Chapter 22: Master Wolf

"Bring me Tai Lung!"

My eyes widened…my mouth hung open…I gasped as I saw the legendary Kung Fu Master arrive: standing up to look around. He soon focused his piercing golden eyes on Chameleon (who had gotten his attention by calling out his name.)

The villagers who were forced to stay and watch all gasped and screamed at the sight of the infamous beast. Some animal children cowered behind their parents, some villagers inside their houses closed their windows to hide…and even the bovine city guard trembled at the sight.

I, the human known as Mei, couldn't believe what was happening…and I knew what would happen next…

"Big fan…" the lead reptile hissed to Tai Lung.

He stood up, towering over her as if the shapeshifter were an ant, "who are you and what are you doing with that staff?" He asked in a firm, demanding, tone. That voice made my skin crawl and being forcibly next to the Empress of Juniper City made it even worse. The snow leopard looked toward me…noting my alien appearance, but it seemed as though I didn't mean all that much to him.

"This was given to me by an old friend of yours…"

He was flabbergasted by this, "the puffy panda!? Po might be an idiot, but he'd never willingly hand over Oogway's staff to the likes of you!" He asserted his statement by moving closer, giving a low growl to my master. Chameleon wasn't the least bit intimidated, she simply gave a devilish tooth-filled smile back, "who said anything about willingly?"

Sure enough, her guards lit up torches next to the cages that encircled the town square…making them known to the deceased feline. Tai Lung was…somewhat impressed, "apparently I misjudged you, lizard…" he crossed his arms, "now, why have you brought me back?"

"I summoned you here so you could teach me your most legendary Kung Fu moves."

The cat immediately scoffed at this, "I don't share my skills with anyone…"

He turned back to leave…to return to the ethereal realm; however, she wasn't done with him. The ruler of Juniper City twirled the staff and caused the gateway to suddenly vanish…trapping Tai Lung in the mortal world, "it wasn't a request…"

Sure enough, the snow leopard was surrounded by Chameleon's men. The bright spiritual glow that Tai Lung gave off almost hid the confident smirk on his face. Despite the fact he was such an influential figure to the Empress, she wasn't going to let anyone (even the person she admired most) stop her ambitions.

"Subdue him" she simply commanded.

The reptilian entourage charged him. It went about as badly for them as you'd expect: Tai Lung disposed of Chameleon's henchmen one by one. He even used his signature ability to defeat them.

More and more of the lizards fell to the leopard, and soon enough it was just me in his way. I hesitated…both from fear of facing Tai Lung's wrath and from having to obey Lady Chameleon (or else!)

Bring him to me

I sensed in my mind as it was invaded by my master. I shook my head and nodded…capitulating.

As the big spotted cat finished off the last of the lizards that had rushed to attack him, I jumped in with a kick; however, he parried with an arm and we soon engaged in intense hand-to-hand combat. Then, we struck each other's elbows at the same time…sending a shockwave through the town square.

"You can't defeat me" Tai Lung growled to my face. I grimaced, then growled back, but inside I knew he was telling the truth…Chameleon just basically sent me to my death…

Suddenly, however, I heard her behind Tai Lung…

"That destiny is not hers to fulfill."

He turned around…too late to see that Lady Chameleon had shot out her tongue and managed to strike his head. I jumped away…just in time to see the glow on his body draining…entering the Chameleon's mouth. Suddenly, Tai Lung felt weakened as I joined my master's side. Her eyes gave off a bluish hue as she cackled evilly.

Sure enough, the cold-blooded beast turned herself into a mimic of the Kung Fu master across from her. In an instant, she struck him with the same paralyzing move he used to defeat his enemies. The crowd gasped upon witnessing such a spectacular event. With so much force the spotted man is thrown into a cage as Chameleon returns to her original form. She approached him, "I have it…the Tai Lung Nerve Strike! The power…the lethality!"

All the guards left in the area applauded her as I stood behind her…shocked to have witnessed such an event unfold. I was horrified…chilled to the bone by my mentor's savagery.

"W-what have you done to me?" The prisoner asked with labored breaths. Lady Chameleon slammed the door shut with her tail and gave a wicked smile, saying, "your Kung Fu is now mine." She brandished the staff…running her clawed finger against the greenish surface, "and the best part is…I'm just getting warmed up…" she said quietly to herself.

I, meanwhile, glanced toward the injured snow leopard and he looked at me with pleading eyes. At that moment something hit me…Tai Lung…that great warrior, the man China had feared for so long…was afraid…

I stepped away and thought to myself, taking his power…leaving him in a cage to rot…how needlessly cruel do you have to be to get what you want?

This was wrong.

…

Minutes passed, and Chameleon continued summoning various spiritual masters from the Spirit Realm…siphoning their Chi and signature abilities for herself. General Kai and the infamous Lord Shen were among the many victims…and now they joined Tai Lung and others in the magical cages that surrounded Chameleon in the city square. The townsfolk could only look on with stunned horror.

I too am forced to watch…seeing Lady Chameleon's power grow with each detainee. Half of the time I was lost in my thoughts…wondering what the heck I should do…shouldn't do. If I so much as retaliate I am done for…

How could I ever expect to defeat my master? With Po and Zhen gone…claimed by the river behind us where the white bridge used to be…how can I ever expect to survive now?

Inside, I was crying…grieving for Zhen and Po…but I didn't dare show it unless I wanted to face the wrath of the Empress. Still, I needed to show strength, not weakness. Ironically, it was a lesson taught to me by my reptilian master, but now the meaning served another purpose.

The people of this city are now in grave danger of facing a threat the world had never seen…and there was no one who could stop her. Or was there? Just because I wouldn't be able to stop the Chameleon doesn't mean I shouldn't try!

Then, something happened that pulled me out of my state…I heard Chameleon's voice echoing off the buildings around us:

"Bring me Master Wolf!"

M-Master Wolf…no…this can't be! The deceased Kung Fu warrior that had inspired me for so many years…her methods taught me what I needed to use to survive in this world! Now, she was being summoned…unaware of her imminent peril.

I clenched my fists.

I gritted my teeth.

I narrowed my eyes.

I had enough…I didn't care anymore…I won't stand by this anymore! Zhen and Po wouldn't sit here and do NOTHING!

As Master Wolf entered our realm and Chameleon prepared to fling her long tongue to sap the master's energy…I jumped in…tackling them away to safety as Chameleon ultimately missed her shot!

The ethereal being had almost no time to react, for we had to dodge another tongue sent by my master as we moved away from Chameleon's reach!

"Insolent brat!" I heard the reptile shout to me, "bring them to me!" The Sorceress had instructed several guards around her.

Once we were on our feet, I pushed the canine…trying to get her to run (it's our only choice after all…)

They didn't object…finally understanding the severity of the situation (from seeing the occupants in the cages, no less.)

Sure enough, we started running…fighting our way through a line of reptilian guards that stood in our way. We effortlessly pushed them aside as the both of us dashed for a nearby street to escape. As we left the main city square, I could hear the Chameleon's voice ringing in my human ears.

"Running won't save you, Mei! When I find you…you'll experience suffering that even Gods would dread…"

Chameleon's demeanor softened into a passive-aggressive one…and soon turned into confident bravado, "you're in my world after all…" She had said before returning to her task as if nothing had happened…

…

I led Master Wolf through the white cobblestone streets, avoiding the rush of reptilian soldiers that were chasing us. We managed to find a secluded spot in a condemned building: ascending a half-rotten staircase. Once we're in a dark, brick-filled, room, we look out the slightly-crumbled window to see the guards passing by. We ought to keep moving…we're not far from a certain spot I know!

It took a few minutes but we ended up in an all too familiar place: the overgrown balcony that overlooks the city. From our vantage point, we could see the carnage all over Juniper City: smoke was billowing from certain spots…fire was rampant in some areas. You could smell the fear…hear the crying and yelling that echoed throughout the metropolis. You could even see the bright yellow lights forming that gate into the Spirit Realm that Chameleon had summoned. It's clear to us both that she's still siphoning the abilities from the Kung Fu Masters and the wolf next to me knew that. I got her on time: Master Wolf was spared.

"That strange creature is taking their Kung Fu, by the looks of it…" she had muttered before I nodded to confirm. She had a slightly deeper voice…almost brawny in fact…despite her appearance (the wolf is thinner than most other canines I've seen. You could barely see muscle underneath her traditional green tunic.) Sure enough, it's clear that the danger has passed…for now, and we can both rest for the time being.

Finally, the Mongolian Wolf studied my form….noting my appearance and scent. She reeled back slightly in response as I gave a confused grin. It's as though I was familiar to her or something.

Normally, I would fan-girl upon meeting my favorite Kung Fu Master and whatnot…but I guess I was just too tired…too confused.

Wait, why would I be familiar with Master Wolf?

"Mia…is that you?"

My eyes widened as I snapped my head toward her! H-How does she know my name!? We've never met before…have we? I-I mean, she's been dead for who knows how long!

But it's true…Master Wolf knows my name…my REAL name. I wasn't ready for what she had to tell me about our strange relationship.

…

Ooo! What a twist, hehe! I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter everyone. I'll see you in the next one, peace!