Episode 16: The time heist

"True friends always show their love. What are they for if not to share troubles?"

In a dark alleyway, behind an old apartment complex, a large group of bikers assembled. These hardy men were drifters, strong, fierce and intimidating. But for all their menacing appearance and muscle, they fell victim to a small, slender fox. And now they've become shells of their former selves, unable to realize the sights their eyes now see, or the actions they committed. For these rhinos and bears, they are now mental slaves to a sinister device that never was meant to be.

They gathered an assortment of weapons that they liberated from a shady firearms shop, and now prepared for their master's instruction.

The fox appeared in from the street and once stood in front of his men, gave his orders on what they must do.

"Listen up!" The fox yelled. "That Jade Palace has dozens of treasure just waiting to be stolen. And if your all successfully bring them back to this time, I'll be a very rich man."

"Yes master." All the bikers said in a daze.

As the fox pulled out the time piece, he opened it up and- "H-e-l-l-o"

"Huh, who said that?" The fox asked while looking around.

All he saw was his men and the dark alley they were in. He decided to shrug it off and focus on his biggest score ever. He opened the device, input the correct time period, and in just a few moments, all of the men were gone in a flash.

Then, a leopard in a suit came walking in, looking over the spot the flash took place. He opened his device, looked over the information displayed on his holo-screen and said "Well, here we go. Let's hope for the best."

((()-()))

Shifu watched carefully as two of his pupils prepared for their long awaited sparring match. The Five watched the scene as well. Some like Tigress stayed calm, while other like Mantis and Monkey took bets on who would lose. On one end of the square was Po, the panda dragon warrior. And on the other was Zhong, the one eyed ex-general. Anticipation built up in both of the warrior's minds, sweat dripped down their foreheads, and they stood in their ready stances, in their forms for a fight.

"Begin!" Shifu shouted.

And with that the panda and the wolf charged at each other, both giving their best battle cries. And the following fight played out with punches and kicks, jabs and parries, blocks and bashes. Even though the two were great comrades, they still held onto their sometimes childlike rivalry. A competitive nature born from when they first met as enemies, now continued even when their allies. Zhong rushed with a flurry of arms strikes, and Po blocked them with his large bear arms. It was then the panda's turn to strike, so he swung his own arms in sideways motion, forcing Zhong take a dash backward to give himself some distance from his opponent. Then the burly wolf got ready, and made a rush to attack.

But then, when they both least expected it, Zhong lost his footing for a moment, and tripped, falling forward and onto a large soft mass. Then, he found himself feeling his muzzle in contact with something. The wolf opened his one eye, and realized his muzzle was pressed against Po's. After a second of realizing this, both of the fighters got off and backed off of each other, bearing faces of disgust. Zhong felt sick to his stomach and almost hurled on the training ground floor.

"Ok, now that was worth seeing." Mantis said while chuckling.

"Match made in heaven right?" Monkey jokingly replied.

Shifu nodded his head upon hearig his student's childish comments and ordered Po and Zhong to rest.

As they both sat, Po asked "Uh, Zhong?"

"What?" The wolf threatenly asked.

"Um, I'm so-" Po nervously said before being interrupted.

"Never. Tell. Anyone. Got it?" Zhong ordered. And Po just nodded in fear.

Meanwhile, Shifu sighed, thinking how these two grown men could be such awkward children sometimes?

But before the masters could proceed with their training, a loud bang rang into their ears.

"What was that!?" Tigress asked in shock.

"Whatever it was, it sounded like it came from the hall of heroes!" Crane replied.

"Everyone move!" Shifu ordered.

Immediately all the master rushed off to find to source of the alarming noise.

Zhong and Tigress rushed in front of the group, with crane up above in the air. The three fastest lead the rest to the area that housed the sacred artifacts. Upon arriving they saw the large front doors were busted open, and inside were was a large gang of bears and rhinos, each wearing strange black jackets and blue pants.

"Who are you people!?" Tigress yelled.

One bear answered "Our master wishes for these things." As he stuffed artifacts into a large bag.

"Do we have company?" a voice sounded. Upon seeing the Jade Palace master, he recognized the warriors before him.

"Well, if it isn't you people." The fox said while sitting in a chair held by two of his men.

"You're in for the but kicking of your life you… You fox br- No that's no good." Po said as he tried to find a clever battle pun. "Um…"

The fox felt confident as he said "You won't be laughing at me again, not this time."

"Excuse me?" Shifu asked.

"What, you don't remember me?" The fox asked.

"Um, not really, who are you again?" Zhong asked.

The bushy tailed bandit leader became furious. "Fine, doesn't matter much, as long as I get what I deserve for all I've been through."

"Oh your gonna get what you deserve alright." Po said back as the masters got ready to fight.

"Really now?" The fox said before his men pulled out their firearms.

((()-()))

Erdan walked up the stairs toward the Jade Palace, like he's done for the past year since beginning this daily routine. Back then he would be exhausted after going up and down these stone stairs, but now he felt stronger, more energized then months ago. The wolf boy made his way up and to the training hall, but no one was around. He checked everywhere but nothing. Finally he decided to look for them in the hall of heroes.

As Erdan looked at the entrance he noticed the massive front doors were busted open, and he could hear footsteps from inside. He knew something was wrong, so Erdan raised his guard as he walked into the hall. He went in and saw in shock, the Jade Palace masters on the ground, almost motionless.

"Wha?" Erdan said in shock.

The fox noticed and said "Who ar-" He then realized who just entered the room. "YOU!?"

"TIGRESS! PO!... DAD!" Erdan yelled in fear. "Did, did you… did you…k-kill them!?"

The fox took a moment before answering "They're alive, but in agonizing pain, and so will you, for starting this whole thing for me."

Zhong moved a bit, and looked at his son. "Er-Erdan, run… run." Was all the father wolf said before passing out.

Erdan felt a surge of anger overcome him, and all he wanted to do now was to hurt that fox all he wanted.

"Kill that worthless brat, NOW!" the fox ordered.

But then Erdan dashed at his enemy, jumping and knocking him off of his chair. Erdan was about to strangle the fox to death when the time device fell out onto the fox grabbed it, fiddled with it, and pushed Erdan back and threw the device at the boy right when it activated. A bubble of light flashed, and the wolf kid was gone. The fox breathed in and out for a bit, before realizing what he'd done.

((()-()))

A flash of light appeared out of nowhere and out of it came Erdan, who found himself on a hard yet smooth stone gound. He took a moment to look around, and realized he'd been transported away from his family in need.

"What? NOO!" Erdan yelled as he came to his senses.

Erdan then tried to use the time device to send him back. He pushed the display on the little screen and pressed the button… but nothing. Erdan tried again… nothing. And again, and once more, but like the other attempts… nothing.

"No, no, no, no, NO! NO! NO!" Erdan yelled in panic.

The device wasn't working, not like before. And in that moment, the wolf boy realized that he's once again stuck in another time. But now his situation is even worse than before. Because his father and friends could be dying, and there's nothing he can do. The young lupine couldn't contain himself as he fell on his knees and bared fear and sorrow once again. Tears streamed down his eyes, and he felt so helpless and alone.

A brown bear strolling down the sidewalk was making his way, getting his daily exercise via a nice walk. But as he walked by an alley, he could hear crying coming from inside. Curious, he went inside to find the source of the noise. He carefully made his way down the alley, and found a teenage wolf sobbing on the ground.

"Hey, a-are you ok?" The bear asked.

Erdan stopped a moment when his ears detected a familiar deep voice. He looked to his right and saw someone he thought he'd never see.

"M-Mike?" Erdan said with tears and a tired voice.

Mike bore a shocked face and said "Erdan!?" He remembered the wolf boy from a few weeks ago, at the party on the boardwalk.

"What are you, are you ok?" Mike asked as he got helped Erdan up on his feet.

Erdan felt the bear boy wrap his large arm around his back for comfort. "I, I'm not ok. I-I.."

Mike then hugged Erdan and said "Hey, I'm here now. How about you come to my place and get out of this dump?"

Erdan just nodded and Mike took him to his family home. Which was nice, one floor, but it was enough for a teenage boy and his parents. Mike brought Erdan in, seated him on the couch, made a fresh cup of tea, and sat with his lupine friend. After Erdan sipped some tea, he was able to talk a bit again.

"Thank you." Erdan said.

"Are you gonna be ok? Did something happen to you?" Mike asked.

"It's not me I'm worried about, it's… my- my dad, and-" Erdan said before breaking down again.

Mike placed the tea on the small table and hugged his Erdan, wrapping his large bear arms in a comforting embrace, while Erdan cried heavily again. Erdan dug himself I the love Mike was giving him, and the brown bear did his best to help his friend.

"I-It's just, why?" Erdan cried.

"Why?" Mike asked.

"Why do… do so many bad things happen to me?" Erdan said as Mike listened to lupine's woes. "I mean, I lost my parents, was all alone for six months, I get a foster father and mother, and now I'm going to lose them. I've been kidnapped, put in danger, robbed, beaten. Why? Why does so much of this happen to me? The Creator said he'd be with me, but after all this?" Erdan cried, soaking Mike's orange jacket.

Mike understood the question Erdan pondered. He too suffered over loss. Erdan's, The Creator, seemed like someone Mike understood. And it was then that he remembered a song his mother would sing that helped him in times like this.

"I thought I did what's right, I thought I had the answers. I thought I chose the surest road, but that road brought me here." Mike softly sang as he comforted Erdan.

"So I put up a fight, and told you how to help me. Now just when I've given up, the truth is coming clear."

"You know better than I, you know the way. I've let go the need to know why, for you know better than I."

Erdan calmed down and enjoyed the little tune Mike sang for him. "What's that song about?" Erdan asked.

Mike paused a moment, and said "I think It's saying that; while bad things happen, if we have faith in ourselves, our family, or in something greater, there can always be a happy end."

Erdan thought about it, and finished his hug before sipping his tea again. He then thought to himself. He pulled the time device out of his pocket, and he knew that he can change things, he can save his family. But in order to do that, he'd need help. And he knew who to turn to.

((()-()))

Cheska was sitting at the café's outside table, focusing on his target, preparing himself for his next move. He mustered his finger's strength, and flicked the paper triangle forward. The piece of paper flew though the makeshift goal. Granting Cheska vicory.

"Yes." The native boy said.

As his circle of friends talked, two of his buddies exchanged a five dollar bill, as agreed by the bet they made. Then, Erdan and Mike came and joined them.

"E-Erdan!?" Cheska said in a surprised manor.

"Cheska!" Erdan greeted.

The two hugged and the whole group said their helloes. Zack the fennick Fox, Ashley the golden retriever, Jessica the black panther, and Lloyd the leopard. A group of average teens.

"Hey, been awhile Erdan, how you doing?" Jessica asked.

"I'm fine but, I, I need your help." Erdan asked, getting straight to the point.

"With what?" Zack asked.

"Yeah, what?" Cheska added.

"It's my dad. He's in danger, and I have to help him. But, I can't do it alone." Erdan pleaded.

"What kind of danger?" Lloyd asked with a concerned look.

"I'll explain on the way, right now we need to see Kinzie." Erdan replied.

"Why?" CHeska asked before being shown the time device. "Ok, let's go."

Then the group went to the school, where the person they needed to see is mostly found.

The deer girl sorted through things in her backpack before getting ready to go home. When suddenly she looked up and saw a familiar face.

"Hey Kinzie." Cheska greeted.

Baring an annoyed face, the deer girl asked "What do you want now?"

"We need your help." Erdan said.

Kinzie thought for a moment and said "Come with me."

The whole group went to the tech lab, where they could have privacy when talking.

"What are you doing here?" The deer firl asked.

"I'll tell you guys what happened." Erdan said.

Erdan then explained everything to the group. And they're reactions were, quite expressive.

"Umm, are you ok? Did you get hit on the head sometime?" Jessica asked.

"You're, from the past?" Lloyd questioned.

"From ancient China?" Ashley commented with a puzzled face.

Erdan then simply said "It's true, I'm from the past."

Lloyd, Ashley, Zack and Jessica just looked at each other, unsure of what to make of what they just said.

Knowing it must be difficult to convince them, Cheska stepped in and said "It's true, I saw it myself."

"And me to, I witnessed Erdan use the watch, so I can vouch for him as well." Kinzie added.

Erdan could see difficulty in the other teen's faces and said "Look its true."

Lloyd then replied "It's not that we have no reason to believe you, it's just that, well its-"

"Hard to believe?" Said a leopard man in a suit from the other side of the room, shocking everyone.

"Hello." Agent Wilson greeted.

Cheska became aggravated and said "Ok dude, who are you? And why do you keep showing up around us?"

Wilson then checked his device, and answered the teen's question. "Ok, I'll get to the point if you so wish… I'm a time traveler, sent by and elite agency that maintains the course of history. I'm agent Wilson"

Everybody paused a moment and an awkward vibe lingered in the air. The agent slowly made his way to the group, in a non threatening way.

Zack turned to Mike and asked "Do you believe any of this?"

The brown bear replied "I don't know? But, I do know that Erdan really needs help."

Erdan then pulled the time device out of his pocket and asked Wilson "Can you fix this thing?"

Wilson held the device, gave a few tweaks and gave it back. "Try it now." He said before disappearing in a flash of light.

"Weird guy." Ashley commented.

"I know right?" Cheska replied.

"Wow, time travel is real!" Lloyd said in surprise. "Aw damn, I should have recorded it on my phone."

But Erdan was laser focused on one thing, saving his family. He imputed the commands on the device and said "Well, let's hope this works."

And a giant bubble of light, big enough to engulf the whole group, appeared a vanished in just a few seconds, taking the teens with it.

((()-()))

Meanwhile, in the Jade Palace dungeon, Master was keeping his best at healing his pupils. He mustered all the chi energy he could to heal their wounds, enough so that they wouldn't bleed to death.

"Zhong, are you awake?" A familiar voice said as the wolf regained his senses.

"I, I think, what happ- Hunngggh" Zhong sounded in pain.

"Take it easy, rest." Shifu said.

"What happened?" Zhong asked.

"A group of bandits broke into the palace. And they had some kind of new weapons that brought us down quick." Shifu said as he tended to Zhong's wounds.

"What about Erdan!?" Zhong asked.

Shifu made a paused face and answered "I, I don't know?"

Zhong made a worried face, and silently hoped that his son was ok, and far away from here.

((()-()))

A large white flash appeared, and out emerged a group of teens. After the light settled, they all (except one) were quite shocked by what just happened.

"What the f& was that?" Cheska said in surprise.

"Oh man, I think I'll be sick." Jessica said with a troubling look on her face.

"Does anyone else feel a bit weird?" Mike asked.

Erdan however knew where they were now, and he looked over the hilltop and saw the Valley of Peace. His home.

"We made it!" Erdan shouted.

Cheska stood by him and said "So, this is your home huh, its nice."

After everyone got their heads back, Erdan explained the situation about his friends and father's peril.

"Wait, let me wrap my head around this." Lloyd said. "You need us to help you save your friends and dad, from a gang of time traveled biker, who are armed with guns from our time?"

"Yes." Erdan simply said.

Everybody had questionable faces. And Zack said "Dude, we're all for helping you, but we're not like you."

"Yeah, we don't know how to fight like you." Ashley added.

"And this is a problem that could result in us getting killed, no less." Kinzie said.

Erdan sighed and realized the flaws in his plan. He realized that these kids weren't skilled or equipped to this kind of emergency, unlike Erdan.

"If we had more help then maybe we can pull it off." Cheska asked.

Erdan then got an idea. He looked at the time device, and said "I'll be right back." And flashed away.

Leaving the other hanging for a minute, Lloyd passed the time by saying "Hey did you hear that Brad Pitbull sold his kidney for thirty grand?!"

"For real?" Cheska asked.

And Lloyd nodded as a flash appeared. Out of the light came Erdan, and a deer girl holding a bow and a quiver.

"One down, a few more to go." Erdan said before flashing away again.

The deer girl approached the other kids and said "H-hello, you must be Erdan's friends."

"Yeah, and who are you?" Mike asked in a friendly manor.

"I'm Yingyu, a member of the royal family." The royal deer answered, gaining some questioning looks from the teens of Ocean Paw.

Then another flash appeared, and out came Erdan, and a large, muscular bull. Immedietly the kids were intimidated by the big warrior.

"Alright, just a few more to go." Erdan said before disappearing again.

Everybody felt award around the large warrior, unlike Cheska, who thought differently.

"Woah." Cheska said.

"What?" Taurus asked.

"You look just like Kronos." The boy ansered.

"Who?" The bull asked.

CHeska turned to his friends and said "From Minotaur of War."

"That video game with the buff dude in skirt?" Lloyd questioned.

"Yeah, he looks just like him." Cheska complemented?

"Um, thanks?" Taurus replied in confusion.

Once again another flash, and this time four wolves came with Erdan.

"So you need our help with saving your dad?" Mafa asked.

Erdan nodded and Tao said "Well, I guess we're in." And his comrades, Heng and Lei agreed.

"Ok, just one more to go." Erdan said before leaving one more time.

An awkward air filled, everyone was just staying quiet. Then a final flash appeared and this time a group of crocodiles came out, and their leader said "Why on earth are you doing this?"

"Because you've helped me before, that means there's something good in you. I'm just asking if you'll help me now." Erdan pleaded.

Fung thought about it for a moment, and said "Ok. Fine."

"Really?" Gary asked.

"Yeah, but just this once." Fung replied.

Erdan looked over the group his just assembled. Now he could see him winning the day with their help.

Then Wilson appeared and said "Got everyone have you?"

Erdan replied "Yeah." He then noticed another man behind Wilson a bit. "Who's that?"

Wilson answered "Oh, he's a guy who follows me and records everything I say and do. Time travel stuff"

"Ok, kid, we know why you gathered us, now do you have a plan?" Taurus asked.

After thinking for a moment, Erdan turned to Cheska and asked "Do we have a chance now?"

After looking at all the people who came to help, the native boy said "Yeah, maybe."

Wilson came forward and said "I shall help as well, but Erdan, there's something you must understand."

"What?" the lupine asked.

"You've done well to call on your friends. But very soon, you'll be faced with a choice, one that may decide to fate of the future." Wilson explained while Erdan listened carefully.

"Ok I understand." Erdan said.

"Good." Wilson replied.

"So,kid, you got a plan?" Mafa asked.

After thinking a minute, Erdan said "Yeah, I do." And he explained his battle strategy and everyone's role in the rescue.

((()-()))

Biker men gathered goods and treasures, that were kept and preserved for generations of kung fu masters. The fox leader, marveled at his catch, admiring his tickets to fortune he so rightfully deserved after the struggles he tolerated.

As he was counting the bags of treasure, a biker goon walked to his master and asked "Master, what do we do now?"

After thinking it over a few minutes, the leader of this band figured that; although he lost his key to an untraceable escape, he could still make a run for the next country, and sell his findings there.

"We will get a cart and make our wa-" The fox said when out of nowehere.

Boom! Boom! Boom! A series of loud bangs rang from the other side of the large reconnected doors of the hall. Immedieatly the fox became tense, and he ordered his men to grab their weapons and prepare to protect him and his treasures.

On the fourth band, the doors gave way, and in rushed a band of warriors urging to do battle. Leading the group was a large bull, followed by a trio of wolves, a group of crocs, and a suited leopard.

"Kill them all!" the fox yelled.

The biker men, who were so hypnotized by their master's mystic necklace, charged toward their enemies with firearms in hand. And a battle within the palace ensued.

Meanwhile, towards the side of the mountain, a second group made their way into the palace. Taking a route that was well away from the chaos of battle. Erdan lead his group, that consisted of Cheska, Yingyu, Lloyd, Mafa, and Zack, in finding their way into the Jade Palace's dungeon, to try to find the masters. Erdan remembered that the fox said his father and friends were still alive, so if he kept them as hostages, they would most likely be held within in under grounds of the palace.

As the group carefully made their way across the mountain, Cheska tried his very best to not direct his gaze downward, knowing that what awaits him will surely give him a terrible time or a life threatening mistake.

As Erdan's team made their way to the palace, a third group consisting of Cheska's friends, prepared to assist the attacking group. Once the bikers were all down, they would pin down the fox leader when he least's expects it.

Erdan's group made their way to the dungeon, and searched the dark area.

"So, this place is where you learn martial arts?" Lloyd asked.

"Yeah, although not down here, but in a training hall." Erdan answered.

"And I thought the school getting a new pool was impressive." Lloyd replied in a half sarcastic manor.

After searching for what felt like ten minutes, Mafa found the imprisoned master.

The white wolf tapped on Zhong's shoulder through the bars, and said "How ya doing buddy?"

Zhong looked back and was surprised by the face that met his. "M-Mafa?"

"In the flesh." The white wolf said back.

"What are you doing here?" shifu asked.

"We came to free you guys." Erdan replied.

"Erdan!" Zhong said happily.

The lock to the master's cells were picked and their cell doors were opened. Right away Zhong hugged his son, but was baffled by who he was with.

"Who are you kids?" Po asked Cheska, Lloyd and Zack.

"We're helping our bud Erdan." Cheska replied.

Shifu then looked at his youngest pupil and the wolf boy said "I'll explain later, right now we need to move, are you guys alright?"

Tigress came over and said "Yeah, Shifu used a special healing technique, though we are a bit weak for now."

"That's ok, we got another team doing the fighting for us." Erdan said.

"Who?" Po asked.

"Well, it's kinda of a surprise." Erdan said with a sly smile.

The group made their way to the hall of heroes, surprised to find all the goons beaten and the fox held down by Mike.

"Let me go you big oaf!" the Fox yelled. Then he saw Erdan, and anger filled his mind. "You!"

Erdan then said "Me?"

"Yes you! It's because of you that this last year has been a series of nothing but pain and misfortune." The fox yelled.

"Do I know you?" Erdan asked.

"What!? I'm Shi, the bandit you-" Shi said before being interrupted.

"Wait, your name is, Shi!?" Cheska asked before bursting out in laughter.

"So, are you a girl then?" Lloyd added while the other teens laughed.

"I'm not!" the fox shouted.

"Yeah, yeah, save it for jail." Erdan said while tying his wrists.

While Tigress and the five were taking care of Shi, Erdan checked on his other teammates. Who were just fine.

"Really, it was that easy?" Erdan asked.

Wilson replied "Yes, apparently the fox didn't pick up any extra ammunition other then what the guns had, so it wasn't that hard."

"Yeah, I've been in bar fights harder than that." Taurus commented.

"They stood no chance, right boys?" Tao said as well.

As Zhong walked around the hall, he noticed the various people Erdan gathered for help. Including a familiar band of crocs.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" The one eyed wolf said in anger.

Fung however tried his best to stand his ground and said "Look man, I'm only here cause of your kid."

"Why?" Zhong asked.

Erdan stepped in and said "We agreed that if he helps me, we'll be even."

With that Zhong left the crocs alone, though he and some of the Five kept a close eye on them.

While all this was happening, Yingyu approached Kinzie, hoping to get some conversation with her fellow deer girl.

"Hello." Yingyu greeted.

Kinzie felt a bit awkward and simply replied "Um, hi."

"So, how do you know Erdan?" Yingyu asked, desperate for any topic they can share.

"I met him a few weeks ago, when he came to our future, or rather, present for me." Kinzie said.

"What's the future like?" Yingyu asked.

"Kinda different, but kinda the same too." The other deer girl answered.

Tigress held Shi, who was now wrist tied so he couldn't escape again. While Shifu, Po and the other warriors met and greeted the rest of Erdan's comrades, Shi was overrun with anger.

("Why do I always get the crappy end in my life?") Shi thought.

"I-CAN-HELP-YOU" A mysterious voice sounded in his mind.

(W-who said that?") Shi mentally asked.

"GIVE-ME-AND-I-WILL-HELP-YOU." The strange voice replied.

("What the hell, what have I got to lose?") Shi agreed but then felt an agonizing pain inside.

As Erdan was talking with his friends. "So yeah, that how I- AAAHHHHRRGGG!" Erdan yelled in pain.

"Erdan, are you ok?" ZHong asked with a concerned face.

Erdan got down on his knees and felt something crawl up his insides. At the time, Shi was experiencing the same painful, unbearable feeling.

Lloyd was standing next to Wilson, as he asked the agent "Um, is this suppose to happen?"

Wilson and the other agent looked at the moment, and then bore faces of fear. "No, that's not!"

Then a dark black puss spewed out of Erdan and Shi's mouths, vomiting a repulsive other worldly substance. Then the blackness slithered on the floor, met together, and formed a large inky mass.

"What is that!?" Tigress asked.

Erdan looked up and saw the inky mess form a familiar face, the wolf from his dreams.

"That's, that's him. The guy from my dreams!" Erdan yelled to Shifu.

"Wha- what are you?" Po asked.

The large wolf with glowing eyes reveled it's true form, a hideous monster with a hundred eyes and ten mouths, all with razor sharp teeth. "I am ruin incarnate." The monster replied.

Then the beast looked down the stairs to the village below, and then spewed out monsters of it's kind that ran off to feast.

"Oh no, no no no no!" Erdan said in despair.

The giant inky beast then readied itself and charged at the group. But at the last second a spray of polar cold blasted on the demon and it froze in place.

Agent Wilson placed the spray back in his coat and said "That won't hold it for long."

Crane flew up and saw the other beasts run down to the village. "Guys, those things are going for the people!" The avian master alerted.

Shifu then yelled "Crane, Monkey, Viper, Mantis, go and protect the people!"

Erdan then looked at his team and shouted "Mafa, Taurus, Tao, Heng, Lei, go with them!"

And a second team of warriors rushed down to stop those inky demons, if they could that is.

Then Cheska became afraid, he looked down at the coming battle in the village, and anxiety overwhelmed him.

"Dude you ok?" Zack asked his friend.

Cheska then thinked for a moment and then grabbed the time device from Erdan.

"Hey what are you-" Erdan asked before the naïve boy flashed away.

A brief moment of silence dropped before Lloyd said "He just, ditched us."

But before long, the ice-like substance that contained the inky beast begun to crack. And it was clear the time was running out. Erdan looked at the monster, and realized that he'd seen a being like this before.

The lupine boy looked to his father and yelled "Dad, remember that monster, the one in the cave, whne we went camping?"

"Yeah, why?" Zhong replied, but then he soon figured out what his son had in mind.

Then Fung and his men, along with Po and Cheska's friends gathered as much arrows as they could grab. They also fetched some torches, to give the beast its weakness. As the group prepared to fight the monster, the ice surrounding it continued to crack, growing bigger and bigger as the demon grew stronger and stronger.

((()-()))

Shu sighed as she got ready to make yet another clay pot for her store. But then, screams of fear traveled into her ears, and the she-wolf ran outside to see a sight she gasped upon. A group of monster with inky skin were ravaging the homes of her neighbors. Shu didn't take any time to think before rushing out to help.

Meaanwhile, a family of three bunnies were hiding in their basement, hoping the terrors outside wouldn't find them.

"Honey what's going on?" Margret asked her husband.

"I don't know, but we need to-" Gerald said.

Suddenly footsteps could be heard from above. Heavy and loud, one after another they sounded, getting slightly louder with each step. Then… silence.

A moment of quiet lingered until… BURST! A beast of horrible figure and face bursted into the basement.

"Come on you ugly sucker, you wanna face me, huh?" Fang yelled, trying to protect his parents.

Then the beast was held back, and then pushed away. Then a white furred figure rushed in, grabbed the family of bunnies, and ran out of the house. Fang looked up and recognized the man who saved them.

"Mafa?" Fang said in surprise.

"You people alright?" The white wolf asked.

"Yes, thanks to you." Gerald answered.

While Mafa brought the Hao family to safety, The furious four, Taurus, Shu, and the other three wolf soliders rescued as many villagers as they could. But the beasts were still determind to feast on their prey.

Shu, the four, and the other warriors gathered the people in one place to protect them all at once. A beast was about to charge at a Jimbo and his sons, when Taurus dwung his large sword, striking the monster. But the beast spilt in two, and every time one was defeated two more would take its place.

The heroes formed a wall between the innocent people, but the monsters were overwhelming them. Suddenly a large flash appeared, and from the top of a building was a wolf dressed in a strange uniform. He jumped down, pulled out a weapon that fired a flare upward, gaining the beasts attention.

The man then yelled "OPEN FIRE!" and a squad of armored troops appeared from the flash, and fired their guns and rifles at the inky monsters.

Shu was surprised and asked "Wh-who are you?"

The man looked back and answered "I'm captain Cheveyo, we're here to help." The swat captina then yelled "Protect the people and hold back the beasts.

Then Cheska ran up to his father who said to his son "You've gotten into some crazy situations before, but this is just…"

"Yeah, I know." Cheska said back.

With the swat force aiding, the warriors continued to fight the demons, and protect the villagers.

((()-()))

"Is everyone ready?" Erdan shouted.

"Yeah, we're all set." Po shouted back.

Together, Po, Shifu, Zhong, Fung's men, and Cheska's friends gathered everything they need to finish off this inky demon. Fires were set, with Erdan and Yingyu ready to set their arrows aflame. And everyone else held flammable object to hurl at the sinister demon. Kinsie (through her knowledge of chemistry) added basic chemicals that gave the fires more power and heat.

The ice around the beast finally broke and the monster was free once again.

"NOW FIRE!" Erdan yelled right before he and Yingyu fired their flaming arrows.

Everyone else threw torches and wood set a blaze, and the beast felt the pain of many heated wounds in its inky skin, which begun to melt and deteriorate. Wilson and his fellow agent sprayed more ice onto the beast's feet, keeping him still to make an easy target.

After a few minutes of attacks the demon layed on the ground. Motionless. Lifeless. Cold.

"Did we kill it?" Tigress asked.

Erdan cautiously stepped forward to get a look at his fallen enemy. But then arms of inky blackness sprung out and grabbed Erdan by his limbs.

"AAHHHH!" Erdan yelled as he was quickly being pulled into the inky substance.

"ERDAN, NOOO!" Zhong yelled as he rushed to rescue his son.

Just when the one eyed wolf was about to grab his son's paw, the monster pulled the lupine boy in. Swallowing him whole, and the boy saw nothing but blackness. Then the beast got up again, ready to kill all that was within his sight.

((()-()))

The warriors and swat forces were being overrun, to the point where they were completely surrounded by the demonic monsters. And it seemed that they were on the verge of defeat.

((()-()))

Erdan woke up in a cold pitch black world. Similar to the one in his dreams, but it felt more… sinister.

"Hello?" Erdan cried out.

"H-E-L-L-O" The beast said back.

"Wh-what are you?" Erdan asked as chills went down his spine.

"I-AM-FROM-BEYOND-THE-STARS" the evil voice said.

"Why are you doing this, why?" Erdan asked.

"I-AM-HUNGRY" the voice answered.

"So, that's why, survival?" Erdan loudly question.

"YOUR-KIND-IS-NO-DIFFERENT" the demonic voice said.

"NO! I'm not like that, my friends are different than that." Erdan shouted.

"THAN-YOU-WILL-BE-THE-FIRST" The voice said.

Erdan then looked in horror as dozens of mouths with teeth appeared, ready to devower its helpless prey. Erdan was then consumed with fear. He saw no way out. No way home. The boy fell down and cried.

((()-()))

But as the heinous mouths were about to take their first bite, a white tiger in a robe walked by Erdan's side.

"WHAT-ARE-YOU?" The voice said.

The white tiger just looked at the sinister black void, and then down at the frightened boy next to him. The tiger held out his paw, pointed and a way was made.

((()-()))

Erdan felt a warmth inside, that a presence near him was giving his strength. Then he looked ahead and saw a way open, and on the other side was that fox, Shi. He ran and freed the fox, who woke up seeing the boy help him.

Then Erdan saw another way open, one that had light from the outside beaming through. Erdan hled onto Shi closely, and made a mad dash throught he inky darkness. He jumped through the hole and they both escaped the cold void.

((()-()))

The white tiger watched as Erdan and Shi escaped, then he raised his right paw.

"WHO-ARE-YOU?" The voice asked.

The white tiger snapped his fingers.

((()-()))

Erdan and Shi made it out. Then ZHong ran up and hugged his son.

"ERDAN!" Zhong shouted with glee and tears.

"Dad, I'm alright, I'm alright." Erdan said reassuringly.

Po looked up and said "What's happening?"

Suddenly the beast bursted in flames, scorching it from the inside until nothing was left. Nothing at all.

Meanwhile, down in the village, just as the demons were about to consume all in front of them, they all bursted out in flames. They all screamed in agony until nothing remained.

Cheska looked around and said "What just happened?"

Fang was hugging his parents and crying in fear. His father said "It's ok son, it's over. It's over."

checked on Jimbo and his sons saying "Are you three ok?"

"Yeah, we're fine." Jimbo answered.

A swat trooper walked over to Cheveyo and said "Captain, all the creatures seemed to have disintegrated."

Shu then said "What was all that?"

((()-()))

Everyone was shocked. Just five minutes ago the demon was ready to kill them all. Now it just, suddenly bursted and died.

"Erdan you ok?" Po asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine."Erdan replied.

Shi, who was just proccesisng what happened asked "Why?"

"Huh." Erdan muttered as he looked down at the fox.

"Why did you save me?" Shi asked.

Erdan got down and answered "Because I believe all life holds value. Look, I don't know what you've gone through, or how much struggle you endured because of me. But, I know what it's like to be at rock bottom. When it feels like everyting in the world is against you. So, all I can say is. I'm sorry."

Shi was surprised by the boy who he hated and blamed, was now appoligizing for what he'd gone thorugh. Without knowing of what to say, Shi stayed quiet, and let Tigress take him away.

As everyone hugged, greeted, or congradulated Erdan, agent Wilson and his fellow comrade said "Well done Erdan."

Erdan looked at the suited leopard and said "Did I… make the right choice? Is the future safe?"

Wilson consulted his fellow man and then said "Yes, I can safely say the future is secure and safe."

Relief washed over Erdan. And soon after the two groups met up. After introductions and explanations, it was now clear that the worst had past.

After peace returned, Wilson used the time device that Shi stole, and used it to open ways back for all of Erdan's friends.

First, Cheveyo's men took all the bikers through. Who would all be behind bars soon enough. Then, all of Cheska's friends got ready to return to their ocean side home.

"It was great to know you guys." Erdan said half happy and half sad.

"It was a great, crazy time dude." Lloyd said.

"Stay happy." Jessica happily bid.

"Hope the best for you." Ashley said as she hugged Erdan.

"It was fun man. Legit." Zack said as he fist bumped Erdan.

"Well, I now know what I want to invent in the future. Thanks for the times." Kinzie said.

As they all went into the flash, Mike took his turn to say goodbye. The big bear hugged his friend and Erdan said "You were right."

"About what?" Mike asked.

"That song you sang for me. Things turned out well after all." Erdan said with a smile.

And they hugged again while Mike said "Maybe someone is watching out for you?"

"Yeah, maybe." Erdan replied as Mike waved goodbye and left.

Cheska then said ot his friend. "Well, another time travel crisis resolved. Although it got pretty hairy back there, huh."

EErdan chuckled and said "Yeah, well, we are a couple of trouble makers." Then they both hugged with tears down their faces.

Afterwards, Cheveyo said "I enjoyed meeting you Erdan."

"Keep Cheska out of trouble, if that possible." Erdan humorously said.

"Well we didn't create a new emergency code just for him for nothing." Cheveyo said.

Then the native father and son waved goodbye, and returned home.

Mafa and the three wolves bid farewell to Zhong and Tigress and returned to their own times. Then Fung and his men did the same, after getting scared half to death by Shu's looks of terror.

Taurus walked up to Erdan and said "You know kid, you really got some special guts in ya."

Erdan then tossed his minotaur friend a bag of coins and the bull asked "What's this?"

"Your pay." Erdan replied.

But to his surprise Taurus gave it back before saying "Ah don't worry about it. This wasn't a job, rather a favor to a friend."

The boy lupine and the greek bull shared a nice smile before he returned to his time.

Yingyu then took her turn to say goodye. "So, I guess I'll see you around, huh."

"Yeah, and Yingyu?" Erdan said.

"What?" The deer girl asked.

"I got a feeling your life's about to get a little sweeter." Erdan said with a wholesome smile.

"What makes you say that?" Yingyu asked.

"Just a hunch." Erdan answered before hugging his fellow archer friend before she returned to her father's side.

With all his friends back where they needed, Wilson then said "Well done Erdan. The agency thanks you in aiding our cause."

"Your very welcome. Hey, can you give me a peak at my future?" Erdan asked.

"No can do." Wilson replied in a half serious, half humorous tone.

"Can't blame a guy for trying." Erdan said with a friendly shrug of his shoulders.

Wilson and his fellow agent returned to his own time, bringing anything that didn't belong in this ancient age, and closed the flash portal behind him. And Erdan continued to look at that spot a moment more, thinking if he'll ever see his friends again?

((()-()))

Erdan sat on the top of the stone stairs. Looking out at the beautiful valley he helped save. Then his parents, Po, Shifu, Fang and the Five joined him.

Erdan sighed and Zhong said "Well, another crazy day In the valley."

"But as crazy days go, I'd say this was the best." Erdan said back.

"Are you sure you're ok Erdan?" SHu asked.

"Yes mom I'm fine. In fact, I now feel more than fine." Erdan said with a smile.

Shifu then walked up and said "Well, considering what we endured through, I think we can take the rest of the day off."

Erdan then got an idea. "How about we all go out for lunch?"

"I'm up for it." Fang said while jumping on Erdan's shoulder.

"Great idea Danny boy." Po complamented.

"And I know just the place." Erdan said while getting up.

((()-()))

And the lupine boy walked down the stone stairs with his family. A family made up of wolves, rabbits, and kung fu masters of all shapes. And while they went off to their celebration party, a white tiger in a bright robe watch them happily head down to the village. And he smiled, seeing the boy he watched over, who he saw as sorrowful for months now joyful and happy. The tiger then walked off, and vanished.

((()-()))

"You know better than I" is credited from the film "Joseph the dreamer."