Chapter Eight: Dragon Hall

Tiny dots of mist soaked into Crane's messy coat from the fresh, high air. His beak cut through the layered clouds, still thick in the grey dawn. Here in the sky, clouds surrounded him, above and beneath. It was a special sight that only birds could appreciate: but on this morning, he couldn't.

His muscles were tense as bowstrings. Though long passed, it felt like he was still caught in the gale, twisting and churning with the power of nature. What awaited him on the other side, he did not know.

A gap in the stratus showed him the twisting Yangtze, and the start of the vast eastern sea. And there, adorning the coastline, was Gongmen City. Huge, the city sprawled over hills and rocks, uncaring for the terrain. Fog hid the roads and pathways, leaving all but wavy rooftops in a mysterious vale. Thousands of small puddles sat on slate shingles—the most impressive of which belonged to the northern aristocratic quarter. Crane had been there, and knew he didn't fit in.

He dipped his head to look at his clothes, and winced. His purple sash was ripped, and loosely catching the wind. His patterned blue pants were stained with soot and dirt, and he could feel the mud between his toes.

I need a bath, he thought, rolling his aching shoulders. In flight, he guarded his own secret world. But each bird had to return to the ground sometime.

Crane bent his wings and let gravity pull him earthward. Air marched through his feathers, buffeted his eyes, and streamlined around his bare head. An ache formed in his chest; his hat was out there somewhere in the trees, alone. White tendrils trailed behind him as he left the clouds, and he extended his feathers to slow his decent.

He pulled out of the glide gradually, and sped above the metallic water. He watched cargo-laden ships dock at the harbor, skirting the rocky shore to his side. Thudding flaps echoed off the water's smooth surface as he slowed to a stop—each contraction stung his bandaged left wing. With a sharp breath, he dove beak-first into the cold river.

Wading for the shore in the shallows, he shivered, casting a rain of droplets from his body. Gasping at the chill, Crane perched on a waterlogged rock, drying himself in the cloudy light. He breathed, drank, and finally filled his head with the events he found himself in.

He had messed up. Badly. He had defied the Code of the Masters, allowed wolves to attack the city, and abandoned his friends. His duty was to help the helpless, and he had failed.

But there was something else. Or rather, someone else. Crane had found Lord Shen, and he was, miraculously, alive. And alive he would stay, at least until Crane turned him in.

The news would be hard to deliver. It felt like he had done something wrong by helping the Soothsayer heal him. And that uncertainty troubled Crane more than anything.

You read too many stories, the old goat had said. Had he but imagined that yellow-eyed nightmare-bird on the riverbank? It felt so real, yet so dreamlike at the same time.

Breaking off the rumination, he jiggled his head and reassessed his appearance. His clothes were in terrible shape, and his avian body looked like a badly-pruned tree. Crane picked at his wing, loathe to return to the city. But it was time.

More ships entered the misty harbor, feeding the beast that was Gongmen's economy. Undetected, he flew over the drying streets, and saw antelope guards rounding attentively. Ducks circled above. What citizens were up in the early hour scurried quickly to their places, splashing in the storm's residual puddles. There was a tension in the air, like the wounded city was wary of another great disturbance.

He alighted outside his room at The Broomstick Inn. His bandaged wing wouldn't fold right, so he left it slightly open. Peering through the small window, he beheld a neat and tidy room, just like he had left it. Although, one rectangle of paper was placed neatly in the center. It contained two elegantly written words—Meeting Hall—in Master Shifu's distinct script. Crane gripped the paper in his talons, and brought it to his forehead. Master Shifu was either worried, furious, or both. His friends were surely in the grand hall waiting for him, likely feeling the same.

He changed, and glanced out of the window. Tense as a loom, he stepped through. There was no time for Tai Chi on this particular morning.

He flew a middling distance above the city proper, where the air was the calmest. Cobbled streets meandered below him, girdled by hanging advertisements and signs. Beggars jostled starving bags of coins, and mothers held their children tightly.

So this is where Lord Shen lived, he mused. A new perspective reached him from the old roads. He realized he knew very little about the city; perhaps he could find a scroll or two on the subject.

Beyond tall gates, the aristocratic quarter surrounded him in luxury and excess. Crane tried to ignore his growing feeling of ungainliness. The Meeting Hall's broad exterior neared, dragon-like in its appearance. Lavishly clothed citizens filed willingly into its mouth. Crane circled the brick-and-wood adversary, guessing that a large meeting must be taking place within its belly. And at its heart, his master.

Rather than walk through the entrance, Crane landed on the awning that encompassed the upper floor.

"Calm yourselves!" A goat shouted from a raised platform inside the Meeting Hall.

Crane peered over the railing on the Meeting Hall's topmost floor. He glanced from the paper walls to a cavernous room, dimly lit by crimson lanterns. Rancorous voices echoed from within. Wooden benches arrayed in a half-octagon: nearly every seat was filled. In the center, on the dusty bricks, was Master Shifu, flanked by Tigress and Po. Before them, a panel of well dressed nobles faced the shouting crowd.

"It is clear that the people's trust in you is shaken, masters. How can we let you reside in our city, policing us as you see fit, after your recent failures to do so?"

The goat wore a tall silk hat finished in green and blue. It was a silly thing, which made him look rather pompous.

"Guan Mu touches a pressing point," a pig garbed in black and gold said, "you operate apart from every authority, enacting your will without governance. As a member of the Gongmen Trade Authority, I, too, support the dissolving of the Master's Council."

Dissolve the Council? Crane thought, Masters Ox and Croc have defended the city for decades.

The goat with the silly hat—Guan Mu—spoke again:

"Thank you, Fung," he said, nodding toward the black-robed pig.

"First, the Master's Council allowed Lord Shen himself to infiltrate the city and take it for his own. And early this morning, a single wolf managed to steal weeks of gunpowder from the fireworks factory. For all your purported strength, your frailty seems clear."

Murmurs of agreement scattered throughout the richly clothed patrons.

He said that a single wolf attacked the factory. That can't be right, Crane thought, I followed scores of wolves into the storm last night.

Crane winced inwardly. Things were worse than he thought. He huffed and shut his eyes. Then, Master Shifu's bold voice echoed in the hall.

"Every Kung Fu master, teacher, and student shares the same goal: Protect the citizens of China," the red panda said, his green robes shifting like a swelling sea.

"Despite your opinions, we will continue to uphold that goal—to our discretion." He held his crescent-headed staff behind his back. Tigress, who stood by him, shifted her weight. Po was still like a statue.

"Our faith wavers," an antelope with large eyes and curling horns, said.

"China changes. Lord Shen nearly wiped you out single-handedly. We require assurances. We cannot count on mere promises."

Lord Shen.

The greatest danger that Kung Fu had ever faced. Everyone thought that he was dead, but Crane knew the truth. Worse, he had helped Lord Shen survive. He had left the peacock in the care of the Soothsayer, and left to deliver the news.

China changes, indeed.

"We are doing what we can, and expect nothing in return," Tigress said with a cool calm, "need I remind you that your own guards provided little help against Shen and his army?"

Whispers and outrage followed.

"Your citizens shy in the streets while you enjoy endless luxuries. It appears you care more about wealth than your city."

Guan Mu glowered at Tigress from under his heavy brow.

"This city has remained prosperous for over five hundred years, and you have brought us nothing but trouble," he said, tightly gripping his desk with a hoof.

"Perhaps we require more substantial protection to defend Gongmen City."

Master Shifu maintained his stance, gold glinting off his staff's shroud.

"The Emperor has offered the Imperial Army to us," the goat said, leaning back smugly. Surprise swept through the patrons. Even Crane was shocked; the Emperor rarely operated apart from his own provinces.

Nearer voices reached Crane's ear. Familiar murmurs carried from the walkway around the huge room, where Viper, Mantis, and Monkey watched the commotion. Relief filled Crane when he saw them. Apprehensive, he headed their way on the wooden walkway.

He stopped within a few wingspans of them. Viper was the first to look up. Her triangular head and robins-egg eyes faced him in the streaming dust. Her spade-shaped mouth parted slightly, and small fangs hid behind her painted lips.

"Crane?" she said with joy.

The others turned and greeted him similarly. They all looked very tired.

"Hey," Crane responded with a nervous smile.

Viper bobbed forward, slithering on her belly. She jumped and snared Crane in her coils, wrapping him in a scaly embrace. The bird's eyes widened at the shock of her cold body.

"Oh, Crane, we were so worried for you," she said, releasing him and plopping to the ground. His neck feathers perked.

"Really? I mean, you aren't mad?" He said as Monkey and Mantis rushed to meet him.

"No, no! Of course not," she said. Then she saddened as her eyes shifted.

"Your hat…?"

"It, uh, got lost," Crane said. He looked away for a second, embarrassed and dismayed. His hat was a part of him. Losing it was like losing a wing, leg or tail.

"Are you okay?" Mantis said, "sheesh, what happened to your wing?" The bug climbed onto Monkey's shoulder and pointed at Crane's gangly, bandaged appendage.

"I…"

Crane hesitated. Should I tell them?

"I hit a tree," he said.

He didn't want to tell them quite yet. It seemed premature, what with the meeting going on. Besides, it wasn't like the peacock was going anywhere.

"You hit a tree." Mantis said with a tinge of skepticism.

"Yes…" Crane said, slowly. He narrowed his eyes at Mantis, not having forgotten what the bug had said about him last night.

"And I thought I had a rough night," Mantis said, stretching his clawed arms. Crane relaxed. He would tell them all what really happened when he saw Master Shifu.

"Anything come of those wolves you followed?" Mantis said.

"No. The storm was too strong."

"Damn. I would have gone with you, but I guess I drank too much." The bug laughed awkwardly and cleared his throat.

"About last night: I got a little carried away. No harm, no foul, eh?"

Crane tilted his head. "I guess."

"Hehe, fowl." Monkey said, rocking forward on his leather-cuffed arms.

Mantis flashed a grin. It faded as he gave his voice a serious note.

"Listen, Master Shifu is a little preoccupied at the moment, but he was absolutely furious."

Crane sighed and hung his head.

"Oh dear." They were all in big trouble.

A rousing from the meeting below drew his attention away.

"Hey, what's going on down there anyway?"

"They've been at it for hours," Viper said, "the aristocrats are preparing to dismiss the Master's Council."

"Yeah, and it's kinda our fault," Mantis said. Crane wanted to point out that going to the bar was his idea, but held his tongue.

"They were waiting for an excuse to do so," Viper said, "I had no idea they wanted to bring the Empire into this. There has to be another reason."

The four warriors watched the scene unfold below. The aristocrats together formed a governing body in charge of Gongmen trade. They were the worst sort of politicians, twisting words and dancing around issues. Despite their efforts, both Shifu and Tigress stayed collected, to Crane's impress. Po hardly moved an inch, and Crane could only reason that he was there as punishment.

Crane's nerves settled as morning transitioned to midday. Lord Shen still gnawed at his mind, but it felt nice to have a respite from the goings-on. The meeting droned, and Crane tried to remain attentive. Hungry and bored, he looked around, analyzing barrels, crates and bundles of rope in the upper levels of the hall.

His eyes caught on Viper's patterned back. The black and brown tattoo work was expertly done: starting at the base of her head and ending mid back. It accentuated her ridges and scales, cutting through like a controlled rice field burn. She never said where she got it—one day, she came back from a solo mission, and refused to elaborate.

"So that's it." Viper said with a bleak tone. Crane startled out of his exploration and looked over the railing.

"What? What's it?"

"Didn't you hear? The Master's Council is no more. They ordered all Kung Fu masters out of the city."

"Are you serious?" Crane said.

Viper dangled her head. The doors opened, and Crane saw Shifu and Po exit the Meeting Hall. Tigress, however, walked between the benches for a stairway to the upper level.

"Dammit! And with those wolves still around!" Mantis said. "We should stay anyway. It's not like they can stop us."

"Yes, but that would just agitate things further," Viper said.

"Wait, guys," Crane said. "I heard them say that a single wolf robbed the factory. How is that possible?"

"I don't know," Monkey said, "maybe they thought he was the janitor or something."

From the stairway, Tigress' deadly furred head appeared. Each of her steps was precise and delicate—and wholly intimidating. She stopped to the side and put her hands on her hips, black pants dark in the dim attic.

"You three, go," she said, flicking her head to Viper and the others. They made for the stairs without a word. Viper gave Crane a final glance over her neck before slithering away.

Crane rustled his feathers nervously, feeling exposed under Tigress' dangerous gaze.

"Are you hurt?" she said. Crane shook his head. The tiger crossed her arms and tightened her eyes.

"Run away like that again, and I will kill you," she said, and left.

Crane blinked, taken aback by her intensity.

"A 'hello' would be nice," he said under his breath.

Crane had no choice but to walk through the center of the Meeting Hall, amid glares from the high-class citizens. He hurried through the door out of sight of the stingy aristocrats. Outside, the sky remained dull and grey. Shallow puddles mirrored drabness in the tree-lined courtyard—the same courtyard Crane had visited the other day.

There, next to Tigress, Master Shifu stood. A scowl was fixed on his brow. The red panda was half the tiger's size, but it meant little. Tigress knotted her arms, and a corner of her mouth was raised. Po sat by her side with a worried expression on his plump face. His green eyes filled with relief when he saw Crane.

"Crane!" Po said, leaping up with deceptive speed. Crane lightened at his eagerness, and the panda put a friendly paw on his shoulder.

"I'm glad you're okay, Crane," He said.

"It's great to see you too," Crane replied, glad to have a little warmth on this dreary day.

Viper and Monkey faced Shifu as Po joined them. Crane saddled near, walking with shame. Master Shifu simply glared at them for a while. His green-sashed robe took on a languid appearance—quite in contrast to the red panda's angry aging face. And then he spoke:

"I don't think I have to tell you how absolutely disappointed I am in all of you."

A wave of reluctant nostalgia washed over Crane. It had been a while since they had received a harsh chastisement from their master. But the reminiscence was short lived. Lord Shen entered the forefront of Crane's mind; it was soon time to deliver the news. Shifu gazed with the penetration of a rope dart, and Crane prepared for the worst.

"Perhaps I made a mistake," he said, scowling.

"The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden in the Code of the Masters. I hope that now, you can see why."

Crane's chest filled with guilt.

"I am sure you noticed that I had each of you set up in a different inn throughout the city. This was no accident; I was hoping to avoid a situation like this. I understand how hard these missions can be. You all came very close to getting killed… and myself as well."

Shifu's expression changed to one of mild concern.

"You see, until Po came along, I refused to acknowledge the friendship you all share. The Dragon Warrior helped me see how much you all mean to each other, and to me."

The red panda's eyes filled with a solemn happiness.

"I made a mistake. I wanted to separate you to protect you. It is only natural that you would want to act out. Therefore, I have decided to gradually relent my regulations."

Crane's eyes widened in surprise. His friends began to whisper excitedly.

"Let me finish!" Shifu's strictness returned.

"Only after each of you prove to me that you are worthy of it. Each of you must diligently adhere to the Code of the Masters, and come to me if you have any concerns. Do not fear my words, but rather, accept my help."

Crane exchanged looks with Viper. He was surprised at Shifu's mindset; Po must really have made an impression on his strict old master.

"Now, listen. I am glad you all are unharmed, but do not think that you are above punishment. I am very disappointed in you five, and as you can see, you have created a very big mess."

Shifu brought a hand down his face, and instructed Tigress to join the others. Crane and his companions humbled themselves. Tigress walked to them from Shifu's side—the powerful Tiger always seemed wiser than the rest. Perhaps that was why she stayed so distant.

Shifu looked over all of them with determination. Crane stared into his master's severe blue eyes. His mouth felt dry. Now was the time to deliver the news that would change everything.

"Now. These… blasted rich folk have ordered us out of the city. This is more than a defense issue: I think they are making some kind of play for power. That pig Fung seemed to be hiding something, but I am not certain. Whatever it is, there will certainly be money involved."

Crane shifted, waiting for a chance to interject.

"Master," he said.

"Yes, Crane?" Shifu said with an inquisitive look.

"There's… something I need to tell you."

"…Yes?" Shifu said when Crane hesitated.

"I…"

An image flared in Crane's mind. An image of a white peacock—bandaged, helpless, hurt. And of the small goat helping to fix him. Crane felt he was there, too, ready to help.

I don't want to tell him, Crane realized, stunned by the thought.

"I- I'm sorry." He said. His heart sank at the subversion, but he felt it necessary.

I will tell them. I will tell them. Just after Shen has healed a little, he promised himself.

"Uhh… alright?" Master Shifu said, skepticism plaguing his face. The others gave Crane weird looks, and the bird kinked his long neck in embarrassment. He surreptitiously curled his flight feathers. He felt like he needed another bath.

Master Shifu cleared his throat with an impatient volume.

"Now, as I was saying. I do not intend to leave Gongmen City just yet. In order to get to the bottom of this, I need all of you to—"

Shifu's ears perked. He faced the north, bringing his staff close to his body. A low rumble filled the air. And then, the sound of a distant explosion.

"What was that?" Po said. Crane cast off his confused feelings, following his friends as they jumped forward. As one, the warriors leaped on a rooftop in the direction of the sound. There, bleak and flat in the clouded daylight, dark smoke rose from the fireworks factory.

"Oh no," Po said.

"Ox and Croc are guarding the factory," Monkey said.

"What reason could the wolves have to attack the factory again? They got what they wanted," Tigress said.

"Right. We must remain alert. You four, come with me," Shifu said, motioning to Tigress, Viper, Monkey and Po.

"Crane, take Mantis and surveil from the air."

"Ugh, do I have to go with him? He doesn't even have his hat!"

"Go!" Shifu said, and bounded off with the others, clearing roof after roof. Mantis moaned and clambered onto Crane's back.

"Well?" Mantis said when Crane didn't move.

"Oh, right," Crane said, trying to focus.

Hopefully... not another mistake. His duty was to help the helpless. And there they were.

"Just watch the feathers," Crane said, and took off for the smoking fireworks factory.


A/N

Crane made a choice... whether or not he knows it, yet. I have been working on this chapter for a while, I hope you enjoyed it! Crane is one complex character. Writing his interactions with the other Five are some of my favorite moments.

China changes. I think this the most significant tidbit I have expressed so far. Rumors of Lord Shen's conquest spread... I trust China's greatest defenders will meet their new challenge with the same rigor they always have!... That is, of course, if they can face it unscathed.