Ah... now this is luxury at its finest. Just sitting here in a warm room on top of a warm bed all for myself. Doesn't get any better than this. And after the day I've gone through, I really needed this. Thank God Viper convinced me to stay for the night. I know my back and underscales would be thanking me if they could talk. Oh, and let's not forget the roaring hot fireplace on the other side of the room. I'd say Yinshen's spoiling me here but that would be a first. Still, at least all this is enough to distract me from other things.

After returning back to Gongmen city I dropped off the six shot and teleporting marbles... or whatever the heck they're actually called... to Bob. You know, the Chinese hippo with the most un-Chinese name ever. He's sharp enough to figure out what makes them tick. He's certainly onto something since he went ahead and asked if I wouldn't mind helping him with some tests within a few hours of tinkering with them. Plus not to mention that it would help put my mind at ease after my uh... several tempered meltdowns I've been having. Despite it all I do have to admit it was a little depressing thinking about home, thinking about my family. I wonder how they're doing right now. Have they gotten over my apparent passing? Are they still grieving? It's a little frustrating when you don't know, but then again does anyone who's dead?

*Knock Knock*

The heck? Who's knocking at my door this late?

I sighed and got up from my comfy spot and slithered off the bed and to the door.

Swear to God, I never get any damn peace. It's always got to be someone interuptting me or being an ass or whatever! If I find out it's another guard I'm going to rip them a new-

"Oh, Viper! Hey what's up"? I smiled to the snake in front of me. Just as well I didn't say anything out loud huh?

"Good morning Mike". She greeted. "Apologies if I disturbed you but I thought now would be a good time to talk".

"Um, this wouldn't happen to be the talk that was supposed to wait until tomorrow is it"? I asked, rubbing my eyes.

"It's one in the morning". She replied with a smartass tone.

"Yeah, that's the time I'm nice and snug under the covers".

"A warrior should be prepared for anything you know".

"Right now I'm prepared for eight hours in slumberland". I grumbled sourly to myself.

Viper giggled and slithered off. I shortly followed after knowing that if I didn't there'd be hell to pay.

"So what exactly do you want to talk about"? That couldn't wait until I get sleep?

"Well, maybe talk wasn't exactly the right word to use". Viper confessed as she opened the door leading outside of the long hallway. "I was thinking perhaps we would try something else".

"Training"? I guessed.

"Yes and no".

"Yes and no? How can it be yes and no, it's either one or the other". I argued.

"You'll see". She smiled.

20 minutes later

"Huh". I mused this awe. "This is quite beautiful I have to admit but... are you sure we're allowed up here? At this time"?

"What's wrong Mike, scared of heights"?

"It- it's not that. Just... what if we get caught? I mean, this isn't exactly somewhere where just anyone can stand".

"I'm sure Yinshen won't mind. What's the worst that could happen"?

"I don't know. Sitting on top of this place, hundreds of feet off the ground, my mind can go through a few scenarios"...

"Lighten up Mike". Viper laughed. "At least you didn't have to worry about jumping off of it when it was crashing down".

So, it turned out that Viper chose, out of all possible places to train, the top of Gongmen tower. And I don't mean the top floor either, no. I mean the very top of the damn building itself, on the roof. What kind of training involves sitting on top of the tallest building in the city? Guess I'll soon know...

"At least the roof is a little flatter compared to the first tower". Viper mused. "Otherwise we'd have to choose somewhere else".

"Yeah, shame". I replied, keeping more focus on the floor. All the way down there... "So... this training you have in mind. It's not... risky is it"?

"What's the matter Mike"? Viper smiled, turning her attention back to me. "Do you think I'd risk our lives like this"?

"No, of course not Vipes". I slightly panicked. "Just... taking in the variables is all".

"Well to answer your question, no. It's not risky if you pay attention".

"Oh. Well that's good to know. Well whatever it is, I'm ready". I smiled with confidence. Or... as best the confidence of anyone would do knowing if you so much as slip you'd end up as a stain for the janitor to clean up in the courtyard.

"Good. Now, all I'd like you to do is come away from the edge"...

With pleasure. I didn't bother to hesitate as I slithered closer to Viper as she stood more to the centre of the roof.

"Face the city"...

I turned round and saw the entire city in front of me. Again, a beautiful sight like no other.

"Lie down on your back"...

On my... back? Okay, not what I was expecting.

"And just stare up at the sky".

And I did just that. I looked right up into the night seeing every star above twinkle and shine. It would have been easy to fall asleep if it wasn't for the hard roof.

"Now, I want you to clear your mind and just relax".

I did just that. I just focused my atention on nothing. Nothing but the stars. There was no sound, no distractions. Just... this.

Whatever it was, it was very relaxing. I can't exactly describe the whole experience, but just focusing on the sky and the sky only, I forgot about the hard roof I was lying down on or the height we were at. In short, it was like I forgot everything around me, including time. I even didn't notice that Viper was trying to get my attention for a short while until she nudged me. I blinked, suddenly remembering where I was instantly.

"I take it that was a trick for relaxation therapy you wanted to show me"? I asked once I came back to the real world.

"A form of Meditation, yes". She nodded. "I know that we've been under some stress since the start of our journey here. I just thought it would be nice to let some of that stress vent".

"Well it certainly did its job". I smirked, rising from the roof back onto my underbelly. "It's been a while since I've practised that... practise".

Viper gave a small chuckle.

"Mike, do you know what meditation is for"?

"It lets you think and ponder on the questions of life"?

"That is one of the reasons, but the main reason is to achieve what every warrior seeks through their life".

"What's that"?

"Inner peace".

"Inner peace"?

"Yes. Inner peace is a state of being at peace both mentally and spiritually. It allows us to be one with the universe and to remain strong in the face of discord and our inner demons. It gives us courage, strength, hope and the power to unlock the full potential of ones chi within. Only when you find inner peace will you find your true self".

"Wow". I mused. Sounds impressive, to say the least. "Is that what you've been trying to teach me? Coming up here to meditate"?

"Not exactly". Viper answered. "To gain inner peace is something that you must figure out on your own. Some find it through pain and suffering, and others find it through meditation. But today was a good start to help find your inner peace, wouldn't you agree"?

Well I'd be a fool to argue with someone who knows more about a subject than I do, but I do have to agree. I did feel a lot of stress leaving my body when I was... dormant let's say. I looked over to Viper, only now noticing that her body was mimicking the way someone would cross their legs. I had to fight down a chuckle of my own seeing her in that position for the first time.

"Yeah, I guess I do". I smiled. "Thanks for showing it to me Viper".

A smile on her face was the only response I recieved.

"I suppose, all and all, it's helping for you as well"?

"I've practiced meditation for many years now like my friends in the Furious five. Po's still trying to get the hang of it, the poor dear. It takes him a total of five minutes before he accidentally falls asleep. And another ten for anyone to notice".

"Well, that's not exactly what I meant Vipes".

"Oh"? She asked, opening one eye to me.

"I was referring more to... you know. What's going on in your head".

"Ah. Yes, of course". She sighed, dropping her stance a little.

"Yeah, guess with all the craziness today we kind of forgot about it for a little while. Is there... do you want to talk about it"?

Viper said nothing. Instead she uncoiled and slithered back over to me.

"Don't worry about me Mike. I can handle what goes on in here". She replied, rubbing her head. "I am a member of the furious five after all".

"Even the toughest of us need a little bit of help every now and then". I tried persuading her.

Viper gave a small hum in reply, looking down to the village, thinking of something. Unfortunatley she didn't share anything. Only a kiss on the cheek to try and comfort me.

"I think that's enough training for tonight". She smiled, before heading back onto the top floor using the hatch we used to get up in the first place. I remained in place as I watched her disappear from sight, only for her head to slowly pop back up a moment later. "Are you coming Mike"?

"Yeah, I will. Just... I think I'd like to stay up here a little longer is all".

"Are you sure? It's a long way down". She teased.

"Yeah, it is. But I don't really care anymore. Guess that whole inner peace talk makes it easier to deal with the things I don't need to worry about, eh"? I replied with a smile of my own.

"Okay then. Take care Mike. And... good night".

"Good night".

And like that, her head vanished from sight one more time. It was only then that my smile turned into a disappointed frown.

"Oh Viper. You're an amazing girl, but you're one hell of a bad liar". I sighed to myself as I looked back over the city. "Seems I'll just have to find out the truth tomorrow".

VIPER POV

Slithering back down the stairs of Gongmen tower was calm. And a little spooky. It was almost pitch black, It would be easy for an enemy to pick you as a target. Especially one that's alone.

It's just as well I'm not. Is it?

You realise he is suspicious of your nature, do you not...?

"Well, that's my darling Mike for you".

And when he pries deeper? What then?

"Then I suppose I'll let him know why I wanted to have tonights session so soon. The least I can do is tell him"...

Then you no longer worry of how he may react...?

...

I believed as much... Do not allow the dreams of yesterday affect the realities of the future...

I understand, but that hasn't been all too beneficial to you in the past, has it Jiùshìzhǔ?

...