Chapter 4: Last Day Before the Ceremony
Shu Ai and Ping are now adopted brothers, with much approval not only from the faculty, but also everyone who knew about the two. Many wondered why it took so long for them to be brothers. Shu simply replied, "Hey, I was lazy, alright?"

A few days have now passed since the day they became adopted brothers. Although Shu never noticed, his mane started to grow a little longer. To be honest, no one noticed it as it was not a quick process. Also, his popularity was beginning to rise not only in the orphanage but in the Valley as well. When he first revealed to Ping about what he did with Tai Lung, from him surviving a spar match to Tai Lung inviting him to the ceremony, Ping began to spread the word around the orphanage. Soon, word got out from the orphanage and spread in the Valley.

Today was one of the few days where Shu would get time for himself, even from Ping. This is where he would study or do whatever he wanted without Ping, the faculty, work, and the people. He was glad too as he had a thought he had to put into action. It was early after lunch and he was in his room, sitting down on a chair behind a desk with a few textbooks on the Three Kingdoms Era.

"Tomorrow is the ceremony and I have a feeling. I visited the Jade Palace yesterday once more and got permission from the old man to watch Tai Lung's training," Shu thought to himself as he was reading some textbooks. Now, he was focusing on the exploits of Zhuge Liang.

"There was a turtle there. He was a really old turtle. Hah, someone older than that old father of Tai Lung?" Shu grinned and laughed lightly. Shu was reading on how Zhuge Liang had defeated the king of the native forces seven times with minimal violence and gained their trust. Although Zhuge Liang was Shu's main focus, he never forgot to study about the other forces and times during the era. His particular favorites are the Coalition against Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu's Betrayal against Dong Zhuo. Soon, however, he got tired of reading and closed the textbook and began to think some more.

"There's something I've noticed on Old Man Turtle. His expression… was disappointment. But what could he be disappointed about? Tai Lung? No, it can't be," Shu had noticed the old turtle watching the training and looked disappointed and sad. He wondered why this was so, as Tai Lung he believed was a good-hearted warrior who has a bright future ahead of him.

"Ha, maybe Old Man Turtle does not think Tai Lung should be the Dragon Warrior!" Shu stood up from his study area and laughed this idea off.

"Of course Tai Lung should be the Dragon Warrior! He's young, fit, and powerful! Like Lu Bu! Or Guan Yu… Nah, like Lu Bu! Wait no Lu Bu betrayed a lot of people… Tai Lung has Lu Bu's strength and Guan Yu's honor! There ya go!" At first Shu did not know who to compare Tai Lung but decided upon combining Lu Bu and Guan Yu.

Shu went from his study area to a meditation area. Though he usually did his meditations early sunrise, he needed this time to think. He made a small circle using some small candles and incest and lit them. He then sat down the middle and closed his eyes in deep thought.

"Tai Lung… Could the best of us all fall so easily? Lu Bu was the best and he fell…"

Shu continued his meditation until night broke it. He was not hungry so he decided to skip dinner and work on his speed and stamina. He would jog around the open area where the kids would usually play, jog in place, and did a few jumping exercises. He worked out until late at night when he felt tired.

Shu first went to Ping's room to find him still awake, sitting on his bed.
"Ping, it's late. Why are you still up?" Shu asked as he sat down beside his little brother.
"I wanted to say good night to you, but you were busy. I knew you would come here anyway, so I decided to wait!" The young leopard replied with much sparkle in his eyes.
"I see, well you have exams tomorrow, right?" Shu asked, knowing full well that exams were given every two weeks.
"Yes, but… I can't sleep without saying good night to my big brother, can't I?" Ping looked up at Shu innocently.
"Hey, don't use the eyes on me! I taught you how to use that! Besides, I can't sleep without sayiny good night to my little brother now can I?" Shu replied with a grin, hugging Ping who giggled.
"Night, little brother," Shu said, kissing Ping on his forehead.
"Good night, big brother," Ping replied as he kissed Shu's cheek.
They smiled at each other before Shu stood up, allowing Ping to lie down. Shu placed his paw on Ping's cheek.
"Sweet dreams, brother," Shu said before leaving to sleep as well.