A/N: Sorry for the delay. I know it's been more than a week. But a storm decided to visit and I was left with about two days without electricity. But thankfully it's over now and I've worked on this. Shorter than my last two chapters. But I hope it isn't unsatisfactory.
A response to Cookie. Monster 67's question. Yes, it does sound hard. But she isn't fully trained. Also, she trained with him more or less five times a week for about four hours (in the real world) She's in a dream. Math does the rest of the problem.
Anyway, hope you all enjoy this.
Chapter 4
The Request
(With the Five and Po)
As soon as the door of the Training Hall had closed behind their master and the leopard, the young masters looked at one another. None said a word. A few seconds of silence later they all made their way over to different obstacles of the Training course to start training.
Silence persisted in the Training Hall for quiet some time, no one wanted to break it, but at the same time they all were hoping to ask the burning question. At last, no longer able to contain the over-whelming silence, Po spoke up.
"So who do you think she really is?" he asked. His voice carrying clearly through the Training Hall that wasn't resonating with loud Kung Fu sounds. All that could be heard was a suppressed "Ha" or "Hiya" every now and then.
"Don't know, but she sure as hell isn't self-trained" Mantis said out loud.
"It was kind of strange seeing someone taking a Leopard stance again. Do you think she was lying when she said she's never met Tai Lung?" Viper asked as she hung from a one of the Seven Talons.
Everybody remained silent. It was as if they all knew Tigress would be the one to answer this question. She was the most observant when it came to suspicious people and Leonne was on that list. They saw her spin vertically in mid-air, dodging two spiked-clubs before she spoke in a serious voice "No. I think that was the only thing she wasn't lying about. Though I admit she hasn't told us much about herself, I'm more than positive she isn't self-trained. Kung fu styles aren't just known to anybody. She's either learned it from someone or either she must have stolen such information from somewhere...but where?" she asked her own reasons.
"There are only three other places like the Jade Palace, where there are masters who teach kung fu like this. But none of them has ever reported a robbery." Monkey spoke up as he sparred with Crane on the Jade tortoise.
"Maybe she learned by watching someone train. You know, like I can copy your styles a little." Po chimed in.
"That sounds true."Mantis said as he stopped in the middle of the Gauntlet of Wooden Warriors and pointed a leg at Po who was standing at the other end of the that course. "If only there was somebody else apart from Tai Lung we knew, who would display all his Kung Fu training in public." he said sarcastically.
"He has a point you know." Monkey said looking at Po.
They all fell silent again. After a while Viper spoke up again "What do you think she meant by 'you wouldn't believe me if she told you'? What can be so unbelievable?"
"A lot of things Viper. What if she had learned from Tai Lung, would that have been any much believable?" Crane asked.
"But she didn't learn from Tai Lung. At least that's what she said. Tigress, what do you think?" Viper asked somersaulting in the air as she went from one talon to the next.
Tigress however, was in deep thought. Something the leopard had said had stirred her memory. True many people might have yelled "I don't take orders from anybody" around her, but the way the leopard said it and acted ...something about it seemed t ring a bell. She prodded her memory a little more. Yes, she had hear that line, and she could hear that voice, the leopard taking the stance and she knew she was about to find out- "Tigress, what do you think?" the line came cutting through Tigress' thoughts and she felt like she had just lost the lead on finding out where she'd met Leonne before. Irritated, she looked up at Viper. She had been dodging the clubs sub-consciously.
"What do I think about what?" Tigress asked her, feeling frustrated at the moment.
"I was just asking everybody what they think Leonne meant when she said "You wouldn't believe me if I told you"?" Viper asked again, looking closely at the Tiger, unsure as to why she might not have heard her the first time. Tigress may be silent, but that didn't mean she wasn't listening.
"I don't know, it can be anything. I'm sure Master Shifu will ask her to tell him. This isn't something he can just ignore." she replied, as she jumped off the Swinging Clubs onto the platform at the sides and walked over to the lever to set it to the next level to go faster. She was done with the warm-up.
Po then spoke up "Yeah, I bet he didn't like it when he saw her in a leopard stance. It must have brought back memories of Tai Lung." he said, fanning the tip of foot, which he had burnt while going through the Field of Fiery Death. He still didn't know when he'll get the hang of coming out unscathed.
Tigress turned to look at him. Her eyes fixed on his, but it wasn't a harsh look, it was quiet the opposite "I guess it did. He did look taken aback." she said in a low voice.
"Do you think we should go behind the two? I know Master Shifu can deal with her, but just-" Viper started but Tigress cut her off, still looking at Po who was now gingerly setting his foot down.
"No. Master Shifu can handle himself of course. But we'll go if he doesn't come here within an half and hour"
She finally tore her gaze away from Po and looked back towards the Swinging Clubs which were moving faster now. "I guess we'll know soon who she really is." she said before she jumped onto the training equipment again.
(With Leonne and Shifu )
"You are the missing member of the Furious Five, or in this case, Six, whom Oogway had foretold."
The line rang inside Leonne's skull as she stared at Shifu wondering whether he had lost his mind. This sounded even more ridiculous than her "dream". And with every passing second it was sounding more so.
She finally shook herself mentally. "What?" she asked making a confused and disbelieving face at Shifu.
Shifu looked her in the eye "You are the missing member of the Furious Five. Oogway was referring to another member at that time and I am sure you are that person."
Leonne scoffed "This sounds insane. I just came here to ask for help okay. I don't want a fancy title and the chance to live here. I'm fine with the little training I have. It's helped me a lot and I can help people with it enough."
Shifu looked at her,"But you have to understand that Oogway was referring to you." he answered with a strange calm.
"He could have been referring to loads of people. Maybe you're mistaken-" she began. Shifu cut her off.
"I am not mistaken."
"How can you be so sure?" she said crossing her arms and scowling slightly, yet her tone wasn't arrogant... yet. She didn't want to come and live here. She was happy where she was.
Master Shifu was trying to control his anger. Despite what Oogway had said, he was sure she was trying his temper as much as Po. He inhaled deeply then exhaled. "Because I asked him." he finally said. Calming down again.
"How can you ask-" she started but Shifu answered what was about to say.
"You're not the only one who can meet him in dream-like states." he said, looking at her with his hands folded behind his back and voice stern.
"You mean to say,..you talked to him, despite him being dead?" she asked. A certain uplift could be heard in her voice.
"Yes, I can. But it is only sometimes. Today was one of those occasions."
"But Oogway just said he was training me to protect myself and those in need. He said nothing about becoming a part of the Furious Five, though he did once say I had a destiny to fulfill, but I think this has nothing to do with it. I believe it's already happened."
"You cannot know which destiny Oogway was talking about." Master Shifu's stern voice replied.
"But this sounds far fetched. Why does it even have to be me above all people?" she asked thoroughly confused.
"I don't know, but I am completely sure you are the one destined for the sixth position among the Furious Five and I think if Oogway were here, he would tell you the same."
"Even if you did meet Oogway and he said I am the person to fulfill this..this prophecy. I don't want to do anything with it. I'm fine the way I am." Leonne said, scowling again.
"Are you going to walk away from what Oogway has said. Despite the fact that he's the one who helped you learn Kung fu." Master Shifu asked.
"I...why are you even so concerned about making me a member. I doubt the Five will be happy with this?" she asked.
Shifu sighed " My master has asked me to try and I'm going to try to do what he has told me, even if I find it hard to start over with another student. But it seems you are willing to throw away whatever Oogway has taught you by disobeying what he is saying. And whether the Five will be happy with it or not, is something we'll have to see, you haven't exactly been honest with them"
"But-"
"Leonne." Master Shifu said her name, holding up a hand. "You can think this through for now. You have a choice. Stay here, learn Kung Fu and become a part of one of the most revered group of Kung fu masters in China. Or you can leave and become a normal person as you wish. Your destiny awaits you. But remember, whichever you shall choose, it will lead you to a certain fate. The privilege of becoming a Kung Fu master comes at a heavy price. Are you willing to sacrifice everything for this country and its people even if it means your life? Are you willing to train and fight till you are sore and not give up? Do you think you are ready to face this path?" he asked. "You have until tomorrow to answer these questions."
Leonne stared at him. Thinking of how to answer everything he just said to her. She felt somewhat frustrated with the whole issue that had suddenly popped out of nowhere. Can't she live without unexpected revelations for once.
"Now what is it that you need help with?" Master Shifu said, halting her train of thought.
Leonne looked at Master Shifu for few seconds, confused, then suddenly she understood what he was saying and mentally slapped herself. If truth be told, she had completely forgotten about her request in the last few minutes. She tried to push the current matter to the back of her mind and prepared herself to ask for the help she had come for.
"Yes..umm..that" she said. She looked at him for a second then stated solemnly "For the past few months a group of assassins have been terrorizing the village where I live. Mind you, they are not people to be taken lightly. They are known to kill for the pleasure of it. Though thankfully no one has been killed yet. These assassins are also well trained, have heavy weaponry and are ruthless when it comes to killing. Stealth is also a part of their training. Apart from that, I know where their hideout is. A large fortress, well guarded all the time. What I wish is that you can help us with these people. We don't want any deaths. And these people have been giving us pain for quiet some time now" she finished breathing heavily, her arms folded over her chest. Her jaw was set and her eyes seemed more cold than usual. It seemed as if these people had caused her some real grief.
"I see" Master Shifu said while stroking his beard. But he then suddenly asked "How do you know so much about these...assassins?" he asked. Something just didn't seem right.
"I.." she faltered. "I've just... fought them a few times that's all. You sort of get enough information while fighting. I also managed to follow them unnoticed once to their hideout so I know where it is." she stated her arms still folded over her chest as she looked at Shifu. The story didn't sound convincing at all.
Master Shifu gave her a stern look. Not buying it either. Yet, he decided to ask another pressing question "And do you know what this organization of assassins are called?"
Leonne's ears immediately stood up. She couldn't believe she had forgotten to tell him about that. But then it she clenched her fists "Yes" she said through gritted teeth. "They are known as the "Sǐwáng mó" (The Death Demons) and their fortress is known as-"
"-'Èmó de xiànjǐng' (The Demon's Trap)" Master Shifu finished for her, staring at her disbelievingly.
"Yes" Leonne, answered slowly, her anger dissipating a little, "You know these killers?" she asked surprised.
Master Shifu didn't answer her question "Are you saying that you know the actual hideout of the Death Demons?" he asked completely perplexed.
"Yes" Leonne replied now confused and angry. What was so wrong about knowing?
"But that is impossible." Master Shifu said regaining his posture. "You cannot simply be able to follow the Death Demons and survive on your own. Let alone fight and survive." his voice was stern.
"Yes, I can." Leonne retorted, though with slightly less conviction this time. "What does it even matter?"she asked, holding out one paw, palm-up, as if to enforce the uselessness of the question.
"It does matter." Master Shifu said, his voice now very stern. "Those assassins have evaded Kung fu Masters for a long time. We have no clue, whatsoever about their headquarters at the moment. Then how is it, that you, a mere half-trained person has been able to fight them and follow them against all odds? And above that, the Demons aren't known for leaving behind clues or signs for people to identify them, unless they want to. You should have been as good as dead."
Leonne could hear a certain pounding in her head. It usually was a signal that she was really angry and would like to be out of the place. But right now, she was asking for help and walking out wasn't going to help. She tried taking deep breaths. It didn't work. So she just simply let it out "I don't care whether you believe it or not." She began from a firm and stern tone that wasn't too loud. But she slowly started raising the volume "I did not come all the way to the Valley of Peace just to be denied the right to a free life. To be told I won't be listened to. It's none of your business how I know. And even if it is, I don't want to talk about everything I've been working so hard to forget. SO please." She paused. Her jaw was set. She spoke again in a low voice, trying to keep her tone respectful "Please help me. I know a lot about those people. Please don't ask me how. "Her volume slowly began to increase again "But I need your help Master Shifu. I want those people rotting somewhere for the rest of their pathetic lives!"
Master Shifu was finding it extremely bizarre how Leonne's voice and temper were rising and lowering . But he did notice one thing in it. She was desperate. It seemed to him as if these people had caused her some deep grief and the urge for justice was just making her unreasonable in her arguments.
He watched her trying to calm herself down by breathing deeply again, her eyes closed,but it wasn't doing much good "That might be something we'll have to work on if she agrees to become a member of the team" he thought. "I agree to help you with this." he said to her out of the blue.
She opened her eyes to look at him with hope "You will?" she asked, her voice giving way to relief.
"Yes, but you first you must swear on your life that you are not lying? And secondly, you must tell me this one thing if you cannot tell anything else. Were you ever a part of their organization? Answer this truthfully and I will agree to help you if I find the answer correct and appropriate." he asked.
The little of her features that has softened in relief hardened again "I swear on my life I am not lying and I was NEVER a part of them and will NEVER be" she said with full conviction this time.
Something about her eyes, made him believe her.
"Very well. In order to help you, I'll have to discuss this matter with the Furious Five and Dragon Warrior. This isn't going to be an easy mission. Go get them from the Training Hall."
Leonne frowned for a moment then bowed. "Yes Master Shifu". She might not let on much but she was more than relieved that Master Shifu had agreed to help her. And obeying him at the moment seemed like the only small thanks she could give him.
Master Shifu watched her walk out the Hall doors. Then turned to look at his Master's portrait.
"This is going to be a long day" he said to himself as he turned and began to walk towards the Moon Pool.
(With Leonne )
Leonne walked down the steps to the Training Hall. Not sure what her reception will be like back in the Training Hall. But if she was honest, she didn't really care much. What was the worst they could do to her? Hit her. She mentally scoffed, like she'd let that happen so easily. She was simply going to tell them to come along. The rest of the thing is their choice, nothing she can do about it.
As soon as she walked through the gates and into the courtyard she could hear sounds of training from inside the Training Hall. She reached the large doors and opened them, exposing the inside for herself.
(With Po and the Furious Five)
All the masters had been vigorously training for the past half hour and now they were beginning to feel a little anxious about their master.
"Tigress" Viper called out, the most anxious of the lot "I think we should go check out the Hall" she said slithering onto the platform on the side of the course, as she watched her friend train on the Clubs.
"I guess you're right." Tigress said bending back to avoid one club with such ease and unconcern, it matched dodging a stuffed toy. She then leaped off the obstacle as well.
The moment she touched ground, all the others masters ran over to where the two females masters were standing. They were about to head towards the door when it swung open inwards. And none other than Leonne stepped in.
Both sides froze. None moving or saying a word. Finally Leonne broke the silence "Master Shifu wants you all in the Hall of Heroes" she said.
They all looked at her a few seconds and then at each other. "She better not be lying." was their general thought.
Both Tigress and Po stepped forward at the same time.
"Lead the way" came their voices in unison. They turned to look at each other slightly surprised. Tigress was the first to smile "He's learning" she thought. Po smiled back at her. They both turned with stern faces towards Leonne who nodded and walked outside. They all followed her.
Po walked next to Tigress "Do you think this is a trick?" he asked in a voice slightly above a whisper.
"I doubt it." she replied confidently. "But even if it is, we're ready for anything she throws at us." she said as she looked at Po.
He nodded back, understanding.
This time, it was Leonne who placed a paw on the door of the Hall of Heroes and opened it. The moment they all saw their master standing near the Moon Pool, they all rushed forward. Leaving the leopardess behind.
Tigress slid to a stop on all-fours behind Shifu then stood up, bowing "Master Shifu, is everything alright?" she asked her voice was leveled yet you could hear the slight worry behind it
Master Shifu turned around to look at his pupils bowing to him. He brought up his hand to signal them to stop and said " Yes, everything is fine" he replied. "Apart from the fact that we've just found out the where the most dangerous assassins in all of China might be." he said as he watched Leonne calmly walk up from behind and lean against a pillar some ways behind the young masters.
They all looked at him confused for a moment, finally Tigress spoke up "Are you referring to the... 'Sǐwáng mó', Master?" she asked unsure.
Everybody nodded to one another as she said the name and then looked at Master Shifu. He nodded "Indeed I am."he replied grimly.
There was an exchange of looks between the Masters. Well.. most of them. The exception was Po who had no idea who these people were "Who are these "Death Demon" guys?" he asked looking at everybody for information.
"The Demons have been known to be deadly assassins, advanced in stealth and especially killing off without much evidence to lead to the source. Apart from many notable figures they are also responsible for the murder of two Emperors of China at different times. And they don't do it just for their own purpose, they do it for others as well. You see, they are an organization that kill for people who give them money. Pay and you'd get the person you want eliminated, dead within days." Master Shifu said, he turned his head to look at Leonne "Isn't that right, Leonne?" he asked her in a grim voice, his eyes focused on her.
Leonne who had been standing silently at the back, with her arms folded on her chest now unfolded them "That is correct." she said.
"Wait a minute" Monkey suddenly jumped in "She told you about the location of the Demons?" he asked looking first and Leonne then at Master Shifu.
"Yes, she did. And I have reasons to believe that she has given the right information." Master Shifu said firmly, his arms behind his back.
"Is this what you came for here?" Viper asked looking at her.
Leonne looked at her then gave a firm nod "Yes" she said.
"You could have told us that on the stairs you know" Mantis said holding up his thingy's in her direction.
Leonne just shrugged in reply. Not much concerned with what the Masters thought of her decisions.
"We have to discuss how you would be taking them down." Master Shifu interrupted them to bring their attention back to the important matter at hand. "We need to know the exact location and the outside defenses of this place." he said.
They all nodded. And Viper and Tigress immediately went off to do what they knew Master Shifu would want them to do.
"Where exactly is their hideout?" he asked Leonne.
She thought for a moment and then answered "In the province of Qinghai" she answered.
Master Shifu considered this knowledge. The journey there might take them about two weeks at the least. Longer if there are unforeseen hindrances. Being warriors, they were always swifter in their travels than other common travelers.
A moment later Tigress and Viper came up to Shifu. Shifu nodded in acknowledgement to them both as he took the scroll Viper was holding out. He then gave another nod to Tigress gave a small nod back, understanding.
Shifu opened the scroll Viper had given him. It was a map of China. All the provinces and cities were labelled in detail. He shifted his eyes to the left to see the province of Qinghai. Who know's where exactly the place was in the huge province. Countless missions to find out their hideout and they were never successful and here a leopard walks in to tell them exactly where it is. If Oogway hadn't told him about her, he doubted he would have believed her.
Tigress on the other hand had walked up to Leonne. She held out a scroll, an ink bottle and a quill to her. "I need you to draw the outline of their fortress. Try to make it clear." she said as she handed them over.
Leonne took the scroll silently from the tiger with a nod and went over to the stairs leading to the slight raised platform of the Moon Pool and sat down on the lowest step. She placed the scroll on the cold stone stair and the ink bottle as well.
She then held the quill in between her thumb and index, moving it from side to side, while she thought out the plan of the place.
Finally she dipped the quill into the ink and set it on the paper. Slowly she began to draw.
The others stood some distance away, waiting for her to finish. They were sure it wouldn't take longer than a few minutes just to complete an outline, but every few minutes Leonne would stop and place the quill between her index and thumb. Her tail was constantly swishing in short arcs behind her.
The masters stood there impatiently now. Not sure what was all the fuss with making a few lines. Master Shifu after looking at her for a few minutes had opened the map to examine it again.
Finally, fed up with the wait, Po spoke up "What's taking so long?" he asked walking up to her to see what she was doing, the others close behind. But the moment their eyes fell on the scroll, all they could do was stare.
There on the paper wasn't just an 'outline' of the outer walls of the fortress but also a very detailed drawing of the fortress hallways and rooms. They watched as she continued to draw, completely focused on what she was doing. She suddenly stopped and closed her eyes, moving her paw that was holding the quill in short arcs three times through the air in front of her with her eyes closed. She then quickly drew a big block in one of the many hallways being shown on the paper and stood up, turning around to face them.
"Here" she said, handing it to Tigress. Tigress and the others looked at the drawn out map in astonishment.
"How do you know so much about this place?" Tigress asked in a curious tone. It was perplexing how she could know all this. Unless she was a part of this group. She waited for the leopardess to answer.
"I said I'll give all the help that is needed." Leonne replied as she folded her arms over her chest. "If you need to know there are about three hundred assassins in that place. You want details of their uniforms and masks? I can give you those as well. All I ask for... is help." she answered before she turned around and walked over to Master Shifu.
Master Shifu was still looking at the map. He looked up when Leonne came and bowed to him "I have given them a map of the place, Master Shifu. I'm willing to give other information as well if they want."
"Very well." he said closing the map he was examining. "But I must know, whether you'd be going along with the Five to apprehend these assassins or are you just here to give the message and lead them to the place." he asked in a stern voice.
Leonne looked at him confused "Of course I want to go finish off that place. I wouldn't sit around even if I were told to right now." she answered annoyed.
Master Shifu nodded to her and turned to look at the Five "You will be setting out tomorrow." he said.
They all nodded in response, but they could feel there master still had more to discuss. Leonne however bowed to him and asked "May I leave for a while?" she asked. Master Shifu again, nodded in response.
As soon as Leonne took leave, Po spoke up. They all had been taking in the details of the map she had drawn for them and they now had a few questions.
"Hey, Leonne" he hailed her. She turned her head to look at him, waiting silently for him to ask what he wanted to.
"Uhh..why are there two walls on the outside. Do they have double reinforcement?" he asked.
The five members who were standing around Po looked at him and then at the map. There were indeed two lines running almost parallel to each other as the boundary. However the outer one wasn't made as cleanly as the inner one. As if she couldn't make the line straight then. They all looked up to see what she would say.
"Yes and no." she answered simply. Po looked at her confused. She explained "There is a courtyard but as you can see it has been drawn inside the outer two walls. The outermost wall is no reinforcement, it is merely a disguise.. a false look. There is a reason why nobody ever suspects that there are assassins living in such a place because the outer wall is a crumbling mass. It is a ruin. And whoever unfortunately passes by it, falls for the trick. The real building is inside. Strong and fortified. It isn't going to be easy to take down that place." Her face was very grim. "Apart from the "Demons Trap" the occupants there also like to call it "The Web"." she finished.
But for the Masters, things were getting pretty suspicious. 'She must be one of them' they all thought.
"Why haven't you labelled anything?" Tigress asked looking at her suspiciously now.
Leonne walked up to them. Looked at her own drawing and began pointing and ranting off the places made on the map. Like "this is the courtyard" ,"The training room",etc, and then stood back.
"There. I've told what everything is. Now you can label it" she said and turned around to leave the Hall.
They all watched her walk down the length of the Hall and out the main doors. Nobody called her back.
The young masters looked towards their Master, waiting for him to say something. But he didn't. Finally Viper asked the question "Master Shifu... how did she know the Leopard style?" she asked.
Master Shifu looked at them closely. Thinking how much will be alright to reveal to them. He decided he'll leave out the part about her being the sixth member. After all, they'll only have to deal with it if Leonne agreed. And with the amount of arguing the leopard had been doing, it seemed unlikely she'd be becoming a part of this.
"She learned from Oogway" Master Shifu replied. He watched as his student's faces turned to one of confusion and disbelief.
They all looked at him silently. Not knowing if they should ask whether he had lost his mind or not. Thankfully, Po rephrased it for them "What?!..How? Why? When? Where?" he asked in one breath.
"She learned from Oogway in a dream, or dream-like state when she was younger and in need of assistance. I was able to talk to Master Oogway while you were having lunch today, and I came to know that she was indeed someone he had mentioned some time ago. I had no choice but to accept what she told me. But it is not just out of respect for Oogway that I have. I also believe she really was telling the truth."
The pronouncement was followed by another silence.
"Well that sounds like a cool way to learn" Po suddenly said in the middle of the silence.
Everybody turned to look at him then couldn't help but smile. Typical Po.
"So we are supposed to assume now that she was trained by Oogway in a dream?" Monkey asked raising his hand, palm upwards, as if asking Shifu what was the level of craziness of this new idea.
Master Shifu looked at him "I think you will have to. There isn't any other plausible explanation that I can think of. Master Oogway had not spent any time longer than a few months away from the palace as long as I've been here and she says she was trained for five years under him" he said.
"Wait!" Tigress suddenly spoke up. "She trained under Oogway, in a dream for about five years? How old was she when she learned from him? And where was she in the dreams?" she asked.
Everyone turned to look at her. That was weird. Tigress almost never did something like that.
But Tigress didn't care, she felt she was finding out something here.
Master Shifu looked at her with a raised eyebrow as well. Nevertheless he answered "She was ten when she first met him. And she said something about the Peach Tree Hill when she met him. Why do you want to know?" he asked.
Tigress absorbed the information. "She was ten years old. Training continued for the next five years. She met him at the Peach Tree Hill. She learned Kung..fu" her thoughts came to a halt and her eyes widened only slightly. "No way" she thought. Then suddenly shook herself mentally and looked around to find everyone looking at her.
"Nothing. I was just curious." she answered Master Shifu.
"Why couldn't she have told us this on the stairs?" Mantis suddenly asked and they all looked at him. Tigress was glad for the distraction.
"You aren't believing it now, what would you have done then?" asked Master Shifu, raising his hairy eyebrow.
They all looked first at him and then at Mantis. Who fell into a reflective silence. Finally Tigress spoke "And you also believe that the information she has given about the Demons is true. Doesn't it, sound...odd." she asked.
"Yes, I do believe her. And as odd as it might sound, I think it is correct. She was pleading for assistance on the matter." he said, now walking up to her and taking the scroll on which Leonne had drawn and opening it.
Tigress looked at her Master. He hadn't really answered her question. What she was really thinking was. Was Leonne ever a member-
"She was a not a part of their organization." He said looking up at her as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. "Or so she told me" Master Shifu added.
Tigress nodded and when Shifu continued to look at her she asked "Are we to know anything else Master. We have to leave tomorrow." she said.
Master Shifu looked at them all now and said "Yes. I believe you all know now, that these people are very skilled and dangerous. One wrong move and they could be causing chaos throughout China. And it doesn't help that they are merciless and excellent at stealth. You'll have to be really careful. Do not let anyone escape. One escape will mean a threat of revenge and bloodshed. Make sure the task is completed fully. Understood?" he asked.
"Yes Master" they all said bowing.
Master Shifu closed and handed Tigress the scroll with the drawing of the fortress and said "You should label it. She'll be with you and I'm sure she'll help you along the way. I know it will be hard to trust her, but I'm afraid you'll have to do that. And if you find anything suspicious about her, apart from providing you information about the fortress, you have full liberty to apprehend her." He looked at them all as they nodded in understanding to his instructions. He then let a small smile appear on his face. "I believe you all want some free time now before you set out on the long journey." he began to positively smirk when he saw his students exchange looks like little children who want something but cannot bring themselves to say it out of respect or fear.
"You can have the rest of the time free. But you should be back soon. I will not tolerate a delay in setting out if one of you needs five more minutes to sleep or pack their things. Is that understood?" he asked in a stern voice, looking at them all one by one.
"Yes Master" they all said again. Each feeling a slight relief at getting some time off.
"Very well. You are dismissed" he said.
They all bowed again and walked out the Hall doors. He stood and watched them leave. "I'm getting soft" he thought and made his way over to his chambers to check out some of the scrolls he had been studying earlier.
They're going on a road-trip. And a dangerous one at that. Tigress has realized something. What could it be?
More to come in the next chapter.
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