A/N: Sup fanfictionites! Hope you all have been doing well. Me? Oh y'know. Procrastinating, listening to music, gaming, rocking out, etc. You know the drill. December has come and with it closes the first semester of the school year. Thanks to all of you who have written me and reviewed since last chapter, it means a lot. Too many folks to thank this time around to do shout outs, but you all know who you are. All right, without further ado! Chapter 9!

Disclaimer: KFP is owned by Dreamworks, all other characters and places I create are my own.

terms *:

dá- prefix for elders

gōng- prefix for respected person

Yín Fēng- "Silver Wind"

Ch. 9: Those Eyes...

"Tigress... how could this happen?"

"Po, get a hold of yourself. There is nothing we can do about it."

"No! Th-There has to be something we can do! How could anyone let this happen?" The panda stumbled forward; falling to his his knees as he gazed horridly at the empty structure before him. "It's just not fair."

Tigress felt as if she was going to permanently indent the bridge of her nose because of this ridiculous bear. If it were anyone else, she would have already inflicted copious amounts of pain on the individual in question. However, she had come to accept Po as Po, even though his theatrics tested her patience more than she would permit normally.

She approached the distraught panda, and stood behind him crossing her thick arms over her chest as she stared blankly at a sign which hung loosely in the center of the abandoned building's entrance.

It simply read: "Closed Indefinitely", and Tigress wanted to knock the large panda flat on his humongous posterior.

She growled inwardly, grinding her teeth as she desperately tried to hold onto her patience. "Po... it's a restaurant."

Po turned in shock. "It is not just a restaurant, Tigress. It's the Golden Wok!"

Tigress shrugged, "So?"

Po's eyes were darting about hectically as he turned back and to the vacant establishment, arms outstretched. "S-So, it's THE Golden Wok! The only other restaurant in all the province that can even come close to matching my dad's food recipes." He dropped his arms, feeling utterly defeated, "My dad always spoke so highly of this place when talking to customers who were going out of town on business. He never does that for any restaurant! I just figured we could stop in on this mission and enjoy some high quality food for a great price, but this– this is just unfair."

Tigress didn't dare let Po see the amused smile that crept onto her face just then; lest it ruin more for her large furry friend. Regaining her composure, she knelt beside him on the ground gazing at him with certainty. "I understand you are upset, Po. But the sooner we understand why the owners left their shop, the sooner we can get them to come back. Then we can have your Golden Wok noodles. Alright?"

Po nodded reluctantly to himself before picking himself off the ground. Tigress joined him as the panda straightened himself out; puffing out his chest slightly with a determined stare. "Let's do this." Without another word he and the tiger master marched into the center of Héping.

o

/|\

Try as they may, the Kung Fu duo found it extraordinarily difficult to obtain any useful information. However, it was not as though they had no one to question. It was quite the opposite; compared to the restaurant they had travelled from, the rest of the town was in a chaotic state. Hundreds of families filled the crowded hub bearing children as well as basic essentials for travel and safe repose. Some were resting along the sides of the street with their piles of belongings; others were vying for shelter in the homes of the local residents or inns who had already reached full capacity. Even in all the hectic activity one thing was certain: Something had these citizens in a panic.

The pair of masters maneuvered amongst the masses as spirits; ignored and mute to all those around them. Comprehending the fragile state of the people Tigress decided they should approach their information gathering with care and caution. This would be easier said than done.

For hours, the two warriors tried desperately to gather useful intel. Even Po, who prided himself on his gentile nature, was getting frustrated with the lack of cooperation from these people. He pulled out all the stops; casual nudges, broad smiles, puppy eyes, even (much to Tigress's shame) ludicrous dancing, and even Po considered that a last resort. No one was willing to speak with either of the masters, and eventually they reconvened in a small tavern on the northern edge of town.

Po burst through the front entrance of the tavern sending unwary two pigs falling to the floor in fright. Tigress followed the irritated panda inside, pausing to calmly help the poor pigs off the ground. Bowing in thanks for her kindness they quickly left the establishment, but not before glaring daggers towards Po's back.

Tigress gazed softly at the bear as he plopped himself down in a chair at the nearest table. It had been a while since she had seen him this agitated. After surveying their surroundings, she joined Po at his table and prepared herself for the rant she knew was coming.

Like a broken dam, words cascaded from the panda's mouth. "I can't believe no one would talk to us! You think people would actually want us to help with whatever is going on, but no; for some reason nobody is freakin' willing to cooperate with us. Who wouldn't want to talk to us? I'm really super nice and you're really super–well... you. This silent treatment sucks, and why in the heavens haven't our drink orders been taken yet?!"

At the outburst an old crane came out from the kitchen entrance behind the tavern bar. The avian was meticulously polishing a glass as he moved smoothly in front of the large assortment of lustrous drink ware collected on the back wall. Quietly inspecting his work he carefully replaced the immaculate cup in the single empty space on the wall before turning his attention to the bar itself. Stuffing the first cloth in his waist apron he removed a second darker piece which he laid upon the surface of the aged wooden counter. With silent grace the new cloth danced along the dull wood leaving a sparkling trail in its wake. The crane continued this seemingly mundane task with a certain elegance and pride that may have gone unnoticed by most customers. However, Master Tigress recognized the skill and tact displayed in these simple actions. This crane was a master of his craft, and this tavern was his temple.

About halfway down the bar the old bird finally seemed to notice the new customers seated in the center of the establishment. A weary smile tugged at the corners of his beak and he paused his current efforts. "Well now, a fine welcome to you young folks. How may I help you today?" His voice was gravelly and worn from age, but there was still a spark of youth and spirit behind each syllable.

Tigress nodded politely, "Good afternoon, dá*. We would like to order some drinks, please."

The tavern owner's head bobbed as he quickly swept two clean glasses from the back. "What'll it be, miss?"

"I'll just have some water, thank you."

The old man eyed Po curiously, "How about you, big fella?"

Po's head was buried in his large black arms in frustration. Without raising his head to look he waved one of his paws in a dismissive manner, refusing to sit upright at this moment. Tigress could not believe Po's unconscionable behavior. "The child will have the same."

Po shifted enough so his jade eyes could meet the tiger's. That last little stab from his companion stung, but he refused to show it and stared defiantly into her stern eyes. The avian watched with amusement as the two interacted before bringing the two empty cups to the nearest water basin beneath the counter. Hitting the tap on a connected nozzle the water gurgled as it filled the two empty containers. Hearing the sound of the running liquid the two masters ceased their staring contest and formed a momentary truce once they realized how parched they truly were.

With both glasses full, the crane strode over to their table and gently placed the beverages next to each customer. His cool eyes darted from the tiger to the panda and he chuckled softly to himself as he rose after delivering the refreshment. He nodded with satisfaction, like a strategist content that his newest plan would bring victory. He turned and headed back towards the bar.

Tigress did not wish to feel ungrateful and spoke, "Thank you for your hospitality, gōng*."

The crane laughed as he turned the corner of the bar and grabbed his rag, "Such respect shown to a humble old tavern man." His throat bounced visibly with each hearty chortle, "It's a rare treat to come across youth who value tradition and honor in this day and age."

Tigress took a small sip from her glass cupping it delicately with both paws. "Respect is given where it is rightfully due, no? Most knowledge often comes from those who lived before us."

The crane placed a wing on the counter and leaned towards the pair casually, "Lovely, polite, and scholarly." He turned his attention to the panda who had straightened up from his sullen posture and went to work gulping down the contents of his glass. "Yet, such odd taste in companions."

Po stopped inhaling his drink midway removing the glass from his face. His cheeks bulged from the large amount of water he poured into his mouth and he glanced between Tigress and their host perplexed. "What?" was the word the panda tried to utter, but all that came out was a muffled grunt. Tigress shook her head with slight embarrassment.

The old bird looked more amused than offended by the bear and he continued shining his countertop. "While your respect is most appreciated, young miss, there is no need for such formalities here. I am just delighted to have some lively company grace this hall during these strange times."

Tigress nodded appreciatively, "You are most kind." Po managed to swallow every last drop of liquid, wiping his mouth with satisfaction.

Po's now moistened lips curled up at the welcomed hydration. "Ah man! Yeah we really appreciate it, old timer." Tigress gave Po a reprimanding stare which he neglected to take note of as he continued speaking. "It's really great to drink something this cool and refreshing, especially after a long trip."

Unfazed by his lack of etiquette the tall avian smiled kindly. "Oh really? Where are you two traveling from?"

His spirits rekindled by prospect of actual conversation, Po continued to happily engage the crane with banter. "Oh, we started out of the Valley of Peace a few days ago. We're on our way to Lìrùn."

"The Valley of Peace?" The crane stopped polishing the counter, his eyes gazed at his two customers before he smiled and went back to work. "If that's the case, then I'd wager you folk must be masters at the Jade Palace."

Po's eyes widened with glee. "Whoa! How did you know that?"

He continued to smile and gave a slight shrug. "Ah you don't need to be a soothsayer to figure these things out, son. Bengal tigers are rare around this part of China, pandas even more so." He ceased his labors and took a step back from the counter to admire his handiwork. The bird then walked out from behind the bar, grabbed a nearby chair and placed it down next to the two masters at their table. Tigress watched every moment the avian made intently, growing increasingly more curious of their benevolent host. "Besides, everyone in China knows about the exploits of the Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five by now. You've all made quite the name for yourselves these past couple of years. Especially you, Dragon Warrior."

Po chuckled and scratched the back of his head, the unexpected adulation getting to him. "It's nothing really; just doing what we do as Kung Fu masters, y'know?"

"Indeed. Gods know we need more people like you helping to protect this land. You give lots of folks hope and courage when times seem their bleakest; keeps them content." He glanced out the doorway as a troupe of children ran past squealing happily, numerous familiar phrases and Kung Fu sound effects echoed through the streets. "Plus, you give kids good role models to look up to. They are the future, after all."

Tigress noticed his eyes connect with hers with his last statement. She felt something fill her chest and stomach, a rare sensation she did not receive often. He must have noticed her reaction because the old bird gave her a wink and a small smile. She looked down at her glass and directed her gaze towards her reflection in the cool still surface of her beverage.

Regaining her composure she redirected her attention to their host. "You honor us with your words. However, it shames me that you are so familiar with our positions and we know next to nothing about you."

It took a moment for her words to clic,. "Oh, you must forgive me. In this town anybody knows everybody. I was wondering why you kept calling me 'old man'." He stood up abruptly to his full height. For an aged bird, he was still rather impressive to behold despite his simple open tan vest and pants. It was easy to see that he matched Po for height almost equally and his beak was a rich brown. The majority of the feathers which covered his body were a deep blue including his large wings. The only change in the pure plumage were the white feathers on his wings, that licked up his arms like fire, and his head. His cranium was divided by two sections of silver looking feathers that covered his crown and jowls, sandwiching the blue in the mid-portion of his head. The feathers on the top of his head extended backwards and formed what appeared to be cluster of curved silver spikes to the nape of his long neck. The section covering his jowls stretched the whole length down his throat and onto the lower portion of his chest, and once it ended it still reached further down off the bottom sort of like a long beard that clung to his frame. As far as an age estimation he looked to be about as old as Master Shifu, but he moved with such a youthful air he might appear to be only in his third decade. There could really be only one word that could summarize their host: Suave. The bird placed a wing to his silvery breast. "Yín Fēng* is my name. It is a privilege to meet and serve two such esteemed guests in my humble establishment."

Po looked up at the crane slightly embarrassed, "It's awesome to meet you! Thanks for the water, again. I really needed this." Tigress's inner analysis of the bird halted as Po spoke. The panda's informal way of addressing people they barely knew was beginning to drive her up a wall.

She was about to comment on this when Fēng interrupted, "No thanks is necessary, Dragon Warrior." He looked around and leaned forward slightly. "Frankly, I'm just happy to have some business and company today."

"You don't have to keep calling me Dragon Warrior, Fēng. My name is Ping Po, but you can just call me Po."

"Alright, Po. Then you may refer to may as Fēng, if you like. However," He raised a digit on his wing. "I like to think I'm pretty spry for my age. You keep on calling me 'old' I'll have to show you what I mean. Got it?" His grin was vicious even if it was meant in good fun.

Po laughed, "Yeah I gotcha. And this is Tigress." The tiger's eyes swept over to the panda, a sharp glint held in their stare. Po got the message. "Er-sorry. Master Tigress."

Tigress's eye returned to their usual state allowing the panda to relax. Their host chuckled heartily, "Well as I've said, It's a pleasure to serve you both."He glanced at the glasses on their table, "Speaking of which let me refill those for you real quick." Before they could say otherwise he was already behind the bar filling them at the tap.

Po turned to Tigress, his face bright and chipper, "He could teach Shifu a little about being more relaxed, huh?"

Tigress rolled her eyes, "Po, you're comparing Grand Masters to tavern owners now? Really?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. Master Shifu can be a strict teacher, but he knows so much when it comes to life, harmony, and balance. And when I look at Fēng..." They glanced over to the bar and saw the elder crane at work. The way he moved about the tavern was as graceful as a dance and as flowing as river water. The control he demonstrated in each menial task was masterful in its execution. Tigress rarely had a chance to view this sort of thing outside the Jade Palace. Po returned to his thoughts, "Fēng just seems so at peace and connected with everything around him. It's almost like–"

"It's almost like this tavern is his Jade Palace." Tigress interjected, a small smile tugging her lips. She gazed at Po knowingly, surprise coloring his expression. "You surprise me everyday, Po. I had no idea you had caught on to that yourself."

He smiled triumphantly, "Give me some credit, Tigress. I may not be a total master of them basics like you or the rest of the Five, but I've dealt with people all my life. Understanding how a person works; that is my biggest strength." He suddenly realized how awkwardly he had been staring at her and averted his gaze. "I mean... you said so yourself."

Tigress nodded agreeably, "Yes it is, Po." She looked back to Fēng. He must have realized they were talking and had taken to removing a smudge off of on one of his tap nozzles. She glanced back at Po who wore a confused expression, seeing as she herself looked conflicted by something. She opened her mouth to speak, "Still–"

"So," Tigress was a little surprised when Fēng suddenly appeared right next to them, setting the glasses in front of each of them. Po immediately snatched his up and greedily began downing it. "I'm going to surmise that whatever brought you two here has something to do with our recent population explosion. Any truth to that?"

Po's eyes shot wide open and he began choking on his water, causing him to spit out what was in his mouth onto the floor. Tigress was taken aback herself before Po let loose the torrent of water from his mouth. This tavern owner was extraordinarily intuitive, which the tiger master found very peculiar.

Instead of investigating further she decided to be polite and give him his answer; as well as shedding light on their current mission. "If you know anything about what has been happening it may help us protect many lives."

"That so?" Fēng nodded slowly and sat down again, this time turning the chair around and resting his wings on the back. "To tell you the truth I don't know exactly what's going on, myself. And usually I get all manner of gossip running through these halls. You know something troublesome is going on when no one will risk talking about it idly."

Po scoffed, "You're telling me. We've been trying to get information all day long and haven't gotten zilch. There are hundreds of people in this town, right now. You'd think someone would want help with whatever this is."

Tigress nodded, "We need more information than what we've been given. We would be indebted to you for your assistance." Her eyes quietly pleaded with his; he was their only hope at this point.

The navy colored bird scratched the back of his head in thought, no doubt uncomfortable under the tiger's raw gaze. He sighed heavily and his beak to speak, pausing slightly beforehand. "Before things started getting strange around here we received news of a criminal who had exterminated an entire village single handedly south of the Yangtze a few months back. Murdered everyone in the town." Po and Tigress looked at each other apprehensively. No such news had ever been reported to Master Shifu or the Jade Palace. It took the two masters completely by surprise.

Fēng shook his head solemnly, "Apparently a southern noble issued a warrant for his arrest or execution and a total man hunt has ensued from the Yangtze to the Wall. I heard the news when a mercenary band came through looking for him about a week ago. Tough looking bunch, too; armed to the teeth. The worst of 'em, a large ox, was interrogating folk left and right, searching for him. They eventually left, but the town was in an uproar afterwards."

Po's mood had visibly darkened since Fēng began, "Who is this guy?"

The bird gave a small shrug. Po and Tigress watched as he stood up and walked over to the bar. Grabbing a glass from the shelf he floated over to another large barrel where he filled his cup with a clear brown liquid. "They didn't have a name for him. I suppose the lord didn't feel giving out his name was necessary; that or monsters just don't have names. However, the mercs and province guards have taken to calling him something."

Tigress's body was tense with anticipation; her eyes glistening dangerously. She almost had the name of her prey. "What do they call him?"

Fēng poured the contents of his glass into his beak, swallowing slowly. "They call him Yingzi Èmó; the Shadow Demon."

The air in the room was heavy. Po felt himself struggling to sit up straight. Why didn't they know about this monster weeks ago? If what Fēng said was true, then this atrocity took place way before they went off to Gongmen to stop Shen. How could something so terrible be hushed for so long. Why only now? Why were things coming to a head now?

Tigress saw how the news ate away at Po, and she wanted nothing more then to comfort him. Aside from Shen's massacre of his people, Po had never been exposed to anything quite like this. Mass murders were never hot topics of discussion in the Valley. If such a crime was ever committed, generally the Imperial Army would hunt down the perpetrators. On the occasion they needed assistance with their hunt, specially trained masters would be called upon to help in the search. She herself had been called upon once for such an act. But this had happened months ago, and no word had been sent. What's more, the army wasn't even looking for him. The situation was all sorts of distorted.

Tigress shook herself from her thoughts and her attention returned to the old tavern owner. He appeared to be waiting patiently whilst the news sunk in. "Fēng, we appreciate you telling us all of this. This news is.. disturbing, and definitely warrants the attention of the Master's Council. But–"

"How are one outlaw and the hundreds of families camped out in Hépíng related?" Fēng was thoughtfully rotating his glass his wing, causing the contents to swirl. Tigress nodded slowly, so the old bird set down his drink and earnestly looked at both of the masters. "Truth be told, I don't know myself. It started just a day after that merc band passed through here. At first it was just a couple of new folk showing up, then a few families, then a couple dozen families until it got to what it is now. All of them come from villages just south of Gold Valley. Something has got them so scared that they are leaving their homes and trade behind without a second thought. Most this town's residents have already up and left. Only a few of us were stubborn enough to stay behind."

Po finally decided to rejoin the conversation, his curiosity overcoming the weight of the topic at hand. "If things are as bad as you say, then how come no one is willing to let us help? I mean we are Kung Fu masters."

Yín Fēng removed a rag from his apron and polished the area where his drink had rested on the counter. "People don't tend to think straight when they think their perfect little world may crumble around them, Po." The tavern owner's expression held no emotion, as if he were discussing the weather. He abruptly stopped his work and stared blankly at the surface. "More so when they feel the weight of their own mortality slowly closing in on them."

The silence which ensued felt like an eternity. The space surrounding the three of them was still as a windless night. The slightest sound, like a drop of water in a still pond, had the potential of throwing the stillness into chaotic motion. In that one moment, time was nullified.

Movement was restored when a deep chuckle came from the old bird, waking the duo from the trance they were just placed in. He leaned forward onto the counter, bracing his forehead in his wing. "Oh forgive me. When you reach a certain age it's hard to control what comes out of your mouth. Especially when you just love hearing yourself talk."

Fēng continued his machinations, his usual amused smile spread across his beak. A grin curled Po's maw, "Well if you love hearing yourself talk, then my voice and I have been married since I was nine."

Fēng responded with an entertained grunt. "You won't get any argument from me there, son. Your friends must gain a lot from being around you all the time."

"Oh, yes. It feels like we've all aged twenty years since he landed at the Palace," Tigress added, a sly smile emerging under her whiskers.

Po wasn't quite sure he appreciated the remark, but their host hollered out with glee. "You've got a sharp wit, miss. That's rare quality in a woman these days. Who'd have thought that a pair of warriors such as yourselves would make such a great comedic duo?"

Po, who was as equally surprised as Fēng, beamed. This was the most he had smiled all day. He turned to his partner and grinned, "We do make an interesting pair, huh?"

Tigress nodded, "Indeed we do, Dragon Warrior."

Fēng observed them for a moment longer before returning to the conversation. "As I've said, I wish there was more I knew on the subject to aid you. Unfortunately, that's all I really know at this point."

Tigress shook her head, "You have been more than helpful, gōng. The Dragon Warrior and I extend our whole hearted thanks to you."

"Your thanks is more than enough, Master Tigress. I assure you." He turned to the sink on the back wall and began rinsing his used glass. He turned his head towards his guests as he worked. "I'm sure you already figured this out, but your best bet for finding more information would be reaching your destination."

Po's head bobbed in agreement, "Lìrùn." He shifted to face Tigress who was thinking that exact thing.

She folded her arms across her chest pensively, "Yes, but first we need to reconvene with the rest of the Five."

"Well you don't need to look too far to do that."

Po and tigress twisted around towards the familiar sarcastic voice. Sure enough Mantis was standing perched on the brim of Crane's hat as he and the rest of the Five filed into the nearly vacant inn.

With lightening quickness Viper made her way to front of the group. "Thank heavens we found you guys."

Crane nodded, "Yeah we've been looking for you for a good hour now." He paused looking to his fellow male counterparts smirking furtively. "We finally found out where you where when some kid heard us asking around. She pointed us in the direction of the 'Silly Dancing Bear'." Monkey and Mantis snorted through withheld snickers; Tigress was beside herself wishing she facing the Emperor's firing squad.

Despite the ridicule, Po stood his ground. "Hey! Nothing happened today that I wasn't proud of."

Except breaking down in tears when that little sheep wouldn't stop crying, but besides that.. nothing he wasn't proud of.

"Oh yeah, we get that bud," Mantis said as he and Monkey continued sniggering like teenage boys.

Tigress briefly questioned why she put so much faith in such a ludicrous panda, but ultimately decided to table such thoughts for after their mission was complete. Pushing herself away from the table she rose and turned to Fēng who had been surveying the scene with a bemused look on his face. "We appreciate all the help and information you have given us today, Yín Fēng. We are in your debt." She bowed customarily towards their benevolent host.

Fēng waved his wing dismissively, "Tch. I believe you've thanked me enough for one day.." He flashed her a knowing grin. "Save your oaths for someone who hasn't already lived their life. After all, finite creatures like us can only keep so many promises."

The tiger master nodded before turning towards the exit of the inn. Po jumped out of his seat, his body screamed determination. "We seriously mean it though, Fēng. You've helped us out a lot." His wide grin spread across his face and his eyes twinkled with their usual youthful flame. "I hope we see again soon!"

Fēng chuckled heartily, "I have not doubt that we will, son. In the mean time, safe travels and best of luck to you all."

The panda energetically threw both his fists into the air and made for the exit. "All right! Gold Valley here we come! Let's go guys!"

Mantis snorted and jumped from Crane's hat to Monkey's shoulder as they both followed the bear. "Well someone's hyped up."

"No kidding," Monkey responded. "So Po, who's the old guy?"

"Later," Po said over his shoulder. "Let's get on the road first."

The simian and his insect companion shrugged and followed the energetic bear outside with Crane and Viper lagging behind them. Tigress slowly walked towards the doorway, preoccupied by her own thoughts.

The entire time she and Po were in the tavern, she felt as if something was not quite right. It was nothing to worry Po over at the time, but it was enough to where she felt on edge. While the environment seemed secure and their host appeared amiable, she couldn't shake the unnerving feeling she had been getting since they walked in. She felt as if they wee being watched. No. Watched didn't quite match the feeling, it was more like being observed. It was as if every move they made was dissected and interpreted by some unknown source. She would have eventually dismissed it until Fēng began speaking with them. She couldn't put her paw on it, but the avian's presence seemed constraining; it wasn't like being glued in place either. The feeling was more akin to being cornered by a fierce predator.

Another factor which threw her was his eyes. They were a deep crimson; a unique trait amongst the avian populous. Even though he was nothing but amiable with them, those gleaming orbs reminded her too much of... his. They were sharp, precise, and calculating. They gave no sign of emotion, just like her own. They were like the eyes of a tiger: A hunter.

What kind of inn keeper has eyes like that?, the more she dwelled on it the colder she felt.

Tigress felt her eyes drawn towards the bar once more. The old bird had since removed their used glasses from the table and was turned away from her as he rinsed them in the sink. As she continued watching he started to hum an old folk tune. The emptiness of the tavern made the tune seem as if it came from all around her, and the longer she listened and watched the more she felt trapped. Her claws began to emerge from her pads.

"Tigress?"

Snapping back to reality the tiger sheathed her claws and turned towards the voice of her reptilian friend. "Viper."

"Is something the matter?" Viper slithered up to her comrade, concern filling her eyes.

Tigress looked back towards the bar. Fēng was now whistling jovially as he dried each glass and returned them to their proper places on the back wall. She turned back to Viper, "No, nothing. Let's go." Viper nodded and followed her friend towards the doorway. Tigress hardened her gaze to their usual composure.

It must have been my imagination; her silhouette in the doorway vanished and the doors shut behind them.

Soft laughter came from behind the bar, "You've found yourself some gifted students, haven't you Oogway?" Fēng lifted a glass to the lights above him, his crimson eyes glowing in their dim radiance. "But only time will tell if they can survive what's to come."

A/N: Hope you enjoyed! With this chapter I mark my first full year as a fanfiction writer. Thanks to Cuaroc as always for the best beat reader around, as well as a good friend. Also, thank you all for your support and loyalty to this story; I really try to make this as good as it can be for you guys. I've made a lot of awesome friends and talked to some amazing writers since I started and I hope it keeps going. Keep rocking everybody!

-WR

(Also, if anyone is interested, I imagined Fēng to be voiced by Clint Eastwood in his 50's. See Pale Rider if you want an example)