Chapter 15: All Roads Lead Home
Po's eyes shot open. He looked up at a blue sky overhead. Clouds that were far out of reach hovered gently across the blue canvas. He smiled, stood up, and stretched. It was the third day on their journey back to the Jade Palace. Everybody had been quiet, but Po expected such. They all needed and deserved their time to process what was happening and what had already happened. Monkey had kept a close eye on Mantis and would venture into the forest to look for anything that could help the poor bug. While Mantis claimed he felt much better, both Po and Monkey had noted the little guy seemed… different.
Crane and Viper had, as usual, managed to make idle chit chat, though every word amounted to nothing more than an awkward silence. At night, when the campfire was lit like a beacon, the two chose to either sit across from the other or side by side. Po found it hard to not notice that they were never out of sight from one another. Po was actually becoming quite annoyed that they still talked like simple friends. In fact, ever since the rescue from Lu Fang's palace, the two had only been talking like distant friends. It made Po uncomfortable.
Then there was Tigress. She had probably shared only a few dozen words with the rest. Half being orders while the rest was simple weather talk. Reluctant weather talk, at that. She had spent her time leading, as she did, and was always ahead of the crew. Po could do nothing but watch in awe at how she commanded and led the group, but he saw it in her eyes. She was tired. Her amber eyes lit up like the moon. They were dark and appeared to stare out at the horizon, as if hoping and begging to reach it as soon as possible. Every step seemed to be one final lunge from a desperate leader hoping to find salvation.
Po found it hard to understand how Tigress perceived the world and her duties at leadership. They were safe! Po thought. Why was she so stressed? Each night, Po had given at least an hour of thought on the particular subject. He knew leading was a chore, but she had been doing it for so long, and he had never seen her this exhausted. Was it something that happened back at Lu Fang's palace? Po had no doubt in his mind that whatever she experienced was a major factor. Her brief outburst was the only time she had brought it up, and even still, Po had very little idea of what happened between her and Tai Tzu. Po shuddered at the thought of that damned vulture laying an unwanted feather on her.
Night came and Po helped set camp. As Po expected, Crane and Viper sat side by side. The panda sat down opposite them and yawned. He was slow to realize that Tigress was nowhere in sight.
"Where's Tigress?" He asked.
Monkey pointed deeper into the forest. "She said she was taking watch duty tonight."
Po almost growled. "She's taken watch for the past three nights. Why didn't she tell me?"
"She knew you would fight her for it and tell her to get some rest." Monkey answered. "She didn't want to argue."
"She's exhausted." Po stated. "She needs the rest. You all see that, right? It's been rough for her lately. She deserves a good night of sleep."
"We've all tried talking to her about it." Viper said softly, as if Tigress were right behind her. Luckily for them all, she wasn't.
"When?"
"A long time ago." Monkey chuckled as he turned to the rest of the Furious Five. "Remember that time in Mongolia?"
Mantis laughed. "Or after the Battle of Nanjing?"
"Or during the trip to Xi'an?" Viper and Crane both spoke in unison. Crane's feathers flushed red. Viper, being cold blooded, simply looked away, but everybody, aside from Crane, knew that if she could blush, he would be bright red. The crackle of the fire was the only thing left to fill the long silence.
"So…" Viper continued. "…it's nothing against you. Or her. It's just how she is. How many times are we going to go over this?"
Po knew he had to put his foot down. He stood tall and, for the first time since the battle with Lu Fang, became the Dragon Warrior. "Now isn't the time for this. I'm going to find Tigress, and I'm going to bring her back. It's a long road, and if she continues to act like this, she'll only slow us down." Without another word, Po stomped off. Just as he reached the lining of a thick hedge, Mantis spoke up.
"She'll think that's hot." He squeaked.
Po spun around, having barely heard the little bug. "What?"
Mantis cleared his throat. "I said she should've brought another pot. For cooking, you know?" Smooth.
Crane, Viper, and Monkey all held their laughter.
Po looked on, confused as ever. "Right. Next time." He had to agree, then spun around and ran off into the dense forest.
Mantis finally let his laughter go. The little bug once again relaxed and turned his eyes up towards the sky. He let out a hefty sigh. All eyes were suddenly on him. The little bug had been acting weird. Po and Monkey had noticed it, and it was becoming clear to the rest of the Furious Five. Monkey, being his best friend, thought it would only be right if he were the first to bring it up.
"Buddy? Are you all right?" Monkey asked.
Mantis sat upright and looked at his best friend. "Never better." Mantis smiled.
"Despite the fact that just three days ago you were dying?"
"Honestly, it's going to sound weird, but it did wonders for me."
Monkey almost went cross eyed at the unusual response. "Do you want to explain that?" Monkey spoke as if he was unsure about his words. Mantis perked up as if he had been expecting this exactly question. As if he had been hoping for it.
"I almost died, pal." Mantis said, but with a smile that never left his face. "I'm not talking about a big beating with a few cuts and bruises. I'm not talking about getting knocked out but knowing you guys would be there to watch my back. I'm not even talking about being held captive and tortured or being turned into a Jombie. I was poisoned. I was literally dying. I could count the seconds until everything went black."
"And you're just happy to be alive, right?" Viper spoke up.
Mantis' smile grew wider. "It gave me a new perspective on life, guys. This whole adventure has, honestly. We could be having fun one day and the next, gone. Just… gone."
"Damn. Way to bring the mood down." Crane tried to laugh, hoping to find the right words to transition into a different topic. He didn't.
"Honestly!" Mantis nearly roared. "This is great for me. For us! Speaking with that rabbit and whale a few days ago, I realized that life isn't something to take for granted. I was ready to die back at Lu Fang's palace. I chose to help Tigress knowing I was doomed. That got me thinking, though. What have I done?"
Monkey laughed. "What do you mean? You sound like you're doubting your life efforts."
Mantis leapt to Monkey's shoulder. "All I'm saying is there is more to life than kung fu and fighting and being warriors and stuff! I almost got married once or twice, but I was too focused on things that hardly mattered to actually care to look for the perfect partner. Worse yet, when the perfect one did come around, I failed to see it because I was too busy saving China or training."
"You think training is a distraction?" Crane spoke up. "Like it or not, it's our job."
"Yes! But what about our life?"
"Does this rant have a point?" Crane asked.
"I still have extra medicine if you're not feeling well." Monkey spoke up.
Mantis sighed. "What I'm saying is that we have to see what we have before us." Mantis shared a glance with both Crane and Viper. "We have to go out and get it before we lose it. We may only get one chance. Do you understand?"
"Nope." Crane and Viper said in unison.
Mantis looked up at Monkey, then leapt between Viper and Crane. "Do I have to spell it out?!"
"Spell what out?" Again, they spoke in unison.
"GAH!" Mantis roared, but quickly collected himself. "For all we know, Lu Fang could be on her way to kill us. Viper? I'd say you just have cold feet, but you're always cold… and you have no feet." Mantis turned to face Crane. "Crane! Buddy! Do you need glasses?"
"I have excellent vision, thank you!" Crane got defensive.
Mantis groaned. "I know you two have a thing for one another. It's just plain obvious. I hate to be the one to break it to you two, but if I don't, nobody will. You two might want to admit it and get it over with before it's too late."
Viper and Crane looked up at one another. In Crane's eyes, Viper saw the same look she had seen a million times before, but this time there was something slightly off. It took on a whole new meaning. That awkward stare he gave had become the gaze of a bird too shy to admit something that boiled deep within him. In Viper's eyes, Crane saw that same shine that was always there. The same glimmer that had never left. This time, it spoke to him. It told him a brand new story. Spoke of a new emotion. Love.
Crane's heart kicked up a notch. Was it really that obvious? Or was the little bug just that good at reading people? Or at reading diaries? Or eavesdropping? Crane wondered.
"Is it true?" Viper asked.
Crane froze. He swore his heart was about to burst. Crane found that breaking eye contact had become impossible. He swallowed the knot in his throat.
"You tell me. Is it?" Crane replied, fearing the answer.
Viper smiled warmly. "Of course."
Crane's heart erupted with joy.
Po found Tigress sat perched atop a high tree branch. Her tail flopped down, swinging left and right. Po crept quietly beneath her, hoping not to disturb her nap. He looked up to a horrifying sight. The tiger was watching him. Her exhausted eyes of amber beamed down at him through the darkness of the tree.
"Hi." Po waved awkwardly. "Are you okay?"
Without another word, Tigress dropped before him. Despite her weary body, she stood tall and managed a smile. "I'm fine." Her words were brief.
"You seem tired." Po spoke with authority. "I'll take watch. I want you to rest."
Tigress shook her head. "Not going to happen. I'm fine, Po. Go back to the campfire with the others. I'll stay here and keep an ear out."
Po shook his head. "I won't allow it."
Tigress scoffed and almost laughed. "Please." She crossed her arms. "I'm fine. I'll rest when we're back at the Jade Palace.
Po groaned. "Why are you always so stubborn? You gave Shifu a hard time before we left him. Please, just take the night off!"
"Not going to happen." Tigress remained firm.
Po thought for a second. The way he had been convincing her as of late was always with a sparring match. Giving her a good fight seemed to put her in a lighter mood sometimes. Plus, if he won and forced Tigress to submit, she would have to listen to him. Po dwelled on the thought a moment longer. Was that the only way? Was she expecting another match? Did she want one? Po smirked.
"Very well." The Dragon Warrior said. "I guess I'll have to teach you a lesson. Let's go, tiger!" Po lowered himself. His fanboyish smile never left his face. He didn't wait for Tigress. He charged forward and led with his foot. Po felt the raw power flow through him. He embraced that feeling. "HEE-YAA!" He roared.
With minimal effort, Tigress stepped out of the way. Po flew on past, hitting a tree with force and plopped to the dirt below, with his butt up in the air and head flat on the ground.
"I already told you I'm staying up."
"Why…" Po attempted to speak but he found talking upside down was very difficult, especially with a kinked neck. "Why are you so stubborn?" His words were raspy and hoarse. Tigress gave the panda a little nudge which sent his rear end to the floor. Po was slow to pick himself up.
"I'm not stubborn." Tigress huffed. "Mantis nearly died and Monkey refuses to let him out of his sight. Crane helped keep watch last night and Viper needs to stay by the fire. Cold blooded reptile, you know?"
"What about me?!" Po whined.
"You're not in the right mindset." Tigress said. "You've admitted more than once that you've lost your inner peace and that your chi hasn't been balanced. I can handle tonight. Trust me."
"No. You trust me, Tigress." Po nearly begged as he looked around for a comfy spot on the grass. "Sleep is nice! See? Watch!" Po laid down on the ground and closed his eyes, mimicking what he hoped Tigress would do. "See? You know you want to." Po took a peek up at Tigress.
"Of course I want to, but the safety and security of the group is my main concern. You included."
"And you say you're not stubborn!" Po roared.
"I'm not! Not really..."
Po sighed and shook his head. He decided to try once more. "Just sit down with me at the very least."
Tigress huffed and sat down. Her back was straight as a board. Her legs were crossed, and her arms folded over one another. Her ears poked from her head like quills on the hedgehog.
"Get comfy." Po ordered. "Lean against something."
Tigress grumpily did as 'asked' and leaned against the tree she had once perched herself on. Its rough bark stuck into her fur like a million micro-needles. "This is very uncomfortable." She grumbled. "I'm heading back up in the tree."
Po sat down but faced away from Tigress. The panda mimicked her exact posture. "Try me."
Tigress shot Po and ugly glare. "What?"
"Try leaning against me." Po said as innocently as possible, not daring to look into the eyes of the tiger.
"Why would I do that?"
Po was forced to think of a logical reason quickly. As luck would have it, as he was spit balling ideas into his mind, he came across the perfect one. "Then you'd have my back." Po spoke with pride. "We always claim to have each other's backs, right? Now is your chance to prove it. I'm keeping watch this way…" Po pointed out in front of him. "…so you can keep watch that way. We can keep our eyes peeled. Nothing will get by us."
Tigress grumbled but wanted to prove to Po more than anything that she was NOT stubborn. She wearily walked to the panda and plopped down behind him. With crossed arms and a constant scowl on her face, she leaned against the Dragon Warrior. The soft… super soft… cuddly Dragon Warrior. Her scowl quickly disappeared as she sank into his fur.
Then… she chuffed.
"What was that?" Po asked.
"What was what?" Tigress was mortified.
"That thing you did?"
"A hiccup?" It was the best she could come up with.
"Weird sounding hiccup." Po grumbled.
Tigress, meanwhile, continued to settle into Po's fur. The soft panda seemed like an endless basin of warmth, comfort, and relaxation. NO! Tigress thought to herself. Keep your eyes moving. Keep those ears of yours peeled. Do NOT let your guard down because the Dragon Warrior just so happens to make an excellent pillow. A soft… soft pillow. Oh, so soft. So soft. So…
Po woke as the sun was on the rise. Though the horizon glow was nearly impossible to see due to the thousands of trees that surrounded them, Po could still sense that it was beautiful. He lifted his head and groaned, then winced as a sharp pain ran up his arm. He pulled his paw in front of him and examined the stinging source. Spanning his entire arm were marks. Claw marks? And… teeth marks? Po looked back at Tigress. She was still sound asleep with her legs pulled close to her chest. Her head rested on the backside of Po's shoulder. Her right paw held a firm grip on Po's right paw. Kneading. Po thought. She was kneading! And it hurt!
Po winced every time her claws tore into his fur, but the thought of waking her was too scary. Deep in the forest, Po swore he saw a figure. Something swinging through the trees. He figured with the orange fur it must've been Monkey.
"Psst! Monkey!" He yelled as quietly as he could. Monkey heard him and was at his side in mere seconds. He opened his mouth to speak but upon seeing the scene, he stopped and chuckled. His chuckles quickly turned to laugher, and his laughter grew loud.
Mantis popped onto Monkey's shoulder and held his mouth shut. "Shh! What's so funny?"
Monkey pointed at Po and Tigress fast asleep, nestled behind him. Back-to-back. With a scratch running down Po's arm, a bite mark on his shoulder, and his paw in the firm grip of Tigress' kneading claws.
Mantis, too, began to laugh.
"Shut it!" Po whispered.
Both masters made brief attempts to stop their incessant laughter, but the two goofballs made eye contact with one another. For whatever reason, it kickstarted the laughter once again. Tears flooded from both their eyes.
Po had freed himself from Tigress' grip and laid her gently in the damp grass before their laugher finally came to an end. He stood tall, stretched, and bounced around hoping to regain feeling in his paw.
"How was your night?" Mantis asked.
"I feel like a chew toy." Po groaned. The two masters were about to break into another laughing scene, but Po plugged both of their noise holes before they could erupt once more. They quickly got the idea, so Po released them. "Where is Viper and Crane?"
"Back at camp." Monkey said.
"The two finally grew a backbone." Mantis added
"Oh, really?" Po immediately knew what Mantis had meant. "Good for them. Are they ready to begin the last stretch of the journey?"
Monkey nodded. "They were just waking up when we went to look for you two. They should be ready when they get back."
Po smiled. "What are we waiting for, then?"
Mantis looked down at Tigress. "First…" Mantis crawled down Monkey's arm and leapt to the ears of Tigress. "…we gotta wake the tiger."
"Uh…" Po cupped Mantis in his paws. "How about we let her rest? She needs it. It was a miracle to get her to sleep at all."
Mantis and Monkey shared a glance. "So, we're waiting?"
"No."
"We go ahead, and you wait for Tigress?" Mantis asked.
"No."
"We're leaving without Tigress?" Monkey asked.
"No."
"Then what are we doing?" Mantis burst out.
"I'm… I'm going to carry her."
"Oof." Mantis leapt back onto Monkey's shoulder. "Nice knowing you!"
Po sighed. "I know we're in a rush, but I just can't wake her." Monkey had taken several steps back, as if expecting the tiger to literally blow up upon being touched. Po slumped his shoulders, unsure of what he was getting himself into. Carrying Tigress? He thought. How crazy am I? As he took a deep breath, another thought popped into his head. How did I get these bite marks? Was she a nibbler?
Lu Fang took a deep breath as she made her first print on mainland China in years. Now, she was back, and that fact alone made her smile. Tai Tzu crept beside her. The vulture still grumbled about something Lu Fang had no time for.
"Stupid rabbit." Tai Tzu's eyes narrowed as they scanned the tree line. "I'll kill him when I find him, and that stupid whale, too."
"Are you still on about that?" Lu Fang asked, looking down on Tai Tzu like he was an ant.
The bird foolishly stood firm and returned her gaze. "Of course I am! He is nothing. He doesn't deserve to hog the air he breathes or the space he takes."
Lu Fang cracked a smile. "You're saying he's worthless?"
"Yes." Tai Tzu grinned. "Pitiful and worthless."
Lu Fang came down like thunder. She pulled the bird by the throat and lifted him high. Her eyes of ice pierced his soul. Tai Tzu struggled to get away, but the raw power of Lu Fang was too much. He gave up and quickly accepted his fate. He knew she wouldn't kill him. He has been in this situation before. Lu Fang snarled. "If he's worthless, then why do you keep bringing him up!?"
Lu Fang dropped Tai Tzu. His throat was sore, but the vulture worked his way to his feet and took a hefty step away from his mistress. "I'm sorry." He gasped. Speaking was harder, but he managed to push through the pain. He made a mental note to watch his words next time.
"If you keep acting like that, one day, you will be." Lu Fang responded. Behind her, a horde of vultures hovered above the water. Tai Tzu had trained them well. Their lust for conquest knew no bounds. Lu Fang sensed their loyalty was to her alone. Tai Tzu was nothing but a mouthpiece for herself. Below her, Tai Tzu was still recovering from her grip of death. "Let's go for a little walk, shall we?" She smirked.
"Where are you going?" Tai Tzu asked.
"West."
Tai Tzu wanted to bring up the fact that the Imperial City was north, but he had no intention of getting on Lu Fang's bad side ever again. "Of course, my mistress." Was all he said.
For some reason Tai Tzu couldn't understand, Lu Fang had commanded the hundreds of vultures remain along the beach and warned them not to venture too far along the coast. Tai Tzu was not about to question his mistress, but it was something he still found odd. Without another peep, Tai Tzu followed Lu Fang alone as they proceeded deep into the forest. While Tai Tzu was utterly lost without a map, Lu Fang seemed like she knew exactly where she was going. She would skip a road that seemed heavy with traffic and obviously led to civilization yet chose to follow the next run-down trail that led only further into the woods. On top of that, the trail led nowhere but to a dead end. Despite the abrupt stop, Lu Fang continued.
On occasions, she would stop and look up at a particularly tall tree. While Tai Tzu figured it was just her taking in the wonders of nature, the vulture didn't think anything of it. After many miles and a whole day behind them, Tai Tzu's mind had grown numb. He would wake up, eat, follow Lu Fang for hours on end, and eat again, but not once did he ever question his mistress. Not for her random stops or the odd trails she took. No matter the weather or terrain, she kept heading west.
On the fourth day, more towards the late evening, Tai Tzu saw something horrifying. Lu Fang had suddenly stopped in front of a particularly large tree. Lu Fang, knowing his place, stopped as well. The tree rose high above all the rest and even managed to compete with some of the larger, rocky hills that surrounded the forest. Tai Tzu expected Lu Fang to marvel for a moment then the two would move on. This time, she took an extra few minutes. Lu Fang remained still. Tai Tzu tried to creep around the hulking shoulders of the panda and look into her eyes. When he finally succeeded, he realized they were like marbles. Glass, but with something deeper lurking within. Lu Fang lifted her paw and pressed it to the tree.
In an instant, the gorgeous green tree began to break apart. The bark pealed from the trunk. Leaves turned black and feel as if fall had come early. Tai Tzu stepped back and sat in awe. The tree, majestic and magnificent as it once was, was now nothing but a stump. All because of a touch. Her touch.
Lu Fang turned towards Tai Tzu. The vulture shivered when their eyes met. Tai Tzu saw nothing in her eyes. No hatred. No fear. No anger. No remorse. Nothing.
"This is all I bring. Death." She said, nodding with submission. "Tell me who can stand in my way."
Tai Tzu opened his mouth, unsure of how he should answer or even if he should answer. Perhaps the question was rhetorical? He asked himself. "Uh…" He sputtered.
"TELL ME!" Lu Fang roared.
"Nobody!" Tai Tzu spat, covering his head with his wings. "Nobody can stand against you." He opened his eyes and looked up at the titan.
She nodded. "No fish. No bird. No mammal or insect. No god or goddess. No warlord or prophet. No master. No Dragon Warrior."
Tai Tzu nodded, turned, and sat down in front of the dead tree. She looked up and for once since they had marched into the forest, she smiled. Tai Tzu had decided not to stick around. He needed to breath. The vulture turned and saw a nice spot to rest a tad further away from Lu Fang. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw a print in the mud. One he had seen dozens of times. One that was all too familiar. His eyes immediately spotted the trail. He spread his wings and followed.
They led him a few miles away to a small hill overlooking a creek about ten feet below. He perched himself atop the tallest rock and kept his eyes peeled. With the harder ground, the tracks had disappeared, but he was close. He knew it. He ran his feathers across the knives that hung around his waistband. They were as sharp as ever.
Tai Tzu spun at the slight snap of a twig. He threw knives like a whirlwind of death into the forest.
"GAH!" A voice echoed from a nearby bush.
Tai Tzu immediately felt a sense of pride. He had his victim. He flew low towards the shrubbery and pulled the little rabbit out by the ears. A knife had imbedded itself deep into his paw, forcing him to drop something to the dirt below. Parchment, but that was all Tai Tzu had time to notice. His focus was merely on the rabbit. "Liang!" Tai Tzu spoke as if talking with an old friend.
"L-Let me go. Please!" Liang stuttered. His legs thrashed below him.
Tai Tzu tossed the rabbit to the dirt, closer to the creek than the shrubs he was hiding in. Liang's tiny paws pulled the grass beneath him, as if the grass was the key to survival. Tai Tzu tossed this up to some sort of comfort for the poor little rabbit. His legs shivered with fright. His ears drooped behind his back. He was a pathetic sight for Tai Tzu to behold.
"What are you doing out here?" Tai Tzu spoke softly.
"Nothing."
Tai Tzu revealed another set of knives. "You're lucky you weren't hit with my poisoned knives, but we can change that real soon, can't we?" The bird smiled.
Liang tried to pull the knife from his paw, but the pain was too great. He winced. "I was just keeping an eye on you." Liang managed to say.
"Why?" Tai Tzu laughed. "What are you and that stupid whale of yours going to do?" His smile quickly became a frown. "I still owe you for taking my victims away from me, you know? A few cuts here and there should suffice as payment."
Liang backed up, closer to the drop-off that led to the creek. "We'll find a way." Liang tried to speak with confidence, but he was lacking in that area. How could he be confident with an injured paw while alone with a sadistic bird of prey?
Tai Tzu almost laughed with hysterics, but he caught himself. "You? Not a chance." His beak straightened. "Who are you spying for?"
Liang opened his mouth, but no words were able to escape his lungs. Fear had forced him to freeze. He looked up at Tai Tzu and managed to find his own feet. Liang quickly noticed something behind the bird. It was the map. The same map given to him by the Furious Five and the Dragon Warrior. He had dropped it when the knife entered his paw. Liang tried to slowly circle the bird, knowing what the map contained.
Tai Tzu moved with one swift and fluid motion. He approached Liang, cutting him off long before he could even get close to the map. "Who are you spying for?" His words were as cold as ice. "I'll make things much easier if you tell me."
"You're sick." Liang huffed. His chest quickly tightened. For a brief second, the rabbit glanced down at the map that lay helplessly along the grass. Tai Tzu followed the rabbit's gaze and smiled.
"Missing something?" Tai Tzu taunted as he stepped away from Liang and picked up the map. Liang thought it was best to step back as Tai Tzu unrolled the map. His feathers fluffed up and down his back at the joy he felt seeing the destination he needed so clearly marked. "The Jade Palace? Interesting. Is that where your friends are?"
"You'll be sorry." Liang snapped. "You and Lu Fang both!" It was straight anger that came from Liang's gut. He clenched his paws tight, forgetting about the knife that was still lodged in it. He was too full of anger to feel pain.
Tai Tzu feigned a frightful shiver. "What are you doing to do?" Tai Tzu laughed as he once again flashed his knives. "Are you really going to try and take it from me?"
Liang's anger turned to fear. He spun and made a mad dash towards the creek. Tai Tzu was hot on his heels. A knife in the rabbit's back would've done the job, but he wanted to look into his eyes as he died. Liang was fast, but not fast enough as Tai Tzu tackled him to the dirt below. Liang struggled as he was turned around to face the bird. With one swift move, he yanked the knife from his paw and jammed it into Tai Tzu's shoulder.
Tai Tzu pulled back and roared with a mixture of pain and anger. Before Tai Tzu could do much else, Liang pressed his hind legs into Tai Tzu's chest. With all the force he could muster, pushed. Tai Tzu flew backwards, landing hard on his back. Liang had forgotten about the map. Tai Tzu still clutched it tight in his feathers, anyway. He turned and leapt headfirst into the river. Tai Tzu had quickly regained his senses, but not quick enough to chase the rabbit.
Tai Tzu knew his meal would come sooner or later. So, with his newfound map, he returned to Lu Fang.
Mistress Fang was standing alone atop a hill. She had left a trail of death behind her. Trees. Shrubs. Grass. All black, brown, and dead. Only the grass that grew on the hill was still alive, but Tai Tzu wondered how long that would last. He flew up to meet Lu Fang with a smile on his face.
"Madame Fang! Madame Fang!" He called out, clutching the map tightly. "I know where the tiger is! I know where the panda is! I know where they all are!"
He landed beside her, but Lu Fang had not once turned around. His words had seemingly fallen on deaf ears. The panda was still as stone. Her head turned down at the wooden slabs that suck into the ground below. Her paw was outstretched, gently caressing the wooden plaque. Upon a quick second glance, Tai Tzu knew what it was. A grave.
"Madame Fang?" No matter how many times he called out, the panda never seemed to acknowledge him.
She was elsewhere. Another place. Another time. A far, far happier time.
Lu Fang's eyes shot open. She looked up to no sky. Instead, she was looking up at an old, wooden roof with rot plaguing every inch of it. She stretched her muscles before rolling off her small, yet very comfy bed and pushed herself to her feet. Lu Fang rushed to her modest closed and pulled out a spotted orange and black robe with two holes that had been freshly patched by a novice seamstress. She quickly dressed herself and wandered aimlessly around the room. Her mind raced as she tried to remember what she had done the previous night. She remembered she was out with friends and that they had stayed up late, but she was too groggy to remember. She shrugged, knowing it would come back to her eventually.
"Honey!" A voice called from downstairs. Lu Fang raced herself through the wooden door, down the stairs, and only stopped as she entered the kitchen. The smell was overwhelming. Vegetables, rice, and lobster. Lu Fang could only guess at who could've gone out and gotten lobster! Her mouth watered as she looked up at the panda before her.
"Hi, Mom!" Lu Fang said with a smile. Her mother smiled back.
Behind her, her father was wearily walking towards the door. As soon as he opened it, Lu Fang spun around and greeted him with the same smile.
"Hi, Dad! Where are you going?"
Her father smiled back warmly. "It looks like there's somebody out by the gates. A foreigner. Probably a trader." Her father said. "I won't be long, and I definitely won't miss your cooking." Both of Lu Fang's parents laughed. "He looks like a peacock. I don't think I've ever seen one of them before." With that, her father shut the door.
A/N: Thank you for reading! Hopefully you all enjoyed. This was a fun chapter to write. I tried to bring a bit of humor into the mix and clear up the whole Crane/Viper thing that I very lightly sprinkled throughout the earlier parts. I'm not sure how I came to the conclusion that Mantis is the one of all people to bring up their love life, but it just turned out that way. Hope it worked.
Also, since tigers don't purr, Tigress chuffed. If you don't know what that is, I suggest you look it up. It is absolutely adorable and, according to the experts, is a sign of affection. 3
Oh, and yes. The next chapter is going to be a Lu Fang flashback.
I'll try to pump these chapters out faster than I have been. When I first started, I tried to post once a week and keep to a set schedule, but life happens, and it can be fun, but this past month and a half has been a rough one.
So, once again, thank you for reading! If you feel like it, let me know your thoughts on the story thus far. I'm always curious as to what I could to better for my writing and the story. I feel like the pacing is a bit wonky, but let me know what you think.
