Chapter 18

A Very Real Threat

Po looked to the horizon only to see the same sight he'd been watching for the last several hours, a desolate series of fields and foothills. It was nothing like the beautiful sights near the Valley of Peace nor did it have the calming atmosphere. It was simply empty baron land as far as the eye could see.

"You should get some rest Po. I'll take this watch for you." Stated a voice from not far behind.

He shook his head, "I'm not tired Ti, and besides-"

"Po, even though you have black patches around your eyes I can tell that you haven't slept in a long time. Now do your body a favor and give it the rest it deserves." The feline Master interrupted.

Po laughed a bit, "You know for someone of few words I can never seem to win an argument with you."

She smiled, "That's because I'm always right, Dragon Warrior. Now go back to the camp and rest."

He nodded, "Alright, and besides I bet Mantis and Monkey are dying for me to cook something anyway."

"Hao beat you to that already. And I think we can both agree that he's the better chef." She stated bluntly.

He pouted, "Thanks a lot for the vote of confidence…"

She playfully tapped him on the shoulder, "Will you get back to the camp already?"

He smiled, "Okay okay I'm going. No need to humiliate me."

Once he was back at the camp he could smell a wonderful aroma. No doubt his son's cooking at work. While strolling through the camp he passed many of the members of the Masters Council, each of which were busy training themselves for the coming conflict. Many sparred against one another while others meditated. It felt good to see so many of his colleagues in one place, but he knew very well that this wasn't a happy gathering. They were all here to do a job to protect their country.

As he went further through the camp, Po arrived at his tent where a couple other of his friends were seated around a lit campfire. "And so I told him-"

"That's not my wife, that's a Banana. Yeah Monkey we've heard that one a million times." Po finished as he approached and sat down near the others.

"No it's not that one Po. It's an even better one. Get this. I told him; how does a Monkey get down the stairs?" The Siman asked with a grin forming on his face as he waited for one of the group to answer the joke.

Everyone shook their heads indicating that they hadn't heard the joke before. This prompted a snicker from the primate who covered his mouth and tried to hide it.

"He slides down the Banana-ster!"

…

As he waited for laughter from the others, Monkey only heard the crackles from the nearby campfire. "Wow… I hate to be brutally honest Monkey but that was-" Master Mantis trailed before being interrupted.

"Hilarious!" Po stated as he began laughing.

"You know it!" Monkey answered as he fist bumped the Panda.

As the two calmed down, the others simply rolled their eyes at Po and Monkey's antics.

"Trust us Po, that's not the worst one he told when working at the Lee Da Academy." Mantis explained.

"Oh yeah! Should I tell him the retailer joke?" Monkey whispered to the insect.

The insect merely shook his head to which his friend took the hint and stowed his excitement. As the air around the camp calmed down, Hao arrived carrying several trays of hot and fresh Noodle Soup. Each of the Masters accepted their meals with gratitude and wasted no time feasting on the delicious concoction.

While waiting to be served, Po glanced over at one of the other Masters who had been unusually quiet throughout the week, his own daughter Mariko. She had a very neutral expression and simply stared into the embers of the warm campfire. He thought about probing her about what was on her mind, but seeing her looking this focused convinced him otherwise. Whatever she was thinking it had to be a very deep thought.

"Here you go Dad." Stated Hao who then offered Po the second to last bowl of soup.

Po nodded and took the bowl. "Thank you Hao."

The white Tiger sat down next to his father and started on his own soup. While the other Masters engaged in a conversation, Hao looked to Po, "How are you feeling?"

Po shrugged as he took a spoonful of the lovely broth, "I'm feeling fine, but your mother would say otherwise."

Hao chuckled a bit, "She does like to worry about everyone all the time."

"It comes from leading a bunch of misfits like us on missions I suppose." Po joked.

Hao laughed and was about to reply before he noticed his father's attention being directed elsewhere. The Panda was intently watching Mariko who still remained fixed on the campfire almost as if in a daze. This was highly unusual behavior from his sister who he'd always known as a boisterous and extroverted type. Though recently he'd noticed her rarely speaking and smiling even less. He'd asked her if something was wrong, however he only got an answer along the lines of 'I'm just focusing on the battle ahead'. Hao was no fool and saw right through her lie, but he knew better than to continue asking when so many responsibilities had been placed on her.

"Do you think she'll be alright?" Asked Hao as he glanced back over to his father.

Po nodded, "Yes. She will. She's just taking everything in right now. It's all new to her. All the responsibility and pressure. Not to mention she's never been this far from home before."

Hao looked unconvinced, "I don't know Dad. It feels like there's more to it than that."

The Panda didn't reply to this and merely continued to sip the warm soup. This did nothing more than bother Hao who clearly knew his father was hiding something. "What is it Dad? I know you know what Mariko is thinking right now."

Po looked to Hao but was not sure what to say. "I already told you, it's just a lot of pressure all at once." He lied.

Hao looked unconvinced but he knew that he likely wasn't going to get the answers he wanted. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something much greater at stake which his father wasn't letting on.

Before Hao could probe any further his attention was directed to a loud boisterous sound coming from nearby. He recognized it as the sound of a gong, quite similar to that of the Jade Palace. Each of the Masters looked around wondering what the meaning of the ruckus was. "I don't think that's the morning gong…" Monkey remarked.

It wasn't long, however, before the Masters discovered the reason for the disturbance. Within moments they heard a series of thumps coming from the southern side of the camp. The Furious Five watched what could only be described as a caravan of Imperial troops approaching the camp. As the soldiers arrived, Po approached to see what was going on.

Upon getting closer, Po was relieved to see a familiar face, "Pingbi! It's good to see you again!"

The Rhinoceros nodded and saluted the Panda, "Same to you Dragon warrior, it's been quite a while once again."

Po shrugged, "Hasn't it ever…"

Pingbi was in agreement, "I would love to catch up, but I'm sure you and the other Kung Fu Masters are wondering the meaning of our arrival."

Po nodded awaiting an answer.

"Emperor Cishan ordered the army to reinforce you here and protect the wall from an impending attack." The large horned mammal stated.

"We've been keeping watch here and haven't seen anything yet. How long do you think we have?" The Panda asked.

The Rhino sighed, "A few days I fear. The Emperor's spies witnessed the Mongols crossing Piantou Pass two days ago."

"That's not good." Po muttered to himself.

He then looked back to his friends who were helping to accommodate the weary soldiers. "We're gonna have to hope for the best…"

The tainted landscape behind revealed the cost of war. The previously vibrant bamboo forests had been burned, trampled, and ravaged by the advance of the Mongol army. The massive army had just recently crossed the Yellow River outside Pianguan and was preparing to reach the great wall. They were now within the final stretch to reach their goal.

As the sun fell, their forces set up camp for the night. But while most of the warriors stayed in the shelter of their tents, their leader opted not to rest just yet. A few klicks out from their camp, Genji Ping was busy using the last few hours of the day to train his body for the coming conflict. He had set out a number of tree logs which he was using for his strength exercises. Currently he was using them as punching bags of sorts. He dug each one into the ground forming a circle that left him with only a meter of room all around him almost as if they were a group of foes that completely surrounded him.

While standing in the middle of the circle he quickly engaged the inanimate targets one by one using a technique known as the 3 finger nerve attack. The force of each blow was so great it created a hole in each of the tough logs as he stuck them. After having executed this technique successfully all 8 times the Tiger swept all of the logs in a circle with his foot, effectively chopping the logs at their base as if they were cut by an axe. With the logs all scattering the forest floor Genji used a finishing move on each log, effectively turning all the previously intact trees into kindling.

Once he had destroyed each log, the striped feline settled down by a nearby river. The moon had now risen and provided a pale white light over the forest. As he calmed himself down from his training, Genji peeked over the riverbank to see his own reflection in the relatively still waters. His reflection showed a very conflicted striped feline that looked like a complete mess. The young Tiger's mental state had not improved since his terrifying nightmares at Wu Fortress, and in fact had only gotten worse since. With each one Genji became less sure of himself.

As he prepared to head back to the camp he sensed another figure approach. While he wrapped his paws up with tape the other figure addressed him, "My Lord Akuma. I have come to report to you."

He nodded, "You have information about our cold blooded friend?"

"Yes my Lord. I have been observing him for the last week as you requested." The Lioness replied.

"And?" He asked while putting on his vest that he had left off during his training.

"He has been spending a lot of time lately with the generals. Mostly having discussions about plans for our invasion and other military matters. He also occasionally mutters to himself while smoking from a pipe in his tent. Though what he mumbles about I cannot decipher as it is in a foreign language." The feline stated.

Genji stroked his chin, "What generals have been conversing with him?"

"All of them, my Lord. Though he mostly discusses plans for the invasion with General Diavol."

He nodded, "As I suspected. I will deal with Diavol later."

"Forgive me my Lord but that is all that I have to report. The Komodo Dragon has been very secretive and keeps much to himself-"

"No, that is good. Thank you for having taken on this task. I trust you were not discovered?" Genji interrupted.

The Lioness shook her head, "I was seen by no one, my Lord."

"Very good." Was all Genji replied.

There was a brief silence between the two as Genji finished cleaning himself in preparation to return to the camp. However, as he set off to go back to the camp a sudden thought overcame him, "What is your name?"

The Lioness had not been expecting the abrupt question from her superior and even as simple as the question was did not know how to answer, "My Lord? You wish to know my name?" She asked with a look of puzzlement.

Genji nodded, "Yes, I do." He replied simply.

"It is Geriel, sir."

There was yet another pause before Genji answered, "I see. Could you tell me about yourself, Geriel?"

The Lioness was yest again not prepared for such a question, "About myself?"

The Tiger nodded once more, "Yes. I'm interested in hearing your story. How you came to be in service of Jian, and afterwards me."

The Lioness now understood, but was confused as to why her normally indifferent leader suddenly cared so much about her. Regardless she answered the question to the best of her ability, "I was born in a small village to the west in the mountains. Altai Sum. My father was the leader of clan Boku, while my mother was a fierce warrior of the tribe."

Geriel expected her leader to already have been bored, but was surprised to see the Tiger looking quite the opposite, seeming rather intrigued instead. Seeing no reason to stop, she continued, "Life in the mountains was difficult. Water and food were scarce and we were not able to sustain trade with other neighboring tribes. However, we always managed. My mother and father were good leaders of the clan, always placing everyone's needs before their own. It was one day, however, that we were approached by a rival clan. Clan Manyegiin khüch."

The Lioness looked back in the direction of the camp but continued her story, "The rival clan was led by a Lion named Uurtai Manye, a formidable warrior from the eastern province. He challenged my father, Jian Erkhem for the right to our clan's territory and to our people. In ancient Mongolian culture, it is a tradition that clan leaders may challenge each other for the right to rule the other's clan."

Genji remained silent and patient as he listened to Geriel tell her story. Though he had a few predictions on how the story would play out, none of them were very positive.

"Fearing refusing the challenge would bring dishonor on our clan, my father accepted. My father was a good warrior, and he fought until his final breath, but was slain by Manye. After defeating my father, Manye claimed ownership of clan Boku and merged it with his own." The Lioness paused again, taking a long breath as she looked to the moonlit sky.

"Mongolian tradition also requires any clan members of a defeated clan to swear loyalty to the rightful ruler. My mother and her brethren were burdened by tradition to be loyal to Manye from that point forth. But to only flaunt his victory further, Manye took up my father's name; Jian Uurtai Manye." The Lioness finished briefly as a tear left her eye.

Genji pitied the young Lioness who clearly held much sadness and anger within as a result of her past traumas. It was something he could relate to, but perhaps not this severely. A lifetime of resentment and neglect had turned him into what he was now, but Geriel had not felt neglected, but rather stolen from.

Geriel composed herself as she looked back down to the Tiger who remained focused on listening to her story. Hearing no interjection from her leader, she continued, "I hardly even knew my father, I was so young when he was taken from us. I only wish my life could have been normal."

"I understand your pain, Geriel. Wounds such as these never heal and instead become scars that tarnish the body for the rest of one's life." Genji replied.

The Lioness only nodded with a now stoic expression after having calmed down once more.

"And the other Lionesses?" Genji asked.

"They are my sisters. Our mother taught us in the ways of Mongolian combat as her family had to her. She was never the same after father was killed. She became distant, cold even. We hardly recognized her from that point on." Geriel answered.

"I see. And what became of your mother after Jian's rise to power?" Genji asked, still curious.

Geriel sighed once more, "After Jian took father's place as leader, he began conquering more of the Mongolian clans and factions. Mother was loyal to him by creed, but did not agree with his insatiable lust for power. A few months after his rise to power, Jian had the loyalty of nearly all Mongolian clans. That was until he was challenged by a Chinese Kung Fu master and was humiliated."

Genji growled, "Father..." He muttered under his breath.

"After his defeat, Jian's control over his forces fell. And seeing it as a sign of weakness, my mother attempted a rebellion against him. She managed to gather support from other clans in an attempt to overthrow him. But sadly, her efforts failed and she was killed by his hand to set an example to the others. My sisters and I were only 8 at the time. After her death, Jian forced us to take mother's place or risk the same fate as her. I love my sisters and would do anything to guarantee their safety." The Lioness finished.

Genji was certainly not good at providing words of reassurance, but even so he figured he'd at least make an attempt, "Thank you for sharing your story to me Geriel. I know it must have been hard for you."

She nodded, "I am only doing my duty Lord Akuma-"

"Genji."

"I beg your pardon my Lord?" She asked after having been interrupted by the Tiger.

"My true name is Genji." He answered simply.

Geriel did not know how to respond to this, nor did she know whether she should or not. This interaction with her leader had certainly not been what she'd expected. The Tiger was normally quite indifferent and withdrawn, not seeming to care about anyone around him, but now she saw a side of him that few others likely knew existed. She couldn't understand what had prompted the striped feline to be so open with her. Perhaps it was some kind of revelation.

Although she had many questions she wanted to ask the Tiger, Geriel's thoughts were interrupted when the striped feline continued, "I spent my whole life training to be the best martial artist in the world. However, no matter how hard I trained and no matter what I sacrificed, I could never beat my sister Mariko. I challenged her numerous times but was defeated each time."

Geriel now listened intently to the Tiger as he opened up. "My father was known in China as the Dragon Warrior. He was the best martial artist and possessed abilities that most could not even comprehend. As a cub I looked up to him and mother very much. But as I grew, I realized how wrong I was to ever idolize him. Father refused to ever acknowledge me, nor train me. He always gave Mariko all his attention, leaving me in the shadows."

As Genji said this, he clenched his fist so tightly that his claws began to cut into his own paws. "I was a naive and foolish boy."

Geriel was silent as she listened to Genji's tale. She found it odd that the Tiger would resort to such extreme measures to accomplish his goal to be respected by his father, but she figured a lifetime of resentment was as good of a reason as any.

After having vented enough of his anger, Genji calmed himself once more and looked toward the Lioness. "Geriel, you and your sisters have been very loyal to me. For that I am truly grateful."

Geriel did not know where the Tiger was going with this. It felt strange to hear him suddenly being so grateful and humble towards her.

Genji sighed, "I never intended to wage war on China. I only desired revenge against my father and Mariko. This war will bring only destruction and chaos."

The Tiger paused while looking at the pale moon above, "Geriel. You and the others do not deserve to be caught up in this conflict. You are hereby free."

The Lioness was stunned. Not only was she at loss for words, but also did not truly believe what the Tiger was saying. "My Lord Genji-"

"You need not call me that anymore." He swiftly replied.

Again the Lioness struggled to articulate herself. The Tiger was serious but even so she still could not believe it. "But… Why?" She asked.

"I don't know. I've done so many selfish things throughout my life. I suppose it was time I do something for someone else for a change. Especially for someone such as you who has been so loyal to me." Genji answered as he began to walk back to the camp.

Geriel remained put and watched as her former master walked past. "What about my sisters?"

Genji stopped and looked back, "They may go with you. I suggest you all get as far away as possible. Make new lives for yourselves and live peacefully."

With that he turned back and went on his way. Before he could leave completely, however, he was addressed once more, "And what will you do Mas-I mean… Genji."

"Finish what I started." He stated.

After having returned to the camp, Genji saw his soldiers preparing themselves for the night. Tomorrow would be the day they would advance on the great wall, and therefor they would need all the strength they could muster. As he looked around, he noticed a considerably larger tent which meant that it was intended for one of his higher ranking generals. Knowing who likely resided there currently, he made his way to the tent.

Once at the large canvas structure, he entered only to see General Diavol sitting at a table with a displayed map that the Wolverine looked to be studying. Without hesitation, Genji made his way towards his subordinate. Diavol, who had heard footsteps, looked up from his study and noticed his feline leader approaching. He was not prepared for this and Genji immediately noticed the smaller mammal's emotional state change.

"Lord Akuma." He greeted.

Genji didn't need to be an expert to see the fear and anxiety in the smaller mammal's tone and state. He did not reply to the Wolverine and instead walked past him and behind his chair.

Diavol only watched as the Tiger passed him. He remained seated but was plagued with a feeling of dread at this confrontation which he knew would likely not end well for him.

"Is there anything I can do for you at this hour?" The Wolverine asked nervously.

As Genji approached the seated General's back, he responded, "Yes, I suppose there is something you can do for me, Diavol."

Diavol looked to his left but did not dare turn his head. "Okay, what may I assist you with, my Lord? Do you wish to change the plan of our attack?" He asked while noticing that his heart rate had climbed.

The Tiger shook his head and placed his left paw on Diavol's left shoulder just an inch away from the Wolverine's neck, "Not exactly Diavol. You see, I'd like you to help me understand something."

The smaller mammal cleared his throat before replying, "O-okay. How may I help you, my lord?"

Genji stared off to the entrance of the tent as he placed his other free paw on Diavol's other shoulder. "You see Diavol, I have heard that recently you have been making some new allies amongst my ranks. Might I understand what has prompted you to do this?" The Tiger asked while bringing his paws closer over Diavol's neck.

Diavol could almost hear his heart that was racing behind his chest. He felt the Tiger's strong paws grasping his neck on both sides as if preparing to strangle him. "I-I-I..." He stuttered while his leader's grip tightened slightly. "I was merely conversing with the other generals on the plans of our invasion. Nothing more…"

Genji still stared at the front of the tent, his left thumb was now pressed against the spine of the smaller mammal, "Nothing more?" He asked.

It took every ounce of courage that Diavol had to not turn his head back or move. He could feel his limbs shaking like jelly and the fur on his body perked up. "Y-you see I was speaking to General Kusatsu about the first phase of our attack on the wall. He had some suggestions that were beneficial-"

Diavol cut himself off at that part before swallowing. As he did so he felt the tips of the striped feline's claws now touching his neck. "L-look, I am sorry. My allegiance is to you and you and you al-lone."

After hearing these words Genji looked down to the clearly terrified Wolverine. A smile now graced his face as he loosened his grip on the General's neck. "That is what I wanted to hear."

Diavol was only slightly relieved, but still avoided turning his head for fear of direct confrontation with the intimidating Tiger. But before he could feel any more secure, Genji walked to Diavol's side and placed his right paw around Diavol's neck. "But before I leave you, I would like to ask one more thing of you."

Diavol did not hesitate before replying, "Y-yes, My Lord? Anything."

"You will from now on avoid any meeting or confrontation with our reptilian friend. I'm sure you can understand that." Genji stated as his claws on his paw unsheathed and threatened to cut the Wolverine's neck.

Diavol nodded in agreement while feeling the sharp claws almost piercing his skin. "Yes, My Lord. I understand completely."

Genji smiled once more before removing his paw all together. "That is very good Diavol. I trust we will never have to speak on this matter again?"

Diavol once again nodded but did not voice himself.

After feeling satisfied, Genji began to walk back towards the exit of the tent. All the while, the Wolverine General sighed in relief.

As he walked out, Genji's smile became a scowl before heading off to his own tent to rest for the night. He would need every ounce of it to prepare for the next day. And for the conflict that was to come.

A/N: Holy heck it's been way too long since I updated this story. In any case, it's here and back better than ever with a lot of fun scenes and character development. If you guys are looking forward to the upcoming big battle let me know in a review! As always, if you like the story and what I'm trying to do please leave a favorite and follow it to stay updated :)

Cheers,
-Ace_Risk