Disclaimer- I do not own kung fu panda. I just don't.

Shifu was just getting out of his simple smallish bed when there was a quiet knock on his door. He quietly walked over to the door and opened it. There in front of him was Viper.

"Good morning, Viper." he greeted. He was a bit partial to Viper because of her gentle personality and self-criticism.

"Good morning," Viper replied. "Can I ask you something?

"Well, you just asked about something right there, Viper."

"I-I meant.." she stammered.

"I know what you meant," Shifu chuckled. "Ask away."

"Well, could we go to the prison?" she asked.

"I thought I restricted you,"

"The date of the prison check is coming up, so I thought that we could do it instead so you didn't have to do it. You would only have to take care of Mantis. I have already prepared the herbal medicines and supplies. "

"I guess this is a way to get out of the palace, isn't it?"

"Well, no..yes…well..I meant.." Viper couldn't get the right words out of her mouth.

"Take this as a reprieve. If you do well, I might consider taking off some of the restrictions…but if you don't meet my expectation….." Shifu promised.

"Thank you," Viper beamed with happiness. "My family is on the way there and I've always wanted to pay them a visit sometime."

"Good, now I bet you have some packing to do."

"Yes, Shifu. Thanks again." Viper smiled warmly at her master and left the room.

Shifu stood there for a moment thinking. "I do hope they don't get themselves in trouble."

Tigress was waiting for Viper in the hallway. She was fully packed and wore a grim expression. She also had slightly curved saber strapped to her belt. "How did it go?"

"It went well. Shifu also said that if we didn't do well, we probably wouldn't have as much freedom." Viper reported.

"Nice work. Now go pack. We leave in half an hour."

"Okay." Viper quickly slithered down the hallway and into her room.

Tigress watched Viper leave and sighed. She wondered if Shifu knew about their plan to check the prison records on their wanted criminal. She adjusted her backpack, which was full of vital supplies like heavy clothing, money, important travel documents, a medical kit, food, and a few daggers just in case of an emergency. She pulled out her map and checked their travel route and destination for the third time. Tigress didn't believe in angry spirits that affected your luck, but she knew that their presence would get a lot of attention and the group did have a tendency for disaster.

"Checking again? You're even more paranoid than one would expect for a leader, Tigress." A soft yet ice-cold voice sighed. She turned towards the voice, even though she knew who it was. She swiveled around to glare at…who else?…Crane.

"I'm being careful, not paranoid. There is very little margin for error on this.." Tigress searched for a word. ".. expedition, as I might call it."

"Expedition? That sounds more entertaining and casual than what it really is." Crane noted.

"Then what would be your word for it?"

"A hunt."

Tigress scoffed. "A hunt? What a primitive word for your so-called extensive vocabulary. This is more than a hunt. We are not chasing down some petty thief through the streets."

"The word 'hunt' conveys a rough image of what we are doing. Hunting is at the core of what we're doing. You should know that, Tigress. Don't tigers hunt other animals as well?" Crane tried to smile innocently, but didn't quite pull it off.

"Animals like birds." Tigress muttered under her breath. Then she said loudly, "I'd rather not start a fight right now, Crane. You better watch your tongue, or a cat might just rip it out and leave you silent."

"Don't kill the goose that laid the golden egg," Crane quoted. "You shouldn't use idioms against a scribe and you also very well know my importance to the group. I know you won't kill me for the sake of the group. Right? Isn't it the rest of the others that stops you from ripping out my throat like your appalling primitive ancestors? You know…" Crane stopped here, for he and Tigress had noticed that Monkey, Viper, and Po were staring at them, eyes wide and mouths open.

"Tigress?" Viper asked timidly. "What was that about? I heard you talking about fighting with Crane."

Tigress bit her lip. She didn't know what to say. She had concentrated so much on getting back at Crane. "Well, um, Its not that important. We have to go now."

Crane snorted at her weak excuse, but said no word. You can't laugh at me when you haven't even tried. Tigress thought.

In a tense yet mutual silence, the six made their way to the door. Po heaved it open and held it there. He quietly closed the door and followed his mates down the seemingly endless stairs. It was still a bit chilly outside, the morning dew still wet upon the steps. There was a thin yet cloudy mist hanging near them; reflecting the bitter and obscure mood they were in. The rhythm of their steps were monotonous and almost weary. Thump, thump, thump.

They reached the lower grounds of the valley, but all was quiet. Only a few villagers were out and the handful that greeted them only got a sad smile or look in return. They visited Po's dad, who had just opened his noodle shop, to say goodbye and have a little snack for a long, long, journey. Po was on the verge of crying, so was his dad, for they both knew that Po might just not be so lucky to live this time. Po managed to hold his tears back and gave his kind father a quick hug before leaving. Before they all left, Po's dad beckoned Tigress over.

He looked at her with a watery gaze. "Before you go, I need you to promise something."

Tigress sighed, and even though she knew the answer, she asked. "What is it?"

"Promise me that you'll watch over my son."

"I cannot promise that. I'm truly sorry."

"Very well, you can leave now."

"But I can promise that I will do everything in my power to ensure Po's survival."

He looked at her with gratitude in his expression. "Thank you."

Tigress gave him a curt nod and joined the others. None of them questioned the meeting, but Po gave her a queer look that Tigress wasn't sure to make of. The Furious Five and the Dragon Warrior carefully made their way through the slowly awakening valley and finally made it to the border gates. The officers on duty were obviously lacking sleep, but were very courteous and accepted the travel documents Crane gave them for inspection. The six were let through the gates and they stepped out in to the open.

They were in the wilderness now.

Where anything and everything could happen.