-Chapter 308-
Echidnas in Chun-nan
Angel Island... The day of the trip
Kat knelt on the carpet of her room, bent over a woven satchel with all her stuff. One by one, she checked over each part of her luggage, making sure she had everything.
"Alright… toothbrush... comb... change of underwear…phone…phone charger…" She pressed a button on the device, causing the four lights on the bottom to glow blue. "Fully charged."
"Foom!"
Kat flinched slightly as Chuckles, her Knuckles Chao, chose that moment to bust out of her bag. Throwing his nubs out like he was trying to scare her, he grinned devilishly. Kat laughed, ruffling his dreadlocks affectionately.
"One Character Chao. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you. You're coming on this trip too, since the whole family is coming."
Chuckles let out a happy "Heh heeeeeh!" as his grin grew extra wide. This made Kat smile more too.
"Alright then…" she said as resumed her inspection. "Hair sticks… bat… swim suit… sunscreen…"
"Oi, are you done yet?" Knuckles asked impatiently, calling out from the living room.
"I think so!" Kat called back. "Chuckles, where's your sleeping pillow?"
"Foom!" Chuckles flew off to a different part of Kat's bedroll and grabbed a small pillow lying next to it, which he took back to his owner.
"Perfect." She took it, placing it on top of the stuff in her bag. "And with that, we're good to…" she grimaced, realizing she couldn't close the bag. "Good to… ugh. Chuckles, you mind?"
"Foom!" Instantly, Chuckles flew onto the bag's bulging contents and began rapidly hopping up and down on it, forcing it inside with each leap…only to fall in himself when it finally went down.
"Fmm! Fmm-mm-mm! FMMMMM!" he cried out, prompting Kat to pull him out.
"Just like the other you," she sighed as she closed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. "Alright! All set!"
"Finally!" Kat turned to see Knuckles standing in the doorway, tapping his foot. "For a second I thought you were getting ready to move back to Chun-nan, you were taking so long."
"Hey, we're gonna be there for a few days, I don't know what all is gonna be available to us. Rural Chun-ese village in the middle of nowhere Wu Ming, remember?" Kat retorted. "And you know Chuckles won't sleep without his special pillow."
The red-dreaded Chao huffed as he nodded firmly.
Knuckles raised an eyebrow. "You know we can just warp home and back if we need to, right? Or heck, call one of the others?"
"We're trying to conserve Warp Rings," Kat replied. "Plus, Sonic's training with Longclaw, Sally's got princess work, Amy, Antoine, and Bunnie are in Mercia, Cream's doing something with her folks, Tails and Cosmo are on a big research workshop with the Brain Trust, and I don't know what Sticks and Tangle are doing, but they're unavailable too."
Knuckles let out a grimace as he realized he couldn't argue with that.
"Kathryn, is everything alright!?"
"Wynmacher!"
A muffled cry echoed through the house as Knuckles and Kat winced.
"Whuh-oh, looks like Wynmacher and Mom are ready," Knuckles said.
"Right, right, I'm comin'." Kat tucked Chuckles under her arm, like a teddy bear. "C'mon, Chuckles, let's go."
"FOOM!"
-X-
Outside the house, Wynmacher had managed to escape Lara's clutches and resumed calling out for Kat.
"Kathryn! Are you okay!?" he shouted. "You've been in there for almost half of an hour! Are you injured or unconscious!?" No response. "Kathryn! Are you unconscious or considering whether you need help with your injur-AAAH!"
"Wynmacher Mace!" Lara hissed as she pulled her new lover by his dreadlocks. "Do you want to wake up all of Echidnapolis!?"
"No, I wish to know whether Kathryn is unconscious or injured," Wyn replied plainly.
"I'm fine, Wyn." The two turned to see Kat and Knuckles exiting.
"Kathryn!" Lara cried out.
"There you are!" Wyn ran up to her. "I was beginning to think that something had happened to you in there, you were taking so long."
"Sorry…" Kat smiled sheepishly. "Just needed to make sure I had everything."
"See?" Lara said as Wyn blushed awkwardly.
"So, is everyone here?" Knuckles asked.
"Hold up!"
The group turned toward the direction of Azure Lake to see a cloud of dust storming toward them. Within half a minute, the cloud reached them, revealing a very disheveled and tuckered-out Julie-Su.
"I am SO sorry!" the former Dark Legionnaire apologized. "Charmy accidentally unplugged my alarm clock last night while getting a glass of water, so I got up late, and Vector and Espio were hogging the shower."
"Whoa, easy there!" Knuckles soothed. "You're just in time, Julie. We were just finishing up ourselves."
"Whew!" she let out as she wiped her brow. "Thank Aurora…or Chaos or the Walkers or whatever."
Knuckles smiled fondly as Julie got her bearings.
"Wait, what was that about Vector and Espio hogging the shower?" Kat asked.
"Uhhh…Hey, where's Locke?" Julie asked, changing the subject. "Isn't he supposed to be coming too?"
It was then that the group noticed they were still one short.
"Come to think of it, where is Dad?" Knuckles asked, worriedly.
"Aiya…" Kat pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering under her breath in Chun-ese. Her sus meter was going off and she didn't like it. "Locke! Why is the one echidna who's the most anal about punctuality late?!"
Lara sighed. "I was afraid that this would happen."
"Now, now, let us not jump to conclusions, Lara Dear," Wyn soothed. "I'm sure Head Guardian Locke has a good reason." His eyes widened in shock. "Ahh! Maybe he's injured or unconscious!"
"I assure you, Wynmacher, I am perfectly fine and conscious!" Locke called out.
"Ahh, thank Gaia," Kat let out as she turned in the direction of Locke's hut. "Locke, where have you been? We agreed to meet up at sev-ehhhhhhhhhhh!?"
Everyone went bug-eyed at the moment they saw Locke. Sure enough, the Head Guardian was perfectly fine and conscious. However, some of them might have preferred that as his current state was…questionable, to say the least.
"Oh my…" Lara let out.
"The fugg…?" Julie whispered.
"Dad?" Knuckles asked.
"Good mor…I-I mean…" Locke cleared his throat. "Zow…shang…how, everyone!" he greeted in stilted, poorly pronounced Chun-ese. "Sorry to keep you waiting, I was having trouble with my new outfit."
Said outfit was a set of bright red, Chun-ese-style robes with golden floral patterns and a dragon along the sleeves and back.
"Locke…" Kat began, regret and pain tinging her voice. "What are those?"
"Traditional Chun-ese robes," Locke replied. "I had Knuckles' crocodile friend order them for me last week. We are going to be experiencing authentic Chun-nese culture, so I thought it appropriate."
"Trust me, they're the furthest thing from appropriate." Kat buried her face in her hands before pulling down. "For one, those are women's robes."
Locke paused. "Women?"
Lara nodded. "Indeed. You can see that these robes lack the front and back vents that often appear in men's robes. More than that, you can tell by the way it sits on your waist and hips."
"And that's not even the worst part…" Kat groaned. "He's wearing a wedding dress…"
Locke froze in place, his jaw practically dropping from his head, it was hanging so low.
"We…We…Wedding…dress?" he sputtered out.
Julie-Su fell to the ground, practically rolling with laughter. "Oh my gosh! Oh my…!"
"Oh Walkers…" Locke let out, completely mortified.
"Aurora-dammit, Dad," Knuckles facepalmed.
"Well, at least, they look good on you, sir," Wyn offered sympathetically. "Does that lift your spirits?"
"It…doesn't," Locke gritted out.
Just then, he suddenly found himself pulled into the air by Kat, who hung him upside-down and began shaking him out of his new outfit until he slipped out and onto the ground. Thankfully, he was wearing his regular clothes underneath.
"There," Kat said as she folded them up and set them aside. "Seriously Locke, you're lucky we haven't left yet. If you'd shown up to the village like that, you'd have been run out of town, at best."
Locke stiffened at that.
"Seriously, I appreciate that you're trying to be supportive, but please talk to me before you try something like this."
Locke looked away awkwardly as he winced at Kat's tone. "Y-Yes…my apologies, Kathryn."
The girl took in a long, deep breath, exhaling through the mouth. Then, she straightened up, clapping her hands together.
"Anyhoo. This should be everyone, meaning we can hit the road. Everyone got what they need?"
"Ready!" Lara said, holding up her bag.
"Been ready!" Knuckles added.
"Ha…yeah…yeah, I'm good," Julie-su wheezed out.
"To the Land of Rice and Dragons!" Wynmacher shouted.
"Ready," Locke replied plainly.
"Alright…" Kat pulled out a Warp Ring. "Then let's go!"
She tossed the ring, opening up a portal.
"Ladies and echidnas first," she said, stepping aside and bowing.
"That means you, Lara Dear," Wyn said, as he stepped aside and flourished, eliciting a giggle from Lara.
"You heard the girl, Julie," Knuckles said, doing the same, albeit more casually. "Echidnas first."
"I heard, milady," she replied as she stepped forward.
Locke watched as Lara and Julie-Su stepped into the portal, a look of disappointment and frustration in his eyes. Or rather, he glared as she stepped through with Wynmacher ushering her first. Wynmacher making her smile and laugh as he went after her. Wynmacher… Wynmacher… Wynmacher!
"Dad?"
Locke snapped back to reality, seeing Knuckles looking at him worriedly.
"Dad, come on, the portal's gonna close."
"Ah! R-Right, o-of course." Locke shook his head. "Just…nodded off for a second. Let's get going."
Knuckles raised an eyebrow but decided not to press further. "Right…"
With that Knuckles and his father headed for the portal and stepped through, with Kat heading up the rear. Once everyone had passed, the portal vanished with a white flash.
Yurashia - Wu Ming Province, Chun-nan
A large ring portal opened up, depositing the group in the middle of an old, cobblestone road.
"Goodness!" Lara said as she rubbed her head. "No matter how many times I do it, warping always makes me feel a little woozy."
"Indeed," Locke chimed in. "It is quite the experience."
"Yeah, it takes some getting used to," Knuckles said. "What about you, Wyn? You feeling alright?"
Wyn did not respond.
"Wyn? You alright?"
"What are you looking at?" Locke asked.
"That…" Wynmacher blankly pointed ahead, prompting everyone to follow his finger.
"By the Walkers…" Locke let out.
The group had appeared in front of a large tori gate, one that stretched high over their heads. A bronze plaque was nailed to the left side of the road, Chun-ese characters engraved into the metal.
"Shengcun, the Village of Survival," Knuckles read. "We live for those who no longer can."
Kat nodded. "Well everyone, we're here. Come on, I'll show you around."
Kat stepped forward, motioning for everyone to follow her.
"This is where you were born?" Lara asked.
"It is so…serene," Wynmacher added.
Locke said nothing. He was too entranced by the town and landscape around them.
Farmers tended to several, large rice paddies as wagons rolled down the cobbled streets with bags and bushels of crops. Buildings ranging from thatch roofed huts to large, stone houses with sliding doors and tiled roofs lined the winding road, which was filled with humans and Mobians alike; hanging paper lanterns and setting up wheeled stalls of food and other goods.
"This is a village?" Julie-Su asked. "Looks more like a small town."
"Yeah…" Kat said. "It's grown quite a bit since the last time I visited."
"Well, that's what happens when you almost die and rise from the ashes."
The group looked up to see a girl around Kat's age clad in green with black hair done in a ponytail.
"Jade!" Kat ran over to the girl, throwing her arms around her.
"Hey there, Kitty Kat, you're late."
"Yeah, sorry about that," Kat said with a sheepish grin. "Getting ready took longer than expected and I had to prevent a… low-key international incident?"
"I'll take your word for it."
It was then that Jade noticed the others, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"I see you brought guests."
"Ah, right!" Kat released Jade as she walked back over to the Echidnas. "Jade, let me introduce you to my family from Angel Island. This is my mom, Lara-Le."
"A pleasure to meet you, dear," Lara greeted.
"My brother, Knuckles…"
"Sup?" Knuckles gave his version of the two-fingered salute.
"Knuckles' soulmate…"
"Julie-Su, nice to meetcha."
"Mom's boyfriend, Wynmacher…"
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, young one!" Wyn declared. "And may I say, your land is a most splendorous place!"
"Uhhhh…thank…you?" Jade replied, cringing slightly at his exuberance.
"And finally, we have Knuckles' dad…"
"Locke the Echidna," he cut in, stepping forward. "Chieftain of Echidnapolis and Head of the Brotherhood of Guardians. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss…"
"Jade, Liu Jade."
"Ahh, like the stone," Locke said. "A beautiful name for a beautiful young lady."
Jade gave Locke a strange look, prompting him to blink in confusion.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Oh Locke…" Lara sighed.
"Seriously, Dad?" Knuckles whispered.
"What? I was offering a compliment!"
Kat rubbed her face, groaning.
"Locke, stop trying so hard. Please." She turned to Jade, noticing her giving the Echidnas what looked to be a look of disapproval. "Please don't let this reflect negatively on them. Locke is… trying. And that's better than before… though not by much…"
Jade maintained her gaze for a moment longer before taking a breath and calming down.
"It's…alright. I'm just…not used to having tourists around is all." She cringed and shuddered in dread. "Way too many horror stories on the Internet."
"I know…" Kat added, shuddering similarly.
"You guys get Internet out here?" Knuckles asked, earning him a slap upside the head.
"Ah! Mom!"
"Knuckles, don't be rude," Lara chastised. "Apologies, many of us have never been to the surface before, so we're a little…overenthusiastic. We promise not to cause too much trouble."
Jade's expression softened a little. "Right, thank you."
"Anyway," Kat cut in, wanting to get things back on track. "Hate to run off, Jade, but we should probably get signed in at the inn."
"Hate to break it to you, Kat, but you're too late," Jade said. "Inn's booked full."
"What!?"
"Oh no…" Lara said.
"Not good…" Julie-Su added.
"Now what are we gonna do?" Knuckles asked.
"No worries," Jade said with a smirk. "I'll set you guys up with a place to stay. In the meantime, go enjoy the festival. The race isn't until tomorrow, but you can enjoy the rest of everything."
"Can you really find accommodations for all of us?" Kat asked, not fully convinced.
"Trust me, you'll have the best spot in town," Jade replied with a smirk. "Anyway, I gotta get going. Enjoy the festival!"
And with that, she was off.
"Well, she seems nice," Wyn said.
"Heh, I'm glad you think so." Kat smiled as she stepped forward. "Now then, considering everyone slept all day, what say we hit up the festival and get some food?"
"Sounds good, I'm starving," Julie-Su replied, clutching her grumbling stomach.
"Ditto," Knuckles chimed in, mirroring his soulmate.
"Good, because you're going to LOVE Chun-ese festival food!"
"Considering everyone on the island loves regular Chun-ese food, I imagine you're right, dear," Lara concurred.
"Then follow me!" Kat declared.
"Yes! Let us witness the wonders of the Land of Dragons and Rice!" Wynmacher joined in, pointing ahead. "Onwaaaaaaaaaaaard!"
Lara giggled at her boyfriend's exuberance as everybody followed him and Kat. Only Knuckles noticed Locke bringing up the rear. The elder echidna's fists clenched and trembled as he glared daggers at his fellow Guardian holding his wife's hand.
"Dad, you okay?" Knuckles asked, immediately snapping his father out of his trance.
"Hm? Oh, sorry, son. I must've spaced out for a moment. Did you need something?"
Knuckles looked at his father worriedly but opted not to press further for the sake of the trip.
"No, nothing…"
As the echidnas continued on their way, none of them noticed one of the villagers following closely behind them. As they walked, they lifted their hat up, revealing her face: an orange lynx with orange eyes, black hair, and a malicious grin.
-X-
Kat led the echidnas to a nearby teahouse, where they gathered around a low table, sitting on large cushions as a plate of food was laid out in front of them. The food was a triangle wrapped in dark green leaves, tied together with thin twine. Kat happily opened one, revealing a pasty white food-like thing inside. If you looked closely, you could see what almost looked like grains of rice, and a colored filling in the middle.
"Well, here we go!" Kat said as the others looked at the food with varying expressions.
"That's festival food?" Julie-Su asked with perturbed curiosity.
"Is that a cream horn?" Knuckles asked.
"No," Wyn cut in. "I've heard of this confection. It is a Lower World dessert from the Eurish Kingdom of Love. It's called…" He paused dramatically. "A 'cree-pay'."
"I think you mean, crepe," Lara corrected.
"Bless you, Lara," Locke chimed in.
Kat shook her head. "Sorry, wrong on both counts. This is zongzi. In Common, it would be called a 'sticky rice bun'. It's glutinous rice stuffed with different fillings and wrapped in bamboo leaves. You can have a variety of flavors depending on the filling. Everything from red bean paste to pork belly to fruit jelly."
Knuckles perked at the mention of fruit…
"Sorry, Knux, no grapes. They don't grow here."
…only to deflate in defeat a second later.
"What about this one?" Lara picked up one with a bright red filling. "It looks scrumptious!"
Kat saw it and her eyes went wide. "Mom, wait! That's a-!"
Lara took a bite, her eyes immediately going wide as she choked. Her face turned bright red, as a high-pitched whistle came out her ears, followed by twin jets of steam.
"Ack! Spicy!" she shouted, spewing out a gout of fire.
"Aiya…" Kat uttered with a wince.
"Mom, are you alright!?" Knuckles asked.
"Hang on!" Locke cried as he got up. "I'll go get some water!"
"Locke, wait!" Kat called out, but Locke had already run off.
Lara panted heavily from the heat of the spicy bun, sweat and tears pouring down her face. She could barely speak or close her mouth, allowing everyone to see her madly flailing tongue as she tried to soothe the burning.
"Awww geez…" Julie-su let out. "How spicy was that thing!?"
"Hold on!" Wynmacher looked over the plate of zongzi and picked one up with a darker, almost purple filling.
"Kathryn, what flavor is this? Is it spicy?"
Kat shook her head. "No, It's a plum jelly bun."
"Perfect!" Wyn held it out. "Lara, quick! Eat this!"
Lara immediately snatched the bun and shoved the whole thing into her mouth. As she chewed, the redness of her face began to die down, as did her sweating and crying. About a minute later, she swallowed, followed by sighing in relief.
"Oh, thank the Walkers…" she let out.
"Whoa…" Knuckles whispered. "Wyn, how did you…?"
"Spice hurts the way it does because it sticks to your tongue," the elder guardian explained. "The best way to treat it is to consume something cool that can pull away the lingering granules of fiery pain. I learned that from records of ancient echidna battles against the land that is now called Adabat."
"What about water?"
"Bad idea," Kat chimed in. "All that does is spread it around, making it worse. Seriously Mom, eating half a Dragonfire bun in one bite!?"
"Indeed, that was reckless of me," Lara agreed. "Thank you for your assistance, Wyn."
"Of course! It is my duty to protect those I hold dear."
Just then, the group paused at the sound of the piercing scream of a child.
"Weeeeeeeeeeeoorrrrrrrreow….Wee-woo wee-woo wee-woo!"
Specifically, that of a child pretending to drive a fire truck.
"What the…?"
The group looked outside to see a little clay wagon speeding toward the teahouse, the siren cry growing louder and louder as it drew closer.
"Fire! Fire!" the wagon's pilot shouted. "Everybody, clear the way! Fire!"
Finally, the wagon came to a stop, allowing everyone to see its occupants.
"Shijin Temple Five Alarm Fire Department ready and reporting for duty!" shouted Cinder the Pheasant as she held up a bright matoi (1) over her head.
"Cinder, settle down, you're frightening everyone," Bunker the Tortoise lightly chastised as she unhooked herself from the wagon's harness.
"Shizun! Cinder!" Kat called out, as she ran out to greet her friends.
"Ka-chan!" Immediately, Cinder dropped her matoi and ran to Kat, leaping up and throwing her arms around the human as she caught her.
"Well, isn't this a surprise," Bunker said as she walked over. "Good to see you, A-tian. I had a feeling our paths would cross come festival day. Good to see my intuition was right."
"Same. Wouldn't miss this for the world, Shizun."
"Are these friends of yours, Kathryn?" Lara asked.
"Oh yeah!" Kat said, setting Cinder down. "Everyone meet my Master, Bunker. She's been my Shizun since I was a little girl."
"And I'm Cinder!" the pheasant greeted. "I'm Bunker-sensei's student too, and a Freedom Fighter!"
"Oh yeah, I remember you two from the Summit," Knuckles said. "Good to see you again, kiddo. You still kicking butt and taking names?"
Cinder nodded. "Mn! But today, I'm patrolling the village for fires, thieves, and other bad stuff." She perked in remembrance at that. "Oh yeah! The fire! I saw smoke coming from around here, so we rushed over to put it out!"
"It's alright, Cinder," Kat cut in. "My mom just ate a spicy zongzi."
"Why hello there, little one," Lara greeted with a smile, prompting Cinder to tilt her head as she gave her a puzzled look.
"You're Ka-chan's mama?"
Kat nodded. "Just like Jian is your sister."
"Ohhhhhhh," Cinder nodded in understanding.
"Speaking of, where is Jian?" Julie chimed in, looking around for white with black stripes.
"Her and Dulcinea are off patrolling another part of the village," Bunker explained, then grimaced slightly. "At least, I hope that's what they're doing."
"Is something wrong, Shizun?" Kat asked.
"Just a little rivalry between disciples, A-tian. Nothing to concern yourself with. Anyway, how have you been enjoying the festival?"
"Eh, so far so good," Knuckles replied.
"The food is amazing!" Wynmacher declared, holding up the plate. "These little dumpling things have so many flavors! Your land's chefs must have been blessed by the Ancients to have achieved such a level of culinary diversity!"
Bunker gave a knelt chuckle. "I will make sure to pass on your compliments, good sir."
"Lara!"
The group turned around to see Locke running back with a pitcher of water.
"I am so sorry I'm late! I had to search a few other teahouses and restaurants, but I was finally able to get some waterrrrrr…"
"Locke, there you are!" Lara greeted.
"L-Lara, y-you're…perfectly fine…"
Lara nodded. "Wyn was able to treat my burning mouth in time."
"Apologies for not coming to get you sooner, Head Guardian. I fear we got distracted meeting with some of Kathryn's friends."
"I…see…" Locke let out. "Good…that's…that's good…yes…good."
"Ahhh…so you're Locke," Bunker said as she approached the Head Guardian. "A pleasure to finally meet you. We've heard quite a lot about you and your clan from A-Tia…er, Kathryn."
Locke blinked at that. "Kathryn talked about us?"
Bunker nodded. "Indeed, she told us all kinds of stories…many, many stories."
Bunker leaned in closer as she gave Locke the sweetest smile she could muster. The kind of sweet a poor, unsuspecting insect smelled right before it got devoured by a carnivorous plant.
"I…I see," Locke replied, swallowing nervously.
"Ooh! Ka-chan, let's play, let's play!" Cinder asked, hopping up and down.
"Cinder, we're supposed to be patrolling the village," Bunker reminded her, sternly, but not harshly.
"But Sensei, I wanna play with Ka-chan!" Cinder pleaded, grabbing Kat by her wrist, her thumb twiddling along her wrist back and forth. "We haven't seen her in forever, pleeeeeease?"
Bunker and Cinder looked each other right in the eyes, holding a silent conversation between themselves. After a few seconds, the old tortoise let out a sigh, her expression softening.
"Well, alright, I suppose a little break wouldn't hurt."
"Yaaaaay!" Cinder cheered. "C'mon, Ka-chan! Let's go!"
"Whoa! Cinder!" Kat cried out as the little bird ran off with her.
"Cinder, come back here!" Knuckles called out, the other echidnas following after him.
"Children," Bunker sighed, shaking her head fondly as she followed after…only to stop for a moment, her eyes narrowing as her gaze turned downward. "Eck…a spider."
She raised her foot, bringing it down on the insect with a loud stomp.
"Much better…" she said, her serene, yet sunny disposition returning as she went along her way.
Meanwhile, in a nearby alley, Yamaneko Rantao pulled herself out of the deep pothole she'd found herself in, softly growling in ever-growing frustration.
" Kuso …that damned turtle..." She growled as she dusted herself off. "I'll never be able to complete my mission with her interfering. Plus, there are the other two to worry about. I need to deal with them somehow..."
She thought for a moment, then grimaced as a thought popped into her mind. "Looks like I'll have to use that technique. Dammit..."
Rantao closed her eyes performed a series of hand signs, ending with her putting her hands together like she grabbing something. "Just another reason to make you suffer, Jian..."
-X-
A few moments later, Kat and company had made their way to the village's market street, where vendors had set up stands to peddle their wares for the big day.
"Sugoi…" (2) Cinder let out with starry eyes. "Look at all the stuff!"
"Trinkets and baubles as far as the eye can see…" Wyn let out in awe.
"Everyone, welcome to what we here like to call Souvenir Street," Kat began. "Where everybody gathers to sell all their homemade goods and treasures. Bells to hang from your belt, jade pendants for good luck. Ooh! And rattle drums!"
She picked up one such drum. It was about the size of a baby rattle with a painted drum on a stick. Two beads hung loosely from strings on either side and as Kat twisted it in her hand, it began to make noise.
"My dad always got one of these when we went to festivals like these." She fished out some coins, paying for the one she picked up. She stared at the drum wistfully, a sad smile creeping over her face.
"Kathryn, over here!" Lara called out, pulling Kat out of her trance.
"Coming!"
Kat found Lara at a stand across from where she was, one that was selling what appeared to be butterflies on sticks.
"Oh hey, bamboo butterflies!" Kat said. "I haven't seen these in forever either."
"Aren't they just darling?" Lara asked. "As soon as I saw them, I simply had to take a closer look."
"Kinda morbid if you ask me," Julie-Su said with a cringe.
"Poor butterflies…" Cinder added sadly.
"Don't worry, they aren't real butterflies," Kat assured. "They're all handwoven from bamboo and painted, hence the name."
"Bamboo?" Locke asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Isn't that those big, bulky tube-looking plants that pandas eat?" Knuckles asked.
"Yep," Kat nodded.
Julie-Su whistled. "Dang, must've used a laser cutter to get it this thin." She gently poked one, causing the wings to bend a little before bouncing back into place.
"Actually, Julie, with the right tools, you can do this entirely by hand." Wyn held up one of the butterflies. "That and you can see from the color of the wood that no heat was applied. Just traditional craftsmanship."
"It's true," Bunker chimed in. "Chun-nan has been making these for hundreds of years, long before such technology existed."
"Wow…" Julie replied, looking down at the butterfly. "You learn something new every day."
"Wyn-san, how did you know that?" Cinder asked.
"Back on Angel Island, before I joined the Guardians, I was one of Echidnapolis' woodcutters," he explained. "I cut down trees, chopped firewood, and carved little wooden tools, toys, and other knick-knacks."
"He's quite good," Lara added. "He even made some of the beads on my necklace." She held up her necklace, allowing everyone to see the wooden beads; each one had been intricately carved and carefully painted, with not a single splinter or rough spot to be found.
"Whoa… he is good," Kat let out. "Who knew your new boyfriend was so talented?"
Locke flinched at the praise, taking a sharp breath of air.
"Kathryn, please… it's only a hobby," Wyn replied sheepishly.
"I'm serious, you did an amazing job! Honestly, I'm sorta tempted to ask you to make one for me!"
Locke flinched again.
"Perhaps we could work on something together?"
Kat perked. "Yeah, that'd be great! We could even paint a couple of butterflies and use them to decorate our houses! Just like…" Her joy faltered as she slumped over slightly. "Just like Mama and I used to…"
Kat did her best to try and stay positive, but Wyn could see the truth. Being in her old home and seeing all the familiar sights was getting to her.
"Excuse me, my good man," Wyn called out the stall's owner. "How much does one of these cost?"
"Ten Mobiums," the vendor replied. "But if you want a pre-painted one, it'll cost you extra."
"Very well…" Wyn reached into a satchel on his belt and pulled out some coins. "I'll take five blanks and…" He stopped for a moment to count everyone before turning to Cinder and Bunker. "Cinder, Madame Bunker, would you like one as well?"
Cinder practically lit up. "Uh-huh! Uh-huh!"
"Cinder…" Bunker scolded.
"But Sensei, Wyn-san offered to buy us some!"
"Still…"
"It's no trouble at all," the echidna replied with a smile. "Consider it my gift for all that you have done for Young Kathryn."
Bunker looked upon Wynmacher's face. The man made no effort to hide his feelings, something that, as a Yurashian, she found somewhat irritating… but at the same time, his forthright personality and boundless energy seemed to be infectious, lifting the spirits of everyone around him.
"Rem…" she whispered, her eyes misting slightly.
"Madame Bunker?" Wyn asked, blinking in confusion.
"Shizun?" Kat chimed in, mirroring his action.
"Sensei, what's wrong?" Cinder asked worriedly.
Bunker shook her head. "Apologies, a speck of dirt got in my eye." She took a moment to rub her eyes. "Very well, Wynmacher, I accept your kind gesture."
"Excellent!" the echidna declared. "Then we'll take seven painted butterflies in addition to the five blanks!"
"Of course, sir."
Instantly, Cinder let out a happy squeal and ran over to the stall.
"Ooh! I want the red one! I want the red one!"
"Hey! I wanted the red one," Kat groused (not whined!).
"Ooh, that peacock-patterned one looks lovely!" Lara said as she picked one up.
"Eh, I like the purple one," Knuckles added.
"Cuz it looks like grapes?" Julie-Su asked smugly.
"N-No!...Maybe?"
"Riiiiiight…"
"Bunker-sensei! Which one will you get?"
"Let's see…"
As everyone picked out which butterfly they wanted and Wyn paid for the transaction, Locke stood there, glaring at the latter. This was the second time today he'd been shown up. The second time he'd been betrayed. What's worse, he'd managed to win over not just his family, but two complete strangers he hadn't even known for an hour! It felt like he was being shoved aside, replaced with this smiling… loud-mouthed... wife-stealing… buffoon! He had to do something, something quick! Otherwise, he'd just be abandoned and forgotten like those toy butterflies would no doubt be after a week or…
Wait…butterflies…
"I'll take ten!" Locke shouted, all eyes suddenly looking in his direction.
"Locke?" Lara asked.
"N-No twenty! Thirty butterflies!"
"Wait, what?" Knuckles let out.
"Knux, what's your dad doing?" Julie-Su asked.
"No, wait! I'll take all of them! Every single one! The whole stand!"
If all eyes weren't on Locke before, they were now (especially the vendor's).
"EHH!?" Kat practically screamed before rushing over to the elder echidna. "Locke, what the hell are you doing!?"
"Buying souvenirs for our trip," Locke explained. "Enough for everyone in Echidnapolis. That way, everyone has something to enjoy."
"That doesn't mean you should splurge all your money! Do you even have that much?"
"Of course!" Locke turned to the vendor. "Shopkeep, how much do I owe you?"
"Let me see…" the vendor pulled out an abacus and immediately began fingering the beads. "950 Mobiums, good sir."
Locke let out a pained squeal as his body went stiff. "Nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh… nuh-nuh-nuh… nuh-nuh- nine-hundred and fifty Mobiums!?"
"Would you like to have your butterflies delivered to your place of residence or would you like to do that yourself?"
"I-I…" Locke let out, his voice raspy.
"Neither!" Lara said, getting between them. "I apologize, sir, but the festivities seem to have gone to his head and affected his judgment. We won't be needing that many butterflies."
The vendor deflated like a balloon, his skin seeming to grow paler and more wrinkled as his whole body went limp.
"Oh…very well…" he let out lifelessly as he handed them their merchandise. "Thank you for stopping by, enjoy the festival."
Everyone let out a sigh of relief as the vendor turned around and went back to his hut for a moment.
"Thank Aurora…" Kat let out. "I thought he was gonna get pissed for a second there."
"Locke, what the world has gotten into you!?" Lara demanded.
"I-I apologize," Locke replied, thinking quickly. "I-I just thought… I wanted to bring back something for the entire village and got a little…carried away."
"Understatement of the century…" Knuckles chimed in.
"Knuckles is right, Head Guardian," Wyn continued. "That was extremely reckless of you, not to mention incredibly selfish. The festival has already started and you were depriving that man of his wares. What would he be able to sell to the rest of the fine people in attendance?"
Locke winced slightly as he twiddled his thumbs. "W-Well…"
Just then, a loud slam echoed through the village, followed by a scream and a loud crash.
"By Aurora!" Locke shouted as he leaped a foot in the air.
"What the hell…!?" Julie-Su shouted, drawing her blaster. "Are we under attack!?"
Bunker closed her eyes as she put her hands to her temples. She stood like that for a few seconds before finally opening them.
"No, I do not sense any hostile presence or people in distress…" she replied as another slam and scream greeted her ears. "...except one." She tacked on. "Although, my elemental qi senses detect a large amount of water further down the street."
Kat perked. "Oh! I know that! It's Old Man Jing's dunk tank!"
Everyone blinked as they processed what Kat had just said.
"Dunk tank?"
-X-
Further down the street…
A large crowd of people had gathered around a large, wooden stand built in front of a medium-sized building with Chun-ese characters on the sign. Behind the stand stood a large wooden tub, several feet deep and connected to a wooden chair with a trapdoor for a seat. The trap door's opening mechanism was connected to a wooden target about the size of a trash can lid and painted to look like a yin-yang symbol but with a big, red bullseye in the center.
"Well, I'll be…" Knuckles let out in surprise. "An…actual dunk tank."
"But…how?" Julie-Su questioned.
"Hmmm…Wu Woodworks?" Bunker read. "It appears to be a craftsman's workshop."
"Step right up, folks! Take your best shot!"
"And here he comes now," Kat said. "Old Man Jing himself."
The group turned to see an old man hop up on the front of the stand. He had a hunched posture and a manky-looking left eye that was open so wide, it looked ready to pop right out of its socket. His hair was long, gray, and thinning in places, especially on the top of his head, revealing several prominent liver spots, while the sides flared about wildly. Despite his frail appearance, he danced and pranced about with the energy of a man half his age…or a quarter, all while giving a manic grin, revealing several missing teeth.
"You've waited for it! You've wanted it! Well, here it is! Wu Woodworks' brand-spanking, new and improved, freshly carved, hot off the sawmill tank of dunking!"
The crowd cheered as Old Man Jing hopped off the stand, jumping down on a wooden plunger, causing several small fireworks to go off.
"'But Old Man Jing?'" he asked in a raspy falsetto. "'It looks the same as your old one. What's so brand, spanking new about it?'" Old Man Jing laughed to himself for a bit. "Well, I'll tell ya! It's thirty percent higher, 40% deeper, and filled with 20% colder water drawn straight from the Jiaolong River for maximum summertime ssspuh-lassssh!"
He threw his arms in the air, earning more cheers from the crowd.
"By Aurora…" Locke let out. "He's crazy…"
"He certainly…lively," Lara added, trying to be polite.
"It's fun for the kids! Fun for the family! Fun for everybody!"
Old Man Jing's speech was suddenly interrupted by a young man not much older than Kat bursting from the water, gasping for air.
"Finally… AIR! SUN! WARMTH!"
"Except for the poor sap in the seat," Jing tacked on with a guilty smile, only to turn to the boy. "Fu Yao! Get back on, boyo! We got customers! Qù! Qù!" (3)
"Shì de, yéyé, (4)" Fu Yao replied with a cough as he climbed out of the tank and made his way back up to the seat.
"Kids these days," Jing sighed, shaking his head in pity before immediately flipping back to manic joy. "So! Who wants to go first?"
"How about me?" Kat said as she stepped forward, prompting Jing to freeze in his tracks.
"Do my eyes deceive me?" He pulled out a pair of glasses, giving them a polish before putting them on. As he did, a wide grin spread across his face. "Wang Kaitian!"
Old Man Jing cackled merrily as he leaped off the plunger, Knuckles and the others immediately going on the defensive as he pulled Kat into a side hug.
"It's about time you showed up, girly! Don't you know you're not supposed to keep an old man waiting?"
"And since when have I ever done what I'm supposed to do?" she replied with a cheeky grin.
Old Man Jing thought for a moment. "Yer right. Nevermind!"
The two laughed together as Knuckles and the others watched, wondering what the heck was going on.
"Seriously, it's great to see you again, dear," Jing continued, his tone growing more serious. "You've grown into as beautiful a young woman as your mother was."
"Thanks…" Kat said quietly, giving him a hug, causing Jing to wince and his bones to crack.
"Agh! And as strong a man as your father!"
At that, Kat chuckled. "You have no idea."
"Uhhh… Kat?" Knuckles finally cut in.
"Ah, right!" Kat cleared her throat. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet…"
"Old Man Wu Jing!" the old man cut in. "The wacky wood guy of Wu Ming and Shengcun's resident 'crackpot inventor'." He let out a short cackle as he flicked his temple. "And the poor sap sitting over there is my grandson, Fu Yao."
"Hey, Kaitian!" Fu Yao waved, an exhausted smile on his face.
"Hey A-Yao!" Kat waved back. "Gramps wrangled you into being the chump again?"
"Yep!" Yao nodded. "Only way he'd agree to let me go to the city for vacation next week."
"You ain't gettin' away that easy, boy! Think of the family tradition!" Jing's attention then turned to the echidnas. "And I see you brought some friends."
"Family actually," Kat corrected. "Meet my foster brother Knuckles, my mom Lara-Le, Knuckles' dad Locke, mom's boyfriend Wynmacher, and Julie-Su."
"No relation," Julie-Su added.
"Ahhh…your new long-rumored family from the Floating Island." Jing scratched his chin as a knowing grin came over his face. "In that case, I have a small favor to ask…"
He moved in closer, grinning eagerly. Knuckles, Locke, and Wyn put themselves in front of Lara as Julie-Su reached for her gun. Surprisingly, the only one who wasn't getting ready to fight was Kat, who looked more annoyed than anything.
"Would you permit my grandson to marry your daughter?" Jing asked sweetly, prompting the echidnas to freeze in stupefied shock.
"Say what?" Knuckles and Locke asked at the same time.
"GRAMPS!" Yao shouted, his face rapidly turning red.
"Seriously?" Kat let out in exasperation, though she was smiling as she said it. "You're still on that?"
"Oh come now!" Jing pleaded. "You two are getting to that age soon and my daughter wants to make sure the line continues. We tried talking to the matchmaker, but that wrinkled, old goat keeps sending us duds!"
Kat chuckled a bit, picking up one of the balls set up for the tank.
"Unfortunately Gramps, my heart already belongs to another." She got into a pitcher's stance, raising her arms in the air. "So I'm afraid I'm gonna have to dump-!" she brought her arm back and pitched the ball right into the target. There was a loud clatter and the platform beneath Fu Yao gave way, dropping him into the water. "-your grandson."
Jing blinked for a moment before shrugging casually. "Ah well, can't blame a guy for trying. Either way, it's a pleasure to meet you, folks! And thank you again for everything you've done for Kaitian."
"It's no trouble," Lara said.
"So…" Jing began. "If marriage is out of the question, would you like to take my new tank for a spin?"
"Hold up," Wyn cut in. "You built that?"
"Yep! Saw one at a carnival while on a trip to Northamer. Thought it was the greatest dang contraption since black powder. So, I decided to bring it over here."
"It's amazing craftsmanship!" Wyn oogled over the machine. "Even from here, I can tell you put a great deal of work into this."
Jing stroked his chin for a moment. "Hmm…mayhaps I could give you a closer look later tonight then." He chuckled again. "But, that's for later. Now, the game?"
"Hold it!"
Everyone froze as a lone figure made their way through the crowd, everyone quickly stepping aside as they stepped forward. Kat and the others wondered who could warrant such a reaction. Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long as the figure finally reached the stand, revealing…
"Nee-chan!" Cinder called out to her adoptive sister Jian the White Tiger.
"Jian?" Kat asked.
"Ahhh…Kaitian-san," the ex-bandit greeted. "I had a feeling I'd be running into you eventually."
"Same to you. I see you went clothes shopping."
Kat looked over Jian's clothing. The tigress was sporting a red tube top and bandana, black tracksuit pants with a white lace, red and black gloves with jade green bracelets around her wrists, and red shoes with black soles. Her hair had also been styled into two pigtails held together by jade green scrunchies.
"Well, I can't exactly wear my old ninja gi," Jian replied with a shrug. "Not without attracting the wrong kind of attention."
"It looks good." Kat gave a thumbs up. "Surprised you decided to show up though."
"The village asked the Shijin Warriors to act as guardians in case something happened. Why wouldn't I be here?"
Jian perked, looking over her shoulder to find Julie-Su staring down at her.
"Can I help you?" the tigress asked.
"Oh...uhh...nothing," the echidna replied, looking away. "I just..."
"Ahhh…Miss Jian," Jing cut in. "Welcome back. Just finishing up your rounds?"
Jian let out an affirmative grunt. "Is chump number two ready, oya-san?" (5)
A wide grin came over Jing's face. "Oh yes…"
A similar grin came over Jian's face. "Perfect…"
"Fu Yao, take five!" Jing called out. "It's time for our special guest to take her turn!"
"Oh, thank Gaia!" the regular chump cried out as he climbed out.
"Special guest?" Knuckles asked.
"What's going on, Nee-chan?" Cinder asked.
"I think I know…" Bunker began with a grimace.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Jing shouted, grabbing everyone's attention. "We've got a special announcement! For today and today only, we have a special, celebrity guest star chump!"
He banged on the door with his cane, prompting the door to open up.
"Here she comes, all the way from Dragon's Nest, let's give a big, warm Shengcun welcome to…Dulcy the Dragon!"
The crowd roared and cheered as Dulcy stepped out of the house, wearing nothing but a dark blue robe and an uncomfortable grimace on her face.
" Diu… (6) So many people…" the dragoness let out. "Well, at least none of my friends are here to see this."
"Dulcy!?" Kat exclaimed, prompting the dragoness to stiffen.
"Kaitian!?" she shouted, completely horrified. "Cinder!? Shifu!?" Her eyes narrowed as she turned to her third teammate. "Jian…"
"Senpai, what are you doing here?" Cinder asked.
"I believe Mr. Jing just finished explaining," Bunker replied.
" She's the celebrity chump!?" Knuckles let out. "How the hell did you convince her to do it!?"
"Dulcy and I encountered oya-san during our patrol," Jian explained. "He was looking for...ahem! 'Chumps' for his dunk tank and she generously volunteered."
"I did not!" Dulcy shouted. "You tricked me, you no-good, lying Lǎohǔ ...!" (7)
"Dulcy, simmer down," Jing cut in. "You gave your word. Now you gotta keep it."
Dulcy let out a pitiful rumble, smoke billowing from her nostrils. "Shì de xiānshēng…" (8)
Dulcy grimaced as she removed her robe, revealing a sling bikini the same shade of blue, no back, and a neckline that exposed where her navel would be.
"Let's just get this over with," she let out as she flew onto the seat.
"Alright, Jian!" Jing called out. "She's all yours!"
"Perrrfect," the tigress purred as she picked up a ball. She looked at the target, her eyes narrowing. "Tāgetto o kakutoku…" (9) She pulled back as she readied her throw. "Shuuto!" (10)
With a mighty toss, she sent the ball flying right into the bullseye, dropping Dulcy into the drink with a loud, girlish scream, followed by a splash.
"Yosh!" Jian pumped her fist in celebration. "I got her!"
"Nice shot, Nee-chan!" Cinder replied.
"Thank you, Cinder." Jian gave a…disturbingly eager grin. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time."
Cinder smiled awkwardly. "R-Right…"
"GAAAAH!" Dulcy screamed as she burst from the tank. "Tā mā de! This water's fugging freezing!"
"Language, Dulcy!" Jing chastised. "Now, get back up. Jian has two more shots.
"But…!" Dulcy tried to object.
"What's the matter, ryu? Can't handle a little cold water?" Jian taunted, spinning a ball on her finger. "Or is your flame as weak as you are?"
Dulcy glared viciously at the tigress, smoke billowing from her nostrils. "You wish!" She hopped back onto the seat. "Do your worst, you mangy feline! You'll never get me twice in a row!"
"Ohno… not again," Cinder swallowed nervously as Bunker's eyes narrowed in disapproval.
"Oh geez…?" Kat let out, shocked at what Jian said.
"I'm guessing she just insulted her?" Knuckles asked.
Kat nodded. "A dragon's 'flame' refers to their courage, strength, and will," she whispered. "Jian just called Dulcy big, fat…"
"Kaitian…" Bunker cut in, prompting Kat to clear her throat.
"Yeah, what she said was not nice."
"Shuuto!"
Pulled out of the conversation by Jian's shout, Kat and Knuckles resumed Dulcy grinned nervously as the ball flew through the air, only to gape in horror as it struck the target a second time, dropping her again. Once again, the crowd cheered.
"Well, would you look at that, twice in a row." Jian chuckled. "Oi, ryu! How do those toe claws taste!?"
Dulcy burst from the water, gasping. "Oh, shut up! Just throw your third ball and get it over with!"
"Gladly…" Jian reached for the last ball, only for Bunker to grab her hand.
"That's enough, Jian."
"Sensei? What are you…?"
Bunker gave Jian a stern glare, causing the tigress to shiver in fright.
"H-Hai!" she let out as she backed away.
"Thank you, Jian," Bunker replied. "Dulcinea, you can come down now!"
"Shifu, I can't!" Dulcy pleaded. "I gave my word that I'd get dunked at least once!"
"But didn't Jian just dunk you twice?" Kat questioned.
"She means one three-ball session," Jing corrected.
"Right. And a dragon cannot break their word once it is given." Bunker sighed. "Kaitian, would you…?"
"Actually, I'd like to try," Wyn stepped forward. "I'd love to try this machine for myself." He turned to Jian and Bunker. "If that's alright."
"I have no objections," Bunker replied, turning to Jian.
"Hai! Go right ahead, harimogura-san, (11)" Jian replied.
Wyn nodded as he picked up the ball. "Alright, here I go!"
"Good luck, darling!" Lara said, giving Wyn a quick peck on the cheek.
Neither one of them noticed Locke's eyes going wide as his pupils shrank to pinpoints. His mind spiraled once again, filling with thoughts of the two's future together; from their wedding to their honeymoon to the birth of their child to them growing old and dying together. Next thing he knew, the nightmare montage began to rewind, playing in reverse until he came back to the present…then further back…more and more and more and more…until…
Angel Island - Guardian Meeting Hall, 16 Years ago…
It was late in the afternoon, Locke had gathered his fellow Guardians to discuss an important matter. One he knew would be met with much protest…
"Absolutely not!" Lara shouted, slamming her hands on the table.
…from his wife, whom he'd brought along as a courtesy, given what this concerned.
"Locke…" Lara pleaded. "I've been willing to overlook a lot of your insane decisions. I even forgave you for...what happened at the Master Emerald shrine, but this is going too far!"
"You think I am happy with this as well?" Locke asked.
"You certainly don't sound un happy!"
Locke sighed. "This is tradition, Lara, Knuckles is of age to begin his training."
"He's three!"
"And his physical and mental capabilities already surpass those of a grown adult!" Locke held up a paper of advanced calculus questions - written in crayon - to get his point across, which Lara promptly swatted away.
"Just because he's stronger and smarter than most children doesn't change the fact that he's still a child!"
"He's been weaned off you long enough, it's time for him to move to the Guardian Barracks and begin his training," Locke said, unmoved.
Lara narrowed her eyes at her husband, sending a chill up his spine, despite his stony exterior.
"Locke…" she began. "I am serious, this is the last straw. If you go through with this…it's over. If I lose my son, you lose me."
Locke's eyes widened; his lips tensing as his hands trembled. To the casual observer, it looked like the Head Guardian was seething in barely-contained rage at his wife's open defiance of his orders (no doubt several of his followers were already making that assumption). In truth, Locke was terrified. He didn't need the binding power of the Soultouch to tell that Lara meant what she said, but that spiritual link allowed him to experience everything she was feeling at that very moment. Anger. Sadness. Betrayal. Hurt. Fear. The same emotions she felt that night three years ago.
By that same token, Lara must've been able to sense his feelings too. His own anger. His own sadness. His own hurt. And most of all, his own fear. His fear of what he was witnessing now, as well as what he'd seen in his dreams. He knew she would protest…but he hoped, no, prayed to the Walkers that she would at least be understanding. Whether they liked it or not, this needed to happen. Knuckles needed to be ready to face his destiny. His responsibility. And most of all, the horrors he had witnessed…
An egg-shaped man cackling as the shackled masses sang hosannas of praise at gunpoint…
A demon from the bowels of hell lording over a burning cityscape…
A cloaked figure with blood-red eyes, reaching outward with gnarled hands…
And their peoples' worst nightmare and greatest failure…
He closed his eyes, forcing these thoughts to the back of his mind as he steeled his resolve. Regardless of their feelings, this had to happen.
I accept full responsibility for what I am about to do…
With that, Locke stood up from his seat, straightened his posture, slowly turned around, and walked off.
"Locke?" Lara whispered, unable to believe what she was witnessing. "LOCKE!?"
Locke didn't respond.
"Locke!" Lara leapt from her seat and ran toward her husband, prompting two other Guardians to restrain her.
"Lara!"
"Dammit woman, control yourself!"
"Let go of me!" Lara shouted as she thrashed against her captors' grips. "Locke! Don't you walk away from me! Get back here! You can't do this! Locke! LOOOOOOCKE!"
Locke could hear Lara's screaming even after he'd left the Guardian Hall, the Soultouch feeding him every single bit of her outrage and sorrow. He could see her tears trailing down her face in salty waterfalls from her puffy eyes. Her voice grew hoarse from every scream and shout. He wanted to look back. To at least give her the dignity of looking her in the face. But he knew that, if he did, his resolve would crumble too.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered as he headed for his and his soon-to-be ex-wife's hut.
Dad?
"I'm sorry…" he whispered as he made his way inside.
Dad?
"I'm sorry…" he whispered as he made his way to his son's room, hearing him humming happily as he drew a picture of… of…
Flashback end…
"Dad!" Knuckles shouted.
"I'm sorry!"
Locke blinked, realizing he was back in Shengcun.
"Huh? What? What happened?" he let out as he looked around.
"Wynmacher made the shot," Knuckles recapped. "Look!"
Locke turned back to Old Man Jing's stand to see Lara and the others lifting Wyn into the air, throwing him up and down in celebration. As he wondered how winning a simple carnival game could warrant such praise, his attention turned to said game. As Knuckles said, Wyn had hit the target, but he had also completely shattered it to pieces. Despite this, the other festival-goers seemed more impressed than disappointed. Even Old Man Jing looked amazed if the way his jaw hung open was any indication.
"Well now…" Locke let out. "That's…interesting."
"Yeah…" Knuckles nodded. "Anyway, we're heading on down to a local restaurant to celebrate. Old Man Jing wants to talk his ear off over something called 'Uncle Four's Fruit Wine'."
"Ahh…yes, I-I see…" Locke sighed as he stepped forward, listlessly. "Very well…lead the way."
"Dad, are you...?"
"I'm fine!" He shuddered as he took a deep breath. "I'm fine, son… I'm fine..."
-X-
Later on, the Angel Islanders had gathered with Jing, Yao, and the now completed Shijin Warriors at a local eatery. It had bamboo curtains for doors and was very open, with several tables set out near large windows. A pair of tables were pushed together so everyone could sit amongst one another, each covered with tea, juice, and small jars of wine, along with some rice bowls and mantou buns.
"I gotta say, I ain't never seen anyone throw with that kinda power!" Old Man Jing shouted ecstatically. "I mean…you cracked the dang target, and I don't make'em flimsy!"
"Well, we echidna are known for our strength." Wyn chuckled before taking a huge swig of fruit wine.
"It's our Mo-Bility," Knuckles added, only to flinch as Wyn suddenly put a hand on his and Kat's heads.
"But these two are the strongest on the whole island!"
He ruffled Knuckles and Kat's heads playfully, only to pause as he realized what he had done earlier.
"Ah! Sorry about your tank though… it looks like nobody else will get to play."
"Ahh, don't you worry 'bout it!" Jing said, waving his hand dismissively. "I'll have it back up and runnin' again by tomorrow mornin'."
"It's true," Kat said, getting Wyn's hand out of her hair. "That's his Mo-Bility. You'd almost think he was the Sage of Wood."
"I admit, it was fun while it lasted," Jian said. "Especially since I got to knock Dulcinea down a peg."
Dulcinea sniffled. "Shut up, Jian."
"You okay, Dulcy?" Kat asked.
"It's nothing, Kaitian..." Dulcy sniffled again. "I think I might be getting a...ahh...ahhhhhCHOOO!" She suddenly sneezed out a gout of fire. Thinking quickly, Kat stuck her hand out, allowing the stream to ball up in her palm before making a fist and extinguishing it.
"Whew!" she sighed as she looked at the smoke rising from her hand. "Close one."
"Good grief, ryu, cover your mouth when you do that," Jian groused as she grabbed a bun.
"Well, excuse me for getting the sniffles!" Dulcy snapped. "Maybe you should've thought about that before you made me get into a tub of icy cold water, you lousy...!"
"That was your own fault," Jian cut in. "You gave your word, so you had to go through with it."
"Because you wouldn't stop insulting my flame, you mangy feline!"
"Flying newt!"
"Stripey bitch!"
"Both of you, enough!" Bunker snapped, shaking her head. "This is not the Warring Period."
"Yes, shifu/sensei…"
"Man, those two get along like me and my sister," Julie-Su said.
"Yeah…tigers and dragons," Yao sighed. "The oldest of enemies."
"Even when they're supposed to be friends," Cinder let out, sadly, something that did not go unnoticed by Kat. But before she could say anything…
"So, how's everyone been enjoying the festival?" Jing cut in. Talking with Cinder would have to wait.
"It's been wonderful!" Wyn began. "The Land of Dragons and Rice is every bit as charming and exotic as I've heard it to be!"
"Honestly, I'm impressed such a tiny village could be so lively," Lara began. "No offense, dear."
"Oh, none taken," Kat replied. "Shengchun is pretty remote, but the Dragon Boat festival is a very important holiday, and since we're a fishing village, we're the best place to have it."
"Yeah, been meaning to ask..." Knuckles began. "Just what's this whole festival about?"
"Ooh! Perhaps a great naval battle between the dragons of old!" Wyn offered. "Maybe against one of Young Dulcy's ancestors! Hence the villagers being forced to dunk her!"
Dulcy briefly choked on a bun at that.
"Errrr…not... quite," Kat corrected. "It's actually in honor of Qu Yuan."
The echidna, as well as Jian and Cinder blinked.
"Chew…You-awn?" Cinder attempted to pronounce.
Bunker nodded. "A poet and aristocrat from the Warring States Period. He's considered to be one of Chun-nan's most influential authors."
"How could a poet receive such accolades?" Locke asked.
"Well for one," Kat began. "He was a well-respected minister who attempted to broker peace between the warring regions. But corrupt officials and cruel leaders saw him exiled and cast aside."
"I see..." Locke nodded in understanding. "That...actually makes sense."
"Those in power often shun those with wisdom, for they have the potential to undermine their rule," Lara concurred.
"Ultimately," Kat went on, "He took his own life by drowning himself in the river. When the people found out, they were so shocked and devastated they sailed out onto the river to find his body before it was washed away, where it could be possessed by evil spirits or eaten by wild animals, specifically a giant river dragon!"
Everyone gasped in shock, though some gave Dulcy some odd looks.
"Mobini dragon…" she let out through mucus-clogged sinuses.
"Ohhhhhhh…"
"Anyway…" Kat continued. "They beat drums, splashed water with their paddles, and even threw rice into the water as a food offering to Qu Yuan's spirit and to distract the fish. However, according to legend, one night, Qu Yuan's spirit appeared before his friends and loved ones and told them that he died because he had taken himself under the river. Then, he asked his friends to wrap their rice into three-cornered silk packages to ward off the dragon."
"Like those rice cakes! The zongzi!" Knuckles pointed out, earning a nod from Kat.
"So, every year, the people of Chun-nan hold a great race, where teams row a homemade boat to the end of the river. As if racing to reach Qu Yuan first."
Kat watched as the non-Chun-nese members of her audience 'Ooooh'ed' in awe (even Locke).
"Sugoi…" Cinder let out.
"That reminds me, Kaitian," Jing cut in. "Will you be competing this year?"
A smug grin crept over Kat's face as finished her glass of juice. "As a matter of fact….I shall. Jade said my family's boat survived the attack, so I'm gonna sail it in the race!"
"Wonderful!" Jing cheered.
"But, who's your team gonna be?" Yao asked awkwardly. "I mean, your folks are…" He let out a pained hiss as his grandfather elbowed him in the arm.
"Ooh! We can be Ka-chan's team!" Cinder volunteered.
"Cinder, we're here as Guardians, remember?" Bunker pointed out.
"Plus, I don't know the first thing about sailing a boat," Jian added.
"Not to mention, I'm pretty sure I'd sink us with my…" Dulcy trailed off as she felt a sneeze coming on. Thinking quickly, she covered her muzzle with her hands, causing her cheeks to puff up as she blocked up her nose flame. Once it passed, she lowered her hands and let out a sigh of relief, smoke billowing out her nostrils, nose, and mouth.
"Thanks, guys, I really appreciate it," Kat replied. "But I already decided on me, Knux, Julie, and Mom…i-if you guys are up for it." She tacked on hastily.
"Are you kidding!? Of course, I am!" Knuckled shouted.
"Sure, what the heck? I'm game," Julie-su added casually.
"Absolutely!" Lara exclaimed. "I might not look it, but I used to go row boating down the Azure River when I was your age." She rolled up a sleeve, patting a thin bicep as she nodded knowingly.
Kat's face lit up as she pulled all of them into a big hug, which all of them promptly returned. "Thank you! Thank you all so much!"
"Just a heads up, we're probably not gonna finish first," Knuckles warned.
Kat shook her head. "I don't care, this race isn't about winning, to me. It's about spending time with my family."
"Well said, Kathryn!" Wyn nodded in approval. "Still… would that not be a shocking twist? A group of complete unknowns from another country winning such a prestigious contest? 'twould be a story the songstresses would sing for generations!"
Locke perked, ideas running through his head. "That it would, Wynmacher. That it would…"
"It's hardly that glamorous," Kat said. "I mean, yeah, the winning team gets a little trophy and their picture taken, maybe a short blurb in the local paper, but it's not like we'll be world-famous or anything."
"A small is still a glory," Wyn pointed out. "Don't you think so, Head Guardian?"
Locke did not respond, he was too busy thinking.
"Head Guardian?"
"Dad?" Knuckles walked over to his father, tapping him on the shoulder. "Dad? Mobius to Dad?"
"Yes…that will do it…" Locke whispered. "That will definitely do it…"
"Aww man… he's doing it again…" Knuckles let out, worriedly.
"Ugh…" Kat groaned, leaning her head back. "This is getting real old real fast. Is this like some weird vision of his? Or just him finally going senile?"
Locke paid no attention to his children's worries. He was far too busy dreaming of his glorious victory. Him leading his family to victory in the Dragon Boat Race! Showing Kathryn and Knuckles that he was a good father. Showing Lara he was a strong and dependable leader! The perfect husband! It might not be enough to win her back on the spot, but it'd be a start! All he had to do was ask Knuckles' girlfriend if she'd be willing to give up her spot. She knew a thing or two about broken families, so she might be sympathetic. Plus, he figured she owed him for not leaving her to rot in a cage or to die in the wilderness like a beast.
As he looked up to ask that question, however, he felt his spines tingle. He felt movement in the air. Heard a soft, yet powerful boom in the distance. And he saw something moving toward Kathryn. Something fast. Something purple and orange and shiny…and sharp.
"Kathryn, get down!" he shouted as he pounced on Kat, slamming her into the table.
She yelped in shock, then felt her headband fall away, cleanly sliced through.
"What the hell!?" Knuckles exclaimed.
"Kathryn! Are you alright!?" Lara cried out as she ran over to her daughter, who looked over her headband in shock.
"What just..."
"Look out!"
In the blink of an eye, Jian flipped the table, sending the dishes clattering to the floor as a loud 'THNK-THNK-THNK-THNK!' came from in front as it and the tigress buckled from the impact of several projectiles.
"By the Walkers, what is this!?" Wyn exclaimed.
"We're under attack," Jian replied. "Seems one of our enemies decided to drop by uninvited."
"No," Kat said, grabbing everyone's attention. "This isn't one of our enemies, it's one of mine. They're after me."
Author's Note:
(1) Japanese fire banner used to signal other firefighter squads to the location of fires.
(2) Japanese for "Amazing"
(3) Chinese for "Go"
(4) Chinese for "Yes, Grandpa"
(5) Japanese for "Mr. Shop Owner"
(6) Chinese for "Fugg"
(7) Chinese for "Tiger"
(8) Chinese for "yes Sir"
(9) Japanese for "Target Acquired"
(10)Japanese for Shoot. Also a right-handed baseball pitch used in Japan.
(11) Japanese for Echidna with the honorific -san on the end
Uh-oh...Locke has an idea and Rantao is attacking! Which is worse? Find out next time!
Old Man Wu Jing and Fu Yao are co-creations of Author of the Insane and WindstarOsprey.
Voice cast for this chapter:
* Jing: James Hong
* Yao: Jimmy Wong (Ling from the live action Mulan, Din Song from Wish Dragon, Fred Chu from John Dies at the End)
Don't forget to R&R! Until next time!