So here is the next chapter, a very long one with an epic battle and with one last flashback. I'll keep this intro short so enjoy guys! Oh and have tissues ready btw, you'll see why soon.
Chapter 17: Míng Na's Last Stand
Míng Na stared down at the golden monkey, who adjusted her jaw before letting out a growl and baring her teeth. The Siamese cat showed no fear as she readied herself for a long fight. She watched as Tiān Cháo held up her weapon, tightening her hold.
"So this is how it's going to be huh, best friend," Tiān Cháo sarcastically jeered.
Míng Na frowned but made her stance, her arms in front and steady.
"This is how it has to be…" Míng Na responded.
They stared at each other, standing like statues until another light earthquake shook the temple. The low rumble caused the chairs and banners to lightly shook. But the phenomenon didn't last, as soon as it stop Tiān Cháo made the first move. She runs to Míng Na with quick speed, throwing her arm down.
Míng Na moved out of the way of the weapon. Tiān Cháo moved fast, swinging around so hard she could break her arm, she wasn't stopping until she landed a hit. Míng Na was quicker, she could feel the medicine kicking in. Her joints and old bones felt lighter and stronger as she was ten years younger. But she knows it won't last long, Míng Na had to end this quickly before she over-exhausted herself.
The monkey paused to catch her breath and Míng Na took the opportunity to make a move. She twisted her body in a spin to throw a kick, but Tiān Cháo saw it in time and grab her leg. Tiān Cháo then threw her to the other side of the room. Míng Na rolled but immediately got up, her tail twitched aggressively. She looked up in time to see the monkey going for another swing. Instead of dodging, Míng Na grab the stone sword with her paws and then kicked Tiān Cháo in the chest, falling backward.
Míng Na with all of her strength, swing the sword hard on the marble floor, breaking it into pieces. She watched the pieces fly in every direction.
Seeing her only weapon destroyed Tiān Cháo became more furious, her last resort is the god's chi.
Holding her anger in and focusing on her chi, she could feel the power flowing in her. Her paws glowed like amber, and the heat from her rage fueled the warmth in her hands. Tiān Cháo fisted her palms together, letting the heat spark like flames.
Míng Na noticed her hands, sparks shine, and danced in front of her ocean eyes. She remembered what that burning fist did to her student, she would have to be careful and not get too close. She eyed the golden monkey as she flex her finger before going in for another attack.
Míng Na got on all fours, something she hasn't done in a long time, and ran away from Tiān Cháo's attack. The idea was to try to confuse or tried her out, enough for her to take her down and grab the necklaces. Míng Na looked back to see the monkey trying to catch her. She ran and use the walls to jump back and forth, taking every chance to land a hit on Tiān Cháo's face.
Tiān Cháo threw her fists, trying to grab anything including her tail but kept missing. She was not really focusing on landing a hit, she wanted to hurt her. Her eyes followed the cat not losing sight of her. She curled her legs and jumped forward, she landed on the ground hard and turned to the Siamese cat.
Míng Na stopped as her path was blocked. She swiftly turned and run up to the giant pillar, her feet hitting the solid surface. As she predicted Tiān Cháo was still following her. She then jumps off, she felt all of her surroundings slow down. She looked to see Tiān Cháo jumped as well, she got here where she wanted. Not wasting another second, Míng Na took hold of the banners above her and dive down, close enough to warp the banners around Tiān Cháo, and kicked her to the floor.
Tiān Cháo landed hard, the marble floor slightly cracked from the impact. The golden monkey couldn't believe she fell for a trap, that's what she gets for letting anger get the better of her. She tried to break the banners, but they hugged her, she lost focus and her hands glowed less.
Míng Na landed on the ground, she wobbled a little but kept her balance steady. She grab the ends of the banners and pulled them tight to keep Tiān Cháo from escaping.
"It's over Tiān Cháo," Míng Na breathes out, "It's time to give up."
Tiān Cháo turned to look at the cat, her face was blank until it gradually formed into fury. The same face she made to her granddaughter was not staring at her, right into her eyes as if she was staring at the center of her soul. It disturbed her greatly.
"Give up…?" Tiān Cháo carefully said with a voice low and cold. The anger vastly return, and the golden monkey could feel her hands heat up again. This time she touched the banners and they went up in flames. The fire reach the end of the banners, Míng Na pulled away feeling the stings on her fingertips.
The burring cloth enveloped her body, but the pain was nothing compared to what Tiān Cháo was feeling towards the cat. With a quick flex, she freed herself and stomped over to Míng Na.
"Like how you gave up on our friendship and abandoned me?!" she spat.
She charged again with more speed. Míng Na step back using every block technique to keep those fists away from her, all while Tiān Cháo kept yelling at her.
"All you did was listen to that stupid man and his fake wisdom!" the golden monkey cried.
Míng Na did an upper block moving Tiān Cháo's arm upwards, but she didn't have time to land another punch. Taking advantage of an opening, Tiān Cháo use her other arm and landed a punch to Míng Na's face.
The Siamese cat gave a small cry, feeling her whiskers and her fur sizzle from the heated punch. It was worse when Tiān Cháo grab her shoulders, burning them as she kneed her stomach then let her go and kicked her hard, hitting the wall. Míng Na tried to ignore the burning pain as she stood up, using the pillar to keep herself from falling over. She breathed heavily, the words swimming in her head as she glanced up at Tiān Cháo. She really wish they weren't like this, she wish she could take back her mistake.
"I never gave up our friendship …" she said catching her breath, "I felt so guilty doing that to you, telling you to leave and never come back."
Tiān Cháo stops, and the heat in her hands wore off. She took only a second to let the words in, but she couldn't help but frown, her brows narrowed as well.
"You still didn't do anything about it. You were too busy being a teacher's pet, following every threat and order."
"I was a child Tiān Cháo," Míng Na tried to explain, "I was scared. What was I supposed to do?"
"I was a scared child too!" Tiān Cháo exclaimed ready to charge again.
Míng Na had not recovered from her burned shoulders and could only grab onto Tiān Cháo, as she was being shoved to the wall with a thud. With an ounce of force, she rolled the monkey and shoved her to the wall.
"Master Qifu threatened to kick me out. He wasn't going to take care of Měi Hua, I had to her first."
"But you never put me first," Tiān Cháo retaliate, "You never defended me…"
This caused Míng Na to stop and looked at the golden monkey.
She looked almost hurt, she always tried to be a good sister to both of them. She tried to look back, trying to see if any of her memories could show her if she made a mistake. She remembered seeing Tiān Cháo frown whenever she brought up kung fu or the teacher, she always spoke highly of the two but never stop to think about how it affected her. She knew she never liked Master Qifu but thought maybe she will understand why he was strict, but when the master started throwing her in the basement, she couldn't think of any words to defend his actions. Míng Na never brings it up and tries to cheer up Tiān Cháo afterward. Maybe she should have stopped him.
While the cat was going down memory lane, Tiān Cháo took the moment to lift her leg and kick her in the stomach, causing Míng Na to grunt and hit the floor. Míng Na holds her stomach, feeling the pain raise up to her throat making her cough.
"Not now, please not now…" Míng Na pleated in her mind.
She slowly got up as Tiān Cháo stood there glaring her down.
"You said you never gave up on our friendship, but I think that's a lie."
"I'm not lying to you."
"I saw the look you gave me when I first arrived here," said Tiān Cháo, "The same look you gave me when I came back to that temple. You were afraid of me…"
Míng Na stumbled as she stood up, not sure what she should say next. She breathes in and out as she reminds herself that she can't hesitate with Tiān Cháo, no matter how much her words are affecting her.
She coughs before saying "…Because I never expected you to come back with those bandits and set the temple on fire."
The afternoon at the temple was a very cold, dark, and cloudy day. Too cold to go exploring outside. Míng Na and the older kids just finished up their scouting, no activity from the enemy or signs they were getting close to their location. It didn't matter to her anymore, she just wanted this damn war to end. She didn't feel anything being back at the temple, it felt empty now.
It has been four days since she banished Tiān Cháo. She never experienced so much guilt in her life. It didn't help with the fact that she lied to her little sister. Měi Hua had asked so many times where was Tiān Cháo and Míng Na had told her that she left for the east village to find her parents. When she asked if she will come back, Míng Na felt her soul tear into pieces as she told her she wasn't sure. This made the poor kitten cry and it broke Míng Na. The heartbreak made the sickness even worse. Měi Hua was still recovering from the sickness she had, still in bed but quieter than before. The older cat didn't know what to do at this point.
All she wanted to do now is head to the kitchen and make something warm for her sister. But she had to report to Master Qifu first, even though she didn't want to talk to him anymore. Míng Na does her best to avoid him now, only to speak to him when ask a question.
She had been lost in thought that she filched when someone touched her shoulder.
"Míng Na?"
She turned around to see her bully Taio, only he wasn't looking for a fight as always. He stared at her with a frown. He hasn't bullied anyone or let his ego out since he started the scouting missions with everyone, almost as if reality was sinking in his mind. She had noticed how quiet and isolated he became.
"You alright?" he asked shockingly politely.
Míng Na only nodded.
"Yeah. I'm just tired…I'm going to report to the Master."
She tried to look at him but she would glance at the scars her friend left on the sable marten's face. She was about to leave but Taio stopped her again, sighing as he was tired too.
"I'll make the report. You go check on your sister."
Míng Na wasn't sure what has gotten into him but she didn't question the sudden change, She silently thank him with a nod and went to the kitchen to prepare food for MěiHua. She walked away with so much somberness.
While the older kids closed the temple doors behind them, they failed to notice that a group of eyes was watching them, hiding in the forest. Violet eyes stared at the temple with new-found hate. The hogs behind her stared at the tall doors, ready themselves to get their revenge. They had to find new weapons, this time carrying big hammers, meteor chains, and wooden torches.
Tiān Cháo only had the sword with her. She moves away branches to get a better look. She made sure to look everywhere, making sure there was no one left outside. Seeing the coast was clear, she smiled to herself and turned back to the hogs. Although she was using them to get back at Master Qifu, it felt nice that she had an actual group listening to her and following her beside her friends.
"Is everyone ready?" she asked and they nodded.
"Should we have are troches ready?" one of the hogs asked.
Tiān Cháo thought about it for a second before agreeing, "Yeah, just to scare everyone off."
"So once we get rid of this teacher guy you'll grab your friend and get out of here right?" the second-in-command hog questioned.
"That's the plan," said Tiān Cháo, "You'll get your revenge and be on your way and I'll grab my sister."
Once she gave the final nod, one of the hogs grab two rocks and made a bright spark to light up the torches. When all of them lit up the group slowly approach the temple. Breathing slowly, Tiān Cháo stood in front of the doors glaring at them with anger ready to be unleashed. She take one more glance at the hogs and they all forcefully kicked the tall doors open, enough to pull off the hinges and hit the floor.
The loud bang frightens everyone. The older kids were merely talking before going to see their teacher stop, while the little ones were around doing their chores. They all turned to see the golden monkey walk in with the hogs, holding their troches high. The younger children stood up fearful and glancing at the older ones who had no idea what was happening.
Taio was also confused until he recognize the monkey and scowled.
"Tiān Cháo?" he asked, "What are you doing back here?"
Tiān Cháo only gives a sly smile.
"What? No welcome back?" she said mockingly, "That's rude Taio, have you not learned your lesson last time?"
She pointed to her cheek, seeing the scars on the boy's face. Taio cover it but stood his ground, he remembered his teacher telling the older kids that Tiān Cháo was removed for good. His narrowed eyes harden.
"Look, I'm in no mood to fight you-"
"Ha! That's a big surprise."
He took a deep breath trying not to yell.
"Listen flat-nose, Master Qifu said you're not welcome here anymore."
Her ear only twitched at this.
"Oh did he…well looks like we're going to have to talk to him then."
Taio heard the word 'we' and understood the situation. He glanced at the older kids and nodded, they shift their bodies to a kung fu pose. The little children quickly run behind them. They made sure to block the way, giving the message to the hogs to back off.
"Leave Tiān Cháo, this is your final warning," said Taio.
Tiān Cháo however, did not find his warning threatening. She only gave a small hum before turning back to hogs with a demeanor look.
"Go ahead," she simply ordered.
The hogs grunted and with great strength, they throw their torchers right at the kids.
Taio was caught off guard and tried to back away from the fire. One of the older girls tried to kick the torches away but they ended up close to her robe and found herself on fire, crying in pain. The little kids panic and screamed, running away from the scene. The fire then spread in the room, one torch hit a scroll on a wall, bursting in flames. While two students tried to help the girl, Taio and the rest of the group rush in the stop the group. The hogs fought back, one of them kicked Taio and hit him with a hammer that send him flying through the wall, making a big hole.
Tiān Cháo moved out of the way not interested in fighting with them. She and the second-in-command made their way to the hall to look for the teacher. He still hold on to his torch and spread the fire to each room they passed, just like they planned. When they enter the main room where the little children are doing their chores, they stop and stared at Tiān Cháo.
The hog throws his chain around the room, scaring them. With them out of the way they continue their journey down the halls to the room she rarely goes to. The room she was told where the teacher meditates after class. When they approached the doors, she and the hog kicked it down with powerful force it took the door open.
The doors slammed the walls alerting the master from his meditation. He was on his chair at the far end of the room. He spotted the two, looking shocked and confused.
"What is going on? Who are you?" demanded Master Qifu getting up from his spot.
The hog took a step forward glaring at the teacher, welding his chain tight.
"You killed my leader!" he exclaimed, " Now you're gonna pay the price!"
Master Qifu stared at the hog and then turned his attention to Tiān Cháo who simply glowered. He put the pieces together and glared at both of them. He walks towards them with no fear.
"Your threat is pointless," the master stated, "Leave here at once!"
This only made the hog laugh, "Heh heh, suit yourself."
He threw his chain at Master Qifu but the raccoon dog dodged and sprinted toward the attacker. The two start to fight while Tiān Cháo stands back to watch. As much as she wanted to beat the teacher herself, she know she was not as skillful as the other students, he would beat her in seconds. She didn't mind the hog doing the work, he was the one who wanted revenge more than her.
She smiled as she watched the two adults fighting. Watching the chain breaking through everything and the teacher throwing punches and scratch marks at the other. She was unimpressed with the fight, especially Master Qifu. This man calms he was one of the many great fighters Oogway taught, yet he could only land two punches.
The hog threw his meteor chains around, and finally, he made contact as the ball at the end of the chain hit the master. Master Qifu grunted, hitting the floor, and sprained his leg. The hog took the opportunity to approach him and warp the chain around the raccoon dog. He was about to struggle with him but Tiān Cháo stops him.
"Wait," she said holding her paw up.
The hog looked at her, holding the teacher in his hooves. She thought for a moment before making a decision.
"Put him back on the chair."
The hog nodded and made sure the chain was tight around the master, pulling him. As Master Qifu tried to break free, his eyes have not left on Tiān Cháo who walked beside them. When they got to the chair, the hog pulls Master Qifu and sat him down in front of the golden monkey.
Tiān Cháo twirled the sword in her hand, staring back at the man who she hated.
"Surprise to see me?" she asked noticing the shock still haven't left the teacher's face. She watch as it twisted in anger."
"Tiān Cháo, what have you done!?" he demanded still struggling.
"The hogs and I wanted the same thing so we made an agreement, to burn this place to the ground."
She glanced down with a small smile. "Guess you shouldn't have kicked me out."
She waited for Master Qifu to answer, he stared at her as if he couldn't believe she would do this. The anger was still there, he took a deep breath as he stared in those violet eyes.
"I knew I should have never let an outsider into my temple", he coldly said, "I knew you were dangerous but not like this."
It took a lot of inner strength for Tiān Cháo not to lash out. She stared him down, sizing herself up to show she was taking control of the situation.
"All I wanted was to stay with my sister and you took that away from me," she hissed leaning down and getting closer to his face, "You really thought I was dangerous…"
"Seeing that you bought bandits to terrorize my students without hesitation, you are a monster," Master Qifu sneered back.
This didn't seem to bother Tiān Cháo. She felt good seeing the teacher in chains and she scared away those other kids who would stare at her and judge her. For once she was not backing down but instead standing up for herself and no amount of words Master Qifu can say will change that.
"If being dangerous means I can get things my way then so be it," said Tiān Cháo, "But you're wrong about one thing. The real monster is you."
The hog holds tighter on the master as he grins.
"Are you going to stab him?" he asked.
Tiān Cháo already knows what she wanted to do, something she always hold herself back from whenever Taio bullied her. An animal insisting that was hard to control sometimes.
"No."
Tiān Cháo stabs the sword to the ground leaving it there as she inched closer. She grabs Master Qifu's head. She let out a light growl and within seconds she bared her teeth out and bit down, right on the neck.
Her long index teeth punched holes in the skin, feeling the blood spill out. She can hear the man trying to speak, he struggled again, trying to break free but he only choked on his own blood as she bit harder. She didn't want to tear the skin off, just to give him a slow and painful death. Once she felt him go limp Tiān Cháo pulled back, her whole mouth covered in blood. She stared at the master as he gave one last look at her, a look of anger and judgment before the light in his eyes grew dimmer.
Master Qifu was no more.
She watched as more blood spilled out from his neck, onto his robe, onto the chair, and onto the floor. Tiān Cháo had killed a man. She felt shocked come over her, yet she felt no remorse and why should she. Her anger and hatred towards the raccoon dog are what made her come back. Now that he was gone, she felt a little more at ease, now there was nothing that was going to take her sisters away from her.
The hog was shocked but he did enjoy watching, speechless by the girl's strength. After a moment he shook his chains, making sure the teacher was indeed dead. Seeing no movement he let out a sigh.
"He's dead," he confirmed, "That was twisted but we got what wanted, thanks."
"It was nothing…" Tiān Cháo muttered wiping off around her mouth. She looked down at her hand, stained red. She still couldn't believe she did that, she did it without even thinking about it. She still didn't feel anything, but that didn't matter to her. Tiān Cháo rubs the blood off by rubbing it on her pants.
"You can go now, if you and your men want food there's a kitchen from the side of the building," she said turning away.
The hog nodded realizing this was their departure, he left the body on the chair and walked out of the room.
"Good luck kid," he said before he left," You're gonna need it."
"He got what he deserved," Tiān Cháo said as she glanced at the cat, "I wasn't going to let anyone keep me away from my sister. But I guess you don't agree."
Míng Na just stared at her while planning out what her next should be in her mind. She shook her head, she didn't want to remember that night.
"What you did was horrible Tiān Cháo, you took a life!" she exclaimed making a point but it only made the golden monkey huff.
"Don't remind me what I did!" Tiān Cháo growled and jumped forward.
Míng Na moved out of the way, she was about to attack but then a mist surrounded her.
Tiān Cháo blew allowing the mist to grow, buying herself some time. Her foot touch one of the remains of her weapon and had an idea. She grab a handful of rocks and her chi heated up her hands. The remains grew brighter like lava as Tiān Cháo prepare to throw them at the cat.
Míng Na kept her eyes open as she search in the thick mist. Using her ears to pick up any sound, she could hear something flying toward her. She moved, seeing a rock zooming down at her, and another. Míng Na moves around her body, dodging every flaming rock coming at her. At one point to fling some back with her tail, ignoring the stings of the flames. She kept moving as she was trying to catch any glimpse of golden fur in the fog.
She then heard her voice.
"I should have known better," Tiān Cháo echoed around her, "I should have known that you wouldn't see me the same, but I kept hoping that things have changed and you will understand."
Míng Na could hear the crack of sorrow in her voice and noticed fewer rocks were being thrown. The Siamese cat had her guard up, she was not going to make more mistakes just because she could sense the monkey's pain. Yet she still felt she had to make some amends for her mistakes.
"I'm sorry I didn't do much for you. I should have been a better sister."
Míng Na heard nothing for a minute as the fog slowly disappears. She eyed around the room and found no sign of Tiān Cháo anywhere. She glanced up quickly, just in time to see Tiān Cháo making a leap for her. Grabbing her arms and with a spin, Míng Na throws Tiān Cháo onto a pillar.
Tiān Cháo only rolled her shoulders and charged again, not slowing down. Míng Na like before used every technique to block every attack, although she noticed something different. She knows the golden monkey never likes to use any techniques, only reforming her moves in her own way, she wasn't doing any of that. She was randomly throwing punches or trying to bite her, almost like she has giving in to her animal instincts. At one point she tried to scratch her, aiming at her face.
Two can play that game.
Míng Na planned her next attack. Within seconds she threw a few palm strikes to distract Tiān Cháo, she watched her block it until she saw an opening. She extended out her own claws and strike at the arms. Tiān Cháo hissed pulling her arms in, glaring she tried to grab Míng Na but the Siamese cat crouch down and then throw a whip kick, hitting her in the face.
The kick wasn't enough to knock out Tiān Cháo but it gave Míng Na enough time to hold her down on the floor, tightly as she struggled. She looked at her face, seeing the rage and the hate which made her sigh. This fighting will get out of hand if she doesn't say it.
"I understand why you're still angry at me, I would be angry at myself too, but…" Míng Na paused before looking her in the eye, "I never blame you for what happened."
The golden monkey looked at her still breathing bitterly.
"I was upset at you, but after so many years…. I wished I could have done things differently. I know you didn't mean to…"
Her vision became blurry, feeling the tears she held back for so many years wanting to come out. It was all coming back to her, the night she didn't want to remember.
Míng Na was carrying a bowl of hot soup when she heard the screaming. Concern, she walked out of the kitchen and down the hall. As she made a turn, she stopped seeing someone big blocking the path. The hog turned around and she immediately recognizes the hog who attack her a few days ago.
The hog swing his hammer down and Míng Na swiftly jumped back. Thinking on her feet, she threw the hot soup right at his face, the hog screamed as she threw a kick, making him hit the wall and knock out. The Siamese cat ran out of there before he can wake up. She runs to the main room and stooped, her ears dropped as she observed the chaos.
Everywhere she looked there were scorch marks of flames or blood on the floors and walls. Screams of children can be heard everywhere, the older ones fighting for their lives, weapons being thrown left and right. What stunned her the most was the few bodies on the floor, unmoving. Two were the hogs but the five were students.
Eventually, Míng Na snapped out of it when the thick smoke hit her lungs. She covered her mouth as best she can, walking through the chaos. She spotted Taio who was having a battle with the second in command of the hogs. He threw a punch but missed and the hog pinned him down. Míng Na rushed in to help, throwing herself to the hog and away from Taio.
The two fought for a minute, the hog trying to land a hit on the cat but she was quicker. Míng Na jumped and starches the hog with her claws. The hog tries to pull her off but nothing worked. As she land back on the ground, she crouched down and swiftly moved her legs. The hog trips and falls down, hitting his head hard enough for blood to spill.
The cat tried to stand but suddenly has a coughing fit due to the smoke. Taio help her up, both were coughing hard.
"Taio what is going on?" Míng Na coughed and the boy only gave her a serious look.
"It's Tiān Cháo, she bought them here," he said, "She went to the Master's meditation room…I think she gonna hurt him."
Míng Na stiffened when she heard the name.
"Tiān Cháo….did this?" Her voice sounded so far away and soft.
So many thoughts and emotions were swimming in her head, it was almost as if her brain didn't want to believe this was Tiān Cháo's doing. The room was growing fogger and thick, the flames were growing bigger. The sound of wood falling snapped Míng Na out and she looked around seeing the children still fighting, some holding on to the young ones. Her eyes glanced back to the sable marten.
"Taio go and grab my sister, get everyone out of the temple fast, I'll find Master Qifu," she ordered.
He nodded and did what he was told.
Míng Na got on all fours and ran all the way to the meditation room in seconds. She stopped and paused, seeing the doors were wide open. She walked in and her eyes landed on the chair, gasping. Even though the room was warm, she felt the veins in her body turn cold. Míng Na could feel her body moving forward but her mind was once again swimming, trying to make sense of what was in front of her.
There sitting on the chair was the body of Master Qifu.
Míng Na's throat went dry, almost like she couldn't breathe. When she got closer she made a slight noise after seeing the blood dripping from the puncture wounds.
"Ah…Ma…Master…" she finally found her voice.
She gently raise her paws and touched his face, afraid she would break him. The raccoon dog felt cold from the tip of her fingers. Míng Na felt his neck trying to find some form of a pulse, but she felt nothing. The confirmed death made the Siamese cat fall to her knees. Tiān Cháo had succeeded in killing their teacher, something she never expected her to do. She had hurt someone in a violent matter. The fact alone almost made her want to throw up. Míng Na felt like she would as her body would not stop shaking. Her eyes blurred from the tears, biting her lip to hold in a muffled sob. Míng Na deeply apologized to her teacher, her paws moving to his, and softly squeezed them. In her mind despite everything that he has done, she was grateful to have him as a teacher and a protector.
When she opened her eyes, she stood up and backed away from the body. Míng Na's ears twitched at the sound of roaring clouds from outside, a sign of rain was approaching. She would have to remove the body later but her mind floated back to the person who was responsible for this act. She has to find Tiān Cháo. Thinking about where she might have gone, Míng Na had an epiphany and ran out to find her sister.
Meanwhile, Tiān Cháo made her way to the room where the Siamese cats were staying. She dodged the flames and pay no mind to the children who were trying to find a way out of the temple. She heard what sounded like light coughing and she instantly recognized that noise. She quickly picked up her pace and found the room, filling up with smoke. There in the bedroom lay a coughing kitten trying to cover her mouth.
"Měi Hua!" Tiān Cháo cried.
She promptly removed the kitten from the bed and out of the room. She peaked down at her sister as she kept coughing but she eventually looked up. MěiHua's vision was slightly blurry due to the smoke and her illness, but as soon as she saw the golden fur she knew who it was.
"Tiān Cháo!" she cried her voice cracking from the dryness. As best as she could she lifted her arms and tried to hug the monkey. Tiān Cháo leans forward letting her sister fill her with a warm embrace.
"You came back," she coughed, "Ming-Ming said you left and I was scared you weren't coming back but you did."
Tiān Cháo nearly wanted to growl at the thought of Míng Na, but she held it back, not wanting to ruin the moment. Her mind wondered about what lies Míng Na had said to Měi Hua, but it didn't matter to her, she has her sister and that's all she came for.
"I came back for you," Tiān Cháo smiled tenderly, "Are you okay? Are you still sick?"
Měi Hua nodded, having a hard time breathing. "My mouth tastes funny and my head hurts. Why is there smoke in the temple?"
Tiān Cháo ignored the question.
"Never mind that, we're getting out of here," she said and dash out and down the hallways.
Taio and the older kids managed to take out all of the hogs in the building, whether they were unconscious or dead it didn't matter to them. They were gathering the rest of the kids into a group and ordering them to follow them outside. Taio made sure to go from room to room and guide them out of the smoke. He was about to pick up MěiHua, only to see a blur dash beside him and climb up the ceiling to avoid the children. He turned and immediately knew it was Tiān Cháo. Taio goes after them but he stopped when he spotted the Siamese cat.
Before he could say anything Míng Na blurred out, "I have to find Tiān Cháo, she killed Master Qifu."
Taio could only stare with wide eyes. Míng Na then turned to him with a serious but worried look.
"Where Měi Hua?"
He gulped and told her. "She took her."
When heard this Míng Na frowned and then took off, not wasting any time. The group of children move out of her way while they were rushing to get out. Once they were outside another clap of thunder roared and it started to rain which was a relief, it poured down on the fire saving what was left of the temple.
Míng Na looked around seeing that the golden monkey was gone, but that wasn't going to stop her. She ran into the forest on fours, glancing left to right to find any movements and sniff the air for her sister's scent. She spotted something on her left and slippery turned towards it. She jump over tall rocks and branches as she was trying to get closer.
Tiān Cháo was carrying MěiHua very carefully as she was trying to get far away from the temple. She didn't know exactly where she was going but she needed to get out of the rain before it worsen the kitten's health.
MěiHua didn't understand what was going on or why her friend just took off without their sister. She wanted to go back but her body ache so much that she couldn't move on her own. She was feeling cold as the rain started pouring on them. She couldn't help but cough alarming the golden monkey.
"Hang on Měi Hua," said Tiān Cháo.
"W-where are we going?"
"We're gonna find a safer and better place to stay."
"But why did we leave the others behind? What about Míng Na?" questioned the kitten.
Tiān Cháo could sense the confusion and sadness in her sister's voice but she didn't want to stop until they find a spot to rest.
"I'll explain everything later right now we-"
"Tiān Cháo!"
She stopped and turned to find Míng Na not too far from where she was standing. The older cat caught up with them and stood with glaring ocean eyes. Her fur, whiskers, and clothes were soaked but the bitter cold was nothing compared to what the older cat was feeling.
Měi Hua was happy to see her but she noticed the deep frown on her face. She senses the intense feelings.
Míng Na step closer to Tiān Cháo who stayed put holding the kitten tightly.
"Give me back my sister," Míng Na sternly ordered.
Tiān Cháo let a low growl. "No."
Měi Hua blinked. She glanced at Tiān Cháo and back at Míng Na, not understanding why her friend was holding her tight and captive. She has never seen them this angry at each other before.
Míng Na clutch her fist as she moves closer, she was in the mood to pick a fight.
"I won't ask you again," she said, "If you still care about her then you will do the right thing."
"Why should I trust you after what you and that man did to me?" Tiān Cháo hissed.
Míng Na's breath hitched, knowing what she was talking about. She should have known the golden monkey would still be upset about being banished. She bit her lip, not wanting to get emotional after everything that happened. She put her emotions aside as she needed to take care of the threat in front of her.
"I know you're mad at me, but what you did was inexcusable!" cried Míng Na, "I can't let you go any further with Měi Hua!"
The kitten didn't like this, she never heard her sister scream like that before and she was normally the calm one.
"Wha-what's going on?" she asked Tiān Cháo but was ignored.
"Měi Hua is my sister too! Or am I kicked out of my family too?!"
"This has nothing to do with that. You don't have the right to claim her!"
The two argued more and more becoming a screaming match. Almost as loud as the thunder itself. Měi Hua did not like this, this is not how her sisters should be. The arguing was loud enough to hurt her head, she tried covering her ears but it did no good. Having enough she struggled to get out of Tiān Cháo's grip. Měi Hua hit the ground and manage to scoot away and sat up facing them.
"Stop it! We're sisters, we're not supposed to fight," she cried.
"Měi Hua comes over here," Míng Na tried to move towards her.
She was about to go to the older cat but Tiān Cháo stopped her.
"MěiHua don't! She lied about what happened to me."
The kitten frowned glancing at her sister, "Is that true?"
Míng Na sighed, "Y-yes, I did lie. But I had no choice I-"
"You did have a choice," Tiān Cháo interrupted, "You just wanted to stay as a good student…"
Míng Na did not want to argue any further and begged her sister to come over to her.
"MěiHua please, just get away from her," she pleaded panickily.
"Why?"
"Tiān Cháo she…" Míng Na paused thinking about her words carefully so that will not scar her sister. But she couldn't think of any and didn't want to her more, she only tell the truth.
"Tiān Cháo is dangerous. She hurt Master Qifu and set the temple on fire."
"She what?!"
"Oh so now you think I'm dangerous too?!" the golden monkey raised her voice in fury.
The Siamese cat didn't get a chance to respond as Tiān Cháo took out her sword and charged at her. Míng Na moved out of the way as Tiān Cháo strike down. Consumed with anger she wasn't going to hold herself back.
"Did he tell you that too!" she growled, swinging her sword.
"Stop Tiān Cháo, you have to face the consequents of our actions!" exclaimed Míng Na while dodging the sword.
She didn't want to fight but Tiān Cháo was not giving her much of a choice. She her claws out and charged in for an attack. The girls fought in the rainstorm, throwing scratches and kicks at each other. Tiān Cháo throws her sword again but Míng Na uses a thick stick to block it, she struggles as she tried to push the monkey.
"You failed as my friend and my sister," Tiān Cháo grunted pushing her sword, "I'm not going to let you do the same to her."
"You can't just take her Tiān Cháo, she's my sister too!"
"Not anymore."
The threat was enough for Míng Na to overpower her, pushing her with force and to the ground. She let a growl and jumped on top of her and scratch her face. Tiān Cháo use her legs to push her off, she got up and tried to swing her sword once more. The two of them were occupied in their fight they have forgotten the kitten who watching in distress.
Měi Hua couldn't take it anymore and goes to break off the fight. As sick as she was she didn't want any of her sisters to hurt each other. Being as careful as she can, Měi Hua tries to get between them but they were moving so fast she couldn't keep up with them and she stumbles on the wet grass. She then tried calling out to them while getting behind the golden monkey, she even tried to grab her tail.
"Sisters please stop!" she begged them being as loud as she can.
Míng Na grunted, grabbing hold of Tiān Cháo's arm, and reaching to get the sword out of her hand. Tiān Cháo raises her other arm, using her elbow to hit the cat. Her arm was released and she whip her weapon around with speed and a growl. Suddenly she heard a shriek that made her stop, she felt the sword hit something but it wasn't Míng Na. She bought the sword in front of her and saw something on the tip.
A strike of thunder lights up the sky, glimmering on the sword and Tiān Cháo can see what was washing off the sword as the rain dies down.
Blood.
Míng Na also let her guard down staring at the blood as well. They both whipped their heads around when they heard a thud and a horrible loud crack. Their eyes widen realizing Měi Hua is suddenly gone. But then another realization hit them on where the blood came from.
"Měi Hua!" they screamed in unison.
The girls rush to try and find the kitten, but they stopped as they almost trip off the edge. They realized they were standing on the edge of a downhill close to a cliff. In the center of the grass lies MěiHua, who had rolled all the way down and slammed her head on a boulder.
Míng Na and Tiān Cháo were both shaking as they can see a large cut on her side and a pool of blood spilling out from her head.
"Oh, my gods!" Míng Na gasped as she rush down the hill.
Tiān Cháo threw away the sword and use the wet grass to slide down faster. She made it to the ground first while shaking and muttering under her breath. She reach for her little sister and saw the damage. The cut on Měi Hua's side did not look deep and was not bleeding heavily, but there was a noticeable crack on the side of her head that was worse. Tiān Cháo couldn't bare to look at it, she tried to look at the kitten's mismatched eyes for comfort but they were barely open, barely looking alive.
"No…no, no, please, no…" Tiān Cháo shuttered while her shaking hands hovered over Měi Hua's body.
"No sister, I'm so-"
"GET AWAY FROM HER!" screamed Míng Na, appearing in front of the golden monkey and roughly pushing her out of the way.
Tiān Cháo didn't have time to react and really didn't care and let it happen. She hit the ground hard like reality punching her in the gut. She just sat up in a daze and watch the older cat stare at her sister, distraught.
Míng Na couldn't contain her emotions any longer, her worse fears were coming true. She gawked at the crack and started to sob. With gentle paws she lifted Měi Hua away from the rock, avoiding touching any of the open wounds. She cradled her like a baby, rocking her as a way to wake her up. Míng Na's clothes were stained dark red but she didn't care, she wanted her little sister to open her eyes.
"W-wake up Měi Hua. Please wake up," she cried moaning her name.
She used the sleeve of her robe to see if it can stop the bleeding, but it was no use, it only stain more on her arm. She shifts her blue eyes to Tiān Cháo, her face wrinkled with so much rage. Her hot tears trailed down her cheeks and on the small face of the child.
"You DID this!" she snarled while baring her teeth, "You cut her and push her down the hill!"
Tiān Cháo felt her lips quiver as she was trying to come up with words.
"Ss-she-, I wasn't, I-it was an accident…" was all she could say.
Before Míng Na could scream at her, she felt movement in her arms and she looked down. Měi Hua cough and moan as she tries to open her eyes. When she finally did she saw Míng Na and Tiān Cháo staring down at her with shock.
"M-Míng…Na, Tiā-n Ch-Cháo…" she stuttered, "Are you…okay?"
They both gradually nodded and she gave them the warmest smile she could muster despite the pain in her head.
"You…you two, stop fighting. I'm glad."
The statement alone made the Siamese cat and the golden monkey cry even more. After everything that just happened and being in horrific pain, she still shows a smile for them.
Míng Na leans forward purring softly as she rubs her cheek on the kitten's face. Měi Hua tried to return the favor but pain speared all over her, every movement she made sent a nerve to her head. Those blue and green eyes sparkle with tears of her own.
"I'm so sorry MěiHua," Míng Na said crying and sniffing, "I should have pulled you away. I shouldn't have lied. I-I'm a terrible sister…"
"No, you're not," Měi Hua spoke with a weak voice, "You're a good sister."
The kitten twitched her ears and she glanced to the side and spotted Tiān Cháo who had not said anything. Her tail was still limp but also twitched happily.
"Hi Tiān Cháo…" she squeaked opening her eyes more.
Tiān Cháo stood up but refused to go near her, afraid she will hurt her again or make her friend more upset.
Měi Hua frowned, "What's wrong?"
"…I hurt you…" she said bluntly.
Měi Hua almost didn't understand and it took her a while to remember. It even hurt to remember anything.
"Oh," she said remembering, "That was my fault, I got too close."
"No it wasn't," cried Míng Na, "We should know better, I should have known better."
Míng Na held her sister too tight, causing her to flinch and whimper. She regretted it and try to find something to stop the bleeding or at least cover her sister's head. She rocked her again to calm her while Tiān Cháo just stood where she was standing. She stared at the pool of blood to the point where she can see her own reflection. She glanced back to the cats, she had stopped sobbing but the tears kept coming.
"Hang on sister, we're gonna get you to help okay?" Míng Na assured, "I just need you, to keep talking to me."
Měi Hua tried to speak but her thoughts were interrupted by a few coughs and a burning headache. It was getting harder to breathe and her side started to hurt. Everything was so painful. She was losing too much blood and it was starting to get cold around her. She couldn't feel the tips of her fingers or even her tail, once the cold touch reach her chest, it started to feel different.
Suddenly the pain was fading. Instead of being scared of the cold, it felt almost welcoming to MěiHua like her worries were being washed away like water. A few tears fell from her multicolor eyes, she did not understand what was happening to her but it was so peaceful, she lets out a sigh.
Míng Na started to panic as her sister struggled to breathe, coming out as short breaths. She didn't know what to do, there was no other adult that can handle this situation.
"Měi Hua keep breathing. Talk to me. We're gonna find help, okay. You'll be okay," she kept repeating her words to comfort her.
She tried to be careful and not drop the small kitten as she stood up. She pause when she noticed MěiHua glanced up to look at her, she was oddly calm and didn't look distressed anymore. The small kitten shuddered a breath as she gave her a small smile. She turned her head as best as she can to share her beautiful smile to Tiān Cháo.
"It's okay…Míng Na," said MěiHua turning back to her older sister, "It doesn't hurt…now."
Her breath was becoming slower, and her sentences were taking longer to finish. The light in her eyes was growing dim.
"I…I think," MěiHua took her time to say her words, "I'm gonna… gonna take a nap."
Míng Na grew tense as she was seeing the red flags. She gently shook the kitten to keep her wake.
"No! Don't go to sleep. MěiHua you need to stay awake, stay awake. No stay wake!"
Tiān Cháo could feel the panic from her friend as she was feeling her own heart beating out of panic. She wanted to move or make a sound, but her muscles were tense, and refused to move. She wanted to wake up from this nightmare she caused.
"Měi Hua please stay with me!" Míng Na cried as dread took over her. She beg her not to fall asleep in fear she would not wake up. Hot tears return full force, blurring the image of her baby sister. She tried taking a deep breath but stop when she felt MěiHua's paw brush some of her tears away.
"It's …okay, Ming-Ming….it's okay…" she spoke softly calling her by her nickname, "…It's okay…"
Míng Na could only stare back, wondering how she was this calm, wondering if she understood what was happening. It was at this moment, no matter how much she denied it, she was looking at her sister once last time.
Měi Hua's eyelids grew weaker by the second, covering her blue and green eyes.
"G-goodnight…s-sisters…"
"Měi Hua don't-"
"L-love…you…"
She felt the tiny paw leave her face and went limp. Míng Na could feel the body of her sister grow colder, sensing the life of a wonderful soul leaving her. She shook her body once more time to try and wake her up, it was useless. There was no denying it anymore.
She was gone.
Time around the two girls just stop.
Míng Na started to hyperventilate and then slowly began to wail at the top of her lungs. Her knees gave out and she was back on the ground again. She let grief take over her as she hugged the body close to her. She cried big tears as they ran down from her eyes to all over Měi Hua. The poor cat cried for her sister to come back, she buried her face in her chest, hoping to hear her tiny heart beating.
She screamed and cried so much she forgot the golden monkey was there.
Tiān Cháo's heart and mind cracked into tiny fractions. She tried convincing herself that this still was a horrible nightmare, she refuse to believe her sister just died. But watching Míng Na cry for so long was pulling her back to reality. She also started to hyperventilate as her world was finally crashing down on her. Her wish to be reunited with her little sister only to lose her again and it was all her fault.
It was all her fault. Her breathing hitched as her own tears fall from her violet eyes.
"Míng Na…?" her voiced crack in despair.
She reached out, she wanted to hold her little sister. Her trembling arms wanted warp around her tiny body and give all of her love.
Míng Na glanced at her, giving a look that said everything. Anger, fear, heartbreak, and hatred. It was obvious to Tiān Cháo as Míng Na hugged the kitten closer.
She felt her heart shatter more.
Tiān Cháo starts to cry openly as she steps back from the cat who was her best friend. The look was clear she was no longer part of the family. She felt like she should beg to hold her sister or make an apology, but those things were useless to her, they cannot erase the fact of the crime she has done. She wanted to run away.
She takes more steps away, muttering to herself.
"I'll fix this," she whispered to herself, "I'll fix everything…"
She repeated this over and over again, a false promise that she knows is impossible to make but her broken mind convince her she can fix it.
Míng Na just stare at her as she backed away. That was when she glanced to the side and her eyes grew wide and she was reminded where they were standing. As fast as she can, she stood up with MěiHua still in her arms and tried to grab the monkey, to try and pull away.
" Tiān Cháo stop!"
"I'll fix everything…I'll fix everything."
Tiān Cháo was so distraught about losing her sister that she didn't bother looking where she was going. She steps further away from Míng Na until her feet felt nothing at the bottom. She had forgotten about the cliff. Time seem to be in slow-motion as Tiān Cháo gave a small gasp, feeling her stomach drop. She could feel the gravity wanting to grab her and pull her down. She watch as her friend tried to reach for her. Reluctantly she tried to reach out for her paw, she soon saw that can barely reach it, only the tips of their fingers brushed together.
In end, it was already too late and it didn't matter to Tiān Cháo anymore. Even if she was saved, how can she possibly continue life without Měi Hua. Even though her friend tried to grab her, it was pointless. Tiān Cháo knows Míng Na blames her for killing their sister, in her mind this turn of events was fitting. She just wishes she could have been given a chance to still fix everything.
"TIAN CHAO!" Míng Na screamed as she helplessly watch her only friend fall into the mist below.
Her shaky paw covered her mouth in shock. Her eyes darted around, trying to see the bottom of the cliff. The mist was too thick that nothing can be seen. She called out to Tiān Cháo hoping she may have survived, only to hear nothing but the cold air.
Míng Na couldn't believe what just happened. She held on to the body of her sister and once again wailed out in pain, crying even louder.
She lost her teacher, she lost her sister, and now she lost her best friend.
She had lost everything.
"After I couldn't find your body, I went back to the others and help them collect the ones in the ruined temple," Míng Na said somberly closing her eyes.
"We sent an urgent message and waited for rescuers to pick us up. We waited out there, cold and hungry but they eventually found us."
She remembered being in the cold, no one wanted to huddle with her because she refused to put Měi Hua's body down. She couldn't bring herself to do it. She didn't want to pile her up with the rest of the bodies, it didn't sit right with her.
"My family grieved for her, even after the war was over weeks later. I never told my parents what really happened to her because…"
Míng Na bit her lip as the tears began to fall.
"Because it was never your fault, Tiān Cháo."
Finally, after so many years, she apologized to her lost best friend. Her breathing became hitched as she felt a weight lifted off of her heart. Overcome with emotion the Siamese cat loosen her grip on the monkey's arms.
"I'm sorry I made you feel like it was. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I know you would never hurt Měi Hua on purpose It was an accident."
Míng Na felt a soft touch on her arm and she opens her eyes to glance down. A soft gasp escape her as she stared at a young child. Small hands, bright golden fur, and a young blue face that looked exactly how she remembered. Tiān Cháo looked like the young girl that she met all those years ago as she traveled back through time.
Míng Na had no idea how any of this was possible.
Tiān Cháo stared back, her violet eyes shining brighter and glimmering with her set of tears. A tender look appeared as all of Míng Na's words flooded in her mind.
"All these years, I wished to hear your voice again," she spoke her voice sounding childlike, "To hear you tell me that it wasn't my fault."
Tiān Cháo wanted to let a dash of joy enter her heart, but she was reminded of a memory that made her sulk, the grief returning to blind her.
"But it's not enough is it?" she questioned sounding serious, "Words can't erase the fact that I was the one who made her spill blood."
Míng Na watched as Tiān Cháo glazed away and went on to describe her pain, trying not to cry.
"When I fell off that cliff, all I remember was being surrounded by darkness and waking up in the Spirit Realm," she said, "I have spent years looking for a way to fix everything. A way to that can help me achieve my promise to her."
Míng Na's ears twitched as she looked back on the past and it all came back to her, she remembered Tiān Cháo's last words were about wanting to fix everything. She could hear the desperation in her voice and froze when she looked back at her. The aggression was also featured back on her face.
"Don't you get it now Míng Na?" said Tiān Cháo, "Everything I have accomplished so far was to make up for what I did. This is my only chance to finally achieve the promise we made all those years ago, yet you keep refusing to help me."
Míng Na couldn't help but feel disappointment enter her heart. While making her apology did heal her, it did not make a dent in changing Tiān Cháo's path. It was all to make up something the cat knew wasn't her fault, to begin with.
"Please let me fix this, we can finally make her dream come true. And maybe…" Tiān Cháo paused before continuing, "Maybe when the realms collide it would be enough for Měi Hua to see. She would see how beautiful it is."
Měi Hua couldn't hear more of her rambling, nothing she had said had worked. She shook her head disagreeing with everything she said.
"No she won't," she said sternly, "She will be horrified, She would never want to see you drive yourself crazy. She want us to be at peace and happy, that's what she wants."
"How can you say that?!," Tiān Cháo sounded heartbroken starting at the cat, "Don't you want this for her!? I know you want this too!"
"Not if it means losing our sanity or the lives of the innocent."
Míng Na knew she had to be more truthful to open her eyes, even if it will hurt her again.
"It's not worth it" Míng Na cried, "None of this is worth it. It's already too late to make that promise come true. I'm begging you Tiān Cháo, you have to move on if I can find the path to healing, so can you."
Míng Na stared at those young violet eyes. She made her peace and said enough.
However, Tiān Cháo's stare was blank, something Míng Na expected to happen. The tears in her eyes stopped. Suddenly a strange light-like lighting warp around her and the young girl was gone, turning back to an older and creepy golden monkey with a wrinkled face that turned into a fit of rage. She sneered through her teeth as she grabs the jade stones around her neck, making them glow.
There was a huge shake and then giant vines came out from the floor beneath them. Míng Na didn't have time to move as the vines tied around her, huge thorns pop out and cut into her skin. She cried out and Tiān Cháo stood up, getting into Míng Na's face.
"Our promise is WORTH everything than this miserable world!"
Using her chi she controlled the vines as they grow out of the ground and pulled the cat to a nearby pillar. They twisted and turn as they pulled her whole body, almost like they were trying to break her bones. Míng Na yelped out in pain, the medicine she took was out, and she could feel her joints giving out as she was tied up with thorns digging into her.
Tiān Cháo just stood there, having enough of trying to get her friend on board. Her decision was made clear. She rubbed away any tears that were left unshed. She walked up to her and then gave a big powerful punch to the gut. The cat granted and went limp.
"You once said that honor means everything, but I guess honoring our promises is not worth it. "
Míng Na didn't say anything as the pain was overwhelming her. Her cough returned as well, this time speaking of her own blood flying out of her mouth.
Tiān Cháo turned but then she saw her group was waiting right by the door with the prisoner with them. She had no idea how long they were there or how much they have heard and tried to cover her emotions.
"What do you want?" she demanded her voice cracked.
Hema approached her very cautiously to not upset her more. He leaned closer to whisper the news. "The dragon is here, she's outside by the village's door with someone."
Tiān Cháo's ear twitched, her rage gone in an instant. She turned to the hippo and back to the group, taking a breath.
"It's time," she said making one last glance at her cat who is no longer her friend or sister.
"Get the traps ready."
So no facts this time, I'm keeping this short. This was a lot to write especially getting the emotions right, and honestly, I think this is the best chapter I wrote. Měi Hua's death was always planned in the story but it was a little hard to write those details in this poor kitty. Hope I didn't upset anybody.
For those who are wondering, Tiān Cháo died as a child but her grief and anger transformed her to look older and sinister, another inspiration from Kai who did look different in his spirit form than his living form.
Now it is time to get into the chapters of the final battle. It's gonna be long and epic and I'm gonna take my time on getting them ready. Thanks for reading and stay safe guys!