Author's note: I don't own Kung Fu Panda (No matter how much I want too) it is only by Dreamworks. I only own Mei Wen (Ligress), and my other OCs. Please no flames and leave a review. Enjoy! :D
Ch. 3 Let the Journey begin
The next morning at the gates of the Jade Palace, everyone huddled up in front of Takami, faith, hope, Kaizer, Viper, and Crane. Master Shifu was speaking to Viper and Crane of what is expected of them as masters and they agreed on what he told them and bowed in respect.
Everybody continued conversing while Layla stayed quiet deep in thought and was glum of the fact that Takami was taking off on a mission without her. Takami turned from the group conversation and noticed her sadden expression looking down and walked over to her.
"Hey Layla" Takami spook up. Layla looked up a little surprised that she didn't notice he was in front of her.
"Y-Yeah T.K?" Layla responded with a sweet tone as she can. Without a second thought, Takami took and held her hand while looking into her deep purple eyes. The black tigress didn't expect this at all from her boyfriend slash best friend.
"Don't worry, we'll be back. I promise that as soon as we find this girl, we'll come straight back ASAP. Then I'll tell you everything, okay"? Takami said. Layla lovingly smiled at his words and with her paw still held by him, she used her other hand grabbed something from her pocket and placed it in his other hand. Takami looked at it and it looked like an orange and black striped star made of seashells and a flame piece in the middle of it.
"Be safe, okay? I don't know what I do if I lost you." She told him.
Takami nodded and said, "I promised. Look after kovu and Borko for me, okay?" Takami said. Layla agreed on his request with a nodded. Shifu then walked towards them and said, "Takami, It is time for you and your requested team departure."
"Right." Takami said about to let go of Layla's hand but she slightly tighten her grip on his hand.
"Layla I…" Takami was about to say but was cut off and pulled into her embrace. Seconds later she let go and said,
"Sorry, I needed to do one last time. You know, not going to see you for a while."
Takami chuckled blissfully at her act and response then walked towards the gate. Unknown to everyone else, her smile faded and was also had a single tear running down her cheek. Thankfully for her black fur the tear was unnoticeable.
Po was literally pouting that he wasn't going with them making weird sad faces while cross his arms.
"It's totally unfair, why can't I go?" Po whined. Hating to admit it, Tigress thought about it and Po had an invalid point of why either she or him weren't going. Song then placed her paw on Po's shoulder and said, "Because this is their time to do what they can carry out Po." Song explained nicely then continued saying, "Also, I have something to ask you."
"What is it?" He said listening carfully.
"I want to go see my mother, and I know she may not be so pleased to see me, it's just been a while since I've seen her. Can you come with me to check on her?" She asked.
"Surer sure, anything for my best girl buddy." Po answered. Song then smiled delightfully then turned her attention back too Takami and the others that was standing in front of the door.
"Alright, go fourth and stay safe. Takami, Faith, both of you are in charge of Hope and Kaizer. Viper, Crane, you two protect and guide them at all times." Master Shifu said. They all nodded and headed down the thousand stairs.
Everyone else went back to what they were doing expect for Layla, who just watched Takami's group walk down the stairs until they were out of sight. She then walked towards the Peach tree of Heavenly wisdom by herself constantly thinking about the Bengal tiger.
Outskirts: Bamboo forest
Now our young warriors and two Masters were are walking the outskirts of the valley of Peace in the Bamboo forest. Hope was walking and talking with Kaizer about his opinion of the sky and Kaizer simply blocked the information out. Takami and Faith were casually talking while Takami had his arms about his head. While walking along Crane kept making glances at Viper now and then. While not listening to Hope at all, Kaizer noticed the Avian's quick constant gazes but kept it to himself.
"So, Kaizer?" Hope spoke up.
"Uh' Kaizer finally said regaining Hope's attention.
"Is Felicity fine with you being gone for a little while?"
Kaizer nodded in response and said, "Yeah, she was fine with it. Your friend uh… Roxie, I asked her if she could check up on her now and then. Plus just a few weeks ago I finally gave Felicity her new glasses, so she's now able to see."
"That's cool. So…is there anything going on between you two. She is a pretty girl after all and we all know you two are pretty close." Hope said nudging his shoulder.
"Hope, for the hundredth time me and Felicity are just friends. Besides you, Faith, and the others she's just one of the people I actually trust and would consider being around. There's nothing between us, only being friends, end of story, okay?" Kaizer told him.
Hope shrugged his shoulders but not fully convinced and his new ex-assassin friend's explanation. They continued with a different conversation. While this was going on, Faith and Viper were looking at the map Shifu gave them for more instructive and helpful guidance.
"I did not expect this surrounded mountain village to be so far away from here." Faith commented.
"It seems that it's a five-day travel, but if we continue to keep moving, it'll be at least three days. So what do you guys think?" Viper said.
"We can keep going at the pace we are now, and on the way back we can take our time. We don't have to rush if not needed." Takami said. They all agreed on what he said and continued walking.
Valley of Peace
To take her mind off of the expected departure of Takami, Layla decided to keep her word and head towards the two cubs house. Though, she was still unhappy being away from the bagel tiger she loves so much. She was so deep in thought that she haven't even noticed that some of the villagers we're waving and announcing 'hi' to her as she passed by.
'Why...why didn't say anything. I wanted to go with him, I knew Takami would at least ask Master Shifu if it was okay. But I didn't say a word. I'm so worthless, I couldn't even fully say bye or I love you. I don't deserve to be with someone like Takami, he would have done that for me. Next time I have to be more out going and braver like him, if only that's possible. I used to be a skilled weapon toll user but now, I weaker than I was years ago back home. I have to train harder and get stronger. Maybe Master Tigress can help me with that ' She thought to herself looking down strolling the streets of the valley.
The black tigress was nearing the house of the young cubs Kovu's and Borko's house. She was now standing on the front porch. She quickly hid her sad expression and turned it into a delighted look.
She began knocking on the door softly and said, "Kovu, Borko, it's me Layla, open up. I'm here to spend some time with you." She said in a motherly tone. After a moment of listening, there was no sound of anyone. She began knocking on the door some more but still no answer. With a worried face she opened the door that wasn't locked and pushed it wide open. She went through the house and went in the kitchen. She then saw a note that had sorta bad Chinese writing that looked like Borko's work.
Dear Layla
For some unknown reason Kovu insisted that he and I follow Takami and the others. I think this is something about what Takami told us yesterday about him and some of the others going on some mission. Kovu doesn't know I'm writing this and yes as you can tell I was in a rush before he could catch me writing this.
Sincerely -Borko
"Oh no" Layla said as she rushed out the front door and headed towards the palace to tell Master Shifu.
Jade Palace: Dragon Grotto
"WHAT" the red panda exclaimed loudly.
"Affirmative, Kovu and Borko has followed Takami and the others on their journey, Master. Unfortunately Takmai is unaware that their following them, but I'm sure he'll figure it out soon enough." Layla stated casually standing tall with head held up and arms behind her back. Master Shifu paced back and forth as he thought of what to do and came to a conclusion.
"Very well, now I have a mission for you. Bring those two back to the Valley of Peace. Better yet, bring them here to the Palace as soon as you have them. They must be very far ahead by now, hurry and bring them back." Shifu instructed.
"Yes master, I'll take my leave." Layla bowed and ran off. Shifu then rubbed his temples and shuck his head.
'They are most definitely very far ahead. It my take me days to catch up to them.
Outskirts: Bamboo forest (Late Evening sun still visible)
Since it was getting late the gang decided to stop and set up camp and rest for the rest of the night. Kaizer decided for himself to get more materials and sticks, with the help of Hope of course. Takami, Faith, Crane, and Viper waited for the white tiger and bear's return sitting down (A/N: For Crane still standing up.)
The evening was very quiet for the four warriors so far. But they were unaware that three feline snow leopards, two of them wearing masks were looking down at them. Also one of them had her sight set on Takami.
"Sister, is that him, our target?" the snow leopardess asked to the eldest sister.
"Yes Wan, that's him." The yellow and blue-eyed leopardess answered. She looked even closer at the teenage boy then chuckled a bit and said, "Well now. The fiery apple doesn't fall far from the tree, he even looks like Kamikaze, just as handsome as his father."
"What's next sister, do we attack?" Wing asked.
"We were told to see what he's capable of, that was what we were instructed. The rest I'll tell you later. Besides...we need him" Su responded.
"But sis, you never kept anything from us before. Why now?" Wan remarked.
"I want this to be a surprise."
Uh oh, the Wu sisters are after Takami. What connections do they have with him? Who hired them to see what he can do? And where the heck are Kovu and Borko? I bet you guys are wondering why their not in prison right now. All these questions will be explained soon, until the next chapter! XD