Disclaimer: I do not own Hero: 108.

Chapter 10:

The Panther Physician looked into Lin Chung's sightless eyes, and shook his head regretfully. They had been there ever since they returned to Big Green, and Lin Chung had been silently led away to the Panther physician, who had at once started to check him over. "I am afraid that there is nothing I can do. This is a permanent and powerful hex. I doubt any of us could reverse it."

Panther Queen, as far as they knew, was still outside, talking to the Jaguars, First Squad and Apetrully briefly about what had happened.

He knew that the two knew it as well, and had been hoping for something better. He had only confirmed their worst fears.

Panther King sighed, resigned. "Thank you, Andros."

Andros bowed, before leaving, with Panther Queen entering as he exited. Her face showed that there was no good news now, even though Big Green could final rest in peace. Apetrully had made a wrong decision, and she knew it. Wounds could be adapted to.

"Lin Chung,"

The now blind teenager looked up, no expression on his face. "Who is it?"

Panther Queen understood that he was not asking who it was that was walking in. He already knew. Within a few hours, Lin Chung had already developed highly sensitive senses, for all hearing, touch, taste, and smell. "Yen."

The human-raised Jaguar had been horrified to find out about Lin Chung, and though had been pleased about being chosen, he had argued wholeheartedly for 2 hours about how he couldn't just go over and take the position, and that they should get Lin Chung when he recovered.

But he was shot down by Apetrully.

Lin Chung nodded. "He is a good warrior. He will help First Squad." He stood up, stumbling slightly as he grabbed the edge of the chair.

"Lin Chung-" Panther Queen hesitated, cutting herself off. "I'm sorry." Lin Chung smiled sadly at her, understanding.

"It's fine. And I need time to learn how to fight without sight. First and Second Squad have to work fast to regain order throughout Hidden Kingdom."

"But they can't do it without you." Panther King noted quietly. It was true.

Even before, only Lin Chung could actually win. He had won the majority of the animals' favour, letting them join Big Green, or at least had had a major involvement in it. It was wrong that when they were going to do it again, in different and more dangerous circumstances, he was going to get…replaced by someone else who hadn't even been with Big Green long.

Lin Chung tilted his head. "They can't always depend on me. They have to learn to make decisions on their own. Besides," He looked distant. "I need to go meditate now." Panther King knew that it was a dismissal, but still asked.

"Do you need help?" Lin Chung shook his head.

"I'll be fine." With that, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind a saddened Panther King and Queen. The Queen sighed. "You've changed, Lin Chung."

Though for better or worse, I can't tell.

Lin Chung had been avoiding them the best he could. Jumpy noticed this as he hopped out in the corridor with the rest of First Squad, seeing Lin Chung's retreating back. He hesitated. Should he call back?

No, he shouldn't. If Lin Chug wanted to do this, then he would approach them.

Right?

No. He was going to call.

"Lin Chung!" Lin Chung hesitated, before turning around, his sightless eyes still scaring Jumpy for a minute. "Are…you…ok?"

He nodded, before he turned to leave. Jumpy hopped up to his friend. "Sure?" He whispered. Lin Chung cracked a smile.

"I'll be fine, Jumpy." He rasped.

"Lin Chung!" Mr. NoHands called out to him. "You know he is going to take your spot." Mr. NoHands was not one for emotional times, but he spoke again, his voice slightly unstable. "But you can still come with us sometimes, right?" He nodded and turned to leave again, before Yen called to him this time. Lin Chung turned to him. Yen hesitated, before speaking.

"I-I'm sorry." He finally stammered. "I didn't want to try and-" He cut himself off as Lin Chung walked over, placed a hand on his shoulder, and spoke in a language only the Cheetahs, Panthers and Jaguars knew.

"I know you will help First Squad. Don't let anyone down." Yen nodded numbly, before Lin Chung smiled, and walked away, his emotion changing rapidly as he walked, until he looked like an emotionless robot.

Jumpy watched him go, feeling guilty as he saw his friend's once open and carefree heart be shielded and protected by many shields that he wasn't sure even the panthers could break into.

And all because of War.

AN: Hope you liked

16/02/14 - Ok, SO sorry, wrong chapter posted up. That's what happens when you have too many docs…:P