Author's note: Whoo! Another chapter! And some more interesting things happening. Including, a potential answer to a mystery that only brings up more questions... Ain't it fun? Well, I'm having fun writing this. Speaking of which, just wanted to take a brief moment to thank you all for the support you've been giving me for not just this story, but for all of my works that I've done. I can't thank you all enough for this, really. X3 Anyways, time to get on with it! Oh, one last thing! A bit of suggestive themes in this chapter... Okay, maybe a bit blatant, but hey, I thought it was funny. Okay, now let's get into it!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN KFP (They would not let me spend this long setting things up, that is almost certain.)

Enjoy.

Setting Things in Motion

"So, let me get this straight. You've been too busy getting pounded by commander wolfie to gather information?" A patronising sneer exits Wing Wu as she glares at Wan with a mix of disappointment and disbelief, whilst Su Wu looks across the affluent city with a telescope.

They remain hidden atop a small building nestled between two titans made of mahogany and gold, their figures blanketed by the inescapable shadows cast by the morning sun. Even this celestial body finds itself barely poking out amidst its cloudy guardians. Weather usually fit for a pleasant day out, yet the city streets are hollow aside from the occasional guard patrol. Patrols that are growing far more scarce with each passing day. Su Wu would chuckle if Zhongcheng hadn't sent them out to gather more 'soldiers' so to speak. No matter, the emperor won't let up on these patrols, it's only a matter of time.

"Hey! That's not true, I've been trying to gather as much information as I can. It's not my fault that the commander is so tight lipped about everything." Wan folds her arms and faces away from her sister, an embarrassed, pitiful pout on her lips. Worst part is, she's telling the truth. Each time they've gotten… intimate together, she has tried to gain more info about his plan, and each time she was told to be patient. That his plan will be revealed soon. She has even tried to eavesdrop on other conversations he's had and the few mumbles she can get from his sleep. Mumbles that either proved to be some revenge fantasy against the emperor or something far more… lewd with her. "Besides, I found out about their weapon problem. I told you about his mind control thing. That's got to mean something."

Scoffing immediately at her sister's pathetic attempts to defend herself, Wing Wu counters, "That was like what? Three-four days ago? You should've gotten more than that by now!" As her sisters continue their bickering, Su Wu takes a calming breath, trying her best to keep her sights on any incoming patrols.

"Again, not my fault that he doesn't want to say anything!" Wan snaps back, her irritation rising with each second.

"Yeah, of course he doesn't. You probably do all the talking for him."

"What is that supposed to mean!?"

"Oh c'mon, I've heard you two once coming back. 'I'm gonna die! Oh, I'm gonna die!' Really?" An audible gasp shoots out of Wan Wu as she covers her face with her paws, completely embarrassed at her elder sister's imitation of one of her… not-so-proud moments.

A resigned sigh seeps out of the eldest sister's lips, "Will you two knock it off? I can barely hear myself think." This sharp command shuts them up immediately, allowing for her to continue her search.

Nearly a minute of silence passes between the three of them as they all wait for, at the very least, a single squadron to come out of the woodwork. Unfortunately, their patience soon leads to boredom, and this boredom soon leads to…

"I just didn't think that 'having good relations' translated to 'let him go to town on you'." Another squabble… Su Wu rolls her good eye as Wing Wu mocks her younger sister again.

Surprisingly enough, Wan smirks at her elder sister, "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realise you felt bad about missing out on some 'action'." Much to her pleasure, Wing scowls back at this remark.

"Please. As if I'd even consider giving myself to some deranged megalomaniac. You can have that all you like, Wan." Said sister chuckles to herself whilst Wing merely shakes her head in revulsion. To think she'd even suggest liking a man so repulsive and arrogant. Maybe her head is worn out from being so… 'persuasive'. Just as their verbal spar comes to an end, both sister's notice their leader give an intrigued hum as she zooms in on her telescope. "What's going on, sis?"

In response, Su Wu takes the telescope away from her good eye and motions it to her, "See for yourself." She doesn't take her gaze off the labyrinthian streets as Wing takes the telescope from her paw.

Curiosity takes hold of Wing's face as she looks through the telescope, only for it to shift to confusion. Far away, concealed by the shadows of a cramped alleyway, is a cloaked figure, their only identifiable characteristic being a pair of ruby eyes surveying the onyx depths below them. Several questions pass through her mind, but they only lead to two potential answers, one more likely than the other. "Huh, didn't know Zhongcheng sent another guy to help out."

"He didn't." Venom spews out of Su Wu's mouth, her pondering expression taking on a far more speculative distinction. Who is this person? What could they be looking for?

Practically hearing her sister's intense thinking, Wing decides to put her mind at ease, "Eh, probably just some bandit looking to take advantage of the situation. Nothing to worry about." She hands the telescope back, sighing to herself as that tiny flame of dangerous excitement flickers away.

Su Wu looks through the telescope again, noting how the cloaked figure remains high above the alley's shadowy void, eyes still staring into its abyss. Clearly, they're waiting for something, but what? Stay focused! I can't distract myself with this, not when we have work to do. Besides, the simplest explanation is often the correct one.

As her eldest sister focuses her sights back to the task at hand, Wan smirks to herself as she sifts through Wing's mocking taunts, a glint of realisation shimmering on her face. Wing sits down next to her, immediately noticing her expression. "Okay, what's got you cocky all of a sudden? And I don't mean it in that way."

Ignoring that last comment, Wan's smirk deepens as she crosses her arms, "Zhongcheng's not the one making all the moves, alright? I've got him wrapped around my finger." She moves her index finger in a circular motion, giggling as she does so, ignoring her sister's unimpressed face.

"Oh really?" Wing clears her throat before mimicking a seductive expression, "'Oh commander, what are your orders? Have I been a good girl, sir?'" She resists the urge to laugh before lying down on the floor, with her paws behind her head. "Yeah, you're definitely in control, aren't you?"

An irritated 'humph' rumbles through Wan's throat at Wing's sarcastic snicker, "It's called sweet talk you idiot."

"Uh huh, real sweet."

"No wonder Su gets me to do all the flirting." Wan mutters under her breath, rolling her eyes at another one of Wing's mocking comments. "Look, I'm just saying that whenever I use my natural charms, Zhongcheng can't resist. As long as I'm there, I've got him in my clutches." Her smirk reappears on her face until Su Wu folds the telescope back up, walking to her sisters with purpose.

"It's dangerous to think that way, Wan. Especially when it comes to someone like him." Wing flashes her younger sister a cheeky know-it-all grin only for Su to shift her attention to her, "And Wing, I'd hold my tongue if I were you." Her single yellow eye glares at Wing's masked face, practically searing a hole right into her skull. "She has done quite a lot whilst you have only been whinging and complaining our entire time here." She focuses her gaze back on Wan, a subtle yet devious aura emanating from her. "Now Wan, I want you to keep doing what you're doing with one slight difference." Her young sister nods, a curious question present in her face. "Try to make our dear wolf into more than a 'lover'. If you get what I mean."

A wide smile enters Wan's face as she nods again, only for Wing to sit back up. "You think Zhongcheng is even capable of being more than that? I mean, have we forgotten that he's put over a hundred people on their literal deathbeds?"

"Hence why we should try our best to put ourselves in his good graces." Su Wu answers with a sharpness rivalling her own claws before looking back to Wan, "Now don't think of this as complex or anything. It's as simple as asking for his affections. If he says no or is clearly uninterested, then we can manage." She looks off towards the horizon, though her eyes appear to look right past it.

"And… What are we managing exactly? I mean, why bother asking if it doesn't even matter?" Wan asks, wondering what exactly Su Wu's plan is. Not that she doesn't trust her or anything, no, her plans have always been pretty well thought out. It's just that something isn't clicking.

Wing however, is able to decipher her elder sister's plan instantly, the masked snow leopard folding her arms in front of her as she stands up. "Because it's harder for someone to pry a leash off their heart rather than their neck." Realisation pops up into the youngest snow leopard's countenance as the eldest nods her head, a devious grin forming on her face. "But there's one thing that I'm wondering, sis. Once we've got this leash on him, what's the plan?"

Her smile remaining on her face, Su Wu turns her head back towards the horizon, walking closer towards the edge of the building before crouching down. "We wait…" She gives a brief pause, hoping that her two sisters are able to piece it all together like she can.

"Why?"

Of course, they can't. Why did she even think they would? They rarely ever think things through as much as she does. Suppose it would be nice to give her mind a rest for once, let them do things for a change. Then again, if she did that then all their plans would fall apart. "Because I think I've managed to figure out Zhongcheng's master plan. And though I'm not sure of the details, I do know that what he plans to accomplish can be only done by him. Therefore, we wait to see how it plays out." Her good eye notices four figures marching their way through the empty streets. Two muscled rhinos, a stout yak and a lithe cheetah all wearing imperial colours. Her smile widens. "If his plan succeeds, we negotiate and if the deal isn't sweet enough…" She turns to face her sisters, pointing to Wan as she explains, "You can have one last round of fun with him, and murder him in his sleep. Afterwards, we have all of China in our paws."

"And if his plan doesn't succeed?" A sickening grin fills Wing's face as her eldest sister looks out towards the streets again.

All four guards enter the darkness of the alleyway just below them, their harsh footsteps making the three snow leopards' ears twitch. "Wan has one last round of fun with him, kills him in his sleep and then we lead our own conquest." Su Wu recites before slinking off towards the edge of the building facing one of its neighbouring towers, her sisters following suit. Their feline eyes pick out the four guards hidden within the darkness of the shadowy alley, giant smiles filling their faces as they realise how woefully unmatched their foe is. "Shall we?" This sly question doesn't need an answer, the three sisters pouncing into the shadows below, ready to take down their prey with ease.

As they accomplish their mission, a choir of grunts and shouts emerge from the training building within Zhongcheng's underground base. These yells send tremors the very foundation of this building as inside it lies a great hall, housing an assortment of soldiers within its walls. Wolves, alligators and gorillas hurl punches and kicks in unison, their combined strength threatening to snuff out the flames of the crimson lanterns strewn along the walls. The entire room is blanketed by this blood red glow, as if the very spirit of their former leader watches them on as the white wolf commander leads these men from the front of the room. "Strengthen your stance!"

Hah!

"Imagine your enemy in front of you!"

Tsu!

"Break their bones! Bludgeon them! Show them no mercy!"

Osu!

As a cacophony of fists batter the air in perfect time, Zhongcheng follows along, his muscles caked with sweat and fur resembling more of a tattered grey rug than a pure white coat. Regardless of this, the wolf finds himself satisfied with his own training. Now if only his 'students' could do better. It is no secret that their army could use better combat expertise, especially after their humiliating loss in Gongmen. However, regardless of how much fear and discipline had been struck into them, skill cannot be taught. Only earned over time, and if two years isn't enough time to be an even slightly worthy adversary for their kung fu adversaries, then no amount of time will do. One thing is for certain though, those imperial losers won't stand a chance against his army now and hopefully, that should be enough.

Punches and kicks continue to fly, though Zhongcheng notices their increased ferocity. Instead of mere fists pushing at air, they've become spears stabbing and eviscerating the bodies of their enemies. For once, he can't help but let a small sliver of pride ring through his eyes at how far his soldiers have come. This miniscule fragment of his pride is soon thrown away as his eyes catch the sight of Qipian running into the room, panting and flailing his arm in the air to attain his attention. Before this can interrupt his men, he commands, "Keep these movements up! Remember, your enemy will not ease up on you! So, leave them without rest!" He walks down the hall and meets with the frantic Komodo dragon by the doorway, "Well, you seem flustered to say the least. I assume there's something of importance."

Finally catching his breath, Qipian nods his head, his pale white irises eager yet paranoid. "Most certainly, commander. I've recently overheard a private discussion with the emperor and one of his elite guards." Dark blue eyes widen in curiosity, a few questions already wandering around his mind. Questions that the faux council member can already decipher, "A discussion that seems most suspicious." Zhongcheng's curiosity turns to intrigue as he motions his head towards the door. Not needing anymore of a message, Qipian heads out the doorway as he hears the wolf commander bark out orders to his soldiers-in-training. It takes no time for him to catch up as the two head towards the wolf commander's office.

"So, how has this come about?" Zhongcheng shuts the door behind him before pulling up a chair for his informant and taking out a bottle of Xifengjiu from one of his desk drawers. He takes out two glasses only for the Komodo dragon to shake his head, making the wolf scoff slightly. "After all, if it is a matter important enough to keep secret from his own council, then I doubt they would speak about it in the hallway." As he pours himself half a glass' worth of the beverage, the wolf commander sits back in his chair and crosses his legs, eyes keen for this new information.

Qipian thinks back to the moments that had transpired less than an hour ago. How the emperor had called in the council for a status report at breakfast, to results that had brought a frustrated, vengeful scowl upon the lion's face. For a brief second, the Komodo dragon could swear he looked just like his father, China's previous emperor. Alas, this seething rage had evaporated from his face once breakfast was finished. "After we delivered a status report to the emperor, he dismissed us and left the room like he needed to be somewhere else. But just as he was leaving, I saw him whisper something to one of his guards."

The wolf commander's brows furrow, unimpressed. "Hmph, not exactly subtle." As he notes this however, a wicked smile engraves itself on his face, "It seems I've gotten to him faster than I've anticipated." Taking a sip from his glass, Zhongcheng motions for the Komodo dragon to continue.

"I managed to follow them up to the throne room and, as far as I'm aware, neither were aware of my presence." He remembers back to when he had watched the lion emperor and his golden-clad leopard guard enter into the throne room, not a single servant or guard in sight. How he had inched ever so closer to the door, careful not to make a sound. Once he had reached it, he pressed his ear to the gap in the door and paid close attention to what was being said.

"Any progress?" The emperor's deep timbre sent shockwaves through the floor even in his whisper.

"Yes, your grace. From what I've been told, we're expecting production to finish within three days." Qipian could just barely hear what the soldier had reported, clearly taking this secrecy to heart.

"And you're absolutely sure that there's no suspicion?"

"Aside from a few curious looks every now and then, no suspicions have been raised. It's all crystal clear."

There was a pause that had lasted several moments yet had drawn itself out much farther for the snooping Komodo dragon. He held his breath, almost certain that he had somehow blown his cover and that the emperor was burning holes into the very door he was hidden behind. At any moment, he would command the guard to seize him or execute him right there.

Silence…

"Alright. Once you're done, bring everything back through the underground tunnels." A silent sigh of relief passed through Qipian only for his calmed mind to become muddled at the emperor's instructions.

Underground tunnels? Don't they lead to the east-side of the city? Why would the emperor go to such lengths to use an escape route for transport?

"And what do you want us to do about the warehouse?"

Warehouse?

"… Leave it be. We may have a use for it afterwards."

"Understood, my lord." Qipian snapped his mind out of his speculative thoughts as the shuffling of the leopard guard's body reached his ears. As quickly he had arrived, the traitorous council member slinked away, leaving not a single trace that he had ever been there at all.

White irises meet with deep blue as Qipian informs his commander, "They had spoken about production finishing in three days, using the underground tunnel network," Zhongcheng's ears perk up at this, his intrigue only rising as he drinks more and more Xifengjiu. "And… They had mentioned something involving a warehouse located at the east side of the city."

The wolf commander puts his glass down, a few sips of his drink remaining inside as he stares down at Qipian, with many thoughts and theories forming a web in his mind. "There is no warehouse on the east side of the city." One particular thought is shut down as Qipian's stare remains unflinching.

"Precisely." At his informant's response, Zhongcheng looks down at the maps still littered on his desk, a plan of action slowly forming in his head. He strokes the scruff of fur on his chin as his eyes dart around the map of the forbidden city's east side.

For the past two years he had studied the layout of the forbidden city, both on map and on foot. What are the chances that he could've missed something as integral as a warehouse? Zero. And if even Qipian is unaware of this, then the emperor must be hiding something very important. A scowl begins to form on his face as the pieces fit in place. Of course. With this venomous thought in mind, Zhongcheng sits forward and continues to stare down at his map. "Qipian, you've been very helpful today. But considering the emperor's secrecy, it won't be of much use if you eavesdrop further." There is only one way to say for certain where the warehouse is hidden, "Tomorrow, the next time you head outside, make sure to have one of the elite guards escort you."

White orbs widen at this undoubtedly risky plan, "But, sir, they're the emperor's personal guard. I doubt he would allow me to do something like that."

"Use that silver tongue of yours, Qipian. I'm sure you'll find some way to persuade him." Dark blue eyes shift their gaze as a sinister grin shoots onto Zhongcheng's face, "After all, the stress of losing his people is already weighing down on his mind, I doubt he'd be able to handle the possibility of losing a crucial member of his council." A thoughtful expression takes up the Komodo dragon's face before he ultimately nods.

"It will be done, commander." His serpentine timbre corrodes the very air it glides along as he finally gets out of the chair and exits Zhongcheng's office. Standing up out of his own chair, the commander takes his glass back up in his paw and drinks the very last bit of xifengjiu. He relishes in its bitter yet energising sting, letting out a pleased sigh until his eyes rest upon the map once more. After a few moments, a dark chuckle exits Zhongcheng's lips as a single, thought enters his mind.

It seems all the pieces are falling into place. I can't wait for them all to see the full picture.

Oh boy. Things are really gearing up now. Zhongcheng's found another way to screw over the emperor and the Wu sisters want to screw Zhongcheng over... both literally and figuratively. All joking aside, lemme know what you think about the chapter and don't worry, the five will get to the emperor soon. Trust me! Have a great morning, afternoon, evening and until next time :)