IB: It's been a while everybody, but I have recently been reading all the reviews for this story. It inspired me to write a chapter. I am sorry for the extremely long hiatus, but I have been very busy with my studies along with my jobs. I am just wishing that this chapter will be good for you! Let's pray the last year of writing and studying will help me writer much better.

Tai Lung's black ears suddenly twitched while inhaling sharply as he heard the heavy, metallic gates screech loudly. It was presumable that someone had opened the front gates. In the darkness, the leopard's golden eyes slowly came to view. It appeared as if the snow leopard had surprised himself- shocked to find himself shrouded by a sense calmness. It was bizarre because it normally would have annoyed him greatly if someone had disturbed his meditation. He pondered if this was possible because he was able to control his emotions within the meditated state. He was able to control his thoughts and feelings.

Knowing that he could no longer mediate, he twitched his black nose in the wet air. He could easily recognize this scent after being imprisoned for several months. It was possible to identify each person's scent at this stage and so, he was able to say, "Commander Vachir" even though the rhino had not yet arrived to the bottom floor.

From the dark shadows, thick padded feet slowly protruded outwards. With the loud clanking of the heavy, metallic chains of his armor, Commander Vachir calmly stood in front of Tai Lung. In silence, the military man was trying to make some form of judgment about the youth before him. Despite his young age, it was evident that he was an extremely complicated man. Truth be told, Vachir decided not to visit his prisoner since the day they had an honest conversation about the leopard's sordid past. The story the boy told him kept on repeating itself inside his head. In order to verify the story, he even did a thorough research on Tai Lung's history.

In fact, the lad's background was unbelievably remarkable! As it was noted, Tai Lung's beginning was even miraculous. From all the parchments he read, the first clipping which mentioned his name was the one that discussed how the boy had been found in front of the Jade Palace. It was historical because it was none other than Master Shifu, a man known for his serious nature, who decided to adopt the leopard cub. It was something unimaginable! The second clipping came out when they boy was merely 4 years old. It was obvious that the world already had great expectations from him. It was simply a match meant for children, however, when it was discovered that Master Shifu's son was going to participate, there were lots of publicity surrounding his match. From Tai Lung's first fight, it was already noted by other Kung Fu masters that the boy was a genius. It was said that the small cub far exceeded an average child's capacity. The poor hog, who was Tai Lung's opponent, was beaten in less than ten seconds as Tai Lung tightly gripped onto the hog's arm and used his own shoulder like a lever to flip and then throw the other boy off of the given stage. This was a following trend as the leopard never lost a fought. Yet, it only became evident that Tai Lung had changed when he reached the age of eleven and the changed became more apparent and striking by each year.

How strange it was! It was true that he only heard of Tai Lung's name when he was eleven years old, but he didn't remember the details nor did he notice all these changes when he first learned of the youngest Kung Fu Master. Only was it after that the snow leopard became a criminal that Commander Vachir finally noticed them. Something must of happened! That's to say that Tai Lung had a stellar reputation when it came to his competitions and fights. However, all the battles he won were fair and controlled - a proper match. Yet, during his first match in the adult competitions, the way he won was bloody, ruthless and even barbaric.

The details... They made him cringe even now. It was obvious to him now that Tai Lung had two sides. Two polar sides that were presently conflicting with one another. To be simply put, Vachir had to hear the young man's story. His reasonings. The truth.

So the rhino asked, "What happened during your match with Master Láng?"

Tai Lung's eyes widened and a slight tinge of red returned to his golden eyes. The name forced each fur to stand up as a low, menacing growl vibrated from the depth of his being. The loathsome name that he never wished to hear had once again reached his ears.

Rage dripped with each word as Tai Lung spat them out slowly as if they were venom. "How do you know about him?"

Vladmir couldn't be afraid now, purely because of the leopord's reaction. All he desired to know now was the truth. The rhino's brown eyes did not falter and remained locked with the snow leopard's golden, red eyes. The commander sat onto the cold, dirt floor with a plop. He knew that he was daring to push his luck and that Tai Lung truly did not wish to share his story.

To his greatest disappointment, it didn't seem that his prisoner was going to change his mind. Despite arriving early in the morning, long hours have passed and it was soon to be dusk. He could tell because the temperature was dropping and the cell was becoming darker every ten minutes. Perhaps it was futile of him to try to understand the seventeen year old boy because throughout the whole period, he didn't utter another word nor take any of his meals. Only a loud sigh could slip from his lips. When he was finally about to stand and leave, Tai Lung opened his eyes. They were finally pure gold again. The commander wondered if he finally calmed down.

Tai Lung asked, "Why are you trying to know me better? Why do you seek to connect?"

Vachir answered honestly, "I only want to hear the truth and make judgement on what kind of a man you truly are."

The leopard blinked for a few moments and silence hung loosely. However, it wasn't uncomfortable, but tranquil. For Tai Lung, it felt like it had been ages since anyone was humane with him. It was clear that the rhino was being sincere. He inhaled.

"This is how it all started..."

Hey everyon. I know it took a lot longer for me to post. There just has been a lot of things happening in my life. I'm really sorry for keeping you await. I hope that this makes you feel happy and I will post the next chapter as soon as I get another moment to write. Cheers! And I cannot wait to hear from you guys again! It's been a really long time and I have missed you :)