"Brothers in arms are brothers for life."
Episode 12: Brotherly reunion
The sun beamed down on the heads of three travelers, each of them hot and exhausted from the long walk they just journeyed on. Even though the group was exhausted, one of them insisted on making their way up to the top of the hill, since their destination was almost within sight. The three men hiked up the hill and at last reached the top to see a breathtaking sight, the Valley of Peace.
One of the men looked at the comrade to his left and asked "Are you sure you wanna do this?"
"Yes." Answered the other man while turing to his right. "If the rumors are true, then General Yu is alive and living here."
As they took a rest the other male pondered out loud "Why on earth would the General choose here to live, especially after what happened in Gongmen?"
After their leader-ish took a drink from his pack he replied "I hear he's become an ally of the Jade Palace masters."
"That's if they haven't killed him." The second man said.
After resting for a few minutes, the three men hiked downhill together, searching to see if the rumors about General Yu are true.
((()-()))
In the early afternoon the village market was filled with people ready to shop, just as it always is on a Saturday afternoon. Vendors and stands displayed all kinds of goods for sale other then produce and food. Clothes, toys, home décor, and many other treasures for sale at a good bargain. And while villagers walked back and forth across the stone street, a mother, her boyfriend and their son arrived for a day of shopping.
"I not sure how you talked me into this?" Zhong pondered out loud..
"Oh come on Zhong, it'll be nice for us." Shu replied.
"Well… shopping was never my specialty. But if it's with you two I'll try my best." The burly wolf commented.
"Hey mom, dad, I'm gonna see what the out of town merchants have for sale." Erdan informed.
"Ok, we'll be just around the corner if you need us." Zhong replied.
After getting permission from his parents Erdan walked off further in the market street. Meanwhile Zhong and Shu browsed the vendors. And the one eyed wolf did his best to keep his patience while Shu tried on robes and woman's accessories. All this time the man remembered all the good times he had with his late wife, Helen. Although he'd forgotten some of the more nerve taxing activities they partook in, especially shopping for clothes.
Shu returned wearing a red and gold robe and asked "Well, what do you think?"
"It looks good." Zhong answered plainly.
Shu begun to feel annoyed and said "That's what you said about the last two outfits."
"So?" Zhong questioned.
"So, are you even paying attention?" Shu asked.
"Yeah I am. The last dress you tried on was blue with silver trims. I'm sorry but clothes just aren't my specialty." Zhong explained.
Shu rolled her eyes and replied "I figured that. Whenever you stay at home you mostly wear just a vest, pants and undergarments, and in the evenings just pants."
"Would you prefer if I wore shirts at night?" The male wolf asked.
"Well, it would be nice if you were a bit more… enthusiastic today." Shu replied.
"Ok, ok. If you want I'll try to be a little more… creative with my words." Zhong said.
Shu agreed and continued to try on dresses, much to Zhong's annoyance. He was never a man to worry much about clothing, all he needed to be comfy was a simple outfit. But he remembered that women are different, so he bared through the moment the best he could.
((()-()))
On the other end of the street a white wolf walked into town, wearing traveling attire and a hood that he took off upon entering the village. He noticed a large market event was currently taking place in the Valley of Peace. Being curious, the lupine walked around and browsed the various stands and vendors. Finally, after five minutes, something caught his attention and took a closer look.
As he inspected fine knife, the pig who was running the stand said "Um… sir, are you, uh… interested in that…. that item?"
The man could see his presence made the man nervous, so he put the knife down and replied "No, just window shopping." And he walked away.
As the lupine browsed the shopping center he heard a voice say "It's nice, and it's got a good color composition." And the white lupine immediately recognized that voice.
He walked over to where a few village women were selling clothes, and found two wolves there. One a woman trying on dresses and accessories, and the other a large burly male looking bored to his skull. But he could recognize that voice from a mile away.
The white wolf walked to them and asked "Zhong?"
Zhong looked to his right and was greeted by a face he thought he would never see. "M-Mafa?"
"Hey pal!" Mafa greeted and the two shared a hug.
"Wh-what are you doing here?" Zhong asked excitingly .
"Well, been drifting from town to town, I arrived here this earlier. And-" Mafa stopped upon seeing what Zhong left eye looked like. "What happened to your eye?!"
Zhong rubbed the scar on his face and said "Well, it's a long story."
Then Shu came out in yet another dress, but she was surprised to see Zhong talking with a white wolf man. She approached the two and asked "Oh, who are you?"
The two men looked at her and Zhong answered "Shu, this is Mafa. Mafa, this is my girlfriend Shu."
Shu then remembered her boyfriend told her about this Mafa character before and said "So this is the friend you've talked about."
Mafa then greeted with "Why hello Shu, it's a pleasure to meet you." And then he held her right paw and kissed it, earning a small giggle from Shu.
Zhong then made a puzzled face after seeing Shu enjoy that somewhat… romantic greeting. After introductions were made, Zhong begun to have a nice, long awaited conversation with his old pal.
"R-really!? You're a warrior at the Jade Palace!?" Mafa asked in awe of what his ears heard.
"Yep, it's true. It wasn't easy, but I've now made a new life here." Zhong replied.
"That's quite a success story, especially after what happened at Gongmen last year." Mafa continued.
"Yeah." The one eyed wolf said before entering a minute long pause. "So, you in town for awhile?"
"Well I am now, since you're here." Mafa answered.
"You should come to dinner tonight, I'd be nice to have company, especially for Zhong." Shu asked excitingly.
"I'd love to." Mafa answered with a charming smile at Shu. "So… tell me more about your new son, Erdan." Mafa heard of the boy's name while talking, but wanted to learn more his friend's new family.
((()-()))
Erdan walked along the stone street, passing by all the friendly villagers who were enjoying this bright and sunny day. Then something caught the boy's attention, a stand with a familiar family of goats selling old junk.
Erdan walked over and greeted the goat father. "Hello Jimbo."
The goat man looked at the young lupine and replied "Ah, hello Erdan. Good to see you."
"What are you selling?" Erdan asked.
"Oh, just some old stuff me and the boys dug out of the basement. Trying to get rid of this stuff." Jimbo explained while showing Erdan the various pots and kitchen tools he didn't need anymore.
But as he was window shopping, Erdan heard a shout from a nearby ally. "Uh, I gotta go, it was nice talking to you Jimbo." Erdan said before rushing off.
"Have a nice day." Jimbo bid farewell.
Erdan rushed into a nearby alley and saw Fang, his rabbit best friend picking a fight with three pig boys.
"Come on little bunny, you gonna fight or flee?" One of the pig boys taunted.
"You won't be laughing when I kick you buts!" Fang yelled as he threw punches and kicks and at the bullies.
But the three boys outnumbered the rabbit kid, and they held him up and got ready to torture the boy kid style. But as the pig got ready as his friends held Fang, all the rabbit boy did was smirk at them.
"What's so funny?" One of the pigs asked, confused by the bunny's face.
Fang then boldly answered "Oh, nothing, just that my best friend, a wolf is right behind you."
The three pigs called it bluffing, but then a familiar voice from behind said "Haven't I dealt with you three enough?"
Then all three pigs looked behind them, and saw that wolf teen who caught them bullying before.
Meanwhile, the three men walked through the allies, avoiding the crowded and populated areas of the village. All three of them were beginning to wonder of this trip was worth it or not.
"This is stupid, were going into a death trap for a rumor?" One of the men questioned.
"For the last time Heng, if General Yu is alive we need to find him." The head wolf argued.
"Hey guys." The third wolf said. "You remember that kid we bullied back in Gongmen?"
"There were like a million kids in that city, Lei." Heng replied.
"Remenber that wolf boy the general caught us robbing?" Lei continued.
"Yeah, we got the night shift for that, a waste of time. What about that kid?" Tao the leader asked.
"He's standing right there." Lei said.
Then the other two saw the kid, with the same red bandana. The three looked at each other and silently agreed on their next course of action.
((()-()))
Shu walked with Zhong and Mafa, she was interested to hear the kinds of memories and talks the two were having at the moment.
"So you've just been drifting from place to place, taking jobs as a merc." Zhong asked.
"You can say that. Whenever I'm not traveling or fight for cash I see what the town have to-" Mafa said before a howl interrupted him.
All three stopped and heard howls coming from one of the nearby allies. "That sounded like Erdan!" Shu urgently said before the three dashed to see what was happening. When they arrived they saw three wolf men on the ground and in pain, especially in the crotch. There They saw Erdan, Fang, and thre pig boys.
"Are you three ok?" Erdan asked after protecting the three kids.
"Ye-yeah." One of the pigs answered.
"Go home to your parents now." Erdan ordered and those boys rushed home to their mas and pas.
"Erdan what happened?" Shu asked before hugging her son.
The young lupine answered "These three jumped us, but me and Fang taught them a lesson, right?"
"Yep." Fang replied before going over to one of the wolves on the ground and yelled "That's what you get for messing with me!"
Zhong took a look at the men on the ground, and after a minute, Tao got up and saw Zhong before saying "G-general Yu?"
"Why did you call me that?" Zhong asked. But then he recognized their faces. "Oh my god! It… it can't be…"
Zhong then bore a face of half belief and asked "Where are you from?"
"G-Gongmen sir, we have been looking for you, sir." Tao answered.
But then Zhong couldn't control himself as he then hugged Tao and cried a bit. Then the other two men got up and Heng asked "What is happening?" and Lei just gave a shrug as he didn't know what was going on either.
((()-()))
Meanwhile, miles away from the village, an ox solider rushed to his camp. In his arms he held the findings from his scouting mission. He arrived at the camp and hurried into the main tent where his warrior king resided for now.
As he came in he saw his master sit in a chair and said "Tenutai sir, I have returned from my assignment."
Immediately the massive ox got up from his chair and said "Well, out with it now."
The solider placed the plans and scrolls on a nearby table where Tenutai devised his strategy.
After a few minutes the scout asked "Sir, will we attack tomorrow?"
"No. We will wait a week, when the rest of our forces arrive, then the valley will be mine to rule!" Tenutai shouted before laughing sinisterly.
((()-()))
Tao just stood there as General Yu, his commanding officer hug him like a young pup. Everyone in the alley just stared, unsure of what to do or what to say? After a minute, Zhong released his grip on his fellow wolf, then noticed that the other two men were also from his army.
"S-Sir, wha… what was that about?" Tao asked.
However Zhong didn't get to answer since Shu immediately asked Erdan "What happened here? Are you boys alright?" She noticed that Fang was also here with her son.
Erdan walked over to his foster mother and answered "I was helping Fang when these guys jumped me."
"And we kicked their asses!" Fang yelled in confidence. But Shu gave a glare that made the bunny instantly regret his choice of words. "I-I meant butts, kicked their butts." Fang nervously corrected himself.
"Ok, what's going on here?" Heng asked.
"How… how are you three alive? All of Shen's army died at Gongmen harbor." Zhong asked still in half belief.
"Well… we uh." Tao answered nervously. "We… uh… didn't go to… the boats that night."
"What?" Zhong asked again.
"We uh, kinda… um." Tao explained. "We kinda went to a tavern."
"A… a tavern?" Zhong asked.
Heng then remembered that night and stepped in to explain. "Look I'll honest. We got drinks and afterwards we all got hazy. Next thing we know, we were sleeping with some yak in a rice farmer's field."
The three then explained and told their story of how they missed out on the final battle at Gongmen city. And all the weird events they went through to get to the valley to find General Yu, after hearing rumors that he survived and was living with the Jade Palace masters. Many of the details left Zhong, Shu, Erdan and Mafa with their jaws dropped by the absurdity of Tao, Heng and Lei's journey, while Fang was surprisingly entertained by their story.
"So, you three went through all that, to find me?" Zhong asked in utter shock and awe.
"… Yeah pretty much." Tao answered.
Erdan however was quite angry and these men. He recognized them, and the boy remembered what they did to him o his first day in Gongmen. "Dad, don't you recognize them?" Erdan asked.
"DAD?!" all three men said surprised.
Zhong looked down at his son and then said "Yeah, this is Erdan, my son."
The men just stood there in shock, and awkward air lingered as they were all instantly regretting their recent life choices. "Oh uhh, we weren't just uhh…uhhh…" Heng nervously said before Fang threw a rock at his face.
Erdan then turned around and saw a white wolf man with his foster parents, and asked "Who's this guy?"
Zhong then answered "That's Mafa, an old friend of mine from back then."
But the white lupine was thinking of something else and questioned "I hate to interrupt the introductions but, is there a better place to sort this out. Somewhere that doesn't have a hundred villagers?"
Zhong looked at his men, then went out of the alley and saw the Jade Palace up on top of the mountain. Then an idea popped in his head.
((()-()))
Shifu walked slowly in the hall of heroes, his students were hard at work cleaning and maintain this museum of Kung fu history. Tigress was sweeping the floor, Monkey and Crane were sorting sacred scrolls and Po was dusting the artifacts. The old red panda notice that the Dragon Warrior was dusting a little too close to a familiar cyan painted jar. "Panda, do you know what vase you're dusting is right?"
"Of course, Shifu. And after twenty times, I think I've learned how not to break this vase." Po replied confidently.
However Shifu just rolled his eyes and sighed. Although the Panda had become a great hero and an icon of Kung fu, he still had trouble getting rid of the habits he developed these past two years. Suddenly the large front doors opened and in came seven wolves and a bunny. Everyone came to greet them, but the Five immediately became alert when they saw wolf soldiers had entered the sacred palace.
Shifu walked over and asked "Zhong what's going on?"
The one eyed wolf looked at the three survivors and then at Shifu before answering. "Master, I can explain."
Tao whistled as he looked all over the hall of heroes. "Damn, this place is pretty nice."
"Don't move!" Tigress shouted.
Then for the second time today, Mafa recognized another voice from his past. "T-Tigress?" The white wolf asked as he looked at the striped master.
Tigress was just as surprised as Mafa and said "Mafa?"
"Wait, you know this guy Tigress?" Viper asked.
"Yeah, he's… he's a guy I know." Tigress answered plainly.
Mafa bored a confused face and asked "So, that's all I am, some guy you know?"
"Well it's the truth." Tigress replied.
"What about the time we had together? And that night we shared?" Mafa explained.
As soon as he finished that sentence everybody in the room (especially Shifu) instantly looked at Tigress in shock. The feline master felt a little embarrassed, realizing that a secret from her past was now released on her closest comrades and her master.
"Wait, did, did you two…?" Mantis asked. But tigress could guess well of what was going on in all their heads.
Deciding to get it over with, Tigress figured it was better say the truth rather then have rumors and ill thoughts continue in their minds.
"We… we have a, a history together. And at one point we… might of… had…" tigress explained, though it was hard for her to reveal her past.
Shu could see the look on Tigress' face and said "Had feelings for eachother?"
Tigress just nodded and Po asked "When did this happen?"
"Around a year before you became the Dragon Warrior." Tigress answered.
Shifu walked up to Tigress, then gave a long look at Mafa. Then he said to Tigress "We'll talk about this later." And Tigress nodded again.
Zhong however was busy thinking of what plans he just came up with for Tao, Heng and Lei, the three survivors of his kind. While talking with Shifu some more, Po decided to get more info from his honorary kid brother.
"So, Erdan, what's going on here. Who are those guys?" The large panda asked.
Erdan kept his eyes on the three men while answering. "The white wolf is Mafa, an old friend of my dad. And the three wolf soldier are other survivors of Zhong's army."
"How are they alive?" Po asked.
"Trust me, if I told you the whoel story we'd be here until winter feast. But remember what I told you about those guys that jumped and beated me in Gongmen?" Erdan explained as Po nodded silently. "That's them."
"Are you sure?" Po asked.
"Positive, I'd never forget them or what they did to me." Erdan answered bitterly.
Po could sense the emotion behind Erdan's words, and it started to worry him. Meanwhile, Shifu and Zhong was debating about Zhong's idea.
"Zhong, I don't know." Shifu said.
"But master, I now have something I've always wanted since staying here; to show my men how to have a good life." Zhong pleaded.
"Zhong I trust you, but not them. You've changed, but some things don't happen the same way twice." Shifu explained.
Zhong was getting desperate enough to cross a line many would not dare to think of crossing. "What if one of them was Tai Lung?"
Shifu then stood and balanced on his cane to look Zhong face to face. And all the red panda did was give an agitated face that made Zhong almost regret his verbal action.
But the one eyed wolf musterd his courage and continued their talk. "What if Tai Lung was here, right now, and you had the chance to change him for the better, change him in something better?"
Shifu raised an eyebrow and let his lupine student continue his point. "Please master, this is something my heart desires, to help my men, to not be a failure to them, not anymore then I have been. Please, let me teach them… like how you taught me."
Although Shifu wouldn't admit it, Zhong did make very valid points. And what Kung fu guru would he be if he didn't keep his oath to help the need. The red panda sighed, got on the ground, and walked over to the three men.
"Your general wishes to train you three here, and you may stay to be reformed if you wish." Shifu said.
"What!?" Erdan yelled, along with everyone else.
"Excuse me?" Heng asked.
"You heard me, if you want to stay with General Yu, you can, but you'll be living by our rules. Understand?" Shifu sternly said.
"I don't know-" Heng said before Tao hit him with his elbow.
"We accept." Tao answered.
Lei agreed, but Heng wasn't sure about all this, however he played along for now. Po and half of the five took the three to the barracks while Shifu discussed more with Zhong.
"Well this is just great." Erdan said with a mix of anger and bitterness.
"More wolves huh, this town gets more and more interesting." Fang said while riding on Erdan's shoulder.
Zhong went to talk with Erdan but noticed the boy and his best friend leave the palace. The father wolf looked at his mate and asked "Shu, will you check on Erdan for now?"
"Of course. And, you really want to do this?" The she wolf asked.
"Yes, I do." Zhong answered.
The two said goodbye for now and She went to join Erdan down to the village. While Zhong began his next challenge.
((()-()))
Erdan strolled down the stone stairs of the Jade Palace, not sure of what to feel at the moment. Fang, who was riding on Erdan's shoulder was puzzled by his best friend's mood.
"Hey, dude you ok?" Fang asked.
"Yeah." Erdan simply answered.
But the wolf boy's words didn't match his words. Then Shu caught up with her son. "Erdan, wait!" Shu yelled.
Erdan stopped and turned around, looking back at his approaching mother.
"Are, are you ok Erdan?" Shu asked.
"Yeah I'm fine." Erdan answered.
"You don't sound fine." Shu replied.
"That's what I was thinking." Fang commented.
SHu could tell her son was upset about something, and whatever it was, she could tell that now wasn't the time to discuss it. So she decided to hold her questions back for now, and try to have a nice afternoon with him. Then later try to find out what was bothering him. The three then walked down the stone stairs and decided to have some lunch at home.
((()-()))
Tigress stood outside the training hall, looking at the iron wood tries that grew in the training yard. Years ago when she was in training, she had to punch those trees over and over again, to get used to pain physical pain so much she rarely feels it anymore. And when Erdan first begun his official training did the same. Sights like these brought memories of simpler times form her past. So much that she didn't notice that someone had joined her on this nice and sunny day, Mafa.
"It's been awhile, hasn't it Tigress?" Mafa greeted.
At first she remained silent, but after a moment she replied. "And it's… good to see you too, Mafa."
The arctic canine noticed the beautiful robe Tigress was wearing, gold with red trims. "I like your robe." He complimented.
"Thanks, it's a gift from my mother." Tigress replied.
"Oh, you found your birth mother?!" Mafa asked.
"Yeah, I met her recently. On the same day she died." Tigress explained, thinking back at that day of discovery and sorrow.
"S-sorry." Mafa replied.
A moment of silence lingered, until Tigress decided to asked him a question. "So, what brings you here?"
Mafa moved in front of Tigress to talk with her face to face. "I was jus stopping in town for supplies, then I found Zhong in the market. Met his girlfriend and foster son, good people."
"Are you staying for awhile?" Tigress asked.
Mafa raised an eyebrow replied "Do you want me to stay awhile?" Answering one question with another.
"Well, I don't think I'd… dislike it." Tigress answered.
"I think I'll go see Zhong now, we'll talk later?" Mafa said while stepping away a bit.
Tigress thought about it for a second and replied "Yeah, maybe I'd like to talk again, over tea?"
"Sure." Mafa said before heading off to join his fellow luipines.
((()-()))
Zhong showed Tao, Heng and Lei the room they'll be sharing. Po and Monkey brought out spare beds for them as Zhong explained the house rules.
"Listen up! You have chosen to stay here to be reformed. And as long as you're in this palace, you'll live by the rules." Zhong ordered, using his general voice for the first time in more than a year.
"Oh great." Heng grumbled.
Zhong quickly walked over to the annoyed guard and asked "What was that?"
"Nothing, nothing." Heng replied.
"Nothing what?" Zhong questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"NOTHING SIR!" Heng yelled.
"Good." Zhong said, seeing his men be in order. "Now, remember what I say now; You will follow every order and every rule of this palace. You will eat like us, sleep like us, and train like us. Starting now."
"Wait, right now?!" Tao asked.
"Yes, right now. Follow me." Zhong said before leading his men to the training yard.
Heng and Lei felt nothing but bitterness, thinking they were free of being soldiers, only to have to suffer drills and training all over again. As they spared with Zhong, the one eyed wolf didn't og easy on them, saying their form was sloppy and lacked discipline. Po, the Five and Shifu couldn't believe their eyes when Zhong drilled and trained his men. Normally he's quite and keeps to himself, but now it seemed like he was a completely different man. Mafa decided to help Zhong, as did the palace masters. Shifu watched and saw that Zhong gained something again. The old master could sense that his one eyed student had reawakened something inside, something that gave him newfound purpose. And this was just the beginning of Zhong's plan.
((()-()))
For the next few days, Zhong had been training his fellow survivors, with Shifu and the other masters watching his work. Although Tao, Heng and Lei had to go through hard training with Zhong, sparring and drilling, something they never would have guessed they'd do was meditation. At first they weren't sure about this form of relaxation and soul searching, but Tao begun to enjoy it. Heng however, though it was all for nothing, he was being trained for fighting not spiritual discovery.
Po and the Five kept an eye on Zhong's three pupils, making sure none of them tried to steal or try anything they'd regret. Shifu though, saw potential in those three, and in Zhong's efforts as well. And seeing one of his students pass on what he learned, and become a teacher himself gave a feeling of contentment to the red panda.
Zhong spend much time with Mafa as well. Sharing stories and memories from the past, as well as a few from the present. The white wolf hadn't changed much. Since Mafa left Gongmen a year before Shen's downfall, it took a little explaining from Zhong to fill Mafa in, and explain why he's mission his left eye.
Half a week in and the three were getting a bit used to living at the palace, even though the training was hard and exhausting. However Zhong didn't want them to be just fighters, he also taught them about protecting lives and helping the innocent. Although the three weren't so excited as their general.
Tigress had spent some time with Mafa, seeing that it had been years since they last met. Although everyone kept Tigress' past her own, they still were srapping their heads around the fact that she had a past lover, or at least that's what they thought. And after a few days, Shifu finally came around to having that talk with Tigress.
((()-()))
Tigress walked into Shifu's room, the master of the Jade Palace had been wanting to discuss the… questionable matter with his oldest student. Shifu closed the door behind them, since this was a private issue to talk about.
"Tigress, how long have you known this Mafa?" Shifu asked.
Tigress held her paws behind her back in attention and answered "More than two years ago was when we met, master."
"And, how did you two meet?" Shifu asked again.
Something that surprised Tigress was that Shifu didn't seem angry or disappointed in his tone, but rather, curious. "We met when I was on a solo mission. He helped me stop a gang of boars from terrorizing a small town. Afterwards we found we both enjoyed eachother's company."
Shifu paused for a minute, stroking his chin and thinking. "Did you spend a night with him?" Shifu asked.
Tigress paused a moment before simply nodding.
"Did you… sleep with him?" Shifu asked.
Tigress became nervous and replied "Um, y-yes master, I-I did spend that night with him. But let me say that he gave me herbs to avoid anything… surprising."
Shifu just stood there, thinking with his eyes shut as Tigress could only imagine the thoughts going though the red panda's mind.
(What were you thinking, were you thinking at all?)
(Do you really wish to violate yourself like this?)
(This is how you use the healthy body you've maintained?)
(You're a master of the Jade Palace. Do you want to reduce yourself to this level?)
(What you've done is disgusting, is that what you've become?)
Shifu then looked back at her and said "If you wish to pursue a relationship with this man, I won't hold you back."
Tigress became shocked and said "Excuse me, master?"
"I said if you want-" Shifu repeated before being interrupted.
"Master, I went on your back and slept with that man." Tigress said.
"I know, but, you're an adult. And you have the right to make your own choices. All I asked is that you consider if what you choose is really of worth to you?" Shifu explained.
Tigress just stood there, both master and student said nothing until Shifu excused Tigress and she left. However both of them never expected the last ten minutes to play out like that.
((()-()))
The next day Erdan arrived up at the palace for his afternoon lesson. Shu tagged along to be with her son and boyfriend. They arrived and saw Po, the five and those three wolves in the training yard. Erdan avoided the three men and walked right to Po and the other guys of the palace, meanwhile Shu went to have a chat with Tigress, seeing that they now have something in common to talk about.
"So, um, hey." Shu greeted nervously to the striped master.
"Hey." Tigress simply replied.
"Um, have you talked with anyone about, you know, Mafa?" Shu asked.
"I did, with Shifu." Tigress answered.
"Just him?" Shu asked. Tigress just nodded and Shu said "You know, if you ever want to talk about it with a fellow lady, I'm here."
At first Tigress thought about dismissing the offer. But the feline master felt confused with a number of thoughts going through her head, so she accepted. The two women talked about Mafa and Zhong came out of the training hall to begin the drills and sparing. On the way he heard Shu talk with Tigress about Mafa. The one eyed wolf tried not to listen in on their talk, but heard the words; Mafa, handsome, and sex.
Zhong didn't know what to think, and worry begun to settle in his mind. However he tried to focus on his task at hand. He decided to talk with Erdan, who was chatting with Po.
Durring their father-son talk, Zhong learned that Erdan didn't like those three being here, he remembered what they did to him on his first day in Gongmen City. Zhong though explained how important this is for him, and after some talking it out, Erdan could tell it truly meant a lot to him. And Erdan agreed that he should do this for Zhong, since he does so much for him.
Durring the sparing, every warrior took a turn fighting a mock battle with an opponent. After a few matches, Mafa challenged Zhong to a fight like old times.
Both wolves attacked eachother with bamboo staffs, trying to strike the other to the ground. After a few exhausting minutes of combat they agreed to take a break. Then Mafa took his vest off, showing a strong torso along with a nice white fur coat. He then winked at Tigress, who was sitting on the steps with Shu. All the feline did with roll her eyes, but Zhong took it a different way. He then became angry and took off his vest to show his muscular and burly body, and the two engaged in combat again. But this time it was frantic, much more violent than before. It got so bad that Shifu take to break them but before one wounded the other.
"Zhong what are you doing?!" Shu yelled in question.
"Y-you really got much more skilled buddy." Mafa said as his face was bleeding.
"Zhong why did-?" Shu asked before her boyfriend interupted.
"Because of you." Zhong answered.
"ME?!" Shu asked. "Alright, come on." The she wolf yelled as she took her boyfriend inside for a talk.
Once they were alone, Shu begun to question Zhong's attitude and actions.
"What is with you today?" Shu asked.
Zhong stayed silent, which made his girlfriend angry.
"Zhong tell me now!" Shu asked sternly.
Zhong sighed and said "Because I'm afraid you're falling for Mafa."
"What makes you think I'd cheat on you with one of you oldest friends?" Shu asked.
"Because that's what Mafa is, he's a charmer. And I kinda heard you and Tigress talking about him." Zhong explained.
"We were talking about Tigress' past time with him, it wasn't about me." Shu explained.
"Oh." Zhong simply said.
"Is this the kind of mindset you've had this past week. Now you beating you friend, parading around with your pecs, all because of some alpha male crap." Shu said loudly.
Zhong just stayed silent.
"I thought you'd have more trust in me?" Shu said before leaving for her home.
Zhong could only watch and see her leave the palace in anger, and him alone with shame and guilt.
"I really screwed up there." Zhong muttered to himself.
He then went outside to apologize to Mafa.
"Hey, I'm-I'm sorry." Zhong said to a sitting Mafa.
"What's with you Zhong? You weren't like this when I first came here." Mafa asked.
"It's just, I thought you were trying to woo my girlfriend." Zhong explained.
Mafa sighed and said "Zhong look, I know that I can be… friendly like when I first met Shu, but I'd never do something like that, I promise."
"Yeah well, I messed up with Shu just now and she's very angry at me." Zhong said.
"Well, that's nothing a romantic night can't fix." Mafa advised.
"Yeah, maybe." Zhong replied.
"And I got a little advice that can repair your relationship." Mafa said before explaining into Zhong's ear.
At first, Zhong wasn't sure about Mafa's tip for a few reasons. But right now he wanted to fix things up with Shu. For the past four days he's been under a lot of stress from training his men, so he thought a evening to forget all this would be good for him.
((()-()))
In Shifu's room, the red panda walked in with his newest and youngest student, who wanted to have a talk with his master.
"So Erdan, what did you want to tell me?" Shifu asked.
"Well, I've been having these, weird dreams, master." Erdan answered.
"What kind of weird dreams?" Shifu asked again.
"Well, it's the same every time. I'm in some kind of dark world, and I can see stars and other moons and earths. And on top of this hill is this giant wolf being with glowing eyes. He said he's not a god or a spirit, but that he lives in the middle." Erdan explained.
"Hmm, is that all?" Shifu questioned while stroking his chin.
"Well, he showed me these, horrible things. I can't describe them, but he said one day in the near future they would bring ruin to a small town, and I would bring war." Erdan explained.
"Have you been eating well, and getting enough sleep?" Shifu asked.
"Yes, but every night it's the same dream again." Erdan said.
"When did these dreams begin?" Shifu asked.
"The night before I saved Po from those weird goats." Erdan answered.
After thinking for a minute, Shifu said "I'll give you some special tea before you leave. Take a cup every night before bed, and talk with me again after a few days."
"Ok master." Erdan said before heading back out to train.
But Shifu was puzzled about the boy's dreams. And of what they could mean?
((()-()))
Shu walked home, tired and hungry from shopping for supplies for her store. Although she greatly enjoyed her independently carved life, she would never say it wasn't hassle free. The she-wolf opened her front door and shlepted her bags in and placed them in her store. She was so tired she didn't have the energy to sort out her recently bought items tomorrow morning. For now she was hungry and ready for some food.
As she walked into the kitchen she was surprised to see her table layered with a cloth and candles. Then she saw Zhong cooking a warm dinner.
"Welcome home." Zhong happily greeted.
"What's all this?" Shu asked, stunned to see Zhong in a kitchen apron.
"Well, I wanted to apologize, for earlier." Zhong humbly explained.
"Really?" Shu replied.
Zhong approached his girlfriend and answered "Yeah, I'm sorry, for not trusting you Shu."
The she wolf looked at all the effort he went through, then held his man's face and said "I accept you apology."
With the past now the past Zhong treated Shu to a luxurious dinner, cooked and served all on his own. As they ate and chat Shu was surprise by how well done the food was cooked. Although she suspected that Zhong had some help, she still played along. After the meal, Zhong then took Shu to the back garden, where paper lanterns of all colors were hung, and Zhong invited his girlfriend to dance. They took it slow, savoring every romantic moment as their feet and limbs moved in harmony. It had been awhile since they danced, so this date was already becoming one of the she-wolf's favorites. Since Erdan was having a sleepover with Fang at Kenny and James' place, the two wolves could have the night all to themselves.
Later in the evening, Zhong brought her inside, and they went to her living room. Zhong added more logs in the fireplace and he then got ready for the planed ending to their date.
"Come here Shu, there's something I want to do." Zhong asked.
"Shu walked over and stood right in front of her boyfriend, then asked "What do you want?"
"This." Was all Zhong said before unbuttoning his vest, reveling his ripped, muscular torso. Shu instantly blushed upon seeing his bare chest. Then Zhong bounced his pecs, flexing his chest muscles in a sexy display.
"Zhong what are-" Shu asked before Zhong put a finger at her lips.
Zhong then wrapped his arms around Shu and begun giving kisses on her mouth. During this Shu moved her paws around Zhong's body, first feeling his large, solid pectorals, which were hard yet warm. Then downward to his abdominals, defined and strong. And then his large arms, felling his biceps and shoulders. The two wolves kissed and caressed each other, then Zhong laid Shu down on the floor, letting the fireplace warm them with its glow.
It was all so sudden for Shu. However she was enjoying it. But just as Zhong was about to take it a step further, his mind begun to have second thoughts. Even though he knew this would be an amazing ending to their date, he remembered he had a moral code when it came to this level of passion.
Zhong sighed before getting off of his girlfriend. "Zhong, are you ok?"
"I don't know. I… can't do it, not at this time." The one eyed wolf answered.
He then sat on a chair and Shu joined him. "Were, were you about to have sex with me?"
"Y-yeah, but I-I." Zhong nervously said.
Shu placed her paw on his shoulder and said "It's ok, you can tell me."
"It's just. I believe sex is a gift, one that shouldn't be spoiled. Something that should be saved for when a man and woman know that they want to be together forever. That an amazing pleasure should be for your most amazing love."
"I see. A few months ago I asked if you wanted to do it, was because I was curious." Shu commented.
"Curious?" Zhong asked.
"Well yeah. I've never experienced it, and since I now have a boyfriend, I thought of what it must be like." Shu explained.
After a few moments Zhong said "It's amazing. It's like, you and your love are in your own little world. One where all you and your partner care about is each other. And the two are free to show affection in a way that's both physically and mentally pleasing. It's when you can forget about all life's worries and woes, and for a short time, it feels like your love is the center of the universe."
Shu was baffled by Zhong's words, just as Helen did years ago. "That Shu, that's what sex is like. I just believe it shouldn't be spoiled too soon."
Shu then hugged her boyfriend and said "Zhong, thanks for telling me. And if you want to wait for the right moment, I'll wait with you." She said with a smile.
Zhong smiled, put his vest back on and said "Thank you Shu, I really appreciate that a lot."
"I love you." Shu said proudly.
"I love you too." Zhong replied. And the two shared a loving kiss, then cuddled by the fire for the rest of the evening.
((()-()))
For the next few days Tao, Heng and Lei's training remained as hard and exhausting as ever. And they were getting sick of this boot camp.
As the group was eating lunch, Zeng, the palace messenger rushed in. "Master! Master!"
"What is it Zeng?" Shifu asked.
"It's temutai, he's invading the village with his army!" Zeng shouted.
Immediately all the masters became alert and rushed to protect the people of the valley. But two of the wolf men just sat at the table, eating their food.
Zhong noticed this and yelled "What are you doing?"
"We're not gonna run off to get killed." Heng said.
"I order you to get down there and-" Zhong was interrupted when Heng yelled.
"We're tired of all this. Training, drilling and all this crap!" Heng yelled while Lei stayed quite as always.
Then from the hall Po shouted "Zhong come on!"
There wasn't time for this, the one eyed wolf would have to deal with this later. "Fine, have it you way!" And he left to join the other masters.
Tao then walked in after relieving himself and notice almost everyone left. "What happened?" Tao asked.
"They all went down to stop some bandits." Heng answered.
Tao sat down and ate as well, then Shifu walked in and sat at the table. He just stared at the wolves, gaining weird looks from all of them.
"What?" Tao asked.
Shifu paused a moment then asked "What do you three think of your general?"
"General Yu?" Tao replied.
"What about him?" Heng asked.
"You don't respect him, do you?" Shifu questioned.
"Well… not that but-" Tao said before Heng interepted.
"He's not one of us by my account." Heng said.
Shifu raised an eyebrow, then asked "Why do you say that?"
"Because he chose to make us his soldiers even though our army's time came and went." Heng explained.
"You know, he's only doing this to make it up to you three." Shifu said.
"Make up for all the other dead wolf soldiers." Heng said.
"He's doing this because he loves you three like brothers." Shifu said. The three kept quiet while Shifu continued. "He cared about you and all the other soldiers he lead. And after Gongmen, he mourned for all of you. And he's doing all this because he wants you to not live like criminals. He may not admit it but all this is his tough love. Is this how you repay him for all that?"
The room remained silent. And after a few minutes Tao got up and walked out of the room, then Lei did the same. Heng knew what they were doing, and after a few moments said "Ah what the hell." Then joined his brothers in battle. As he watched the three hurry down the stone stairs, Shifu smiled.
The battle was fierce, the Dragon warrior, the Furious Five and a pack of wolf warriors against a small army of bison warriors lead by the warrior king Tenutai. Mafa fought alongside Zhong beating down baddies while exchanging jokes and quips, just like the old days. Durring the fight, Erdan was helping the villagers, protecting them from danger and harm. But the wolf cub became overpowered by his larger, stronger oponenets. But before the bison could beat the boy to a pulp, Hao, Heng, and Lei rushed in and saved Erdan. At first Erdan couldn't prosses what happened, then realized the three men who he resented just saved his life. Shu came and helped with the people as well, and together they all made a small army of their own, with Zhong issuing commands to his men, leading them all to victory against Tenutai and his men. After the battle was won, the villagers expressed their thanks to Zhong's men. The three found that being hailed heroes was rather nice, like how they were years ago in Gongmen. Zhong then looked at his men with pride, seeing his men no longer be viled as monsters, but rather celebrated as something good. Then and there he knew his job was finished, but he still had one last thing to do before this was all over.
((()-()))
Mafa walked along the Palace's outer grounds. Then he saw Tigress standing by the stairs, waiting for him to arrive. It was late afternoon, in an hour the sun would begin to set and bring an end to the day.
"You wanted to talk with me, Tigress?" Mafa greeted with a query.
Tigress looked ot his left and saw him, her golden robe looked beautiful with the sun light shining on it. "Yes, I have. Mafa, there's something I need to tell you."
"Ok, what?" Mafa asked.
After a minute of thinking, Tigress made her mind. She thought long and hard about what Shifu said. And she remembered seeing the relationship Zhong and Shu had. And how they were happy, and joyful with each other, they completed each other, and their relationship wasn't built on objective pleasure, like Tigress and Mafa's night years ago.
"Mafa, I think I want a different kind of relationship. One that's much more than just sex. If I ever want a… romantic relationship, I want it to be much more then I could think of." Tigress explained.
"I, I see what you mean. We were both different people back then. If that's what you want, then that's that." Mafa said with an understanding smile.
"Thanks." Tigress replied.
((()-()))
Next morning, Zhong and Shifu gathered everyone to the palace's stair top, including Erdan, Shu and Fang. Once everyone arrived, Zhong ordered his men in attention and gave his final gift to them.
"At ease, you three have survived this last week. And thanks to your training and obedience, you've aided in saving the valley and its citizens. Congrads, you're no longer criminals, you're Jade Palace warriors. And now I'll give you the most precious of gifts; freedom." Zhong explained.
All three men looked surprised and Tao asked "Excuse me sir?"
"I was able to make this life for myself, because I treasured my freedom from Shen. And now I give you three that freedom as well. We no longer are in service to that war lord peacock, you can now make a life your own." Zhong continued.
"But, what do we do now?" Lei asked.
Zhong then answered "I advise going to a place to the west called Hong Wolf City. It's a good place to make a new start."
"Sir." Heng said.
"Yes?" Zhong asked.
"Th-thank you sir." Your very welcome, brothers.
Then Zhong, the three men, Mafa, Shu and Erdan formed a circle and howled together. They may be separated, but they will always be a pack. After wards Mafa went with them to Hong wolf city, to keep an eye on them. After some tearful goodbyes, including Erdna forgiving Tao, Heng and Lei, and Fang being called an honorary wolf by them, the men left to experience their freedom together. And Shifu saw a mix of Pride and joy in Zhong, knowing that he didn't fail his men afterall.
