What's up guys : ) Let's get on with a chapter. I'm in a pretty good mood right now :D
-What Counts-
-With Frina And Raynor-
"Frina," Raynor said quietly. "We're nearing a village. One that's holding a festival. You know what that means, brown eyes." He winked at Frina and she smiled deeply.
-With Tigress and Po-
It was just Tigress and Po going to the town's get together. It was a way the town bonded. Every night every other week, they'd gather around the small town's square, eat together, share stories, laugh. It was Tigress and Dai Lin's job to protect the Soaring Corner at times like these. Keep a look out for any enemies who would want to intrude. Tigress and Dai Lin have ever only caught a few thieves, all were sent to jail. But Dai Lin was too busy catching up with Haley to work with Tigress, Po happily volunteered.
They were heading on their way to the town.
"Tigress, you look nice!" Said Po, she wore the same dress from the day Dai Lin found her. She also wore a cape-like robe. A Sword was strapped onto her back. She shook her head. "The dress was a gift, I don't really like it. I wear it every once in a while so I don't offend Ms. Fey." Po smiled and crossed his arms. "Well I think you should wear dresses more-"
"No." She said sternly and Po chuckled. They were silent for a while when Po broke it. "Tigress… how much do you like it here?" Tigress looked at him.
"Why, Po?" She asked. "You-You didn't answer my question." He said looking off into the distance. They were coming close now to the town. Tigress glanced away from him. "I… I love it here… Po."
"But there is little fighting here, and I know you love to fight."
"Well, yes but-"
"And you barely know anyone here."
"I'm actually good friends with just about everyone-"
"Us! It doesn't have us!" He said throwing his hands up in frustration. Tigress didn't reply, and allowed Po to cool down. "Tigress… everyone. Everyone at the academy misses you. We could help out with Seytu, you don't have to be alone like this." Tigress then glared at him. "Po, have you met the people of the Soaring Corner? I'm am nowhere near alone. And I have Dai Lin." Tigress turned away.
"Well…" Po mumbled. Tigress looked down. Dai Lin wasn't really with them at all. He has been sidetracked for the past two days. "Dai Lin is a free man, I don't control him. If he doesn't want to be around us, then that's fine. If he does, then just as well. Dai Lin works hard around here, he deserves a break from tonight." She said looking ahead.
They had arrived finally to the town, loud music played, sweet smells of various foods hit them as well. They all welcomed Tigress and Po, many excited to see the Dragon Warrior. Tigress decided she wouldn't let the absence of Dai Lin bother her, tonight was a night for family and friends. And Po was one of her very best friends. Tigress threw on a smile and greeted them all. Many of the children were flying kites and running around them. It was a windy night but thankfully it didn't put out the bonfire in the middle of the town's square. Everyone danced and sang through the night. This was how the village bonded. They'd tell stories about each other. Whether out of anger or sadness or happiness. It's how they relieved themselves of anger from anyone around. This is why they had little violence.
The children surrounded Po, jumping on him and playing. He burst out in a laughter that Tigress' ears and made her smile. Tigress' went to get Seytu, who stayed at Ms. Fey's shop to help out. He wanted to think of other things. Tigress brought out Seytu with a smile and the other villagers greeted him. He suddenly grew a heart-warming smile and ran off to play.
And the whole village made a giant circle around the town's square. They were already making jokes and telling stories. Many problems were resolved, people were forgiven. The evening felt fresh.
Tigress stood by Po. They were placed outside of the circle to keep watch of everything.
"Po," Tigress said lightly but loud enough to be heard over the crowd. "Po there's someone in Mr. Gu's shop."
"Alright, alright. Let's go." He replied getting in his position and sneaking up on Mr. Gu's shop. No one was in their shops, they were at the town's square. This is how Tigress knew something was wrong. Tigress snuck inside the dark shop, with Po close behind her. Noises came from the other room of the bakery. Tigress stood quietly outside of the door then busted it open. What she did not expect was two young children, about Seytu's age. One male, one female.
"Names." She said sternly. Po walked in behind her. The cougar and leopard both looked at her worried. But the young leopard spoke.
"I don't think we really have to tell you anything miss." The leopard had a husky voice, even for a child. He looked at her deviously. But Tigress' daring smile shocked him.
"I don't think you have a choice child. There are jails for children around here too, you know."
The cougar shot upwards. "Okay, okay! Just please don't send us to jail!" She called out. Tigress eased a bit. "What are your names then?" she asked more calmly.
"I'm Frina and he's Raynor!" Raynor shot Frina a look to which she ignored. "We have no place to stay and no money to spend! We're really, really sorry!" Raynor rolled his eyes and slapped his palms to his face.
"… No place to stay?" Tigress asked. Po looked at her with a small smile. "Yeah…" The small cougar said.
"There is an inn in town, all you gave to do is work for the money. I'm training my son to work for the village when he grows up. In Kung Fu. Interested?" Tigress said nonchalantly. Po's smile grew bigger.
The leopard's eyes shot open wide. "If you train us we can stay at the inn nearby?" He said, thinking it was a win-win situation. Tigress nodded. Raynor then got up slowly. "I… I apologize for acting so rudely, miss. I'm sorry… and… for the both of us… thank you." Raynor did not smile though. It's been so long since he's slept on an actual bed, or even ate a meal that was made for him. Frina hasn't either.
"But, you two cannot attend the festival tonight. I'll ask Ms. Fey if you two can sit in her shop until it is over. You have to be punished one way or another." Frina put on a small smile and nodded.
"We'll talk to the innkeeper later." Both of the children nodded and followed her to the inn.
-Unknown POV-
The ash fell. The sun's red. But it's always red. And it was always showing. No moon. Not around here.
I couldn't imagine this place any different than what it is. Ask literally piled up around me. I could kick it and it would fly up like leaves. If I had to breathe then I would most likely die. But I don't have to. Breathing. I don't do it. Never will again.
My fur stands on end. The scars all over my body look like they are faded. Only in this light though. They'll never leave. I close my eyes and think of words. I don't say any. I haven't said any in a couple of days and it was hurting my throat.
Not everyone destroys themselves with logic. But if you use solid logic to up someone's hopes, they see life in a new, grand way. Nope. No help. Who said that? I don't remember. Doesn't matter now.
One often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it.
Well damn. I think that one fits me perfectly. Well, it did years ago. I believe Oogway told me that one. The one time I met him anyways.
Jinshi walks up behind me. I turn to face the deer.
"You're going to use your slumber orb. Right now. Why? Why don't you wait when she needs it?" He says.
"She does. I can tell too. She needs me."
"You know you can't do anything but show up… don't ruin her sanity for her. Don't be selfish like that." I began to get furious. I turned to him, held the golden ball in front of him, and threw it in my mouth. I let it drop down my throat. He shook his head, disappointed. I don't care. The slumber orb is in my stomach now.
I suddenly feel my spine tingling now. And my sight fades to blackness.
Alright thanks guys so much, and to newguy100 you've been a big supporter and thank you for that. I adopted Proud2beMexican's story, you should really check it out. She was a great author and it's an honor to take on a great story. Until next time!