"The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the ivisible."

Episode 7: Murder in the Jade Palace

Sweat dripped down Erdan's forehead, his grip on his weapon tightened, and his eyes focused on his target, Zhong. The large and muscular wolf stood ten feet away from his son, ready to face the boy in a mock battle. Drips of perspiration fell down Zhong's head, dripping down his face and down his large torso. The two shirtless wolves waited for their signal. Anticipation spiraled in both of their minds.

Then, Shifu shouted "Begin!"

Only a second later, Erdan charged at his foster father with a bow staff in paws. He yelled his best battle cry as he ran up and struck his staff at his opponent. Zhong blocked Erdan's attack, and then made a counter strike of his own. He pulled back his staff and swung at Erdan's side, but the cub reacted in time and halted his foe's weapon with his own. Afterwards Erdan jumped back and got back into a fighting stance. He continued to strike at Zhong, swing after swing with his bow staff. And every time the cub's opponent blocked his attacks. Erdan became frustrated and gave a big swing. But while the two lupines were fighting, Shifu, Po, the Five, and Shu were watching their match. The she-wolf decided to close up her shop early to visit her boyfriend and foster son, just this once since it was a Friday.

Shifu watched closely at Erdan's match. Scanning the cub's form and skill. But the red panda noticed that, although Erdan was giving his all (like always) his swings weren't as hard or powered as instructed. Shifu admired how dedicated Erdan was. To his training, his part time job, and to his family and honor. The boy had a lot of promise and potential as a kung fu master. But this display clearly showed that the young lupine still has much to learn. And Shifu would need to make sure not to make the same mistakes the second time.

Erdan gave a final swing of his bow before Zhong overpowered him, knocking Erdan down on his bare back. Only a second after falling, Erdna was met with Zhong's staff right in forn of the boy's throat.

"And that's your head gone." Zhong said teasingly.

Erdan only sighed as Zhong helped his son up. Then Shifu walked to them and said "Erdan your good with your form, and you have the basics of the bow staff down. But there's one thing that noticed."

"What… is it… master?" Erdan said while catching his breath.

"You had some hesitation in your attacks." Erdan made a slightly disappointed face while Shifu continued. "You swing timidly, and without resolve. You must generally try to defeat your opponent."

"You mean defeat my dad." Erdan said in protest. "Why not make me spare against Tigress, or Po?"

Shifu then breathed in and out before replying "Because there will be times, very often in battle, when you must show no hesitation. I know how you feel about killing or harming others. But often your enemies won't share the same sense of honor you do."

Erdan then nodded and was asked again to battle Zhong. But before the nect match could begin, Zeng came rushing in and yelled "Master Shifu! Master Shifu!"

The red panda halted the match, turned to the goose and said "Slow down Zeng, what is it?"

Zeng, after catching his breath urgently said "Master Shifu, Lord Shirong is here!"

Shifu then remembered something he planned then said "Let them in, I'll meet him in the hall of heroes."

Zeng then flew away to aid the noble visitors. Shifu then loudly said "Tigress, Crane, Monkey, and Viper. Come with me, the rest of you stay here until we return. And Erdan, Zhong, you can take a break now."

The red panda and four of his students quickly made their way out of the training grounds. Meanwhile, Erdan and Zhong took their well deserved break. They both drank water, quenching their sudden thirst.

A minute later, Erdan asked "Who is Lord Shirong?"

Mantis then hopped on the wolf cub's shoulder and answered "He's a member of the royal famly, one of the emperor's relatives. He governs this province of china. He also is the guy who funds the Jade Palace. So he's kind of a big deal."

"Oh, I see." Erdan replied, while taking a towel and wiping sweat from his face.

Zhong then said "Well, I hope he doesn't cause any trouble for me."

Shu, curiously added "What makes you say that?"

Zhong then answered "Given past experiences, me and nobles don't mix well."

Everyone understood what Zhong meant, since they all knew of his past.

Shu, deciding to change the tone asked "So this is what an average afternoon is for you boys?"

Erdan, who was starting to cool off from the sun answered "Yup, pretty much."

"Well, I never went this far when I studied martial arts. I only learned it so I could defend myself." Shu explained.

Zhong, feeling a bit macho, then flirtingly said "Why teach yourself to fight, when you have a handsome strong man to protect you." The large wolf said before shriking a heroic pose.

Shu, who raised one of her eyebrows and smirked, then knocked Zhong down to the ground and on his back, and then held him down before saying "That's why."The two lovers smiled and kissed then got up and Shu left to relieve herself.

Mantis then asked "Hey Zhong, can I ask you a very, very important question?"

"Sure, what?" Zhong curiously asked.

Mantis then (with a smirk) replied "What's it like having a girlfriend that can kick your ass?"

Zhong became annoyed by the bug's query, but before the wolf could protest, his son, Erdan, laughed along with Po.

The large panda then said "He's got you there Zhong."

Everyone laughed and chuckled at the joke, well everyone except Zhong, who only groaned and walked away to get more water while his son and friends continued to joke and laugh.

((()-()))

Shifu, along with Tigress and monkey to his left, and Crane and Viper at his right, awaited for their guests to enter the room. The doors opened, and inside come a male deer, a teenage female deer, their servants, and their royal guide. They were escorted by a personal guard of armored rhinos.

Shifu and his students bowed in respect as the Palace Master said "Welcome back Lord Shirong, the jade Palace welcomes you and your company."

Shirong, bearing a stature of focus replied "Thank you Master Shifu, it iis good to see you again."

The masters then finished their respective bow and noticed the girl deer next to Shirong.

"Allow me to introduce my daughter, Yingyu." Shirong said.

Yingyu walked forward and said "Greetings great masters, you honor us with your presence."

She stepped back and Shirong then said "And this is my guide, Liang."

"Greeting and thanks to you great masters." Liang said with a smile.

After the introductions were finished, Shirong decided to talk his business with Shifu in private. Meanwhile, Yingyu wanted to see more of the Jade Palace. So Viper and monkey gave her a tour, with two of her guards for security and duty means. She was fascinated by the palace, which was very diffren't then the one she lived in, as a member of the royal bloodline. Afterwards she wanted to see the trainng hall, so Viper and Monkey guided her there while her father works on his duties.

((()-()))

Erdan composed himself, and breathed in and out. And then he released and let his arrow fly towards its' target. He got a close to a perfect shot as the arrow just missed the center by a few inches. But before he could take another shot, the doors of the training grounds opened. In came a deer girl, along with two armored rhinos, Monkey, and Viper. He approached them wanting to know what was happening.

When he came to them Yingyu greeted with "Hello."

"Uh, hello, who are you?" Erdan plainly asked.

Monkey then rushed to Erdan and explained "That's Lord Shirong's daughter, show some respect."

Erdna then figured out what was happening and bowed while saying "Oh forgive me, I didn't realize who you were."

Although the wolf cub made a large bow. One would think it was comical. Even though one could say Erdan was overdoing it, he did however make Yingyu laugh by the boy's reaction.

The deer girl said "It's ok, I don't really like the formality stuff anyway."

Erdan then rose back up and was glad his first meeting with a noble was a good one. He said "O-ok, my name is Erdan."

"Pleasure to meet you Erdan, I'm Yingyu. Daughter of Lord Shirong." The noble girl greeted. "And what do you do here?"

Erdan replied "I train here, I'm working to become a kung fu master."

"Hmm, interesting." Yingyu said.

Then the doors of the training hall opened and out came the other warriors (and Shu) who now realized what their guests arrived. Zhong, Po, Manits and Shu came to join the group, but the guards armed themselves and shouted "Lady Yingyu be careful!"

"Why? What is it?" Yingyu asked.

Then one of the guards said "That wolf is a criminal, he took part in the war in Gongmen city!"

Zhong became alert, but then Po stepped between them and shouted "Whoa, whoa hold it. Zho-uhh, Mr. Yu is a good guy now. He's a hero training with us at the palace."

"Are you really?" The deer girl asked.

"Yes, yes I am. I've dedicated my life to saving lives instead of tormenting them. I'm just trying to make up for all the things I did back in Gongmen." Zhong said with a hint of guilt.

"Erdan stepped in to defend in dad. "I can promise he's telling the truth."

"How?" one of the guards asked.

"Because he's my father." Erdan answered.

"Really?!" Yingyu asked.

"Well, foster father. Anyway, you can trust him." Erdan explained.

Although Yingyu took a moment to hink of it, she concluded that Shifu would trust this man greatly to let him live in the palace. She calmed her guards down, although they still remained vigilant as always. After introductions, Yingyu noticed how Erdan wasn't wearing a shirt.

She then asked the boy "Is that how you always dress?" In a curious tone.

Erdan then said "Well, not always. Although it does feel good. Umm." Erdan then became nervous and put his vest back on.

Yingyu noticed the archery set up and asked "Were you the one practicing with archery?"

"Ye-yeah, It's a skill I taught myself." Erdan replied.

He then held his bow, grabbed and arrow from a quiver, got set, and released. The arrow flew off, and in seconds hit its target, striking a good shot.

After seeing this display Yingyu said "Not bad, for someone self taught."

"Well, mostly, I've had mentors teach me recently." Erdan replied, feeling a little more relaxed.

"Well, if you put the back of your paw towards your face, you'll put less strain on your wrist. Just a tip." Yingyu suggested.

Erdan then tried it out, and found it was a better method for holding an arrow. He then said "Wow, I never knew that, where'd you learn it?"

"I- I practice with archery too." Yingyu answered nervously.

"Really?" Erdan asked while taking a seat with the girl.

"Yeah, but it's to compete. Not for fighting like you do." The girl said.

"I've heard they compete with archery in fairs and festivals." Erdan replied.

"Yeah, but, don't tell my dad ok?" Yingyu asked.

"Why?" Erdan questioned.

"Well, he doen't know. He… wants me to become a scholar." The deer girl explained.

Erdan thought about it, and said "Maybe you should tell him?"

"I- I don't know, he has high hopes for me." Yingyu explained.

For the whole afternoon the two became fast friends. Talking and giving each other tips for bows and arrows, and even competing with each other. Despite their species difference, they bonded over their love for archery. They had so much enjoyment from each other's company, so much they didn't realize the dark clouds in the air until thunder roared. And then everyone ran into the Palace, seeking shelter form the storm.

((()-()))

Erdan, Yingyu, Po and all the other warriors entered the palace. After meeting up in the kitchen, Master Shifu and Lord Sirong finished their business and joined the others. Upon entering the kitchen, Shirong noticed his daughter was sitting at the table and talking with a wolf boy. He also noticed a two other wolves in the room. One that was large and muscular, with only one remaining eye. And another who clearly was a female.

"Shifu, who are those wolves?" Shirong asked subtly.

"The large one is Zhong, and ex-con who's decided to spend his life helping others. The boy is his son, Erdan. Those two are my latest students. And the woman is Shu, Zhong's girlfriend. Her and Zhong have become Erdan's foster parents." Shifu explained.

"You trust them?" Shirong questioned.

"Yes, they choose to stray away from their kind's reputation for villainy." Shifu answered.

Although Shirong wasn't sure about him and his daughter having dinner with wolves was great idea, he trusted Shifu. He's known the red panda for years, and he's learned to trust his word. If Shifu was interested in working with lupines then that's his choice. As long as they don't cause trouble that's fine with the noble.

The deer sat next to his daughter and asked "Yingyu, how are you?"

"I'm fine father. I was just talking with my new friend Erdan." The deer girl said.

Shirong looked at the wolf boy. He wore pants, a vest, and a red bandana around his neck. Shirong greeted with "Hello Erdan. I see you've been mingling with my daughter."

Erdan, realizing he was talking with a noble said "Oh… aaa, yes sir. I, I've been talking with her, and she's very nice and-"

Shirong could tell Erdan was nervous, so he said to him "It's very fine. As long as you treat her like your friends you don't have to worry."

"Really? I've been told that, I should greet nobles with great and upmost respect." Erdan pondered out loud.

"I've never liked those attitudes for higher class. Yes we are upper up then you, but that doesn't mean we should be worshiped like gods. That's what I believe, and it's what I've taught my daughter." Shirong explained.

Erdan then smiled and said "You know sir, that's like how I think too. Equality and stuff like that."

"Good, that's very good." Shirong replied with a smile of his own.

"Erdan! You want to help us make dinner, it'll come faster with your paws joining in?" Po said while Shu and Tigress prepared for the meal.

"Yeah, I'll help." Erdan answered. He looked at Yingyu and before leaving said "Excuse me." And then went to help cook.

Shirong tapped his daughter's shoulder and asked "So, I see you made a new friend. How is he?"

"Oh he's nice." Zingyu replied simply.

"Nice? That's it?" Shirong asked.

"Well he's also kind, and gentle, and a little wise for his age." Zingyu continued while fiddling with silverware.

"Then, is he maybe, more than a friend to you?" Shirong asked with a smile.

"Dad we're just friends!" Yingyu said back.

"I'm just kidding, I'm kidding." Shirong said back.

"I hope so." Yingyu said before she chuckled along with her father.

After the meal was finished, they all sat down and ate. Shirong poured some wine into his cub, but one of his bodyguards come in to report on the weather.

"My Lord, the storm is only getting worse. I think it might last all night." The rhino said.

Shirong stoked his chin and replied "We may have to stay here, if the weather is that bad."

Lightning and thunder roared, then Shifu said "We can make room, is some of you bunk with each other."

"That's very kind of you my friend." Shirong thanked. Shirong turned to the guard and said "Thank you, here, have this for your troubles."

Shirong gave his wine to his guard and he replied "Tha- thank you my Lord." The rhino gulped down tha drink and asked "Where can I-"

"Just put it over there." Tigress said while pointing to where he could leave the cup.

It was then decided that Erdan and Zhong would share a room. Po, manits and monkey would bunk. Tigress, Shu, and Yingyu could share space. And spare rooms could be for the guards when their shifts are over.

But suddenly the rhino guard fell to the ground, the metal of his armor clanged upon the fall's impact. Everyone rushed to check on him, but Shifu examined him and said "He's dead."

"What killed him?" Shu questioned.

Shirong looked at the glass and said "I think I know. If… if I had drank that wine, I, I."

Suddenly the royal guide came in and yelled "What happened?"

"I… I almost died." Shirong replied.

((()-()))

In ten minutes the dead guard's body was taken out and was ready to be buried. But in the kitchen, the group became puzzled at what happened. As ordered by Shifu, no one was allowed to leave the dining area until matters were sorted out. The kids and Shu sat at the table while the rest were examining for any clues of what might happen.

Zhong looked at the bottle, still containing three/fourths of its wine and said "I recognize this bottle."

"You do?" Po asked.

"Yeah, it's a special rum that Mr. Cheng makes. It's from his shop in the market." Zhong enlightened while examining the drink.

"Do you think it's poisoned?" Tigress asked the wolf.

"Hmm, I don't know. This bottle is old, like, from a least… a week since it expired." The one eyed wolf replied.

"Zhong, can expired wine kill a person?" Shifu asked.

After a minute of thinking, Zhong answered "Normally no. But Mr. Cheng uses special ingredients. So I can't tell for sure."

The royal guide then said "Well, maybe there was a mix up at his shop."

"The fact is; it's no good. Get rid of it." Shirong ordered.

"Yes my lord." The royal guard said.

The deer servant did as he was told and drained the drink away. The night continued like always, although everyone was a little tense, since they just witnessed a man die. Shirong thought it was just a bottle gone bad. Later, Yingyu went to relieve herself, but after finishing, Erdan was waiting to talk with her.

"We need to talk." Erdan asked in a hushed tone.

"Ok?" Shirong said before her friend pulled her into a closet.

"What's going on?" The deer girl asked.

"That's what I what to know." Erdan whispered.

"What do you mean?" Shirong whispered back.

"I don't think that wine incident was an accident." Erdan said while raising one of his eyebrows.

Shirong, cating on to what he was saying, replied "You think it was an attempt at murder?"

"Well, do you?" The lupine asked.

"I… I'm not sure. That's why I'm kinda suspicious." The deer girl answered.

Erdan figured something wasn't right. The whole thing didn't seem like an accident. He knew he had to get to the bottom of this, but if he told anyone else, that might alert the killer. If there is one.

"Do you have any idea of what to do?" Yingyu asked.

"Well, my dad said that, the wine that killed the guard-" Erdan explained.

"The 'Expired special wine'." Yingyu added while making air quotes with her hands.

"Yes that, my dad said it came from Mr. Cheng's shop in the village." Erdan finished. Then the cub asked "Do you and dad buy stuff in the towns you visit?"

"Yeah we do. Mostly to refresh on food and supplies." Yingyu answered.

"Does he buy wine?" Erdan asked.

"Yeah, he likes it. It's a tradition he does every Friday night. And he always keeps in control of how much he-" Yingyu explained before being interrupted.

"Yeah yeah, well anyway, my plan is that I'll go visit Mr. Cheng and talk with him." Erdan said.

"Are you sure?" Yingyu asked.

"Yeah, Its two hours before lights out. I can make it there and back quickly." The wolf boy explained.

"Ok, while you're doing that, I'll look around here. I'll see if I can find anything." Yingyu added.

Suddenly the closet door opened and then they both saw Shu had entered in. "What are you two doing?"

"Uhhh, we're…" Erdan muttered.

"We're having a closet talk." Yingyu replied.

"A closet talk?" Shu asked in a confused manor.

"Yeah, it's really popular where I'm from. When you wanna have a private chat, you know?" Yingyu explained.

"Hmm." Shu muttered.

Yingyu then left, leaving the mother and son wolf together. "Umm… Erdan?" Shu asked her son.

"Yeah mom?" The cub replied.

"Do you, like Yingyu." Shu questioned.

"Yeah, she's nice and funny." Erdan answered simply.

"Well… were you two… kissing?" Shu asked.

"WHAT? NO! mom we're just friends." Erdan suddenly said. Realizing what his mother was thinking.

"Ok. Your father has told about, you know." Shu clued in.

"About sex and stuff like that? Sure." Erdan said before shuttering at remembering 'the talk' his father gave him.

"Ok. Well just checking." Shu replied before giving her son a kiss on his forehead and going to join her boyfriend.

Yingyu came from around the corner and said "That's your mom?"

Erdan nodded and Yingyu said "She's nice."

"Yeah, she's the best." Erdan said.

Then the two teenagers put their plan into motion. Erdan would sneak out of the palace, and run to Mr. Cheng for information. Meanwhile, Yingyu will look around the palace for clues. She'll also tell the others that Erdan is sleeping in early, as a clover for the boy being outside at night. Yingyu talked to the guards, but not much was found. She talked to the masters and Erdan's parents, but again nothing that could help prove anything. She then decided to talk to the royal guide. Although he had nothing to hide, Yingyu got an uneasy feeling form him. Feeling bold, she decided to search his room.

((()-()))

Yingyu slid opened the door. It was one of the spare rooms Shifu provided for guests. At first there wasn't much, just a bed, a table and chair, and a window. But she looked around, being extra carful to stay quiet. She found a bag under the bed, which was strange since it was hidden away instead of on the table. She looked inside and found normal stuff, like paper, maps, and other tools. But she noticed a small space at the bottom. So she opened it and found some jewls, and after some examination, she knew what they were. But she heard footsteps, and the deer girl quickly and quietly put all the things back in the bag, and placed it under the bed.

The person's shadow stopped right at the door. She had to act fast. She couldn't hide under the bed. So she climbed out the window and pressed her back against the outside wall. The royal guide walked into his room, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked around, he felt something… strange. He went to the window and looked out. The sky was dark, and still cloudy. From the looks of it, it seemed storms would be back soon. He tried to relax, but little did he know that Yingyu was standing right next to him form the other side. After five minutes he closed the window's doors, and Yingyu felt a little relief.

She made her way outside of the palace when she saw Erdan returning. Upon returning he was panting, form rushing to show what he found.

"Your back, did you find anything?" Yingyu asked.

After catching his breath Erdan answered "Yeah, but let's talk somewhere no one will overhear us."

The two teens went inside the training hall to talk. Once they made sure they were alone, Erdan told what he found.

"I talked with Mr. Cheng, he wasn't happy I interrupted his time with his wife. But he told me that a deer man came and bought wine from him this morning." Erdan explained.

"That could have been that royal guide, I was with my father and we didn't go there." Yingyu replied.

"But there's more." Erdan said before pulling a bottle form his backpack. "I found this in the trash behind Mr. Cheng's shop. He recognized it and said this was the wine he sold to that deer this morning."

"Hmm, interesting. So you were, sniffing around?" Yingyu said jokingly.

"… Oh I get it. Vey clever." Erdan sarcastically replied.

"Sorry I just had too." Yingyu corrected while chuckling a bit.

"Well, did you find anything?" Erdan asked.

"Yeah, these." Yingyu said before showing Erdan the gems she had.

"Rocks?" Erdan questioned.

"Gems, and I recognize what kind." Yingyu said while Erdan listened while putting his paw on his chin. "Gems like these are very valuable. But their found in caves in the mountains. Mined by slaves for men who don't care for their workers."

"I see." Erdan replied while thinking.

"But it's worse. The men who operate those mines capture people and force them to work, with little food or water. My father and mother have been working to rid China of those awful places."

After five minutes of solid thinking, Erdan and Yingyu concocted a theory. After examining all the clues, they begun to piece together what was happening. Afterwards they went to round up all the others for a meeting. And hopefully expose a murderer.

((()-()))

Everyone sat in the kitchen, Shirong, the royal guide, Zhong, Shu, Po, Shifu and the Five. Erdan and Yingyu we ready to show what they've found.

"Erdan what's the meaning of this?" Shifu asked.

"I'm glad you asked master. Me and Yingyu don't think what happened with the wine earlier was an accident." Erdan started.

"Do you mean, it was murder?" Shirong asked.

"We think so father." Yingyu replied.

"Then who is it?" Po asked feeling a little excited on the inside.

After a minute of silence, Erdan pointed to the guide and said "It's him."

Everyone was confused, and the guide argued "What? Me? What on earth would make you believe such a thing?"

Erdan then faced the deer man and begun his argument. "Because we believe that wine earlier was poisoned. In an attempt to kill Lord Shirong!"

"Why do you think that?" Shirong questioned.

"Yeah, why?" The guide added.

"Because of the wine bottle. As we remember, Shirong poured some of that wine into his cup. Yingyu explained to me that her father does enjoy it on Friday nights. And so he planned, but he felt generous, and gave it to one of his bodyguards as a token of appreciation."

Everyone listened to Erdan's words. Shifu the most. Po and the Five we wondering if Erdan's claim was true. Although Zhong and Shu wanted to speak, they could see in their son's eyes that he took this very seriously. So they all let the wolf boy continue his argument.

"But since the guard drank the wine, he consumed the poison. Killing him instead of its intended target." Erdan explained.

"But that bottle was old, and the wine expired." Manits questioned.

"But that wasn't the wine's original bottle." Erdan said before everyone became curious. "I went and talked with Mr. Cheng an hour ago. And he said he sold a bottle of special wine form that man this morning." Erdan explained before pointing again to the guide.

The guard, not believing the boy's story protested "Well of course I bought it. It would save Lord Shirong time, rather than going out of his way to buy it himself."

"But after you bought it, you found an old empty bottle in the trash behind Mr. Cheng's store. You then put the wine in the old bottle along with the poison. Your idea was to make it seem like Shirong drank some bad wine, as a cover for your kill." Erdan argued.

The guide, feeling assaulted said in protest "That's nonsense, why would I want to kill Shirong?"

Yingyu then took her turn and said "Maybe because you hired too. By someone who could pay much more then my father." She then held out the gems for all to see.

"Wait, are those?" Shirong questioned recognizing the rocks in his daughter's hand.

"Yes, gems collected form slave mines." Yingyu replied.

"Well what do they have to do with me?" The guide asked.

"Maybe because I found them in your bag, in a secret patch." Yingyu revealed.

"What? How dare you snoop through my privacy!" The man yelled.

"But why were they in there? In your bag." Yingyu questioned.

The guide stayed silent for a minute, then he grabbed a bag of flour and spilled it in everyone's face before running.

"Don't' let him get away!" Erdan shouted.

The group ran into the hall of heroes, where the man dashed off to. They all searched, seeing the doors were still shut and locked. But out of the shadows, he emerged and grabbed Shirong.

As he held him he yelled "Stay back!"

Everyone held their ground. Then Shirong, while being held with a knife at his throat asked "Why? Why would you do this?"

The guide then answered "Simple, they promised to make me rich for this. And besides, I've always hated you high class bastards."

He then held his knife up and Yingyu yelled "Nooooo!" And she grabbed a bow and arrows that were on display, and quickly fired. She then knocked the knife out of his hand. And her father escaped from the murder's grip. But the man charged at Yingyu and grabbed her.

He held her arrow and yelled "It's time you paid for ruining my perfect plan!"

Meanwhile Erdan grabbed the bow and an arrow. But he felt hesitant, he didn't want to kill his enemy. But the man was about to kill Yingyu! So Erdan quickly fired and struck the man right in his left eye.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!" Yelled the killer as he let go of Yingyu to tent to his wound.

Mantis rushed and paralyzed him and tended to his pain. Yingyu hugged her father, knowing now that the danger had passed. Then Erdan came to check on them, Yingyu then hugged Erdan, thanking the wolf boy for saving her life.

((()-()))

Morning came, the clouds were gone, and light had returned. The rhino bodyguards held their prisoner in rope and chains. He could fine all the jail cell riches he'd want in Chor-gom. Shirong, Yingyu, and everyone else came to wish each other goodbye.

Erdan came and Shirong said "Thank you again Erdan, and you to Yingyu. If not for you two kids, I might not be here to see this sunrise."

A beautiful sight of nature bestowed upon them. A welcoming and warm gift from the great creator.

"Your very welcome Sir." Erdan replied as he and the noble bowed to each other, as a show of respect.

Shirong then looked at his daughter and said "I didn't know you were so good with a bow."

"Well… well… I, I want to… want to, pursue archery, to compete." Yingyu replied nervously'

"Is that what you want?" Shirong asked. Yingyu just nodded and he said "Well… if that's what you want to do. I think we can make room for it. But as long as you attend to your studies."

Yingyu hugged her dad while saying "Thank you father." And he hugged back.

Afterwards Shirong talked with Shifu and the other masters. Meanwhile, Erdan and Yingyu gave their goodbyes.

"So, you're going back home?" Erdan asked.

"Yeah, if you want, you can come and stay a bit, if you'd like?" Yingyu asked.

Erdan thought about it for a moment but answered "That sounds nice, staying in a royal palace with a great friend like you. But I belong here."

"Then I guess I'll just visit sometime." Yingyu said with a smile.

"That'd be nice." Erdan said before hugging Yingyu. "I'm gonna miss you, Yingyu."

"I'll miss you too Erdan." Yingyu replied with a few tears in both of their eyes.

Then Shirong and Yingyu bid farewell to their friends and started their way back home. Tigress and Monkey took the murder (who was now one eyed) to Chor-gom prison. Erdan sat on the top step and told Shifu "I get it now."

Shifu raised an eyebrow and asked "Get what?"

"Your lesson, about not holding back. If I hesitated, Yingyu would have been killed. I now know there will be times when I have to make hard choices. And sometimes those choices won't be good for everyone. But I have to make them. Because if I don't, it could lead to something far worse." Erdan explained now understanding what his master was trying to teach him.

Shifu patted Erdan's shoulder and proudly said "Very good. Very good my pupil."

Shifu then went inside, and Zhong and Shu came with their son. Together they walked down to the village. Ready to spend an entire weekend together. On the way they talked about how Erdan had befriended a noble, and that friendship lead to a murder. It's true that history repeats itself, kind of.