Well, this was it. Today was the day I leave. After the highs and lows over the last few days, everything had been leading up to this moment. It was now time to set off, to Gongmen. And from there, who knows? And now as I stand upon the top of the Jade palace stairs, I can't help but reflect on everyone's reaction. Many of them argued while the rest, Shifu Po and Crane, agreed that it was the right thing to do. Now they were all right behind me, ready to wave me off. I imagine this will be the last time we see each other for a while. I turned to my right.
"Are you ready"?
"Ready as I'll ever be".
As promised, I let Viper tag along. Even while a small part of me still rejected it, another made me feel happy that she was coming. Wouldn't have done all too well with no one to talk to. Between us we had food, maps and even weapons to last us two weeks on the road until we resupply at a village. Well, my weapons to be precise. My tail blade and throwing stars all wrapped up and packed tightly into a rice backpack. All that was left now was to say goodbye and we'd be off... Heh, a little harder to do than I first expected I have to admit. I turned round to see the faces behind me. Many gave a reassuring smile and others frowned. I'd have been a fool to expect each and everyone of them to have supported me on this.
My throat cramped up a bit, unsure what I should say. Eventually I found the words.
"Before we go, I... just want to say thanks to all of you... for everything. Thanks for accepting me, giving me a place to live and for making me feel like I'm part of a family again. You have no idea how much that has meant to me. I just hope that I get the chance one day to show you".
Not exactly the speech to all speeches, but it was all I could find myself saying to those I've come to call friends.
Both Viper and I bowed to them as the returned it. The usual symbol of respect. However, one black and white panda went beyond that. Not long after he had bowed, he reluctantly shuffled forwards in front of everyone until he was right there in front of us. I didn't have to wait long to find out what he wanted. In seconds, the guy managed to pick both myself and Viper up off the ground without effort and pulled us into one serious bear hug. Quickly getting over the shock, I found myself able to lean in and rest my head against his fat neck returning the hug. I couldn't help but smile. It was like I had just dived into a giant fluffy pillow. Out of everyone, I could tell that I was going to miss Po the most. The guy was like a black and white Santa Claus, only with more food consumption. In a few seconds, my stomach found itself touching the ground again as Po let us go.
"See you guys later"... He spoke giving the most supportive smile out of the others. One which I could only find myself returning.
"See you later Po". I responded.
"Don't worry Po, we'll be back before you know it". Viper replied after myself, nuzzling her head against one of Po's flabby arms before departing from it. At that point, we began to turn round and move down the stairs.
The silence was incredible. It wasn't like when you leave your family for a couple of days where they go off cheering, wishing you a safe trip or whatever. Here, it was deathly silent, it was quiet, but if anything, it wasn't that. It was respect. After all, they were warriors, trained to stay composed within any situation. I bet their minds said different though. Then again, it wasn't like I was any different. Neither I or Viper said a word, even to each other as we kept slithering down. I don't know about her but for me, the feeling was just starting to sink in on the reality of it all. And it was mind boggling, thinking that I may never see the Jade palace again. After all, this was more than just a simple trip to Gongmen, for myself at least. As far as I knew, it was only my first stop. The rest depended on what would happen after seeing the Soothsayer.
We walked through the town peacefully. The villagers going about their daily routines, fully unaware that two of their protectors would be leaving them for some time. Still, we had to keep it secret. No doubt there'd be plenty of arguments coming from the lot of them about how the village needs whatever they have. Still, Shifu and the rest would easily be able to hold down the fort for the time being. It only took a few minutes until the pair of us were a few miles away from the Valley. Truth be it felt more like hours. Now we were within the bamboo forest, following an old, well detailed map based on the roads and pathways to certain villages leading up to Gongmen.
"Okay then, if I'm reading this map correctly, we should be fifty eight miles from the next settlement. If we sprint we'll be able to get there by nightfall. If we go around the forest, we'll run the risk of... Mike? Are you listening to me"?
In truth, I had been listening to her every word. However I had slowed down before stopping completely, looking at a familiar object to my left, only several meters away. The fact that Viper had remained quiet must have meant that she knew what I was looking at. I forced a huff and a smile.
"Never thought I'd see that old thing again"...
Not too far away was a rocky hill, covered in mud and dirt, looking to be untouched. Not even the wind could blow onto it there were so many bamboo stalks in the way. Next to it was the thing that had caught my attention. A large war hammer with a jagged edge attached onto the back of it. Whereas I should have ignored it, I found myself unable to do so, only stare and it with sadness and pity.
"You know... I never really thought of it before, but... I can't help but wonder if there could have been anything we could have done to prevent this"...
Sure, Fennu was my enemy, and I should have felt nothing, but still I couldn't help but think if there was anything I could have done to prevent this from happening.
"Mike"... I turned my head to see Viper out the corner of my eye. I was only able to see her mouth move since my vision remained more focused on the grave. "... What happened wasn't your fault. Nor was it Yinshens. You both did what was necessary to protect the Valley"...
"Yeah, at the cost of a life... even if it was a dangerous one, it was still one I might have been able to save"...
I sighed. Just the sight of the grave had put several images in my head about the outcomes of this journey of ours. Most of them weren't all too jolly. Finally, I ripped my eyes from the grave and turned to look Viper in the eye. I had something important to say.
"Viper, I need to say something to you. I don't know how things are going to go on this trip of ours. From Gongmen city and then unto who knows where, but if things take a toll for the worst, I need you to promise me something".
Viper reluctantly nodded. I had no doubt that what I was going to say would make her object it at once.
"If I happen to... fail, or if things get out of control, then you are to leave at my request. Do you understand"?
"...Mike, I would never"-
"I'm being serious Viper. If I tell you to run, you do so without hesitation. The last thing I want is to gamble another life... Especially one as precious as yours... Please"...
Silence passed between us for a moment until Vipers lip trembled for a fraction of a second. I then received my reply.
"You would do the same for me"?
"...".
"Well, go on then. Say it. If I tell you to run, you will as well, right? Swear on your honor"?
"... Okay then, yes... I swear on my honor".
I did not have the heart to tell Viper that I had crossed my tail behind my back as I gave my word. Thankfully she seemed satisfied at my answer before nodding and agreeing.
"Alright then... let's continue". I half mumbled, slithering back over to take a look at the map.
"At least we'll have each other, right"?
"... Yeah Viper. We will".
I looked over to the clear area in front of me, stripped of bamboo stalks, revealing the open world to us. Forests, mountains even a few lakes. It was clear that it was going to be a long journey.
"Ready to do this"? I asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be".
With that, we slithered forward, out into the world that awaited us, unaware of what surprises it would hold in store for us. And if anything, I couldn't wait to find them out.
...End of part 2...
And that is it for the second part of the story I'm afraid. Got a lot planned for the third part already, although it may not be posted or even written for a month or two depending on how things turn out during and after the Christmas holidays. After that, I hopefully should be back in action with part 3. For now though, I hope everyone has enjoyed the story so far. Hope to see you all after the Christmas Holidays. Happy Holidays, and Cheerio! From ConeOfWonders.