Chapter 3

Unnerving Prophecy

Once the three were out of the room, Po remarked, "I didn't know you had a son..." The Emperor turned and replied, "Yes, Haokan was born not long after you first visited here..." But instead of joy, the Emperor seemed distraught almost as if he regretted something. "You don't seem very proud though, is something the matter?" Po asked feeling concerned over the Emperor's lack of interest on the subject. "Its nothing, besides, you didn't come here to see me mope about such frivolous matters. What was it that you wanted to speak to me about again?" Po knew that there was more to this story than Cishan was letting on, but respecting the Emperor's privacy, he decided to answer the question, "Yes, I came here not only to visit, but to bring you good news." "I'm listening." The Leopard said sounding more interested.

Elsewhere in the Royal Palace

"This will be your room Mistress, feel free to unpack any of your belongings, they will be quite safe here." Pingbi said as he showed Mariko the room that had been prepared for her. It was much larger than the room she occupied at the student barracks at the Jade Palace, in fact it was nearly 4 times the size. The bed instead of a small one was massive and elegant. The Cub marveled at the enormous size of the room which caught Haokan's attention, "What's the matter? Have you never seen a bedroom before?" She looked back at him and replied, "Its just that I've never seen one this big!" Pingbi chuckled and answered, "Well we always treat our guests with nothing but the best." Haokan was beginning to get impatient, "Alright, now come on and unpack your stuff so I can show you around the Tower!"

Mariko was surprised by the Leopard Cub's hastiness, but she did as she was told and unpacked her bag quickly before joining him and the Rhino guard again. "Ready to go?" Haokan asked with his arms folded. "I think so, where are we going?" She asked. "Are you okay on your own Master Haokan?" Pingbi also asked. "Yeah Pingbi, I think I can handle it." The young leopard replied to the Rhino. "Very well sir, but do remember your father's orders." And with that, Haokan nodded and Pingbi bowed before leaving to return to his post. "So, now that he's gone, would you like a tour of the Royal Tower?" Haokan asked politely to Mariko. To which she shyly nodded and began to follow the Leopard who now led the way.

Back at the Emperor's Quarters

"So you're saying that the threat of the Mongols has been dealt with?" Cishan asked while looking out at the expansive city from his balcony. Po nodded and replied, "Yes, we defeated their leader in combat. And before the fight, he agreed that if we defeated him, he would withdraw his army and also vowed never to wage war on China." At this, the Emperor began to laugh as he stated, "That fool, his pride was his worst enemy, what idiot bets their entire army on a simple fight!?" Po however, didn't laugh, and instead replied, "Yes, it may have been a careless decision, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a threat of invasion." "What do you mean? Are you suggesting he would break his vow?" Po frowned and nodded in approval.

Cishan stroked his chin contemplating what to do about the matter. Just then, his personal guard Pingbi returned and bowed while saying, "My Lord, your son and the Dragon Warrior's daughter are now touring the Tower, do you have any further requests?" To which Cishan replied, "Why yes Pingbi, could you please bring the soothsayer in?" "As you wish, my Lord." And with that Pingbi left to adhere to the Emperor's wishes.

Minutes later, Pingbi returned while accompanying a short elderly female goat who wore a red robe and walked with a wooden cane. "Wow, what a coincidence it is to see you again." Po said as he recognized the goat. It was the same soothsayer who had aided him on his quest to end Lord Shen's rule of Gongmen city. The same one who predicted that he would one day defeat the maniacal peacock. "It seems you have changed much since we last met, though I am still proud that you managed to heed the prophecy and defeated Shen." The Goat replied with a smile. "In what way have I changed?" Po asked with an uncertain expression. "Well, you have lost a lot of weight..." She said whilst still smiling. Po also smiled back but had to ask, "And, how else have I changed?" She replied bluntly, "Your fate has also changed…"

Down at the Bottom of the Massive Tower

"And this is the room where they create portraits and write scrolls on boring stuff like diplomacy and history." Haokan stated as he showed Mariko one of the last sections of the Tower. He had shown her nearly all the sections of the Palace, and though she was very interested in seeing the new sights, Haokan definitely didn't seem interested. The two walked into the room and Mariko intently observed all of the stations where artists and writers worked. Some were busy writing and proof reading scrolls, and some were busy drawing portraits and other pieces of art on papers and canvases. 'I could get lost in here, there's so many possibilities!' Mariko thought as she looked at all of the amazing equipment and utensils that were being used. But before she could say anything, a voice gasped and stated, "Your Majesty! Is there anything we can do for you?" It was an adult male Rabbit who was about the same size as them. "I only came down here to give her a tour." Haokan told the Rabbit with a lack of enthusiasm. The Rabbit hadn't even noticed mariko who was by Haokan's side. "My heavens! I've never seen anyone like you Miss..?" He stated not knowing who the girl was. "My name's Mariko, I just came here today with my father." She answered while feeling a bit skeptical over the Rabbit's mannerism. "Now that is simply intriguing! Would you mind if I quickly make a portrait for you?" Mariko was surprised by the Rabbit's generosity but obliged, "Yes please!" She politely asked. "Oh, and Master Haokan, I simply must have you in this portrait as well!" The leopard Cub didn't seem so sure of this until Mariko took him by the wrist and dragged him into the area where the rabbit did his portraits. "Come on Haokan! Let's go get a portrait together!" She told him as she dragged the confused Leopard over to the stool.

Back at the Top of the Tower

The elderly goat placed a clay bowl on the floor of the room. "How exactly has it changed?" Po asked with a bit of concern in his voice. "Why don't I show you?" The goat added. So Po walked up to her and looked down at the bowl intent on seeing the future she would predict. But before anything else, Po heard a ripping sound, he looked down and noticed that the goat had torn off a small chunk of his black slacks. "Hey!" He exclaimed, but before he could say anything more, he felt a slight pinch as she plucked a tiny patch of fur from his arm where his sleeves were rolled up. "Ow! What's the big idea?" Po asked as he flinched from the goat pulling out the small patch of fur. "I have foreseen things from your future, Panda. Namely, your death." Po's expression changed immediately from one of surprise, to one of worry. The Goat looked up with a face similar to his, "Are you sure you want to hear it?" She asked skeptically as she prepared to look into the bowl for answers. Po still looked worried, but was now beginning to get a bit curious. "I-I suppose so. Let's get on with it."

And with that, the Goat took a handful of some mysterious powder-like substance and threw it into the bowl. "I see you, you're lying on your back… There is blood everywhere… And…" She paused for a second before continuing, "And you're holding your own heart in your paw… It's not beating… But it is still warm..."

Po wasn't one who scarred easily, the only things that had ever really scarred him in his life were Tai Lung (When he was a villain), climbing up stairs (When he was out of shape), and losing his action figures of the Furious Five. But hearing this prophecy by the soothsayer had him terribly worried. And not because of how gruesome it sounded, but because it was very likely that she was right, and the prophecy was true. It had been when she predicted Shen's downfall…

Cishan, who had been listening the whole time, also had a nervous look on his face. No doubt out of concern for the future which the Soothsayer had just foretold. Po, however, was speechless. He didn't know what to make of this future, until the Soothsayer spoke up, "But remember Panda, fate can always be changed. Nothing is set in stone." Although this didn't really reassure him, Po formed a weak (and also fake) smile on his face before saying, "You're right."

Emperor Cishan cleared his throat and sarcastically spoke, "Thank you for that, Soothsayer. Now, I summoned you here so that-" "So that you mayhave further clarity on the threat of Mongolia?" The Goat finished the Leopard's sentence. "I… How did you-" Cishan asked before he was interrupted again, "Know? Trust me Emperor Xiong, I have my ways. Now would you like to see what the future has in store for China?" At this Cishan was quite skeptical of the Goat's inherent foresight, but he obliged, "Yes, please show us." By 'Us', he was referring to himself, and Po.

"Very well." And with that, the Goat placed another mysterious powder into the bowl, but this one was different, it began to create a small visible cloud. Unlike Po's prophecy, they could see this for themselves, although it was quite blurry with very little definition. "It seems that there is a danger, it comes from an ancient hatred among tribes and beliefs. Over time, this hatred has endured." Upon saying this, the cloud began to change color from gray, to crimson red. Sounds that sounded like cries and shouts of agony and pain echoed from the bowl as the figures of soldiers and families formed from black smoke amongst all the red. This most likely depicted the hatred and warmongering which the Mongolians held.

"However, the lack of unity among tribes will hinder their lust for vengeance. Until..." The cloud changed again, this time depicting a triangle-like figure, with figures of soldiers composing the shape. But at the top of the highest point of the triangle, a figure began to form. "Until an individual of great power will unite the tribes against a common enemy. A dark entity who's sole intention is of vengeance and retribution for the wrongs of the past. A Demon, who's heart is as corrupted as it's mind." The figure at the top of the triangle looked significantly taller, bigger and stronger than the rest. But what was most noticeable of the figure, were its crimson red glowing eyes. It was however, impossible to make out what exactly the figure looked like since the image was so blurred and distorted. But the Goat continued, "The Demon will wage war on China, and the rest of the world. But will not succeed. Ultimately, they will be betrayed by the very one who took their soul." And finally, the cloud of smoke evaporated just as the Soothsayer ended.

Cishan and Po each looked at one another with the same facial expression, concern. Neither could think of what to say first until the Goat spoke up, "But it is unlikely this will happen in the near future. I believe in the next decade." This still didn't calm the two, as they each skeptically looked at the Goat with expressions that read, 'Are you sure?' The Goat finished, "But remember what I said earlier Panda, nothing is set in stone. And fate can change." And with that, the Soothsayer left the room. The atmosphere of the room was now quiet, with neither Po, nor Cishan saying a word.

That was until Cishan started, "Do you believe her?" Po nodded his head and replied, "I do. She was already right about me once, I'm willing to bet that she's right about this as well." "So...What do we do?" Cishan asked, sounding worried and unprepared. "I think we should keep a close watch on our northern neighbors, just in case." At this, Cishan explained, "The imperial army can only get so close to the Mongols, however, the Gobi desert prevents our soldiers from wandering into their territory. The terrain is just too harsh." Po knew this, he had personally traveled across the Gobi desert in order to defeat Jian, the leader of the Mongols. "What I don't understand, however, is when she claimed that there was a lack of unity among tribes. When Tai Lung and I were at their hideout, they were united..." Each of them now stroked their chins as they pondered thoughts. "Its getting late now, I need time to think this over. Plus, you must be tired from your journey." Cishan said as he looked at the setting sun across the city. "You're right, thank you again for your hospitality Cishan, I am truly grateful." The Emperor nodded and replied, "You're very welcome my friend, now, Pingbi will escort you to your room."

Shortly After Dusk in Mariko's Room

Mariko lay on the massive bed, about to drift off to sleep. It was incredibly comfortable, with the most expensive silks and cloths in the province composing the bed sheets. Right now she thought about all the things she had done that day, the journey to the Palace, seeing the crowded streets of the City, and even meeting the Emperor himself. But what occupied the most space in her mind was the Leopard Cub whom she had met that day, Haokan. In her eyes, Haokan seemed like a very humble and generous person. Though she could easily tell that something troubled the Cub, something personal which she would likely never understand. 'I wonder what it's like to be the Emperor's son. That must be awesome to have the ruler of a country as your Dad!' She thought excitedly. 'And what about that nice blue robe he wears? He also has very good manners. And not to mention, he's kind of cute...Wait...What?' Mariko blinked for a second at where her mind took her, she had never felt romantic feelings for someone else. Of course she loved her Parents, her siblings, and her other friends. But not in THAT way…

But before she could think anything more, she heard three faint knocks on her door. 'Who could it be at this hour?' She thought as she got out of bed. She then placed on her clothes and went over to the door. She began to open it until it was fully opened by the person on the other side. The person rushed into the room, pushing Mariko out of the way and then closed the door quickly and quietly. "What the-" Mariko ranted before having her mouth covered by someone's paw. Her voice was muffled as the paw was pressed against her mouth, and even though it was dark, she could still see clearly thanks to her excellent night vision. She looked up at the person's face and noticed that it was none other than Haokan. "Shhh." He whispered, as he kept his paw covering her mouth. Before she could say anything though, she heard the sound of footsteps rushing through the hall, "He probably went this way!" Said a voice from outside the door. "We'd better not make too much noise, or else Emperor Xiong is going to find out!" Said another voice. "This isn't good, Pingbi said he would probably try to escape again tonight…" "Well… Find him! He can't have gotten far!" And with that, the voices disappeared, as whoever it was in the hallway left.

Haokan looked down at Mariko who he had unintentionally pinned to the ground, "Sorry about that, I just couldn't let you alert them." The Leopard Cub said as he took his paw off her mouth and began to scratch the back of his head in embarrassment. Mariko seemed confused, and angry at the same time, "What are you doing here? And what's going on?" She ranted which made Haokan flinch. Although she normally had the calm and respectful demeanor of her father, Mariko could occasionally adopt a much more fierce and impatient approach like her mother. "Hey! Jeez, give me a break! I was just trying to get away from the guards! I didn't mean to cause any trouble!" The Leopard argued in his defense while flailing his arms up. Mariko wasn't convinced yet, "Why would you be running from the guards? Aren't you the Emperor's son?" She asked. Haokan ignored her question and walked over to the window at the edge of her room. "Hey! I'm talking to you!" She ranted, feeling offended by his negligence. He looked over his shoulder and noticed her irritation, "I'll tell you soon, for now I want to show you something."

He then opened the window of the room and looked down. It was a very long way down, from what he could tell, they were nearly 28 stories stories above ground. Haokan then went over to the wardrobe which Mariko kept her spare clothes in, he then began to move the heavy piece of furniture out of the way which began to expose what looked like a bunch of rags and fabrics which were tightly tied together which seemed to resemble a rope of sorts. "What is that?" Mariko asked whilst losing a bit of her anger. "Our way out." Haokan answered as he took the rope of tied cloths and fabrics and threw it out the window. "But I thought your father asked you not to leave the tower?" Mariko asked him. "He did." Haokan answered as he tied the other end of the rope to the led of Mariko's bed. Mariko was now quite confused, was Haokan directly disobeying his father's orders knowingly? "Wait, why are you disobeying your father? What if he finds out!?" She asked as Haokan was now preparing to climb down the rope through the window. "He won't. At least… I hope not..." And with that he began to climb down the rope, but not before asking, "Are you coming?"

Mariko walked over to the window where she saw him descending the long rope down to the city bellow. "Hey! Come back!" She said as she took after him. She then started descending the rope to follow him.

After a few minutes, the two reached the bottom of the rope, where it led to the rooftop of a small building in the city. Mariko ranted, "Hey! What are you doing!? Are you trying to get yourself in trouble!?" But the Leopard Cub didn't answer, instead he jumped down into a nearby alleyway and checked if the coast was clear. "Hey! Why do you keep ignoring-" Mariko ranted as she jumped into the alleyway beside him before having her mouth covered again by his paw. "My father never lets me out of that tower. The first time I even got to see the outside world was when I snuck out last year! And then the guards found me… Father will never let me leave. He always says, 'you're too valuable of a person to go around the streets!'" And with this, the Cub walked away towards a lit up building. Mariko stood there contemplating what he had to her. 'His Dad never lets him leave the Tower?' She thought before asking, "Hey! Where are you going?" "Just follow me." He replied bluntly.

She followed the Leopard Cub to where there was a market square which was practically empty now. It was getting late, and nearly all of the merchants and citizens were now cooped up in their houses. But there was still one store which was open, a jewelry store that was dimly lit. Mariko walked over to it and was captivated by all the expensive and beautifully crafted items. Two items in particular caught her attention, an extravagant pair of earrings of silver with small white gemstones, most likely opals. "You like those?" Haokan asked as he noticed how much she paid attention to them. "Yeah, but I don't have any money to pay for them, plus, Daddy would probably kill me if I bought those." Just then, Haokan entered the shop and began to talk to the vendor (A Snake, whose name she didn't know). She couldn't hear them speak, but she saw the vendor nod and then slither over to the case where the two earrings were held inside. The vendor allowed Haokan to take out the earrings, and in exchange, he handed her something which Mariko didn't catch. He then waved to her and exited the shop, "Here you go." He said as he handed her the earrings. Mariko didn't know what to say, or to think. This boy who she had just met today had just bought her an expensive pair of earrings right out of the blue. "well? Take them!" He said as he held them up to her. But before anything else, Haokan found himself being hugged tightly by the female Tiger Cub as she said, "Thank you so much! No one has ever been so kind to me before!" Haokan didn't know how to react and didn't want to drop the earrings so he simply said, "Uh, okay… So are you gonna take them?" And with that, she took them from his paw and placed them on her ears.

"Wow…" Haokan said without thinking as he looked at the female Tiger Cub who just placed on the earrings which he bought for her. He also didn't realize that he was now starring directly into the Cub's Jade green eyes. "What are you doing?" Mariko asked him as he starred into her eyes unknowingly. He shook his head out of his daze and recovered, "Nothing… It's nothing."

But just after he finished, the two began to hear laughter from behind them. "Well, well, well… Look what we have here!" Said a voice from behind Mariko. She turned around and saw several adult male Boars, each of which carried a scimitar blade in their hands. "Looks like two little kittens out and about during the night…" Said the other Boar. The two Cubs began to slowly retreat back as the two Boars were getting uncomfortably close. Haokan however, decided to be brave and stood up to the two, getting in front of Mariko and shielding her from them. He then told her, "Mariko! Get out of here!" To which one of the Boars laughed and mocked him, "You think you're a match for us kid!?" In truth, he wasn't, Haokan had no combat experience, much less experience in fighting off two fully grown Boars.

One of the Boars began to approach quickly, and he raised his Scimitar to slash the Leopard Cub, but when he brought the blade down on his target, it was stopped. "I am." Mariko answered as she gracefully caught the blade with her paw and just narrowly stopping it from slicing Haokan. "What!? That's not possible!" The Boar ranted in disbelief. "You won't lay a finger on him!" The female Tiger Cub said as she got into a defensive Kung Fu stance. "Well don't just stand there! Kill them!" The other Boar shouted as they regrouped. They both charged at Mariko with the intent to kill her, but they wouldn't get the chance so easily. For Mariko dodged and weaved out of the way of their sword strikes nimbly. "Who is this girl!?" The Boars each asked as they became frustrated from missing so many strikes. Mariko didn't answer, and instead, responded by executing a flip kick which hit one of the bandits straight in the jaw, and knocking him unconscious. The other bandit looked at the female feline with disbelief, but before he could run, Mariko delivered a hard kick to the Bandit's head and also knocked him unconcious.

Haokan, who had watched the entire spectacle, couldn't believe what he had seen. The small female Tiger Cub hadn't needed his help at all, she had single highhandedly defeated both of those bandits without even getting hurt. "How did you-" "Come on! We need to get out of here!" She interrupted him, taking him by the hand and running off with him trailing behind.

A/N: There's Chapter 3! Btw, Merry Christmas everyone! Or Happy late Hanukkah! Or Happy Kwanzaa! The Point is, Happy Holidays people! Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter! Chapter 4 will be released after the new year so stay tuned! If you're enjoying this story so far, favorite, follow, and lastly

Review!