By the time Viper actually made it to Xiongxang, the rain had mostly cleared up, leaving an overcast sky and very muddy terrain. However, she was very pleased to see that the roads were cobblestone. She adjusted her pack over her small shoulders and lifted the hood to further hide her face. She was supposed to be undercover here, after all.

She and Shifu came up with the idea that she would remain incognito, in hopes of finding out some form of information about the nation's missing prince. She would just pose as a simple traveler, looking for work and, if available, information.

She pulled the small satchel of money from her pocket and made her way to the inn at the end of the main street. Around her, the markets were beginning to open during the break in the rain. Many people began scurrying about in cloaks like hers, trying to get ingredients for their meal that night. Viper easily dodged around them, her small size working in her favor.

She got a few strange looks when she entered the inn, but she was dismissed when they saw she meant no harm. The inn keeper gave her keys to her room and she dropped her stuff off. She then took out a small piece of paper ad glanced over it.

Shifu had given her a few words of wisdom, including the name of another master who was also there. He would be waiting in the local bar for her. She left the hotel and made her way back down the muddy street, dodging around merchants calling out their specials. She entered the pub just as a trickle of rain began again.

Towards the back, she saw the man she was looking for. Tall, dark-skinned, and built like a boulder, Master Wolf was a man to be reckoned with.

"Master Wolfe," he jerked his head up at her almost-silent words and looked her over with chocolate eyes, "I'm Viper, from the Valley." Recognition flickered in his eyes, and he gestured with a hand to sit across from him.

"I am glad you made it safely. Just in time, too. Parts of the border are freezing over." He sighed and took a sip of his drink. "I haven't been able to find out much information, you know. Most of the talk has been bar talk." He took a breath as her shoulders sagged. "Most of the villagers here identify themselves as Mongolians because many of them crossed the border from Mongolia to get better taxes. They don't identify with the Emperor, much less know what he looks like."

"Where are you going with this?" She asked him quietly with a frown.

"Rumor has it that Mongolian raiders came from the south in the middle of the night, apparently ladened with treasure. The Chinese Emperor seems to think that they didn't have treasure, but rather his son. That is why he threatens war with Mongolia." Her eyes scanned his face.

"You don't believe that?" It was more of a statement than a question.

"The same night that the raiders passed through, a man matching his description entered the inn with a lady friend." She leaned against the back of the seat, digesting.

"So, the Emperor is mistaken?"

"He doesn't think he is." Master Wolfe leaned against the seat, cupping his hands around his glass. "This is his youngest son, and his pride and joy. Liang may be next in line, but Ni Chang is the favorite. If the Emperor finds out that his son deserted the castle to be with a woman, it would tear his world apart." Her eyes cast down to the table as she thought.

"So should I speak with the inn keeper?" she asked him.

"Yes, that would be wise. Please, remember to stay under the radar. We do not want to upset the Emperor, or make him believe that the Master's Council is turning against him. Things could get out of hand." He shook his head and made to leave the table. She followed him out of the restaurant and he stopped just outside of the door. "I must return to Gongmen. If you should need any help, please send a scroll. Gongmen is closer than the valley. We can protect you if things go wrong here." He rested a large hand on her shoulder. "Stay safe." She nodded and he left her in the street.

She sighed, but something tickled the back of her neck. Her instincts told her not to turn around. Instead, she began walking through the market stalls, glancing at all of the products on display. She produced a few yuan and bought an apple. When she had the opportunity, she snuck a glance over her right shoulder. Leaning against the wall was a dark haired, vicious-looking man.

And he was watching her.

She averted her gaze quickly, and continued down the street, trying to keep herself from sprinting back to the inn. She browsed the stalls but didn't really look at anything. When she did enter the inn, she didn't go straight to her room. Instead, decided to talk to the innkeeper.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but," He turned to her from where he had been shuffling paperwork, "I'm looking for someone."

"Of course. What can I do for you lass?"

"My sister is convinced that her fiance is having an affair. He was supposed to be here to have fun with some friends, so she sent me to look for him." Viper pulled out the small copy of a painting of Ni Chang. She handed it to him and tried to look as innocent as possible while she lied through her teeth. "Have you seen him?"

He sighed, frowned, and then glanced back up to her. Her heart sank to her knees. "Truth be told, I am not supposed to reveal client information." Her shoulders fell." That being said," he scanned her face, looking for something, "I will help you." He put on a pair of spectacles and rustled through a stack of paperwork for a moment before finding what he needed." He came through several days ago and requested a room. He did have a girl with him." She cursed under her breath. He gave her a sympathetic look. "They stayed only a night or two and then left."

"Do you now which direction they went in?" She asked, looking hopeful.

"North. They must have gone further into Mongolia. I am sorry, dear." He shrugged, looking helpless.

"No, it's ok." She shrugged. "Like I said, my sister expected it. Thank you again."

She left the inn and sighed. Deciding to try and reach Master Shifu, she purchased some parchment from a local shop, as well as a pen, and wrote a letter to her Master. Once that was complete, she returned to her room.

She was going to change for bed when she felt it, that small, undeniable prickle on her neck. When she looked out the window, there he was, standing in the street.

And he was watching her.

A/N: So I think this goes without saying, but all characters belong to DreamWorks (except, of course, the characters that my small mind creates). I am saying this as a blanket statement for this entire story, because I really don't want to repeat it over and over again at the beginning of each chapter.

Next chapter, we will meet Liang.

Out. Peace.