly, this tiny itty bitty potion would make me feel guilt free? Considering that I'm going to most likely spend some time moping about, I suppose I would be needing it.
"And... how much is this costing me"? I had to ask.
"Fifty yuan". She said plainly.
50?! For that tiny bottle?!
"What?! Fifty yuan? Do I look like I'm made of money to you"? I nearly yelled.
"Fifty yuan, you want it or not"? She replied, unfazed by my outburst as she kept on her neutral expression.
God damn it.
"Fine. Here".
I passed over a small sack of money containing the recommended amount and took the bottle, uncorking it at once, smelling the liquid inside. I nearly threw up. It smelled like old gym socks! How is this worth ten yuan, let alone fifty?!
"Its scent may be terrible, but it goes down sweet". The pig woman chuckled at my reaction.
"How do I know this isn't going to kill me"?
"The last thing I need around here is bad business".
I sighed. The worst I can do is spit the stuff back out. I took a small sip. I was surprised. It had gone from smelling like an old shoe to what tasted like strawberries. After a small drink, I corked the bottle again and waited.
"... I don't feel any different". I warned her.
"Believe me, it will work. Just give it some time and you will see".
"... Okay then, fine. But if this potion turns out to be a dud, I'll be expecting a refund". I jokingly warned before giving her a farewell and left.
I slowly slithered along the pathway back home, carrying the small bottle with my mouth. The chattering of the market was far behind me now and I could see a few house lights in the distance, just about ten minutes away from my current position. Suppose I'd better get back up to the Jade palace, see how well Viper is faring.
A few minutes later and I was back, walking through the valley of peace. I wasn't sure if it was the potion or not, but I did feel something different. But rather than it being my guilt fading, it turned out to be more along the lines of... well, creeped out if I'm honest. Why? Because I was receiving some strange looks from some of the women out on the streets. Even with my attempts to ignore them, it still made me worrisome. I even heard a couple of giggles. None of the guys were doing it, so why were they? Meh, maybe it's just because of my status? It's the best reason I can think of at the moment. But did it stop there? Unfortunately, it didn't. By the time I reached the stairs, I turned to see several of the female villagers following me from a distance.
The hell?
I tried to focus as I made my way up the stairs, but my change in speed could be easily noticed as I sped faster up.
When I reached the Jade Palace, I was thankful to run into some familiar faces. Tigress and Monkey were at the front entrance of the barracks, talking. I removed the bottle from my mouth and held it in my tail before making myself noticed.
"Hey guys, what's up"?
The pair turned to me. Monkey gave a nod of his head while Tigress... her eyes widened, as though surprised to see me.
"Uh, Ti, are you okay"?
A moment of silence passed, I was still receiving the silent treatment.
"Ti"! I spoke sharply, snapping Tigress out of her thoughts. She shook her head. "Are... you okay"? I asked a little concerned. I've never seen her act like this.
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be"?
Both I and Monkey stared at her, suggesting the opposite. She seemed to be feeling uncomfortable.
"I'm gonna go and work out". She claimed, pushing both I and Monkey to the side before heading off to probably the training hall.
"Well, that was... weird". I claimed.
"No kidding".
"Think she's alright"?
"Meh, she'll be fine. Probably". Monkey waved off in a joking manner. "Maybe she's just upset over that whole demon thing".
"Ah. That reminds me, I suppose I should at least say"-
"Ah, save it". Monkey waved off with a smile. "You did what you thought was best. Besides, I'll be sure to get my revenge". His evil smirk made me squirm. Aside from Mantis, Monkey was one of those guys who knows how to get under your skin. No doubt he had something bad in store for me.
"Oh... Goody". I spoke with only so much enthusiasm, earning a chuckle from the primate.
"Well, I'd better get some sleep. Good night buddy". He spoke, patting me on the back before heading inside. A few seconds later, I followed and headed into my own room. As I did, Viper was already asleep. I took my usual place next to her and followed suit.
...
Always wanted to introduce the creepy black magic market into the story. Hopefully the next chapter should be a little humorous. Cheerio!