It didn't take as long as I thought it would to find Tigress. And after a bit of exploration it seemed that I was right. She hadn't returned to the Jade palace just yet. Instead, I found her while slithering round the side of the mountain. I had to admit, the place she had chosen was a good place to train. A far enough distance away from the village but also remaining near the safety of the mountain. It was there that I found her with her back turned to me as she hit a tree. Not a bamboo stalk, but an actual tree. At first glance it looked a bit like an oak tree, but the strange thing about it was how Tigress was punching it. The tree looked to be taking no damage. Odd given how strong she is. Testing for myself, I slithered up to a nearby tree that was similar to the one Tigress used and gave it a small tap with my tail. The bark was smooth, and there didn't seem to be much difference between this or a normal tree from a visual perspective, meaning that either the wood was a lot stronger than it looked or Tigress was holding off.
Remembering the reason I had come here in the first place, I decided that it would probably be better to wait for her to finish off. Besides, knowing how Tigress can be, she may already know that I'm here.
"Is there something I can help you with"?
Bingo.
"No, not really. Just figured I'd come find you".
After one last punch, Tigress left the tree alone for a bit and turned round to properly talk to me.
"How was it that you did find me? I don't recall you following me".
"It wasn't all too hard. I knew you wouldn't have been in the village by yourself since you're not one to... socialize, no offense"...
"None taken. Continue".
"And after a bit of searching, you weren't up at the Jade palace either, leading me to believe that you were somewhere around the surrounding area. So I just took a gamble and searched round the rim of the mountain for several minutes and came across you".
At least I can say I'm getting better with my tracking skills.
"And the reason for finding you in the first place, is because I never really got round to apologizing for earlier today. I take it you want closure"?
I watched carefully as Tigress thought about my request. After a few short moments she shook her head and delivered her answer.
"I appreciate your concern, but I would rather I didn't. Dark magic is a dangerous tool in the hands of the inexperienced. The less known about it, the better. Even so, I'm gladly willing to accept your apology".
I gently nodded. I also felt as though I could have done with skipping the details over this dark magic, especially after today. Putting the thought aside, my attention then rested on the large trees.
"If you don't mind me asking, why come down here to train? And why now? This is the first time I've seen you within this area"?
Tigress walked up to the tree I was next to and ran her paw down its bark.
"The reason I come here is because of the trees that grow in this area". She stated, looking the tree up and down. "These are rather special trees known as ironwood. Strong and resilient compared to most other known trees".
At least that clears up how she was able to punch them without sending them into splinters. Still, one thing didn't add up.
"I'm not sure I follow. Wouldn't it just seem like a good way to just hurt your hands if you were to just hit it for, in your case, hours on end? You could end up seriously injuring yourself".
"Indeed. Within the first week of training on them I almost broke my hand".
"When was this"? I asked, a little surprised at this new information.
"Over twenty years ago".
Twenty years? Then... that must have meant she was but a child back then.
"So why continue now"?
"Mainly to boost endurance. Besides, training on Ironwood trees have made it so that I am unable to feel pain during combat".
I frowned.
"You mean... you trained on these trees until your limbs went numb"? Sounded kind of horrible. I hoped that Tigress wouldn't have been offended from the look I was giving. If she did she didn't say anything about it.
"Until I could no longer feel pain". She cleared up.
"Even if say, you broke an arm"?
"I don't really know. Thankfully I've never been put in a situation where taking such an injury has become necessary". She responded honestly.
"Just as well then". I smiled before taking a look at the ironwood tree. Even through the duration of twenty years, it was a lot to take in, gaining the ability to feel nothing.
"Was it worth it in the end"?
"Sorry"?
"Training, for twenty years on these things just to feel nothing in the end"?
"... I would say it was, yes". She nodded. I returned it.
"Even so, I've never seen you practice or even mention a single word about these ironwood trees as far as I've been around. Any reason why"?
Now it was Tigresses turn to frown. I felt a little nervous for it, as though I had gone and insulted her.
"Since I was no longer able to feel anything, I stopped training on them. I had thought that they had proved their use".
"But that doesn't explain why you've returned here, why now. ... Unless that is, you feel you need to"?
Please tell me this wasn't over what I thought it was.
"Tigress, this wouldn't have something to do with what happened with that fight now would it"?
Tigresses ears flattened against her skull to my disappointment. My suspicions were confirmed.
"Come on Ti, we're friends. You can tell me anything. This whole thing did happen within my own mind after all". I did what I could to give a sympathetic smile and patted the grass to the side of me, gesturing for her to sit down. She reluctantly did so, putting her arms around her knees as she got into a comfortable position. I gave her a moment to compose her thoughts and let her speak.
"After being beaten by that... thing"...
"The Empress". I summed up for her.
"... It put you in the position where you needed to help me out. To literally pull me from the fight. I can't help but think what kind of a warrior I am for letting that happen".
"Hey, come on now Ti". I spoke up, putting my tail on her shoulder, of which she didn't seem to mind. "What you went up against, any warrior would have been fallen against it. You got the toughest opponent, and yes maybe you did lose, but there's no shame in defeat".
"Perhaps, but it doesn't excuse the fact that"-
"Ti, let me tell you something". I butted in before she could go on any further. "I know what it's like to look into the face of defeat... Several times. But whatever knocks me down, I get back up again. Maybe you should try looking at it that way".
"Perhaps you wouldn't mind sharing one of these examples you speak of then"? Tigress challenged.
Easy.
"Remember when that lone airship attacked the Valley months ago sent by Fennu? I got shot and was rushed into hospital. Given my injury, I could have cleared my name from the Jade Palace and retired for injury on the job, receiving compensation, but I didn't".
"Because it would have brought dishonor to your name"?
"Well, there's that. But the main reason was because I understood one thing. To remember the importance of life and enjoy it, no matter the pain you endure".
"You're referring to your personal poem"?
My eyes looked to my back to see the red Chinese lettering written down it, looking as fresh and shiny as the day it was written. I couldn't help smiling a little.
"Of course. There'd be no point of having it in the first place if I had chosen to ignore it".
"Fair answer".
"But just because it's written on my back doesn't mean to say that the rules have to apply to just me. Nothing to say that others can't follow my example".
Tigress looked away from me and took a second to think about my words. A moment later she faced me again.
"So what you're trying to say is"...
I couldn't help but chuckle.
"What I'm trying to say Tigress, is that I know the reason you came here in the first place was because you think that you are weak. You're worried that you're not good enough. All I'm suggesting is that you relax. You're still the hardcore tiger that everyone knows and cares for".
Tigress gave what looked like a faint smile. I returned it. Afterwards, the two of us remained silent. I had no idea what was going on through her head right now or even if my little speech had gotten through to her. In a few minutes, Tigress stood back up onto her feet. I responded in the same manner, uncoiling my body and standing at her side. A small gust of wind blew through the trees and broke off several leaves from the branches above, covering the ground. Eventually through the peaceful scene, Tigress spoke.
"Thanks for the concern Mike. It helps knowing I have friends like you to watch my back".
I tilted my head, wondering if I heard correctly.
"Friend? Heh. That's not a word you usually throw around".
"No but it still holds its meaning. Especially after everything we've all been through".
"Indeed". I smiled. "So what now"?
"If it's all the same with you, I think I'll stay for a bit. See if I'm still as good as I once was".
Did she just sound cocky just then? Today is certainly full of surprises.
"Fair enough". I paused for a second. "Do you... would you mind if I gave it a try"?
Tigress looked down to me.
"Are you sure you wish to try"?
I smirked.
"Trust me, I'll be fine. I'll try not to break the bones in my tail".
Tigress smirked back.
"If that's what you want, then feel free to give it a go".
I took her up on her offer and remained at the tree I was currently at. I raised my tail, curled it into a fist and begun hitting the bark of the ironwood tree. I tried to deliver soft punches onto it. Granted it was a little painful each time my scales connected with the tree, but hey, no pain no gain. So for there I stayed for a little while, using whatever move could be performed on the tree without causing any true injury to myself. I don't really know how long the two of us trained for, but by the time we were done, the suns position indicated that it wasn't far off until the evening. We both headed back. Overall, everything turned out alright.
...
Here it is, another chapter. Going to get the last few chapters written as soon as I can. May be a bit busy until the 4th what with an upcoming exam, but least I only need a 40% pass mark.
That said, I have a few notes for a couple of people who have commented on the story.
TheWhisperingWarrior: I understand where you're coming from with your latest comment, but let's face it. Mike's an idiot sometimes ^^ Still, I have the feeling that Viper will be having a say in this sometime real soon ;)
The Joining: A quick note to apologize for not being able to fulfill your request on having the halo 2 flood gravemind into the story. I couldn't find a proper way to introduce it into the story, plus having someone fight it seemed a bit much. Maybe in the third act I'll think of something so the idea isn't crossed out just yet.
That being said, hope you enjoyed reading. Cheerio!