21

With Viper...

Ingredients: 2oz Green Star Anise, Red serum...

It was morning also, just in a different place. Viper made it home an hour before dawn, explaining to her parents the situation. They were wide awake, expecting her arrival at any hour, and her father, at first being very professional about it, commented it was awful to strike such an undeserving character such as Master Tigress, but then he realized how visibly upset his daughter was, he and Viper's mother held their little girl close.

"It'll be alright sweet heart." Hushed her mother. "They'll be alright..."

"I know it will... we just need to get the stuff to help."

"Leave the serum to me, my daughter. I'll send word for it immediately. You can get the Star Anise in the morning... now just get some rest. Your room is set up..."

And that's exactly what went down; Viper retired to bed, utterly, and understandably exhausted, and her father wrote a request for the serum. By morning, Viper slithered downstairs to join her family for breakfast. Her sisters welcomed her lovingly, eagerly asking about the others in the Palace. They knew not to ask about Tigress' condition, but asked about Tigro, Lotus and Chang, whom Viper always had a paragraph or two to describe their everyday achievements. "I got word on the serum," her father said, as her mother slaved over the stove. "They'll have it here by noon. In the meantime, you can rush to the village and get the other things you need."

"It's just Green Star Anise I need now Daddy," Viper said with a reassuring smile. Wiping her mouth daintily, she proceeded to pick up her cutlery. "Then Master Monkey will meet me here, and we'll catch up with Po to get to Gongmen City for the last few things we need to get once the serum arrives."

"And this will help her?" Her father didn't sound very sure. Her mother hissed at him warningly. "I'm sorry to sound like I don't believe it dear, but this has happened before to another warrior..."

"That was before the antidote was found!" Viper stated urgently, her eyes darkening with fear. "This will work... it had to..."

Viper's mother's whole demeanor changed seeing her daughter's thought were starting to turn against one another. One side was saying Tigress was going to be alright, and everything was going to run smoothly after that... and then the side that foretold more than several hundred dreadful, and sad outcomes that can step into the light of reality. "We will pray and pray for the brighter outcome Viper," one of her sisters piped up eagerly. "In fact, I'll light from incense right now!" And the bundle of younger snakes raced after the other sister, out of sight.

"I know Tigress," Viper said after a while. "Tigress will make it... and so will the baby." Before slithering away from the table, and out the door before her parents could come after her. They didn't go or shout after her, knowing she had to come back for the serum.

It was near to impossible to tuck away from the crowds in the village markets.

Everyone greeted her, and were more then happy to help her find the Anise. There it was in plain sight, she could've easily found it blind folded, but Viper was flattered that they were so eager to help her.

Viper eagerly took the bag, and paid her charge. "Thank you." She said to everyone who surrounded her, let alone the seller. Everyone smiled at her happily.

"It's not a spot of bother on our half Master Viper!" Sang a random wallah in pure delight. The very same wallah unintentionally crossed the line asking why she needed the Anise, so she, through the strength to not sweat buckets of nervousness, made up the best excuse possible;

"I need it to make a face mask." Viper was trying to smile sincerely through it, but many of the confused faces signaled one big warning; they weren't buying it. "It's only a face mask that snakes or beings with scaly skin can handle..." She may have gotten an odd gander or two from the villagers, however, it managed wriggle her way out of the crowd, and make her way back home, but slowly. Viper was still a bit upset about what her father had said...

"Vi?" the snake looked up; Monkey came running into the village, straight for her.

"Monkey!" She cried, slithering for him. As they closed in on one another, she waved the satchel in the air. "I-" She paused, and cupped one side of her mouth, and whispered; "I have the Anise!"

"The serum?" Monkey asked breathlessly. "And why are you whispering?"

"The villagers don't need to know... and my father said it'll be at the house by noon... wanna get some rest? We still have a few hours."

"Sure... shouldn't we send Po a message?"

"Do that at the house; we gotta be quick though, before the villagers see you; they'll get suspicious."

When they reached the house, Viper's mother ushered them in, telling them the serum arrived. They rushed to the kitchen to find the black vial sitting on the table, with Viper's father staring at it intently. "It's a relief to see you Master Monkey," Viper's mother praised in delight. "We understand the urgency of this visit."

"It's alright Mrs. Fang," Monkey assured her. "We got time to spare... have to send a message to Po... I need to catch my breath," his palm banged against his chest tiredly. "Then we'll make our way."

"Well if that's the case," Mrs. Fang slithered towards the tea set tucked under the kitchen window. "Allow me to make you both some tea. Besides, we don't get to see you all often... we'd love to be filled in on everything that's going on in the Palace... the good things, of course..."

So they did; about how the boys completed their basic talents in Kung Fu, the excitement of the baby despite what was going on... but Tai Lung was subtly mentioned; in the track of an old friend of Shifu's coming back to reconnect, as well as find a long lost relationship with his daughter. "It's not looking good," Monkey explained. "The girl isn't letting him in."

The Grand Viper gave the primate a sympathetic look. "All that is meant to be will come in it's own time my son. If it's to happen, it will happen..."

There was a knock on the door; quick, but heavy slams against the wooden frames ushered Mrs. Fang to slither quickly. Monkey leaned back a little, to catch a glimpse of whoever was knocking at the door. Because Viper's mother was a snake, he could practically see the knocker before hearing their voice when the door opened. Viper just pay attention, that is, until Monkey leapt up and cried; 'Mei Long!' That name made Viper's head spin so quickly she nearly fell over. They heard a familiar chuckle, and the old goat was welcomed in.

She definitely looked a lot older since their last encounter; her larger age caught u up her hunch, decrepit stand, her glasses still larger than life itself, and the same old smile. "Masters... I knew I wasn't seeing things!"

"What are you doing here?!" Viper gasped, grinning wildly.

"I just retired from working in the Orphanage, and where better to live than a village where its always looked after by an old friend?" Mei Long smiled at Viper's father, who smiled back at her.

"I've known Mei Long for a long time, but never got to see her until she moved here. She visits regularly, but never did she mention, working with you!"

Mei Long laughed as she settled down on a cushion, the one Monkey offered her. "I thought your daughter would've told you otherwise..." Mei Long patted Monkey's hands. "How is little Chang?"

"A strong, happy seven year old." Monkey replied with a smile.

"And what about Tigress' children?" Viper swallowed uneasily when she told Mei that they were doing well. "What's wrong my dear?"

"They're doing fine..." Viper drooped a little like a wilting flower. "It's just... Tigress and Po are expecting another baby... but Tigress is sick again. It's more serious."

Mei Long's hoofs caught her mouth before it had a chance to hang in the air. "What is there to do?"

"That's why we're not staying long," Monkey explained everything; the antidote, what has been found, and what still needs to be retrieved. He spoke while he quickly wrote Po a note, and Viper's mother called for two messengers. The Anise and vial were immediately sent back home, and a message to Po was also on the way. Mei Long and Viper's parents wished Viper and Monkey the best of luck, before the two started their journey again.

No sooner had Viper and Monkey left, a soft shadow was sneaking away from under the window where they all spoke. The black shadow started running as soon as they were out of an ear shot, once the windows of the Grand Viper's house were shut, and conversations continued within. "I knew something was up." He chuckled triumphantly at his trustful gut. Into the forest he was confided in the canopy, and there he met his fellow alliances, where he shared the information. They smiled almost sickly with glee. "Better tell the boss the good news."

Mantis was trying in everything he had to avoid both Shifu and Tigress after the commotion that went on the day before. However, dreams didn't come through this round; Shifu came looking for him before training started. "I'd like to ask you about the outburst you displayed towards a comrade yesterday Master Mantis."

"Outburst?" Mantis tried to act like he didn't have any notion of what Shifu was talking about, but the frown of the mighty Master cracked the insect quicker then he anticipated. "OK OK... I'm sorry."

Shifu leaned on his staff for support. "I'm not the one who needs to hear the apology."

"I know, but is it my fault I'm upset with her choice? No one else has the courage to tell her so!" He explained everything the old red panda probably already knew; Crane told him to leave her be, when he eyes could almost bleed with agreement, everyone's initial reaction to Tigress' reasons... and how they tried to cover it up. "I'll go apologize... but I don't want to lose a friend Master... I'm sorry for expressing how I feel."

When he expected to be scolded like a naught schoolchild, he was slightly taken aback when Shifu nodded at him. "You already know that we all feel the same Mantis... but Tigress' is the one who makes the choice... whether any of us like it or not. What she wishes for her child... unfortunately, must go."

The insect's frown grew heavier. "So Po has no say?"

"Not at all; he may have fathered the child, but he's not carrying the baby physically..." Mantis glanced off to the side, and watched Tigro and Lotus finishing up their training with Crane. They were a lot perkier than yesterday, but their body language gave away their concerns. When Mr. Ping and Li came to tell them they had to get ready for school, they ran for the medical wing doors, with Chang not far behind them. Knowing they were going to see Tigress before they set off, Ping and Li waited outside for them, and let the remaining Master's resume their routine. Yuki, Yumi, and Sapphire were mostly likely with Tigress at this point, Lok and Jun assisting Jasmine and Shang, and Tai Lung... Mantis couldn't care less what he was up to, even if he should do. "You may continue your training; you'll be with Tigress alone. Crane has errands to run."

Mantis was about to make his way back to his station, but something stopped him. "Is... this, everything that's happening now... is this why you weren't happy about the news of the baby?" Shifu just stared at Mantis blankly. "You saw this happening again?" He could remember the day like it was yesterday; Tigro and Lotus were bouncier than usual, and could barely keep still. What set everyone off was that they begged their parents not to send them to school yet... and Tigress told them they could take the day off! Upon questioning, that was when the words came out;

"Mama's pregnant! She's gonna have another cub!" Everyone was ecstatic; who wouldn't? Another baby! Shifu kept quiet, and just stared at the scene, eyes wide. When everyone turned to see his reaction he, of course, was smiling... but several days later, Woo came to visit... and he wasn't pleased. With the decency of awaiting the boys to leave, he gave in the 'rightful' say...

"We just got over the trauma of your illness!"

"It was seven years ago..." Po blinked with uncertainty.

"What if that were to happen again?!" Woo declared, with everyone glaring at him almost hatefully. Tigress said nothing, and just stared at him like the ones coming out were total nonsense.

"That's unlikely." She replied, and left.

The red panda sighed, and took a few minutes to find the right words to say. Mantis saw the gears turning in his head, and the words that could be on his tongue, but are thrown away. "Yes... same goes for Woo. It wasn't because I was unhappy about it, I'm thrilled they can bring another miracle into the world..." he voice said other wise. "We just asked them to consider a different path... for her sake, more than anyone else. I've seen her suffer enough that she can place a mask over it. Tigress has mastered the act of hiding... when no ones around, that's where she's likely to release."

Mantis' lips twitched to the side, before his head moved in agreement.

Tigress was just settling down into a seat by the window when Woo came in. He closed the door slowly, and stood there, hoofs collected against he stomach, unsure what to do. Tigress merely glanced at him, and just read a scroll Yuki dropped by, her grip tightening on the edges when she realized the contents of the scroll;

We have the Anise and Serum checked off the list, all we need now is the honey and coal beans.

We're almost there Ti, you and the baby stay strong for us... we'll be back in a few days. Mei Long wishes you well. We ran into her at Viper's hometown; she's retired and lives there now, and is in the safest of hands... or tails...

Just you and the baby remember that we love you, and to hang on! We're leaving for Gongmen city, we'll see Po there...

~ Monkey and Viper.

"I sense good news?" Woo said suddenly. Tigress rolled her eyes towards him, already vexed at his presence.

"Plenty- they nearly have all the ingredients."

"That's good..." Silence. There was a humming noise that Tigress couldn't identify, so she rolled up the letter to make some ounce of noise to rid the voiceless tune. Woo was gazing intently at her, his eyelids hanging slightly, and his posture straight. He shut the door, and Tigress' eyes focused on him briefly, before turning to face the window. Woo continued, while fiddling with something in his grasp. Looking down at it slowly, he inhaled slowly, before looking back at Tigress. "Here." Tigress turned, and he held out a golden locket. Reaching out slowly, he placed it in her paw. She allowed the chain slip through her claws, while the main eye attraction sat silently in her palm. "A gift to you..."

"Why?"

"Why else? You're going to be a mother again... and I'm always late giving presents." The feline's brows knitted together in suspicion, before moving the locket this way and that. "Open it." She found the clasp; inside was a ruby and emerald fused together like Ying and Yang. "If it's a girl, the baby will receive one just like it. But for now... this ones for you."

Tigress gazed down at the locket in surprise. "It's beautiful... thank you."

"My daughter has one just like yours, but it has a sapphire and garnet inside... it belonged to her mother, see."

Tigress' heart stopped. "I'm sorry to hear..." Tigress mumbled slightly, but her eyes showed her feelings inside. Woo smiled with gratefulness, until Tigress frowned a little. He sensed the question coming. "But your wife is-"

"My second wife... I think I was just looking for someone, in my dark place, to mother my children. I wasn't expecting to find love again..."

Tigress gazed at the ground unknowingly. "I had no idea..."

"I like to keep things private, see..." Tigress understood. "She was carrying my son, Ke-Lao... when she grew ill..." Woo reached towards the opening of his robe's sleeve, and pulled out a photo. Passing it to her gently, she held it like she was holding a baby. There was Woo, with expecting his wife, and young, excited looking daughter. "My daughter was like your boys; excited, telling everyone she was going to be a big sister soon... but gradually, she grew quieter about it when she saw her mother's condition." Tigress felt her paw settle on her mouth, her head shaking slowly. "My wife had to chance to say her goodbyes... and see her son, before she died..."

"So... she was the one..." Woo nodded.

"Yes... the only woman who grew ill post birth... but didn't make it." Tigress handed back the picture, clutching the necklace. "I'm not saying you won't make it... to see this child, as well as your other two excel... at the time we didn't have an antidote. But now... we do, and I don't want ti frighten you with my tragedy... instead I want you to have faith in this chance to see your children grow. They're good, strong kids... but even they need both their parents."

Tigress couldn't find the words, and just held her stomach. Woo didn't know what else to do, but delivered a soft smile when Tigress faced him again, eyes glistening. "I have faith." She replied.

Sorry for the long wait guys, hope you liked this chapter!

I'll update asap.