The morning following Liàng's visit to Ping's Noodle Shop, all was calm. The shop had barely begun preparations for opening, the same as many of the businesses in the village. It would not be a normal day, however. For a trio of felines were entering from the west; a criminal band whose prowess far exceeded that of robbing any one store, or mugging any one person. No, when these three were spotted, it was known that entire villages would be under siege. The Wu Sisters: Su, Wing, and Wan.
The three were identical: Snow Leopards, wearing grey sleeveless leotards, black pants, and linen ankle and wrist wrappings. The only way to distinguish the two younger sisters was how they wore their garments. While Wing wore almost a full face covering, allowing only her golden eyes to shine through, Wan allowed her entire face to be seen including the identical colored eyes. Su was the eldest sister, but dressed identically to Wan. Even so, telling her apart from the others was a simple task. She was blind in one eye, so not only was one of her eyes grey instead of golden, but she carried herself with dominance and the aura of leadership. She always walked in front of her sisters, and never left them behind. Together, they were unstoppable. So it came as no surprise to them when a frightened sheep went running in the opposite direction.
"Help! Send word to the palace! The Wu Sisters are in the valley!" his voice shouted, alerting every set of ears within range. Soon enough, there was a panic within every house in the village.
By the time the sisters had reached Market Street, there wasn't a single shopkeeper in sight. Only one person dared remain out in the open; a white tiger dressed in rugged street clothes. Liàng stayed on the street during the panic not out of bravery, but ignorance. He had no idea who the Wu Sisters were; he simply wanted to find someone open so that he could get a bite to eat for breakfast. He didn't even notice the three Leopards in the distance; he just kept walking until his feet led him into Ping's Noodle Shop, where business was slow but still active.
"Don't worry, this happens at least a few times a year. We've all been through this before, and it's always just some chicken thinking any random traveler is a dangerous person," Mr. Ping said to his customers, urging them to continue eating. When he spotted Liàng, he stuck up a wing in his direction and added, "you see? Somebody probably saw our friend here and thought he was one of the Wu Sisters."
All in the restaurant seemed to gain some comfort seeing that the tiger in the building was not, in fact, a Wu Sister. The tiger in question was quick to walk to the front counter, not only due to hunger but due to curiosity. The panda whom he had met the previous day was hard at work cooking while his manager continued to comfort the hungry customers.
"Hey, Po. Exciting morning?" Liàng asked.
"Oh, hey, welcome back! Yeah, I'd say so, but this happens every now and then. So, did you make it in?"
"Not exactly. I was in for a couple hours but after a duel with Master Tigress, I was denied a place as a student. I'm not giving up, though. I just have to prove myself."
"You survived a duel with Master Tigress and weren't accepted? Well, you got farther than anyone I've ever seen. Most of them are thrown out by the Furious Five within seconds of reaching the top of those stairs."
"I suppose there is honor in my defeat, then," Liàng agreed. "Now, on to business. I am starving and there isn't a single shop open right now. What's on the menu today?"
"The usual. The soup is fresh, just took it off the fire a minute ago. It's our most popular item," Po said, preparing a bowl ahead of time as though he knew what Liàng's order would be.
"That sounds great. You know, I've been hearing all over town today that the Wu Sisters are here, we should all run. So tell me, who are the Wu Sisters exactly?"
"Us," said Su as the three appeared in the doorway. Silence overtook the entire shop. All but one of the present customers rushed to the side walls, wanting to be as far from the Snow Leopard's path as possible.
The only one who didn't move was Liàng, who at first didn't register when Su Wu announced herself along with her sisters. He only had the inkling to turn when Po shrank behind the counter, leaving only his large, frightened eyes visible. By the time Liàng lay his eyes upon the criminal triplets, they had already begun their advance towards him. He noticed right away that they carried themselves with a menacing confidence, as if no force in China could stand against them. The weight of their presence was astounding. Of course, so was Liàng's hunger, and as the smell from the fresh soup filled his nose, that became very clear.
"Well Po," he said, turning back to the counter, "I'll definitely have an order of whatever is stewing in that cauldron."
"Are you insane?" The panda whispered back, shocked by his demeanor.
"He must be," Wing Wu replied, now only a few short feet from the counter. "Now what stranger would come into the valley and not know of its greatest tyrants?"
"Sister, isn't that the same kitty cat we saw walking down from the Jade Palace?" Asked Wan. Her question perked Liàng's ears; Master Viper had warned him of anyone who might have been watching as he left the palace.
"Yes, I see it is," Su replied. "Sharp eyes, Sister. Now why was a commoner like yourself visiting the stiffs on that mountain, I wonder? Certainly not an honored guest; not in those clothes. Perhaps you went seeking a heroes life under their tutelage? How disappointed you must have been when you were rejected. To have failed just as all the others failed."
Her words stung. Liàng had been beating himself up over his failure enough, but to have that weakness exploited so easily was shameful. He could feel his anger rising, but refused to act. Refused to speak, or even move. He never turned to face them.
Wing was quick to play off of her sister's insults, saying, "What a shame. I can't help but wonder why you failed? Surely it wasn't your skills. Defeating the renowned Master Tigress is no easy feat."
Those words caused his entire body to go rigid. They had watched his duel? The palace was on the highest peak of those mountains and surrounded by walls higher than any could stand; the only way they could've watched was if they were in the palace during the duel. Then Liàng recalled the extra three bodies which he had detected while the Furious Five were surrounding him; the bodies he had dismissed as nothing. They were there the entire time.
"Skill and training wasn't an issue," Wing continued. "No, judging by that walking stick he carries, I'd say it's another issue entirely. I'd wager this kitty is a cripple. He'd be utterly helpless if I, say...took away his toy."
With those words said, the leopard reached out and took hold of the quarter staff strapped to Liàng's back. She was unable to remove it, however, nor could she even pull away. For the instant her fingers wrapped around his staff, the white tiger took hold of her wrist with an iron grip from his right hand.
"Don't. Touch. That."
The other two Wu sisters advanced quickly, not taking lightly an active challenge to their authority. "You'll find that was a grave mistake, child," said Su, advancing on his left side from behind.
Not knowing what move the leading sister planned to open with, Liàng opted to avoid a precise altercation. Instead, he ducked down and used his own weight to pull Wing around, placing her in Su's path and using her as a large blunt weapon. The young warrior was prepared to flee the restaurant and move to an open battleground as soon as the two collided, but things did not go according to plan. Wing easily vaulted herself onto her sister's shoulders, and the two of them continued the momentum without releasing Liàng. Together, they lifted him high into the air and threw him to the ground for what would've been a devastating impact for anyone, even Master Oogway. Luckily, the tiger was just able to twist in the air in order to land on his feet, and that placed him in the perfect position for a counterattack.
With Wing and Su both standing within inches of each other, they limited one-another's movement and doubled the size of the target they posed. Grinning, Liàng twisted back for a powerful roundhouse kick with his left leg. The blow would be powerful enough to shatter bones, but once again he underestimated how quickly these warriors could act as a unit, and he also forgot that there was a third. Wan was quick to stop Liàng's kick just before it impacted her sisters, using a front kick of her own to meet his leg. Her defense put the tiger severely off balance; a state which Wing and Su capitalized on with a synchronized side-kick. Both of their feet impacted Liàng in the center of his back, and the force of their combined kick was enough to launch the tiger across the restaurant, smashing through a table and rolling just outside the doorway. The Wu Sisters were on him again before he even had a chance to stand. Liàng barely had his feet beneath him before another foot came hurling towards his chest. He was just able to cross his arms in a block before it struck, minimizing the damage but causing him to slide backwards, his feet carving a furrow into the ground. Rooting himself and regaining his balance, the young warrior finally was able to go on the attack once more, for only a single move. One single punch was all he could manage, but it was blocked easily by Wan Wu, followed soon by Wing striking him in the chest. It was only hard enough to knock him back a few steps, but the true blow was dealt by Su Wu, who leaped into the air from behind them. While in the air, she performed a backflip which led into a powerful upwards kick. That kick landed directly on Liàng's chin, and resulted in him being knocked up into the air, soon to come crashing to the ground.
Momentarily knocked unconscious, there was no chance of him breaking his own fall. Not that he could even if he was lucid. Instead, Wan and Wing were already in the air and in position to spike him down with a powerful double kick. Every onlooker in Ping's held their breath, awaiting the sound of a bone crushing attack. But as the two sisters began bringing their legs down, a shadow passed overhead. In a flash of white and green, the two airborne Wu Sisters were struck from the sky. Liàng's barely conscious body was caught and braced by a serpentine figure, which gave him an easy landing. He opened his eyes moments later to see Master Viper, releasing him from her gentle coils. Masters Crane and Mantis were both standing between him and the Wu Sisters, while Masters Tigress and Monkey had placed themselves between them and the noodle shop. They had simultaneously flanked the enemy and put themselves in a position to protect the civilians; they truly were a tactical marvel.
"Stay here, we'll handle them," Viper ordered in a sweet tone, before slithering off to join Crane and Mantis.
"Now here is who we came to see. The fabled Furious Five; what a chance to see what the good people of China have to offer as their greatest warriors," said Su. "I've been nothing but disappointed so far. This runt is the best we've had."
"Surrender now, before things get worse for you. By order of the Master's Council, you are being placed under arrest to be returned to prison, where you belong," Tigress said forcefully. Her voice was strained as she hardened her stance.
"Oh, Master Tigress, you sound unwell," Su replied. "Let's not make this harder than it needs to be. I wouldn't want to hurt you." Both of her sisters snickered at her words. "Oh hush girls. They know I'm lying, of course. I really do want to hurt you."
Slowly growing more and more lucid, Liàng could hear the conversation happening in front of him. Hearing the pain in Tigress's voice along with Su Wu recognizing that pain brought a terrible thought to his mind. The Wu Sisters had been in the palace watching his duel with Tigress. They would've seen how he injured her, and would subsequently know where to target the weakened Master. She was in more danger than she knew, all because Liàng couldn't restrain himself in the heat of combat.
"No!" Liàng shouted, struggling to stand from the ground. "Tigress, get away! They'll kill you!" The young warrior stumbled back down to his knees as he attempted to advance. His mind was still blurry from the blows he sustained to the head.
"The kitty still has some fight left," Wing said, amused as she turned her attention to him.
Viper quickly repositioned herself to protect him more accurately. "Stay down, Liàng. We'll handle this."
"Sisters, distract the weak ones for me," Su requested, baring her fangs in a sadistic grin.
Wan and Wing did as they were asked, getting low and dashing in opposite directions. Crane and Monkey were engaged by Wing, who little by little, drew them farther down the street. Wan made a beeline straight for Viber, who was defended and supported in combat by Mantis. The three fought viciously, with the two warriors of the Jade Palace trying desperately to steer the fight away from Liàng, who was doing his best to recover and defend Tigress. Su Wu remained, taking a wide, low stance and facing down her quarry, who remained static in her posture.
"You know, Master Tigress, part of me is disappointed. To come face to face with a warrior said to be more fierce and disciplined than even the great Master Rhino, and know that victory will come so easily. To know I'll never get the chance to face her at her strongest; it fills me with regret. I would almost consider giving you time to heal, but you know how it is. A year of planning, months of preparation, we can't just let that-"
"Enough of this!" Tigress exclaimed, finalling advancing on her opponent.
She began the fight with an aerial roundhouse kick, which was easily blocked with a single arm by Su Wu. That kick was followed by a swift sidekick with the other leg before Tigress landed, which was also blocked. The grimace on Tigress' face made it clear that every move she made put her in more pain. When Su began her counterattack, she exploited this with extreme prejudice. The eldest sister was a cunning warrior, and years of experience had turned her into a master strategist. With ease, she was able to orchestrate openings in Tigress' defense. By forcing her to defend specific areas, Su created gaps leading directly to her injured and tender rib cage. Every few blows that Tigress blocked, one was landed exactly where Liàng had targeted. In the beginning, the tiger did well to hide her pain, but by the third strike, the was grimacing. By the seventh, grunting. And when Su Wu used a hammer fist to strike her ribs for the ninth time, Tigress cried out. She could stand it no longer and lowered her right arm to constantly clench and defend her weak point.
Liàng was growing more and more lucid as he struggled to stand, watching on while still helpless to save Tigress from a defeat at the hands of the Wu Sisters. A defeat which he himself provided by injuring her. His guilt was even stronger in his heart than his anger, which slowly boiled beneath the surface. When the young warrior had finally gotten his feet beneath him, it was all but too late. His eyes were clenched when he heard Tigress's first cry of pain from Su's attack, but they opened wide when the sound filled his ears. With half of her defenses down and dedicated completely to a single point, she was not prepared to deal with the onslaught of attacks that would come. He watched in deafening silence as Su commenced her combination assault, grinning at the lack of effort required to land every blow. Within moments, Tigress was barely standing. One final butterfly strike was enough to take her off her feet and send her rolling to the ground where she lay battered and broken. The rest of the five tried to rush to her aid, but Wing and Wan Wu were able to keep them too occupied. Unable to break free from their own fights, Su was free to do to Tigress as she pleased. Although she wasn't planning to draw the fight out much longer, she wasn't quite done having her fun. No, ending her fun was the last thing on her mind as she placed a brutal kick to Tigress's stomach, rolling her back another few feet with another cry of pain followed by gasping as she tried to catch her breath.
"Master Tigress, even with your injuries, this was just too easy. I can't imagine you would've posed any challenge even in your prime. Sadly, I'd say those days are behind you now."
"Stop!" Liàng yelled, trying to draw Su's attention to himself. He was hardly successful; the snow leopard only glanced back at him before facing Tigress once again.
"Seems the kitty does still has some fight in him. It hardly matters though; suffice to say all of your days are behind you now."
With that said, Su lifted her right leg high into the air and moved it over Tigress' neck. The angle which her leg would fall would be fatal when it landed, and that was clear to even the most unversed citizen. Liàng's anxiety, anger, and frustration were all growing at tremendous rates. It was visible to an untrained eye how his body shifted. Crouching low to the ground, his teeth bared and his brow furrowed, and his eyes almost glowing their natural vibrant blue. When Su's leg began coming down, Liàng moved like a wave of light. With blinding speed, he closed the distance between himself and Tigress, using a single arm to block Su's bone breaking kick. Her leg stopped the moment it impacted that arm, and the arm didn't move. Tigress, still in extreme pain, was just barely able to open her eyes to see her savior standing over her like a living shield.
"Impressive. But not good enough," Su said, before turning her assault to Liàng.
Hopping on her back foot, she brought her leg down to the ground and used the other to kick the young tiger's arm up and out of the way. This opened up his midsection for an attack, but the opening vanished in an instant. Liàng quickly lunged up from the ground, catching the arm which Su was using for her next attack and gripping her throat with his other hand. He then lifted her from the ground by her neck, cutting off her airway. Su was prepared to counter this barbaric move, but her counter was predicted easily. As she swung wide with her right arm, aiming a knife hand to Liàng's face, he tossed her slightly upwards so that he could block the attack and strike her hard in the chest. Su was sent hurling through the air, the wind knocking out of her as she slammed into the second story wall of a house across the street.
Both Wing and Wan heard the sound Su made when she fell to the ground, and were there at her side in a mere moment to protect her from whatever had bested her. They were each equally surprised to see that the only warrior standing who could've attacked her in that moment was Liàng, the tiger who had proven no match for them before. Both sisters could feel something different in the air around him, though; the fury in his eyes which glowed even in daylight made them hesitant to attack. Instead, they formed a defensive barrier and waited for Su to gather herself. In that time, the remaining four of the Furious Five joined Liàng between the Wu Sisters and Tigress. Viper and monkey stood to his left while Crane and Mantis took their places to his right. Each of the four took their respective stances, ready to attack as a unit, but a forceful arm outstretched by Liàng halted them.
"I'll handle them, you protect Tigress," he ordered.
"You can't take them alone," Monkey replied.
"I'm the reason we're in this mess now, so I'm going to clean it up."
"Liàng-" Viper began, but was interrupted.
"Just do as I say!" Liàng barked.
Before any more protest could be given, Su Wu got to her feet and shouted, "Do you honestly believe you can defeat us all just because you had one good hit on me?"
The young tiger offered no verbal reply. Instead, he removed the quarterstaff from his back with closed eyes and, using only his right hand, spun it a few times around his body. When he was done with his display, he transitioned the spinning staff into his left hand, where it came to a stop beneath his arm. Holding the staff beneath his arm and turning so that it was positioned behind him, Liàng took a low stance with his right side leading. His right arm was extended forwards, pinky and ring fingers both closed while his thumb, index and middle fingers remained open; a hand position long thought to enhance the flow of chi through focused limbs. When his eyes opened, it was clear beyond any doubt that that his chi set them ablaze like glowing sapphires. Their ambient glow caused the three sisters to falter for a moment before they hardened their stances once again. They were prepared to fight together to defeat all six of the foes before them.
"Sisters!" Su called out, signaling their attack.
Liàng countered on instinct and instinct alone. Swinging his staff out in front of him, he brought the base down to strike the ground where it was imbedded into the dirt and stone. The impact of the wooden shaft on the ground sent out a small shockwave, kicking up dust and slowing the Wu Sister's advance. As that dust fell, lines of sapphic blue began to emanate from the wood grain, giving the weapon a mystical hue. Liàng was quick to bolt past it, leaving the staff standing where he had embedded it, and began a quick series of jabs at his three opponents. Each jab connected, whether with a block or an undefended point on a feline body. The four standing members of the Furious Five looked on in amazement as Liàng attacked too quickly for even three trained warriors to keep up with. And all of them let out an audible gasp as he paused in his assault for but a moment. Taking a deep breath, the white tiger acted again on instinct, channeling energy through his breath down into his arms.
His hands hardened in their position, ready to strike with the heel of each palm. With his burning chi flowing through each arm down to each of those hands, they gained the same glow as that of his eyes. The Wu sisters hadn't even noticed this in the one moment gap between his attacks; they were too wrapped up in positioning themselves for their counter. When the four warriors reengaged each other, the three sisters were caught by surprise once again. The gears which drove Liàng's fighting style had changed; he was no longer fighting quickly, but instead was using slower, precise, powerful strikes. He took each sister on, one at a time. First, Su was met by an elbow to the stomach followed quickly by a palm strike to the center of her chest. Wing was next, met by a backhand to the head followed again by a palm strike to the chest in the same way as Su. Both strikes to the chest left a faint glow behind, as if Liàng had deposited some of his chi on their bodies. By the time Wan got her turn, she had seen and analyzed the pattern of Liàng's attacks. She didn't know what he was doing, but she took special care to avoid giving him the chance to strike her in the same manor. When she saw him winding back for the attack, she retreated.
Liàng was hardly dismayed by Wan's avoidance of his attack. Wing and Su didn't have the same good sense and both went for his legs. As they went low, the young tiger hopped up onto their shoulders and not only pushed them back again, but leaped back to his staff. Removing it from the ground, he took a basic offensive stance with the staff in both hands in front of him. Su and Wing wasted no time advancing once again, but this would be the last time they got the chance. Once again harnessing his breath and focusing his chi, Liàng's staff lit up brightly. Taking only one step forwards, he raised the staff high and brought it down hard, striking the ground before him. The move was acombanied by a powerful shout which could be heard all through the village, and when the warrior's tool touched the earth, the glowing points on Su and Wing's chests flashed brightly. That flash was immediately followed by a concussive force which sent both sisters flying backwards. When they impacted the building behind them, they were both knocked unconscious. Wan was the only one left standing, and she looked both fearful and infuriated.
"Stand down," Liàng ordered. "It's over. You can't win."
"You'll never take me! Remember this, the warriors of the jade palace will never best the Wu Sisters! Don't forget me, Liàng. I won't be forgetting you!"
When Wan Wu had finished spouting off, she turned and bolted for the north road. She was attempting to escape, and the four standing Furious Five members had no intention of letting her. All four began pursuing, but stopped barely two strides in when Liàng raised his voice.
"Leave her be," he said, stopping the warriors where the stood. Still in his heightened state of mind, chi flowing through him like magic, he could sense the emotions flowing through Wan. No hatred, no rage; just fear, and a broken spirit. Forced to abandon her sisters, she faced great shame. Her words may have been harsh, but it was clear as the tears fell from her eyes that she was lost. She would not be a threat any longer. "Take those two wherever they need to go; I'll tend to Tigress."
"Hold on a second, you don't order us around!" Mantis said, dashing to stand in front of Liàng. "What makes you think we would leave Tigress behind when she's wounded?"
"Mantis, enough!" Viper scolded, attempting to shoo the bug away. "You three do as he says. I'll aid him in Tigress' care."
"Hold on, are we not going to talk about what just happened? Because last I checked, tigers don't normally glow," said Crane.
"Later, Crane. Go."
Without further discussion, Mantis, Monkey, and Crane walked over and bound the unconscious bodies of Su and Wing Wu before lifting and transporting them out of the village to whatever prison they deemed appropriate. While they were doing their part, Liàng and Viper went over to where Tigress was still laying. It seemed she was slipping in and out of consciousness, but all the while continued to clench her rib cage. After strapping his staff to his back once again, he kneeled down beside her and placed his hand on her forehead.
"Su used the exact same strategy against Tigress that you did. How did she know to target that spot?" Viper asked, using the end of her tail to test the injured area for any abnormalities.
"They were there during our match; they saw the whole fight, including how and where I injured her."
"They were in the palace? Right under our noses...how shameful. They must have been there to watch us and study our fighting. That's how they knew the best way to defeat any of us would be to single us out," she deduced.
Liàng nodded.
"I'm glad you were here," she said. Following her words, a look of thought came across her face. "How did you do that?"
"The light of my order, manifested in my chi and harnessed through a relic of my people." Viper looked at him, shocked by the implications of those words. "I've never felt it in that strength before," he added, never taking his eyes away from Tigress' ribs as his hands glided over them, searching for any bones out of place.
"So you really weren't lying? What you told Shifu and Oogway; it was all true?"
Liàng sighed. "I wish it wasn't." He stopped as he located a rib which was broken and displaced. "Here," he declared, "I found the broken one. We need to get her back up to the palace."
"She can't walk," Viper stated.
"She won't have to. I'll carry her."
Tigress, who up until that point had done nothing but lay on the ground, dizzy and in agony, suddenly thrust her arm out and pushed Liàng back. "No!" She shouted, straining her body to even speak. "I won't be shamed even further." With that said, she began standing on her own, grunting with every motion she made.
Viper was quickly at her side, ready to catch her if she fell. It didn't take but a moment after she was on her feet for that very thing to happen, landing in her gentle coils. Liàng aided in holding her up, but it was obvious just trying to walk was affecting her ability to breathe. The young warrior felt guilty knowing that this kind of injury would never have befallen her had he been more in control.
"This was my fault, not yours," he said, looking Tigress in the eyes. "This injury was caused by me, so let me bare the burden."
"I am Master Tigress, I will not dishonor myself by being carried up a few stairs."
"There's no shame in allowing others to help you!" The white tiger shouted. The words he spoke seemed to come out of nowhere; Liàng himself was surprised and looked around, as if they had escaped his mouth without him ever having thought them. The words were alien to him, spoken from a voice in his mind which was not his own, but also familiar. Returning to the task at hand, he again focused on Tigress' eyes. Speaking softly, he said, "We don't face the darkness of this world alone. One of the greatest gifts Kung Fu gives us is the ability to help others; to guide them. But that doesn't mean we can't accept help; it doesn't mean we never need it. Let me help you."
The road fell silent. Tigress and Viper alike both looked surprised, but even more so moved by the young tiger's words. They were wise, spoken from the heart of a master. Viper, though wishing to aid in convincing Tigress to accept the help, said nothing. She knew to let Liàng win or lose this battle. Tigress was speechless in that moment, realizing that she had forgotten the virtues of Kung Fu. Softening her expression, she replied. "Liàng, I would be honored to accept your help up the mountain."
Liàng was overjoyed. Smiling softly, he kneeled down and put himself in a position to lift Tigress up. Hesitantly, she put her arm which was closest to him over his shoulders. As she did, he put one arm beneath both of her knees and the other under her back. When his grip was secure, he stood and lifted her up with him. She was heavier than he expected, weighed down by the firm muscle formed from a lifetime of training. By the time they would reach the top of the stairs and enter the palace, he would be nearly spent for energy. He was breathing hard as they crested the mountain; his arms and legs burned, but his trek wasn't yet complete. Led by Viper, he carried Tigress through the palace and to the barracks, where the Furious Five slept at night. The front door was solid wood and swung on creaking hinges, while the doors and walls leading into and separating each of the individual bedrooms were comprised of paper and bamboo stalks. Viper was kind enough to open the door to Tigress's room, allowing Liàng to carry her in and set her down gently on her sleeping mat.
"Thank you," Tigress said, smiling at him where he sat on his knees beside her. "For everything. And I'm sorry for how I treated you yesterday."
"Get some rest, Tigress," Viper said. "We'll send for a doctor."
Tigress nodded, and though her look of pain persisted, she closed her eyes. Viper moved to leave the room, but Liàng stayed where he was. "I'll watch over her until the doctor arrives."
"Liàng, if Shifu finds you in here after he had you removed from the palace-"
"Let me worry about Shifu. Go, get the doctor. I'll call for you or any of the others if her condition changes."
Viper was concerned, but after what she had seen throughout the last few hours, she trusted him. Nodding, the serpent left the room and closed the door behind her. When all fell silent, Liàng closed his eyes and began to meditate. Though his mind wandered in its path to find inner peace, it never left the room. He was constantly listening to Tigress's breathing, monitoring it for even the most minute changes. But as his mind wandered, it took him back to the events of the day. He began by contemplating the energy he had summoned when defending Tigress from Su Wu and her sisters. Though he had very little memory of his life previous to the Valley of Peace, he knew that he had never been able to use that power before. Long had he tried to master the light of his order, but his own Chi eluded his control. What changed, in that one instance? Yes, he now wielded a relic of his order, but in order to use any relic, you must first be able to focus your own chi.
His mind then wandered forwards, to the words he had said to Tigress to convince her to accept his help. Playing it back in his own mind, the voice escaping his mouth wasn't his own. It was fuzzy, but female. A kind voice, desperate and concerned. He couldn't place any visuals of the sudden memory, only words and what he felt. He was lost, frustrated, and alone. A failure to his people, until someone else offered a helping hand. Another student, but who, he couldn't remember. He struggled to make the memory clearer, but the more he clung to it, the more it faded until the only memory he had was that from earlier the same day. His own voice, from his own mouth. Liàng's meditation was broken when he heard the door into the room open.
He opened his eyes just in time to see Master Oogway enter. It was dark out, and Tigress was sound asleep. As if not even realizing that Liàng was aware of his presence, Oogway walked around him and stood before Tigress's body. Folding his hands together in front of him, he began moving through a few stances, spiraling those hands outwards. Extending his right palm forward to complete the dance, it began a golden glow. The energy from his palm sparkled in the air and transferred into Tigress. Her pained expression faded gradually, until she was sleeping peacefully with no sign of injury. Liàng was amazed by what he had just witnessed, and nearly jumped out of his fur when the old tortoise turned and smiled his toothless smile.
"Come. She is well," he said, before exiting the room. The young tiger was confused, but obediently followed.
The two walked for some time, taking a fairly slow pace as they went. Oogway couldn't move all too quickly, but he was graceful, in a way. The moon was high in the sky when they finally arrived at their location: a small plateau overseeing the valley, decorated only with a single peach tree.
"So, you have finally proven yourself to Shifu's students. I can tell now that they greatly admire you," Oogway said.
Liàng let a moment pass before he responded. Kneeling to the ground, he pleaded. "Master, I would ask again to be taken under your wing; to be taught to master my chi, so that I can defend this world from the coming threat."
He sighed. "I'm afraid that the answer has not been so easily changed."
Liàng was shocked; surely the display of power he had put on in his fight with the Wu Sisters was worth something. Nearly outraged, he replied, "but why? Have I not proven myself?"
Oogway smiled; it was clear that the young tiger's reaction wasn't in the least unexpected. "You've done well to prove your skills, and your honor. But what you did against the Wu Sisters today will not be enough for Shifu." His words disheartened Liàng, but the old master chuckled and continued. "Your chi is powerful, and today, you showed that it could be used to defeat great enemies."
"So why, then? Why won't you teach me?"
Without answering, Oogway began to walk away. He was slow, but reached the top of the stairs quickly enough. Stopping briefly, he turned and smiled at Liàng. "Stay here the night. I will meditate, and return for you in the morning."
When he was gone, the younger warrior sat in confusion. He didn't know what to do, nor did he know why things were happening the way they were. Oogway was said to be the wisest of all Kung Fu Masters, yet none of his wisdom helped Liàng find answers. Turning to face out to the valley, he opted to do his own meditation, not only to relax and reflect on what Oogway had said, but to focus on himself and find where his power had stemmed from. If he would not be trained, then he would train himself. Master Oogway made his way to the Hall of Heroes; a sacred atrium filled with artifacts telling the history of Kung Fu. In that hall, an empty circle stood; surrounded by a crescent of unlit candles, it was a center for meditation. Oogway took his time in lighting each candle before finding his way to the center, where his meditation began. He knew not where it would lead him, and none could have foreseen the vision it would bring. Come morning, he would have quite the development to inform Shifu of. A warrior, dormant in the bowels of Chorh-Gom Prison, would return to the valley with a terrible vengeance.
