A/N: Hello again! So, after a while, I have finally completed A Long Journey. No, this is not that last chapter, there are more after this that I have uploaded as well, just to tell you. Anyways, I really I have nothing else to say, so please Enjoy.
Canku lifted up his snout in the air and took a whiff of the fresh valley air. Underlying the scent of the lilies and the fresh grass, he smelled the metallic aroma of blood and carrion. He was sure that would be the next thing anybody else smelled after he slaughtered the Valley citizens. Yet, something was wrong. There was going to be no victory unless he had the Furious Five! He growled deep in his throat. Zeng had failed him so far. He was less that pleased. Nothing irked him more than subordinates who neglected their orders. So far, Zeng was doing exactly that. He was practicing as much self-control as he could. All he wanted to do was strangle that good-for-nothing bird until Zeng either died or was able to bring him the Furious Five – and the Dragon Warrior – bound so that they could no escape. Then they would suffer and be forced to bow before him as Emperor of China. By his side, his mate as Empress. China was to become a powerful nation during his rule. Let no one doubt that. He snarled in disdain as he caught sight of Zeng coming his direction. Zeng blanched visibly and scuttled out of the way as fast as he could. Canku smiled. Fear and respect – a healthy mix of both could make an army have the iron discipline he required. Kill a few who disappointed you and they fear you. Reward and lead them to victory and they will respect you. He looked down at the village. There was no movement down there. Something that bothered him. The wolf was sure that there would be movement within the walls. Unless, of course, they were all hiding in their homes. Maybe they were cowering pitifully, waiting for the inevitable to come upon them. Victory would be so sweet, even if there was no fight really to be fought. Easy victories were the best in any campaign. What more could you ask for? After all, conquering an entire nation wasn't exactly the easiest task he could have decided to pursue. Oh, but they wouldn't be laughing at him now would they? Their expressions would be the sweetest of the sweet before he sheared them off with a pair of rusty knives. The pain they caused him would be magnified greatly when they felt it themselves. Who would stand before them? Kun Zhu stood with a ribbon tied in his paw, connecting him to his own mate. The masters of the Valley of Peace would soon be at his heels. Gongmen City, the City of the Arch, would fall before him just as quickly as Mengyou City had. Then, he would close in for the kill. It would be the greatest accomplishment. He started to cackle manically. Then he would sit at the Imperial throne! His mouth split in demonic grin. That day. Yes, that day... The wolf sighed.
"Lord Canku."
Canku's face become one like stone again as he turned to face Kar.
"Yes?"
"Your army awaits your command. The Valley of Peace awaits your rule."
"Good. Do you know where Xisong is?"
"No sir."
"Find her please and tell her to meet me in our pavilion by midday. We have things to discuss."
Kar bowed. "As you wish."
The snow leopard did an about-face and left the warlord to stand on the grassy hill. He sought out Xisong. The female wolf would probably be with her pups. Half the time she could be found with her pups. The other half she was found with Canku and the Officers of her army. He walked past a drowsy sentry and struck her hard.
"At the ready. You're lucky it wasn't Canku who caught you."
"Yessir!" said the sentry, snapping to attention.
The army seemed to be getting softer. He would have to alert Canku of that. Something for him to do other than run errands for the wolves'. Kar's tail curled in aggravation. He was tired of having to running between the two mates, giving their messages.
Why can't they run their owned damned personal errands like this by themselves or get somebody else to do it? Kar fumed. I'm not a messenger! I'm the second in command!
Kar shook his head as he kept his eyes out for Xisong. A high-pitched wail made him investigate. Sure enough, just as he suspected, there were the pups being herded by Xisong to their very own six-man tent. Part of him wished he were one of the wolves' pups. They were spoiled by their mother and their father was teaching them how to fend for themselves at the same time. It was a luxurious lifestyle and you learned how to fight. Perfect. He shook the thoughts out of his mind. It would actually be very awkward for him to be the son of Canku and Xisong. He stood ramrod straight and saluted.
"Milady, Lord Canku has requested that you be with him in your pavilion by midday."
Xisong let herself look hastily at the snow leopard in case one of her pups tried to make a break for it. She smiled that disarming, yet disquieting smile. It made one think twice before doing anything else.
"Thank you. Anything else I should know about, Kar?"
"Yes ma'am. It appears that the army is getting at bit soft. Caught a sentry snoozing at her post."
Xisong shook her head. "What was the sentry's name?"
"Didn't get it, ma'am."
"Mkay. Go get it and next time, get the names. I think we have a lesson to be taught."
Kar nodded. His face emotionless like always. Looks like the sentry wasn't as lucky as she thought she was. Perhaps even less lucky that it hadn't been Canku. Rumor had it that it was Xisong that was the crueler one and she was just hiding behind the 'new mother' pretense. Kar chuckled mentally. That rumor certainly seemed to be true enough.
"I guess you have something in store for that sentry?"
"You have no idea, Kar. Dismissed."
Kar saluted and went on his way to collect the name of that unlucky sentry.
Canku stood outside the large tent, tapping his footpaw on the lush grass. It was slightly different from the rougher grasses in Mengyou City. This grass almost felt soft. It swayed underneath his weight yet got right back up again.
"A good philosophy," muttered the wolf. "But what happens when you poison the roots?"
"It falls and will not get back up," said Xisong, coming up from behind him.
Canku smiled. "That's the key to success in any warfare. Now, as I'm sure Kar told you, we have some things to discuss. First and foremost though, Kar brought to my attention that we might have a soft army on our paws."
"Funny, I heard that too. Kar!"
The female wolf's voice rang loud and true. The snow leopard came bounding to the tent and stood in position within moments.
"Rally the troops to the center and bring out our sentry who decided to forget her duty."
Kar nodded and allowed himself a small smile. This was what he was meant to do.
As Kar hurried off, Canku took Xisong by the paw and led her up to the center. In the center, they had erected a wooden platform. There was an opening for gallows to be constructed or for something to be placed underneath it. Right now there was a massive cauldron with a raging fire beneath it, the tongues of fire licking the side of the iron cauldron. The wolves' stood there, patiently waiting for the entire army to muster and look upon whatever they were to say – or do. As the last member trickled in, Xisong gave a subtle nod and Kar shoved the sentry he had caught to the feetpaws of the two wolf warlords. Kar grabbed hold of the chain that connected the two cuffs together and hoisted her up so that she looked Canku straight in the eye. Canku eyed the frightened sentry. He gave her a perverse grin, he was going to enjoy this. After all, he himself said that fear and respect were healthy together and right now he needed to give them a new reason to fear his name.
He leaned forward. His voice seemed to flow like molasses down the sentries ear. "It seems you have forgotten your duty."
"No sir!" she pleaded. "It must've been a mistake. I wouldn't doze off!"
"Funny, because Kar told me you did," said Xisong, filing her claws to perfection.
The sentry speared the snow leopard with a look of pure hatred. Kar's face was emotionless. He couldn't - wouldn't - show anything. Though he did think that if Xisong and Canku killed her it would be a waste. Her past records had shown her to be a good fighter.
"If you can make a good reason why you were sleeping on sentry duty, we might let you off easier than if you can't," offered Canku. Options seemed to be something soldiers appreciated. It gave them the illusion that they had say in whatever was going on, when, in fact, they really didn't.
"I was up late last night, sir. I...was...uh..." The lynx blushed at the end of the statement.
"Oh," chuckled Canku. This was too good. "I see. Might I ask who was this lucky gentleman?"
"Kar."
The snow leopard's normally stone face was replaced by shock. Kar started to splutter yet a paw held up by Xisong stopped anymore of his indignant protests. Canku revaluated the sentry. That was an underhand way to get her leverage on someone who gave her away. Genius. Still, he had a image to uphold. He couldn't have anybody just giving him justifications like that. Though, this one was rather humorous. As far as he knew, Kar hadn't had been with a girl at all. No matter, this seemed to be a resourceful. The lynx sentry gave Kar a mocking grin. Clearly, the snow leopard was embarrassed and that was all that mattered to her.
Canku motioned for Kar to let the sentry go and to turn around. The snow leopard did so and was faced with thousands of faces filled with mirth at the expense of Kar. He fumed inside. This would no be forgotten. Canku motioned for Xisong to have a private conference with him. As soon as her face was hidden from the army, she let herself snicker.
"I have never seen Kar so embarrassed," she commented. "That lynx certainly knows how to get to animals. What are you thinking?"
"I still need to punish her. She disobeyed orders. But, her gift with her tongue definitely shows a sharp wit. That's something we need in an Officer instead of some of the buffoons we have. So, what's your decision, my dear?"
"Burn one side of her face, just enough to char skin and scar it as well but give her a position as an Officer. If she doesn't accept," Xisong shrugged, "kill her and its still a win-win situation."
"How so?"
"We punish someone and gain fear from the army. Isn't that what you want in the army? Fear and respect?"
Canku laughed quietly. "Certainly."
The wolves' turned back to the intent army who was waiting the verdict of the impromptu conference. Canku took a deep breath of air.
"When you disobey orders, your punishment is death. When you go against authority, your life is forfeit. If you fail to meet our expectations, I hope you don't mind your corpse being the food for the worms. If, however, you follow orders, you follow authority, and you meet our standards, you will be rewarded. In this case we found fault and success. For that, the lynx's punishment shall be having half of her face be burned instead of death. She may not wear a mask until a full year has passed or until I say she may. On the exact same note, because of her sharp tongue and her exemplary records – besides today – I have allowed her to advance in my army. What do you say...?"
The lynx swallowed. Death or something close to it. But, if she chose the punishment, though she would be disfigured, she would be allowed to continue to serve – and live. She took a deep breath and started to nod. Apprehensively at first, but then her confidence grew in her decision. She was willing.
"I will serve you," she said.
Canku and Xisong grinned. This was still a win-win situation. Fear inflicted, respect shown, and, to quench their sadistic nature, someone to torture for a while. A fire was drawn in the opening, yet the lynx had her back turned to it, so she didn't see it. Her back was stiff as Canku touched her shoulder and started to push her back gently.
"I think you have made a good choice," he said quietly. "You will serve me well and remind Kar of the place he really is in. The snow leopard can get too big for his fur sometimes, wouldn't you agree?"
The lynx was slightly unnerved by Canku's conversational manner. Xisong had moved up silently beside her. She turned her head to see the army. All eyes were on her. A few jaws were hanging open at the sudden change in verdict. The lynx started to turn but Xisong stayed her head and wagged a paw at her.
"You wouldn't want to ruin your surprise, would you?"
The lynx's mouth went dry. Maybe this wasn't the best decision – or was it? Her mind flashed back to Siwang's execution. Kar hadn't shown fear and look where he was. The same would be with her...she hoped. She steeled her nerves and looked Canku straight in his pale eyes. He returned the gaze remorselessly.
"Your psychological games won't work with me. But, I promise you, if you work on them, you will hold power over even the most trained warrior by destroying his or her mind. Take my word for it. Hell, you can even go as far as trust me. Oh, one last question, though. What's your name?"
The lynx could feel heat behind her as she replied. "Niyein."
"I hope this hurts, Niyein," spat Canku as he roughly spun Niyein around and shoved her face into the fire.
Immediately, the fire started to lick around her cheeks, singeing her fur. The heat then began to tickle her cheeks. She fought back the urge to scream out as she felt the burning sensation blossom on her cheek. Her arms thrashed wildly as Niyein struggled against the strength of Canku.
The wolf was relentless. He needed to make an example – in both ways – of this sentry; now Officer. Canku grinned with savage delight. He enjoyed the suffering of others, regardless of their rank. The only animals he truly cared about were his mate and, to some extent, his pups. Other than that, the rest were expendable. Some were more valuable than others, but he would let them fall if it didn't affect him or his family. Canku felt the claws of Niyein dig into his side – a reflex. He nodded to Xisong who then bound the lynx's paws. Canku looked out at the army. They were still silent as a tomb. A soldier might shuffle uncomfortably here and there, but other than that, they were in horrified shock. At least they seemed to be. Many of them had already witness the various methods used by the wolves. But he was sure they were still slightly mortified.
Niyein felt her skin start to bubble and finally, she let loose an ear-piercing scream. Many flinched involuntarily. The scream even echoed around the Valley. Some soldiers hidden in the village looked at each other, their eyes wide. Shang and Tai heard it as well. Whatever was happening over there, they didn't want to know.
The lynx's scream faded to a pained whimper as her skin turned from a smooth and soft surface to a uneven and mottled mess of flesh. Finally, Canku ripped back her head from the fire and commanded the panther torturer to douse the fire. The lynx was shoved to the floor, rocking back and forth, clutching her tormented skin. Her voice was a whisper as she pleaded for water. Just something to cool down her skin!
"No water," said Xisong. "A mirror."
A mirror was brought by Kar to Xisong. The army was slightly confused by the command. Those in the back squinted their eyes to see the object in their leader's paw. Xisong bent down to Niyein.
"Look up."
The lynx looked up. A tear ran down her face. "Yes?"
"Move away your paws from your face and gaze at the mirror. What do you see?"
Niyein did so slowly, afraid of what she would see. The fresh air stung the burnt skin, yet she gritted her teeth to do as her leaders said. What she saw caused her to almost cry. Her face, once beautiful, was now disfigured on one side. She wasn't pretty anymore. On the burnt side, her left she now realized, her bright eye was surrounded by dead skin. No fur was present on the charred side. One word described it and she shuddered at it: ugly.
"A punishment fit for an sentry. Yet you have shown us that you are strong enough."
Niyein nodded and Xisong got up and smashed the mirror. The female wolf offered a paw to Niyein. "Get up." The lynx nodded and took the proffered paw. "Welcome to the ranks, Officer Niyein."
Niyein nodded gratefully, but the motion pained her. She felt angry and proud at the same time. Angry at what the wolves have inflicted on her, yet proud that she had pleased them and was now an Officer. They were conflicting emotions and they showed clearly to Canku and Xisong.
"Take heart, lynx," said Canku, a bit harsher than he intended. "You will now have the luxuries as any Officer, minus medical attention to your face until the year has passed. And I'll tell you what. You show me that I haven't made a mistake in just killing you, and I'll let you get a mask early."
"I give my thanks to you, Lord Canku and Lady Xisong."
"As you should," replied Canku. "Dismissed Niyein. Oh, and Niyein, I'd suggest getting to know Kar. You two are going to be working together often. After all, you were together last night." Canku winked at her and laughed an unpleasant laugh. The army laughed nervously with him, unsure of what to do. Xisong whirled on the army.
"You are all dismissed!" she called out.
The army filed away as Canku and Xisong walked back to their pavilion. What they didn't see were the pair of eyes watching them from the tent beside them. Xiaoa was troubled by what she had just seen. Why had her parents hurt that pretty lynx? What had she done wrong? A confused wolf pup went back to think, thoughts swirling in her mind.
It was late at night and Niyein stumbled back to her tent. When no one was looking, she had snuck out and, remembering what her mother had taught her, treated the burn. Already she felt much better, though it still stung. Just touching it sent fiery needles of pain lancing through her face. Already she planned on making the mask early. She would need to make one that didn't show her newly received deformities yet still had some kind of flare that fit her. Niyein planned on getting that early relief of her punishment, so she had to work extra diligently in the future. That meant fighting hard in the upcoming battle. Though, how she had no idea. After all, this was supposed to be a simple go in and wipe out all those who resist them. According to various rumors, Zeng was having his assassins lead the Furious Five on a wild goose-chase – of course, the pun was intended – and then they would catch them when they least expected it. She chuckled slightly. She had to hand it to the wolves. They certainly had a lot going for them, but trusting Zeng wasn't their best move. Zeng just seemed the oily type. How he had been able to fool the Furious Five and then the Dragon Warrior, she had no idea. Niyein wondered when they were going to attack. It had already been a day, yet no orders had been passed through. It was slightly disturbing, the wolves were patient, yes, but on an opportunity like this, they usually jumped into Hera;lkdj
She reached her tent to see Kar waiting outside of it. Or, where it had been. He was leaning against a pole that had the wolves' standard on it. It hung limply in the windless night. She eyed the snow leopard with disgust. He was the one that had gotten into this mess in the first place...but he had also gotten her the promotion. Again, conflicting emotions. That wasn't good.
"What do you want?" she spat.
The snow leopard eyed the lynx from head to footpaw and back up again with a bored expression. He wasn't afraid of her at all, just peeved at her making him look like a fool in front of the entire army. What she had said ruined his image. No longer was he the silent, cold right-paw of Canku and Xisong, but the lover of a lynx. What he didn't like was that sharp tongue had let her get a promotion. But Kar thanked his lucky stars that he wasn't in the same position Siwang had been in. Kar got up slowly and started to circle Niyein. Her body tensed.
"You think you can make a fool of me?"
"I didn't think. I did."
"Very funny."
"I know."
Kar's face twitched in annoyance. He was going to have to learn to get used to this new Officer. This was an unexpected twist in his career under the wolves. Working with those who irked him, an interesting challenge. One that the wolves probably thought funny. Niyein smiled at Kar. Her burned face twisted the smile into something rather evil looking. Kar looked away. As much as he didn't want to admit it, the burnt half made his stomach queasy. Pushing the thought away and just focusing on Niyein's untouched half, he motioned to the flag.
"I'm sure you know what this is."
"Do you take me for an idiot?"
"No comment; this is the standard of the wolves. As a new Officer, your tent is replaced with this flag. From now on you will camp in the Officers tent."
"Why don't we get our own tents?"
"I don't make the rules. The Lord Canku and Lady Xisong surely have reasons of their own. It is our job to follow them. If its any consolation, there are curtains to cut off your own little section. Being the newest Officer, you are going to be situated at the very front."
Without an answer from the lynx, Kar walked off. Niyein shrugged and followed him. All across the camp, wherever she was, soldiers would stop and stare at her face. At first she was embarrassed by it. Then, as the attention began to grow on her, she almost willingly let others gawk at the horrible inflictions. It was nice to have the spotlight on her. When she noticed the sneers that were directed to Kar, she smiled as well. Kar noticed them too and his hackles rose. This was exactly what he was dreading. The rumors that sprouted up here in the camp grew like bamboo. Too fast with not enough time to trim them down to size. He growled at one of the more loud soldiers who only made a rude gesture in return. Kar abruptly stopped, backpedalled, and then stood face to face with the soldier. The soldiers gaze wilted underneath the tall snow leopards cold stare. Niyein watched with curiosity. She now had a position of authority. Maybe she could learn some things from this snow leopard.
"Do that again," hissed Kar. Right now, he was dropping his calm and collected facade and replacing it with one of vengeance. It fit the situation.
The soldier just smiled and did it again. Kar grabbed hold of the paw. The soldier's smile vanished immediately.
"Do you think I should be as kind as Canku and Xisong? Or should I just kill you now?"
"B't, uh, boss. The wolves ain't kind."
"Exectly."
The soldier gulped. "F'rgive m' please!"
"Okay. But let this be a reminder to you," spat Kar. As he said his sentence, he pulled out his dagger and cut off the protruding finger. The hapless soldier dropped to the floor, rolling on the ground, clutching his paw with a steady stream of curses pouring forth from his mouth. Kar held the severed claw in his paws and examined it.
"Not a clean cut. I'll have to sharpen this," he said nonchalantly, turning his attention to the dull knife. He threw the soldiers appendage in his face. "Let that be a warning and a lesson."
Kar blocked out the faces that stared at him as he walked off. Niyein stared wide eyed at the careless act of violence. She caught up with him.
"You can do that? Just like that?"
Kar eyed her coldly. "I would've done it with you if I could. Regrettably, you are now an Officer. It's a unforgivable crime. Canku and Xisong wouldn't pardon me even if I begged on my knees and gave them my tail. I'd be dead within the hour. They take their hierarchy seriously."
"Oh."
Kar said nothing and turned down toward the back of the camp where Canku and Xisong's pavilion had been set up. It had been set up to be elevated over the entire army to remind them that they were the rulers and to let them survey the land and their troops. Niyein spotted the wolves' on their chairs and a nudge from Kar brought her to attention. He motioned her to bow respectfully and the wolves acknowledged them.
"Do we have to do that?" whispered Niyein to Kar.
The snow leopard rolled his eyes. "Of course, you damn fool! And get used to it. They demand respect like that. Fear and respect – rules that Canku abides by. Oh, and you might get a few soldiers bowing to you as well."
"You're serious?" No one had ever bowed in respect to Niyein.
"Very."
The lynx sucked in a breath. Maybe this was going to be the highlight of her life. An Officer in an army that had conquered the City of Allies and was now going to defeat the Valley of Peace. Then, all of China. Forget her burnt face when the entire land of China was going to be accessible to her – granted, under Canku and Xisong.
Wonder what they will do when they do conquer China? Niyein thought. She shook her head and smiled. Complete power is all they ask for. Nothing much, really. The lynx chuckled at her own little joke.
A tent, not very grand though large, stood next to the tent for the warlords pups. It was the black uniform with a red stripes that represented Officers in the Army in Black. It was the largest tent, larger than even Canku and Xisong's own personal tent. But it did accompany many other animals besides one or two – or six if you included the pups tent.
"Welcome to the Officers' tent. You can take the closest to the entrance. It's the only one that's open," stated Kar flatly. He didn't want to display any grandeur to the Officers' tent. Actions like that could convey the wrong meanings to others; right now, he needed to be on his toes to make sure he didn't say anything that animals might take wrongly – thanks to Niyein and her comments. "You'll find your stuff already in the section."
The snow leopard pushed the tent open slightly and, crouching slightly to get through the short entrance, entered the tent letting the flap snap back to its original position. Niyein hadn't seen that, as she was to busy daydreaming, and ran into the tent. She bit her teeth down in pain. It had struck right along the burned side of her face. She growled out curses upon her burden and Kar. Regaining her composure, she reopened the flap and stepped inside.
Inside, she was met with the sight of Officers doing their normal duties and getting ready for the massive fight the wolves' had said would start in a about two days. For now, they wanted to inflict fear upon the citizens. Not attacking unnerved the opposing forces sometimes. It seemed to be working for this Valley of Peace. No signs of activity had been spotted. Though there rumors of movement near the Jade Palace but they had been widely ignored. Niyein placed her paws on her hips when she saw that her stuff had been just thrown callously onto the bedroll. Huffing in disgust, she got herself busy rearranging the mess of her stuff.
"Lovely treatment for an Officer," she sniffed.
"What was that?" asked the gazelle next to her.
"Nothing," came the reply.
"A'right."
Niyein muttered to herself all while going through her supplies. Thankfully, she had thought ahead to keep her medical supplies hidden in the surgeon's tent – a friend of hers – so they wouldn't be confiscated. Finally! Her section was how she liked it. Everything now had a place, as meager as her possessions were. She settled down on the bedroll, basking privately in her newfound position.
A strange, yet familiar scent coming from behind them made both Xisong and Canku leap to their feet. They motioned for two other guards to follow them. The wolves themselves were armed with their own peculiar swords. A faint wheezing could be heard as well. Whoever they were, they were terrible at spying or scouting. Canku motioned and the guards bounded forward, driving their spears down in the direction that the noise and smell came from.
"Ow ow ow ow ow! Why did you have to go an stab my damn paw, you idiot!" came a female voice. "Don't you numbskulls recognize us?"
The sound of a fistfight breaking out followed. Canku and Xisong stepped forward to intervene.
"Stop!" The pure gravity in Canku's voice caused the guards and the hidden assailants to freeze. "Who are you and it better be good otherwise we will gut you like a fish."
"I am Kwan. The girl here who got stabbed in the paw by this bozo is named Wu and the nervous wreck here of a rabbit is Hsuh."
Those names rang a bell for Xisong. "Are you under Zeng's command?"
"Yes! Judging by your tones of voices, I'd say you are Lord Canku and Lady Xisong?" inquired the female voice. Wu.
Canku absentmindedly nodded, forgetting that they couldn't see them. "C'mon, get in front of us. We haven't got all day. That and the Furious Five should be right behind you, correct?"
"Riiiiiight. Yeah, um, milord, we have some slightly bad news for you."
Canku bristled. Bad news was something he didn't need right now so close to his second goal. "Get out of there!" he snapped.
The three assassins and the guards came tumbling out into the wolves' view. Xisong rolled her eyes in disgust at the complete disarray of her 'elite' assassins. Whatever happened, it would probably make both of them mad. Wu got up and straightened herself. Kwan, the crocodile untangled himself from one of the guards and stood at attention as well. The rabbit, very shakily, saluted the wolves from where he finally got up. One of his massive footpaws pounded the ground mercilessly.
"What is this, 'slightly bad news' that you are going to tell us," asked Xisong innocently. No need to frighten soldiers completely out of their minds so that way they twisted up the facts.
Wu started to speak. Hopefully she would be able to lighten up the full impact of what they were about to say, but Hsuh had other ideas.
"The Furious Five stopped following us. They went off our trail. We think they went back to the Jade Palace."
Canku's grey fur turned a shade red. Xisong forced herself to keep cool, but even she felt her blood boiling. These incompetent fools! How they had managed to do that, she couldn't even contemplate. Then again, if Zeng and his crew had followed their plan perfectly, this wouldn't have happened. Now only enraged kung fu Masters lay in wait at the Jade Palace. No doubt they would be out for vengeance. She thought furiously. What if they bartered with them? The one who killed their beloved Shifu for a bloodless, unconditional surrender? Surely they would agree to that? Not one of their precious civilians would die for a hopeless cause. Xisong leaned over and whispered her plan into her mates ears. Canku's expression went from pure rage, to thoughtfulness, and then to a mischievous smile. The wolf smiled like a young one receiving a much longed for present. He rubbed his paws together.
"You, yes you, get Kar. Have him meet us in the war tent. If he whines, you have my permission to poke him a few times with that spear. Go. Now you three, follow me. And you..." Canku stood there, looking at the guard. The guard held his spear tighter. "Go back to your duty. If you'll follow me, my lovely mate." Canku offered Xisong a paw and he whisked her away to the war tent.
Kar rubbed his sleepy eyes as he half stood half slouched in the war tent. He still had his night clothes on, despite the order that every animal was to sleep in his or her armor with their weapons readied. He stared at the maps and contemplated on what was going to happen. It wasn't exactly the most preferable time to do this – he had just fallen asleep too.
"Kar?" came the voice of Xisong.
"Yesh, m'lady," he mumbled.
"Kar!"
Kar snapped to attention. "Yes, milady!"
"Much better," said Xisong. She walked behind Kar and took a hold of the knife that was sitting at the rack behind the snow leopard. Kar's eyes shifted and he tensed his body in case Xisong was going to try anything. He would follow these wolves a lot of places. But to death wasn't exactly a preferable place. Then he noticed Zeng. His wings were pinned down and Canku loomed behind the unfortunate bird. Kar grinned toothily.
"Finally grounded, bird?" he taunted.
Zeng opened his beak to retort, but it was cut short by Canku's paw striking him across the back of the head.
"You're not an Officer anymore, Zeng. I wouldn't suggest you reply like one. Remember, I'm being merciful right now. You don't want to have my anger really burst forth, do you?"
Zeng shook his head back and forth vigorously. He didn't want what ever would happen to him if he did speak to happen. Instead, he just gulped. He looked at Kar, the snow leopard smiling triumphantly back at the bird. The scene of Tai Lung holding him by his neck and caressing his head in a perverse manner was brought to the forefront of his mind. Snow leopards were always getting in his way!
Xisong slammed the knife into the spot that represented the Valley of Peace. She still didn't speak. Canku watched his mate. He knew what she was up to. Zeng and Kar didn't. He would let her do her talking. After all, this was her plan. He was too keep on eye on Zeng. Xisong got up on the table and sat on it. The female wolf looked at Zeng.
"Where are the Furious Five and Dragon Warrior?" asked Xisong. "I don't see them anywhere." She made the pantomime as if she was searching for them.
"I promise that I will get them for you, milady. My assassins just need to arrive here and the traps will have been sprung. Then, Lady Xisong, you and Lord Canku will get the Furious Five and Dragon Warrior."
"How about you ask them yourself?"
"What?" Zeng's eyes shifted back and forth wildly. What was she talking about? His assassins were still on duty, leading the Furious Five and Dragon Warrior into their own traps! His face contorted into pure hatred when he saw Kwan, Wu, and Hsuh walk in dejectedly – though they were not bound like he was.
"What is the meaning of this?" he spluttered. "You have failed me!"
They said nothing; in fact, the only thing they did was look at the ground and shuffle their feet.
"The same could be said for you too, bird," growled Canku. "You promised us the Furious Five and the Dragon Warrior as well as Master Shifu's death."
"And I killed Master Shifu! Those buffoons didn't capture the Five or the panda!"
"True," replied Xisong thoughtfully. Zeng brightened up a bit. "But you're the one who promised us them, not these three. They failed you and you failed us. And when you fail us, you get punished. Now, you did succeed in killing Shifu, so we will take that into consideration. But..." Xisong motioned for Canku to finish were she left off.
"You still have failed us. So, we will offer you as a token to the Furious Five and the Dragon Warrior. If we give them the traitor who killed their master, they will let us take over the Valley without any bloodshed. I think they'll gladly take you." Canku finished the statement by running one of his razor sharp claws underneath Zeng's chin. A thin line of blood appeared; it stained Canku's claw yet the wolf didn't care. "What do you think, Kar?"
The snow leopard was fully awake now – and he loved the idea. One more gone from attacking his position. Quan and – maybe – Niyein were all that were left. An idea struck Kar like a thunderbolt.
"Your plan is good, Lady Xisong. But I have one suggestion."
"What might that be?" asked Xisong with genuine curiosity. Kar had proven himself valuable, so she was inclined to listen to council from him.
"We can use the portion of time when you are busy bartering with the Five to send in a spy. I'm thinking maybe a robin. Something that won't attract too much attention."
"Yes. We might be able to gather information," mused Canku. "Knowledge is a powerful thing."
Xisong nodded as well. She was impressed by the thought. Truly they had picked the perfect right paw for them – good riddance of the late Siwang. "Send for the robin and we'll start right this night. Catch them off guard."
A long, blown out bugle finally awakened the Five it seemed. Canku and Xisong stood impatiently with Zeng bound wing and foot at the bridge that led to the village. They dared not step in the village. Reports from the robin already conveyed from her flyby that there were tiny slivers of tripwire. They would have to warn the vanguard during the first charge – the one that would wipe them all out most likely. The figures of a tiger, a snake, and a monkey came into view. Zeng seethed with anger. If only they hadn't gone back to the Valley, they would be in his grasp and he wouldn't be going to die a horrible death most likely. As soon as Tigress saw Zeng, her paws clenched into fists. Viper hissed and Monkey's brow furrowed. Canku and Xisong smiled. This was good.
"Hello," greeted Canku, extending a paw as soon as the three came within reach. They declined his paw so he removed it, feeling slightly foolish. He shook the feeling away and bowed in respect instead; all part of his polite, civilized facade. "I assume you are the famous Master Tigress, Master Viper, and Master Monkey. I am Canku and this is my mate Xisong. Now, instead of going through all the unnecessary pleasantries, I prefer to cut straight to business." Canku paused, waiting for a reply. It didn't come. He shrugged mentally and continued. "We heard about the assassination of Shi – uh, Master Shifu. Heard it was by a bird, a goose. Might this be the one?"
Canku held up Zeng by the neck. Zeng's tiny legs waddled quickly. The goose's mind flashed back to Tai Lung – he had done the exact same thing then. Xisong continued where Canku left off. The female wolf also noticed the change in the three kung fu masters posture. They were tensed a bit more and their eyes flashed with rage – at least the tiger's did. Now how would they react to their ultimatum? Xisong cleared her throat to cause there attention to shift to her.
"You can have the goose – under one condition," said Xisong; her paws moved nervously.
"What?" asked the tiger flatly. Her voice, hard and emotionless, surprised the wolves slightly. The rumors were true. The tiger master was as 'hardcore' as gossip had caused all of China to believe.
"Total and unconditional surrender," said Canku smugly. "If you refuse, we will still take this land through force, with bloodshed. If you do accept it, you get to punish the prisoner in anyway it pleases you, no blood is shed – besides his – and you get to live peacefully below our rule."
The kung fu masters didn't even have to go into a council to discuss the issue. As much as Tigress would love to lay her paws on Zeng, they must refuse, or else they would have failed China and her people.
"No," said Tigress simply.
Canku's grip on Zeng's neck tightened. A gurgle escaped Zeng's beak. He was desperate for oxygen right now. A bird came down from the air above and landed on Canku's shoulder. It was a robin. The bird whispered into Canku's upright ear. Immediately Canku's anger broke loose. The robin struggled to get out of the maddened wolf's way. Zeng gulped his last. Whatever the robin had said, he knew it meant his death most likely. In a sense, the robin had sentenced Quan to his death, but at that moment, Canku needed to kill something. He settled on Zeng. Snapping the unfortunate birds thin neck, he tossed the carcass aside remorselessly. He stood there, huffing and puffing; the wolf's chest heaved up and down. Xisong's complexion was slightly less emotional, yet, buried beneath her carefully constructed expression, rage burned within. Yet again had they been failed by their Officers. It was a good thing they had promoted Niyein, because they were soon going to be needing a new Officer to fill in Quan's place. He had deliberately lied to them and he was going to pay with his life.
Tigress smirked at them, a triumphant smile plastered on her normally stoic face. "I'll see you in the morning. Maybe we can barter for something else next time? I don't know, maybe paintings? We've got a couple that I'm sure you'd love." She chuckled as she saw the effect of her taunts on the wolves. As cool and calculating as the wolves were, they were still prone to extreme anger.
Canku pointed a quivering claw at the tiger. It wavered in the air, shaking with rage. "Your blood with be the paint for the next piece of art I will hang in my tent!" he whispered. The grisly words seemed to please him. "It will be my most prized piece yet." To Canku, collecting trophies from your fallen enemies started to interest him. Like the blanket made from Timoteo's hide or a couple of skulls he had picked up along the way from forgotten battlefields. A bloody image to decorate his wall. "I hope your screams are heard into next year."
"As I'm sure yours will," responded Tigress.
Before things got out of hand – Canku didn't truly relish going against three trained and hardened kung fu Masters – he spun on his heels and made haste toward the camp. He didn't even hear the footsteps of the masters leaving because of his pure, unadulterated rage. Right now he had an army to prepare for an attack...and another bird to kill.
Kun sat staring at the black canvas. The cages that had surrounded them had been cast away in preference for speed. Aleksey was still confined to his own side by a shortened chain yet Kun and Sun were allowed together – mainly because of the bond that bound them together through their paws. Sun had been able to get into a position that allowed her head to lean gently on Kun's sore shoulder. He didn't know how Sun was able to sleep on a night like this. The former leader of Mengyou City could hear the army stir and shift. The army seemed to groan as it readied itself for war. Why battle at the Valley of Peace? What horrific deeds would be performed tomorrow? Kun could only imagine. Often, when he was fortunate – or unfortunate in a sense – to catch a glimpse of the outside world, it rocked him to his core. Images of the animals, walking dead really, march past his tent. Prisoners of war; animals the wolves' had decided to show 'mercy' to. One time he had seen a child yanked out of its mothers arms and out of pure spitefulness, they had torn apart the child. The screams of the grief stricken mother would haunt him for however long he would live. Just recently he had been able to make out the screams of an unfortunate beast – and then heard the rumors of the female lynx, the one with the half burned face, was now an Officer. Whatever drove the wolves to do such acts, whether 'good' or bad, was beyond him. Sun might think that there was good in every animal, well, after all of this, he doubted even his own wife's words. It seemed nothing was beyond the wolves capability for cruelty. There was no mercy shown, no quarter given. Blood truly did flow like water when battle was in the air. Kun sighed and looked down at his thin paws. They had been strong and powerful, now they were weak and dwindling reminders of what he used to have. Sun shifted her position. He reached up with his free paw and stroked her head affectionately. She was all he had left. It would take the work of a miracle to release him of his bonds. He looked to his side; Aleksey was still mute, probably sleeping. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Some sleep would be good.
The feeling of someone near him brought Kun to his senses.
"Tai?" he whispered yet felt foolish. His son, his only son, was dead. Killed by the wolves' aviators.
"Not Tai. Xiaoa!" exclaimed a squeaky voice. "Hello big tiger!"
Kun almost recoiled as he saw the little wolf pup sitting right in front of him. The male tiger composed himself, forcing a deep breath, and looked at the pup called Xiaoa. He had heard of this little pup – Sun had spoken of her once or twice. He didn't know how to react to this...this animal. Part of him told himself that this was a completely different animal, one that was still innocent – as far as he knew. But another, darker part of him reminded him that it was her parents that had ended all of his joys in life. His son, his city, and, probably, his wife.
"What do you want, little pup?" he allowed himself to say.
The little wolf did something that shocked him. The wolf pup reached behind her back and pulled out a flower. It was violet. Though it had been crinkled by the tiny paws gripping it, the violet still held its simple beauty. Kun started to stutter, yet Xiaoa held her paws up to her snout.
"Shhhh," she admonished him. "No wake Sunny." Kun grinned slightly at the impromptu nickname for his wife. "For her. You."
"What?"
Xiaoa sighed heavily and looked at Kun then pointed at Sun. She gave him the flower and strict instructions. "Flower to Sun."
"Oh. Well, why don't you give it to her?"
"From you! Present!" said Xiaoa, a smile grew on her face. The little wolf didn't see the two, bedraggled and whipped tigers. Instead, she saw friends who would talk with her. To her, Sun was the most beautiful creature on the planet – besides her mother. And Kun was the strongest, most kind animal she had met – her father and Kar were stronger, yes, but not as nice.
Kun brought the flower to his nose and inhaled deeply. A tear, like a diamond, squeezed itself from one of his dulled eyes. The glittering tear in stark contrast to the cold, sad eyes of the tiger. It fell down from his cheek and landed gently onto the flower.
"Why cry?" inquired Xiaoa. She had just given him a flower! Why was he sad?
"Nothing," he said quickly, jerking his face away from Xiaoa.
The little wolf wouldn't accept that answer. "Why you sad? Flower hurt you?"
Kun laughed mirthlessly. The sound frightened Xiaoa, but still she stayed. "Yes. In fact it does. You are reminding me of Tai when he was young. Inquisitive and smart, yet kind and thoughtful. He did have his mischievous moments, but I don't remember a lot of it because I was busy with my work. I miss him."
Xiaoa's face contorted greatly. She was trying to figure out something. Connections started to form in her mind. Even for being young as she was, she was good had making connections and reading other animals – something Xisong claimed Xiaoa got from her. Finally, it made sense. All of these hints that Sun had made, the completely unexplainable tears from Kun – before his explanation, and her parents talk, lead to one that that had affected these two tigers: their son, the one they called Tai, had been killed by her parents.
"Why my parents," Xiaoa struggled to find an appropriate word, "get rid of you son?"
Kun didn't answer. He looked away, silent tears running down from his eyes. Nothing could replace Tai – nothing.
Xiaoa did something next that, to say nothing else, surprised both of them. She hugged him. It wasn't an intimate hug, like one would give to a lover. Or a friendly hug, one that you would give to a friend (of course). No, it was the hug of a child. A hug that conveyed all of their love and appreciation for the certain individual with those tiny arms trying to squeeze you as tight as they could. Kun sat there, motionless as the grey pup tried to wrap her paws around his large torso. Without thinking, he embraced her back, the embrace of a father.
The thought of Tai struck Kun like a lighting bolt. In the image, it was him and Tai playing chess that first time in the garden. And later that week, reading him his first book. Now it moved toward his last memory of him, happy with Shang and Mei. The memories faded into a black mist. There, surrounded by the mist, was the image – frighteningly vivid – of Tai. He had a large smile. Kun felt something. The vision was too real to be just a flashback. It meant something. He almost physically got up to run after the apparition, yet it faded away, the smile turning into an anguished cry and an outstretched paw reaching for him.
Kun's choked sob woke Sun. She stared at the pup hugging her husband and she was truly worried when she saw Kun's tear streaked face.
"What's the matter?" she asked.
"I don't know," he replied. "I don't know."