A/N: Alright, sorry its been awhile since I updated. Things have taken a bit longer than expected. Anyways, here is the next chapter in A Long Journey. Enjoy.
The morning sun greeted everyone early in the day. Sunlight filtered in from the shutters in their windows, giving everything a golden appearance. Everything including Tai's face. He squinted as the light hit directly over his eyes, giving him a rather rude awakening.
"Uh, why so early?" he moaned, rolling over. The lump on one of the cots rose his head a little bit.
"Don't know," Shang mumbled. "It's damn annoying though. Thought maybe we could get some time to sleep in. Guess not. Up we get!"
Throwing his legs over to the other side of the bed, slipping his feet in the shoes they had provided, Shang got slowly up. Normally, back at the barracks, this would have been unacceptable. But today, after they finally got to their destination, Shang really didn't care about what his commander would've said.
Chances are he's dead anyways, thought Shang, grimacing at the thought.
Mei was still sleeping, so Shang and Tai – after much complaining about the time – got dressed. As Tai's shirt went over his torso, Mei finally woke.
"Good morning!" she said through a rather luxurious stretch. "Alrighty! Today is the day we get the villagers out and prepare for the wolves! Going to be a lovely day."
Shang laughed. "It's going to be a nightmare; that's what its going to be."
Mei grinned as well and then shooed them out of the room.
"Time for me to get ready. I know that you," she pointed at Shang, "wouldn't mind staying in...but..."
As soon as Tai heard that, he left. He didn't really want to get involved in Shang and Mei's...whatever it was.
It took Tai a while to find the mess hall – or mess room. He spent a good portion of his time though taking his apparent position of being 'lost' to explore the Jade Palace. From the top of the roof to the ground floor and the garden, everything was what Tai had read about. It was a magnificent building. The Hall of Heroes was second to none, though the massive crater near what seemed to have been a pool detracted from the entire atmosphere. The stories that had been told about the attempted capture of them and the, terrible, successful assassination of Master Shifu had left that crater a astringent reminder of his death and the enemies underhanded ways. He skirted around the crater, gazing in awe at the pillars, the shapes that had been laid on it were outstanding. The craftsmanship involved in the construction must have been painstakingly tedious. Yes he had visited the other areas on the Jade Palace – though he still couldn't find the mess room – yet none compared to this hall. It was absolutely stunning. He glanced down from looking at the ceiling. The jade greens and the light turquoises glinted the light softly, giving everything a bright, natural lighting that complemented it all. Tai started to run a claw along the inlaid patterns as he walked alongside the wall. His eyes wandered to the far end of the Hall. Massive bookshelves were filled the scrolls at the end of it. Tai paused. Why did those scrolls seem to familiar. There was something about them that made them seem, different. Scrolls were scrolls, but these scrolls were not just scrolls. He walked forward, cautiously, and reached to pick one up from the rack.
"Ahem," came a stern voice from behind him.
Tai jerked his paw back and brought it to his side as he whirled around. Clearly he had been doing something wrong and had been caught – but what was he doing wrong?
"Sorry, didn't know I wasn't supposed to touch those," he stammered. It was Tigress. Of all the animals, why did it have to be Tigress?
"Uh huh. You know what those are?" Tigress asked with her arms crossed over her chest. Her face was emotionless.
"Scrolls," he said. Immediately he felt stupid. To save himself he added, "But I'm not sure what kind of scrolls. History?"
Tigress shook her head. "They are the Thousand Scrolls of Kung Fu. In order to become a true master, you have to read, comprehend, and be able to perform each and every move from each and every scroll. Few have done it and those that have, well, they have been very powerful and very good at what they do."
"Have you mastered them?"
Tigress looked directly at Tai. Her ocher eyes burning with flame. Tai almost shrunk back yet he was enthralled by those eyes. He could stare at them forever...why was he thinking that? Funny, he was getting – what seemed like – a lecture and all he could think about was her eyes. Heavens and Dragons above, what was love doing to him?
"No," she replied. "But I will. I am very close. How far are you?"
"Haven't read them at all. Don't know anything about the chi magic – I think that was what Po used when he preformed the Wuxi Finger Hold. I just know what Kamon taught me and showed me how to do. Oh, and what ever I learned at the Mengyou City Training Grounds. They were...are...knowledgeable about that. I think they might have copies of the Thousand Scrolls there. I never did get advanced enough to read them. I wish I could have though. I learn better with books and text sometimes."
"I'm sure about that," said Tigress, rolling her eyes. She had heard that from him a lot. Though it impressed her that he was more intent on knowledge than on kung fu and fighting. Too often she had gone against or saw pupils who just wanted power and nothing else. They wanted to get good at kung fu physically, yet not mentally.
Sometimes they were like Po when he first arrived at the Jade Palace. Too fan like and rather enthusiastic to an annoying degree. They wanted to skip the philosophy behind kung fu and what Master Oogway had laid about before them so they might achieve Inner Peace and harmony with the universe. The perfect Yin and Yang. But here was a student who wanted to learn that knowledge and focus on that instead of just the art. Unusual, yet satisfying.
"How old are you again, Tai? I don't think you answered by question when I asked you before?"
Tai clammed up.
"W-why do you want to know that?"
"Because it will let me figure something out."
"I'm hungry, where's the mess hall anyways?" Tai said, trying to change the subject. He started to walk off, but Tigress flipped him around and placed him right in front of her.
"You are avoiding the question. How old are you?"
"Why do you care?"
Tigress let go of Tai. She studied him for a while, gauging his emotions. He seemed very nervous. His tail was twitching spastically and his upper lip was slightly lifted, showing the base of his fangs. She decided a different approach.
"Tai, why don't you want others to know?"
Tai's lip lowered, hiding his fangs once more. His shoulders drooped. His foot paw tapped the floor as he thought of an answer. Nothing seemed like it would convince Tigress.
"I'm embarrassed by my age," he said dejectedly.
"What?" asked Tigress.
"You heard me correctly. I am embarrassed by my age."
"How? Do they not take you seriously?"
"No. Nothing like that. Listen, I'm actually twenty-one."
Tigress blinked in surprise. "Twenty-one? I thought you were younger...oh, that's what you mean."
"Precisely. I'm rather naïve and, you could say, childish. Other than my knowledge, I've got nothing really to speak up for how old I really am. You have no idea how annoying it is to constantly be called younger than you really are. It's frustrating."
"I can see why."
Tai looked up. "How old did you think I was? And the truth. No lies."
Tigress looked away. "Sixteen," she said quietly.
"Sixteen? Not even nineteen or eighteen? See what I mean?"
"Uh huh. I'm hungry and breakfast is almost over. Pretty soon we're going to have lots of villagers asking questions knocking on our front door. I don't want to have to face that on an empty stomach."
"Of course. Actually, I was looking for the mess room when I got lost. I'm going to love looking around here more after everything is finished...or not. Never know what will happen."
Tigress nodded slowly at Tai's rather disconcerting acceptance of death. Shaking it away, she took the lead and showed Tai the way to the mess hall.
"Finally got here!" exclaimed Shang, waving a spoon up in the air at Tai. "Grab a seat and hurry up! Po makes incredible noodle soup!"
Mei looked up from her bowl. Noodles sat in her spoon, dripping the warm broth, as she brought up the spoon and into her mouth. Mei nodded.
"They are incredible. Though, Mr. Ping's, uh, Po's dad's noodles are a bit better. Sorry about that."
"Nah, it's no big deal," said Po, sliding a filled bowl across the table to an empty spot. Po handed Tigress a bowl as she walked past him to her usual seat. "I know he does. What do you think Tai?"
Tai was already halfway through the serving. He held up his paw. His mouth was full. After chewing thoughtfully, he swallowed.
"I must admit Mei. You were right. That little noodle shop doesn't compare to this at all. I do wonder what Mr. Ping's noodles taste like. How can anything be better than this?"
"Easily," said Po, sitting down heavily on his chair. The chair groaned in protest as Po shifted his weight to get comfortable. "My dad is just a really good cook. Is your dad good at cooking?"
"Wouldn't know," said Tai. "He never cooked."
Po shrugged and he took a long slurp of his soup. The noodles were gone from the bowl before anyone could even blink.
"Ahh, well, that was good. Anyone up for seconds?"
Everyone raised up their bowl. They were hungry. As seconds were passed around, Shang brought up the subject that no one really wanted to talk about.
"Alright, what are we going to do? We have no defense, the villagers who don't know a thing about fighting, and we have no back up or reinforcements. First things first though, the villagers. We can talk about the other things later. Tigress?"
Tigress looked up at Shang. She ran a claw around the edge of the bowl, thinking. Her tail swayed back and forth, as if moved by a gentle breeze.
"We've had to evacuate the Valley before, I don't see why we couldn't do it again. Besides, you said we had around a week. They could get far enough to be out of any danger from the army."
"Okay, is that the only option?" The Furious Five nodded. "So its settled. The villagers leave. What about us? We're going to have to do something, but what?"
"We're going to have to fight," said Viper.
"Yes, but only nine against twelve thousand?" asked Mei.
Viper looked at Mei, her tongue flicked in the air.
"Ever heard of the Battle of Weeping River?"
"Heard of it, don't really know about it."
"Basically it was us – the Furious Five – versus an army of five thousand."
Shang's jaw dropped. It was something that was becoming very common with him. The feats the kung fu Masters had preformed were astounding.
"And you won?" Shang asked incredulously. His eyes were wide and his paws were set firmly on the table.
"Yes," said Monkey simply and went back to his soup as the rest of them started to talk about what they could do.
Tai leaned back on his chair. His paw was resting on his chin. He looked at the map Crane had set out when he heard Shang start to talk. There was going to be archers, spearmen, infantry, shield wielders, and, from what he had seen, assassin-like elite soldiers. The map showed a basic outline of the village. There wasn't a lot that could be done to make the perimeter better. On the other hand, if they fought using the height of the Jade Palace or went out to meet them, it would be better. Tai cleared his throat. No one noticed. He did it again, louder this time. Finally, they looked at him.
"What?" asked Shang.
"I say we should either fight near the Jade Palace or meet the army somewhere where we would have the advantage. It'll be our best shot."
"Why?" asked Mantis.
"We will have some advantage in height."
"I thought you didn't like violence and fighting?" asked Tigress.
Tai shrugged. "I don't. That doesn't mean I won't read up on it once and a while. I've read a few books on tactics; never thought I would use them."
"I see you're point, but we won't use them. This is not army against army. This is nine of us versus twelve thousand. The odds are going to be somewhere around..." Tigress started to count on her claws.
"Around one thousand three hundred and thirty-three to one," supplied Tai.
Tigress glared at Tai. "Yes," she said slowly. "That. As I was saying, it's not going to be anything like how the Imperial army fights, let alone mercs or bandits."
"Then what are we going to do?" asked Po. "We need to get this settled."
"I say first thing is first," spoke up Mei. "Those villagers need to get out!"
Po hugged his dad. The goose stepped back.
"Once again, you're going to save China, son. Why does it always have to be like this?"
"I dunno dad. Being the Dragon Warrior makes me kinda have to do this stuff."
"Ah, I understand. I hate leaving the noodle shop again though. Can you at least try to make sure it's kept intact? I really don't want to spend the coin on fixing it."
"Will do, dad," said Po, giving his dad a large grin.
"Good. I'm off. Goodbye!" exclaimed Mr. Ping, turning and waddling away. Behind him he dragged the large noodle cart. "There are still customers waiting," he said.
"Hope to see you soon!" said Po, waving back.
"No, will see you soon! Fight well!"
Along with the rest of the villager evacuating the valley, Mr. Ping blended in with the rest of them – other than the giant noodle cart he pulled behind him. The sound of the villagers voices mingled with the sound of their carts being drawn or their hooves striking the stone roads that paved the way in and out of the valley.
It had been noonday when they had walked down the steps to the expected crowd that had gathered at the base of the Jade Palace. They all pressed forward to catch a glimpse at the new guests of the Furious Five and Dragon Warrior. But, in reality, they wanted to know what had happened during the long months they had been gone. Normally missions like chasing or hunting down didn't take that long. The missions would last maybe for a week or so and they would be back. The longest they had ever been gone before had been two months. This broke everything they had come to anticipate. Using patience granted to them by years of training under Master Shifu, they told the entire tale. Groans, gasps, and other noises had risen from the crowd during the narration. Surprisingly, besides a clear hatred for the assassins, the villagers took the news quite well. Of course they were disappointed that Master Shifu hadn't been avenged, but the past was the past. They were just happy that Furious Five had got back unharmed. What they didn't like was the dark news that the strangers (or 'friends of the Furious Five and Dragon Warrior') had brought back. Now they had to leave.
Po watched his dad leave. This was the third time they had parted like this. All the other missions hadn't been like this. It had been a simple find the bandits, beat 'em up, and then return. Po sighed and turned back to the Jade Palace. His section of the village had been taken care of. Tai, Shang, and Mei were up there working on plans for the upcoming battle. Nine against twelve thousand! This was going to be interesting. He hadn't ever been in a fight that magnitude, though Shen's army had been somewhat close. He hoped everything went the way they hoped. Tai, from what Po had seen, was excellent in defense. Shang was all-around good and Mei was so agile it seemed almost impossible.
"What do you think's gonna happen?" asked Mantis coming up beside him. "Think we're even gonna make it out alive? I mean, twelve thousand. That's a big number."
"Hey, chill. You've got us and me and the other three. I think we'll do fine. I mean what's the worst that could go wrong?"
"Uh, we could die?"
"True...but that's like the worst case scenario."
"Still the worst thing that could go wrong. Oh, hey Viper."
Viper had slid right next to them soundlessly. Her side had been finished as well.
"I don't see how we are going to be able to beat them all, but I have faith in Tigress. She will lead us."
"What about the other three? You know, Tai and stuff," said Po. He lowered his voice somewhat, though he wasn't sure why. They were no where near Tai.
"I'm not sure...it'll take a while before I can make a decision. He's kind, but as a leader? I don't really think so. Do I trust him? Yes and no. It takes time."
Po and Mantis nodded. It made sense what the snake was saying. The faint sound of Crane's wings came from above them. He landed on Po's left, opposite of Viper. Mantis shifted himself on Po's shoulder to face Crane.
"How was your section? Funny the way Tai made us do it in sections. Made it seem like it would help. It did in a way, but it didn't."
"I personally thought it was a smart way to evacuate the Valley."
"Pfffttt, whatever you say Crane," said Mantis.
They reached the steps to the Jade Palace. Po took a deep breath and started climbing. Reaching the top of the stairs was always an accomplishment for him, no matter what anybody else said. Holding his paw on the small of his back, Po made the final step to the large, red doors of the Jade Palace. He half expected Master Shifu there with his flute, but he wasn't there. Po pushed open the doors to reveal the small arena that the villagers could visit. Up further stairs was the second pair of doors that were the true entrance to the Palace courtyard. But what he saw in the arena was it set up like when Oogway had chosen the Dragon Warrior (though it turned out to be him). Tai was standing there, eyes closed, standing up. His paws were together, like he was meditating, yet his ears flicked back and forth; it was like he was listening for something. A trigger somewhere clicked and loud twang resounded. Everyone, except Tai, flexed, and prepared for an attack. An crossbow bolt flew toward the tiger. Another twang came from somewhere in the overhangs. Two bolts were now flying toward Tai from both sides. All of them watched to see how he would react. Tai's ears flicked and he suddenly dropped to a splits. The arrow tips struck each other with a staccato ping. Three were fired again. Tai reached up and plucked one from the air, hurling it at another while pushing up with his other arm and legs. As his thin body got airborne, he kicked out. Other crossbows – hidden – fired. His kicked connected with a bolt, it flew upwards. His body began to weave around the arrows in a complicated pattern. Every move and block was calculated to hit perfectly. Because of Po's and the others training, they were able to pick out what he was doing.
He is good at defense and deflection, thought Po. Haven't seen him attack though. Wonder if he can attack at all?
The last bolt clattered to the stone floor. The one that had been sent flying upwards now rocketed down. Tai resumed his previous position. His crooked tail moved slightly over and the arrow buried itself in the ground. As it stood there, quivering at the impact, Tai rested his tail on it, letting the tip brush the ground ever so gently.
"Eh, that was pretty good," complemented Po, going up to Tai.
Tai's eyes snapped open and he fell backwards. Po reached out and grabbed him before he completely fell over.
"Sorry, you scared me," admitted Tai, helping himself up as well.
"Really? I woulda thought that after what you just did, nothing could sneak up on you," said Po, looking around at the arrows that lay around the tiger.
"Well that's why I'm training more, I'm not exactly the best," replied Tai, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
"You can say that again," said Shang, appearing from one of the balconies. Tai looked at Shang with a slightly hurt look in his eyes. "You sent an bolt almost straight into my face! Watch out next time!"
"Sorry," said Tai, even more sheepishly. "Didn't remember you were up there."
"How could you? C'mon, you designed the entire rig."
"How'd you do it?" asked Crane. He was curious about this.
"Ropes," said Tai simply, picking up the crossbow arrows as well. "Along with a system of stacked bolts and, it was a pain to figure out, a pull-back contraption of counter-weights. And I'm not going into any details."
"Can we look at them at least?" asked Mantis.
"Of course," said Tai, waving at paw in the general direction. "We placed them randomly. Shang can tell you were they're at. While you're at it, why don't you drag them out as well."
As the Golden cat showed Crane and Mantis the crossbows that they had setup, Mei walked in from the Jade Palace carrying a tray of tea.
"Hello! Back from the village, I think? Well, of course you would be, where else would you come from? Tea?"
Po politely refused. Tai took one and sipped the refreshing drink. Po looked at the tea again. No steam rose from the liquid. Po made a face. He hated his tea cold. How Tai could drink cold tea, he had no idea. A dumpling caught his attention though. He grabbed it and began to munch away on it. A loud curse came from somewhere at the base of the balconies, from somewhere behind the doors that led up the stairs. Po stood up and took a deep breath; he was back into Inner Peace and ready for whatever might come next.
"Po, that's just Shang's way of saying "oh dear" in a rather crude way," said Tai. "You can relax."
The way Tai said that made Po burst out laughing. He held his stomach from wobbling too much as he shook his head in mirth. He wiped away an imaginary tear.
"Priceless," he stated. The door cracked open and Tigress, followed by Monkey, stepped in through the door just as Shang, Crane, and Mantis heaved the rather large crossbow out from behind the door.
"Crossbows?" asked Tigress, folding her arms across her chest. She expected something a bit more helpful than just crossbows. "You're planning all came down to crossbows?"
Po waited for an answer to come from one of the three, but none came. Po looked at Shang who was busy looking up and down the crossbow. Mei was caught up in another conversation with Viper. Expecting for Tai to speak up, he turned to face the tiger. Instead, he saw a rather goofy face. From what Po knew and what he was seeing right now, he had to say Tai was – how would Tai say it? – smitten by Tigress. Good luck with that. He had already thought about that and decided to stay away. If Tai got Tigress's heart though, kudos to him.
"Uh, uh – no! We tried a lot to do things without you, even from early in the morning, but we soon found out that we really just needed your, uh, all of you guys' help with the area. You know this place better than we do, by far."
"Mmmhm. So, why the crossbows?"
"Training."
"How?"
"Shang and I..."
Mei cleared her throat loudly.
"...uh with Mei's assistance as well, put together something to use the crossbows to train out here. We didn't want to mess with the Training Hall you already have."
"Okay, but we need to focus on what's going to be here in little less than a week! So, what did you need our help with?"
"Setting up some traps at the outskirts of town," said Shang deviously, cutting in. "They're going to get a nasty surprise."
Setting up the traps took them a while, but when the Furious Five and Po saw what they were, they were sure they would cause at least a little bit of hindrance when the army most likely charged forward. Tigress wiped her paws off from the dirt and headed back to the Jade Palace for dinner. Already a day was gone and the army was another day closer. In around six days would they have to meet the army and when that happened, she didn't want to suddenly remember something that could help them. She was, deep inside, anxious about this. So many things could go wrong and any one of those things weren't desirable to happen. This was an army of twelve thousand. Just the numbers would probably make most quake with fear in their boots. She noticed Shang and Po talking in hushed voices coming in from their sections. Most of the day after lunch had been working to get ready the perimeter as Shang had suggested. She decided to head over to them, see what they were talking about. Whispering to one another was a good way to attract attention.
"I've got a rather random question to ask you Shang," said Po.
"Shoot."
"Does Tai like Tigress?"
Shang had been taking a rather long draft of his canteen and the comment tickled his funny bone. Water sprayed out as he tried to hold in his laughter.
"Are you kidding me? Like is a loose way of putting it," said the Golden cat. "I'm surprised he isn't always tripping over his feet."
"He really likes Tigress that much?"
"The guy hasn't got much romance in his life. Hell, not even friendship. He was lonely for a good portion of his life."
"First time liking someone then?"
"Eh, maybe, maybe not. Never know with Tai. He'll catch you off guard sometimes."
"Why do you think he likes Tigress?"
Shang thought about that for a little bit, "Can't really say why."
"Can't say what?"
Shang and Po almost jumped out of their skins.
"I swear Tigress, do you enjoy creeping up on people?" said Shang
"Kinda," admitted Tigress with a slight shrug. "But you of all people should be able to know I'm coming with that 'military training.'"
"Hmph," replied Shang.
"So, what can't you say?" asked Tigress again.
"Nothing!" blurted out Po.
Shang let his head drop and shake slowly in mock despair. It seemed that Po was terrible at acting natural. Great guy, just couldn't act natural to save his life. Then he cursed himself, his own actions added to Tigress's suspicions. They were both guilty.
"What is it?" asked Tigress sternly.
"I'm sure you'll figure it out," said Shang, without giving anything away that might embarrass Tai. It seemed that Tigress wasn't exactly the most friendly to Tai. She had her moments, but Tigress seemed not too interested in Tai. How would she react if she found out Tai liked her in a rather romantic way. Shang smirked. He wondered how Tai would even be able to handle Tigress.
Tigress huffed. Another riddle. Not what she wanted.
"No riddles please."
"It isn't a riddle. It's a matter of observation," said the Golden cat with a wink at Po. Teasing her was fun.
"Seriously? You're going to go with that? You are acting really immature."
"Haha, isn't that the truth? Speaking of acting your own age, you seem to have something out for Tai; do you even like him?"
"That has nothing to do with age! You're sounding like Mei!"
Shang stroked his whiskers.
"Been told that before. Gotta get that outta my mind. Now, answer the question."
"He's a friend."
"You seem to snap at him a lot though," said Po, butting in – and feeling slightly left out of the conversation.
"So..."
"A friend wouldn't do that to a friend," pointed out Shang.
Tigress was silent. She was a bit ticked at Tai. Mainly because he had been able to beat her at that one fight and he kept on popping up in her life. It made her annoyed at him and she had little patience for people who annoyed her. Just like Po when he first arrived.
"Alright, so I am a little mean to him. I guess it's because he beat me at that fight when we first met," she said finally.
Shang and Po looked at each other with knowing looks. They chuckled silently – annoying Tigress.
"I'll bet you that you can't really be nice to him," Shang said, inspecting his paw dramatically. "What do you say? Deal?" He held his outstretched paw in Tigress's direction, waiting for her pawshake in return.
Tigress was about to refused until Shang gave a slight smirk and a wink. Clearly, he expected he was going to win. She would prove him wrong.
"Alright, good. Po, you're witness. Prepare to loose Tigress, just like you lost to Tai."
Po nodded and started walking again with Shang trailing behind, shortly catching up. They chuckled knowingly – ignoring Tigress's roars of protest.
The day was finally over. There was nothing left to do but meditate, drink tea, eat dinner, train, rest, talk, or play games. Or, maybe there was a lot left to do but it just mattered on your perspective. Tai welcomed this. The manual labor had strained him. Kung fu and manual labor were two entirely separate things. Besides he was more of someone to draw out the plans and then have hired hands build it for him. Instead, he did both today. Not that it bothered him too much – it did – he just wasn't used to it.
He stared up at the stars. Strange, he hadn't had a visit from Li or the other two of his ancestors in a while. Did they think he was fine without them now? If so, he was glad. It meant that he was capable of protecting himself and choosing the right path correctly now. On the other paw, they might be giving a break to get used to his new surroundings and still thought he needed guidance – not that he didn't need it. Their guidance was invaluable and he felt comforted whenever Li was around. To know of someone who had what you had – Gu-Yi – and could help you through tough times was an incredible asset. Tai sighed as he entered the village again. This time it was vacant. Nothing moved. The town was desolate. Only the lights that were lit at the Jade Palace reminded him he wasn't entirely alone right now. Well, he was in a sense. Right now, everyone had gone inside, their tasks done for the day. It had been Tai's job, after the rest of the jobs were completed, to go around and check the handiwork of his friends. It needed to be done well and live up his plans, otherwise they wouldn't work at all. Checking and rechecking had been exhausting work, but he liked it. A tweak there and minor mistake there (he fixed it) and everything would work like a charm. At least he hoped. Their survival didn't depend on this, but it would help them immensely. The traps would, Tai cringed at the word, kill many of the wolves' soldiers before they could even reach the actual village and take hold of it, leaving them the Jade Palace only.
The chances of a Battle of Weeping River reoccurring were plausible. Granted, there were over twice as many soldiers to go against, but they had close to twice the number of defenders. Whatever was going to happen next, nobody knew.
Tai reached the steps to the Jade Palace. He knew what Po meant by they were his worst enemy. He hated the stairs as well. But, for his own sake, at least he could reach the top without loosing his breath anymore. Po still seemed to get winded going from bottom to top. Reaching the top, he noticed the doors had been left ajar. Grateful that he didn't have to knock, he continued on his way to the mess hall. Dinner had yet been served. He grimaced when he remembered it was Shang's turn to cook. He wasn't the best cook and hadn't gotten any better. Maybe he had gotten worse. Ugh. Tai stuck his tongue out as his memory involuntarily brought up the taste of Shang's last concoction. Something he didn't want to think about. Still, if you were hungry, you would eat and hungry he was.
He knocked on the rice paper screen door. A muffled reply came and he slid open the door. To his surprise Tigress was there, cooking.
"I didn't know you cooked?" said Tai, going to the cupboards in search of something. So, maybe Shang wasn't cooking tonight. Thank the Heavens!
"Not really. They already ate actually. Mei and Shang went for an evening stroll and the rest of them are training. I trained first and then came here to eat."
While rummaging around in the cupboards, the tin bowls clanking together, Tai glanced at Tigress. "Weren't you hungry?"
"Yes, but I always train like that. It helps get me focused and, I'll admit, slightly more hungry," replied Tigress. She moved away from stirring her own rendition of a soup recipe that was a favorite around the Palace. There he is again, getting me to say things about myself not many others know. What is with me? And what is with him?
Tai chuckled. "I see." He pulled out a bit of noodles and some spices. A simple dinner he had learned to prepare from the Mengyou City chefs. "Right now, I am ravished."
"And you still talk funny."
"Maybe I do. Or maybe you are the one talking funny. It's all a matter of perspective really."
"What's your perspective then?"
"I'm talking properly and more eloquently, you could say."
Tigress nearly burst out laughing at that statement, but decided it would hurt his feelings. She wasn't going to be mean to him on purpose – after all, she wanted to prove Po and Shang wrong! – and he was speaking with more descriptive words than most used. Instead, she shrugged and went back to making her soup.
"Mind if I squeeze in next to you? I need the stove as well."
"Yeah, sure."
"Thank you."
Silently, the two tigers cooked dinner. It was slightly awkward but at the same time, it was almost peaceful and relaxing – almost. Tigress's was finished first, which stands to reason, and she settled down to have her soup. Tai's bowl slid across the table shortly after, followed by Tai. Taking a seat across and to the left of Tigress, he began to eat. Silence – awkward silence. It was nothing like the cooking silence punctuated by requests for ingredients or utensils. Po walked by the open door.
"Being nice?"
"What?" asked Tai. The remark Po made caught him completely off-guard.
"Oh, nothing," said Tigress quickly. She growled at Po who smiled and scooted off. Tigress looked down at her bowl and ran the spoon along the wooden sides creating the distinct sound of polished wood on polished wood.
"So, uh, Tai, what was, uh, the University like? Like, what did you do there?"
Tai looked up from his noodles with his own spoon in his mouth. A lone noodle was able to jump to safety back into the bowl. He held up a claw and swallowed.
"What makes you say that? You've never really shown that much interest in Mengyou City before."
"Trying to make conversation."
"Fair enough," said Tai and launched into a story about the University.
At first, Tigress nodded occasionally and acted like she was taking in every word. In truth, she wasn't. But then his tale took an interesting turn – after he went off on a random tangent when she asked about what happened before the University. He talked about being isolated from many of the other students or being shunned. Why the population would shun Tai, she didn't know. She had to ask.
"Why'd they not talk to you at all. It was like you were nonexistent, wasn't it?"
Tai grimaced and his crooked tail swished nervously. "It was. I have a few theories why. One seems to be the most correct: Curo and his gang. Chances are if they hadn't singled me out, I would have had friends. But, it seems that whoever was caught hanging out with me also suffered Curo's wrath."
"What's up with this Curo guy? Was he your enemy?"
"Yes and no. His father wanted the throne and Curo didn't like me because I was going to get the throne next instead of him. It's all very twisted in politics, I don't want to bore you."
"Okay, can you continue anyways?"
So Tai obliged. Tigress listened politely and, much to her own astonishment, actually took it in. His life, in a sense, was like looking into a mirror. It spoke of the same sort of loneliness she had felt in her childhood. Only, Tai took his oneness and turned to books and studies instead of kung fu and anger like Tigress had. Thankfully, she was able to have Po take the place of Dragon Warrior; it made her attitude change drastically for the better. Tai was still searching – discovering. She tried to remember what Mei had told her about him before. Something about his nickname – she hadn't really meant to say it, but it had slipped. Mishi – lost. It spoke about him. Almost. She sensed that he was slowly becoming found. Her spoon scrapped the bottom of the wooden bowl. She looked down with a frown on her face. There were no seconds tonight because she hadn't made enough. Tai saw the look on her face and pushed his bowl over.
"Try it," he offered. "If you like it, have it."
Tigress did like the simple recipe and, though she told him to eat it, Tai gave it too her like he had said. "I'm not that hungry," he had said in response. He sat there, staring at her with a hungry, yet pained and almost haunted, look in his face. It was almost like that time when she first met it and, like that time, it unnerved her. She faked a yawn and stretched. Tai took the hint and got up, taking the bowl with him, and volunteered to wash the dishes. Tigress thanked him and got up. It was time for bed. The next days would be taxing.
Tai watched Tigress leave. His eyes ran up and down her body and he had to tear himself away.
Not the time to gawk at someone – how would Shang or Mei say it? – 'out of your league?' Yep, that's it.
Tai scrubbed furiously at the residue on bowls and spoons. As he did so, his mind thought furiously. How were they going to beat twelve thousand strong with only nine? Plus he had to try to rescue his mother and father. Who knew what horrors they had been through in the captivity of the wolves? Tai shuddered at the thought. He didn't want to know. Chances are, if he did, anger would grab onto a foothold in his mind and Gu-Yi would threaten to over take him now. Mediation – that was how he was going to achieve Inner Peace. Tai was doubtful he would ever get to Inner Peace as quickly as Po did. After all, Po was the Dragon Warrior. Certainly that entitled him being able to do tasks other wouldn't be able to even think about. It seemed like that was the truth from what everything he had heard about the Panda. Just imagine stopping an entire army armed with cannons single-handedly! Or stuffing forty bean buns into your own mouth! Those feats were amazing – even the bean buns...well, not so much really, but incredible nonetheless.
Shang came flying through the door, slightly out of breath. He stood there, hunched over, paws on his knees.
"I just...remembered...something...that could help us," he said, still slightly winded.
"Mmmmmm?" said Tai, though he was preoccupied with the last bowl. Apparently, the others had left their dishes to be cleaned as well.
Shang cleared his throat, trying to get Tai's attention. "Ahem."
"I'm listening..."
Mei came in and propped herself against the door post. She cooled herself off with a fan she had pulled out of her tunic.
"I didn't know you had that," said Shang, distracted now.
"I do and have had this for a while. Surprised you didn't notice it until now," replied Mei. Her voice was steady but her chest heaved up and down. "Have you told Tai yet?"
The Golden cat shook his head. "No," he said, then raised his voice. "He hasn't been paying attention."
"You didn't tell me what it was! I'm listening now, okay?" Tai said, slightly irritated. "Before you start, could you explain to me why you didn't wash your dishes?"
"Never mind that!" exclaimed Mei and latched onto Shang's arm. "He remembered that a group of soldiers patroled around China. They aren't the best, but they help keep order. From what he remembers, there were orders to have them moved from where they are to Tzenshui Province. If we have Crane fly to where Shang thinks they are..."
"...they'll be able to get here to aid us. At least, that's what I think. Not the best to base our hopes on what I think. 'Cause sometimes I don't always think straight," Shang supplied at the end, finishing Mei's sentence for her. "It could help us a lot."
"Mmmm," mused Tai. "It could. But would the risk of Crane being gone that long be worth it? What if they arrived earlier than we expected? Or what if they can't make it in time?"
"Those are all 'what ifs'," pointed out Mei. "Just like Shang's suggestion is a 'what if.' Though, I think its worth it. Crane is a fast flyer and if he can't find them, he can come back here just as fast."
Tai thought about it. There was not a lot that was wrong with her logic – mainly because it was so simple. Crane finds them, great; Crane doesn't find them, he comes back. Shang saw the look of doubt on Tai's face, even though they had valid arguments.
"Its worth a shot," he said.
"Very well," Tai said, nodding his head. Tai checked his paws, he thought he felt a damp spot on them. Must have missed a spot when drying them off from doing the dishes. He grabbed a towel. "We'll tell the others tomorrow. I think they will rather like this news. Who wouldn't?"
"The wolves won't like it," said Mei, her tail swished behind her. Her earring bounced up and down as she twirled around, doing acrobatics around the kitchen and mess room. Not a thing was messed up as she did so.
"What's that about?" asked Tai, trying discern why she was doing what she was doing.
"No reason," she replied as she back flipped off a table and landed with finesse even Monkey would have been jealous of. "Just felt like working off some energy."
"Alright then," said Tai, amazed and confused still at her antics. "I'm off to bed. I think you two should be as well. Tomorrow – and the rest of the week – will take their tolls."
All around the Jade Palace, the lights were snuffed out. Candles or lanterns no longer burned. Everything was dark. Silence had already crept over the Valley and now rested peacefully without disturbance. The pale moonlight blanketed the land in its soft blue glow. There was no wind tonight, but the air had a slight chill to it. A comfortable night. It was almost as if nothing evil were stalking them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. It would have been called serene – maybe. Deep in the hearts and minds of those still in the Valley were filled with anxiety, exhaustion, confusion, and many other emotions that interrupted the otherwise calm. Fear even had wriggled its way into their minds but their hearts were pure; they were warriors. And warriors never quit.