Author's Note: Hey there! What's this? Another chapter already? Hey, I had the muse and this was another fairly short chapter but one filled with important and mysterious stuff. But before we get to that, a bit of clarification about last chapter. I mentioned Master Ding but I am not using the exact version of him from LOA, instead I am utilising him in my own way. Much like Ke-Pa and Wu Kong. As for why, well, with the whole mind control aspect of this story it felt a bit weird not to mention him at least. Anyways, lets get on with it!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN KFP! (Simple as that)

Enjoy.

An Old Friend

As the jade palace masters rest up in the mountains' unforgiving cold, the forbidden city bears witness to its first hints of snow dripping from the black and grey miasma that forms the night sky. It doesn't take long for white sheets to form in the streets, adding to the ghostly aura that had been inhabiting them for so many days now. Even when soaked in fear, the city still stands tall, basking in its incomparable beauty in spite of the tragedies that have taken place.

High above his home, the emperor walks onto the balcony just outside his quarters and gently shuts the door behind him. Immediately, his fur stands at attention as the winter wind caresses his skin, a regiment of goosebumps forming at its touch. It doesn't help that he's dressed in his nightwear, a crimson, silk tunic with matching trousers, his golden phoenix emblem shining proudly by his heart. However, the son of heaven doesn't shiver, refusing to bend to the whim of nature itself.

Golden irises stare out amongst the snow-capped rooves and illustrious carvings of dragons and phoenixes littering the cityscape, the snowflakes painting their mark across his home. In the night's encroaching darkness however, these white specks bear far more resemblance to stars filling the sky's empty canvas. It had always fascinated him when he was a cub. That something so pure and gorgeous could meet the land only once a year. That it chooses now to grace his city. The emperor puts his paws behind his back as he stands in front of the wooden railing, his stern expression never leaving his countenance. His father had always told him that the snow was a gift from the Gods. That as crops would die out and waters would freeze, the Gods had provided them their blessing to survive through the winter. If that is truly the case, then he certainly prays that the Gods are with him and his fair city now, for they need them now more than ever.

Thud.

His ears twitch at the sound of feet landing behind him, but he doesn't flinch. Instead, he keeps his eyes to the city far below. Hidden beneath a black cloak, two ruby orbs stare at the back of the emperor's head, the shadowy figure standing up straight as the winter breeze fiddles with its cloak. After a quiet moment between the two, the emperor finally speaks to the 'intruder', "Beautiful night, isn't it?" A hint of a smile crosses the lion's face as he basks in the capital's illustrious splendour.

Ruby eyes look up to the specks of snow playing in the sky, lighting up at the signs of winter truly beginning, "Indeed it is, Renci." A deep yet soft voice emanates from the cloaked figure, their light smile embedded into their timbre.

Renci's grin grows wider at the sound of his name, making him turn to see the ruby-eyed shadow standing before him. "It's good to see you again, old friend." They approach each other, an amicable warmth melting the icy air around them. "If only it were under better circumstances."

"So, I've heard." The figure's ruby eyes grow dour at the mere thought of those pour souls trapped in their own minds.

Matching the figure's wilted expression with a despondent sigh, the regal lion crosses his arms as his face goes rigid, "I will need your help to track down whoever is responsible for this, as well as-

"Say no more. I've already taken the liberty of beginning my own search. Once we've found the culprit, I'll inform the others to get ready."

A pleasant surprise to be certain. Renci lets out a content hum as he nods at the figure's preparedness, "And how has this search gone?"

A white cloud forms in front of the hooded figure as they let out a sigh of frustration, "So far, I've only seen soldiers, minutes before their disappearances, and empty alleyways. But I know I'm getting close. It is only a matter of time before our paths cross." Ruby orbs stare out at the snow-coated city below as the hooded figure approaches the railing, laying their paws on it. Leather gloves conceal their fur with metallic gauntlets hiding underneath their sleeves. Following his friend's stare, Renci stands beside the figure, his golden eyes once again looking upon his beautiful home. "I assume you've summoned the dragon warrior and furious five."

Renci nods, "If there haven't been any complications then they should arrive in the morning." He puts his paws behind his back once more as he turns his head towards the hooded figure, "Any ideas on who the culprit could possibly be?"

Ruby irises keep themselves rooted on the city below, inspecting the shadows inhabiting the alleys as if they are ghosts. They can smell the stench of fear plaguing its citizens, something so foul yet familiar, "Ideas, but nothing more. Without anything concrete, they will only lead us astray." They feel the emperor's gaze shift back to the cityscape, a protective determination embedded in his eyes. However, the figure doesn't share this, at least, not completely. Instead, their eyes look on the city with a sense of longing. Anticipation that tilts on the edge of dread yet refuses to tip over. "If it is okay with you, my friend." Renci focuses his attention back on them, noticing his friend's softened tone. "Once I meet with the dragon warrior and furious five, I would like to speak with them personally." Curiosity burns in the emperor's golden eyes only for it to be silenced, "If my hunch is correct, I will have much more information on the culprit than we do at the palace." The figure still keeps their eyes away from the lion, yet they can practically feel his smug grin forming on his face.

"It's about her, isn't it?" Renci's speculation is only confirmed by his friend's eyes bonding with the floor beneath them, betraying their true intentions once again. Though his eyes still maintain their knowing glint, his smile softens as he notices the figure's gloved thumbs delicately caressing the fine wood of the hand railing. An obnoxious habit, and an unfortunate tell. He hears them take a breath, readying themselves to justify this request. But he is having none of it, "My friend, you don't need to explain yourself to me." He places his left paw upon his friend's shoulder, or at least, where he assumes their shoulder is. That cloak practically blends in with the night's darkness, "I know that this is a moment that you've been anticipating for a long time. I wouldn't be so cruel as to rob you of it, even at a time like this."

Inwardly cursing at their body betraying their true feelings, the figure finally turns to face the emperor and presents their paw to him. With an ever-growing smile, Renci grips his friend's forearm as they do the same. "Thank you." Beneath that sinister hood and intimidating ruby eyes emanates a powerful yet gentle whisper, their heart embedded in those two words. Two words containing gratitude that none, not even the emperor can measure. Well, maybe one other person can… Be patient, you will see her again very soon. Calming their mind, the figure strengthens their grip on the emperor's forearm as they pledge, "I'll keep a close watch until they arrive. Once they do, we can get things moving."

Raising his eyebrows at this, Renci can't help but to ask, "What makes you so certain you will find this madman so quickly?"

He can feel his friend smiling through their eyes, "I've heard plenty of the dragon warrior's triumphs. Enough to know that he often finds trouble even when he doesn't look for it. Chances are, they'll find out who this is soon after they arrive."

A chuckle escapes the emperor's lips, "Let's hope so… Good luck, old friend. May the Gods watch over you."

"And may they grant us victory, and everlasting peace." With this, the two friends squeeze each other's forearms one last time before the figure climbs on top of the railing and leaps off. Golden eyes marvel upon the cloaked figure as they soar through the skies, landing perfectly atop a skyscraper before swiftly pouncing across rooftop after rooftop. Disbelief is all that can fill his eyes as he realises how they had to climb all the way up his tower to reach up here. This awe-stricken feeling is soon replaced by a hope that burns the icy cold air surrounding him, a hope that allows him to finally take in the sight of his beautiful city without the fear of its destruction shackled to his heart.

Oooh! This mysterious, shadowy figure is a good guy, yet there is so much left to find out about him... Don't worry, you guys will find out soon. Well, a few things at least. In case you couldn't tell, I'm having a lot of fun with all of these mysterious and shady aspects of the story, and I can't wait for the reveals to come. Feel free to comment and lemme know what you think about the chapter/whole story. Until next time :)