Chapter 4 is up and about. Glad you guys enjoyed chapter 3, I know it was mostly focused around Brycen's point of view at times but with this particular story that may happen from time to time. Anyway, enjoy the Read! and thanks for the Reviews, Keep them coming!

Chapter 4

An Urgent Message

Back at the Jade Palace Three days later.

Master Oogway was underneath the Sacred Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom, practicing his Tai Chi, as he felt a slight change in the wind, bringing him to a stop. Oogway then took a deep breath as he said. "I trust you have news for me young Chen?" as Oogway turned to see a young goose in a black messengers outfit stepping towards him. After making sure no one was around the young goose said " Yes Master Oogway. I have a message for you from your contact in the Northern Mountains sir." Oogway smiled as he said "I should hope so…considering you are only to present me with such messages from them and them alone." Chen was a local goose messenger from the Village in the Northern Mountains and it was Oogway who arranged for him to act as Brycen and his own private messenger in case there were any issues that would require Oogway's attention. Chen was also tasked with keeping contact between Po and his Father as well, and would fly up to the mountain house once a week to pick up any letters the Boy would want to send to his father. Though he has never actually met the Panda, since he would only be able to speak with Brycen or his wife if the two were training.

As Chen walked forward he produced a scroll from his bag and handed it to the old Turtle. "The Master said that this was rather important, regarding a, "you know who?" I'm sorry, that's all I know." Immediately Oogway took the scroll saying "Thank you Young Chen, and Yes I am aware of who he refers to…Now, I may have a response for you to take back to them, so would you mind waiting here for me a bit?" Chen shook his head "Not at all Master." as Oogway began to walk down the path to the palace. Once Oogway made it to the palace, he went to his private chambers that he used when he stayed at the palace when he wasn't traveling the country, where he carefully unrolled the scroll and began to read its contents.

Dear Master Oogway,

It is as we have feared; the Boy has begun to remember the events that occurred on THAT night fifteen years ago. Though he still, it seems, is unaware of what the dreams truly are…there is a problem however. When going to the village Festival last night, and I assure you I took proper measures to keeping the boy's identity a secret… there was an incident. Upon seeing a large Bonfire, the boy immediately froze, as images of the nightmares flooded him…Master…he has remembered the Eye…Shen's Mark…and…he is hearing the screams of those who were cut down around him that night…I am growing concerned with each passing day Master, today I noticed that Po could not take his eyes off the fireplace. When I tried to call out to him he was unresponsive at first, until I shook him back from his thoughts. The Boy has also woken up most nights recently in a cold sweat and sometimes even screaming…Master…I worry for the boys mental health…I need your help Master…Po needs help, and I am unsure of what to do…Please, come to us right away.

Master Brycen…

Oogway had finished reading the message and his heart broke for the boy. "I never imagined that things would get this bad, this quick…hmmm" As Oogway pondered what he should do next. "Well…it seems I will be taking a little trip to the Mountains." As Oogway found a blank scroll and wrote to Brycen saying he would be arriving in the mountains in as little as a week. He hoped the boy would be fine until he got there…though to be honest he wasn't entirely sure of what he could do to help the boy through this…But perhaps… SHE could help the boy…

With a plan in mind Oogway packed a small pack of his things and grabbed his message for Brycen, and left to return to the Peach Tree. Upon arriving, Chen bowed to the great master, as Oogway handed him the scroll. "I trust you will be able to get this to them right away?" Chen nodded his head saying "Of course Master Oogway, I shall leave at once.I have already delivered this weeks scrolls to the goose in the Village so I can leave immediately." Oogway smiled saying "Very good." Then Oogway asked "Scrolls you say? As in more than one?" The goose nodded "Yes sir. Each week I am to deliver two scrolls to the goose. one addressed to him and another to a Master Tigress." Once Oogway heard that, he wasn't as surprised, after all, he knew Tigress and the boy were indeed close friends...still...he wondered if the boy spoke of his nightmares to his friend lately. "Thank you Young Chen...that will be all." And with that, Chen bowed and flew off into the sky. Oogway then turned to say "I suppose I should inform my student that I will be going away for a while." And once again Oogway made his way back to the palace.

Upon entering the Sacred Hall of Heroes, Oogway heard voices talking inside. As he came to the doors edge he stopped to see Shifu standing before the reflecting Pool with Tigress kneeling before him her head bowed. It was then Oogway noticed a scroll of sorts in her hand. "No doubt her recent letter from the boy." Oogway thought to himself, as Shifu spoke. "Tigress…for some time now I have noticed a change in you … Is there anything you wish to talk about?" Tigress remained silent "…" a flash of annoyance crossed Shifu's face, but was immediately removed as he said "Tigress…the rest of the Five have all approached me and are concerned…you've been displaying some rather…destructive behavior…I am of course speaking of the Training Hall…This summer alone we have needed it to be repaired four times…Before that I think that was our quota for the entire year…Now tell me…What is the source of this change?"

Oogway was indeed curious too as he made to stand behind a pillar as he kept on listening. Tigress released a heavy sigh as she continued to stare at the floor. "I am sorry Master…but…I find myself a bit…confused…" Shifu waited patiently, but when Tigress wouldn't say anything he said "Go on…" Tigress continued to stare at the ground. "It's just…ever since Po left the Valley…I feel like something is missing…Like he left a hole or…something…and…Even though I receive regular letters from him…I can't help but feel…that there is something more…something he's not telling me in these letters…" Oogway froze, Apparently Po hadn't revealed to her of his nightmares...and yet... "For such a young child, she is incredibly perceptive…" Oogway thought to himself as Shifu said "Tigress…The others have told me why the panda has left the Valley. He is going through a difficult time…you of all people should be able to understand this…"

Tigress looked up at her Master and asked "But if there IS something wrong with him…If he is dealing with something…then why would he not tell me…Master Please…allow me to go and visit Po in person!" Oogway froze again. If Shifu granted that request and Tigress ventured out only to not find the Panda...not only would she be concerned but would begin to ask questions about the Boy's whereabouts and most likely search for her friend endlessly. Shifu sighed as he shook his head no saying "Tigress, I understand your concern for the boy…I do…But you have a duty to your People." Oogway gave a sigh of relief, as Tigress then said her voice slightly raised "Po is one of those people Master!" But Shifu cut her off. He was really trying to be patient with Tigress here for he knew she was unfocused right now, but his patients were wearing thin. "He is also just ONE person Tigress…You and the Five are responsible for protecting the entire Valley of Peace…not just your friend…Give the panda some time…If there is indeed something bothering him then perhaps being away from everything here in the valley is what's best…also I'm sure he will tell you if there is something wrong eventually…You are his friend after all…"Tigress lowered her head again and said "Yes Master…I'm just worried…" Shifu then placed a hand on her shoulder and said "I know…However…until you are able to regain your focus…you are to remain away from the Training hall…Spend some time meditating, and you are still free to use the sparing arena as well as the Ironwood Tree Forest…" Tigress bowed her head again as she said "Yes Master Shifu…"

Shifu then removed his hand and said "Very well…you are dismissed." As Tigress got up, she bowed to her Master and left the hall. Once she was gone, Oogway stepped out from behind the pillar and walked up to Shifu. "Ah to be young again…" the old turtle said making his presence known. Shifu turned to say "Master Oogway…how long have you been present?" Oogway smiled saying "Long enough to know why young Tigress is so distraught…" clearly hinting at something. Shifu just turned away saying "Forgive me Master, but that is ridiculous…Po is Tigress's only friend outside the Five…she cares for him, nothing more." Oogway smiled saying "Spoken like a true parent my friend." Immediately Shifu's ears flattened in embarrassment as he decided to change the subject "Is there something I can help you with Master?"

Oogway stopped before the pool as he said "I will be leaving the Jade Palace first thing in the morning…I have been summoned by an old friend who seeks my guidance." Shifu turned to Oogway and asked "And might I ask how long will you be away this time Master?" Oogway smiled saying "No more than two…perhaps three weeks." Shifu then raised an eyebrow "That seems like a rather quick trip for you Master. May I ask where it is you are going?" Oogway then became quite solemn as he said "Unfortunately my friend this is a private matter." Shifu immediately bowed saying "Of course Master Oogway, I meant no offense." Oogway then smiled as he said "Do not fret my friend…it is nothing" And with that, the old turtle turned to leave. As he left, Master Shifu's eyes followed him as he pondered where it was exactly his Master would be traveling to this time.

Back in the Mountains…Around Midnight…

Po shot up again as he finally woke from the Nightmares. his entire body was soaked in a cold sweat as he noticed he was breathing hard. At least he wasn't screaming this time, but that still didn't make him feel better. As Po tried to calm his breathing he looked over to make sure Jing was still asleep. He was. The cub had once again managed to kick his covers off him in the middle of the night and was now shivering. Po then got up and grabbed Jing's blanket as he draped it over the cub tucking the blanket in under the mat as the cub ceased his shivering and began to snore again.

Po smiled at the cub as he wished he could sleep so well. As Po looked out the window he saw that the moon was still high in the sky…"Crap…it's not anywhere close to sunrise yet." Po thought as he released a sigh and made his way over to his bedroll. As he sat down there was a low *CREAK* forcing Po to freeze. Once he made sure Jing was still asleep, Po removed the lose floorboard beside his bedroll as he pulled out his Dragon Tunic. As Po marveled at the Jade Dragon staring back at him from the back of his Tunic, Po got a rather dangerous thought. "No…I really shouldn't…If Brycen finds out I will be in so much trouble…But at the same time…I REALLY don't want to go back to sleep." As an image of the red eye flashed before Po's very own, making the panda gasp.

After thinking it over for a moment Po came to a decision. "Okay…just one lap around the Village then its right back to bed…Honestly…How much trouble could I really get into? And besides…as long as I don't wake coach up, I'll be fine…right?" Po then folded his tunic over his arm as he grabbed his blue pants and brown shoes, and then quietly made his way out of the room. Once in the Hallway he could hear his Master and his wife snoring inside their own room down the hall. Po immediately tip toed down the hallway as quietly as possible. Once he made it outside, Po released a breath as he threw on his pants and shoes, and for the first time that summer, he donned the red tunic.

As he looked down over the Village he reminded himself "Just one lap around, then straight to bed…what could happen?" As he reached back and pulled his red hood forward, covering his face in shadow. The only thing visible through the hood being the glow of his Jade green eyes as the light of the moon reflected off them. Standing on that cliff side Po had once again become The Dragon Warrior, saying to himself "Man I missed this." As he immediately turned and headed down the mountain path towards the village, guided by the light of the full moon.

The Dragon Warrior Returns! Oogway is on his way to Po, Tigress is growing suspicious, And who is this mysterious SHE Oogway mentioned? Well...one thing at a time folks. Check back again for the Next Chapter! And Remember...

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