This is the final chapter. I'm glad you all liked it so much. Enjoy!

Monkey took a deep breath as they walked out onto the streets. The day before, he had gone out to get Viper's and Tigress's presents. He had them bound in his pack, along with Mantis's present and a few scattered stories that he'd written down in the past few days. It was the day they were to leave the city and begin the long journey back to the Jade Palace, and, just as he'd promised, he was going to take them out to eat, his treat, to the secret restaurant. Po was ecstatic, and Monkey had surprises for all of them. He knew of a surprise that Shifu had, and he had what he hoped was an even better one planned for his master.

As they walked down the streets, Monkey saw a flash of orange. Covertly, he snuck a glance to see Chen Fan staring at Tigress. He also sensed Tigress's unease as her tail bumped his in a swish. He knew her eyes had caught sight of the male tiger, and she was tensing up. The simian turned to her and smiled in reassurance, but she didn't even look at him. She was looking forward to Shifu, her tail twitching as his ears did.

Monkey could smell her terror, and he began to slow down. Just at that moment, Tigress made a mad dash away, startling everybody but Monkey. Chen Fan gave chase. Without a second thought, Monkey shrugged out of his pack, threw it to Po, who caught it from sheer reflex, and climbed rapidly up the nearest building. He took off on the two tigers' tails, moving with speed and ease from having lived for so long in the city. He didn't care if the others were pursuing yet, all that mattered was that he knew what was going on, and he could help his friend.

He saw Chen Fan first, on all fours, dashing after Tigress, who was just as harried and frightened as the first time. She was making blind turns. Monkey knew if she had been thinking clearly, she would have gotten onto the roofs as he did to get a better vantage of the streets, so she wouldn't hit a dead end. But he understood her terror. She could handle males of any species but her own. Her fear made her wild and thoughtless, and they would have to help her with that. But that was a problem for another day.

Just as before, Chen Fan cornered her, and she cowered back, baring her teeth. A steady growl issued from her throat, and her claws were flexing against the wall. Monkey paused for a single moment then jumped down, pulling a knife from a hidden sheath sewn into his pants. He heard the obscene promises issuing from the tiger's mouth as he happily looked over his catch. Tigress was panting with terror, trying to melt into the wall. She saw nothing but her attacker.

Monkey leaned against the building nearest to him and cleared his throat. Chen Fan glanced back and snarled.

"Leave, fool, or else."

Speaking in the same voice and with the same dark tone he'd used before, Monkey tsked then said, "You really are a fool, Chen Fan. I told you to not touch her again, didn't I?"

The tiger's ears slicked back as he spun around, and Tigress began to ease away to the side watching her attacker and the monkey as they stared at each other.

"Nice try," Chen Fan said. He tried to sound brave, but there was a waver in his voice; he remembered, Monkey thought. "The Serpents are all arrested."

"Then how, may I ask, do I remember what I said?" Monkey asked, twirling the knife lazily in his fingers.

Chen Fan swallowed, his tail beginning to lower between his legs. "You're nothing."

"I am Master Monkey of the Jade Palace," Monkey replied. "Last time I gave you a nasty headache, and if you don't leave right now, you will regret your life."

"What will you do?" Chen Fan growled, scanning his opponent as he began to back up slowly.

"It is not just what I will do, but Master Shifu, too. Tigress is his daughter. And if I remember your track record right, you don't get along with fathers."

Anger was etched in every line of the tiger's face. "I don't care! I'm going to have her!"

Monkey shrugged once, stood straight, then threw the knife in a perfect line to bury it in the wall beside Chen Fan's head. The tiger ducked, and as his eyes landed on the knife, Monkey slammed into him with his full weight. The tiger began to wrestle with the simian, using his greater size and strength to his advantage. But Monkey wasn't fazed as he held tight to the wrists of the male tiger. He had to keep the claws away just long enough, so he focused on keeping him in place as well as he could.

"What is going on here?!"

Chen Fan looked up, and Monkey used the opportunity to flip their positions. He locked the tiger's paws behind his back and sat down on top of him, breathing heavily. His eyes gleamed with rage as he took in his bewildered family. He caught his breath, ignoring the writhing tiger beneath him as well as the curses that spewed forth.

"This is who attacked Tigress," he said calmly. "His name is Chen Fan, and he is a disgraceful practitioner of Kung Fu. As you can probably see, his motives were not to best her, as you thought. They were much less noble. I leave it to you, Master, to do with him as you please."

Monkey leaped away, tucking in his tail as the tiger swiped at him with a growl, his pupils thin with rage. He walked over to Tigress, who sat trembling, staring at the male of her species with abject terror on her face. Holding out his hand, he stood in her line of sight.

"Tigress, come. Leave him to Shifu. You're alright now."

Tigress stared at him with dilated eyes for a moment then took his proffered hand and let him heave her to her feet. Po was there immediately, letting the terrified feline lean against him. Crane, Mantis and Viper followed at a wordless gesture from Shifu. Po kept her tucked close, anger etched deeply into his face. Monkey guided them to a small, empty park, leading them to a thicket of small trees. Po helped Tigress sit down, grimacing at the pressure from the tips of her claws. Curling up, she began to rock back and forth, fighting back tears.

Monkey sat beside her, and the others gathered around. For half an hour, they sat there in silence until their master came back. Nobody asked what had become of Chen Fan. They were actually afraid for him. At their questioning glances, Shifu stopped, shaking his head.

"He's not dead. But I think he wishes he were," he said sternly. Stepping forward and softening his tone, he touched Tigress's arm. "Are you well, Tigress?" She shook her head, her eyes wild as she cringed away. Shifu wrapped his arms around her neck, pulling her close. "It's okay, Yue. I'm here. Calm down."

And Tigress burst into tears, clutching at the small form of her master, her father. She cried in relief, in fear, clutching at her father insecurely, and Shifu held her close. Monkey watched his friends stare in mild surprise. He was surprised, too. But he knew none of them were surprised by the affection between Shifu and Tigress. They had seen glimpses of their close relationship before. It was by the use of Tigress's real name. She never told them what it was. In fact, Monkey thought, he didn't know any of their names, besides Po and Shifu. Ironic, he thought, that the Furious Five didn't even know any of their companions' real names.

After a few minutes, Tigress began to calm down. She shivered in Shifu's arms for a few more moments before pulling back and wrapping her tail around herself. Shifu stroked her cheek softly then sat down beside her.

"You did remember," he said.

"Yes," she said. "But I…was ashamed."

"You shouldn't be," Shifu assured her. He turned to Monkey. "You saved her. But how did you know what was going on?"

"It's not the first time I've seen it," Monkey said. "I saw it a month ago. And I saw it seven years ago."

"Saw what?" Tigress asked.

"That males of your species bother you," Monkey answered bluntly. "We need to take care of that, but this is not the place."

"You are quite right," Shifu said. He patted Tigress's arm again, reassuring her. She nodded and stood up. "Come, let us go and eat. Monkey, lead the way."

Monkey obeyed and began to wind them toward the western side of the city. Within twenty minutes, they were in front of a small shop, and Monkey walked right in. The place smelled of hot food, and it was remarkably comfortable. Nobody was in the shop save them. A rabbit came out and gave a cry of delight. He hollered for somebody then bounded over the counter.

"Little Lu Cong!" he laughed. "How are you? It's been awhile!"

"It has," Monkey agreed. "Mind if we take your side room?"

It was only then that the rabbit glanced over his companions. He laughed again. "You've gone up in the world! Master Monkey, if I'm not wrong?"

"You are not wrong," Monkey said, inclining his head. "So, is the side room taken, or can we use it?"

"Yes, yes, you may take the side room, Cong. Whatever you want, you can have."

"I'm paying for it," Monkey said pointedly. "Because I can afford it now."

"If you so wish it," the rabbit said. A female rabbit came out and squealed. "Cong!"

"Hello, little Biyu. Grown up, haven't you?" he said coyly. "But not yet married."

"I am engaged," she replied. "And I am not the only one who has grown! Was my father right? Are you truly the Master Monkey we have heard tell of?"

"Yes. And these are my companions," he said, gesturing at his friends. "And they have need of the best meal in the city."

"The Furious Five and the Dragon Warrior!" she gasped. "Oh, you are lucky, Cong!"

"Biyu, little treasure, take them to the side room. They are dining with us this fine day," the girl's father said.

She scurried around and bowed them into a room. Monkey stayed back to order their meal and to pay generously. When he joined them, Biyu was firing questions at the rest of the Five and Po. Monkey sat down between Tigress and Po, who were both amused by her questions. It was only when her father called from the kitchen that she bowed herself out and left them alone. Monkey placed a hand over his face and laughed.

"She is still a little spitfire," he sighed.

"I like her," Po said.

"Reminds me of a little Po," Tigress mused; she had relaxed quite a bit by this point, and she even smiled.

Po nearly snorted his tea as he laughed at her jab. Monkey tittered. Po set down the cup and wiped his snout. He glanced over to the side and made a noise of surprise. He picked up Monkey's pack, which he'd carried with him all the way to the shop, and he passed it over to the simian..

"Here's this."

Monkey took it and opened it. With a smile, he pulled out each present one at a time. His friends watched in surprise, and he laughed and shrugged his shoulders. His eyes gleamed with joy at their appraising looks.

"I didn't steal them, by the way. I bought them," Monkey said, tittering.

They all shared a laugh, and Monkey picked up a small package and handed it to Tigress. She gingerly took off the paper and gasped, her eyes widening.

"Oh, wow!" Po exclaimed. "Where in the heck did you get that?"

As she held up the silk fan, everybody stared at the most beautiful artwork they'd ever seen. An intricate wreath of flowers was on top, ringing the Furious Five, Po, and Shifu. The back was a garden scene with a peach tree front and center, and carved on its bark was the symbol for 'family.' Tigress's eyes welled with tears for the second time that day as she turned to gaze at Monkey.

"Another fan for saving you again," he said, winking.

"It was you the first time," she said.

"Yes," Monkey said. "You're lucky I was tailing you. Things would have been bad if I hadn't."

"Well, thank you. Where did you get such a beautiful fan?"

"A child by the name of Luli made it. I commissioned it for you two weeks ago."

"It's gorgeous," Tigress said, turning the fan over. "Thank you, Monkey."

Monkey tittered. "No problem, Yue," he teased cautiously.

Tigress snorted. "Yingyue," she retorted. "Yue is a nickname."

"Oh ho! Really?" Monkey asked.

"Yes, Lu Cong."

Monkey laughed. "I suppose that is fair," he said. "Viper, this is for you." He handed her the long, thin present.

Using swift, precise movements of her tail, she opened the package and unfurled a beautiful purple and pink ribbon connected to a small pole.

"A new dancer's ribbon!" she gasped. "Oh, thank you, Monkey!" She took the ribbon in her tail and slithered off to the side to do a beautiful ribbon dance. When she was done with, she uncoiled herself and beamed at them.

"It's perfect! Thank you," she said, slithering back over and carefully wrapping the ribbon around the staff. "And since we're being honest, my name is Chunhua."

Monkey inclined his head. "Nice to meet such a beautiful girl," he teased. Picking up the oddly shaped bundle, he slid it over to Mantis. "Here you are."

Mantis opened the package and gave a delighted chirrup. "Kite materials!"

"Some of the finest," Monkey said.

"I'll get started as soon as we're home. There's plenty of materials here. I'll probably make more than one. Thanks, Cong." He paused and considered for a moment then said, "Xiaobo."

"Ha! Good one!" Monkey exclaimed. Sliding the last bundle over to Crane, he explained what was in there. "I know you like a good story. There are some of my shorter ones in there. About my life. I'll add to it later."

"Now I'm interested in that one," Shifu said.

"Thank you," Crane said, inclining his head. "And I'm Baiping."

"Well, you are out of presents," Shifu said. "But I have one for you." Pulling a rolled scroll out of his robe, he handed it to Monkey. "This is rightfully yours."

Monkey had never thought to hold the document in his hands. He unrolled it and scanned the text, his heart thundering in his ears. It was a contract, signed by Fu and awaiting the purchaser's signature to be complete. Shifu reached into his pack and pulled out a quill and an ink bottle.

"It only needs your signature. And you're your own person."

Reaching out a trembling hand, he picked up the quill and dipped it into the ink. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves and his hand, he signed his name. Blowing on the ink to dry it, he pushed the contract over to Shifu, who picked it up. Blinking in surprise, he jerked the paper down.

"Your name is Lu Cong," he said.

Monkey shrugged, keeping his eyes on the table. "There is no proof of that."

Tigress took the paper. When she saw what Monkey had written, she smiled.

"I would like a brother," she said, nudging him.

Setting out the contract, they all could plainly see that instead of Lu Cong, Monkey had written in Guan Cong. He had taken Shifu's surname.

"It's your present, if you want it," Monkey said softly.

Shifu watched Monkey for a moment then gave a rare, gentle smile. "I would be honored to have you in my family, Cong. Welcome."

Cong smiled, but before he could respond, Po shoved him lightly. "Where's my present?"

The door opened and food was carried in. Po's eyes shone with delight. There were steamed buns and dumplings, rice noodles, wheat noodles, broth, steamed and fried vegetables, and bowls full of rice.

"This is your present, Po," Monkey replied, picking up his chopsticks. "This is the best food you will get in this city. Enjoy!"

As they filled their plates, they all began to talk and laugh. Monkey took the scroll that proclaimed his freedom, and he carefully stowed it in his pack. He turned back to the meal and raised a cup of wine.

"To friends and family!" he called.

They all lifted their cups. "To friends and family," they repeated.

And it wasn't the wine that warmed his insides.

And that's the edited version of Blood Money. Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think. :)