Just a warning. The second POV is between Mei Ling, Crane, and of course, a certain omnipotent Master. Enjoy!


The day of the try-outs was bright and sunny. Clouds dotted the bright sky. Leaves seemed to float upon a sea that was the gentle breeze. A breeze that managed to whistle through Crane's feathers. It was peaceful.

The exact opposite of Crane. He was a nervous wreck. Doubt filled his every thought. He hadn't seen Mei Ling all day, which only added to his list. What if he couldn't run the course? What if the warden refused to let him try out? What if his wing suddenly gave out?

As Crane flew quickly to the training and landed behind a wall. Hiding there he mulled it over quietly. He had promised Mei Ling. He had promised himself too. He owed this to himself, to try to change his life.

Ever since he had arrived at the Academy, Crane had wished for a chance. A chance to make something of himself! Of course, it wasn't truly his place to become a student. The warden had fought for him to live at the temple, ever since Crane had become orphaned. The warden had taken him in and put him to work. Slave laboring working-my-ass-of-every-minute work! And unless I do this the rest of my life will be the same dammit! It's my time! I can do this!

With a large, steadfast smile Crane turned the corner…to see a large rhino fly through the air. Crane's bill dropped open. Well, there's always next year.

Crane heard the warden yell, "Pathetic! Next!" Crane gulped air. If that giant warrior couldn't get through the course, how would a weakling like Crane do it? But then something struck Crane like a hammer on a nail.

There stood Mei Ling, obviously watching the failures, and waiting. Waiting for him. She slammed a fist to her forehead in disappointment. She dragged it down her face. Crane planned to sneak out of the grounds. She wouldn't say anything to him for letting her down, but he could live with that. Painfully, but he could.

However, when a smile lit up her face, he knew she had seen him. He groaned as she ran towards him like an excited pup. "Crane! I'm so glad you're here! My try-out was rough but these bums are pathetic! Here's the line, you got here just in time! Show 'em how it's done!"

Crane smiled weakly, "Yeah…about that…I, uh-"

Mei Ling smiled and cut him off, "I can't wait to train with you Crane! It'll be amazing!"

Joy, sorrow, and disappointment lit Crane's face. Joy because Mei Ling actually wanted to train with him, to be with him. Sorrow because he was going to let her down. Disappointment because of how close he could have got with Mei Ling.

Then something popped up in his mind. You are not sure of yourself, nor do you believe in yourself. You must believe Crane. Promise me you will believe. Crane had to believe. In himself, his training, and his mind.

But then as a bull walked into the arena, he was knocked down immediately by a flying log. The floor opened up and the bull screamed in pain and frustration.

Crane gulped again. "Pathetic! Not one of you can do this course!" And it was true; Not one could reach the red flag.

Crane then heard someone shout out, "Wait! There's one who can!" Mei Ling. She pointed towards him.

"Crane?" The warden yelled in surprise.

They all started laughing. The students, the new and old, the warden, even a few onlooking Masters.

He heard taunts; "Oh, what skinny legs!", "Good one Mei Ling!", "He's so…Hehehe…small…hahaha!!!"

Amusement and mock filled their eyes.

Fear, sorrow, and grief filled Crane's eyes. Mei Ling's were filled with the same thing…that and apology.

She had embarrassed him, made people laugh, and destroyed whatever reputation he didn't have.

"I'm so sorry" She said quietly.

He looked at her, a grim darkness to his face for a short moment as the warden told him to start cleaning the leftover teeth. Then he awkwardly smiled and said, "Psshaw, its fine."

He began sweeping, "If I could think of one word, it would be…fine" He said sorrowfully.

Mei Ling looked down at her feet for a moment. This was her fault. She never should have gotten him into this.

Crane, pitying himself as he swept along was…not paying attention. Little did he notice the yellow line he had crossed.

The warden's laughter died down and Mei Ling had decided to apologize to Crane, whom she had caused so much trouble for. But when she looked up she saw he had wandered off. Right into the obstacle course.

She stepped forward as the first trap sprung; a duo of wooden warriors. Crane had dodged one and blocked the other with his broom. And he had done it perfectly.

Crane felt a deep feeling in the bottom of his stomach. But it wasn't fear. It wasn't panic. It was something he hadn't felt for years.

Confidence.

Mei Ling looked at him, proud, hopeful, and awed. She nodded approving and impelling him to do what he had trained himself for.

Crane gave back a confident smile and advanced through the course. He blocked another set of Wooden Warriors. The ceiling was cut low, along with holding three swinging logs, keeping him from flying. But Crane didn't need to. All he needed was his dexterity, his intelligence, and his confidence.

He beautifully dodged every warrior, every trap.

He did a graceful jump, giving his momentum to his wings. A wooden log swung down, but time seemed to slow for Crane. He bent perfectly around it. Before he knew it, he had landed right by the flag.

He grabbed it victoriously and took the exit (thankful not to have to go back through the deadly traps), where Mei Ling waited. He brought the flag to her, seeming to ask for her approval.

She smiled and grabbed his wing, waving it in the air, showing that the least likely hero, the small, skinny janitor, had become a Kung Fu Warrior.

On a walkway overlooking the arena, a familiar turtle smiled.

"You have done good Crane. The only person you needed confidence from, was yourself, my friend."

Don't worry; I'm not done with this series yet. I'm going to tie in how Crane got to the Jade palace. But, hoped you liked it! Fly On!