Chapter 29

Shifu awoke with a start, to find shadows standing around him, but before he could jump to defense, he was stopped by a voice. "Are you alright Master?" Po asked, reaching out to help him up. Shifu nodded tiredly, before he took up on the panda's offer.

"Just tired..." He replied. It was more than that. There was whirl of scenarios running through his head throughout the whole night, none of which he ever wanted to share...

There was a shifting in the background them, and when Shifu moved his eyes towards the sound, Po gladly stepped to the side, grinning to himself. Rubbing his eyes tiredly, Shifu squinted hard, before blinking in shock.

For the first time, Tigress sat up without assistance, or audible signs of discomfort. The bump came into full view, which she cradled protectively as she stood up. Despite to frightful sight of her thinning composure, everyone watched on with wide smiles at the quicker pace she moved towards the red panda, though it started off wobbly. Could you blame her? She had been bedridden, off her feet for some time. "Mast-"

"My daughter..." Shifu felt his heart flutter, his chest rising as he inhaled through his nostrils, and exhaled with a happy sigh. He gestured her closer, and when she knelt down, he wrapped his arms around her neck. "You're alright..." He whispered, feeling her close in the hug.

"We knew they would be." Monkey spoke as he, Woo, Mr. Ping, Li, Crane, Viper, Mantis, Tigro, Lotus, and Chang came in.

Monkey scooped Chang up in his arms, who immediately nestled into the instant warmth. The little monkey chattered softly as Tigress pulled away from Shifu, smiling at Monkey as Shifu placed a paw on her stomach. Mr. Ping's felt his wings cradle his head, and Li watched on with pride, both equally ready to cry at the evidence that their daughter-in-law, and grandchild were safe.

There was a small movement from inside, but Shifu couldn't think of it anything else but agreement. Jasmine felt Shang move closer to her, and she immediately turned to face him, whispering something in his ear. Shang nodded at her, and they quietly moved out of the room as the Masters closed in and hugged their dear friend.

Woo moved forward, a smile stretching across his face. "You never lost faith my dear..." he placed a hoof on top of Tigress' paw once everyone pulled away from her, patting it gently.

Shifu was passed his crutches, and he hobbled over to Tigro and Lotus, who stood to attention. "I believe I haven't given enough credit for all the hard work you put in while your mother wasn't well..." the twins eyed one another suspiciously. "It's hard to see someone so important to you so poorly... but you dealt with it amazingly. I'm proud of you." He extended one arm, and they ran into his hug. Both were just about the simultaneous height as he was, and who knew how long that would last...

Both cubs smiled into the hug, staring at their mother and father excitedly, while Tigress rested her head on her husband's shoulder, glowing.

"As much as I hate cutting through these tender moments..." he said bluntly, looking around to note that his words were catching everyone's attention. "I have word from the village hospital..." Inhaling sharply through the nose, he stared Shifu down. "Tai Lung has woken up, and is stable." Immediately everyone looked at one another. "I believe it's time to bring him up here."

Tigress stood up. "We can go down now and transfer him." Woo nodded, and offered to keep an eye on the children if the other Masters wanted to follow suite. Lok, Yuki, Yumi and Jun were down in the village, helping out in anyway they can to keep the villagers minds from having Tai lung in constant thought. The aftermath of the raid, thankfully, resulted in the one building being damaged, and they were working alongside the villagers to fix it up, while the Master's were on patrol around the Valley, and the Palace.

"Could we come and see him too?" Lotus asked, morning towards his brother and Chang.

Tigress shook her head. "No sweetheart... I'll need you three to help Jasmine set up a bed up here for Tai Lung for me, alright?"

She never saw him after the incident, and while she was up here, meaning to worry about her own health, her mind was plagued with the thoughts of Tai Lung not pulling through, Sapphire not knowing the truth... this unnecessary stress brought her health to what seemed closer to irreversible damage. She was unsure what her reaction was to see him again, and the last thing she wanted was them to see the extent of his external injury.

The three boys nodded obediently, while Shifu was about to argue that she should rest, but he would've been a fool to not see that she was sick of that.

Tigress twisted her focus towards the red panda, they exchanged firm nods, and Po grasping her paw, the all the Master's walked out of the room. They were just passing the kitchen, where Tigress caught a glimpse of Shang and Jasmine, in a tight embrace. "Wait," Tigress said, pulling Po backwards by two steps, meeting everyone else at one specific spot, and looked in...

"I'm going to be a dad!" He declared, spinning Jasmine around. Tigress immediately smiled while the others looked at one another in shock. "Why didn't you tell me before?" he whispered, pulling away and gazing down at her stomach. He looked like he had seen a ghost as he sank into a chair, holding his head.

"I didn't want you stressing about me too, I'm sorry..." Jasmine had tears running down her cheeks, but her smile was so wide from her husband's reaction to even give a damn. They embraced again through their shaky laughter when he stood up again, and when she opened her eyes again during the hug, she gave a surprised 'Oh!' when she noticed the Masters.

Shang spun around, grinning when he heard them clap and Tigress folded her arms, smirking. "Y-you knew about this, didn't you!?" He tried to be angry, but he couldn't overcome the shock.

"Maybe..." Tigress rolled her eyes towards the ceiling, still keeping the smirk on her face. "Does this mean I'm going to be an auntie?" Shang nodded excitedly, pulling his little sister, and his wife into a massive hug. The others, barring Shifu, joined in on their own accord.

Shifu stared on with a smile, before he hobbled closer when they pulled apart. He then bowed his head respectfully, stuck in this motion as he continued to talk; "Son, I am forever in you and you wife's debt for saving my daughter..."

"Anything," Shang wrapped an arm around Tigress' shoulders.

"We'll also need you to come with us." Po informed them that Tai Lung was going to be transferred to the Palace. "Could you give him another once over before we get him moving? Just to make sure he's okay?"

"Well..." Shang seemed hesitant, meeting his wife's gaze. She said nothing, and just raised her eyebrows , pushing her head forward slightly in encouragement. "I guess..." he glanced at Tigress next, who just had a look that spelled out 'agree'. "... I better give the bigger brother another check over before he is discharged." It took a lot to say those two words... but it felt good once they came out.

There was a series of knocks on the door. Tai Lung opened his eyes slowly, slightly ticked off. As Sapphire was sleeping with her head nestled into his neck, she immediately sensed the vibration echoing from his throat, and into a tiny gruff, which woke her up, her ears flicking. He instantly regretted his actions as she moved to sit up. "You can go back to sleep." He suggested, with a brush of disappointment on his tongue. He just had his arms holding her as close as he could after being apart for so long...

"No it's alright, I'll get it." She said, before strolling towards the door, yawning tiredly. Waiting for her to reach the doors, he exhaled softly, and closed his eyes. He was sitting up slightly, but other than that he was like a stranded turtle. He couldn't move his legs for some reason, not like he planned on going anything anywhere. Sliding the door open, she jumped back in surprise, causing him to sit up quickly, before he roared out in pain. He hunched forward, his paws pressing heavily atop of one another over the wound. The pain was so strong he felt sick...

"Easy!" A voice laughed, causing the snow cat to temporarily glare at the source, before realizing it was Shang. "Lie back down so I can redress the wound, and check that you didn't tear the stitches." He walked in, with Sapphire watching with her back against the wall just by the door frame. The tiger collected his tools from beneath the bed, pulling back the sheet far enough to expose the bandage, humming all the while. As he took out the scissors, Sapphire went to slide the door shut, to avoid any passers from peeking in, but she yelped when a black mass turned the corner to enter. Shang stopped to turn and see the issue, while Tai Lung was ready to hop out of the bed and defend, no matter what state he was in...

"Visitors!" A familiar voice cooed, and Sapphire stepped back a little uneasily. All the Masters piled into the room. Sapphire edged to the side, watching them all crowd around Tai Lung's bed in a massive cluster.

"How are ya feeling buddy?" Monkey sauntered right beside Shang, folding his arms loosely. Tai Lung was already a little... taken aback, when they came in with big smiles, but this was even more surprising.

"Good to see you alive and... somewhat, kicking." Crane commented, while Mantis climbed along his chest, watching the bandages being cut critically.

"You hungry bud?" Po presented a bowl of dumplings.

"OK let's not overwhelm him..." Viper urged, slithering up to Monkey's side. "Just relax sweetie..."

"Uh..." he wasn't sure what to say, and when he looked around the room, trying to gather the words, that's when he saw her. "Tigress?" He gasped. Sapphire's ears picked up the name, unsure how she could have missed her. The striped feline stood by Po, small and visibly shaken... followed by Master Shifu.

Great. Sapphire thought bitterly, averting her gaze by cupping her paw by her eye.

Tigress neared him, sitting down on the side of the bed where Sapphire was sleeping. He rbody was facing Po, but her head was twisted towards the bed ridden leopard. Sapphire took the time to close over the doors, after inspecting the halls for any more by standers.

Immediately, they locked eyes, and Tigress brought a paw to his face, slowly planting against his bruised cheek. "How... are you feeling?" His voice was still hoarse.

"I'm fine..." She sighed. "I was so worried about you..." She whispered, her thumb caressing his cheek. It was strange for everyone, excluding Po, to see this, but it was touching to see another piece of evidence to see how close the two truly were.

"Heh..." Her ears flicked at the sound. "No wonder you look awful..." Rolling her eyes, she playfully punched him on the arm. "AWK-" his other paw found its way to the area she had just punched him, glaring at her. "Great, you killed it. Add another injury." She just laughed, shaking her head at him.

"We were all worried," Shifu stated. Tai Lung moved his gaze to the red panda, who leaned forward and whispered, "the chances of this leaving a scar is greater than you walking away bruise free." There was something different; everyone had the same look on their faces. Such grins and gentle gazes would mix to make one word...

Shang applied a wet rag to the wound, causing Tai Lung to hiss a little. "At the same time, it's what us big brothers do best..." he flashed a smile to the snow cat, who just blinked at him in confusion. "Always find a way to worry the women silly... am I right?"

"Uh... yes?" His eyes went so big, he heard everyone else laugh, and soon joined in with a stiffened chuckle. Sapphire smiled softly, before moving in towards them. Everyone turned to her movement, and smiled at her. She smiled back almost shyly, before Tigress stood up and the two stared at one another. Sapphire didn't wait for her to open her arms entirely, and ran into them. Latching onto her, the young leopardess buried her head into Tigress' shoulder, heart in her throat. Nothing was said, it didn't need to be...

Shang cut short to concentrate on the wound, Sapphire stood by Tigress, watching intently as he asked Po, Monkey and Crane to help Tai Lung sit up slowly once he was done. They did so, as gently as possible, although the snow leopard groaned a little with the pain and stiffness. He cussed once or twice under his breath, and Sapphire had to laugh as he felt his feet touch ground for the first time. His ears flickered at the joyful, matured sound, and just smiled in her direction.

"What's so funny?" Tigress asked.

"You'd swear he was an old man by the way he acts." She whispered.

"The cheek!" Tai Lung exclaimed as Shang began wrapping the bandage around his torso. "No respect for me is there?"

"Oh come on," Sapphire shrugged, grinning. "You're not that old..." before Tigress moved her mouth to her ear.

"Yes he is." She whispered with a smirk.

"I can hear you!"

It took some time, but with Sapphire firmly gripping onto both his paws with her own, he took a deep breath.

"Ready?" She asked him, tightening her hold. He nodded, tightening his hold. "Right, on three." Shang and the others stood away from the bed. "One," Po had an arm around Tigress' shoulders, her head lolling against his chest as they watched. "Two," Monkey had his arms crossed. "Three."

Sapphire leaned back while taking a massive step in the same direction. Tai Lung was up, but wobbly. Hit hit the ground with one knee, and he gave out a shakened 'huh' when Sapphire looked at the other Masters for help. "Easy, easy..." Crane and Monkey were there to hold him up, while Shifu passed over a walking stick their way. When Tai Lung was stable on two feet, he glanced at the walking stick.

"Oh wow..." Tai Lung let go of one of Sapphire's paws, and wrapped his paw around the handle. Admiring the wooden craft, he suddenly noticed a mirror in the corner of his eye, in which he took a gander, seeing everyone watching their own parallel selves. "I'm definitely old if I need the likes of this..."

"You could pull off the rich man's stroll with the right foot work." Mantis joked, his pincers folding across his chest snugly.

"It'll just for a little while." Shang reminded him as the miniature staff touched ground.

"Until we get to the Palace steps, and then Crane can fly you up the steps at the very least." Added Monkey.

Tai Lung gave a little 'hm'. "Quite..." That meant they were walking through the village...

Everyone had that dreaded thought flowing through their mind. "If you two need more time..." Po suggested, while Tai Lung and Sapphire looked at one another.

Tai Lung tapped the ground with the wooden staff a few times, to test out the support of the walking stick, before Sapphire pulled away from him, avoiding eye contact with Shifu altogether when she noticed his gaze on her. "Questions need answering..." She answered, dragging her eyes towards the door. Gently clapping her paw on Tai Lung's back, she inhaled shakily. "Lets go."

Lok was just hoisting a crate of radishes towards Mr. Ping's restaurant when he heard audible gasps. Yuki and Yumi were placing a potted plant on a window sill when their ears picked up on a faint, but well timed tapping noise. Jun had just walked out from the corner of a building, when he froze, and stared, mouth slightly agape.

A sea of villagers formed at a specific spot in the village square, but all four of them could see why.

With the aid of his walking stick, Tai Lung took the lead, Sapphire second in command, and the rest of the Master's following them. Sapphire took her time to wander, and stared at all the faces who were poring into her every move. Some were watching her pace, some were watching her paws, some at her face at whatever angle they had access to, and some her posture. Bravely glancing back, little but often, Sapphire felt a paw on her shoulder. Turning her head, she saw it was Po. "You'll be okay..." he said softly, patting the area he had placed his paw on. Sapphire wasn't sure whether to agree with him, and barely nodded back at him.

Tai Lung was the exact same. At first he was trying to look straight ahead, but gradually, he was forced to looked around once a circle closed in on them all. Rabbits, Pigs, Geese, Ducks, Pandas... those poor kids who were with Sapphire when he wasn't... they were all staring.

He never thanked those four souls for sticking with Sapphire through it all, especially that Jun...

"Tai Lung..." Shifu was beside him when he looked down to find the source of words. The red panda's ears flicked once while he gestured towards the crowd around them. The snow cat just blinked at him, before glancing at Tigress, who nodded at him encouragingly. He inhaled, cleared his throat, but was interrupted before he could speak.

"I believe we are owed an explanation?" An elderly pig dressed in a simple brown tunic said. Sapphire blinked uneasily, and went to speak, but Tai Lung raised a paw to stop her.

"I got this." Tai Lung turned back to nod at her, before taking in another ounce of air. "The Master's Creed states; 'in the time of when one of darkness tries to better themselves, we ourselves must do all we can to assist'. Whether they like it or not, every Kung Fu Master must swear by it," without turning his head, he glanced behind him. "The Dragon Warrior and Master Tigress knew this, and agreed to help me in a lengthy journey that was of my own fault... redemption and reconnection." He closed his eyes briefly, and rose his head a little higher. "I came to find a way in that I could change, to be accepted... and apologize, for what I have done. Something that should've been done a long time ago." Another intake of air. "My actions destroyed homes, ruined lives, tarnished my name, and was the cause of relationships to become non existent."

Shifu and Tigress glanced at one another, while Sapphire eyed Tai Lung.

"I take all the blame, and I am more than happy to admit that. It is no one else's but my own selfishness. I should've known that there was someone else destined for such a high title as the Dragon Warrior. I should've known that my actions could've been different, and with these thoughts... came actions I hoped to have proved my determination. I looked all over China for my daughter..." he suddenly reached behind him and gripped her paw, while keeping his stance, eyes focusing equally on each face in the crowd. "But I always came back here to find peace. Through that time, I proved myself to Po and Tigress..." he turned around at long last, and smiled at the two, who in turn smiled back. "I met their sons, I got to know their lifestyle... and I gradually became more involved. Once every two months became more frequent... and that was when I felt that I was finally on the right path. The destination? I'm not sure..." his eyes downcasted to Sapphire, and his hold on her paw became a softer squeeze. "I have found my daughter after so long... but now it's up to you." He scanned the villagers, who looked at one another in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Asked a female goose.

"Do you want me here in the Valley? If not," a pain was growing in his side, so he applied weight onto the walking stick. Letting go of Sapphire's paw, he place his on the center of his chest. "It means I have more work to do... and I will do it elsewhere." They all exchanged glances again, and there was a wave of whispers as Tai Lung caught his breath. The Masters looked around at all the villagers, and then at one another, as if to hear each and every beat of their hearts.

Finally, a little bunny girl moved towards him, clutching her panda doll. She was tiny compared to Tai Lung's mass, so he knelt down as best as he could without causing anymore injury to himself. Her large brown eyes studied his face silently, allowing the rapid beating heart sounds fill his ears... before she bowed to him. I forgive you." She said.

He stared down at her.

"Me too." The girl's mother stepped forth, making the snow leopard look up at him. "You and your daughter helped the Master's fight the Alpha."

"And me." Said a pig. "You nearly died for us."

"And me!"

Soon, everyone around them was saying it, and there was chorus of applause. Tigress and Po smiled at each other, embracing as Tai Lung shakingly made it to his feet, watching all the eyes that were on him, cheering and clapping. He turned to the other Masters, who in turn bowed at him respectfully, and full of smiles. Shifu stepped forth, and smiled at the leopard's state of shock as Sapphire held him up with an embrace.

"Welcome home... Master Tai Lung."

And this chapter is finally done!

Hope you like everyone, please leave a review!

Next chapter is the last!

CIAO!