The Forbidden City, Imperial Army Headquarters, the Next Morning


The sun began to rise on the Forbidden City, providing a feeling of warmth and serenity through the streets and alleys. And strewn across those spaces were discarded bottles, food, and of course, extremely hungover soldiers and citizens. Some had begun to rouse from their alcohol induced sleep, squinting painfully as the sun hit their eyes, their heads throbbing from the strong headache that quickly followed. But for some, they were fortunate enough not to wake to such an unpleasant experience, having decided to celebrate in physical pleasures, which is exactly what a specific General cherished.

Han squinted as the sunlight entered through the partially opened window blinds, a soft moan escaping his throat as he took a deep, cleansing breath. Sitting up slowly, Han began to feel the side of his bed which he thought would be occupied by his spotted lover, only to find the space empty. Confusion beginning to take hold of him, Han quickly got out of bed, his confusion turning to curiosity as he noticed a trey of tea sitting on his writing desk that he kept in one of the room's corners, a piece of parchment placed neatly upon it. After retrieving and donning a blue dressing gown that he kept on a hook near his bed, Han walked over to the trey of, as it appeared, freshly made tea and took the parchment paper, reading over it carefully.

Had to go with Wing and Wan.

Said they picked the trail left by Shi Long's kidnappers.

But, I was able to sneak into the kitchen to get you some tea before I left.

Jasmine ginger, just how you like it.

Send for us when you need us.

Much Love, Su.

Smiling tenderly, Han gently caressed Su's note, his chest swelling with deep admiration for the leopard that had changed his life. Setting the note down, Han proceeded to poor himself a cup of tea. Bringing the cup to his lips, Han sighed as the sweet jasmine base soothed his throat, while the zest of the ginger made his tongue tingle.

"You really know me, don't you Su?" Han asked no one in particular as he looked down at the cup, taking another slow drag of the sweet and tangy drink. Unfortunately, his time of piece and relaxation quickly ended as someone knocked at his door.

"Come in," Han called calmly as he quickly moved Su's letter into one of his desk's drawers. Just as soon as he answered, Han's door opened, only to close again as his most trusted captain and friend entered his quarters, his uniform neatly pressed and cleaned.

"Forgive the interruption, Han," Chang apologized upon seeing his general in such an informal state, which only caused a smile to spread on said general's face.

"There is nothing to forgive, Chang," Han responded playfully, setting his cup down on his desk before moving to dress himself. Even as Han removed his dressing gown, Chang didn't turn away, since both had grown accustomed to changing in front of the other, a trait gained from having to share a tent on the front lines. As Han proceeded to dress, he decided to inquire as to the reason of Chang's sudden appearance. "Are they ready?" he asked as he finished putting on his beige trousers, having already put on his white under tunic. With a nod, Chang responded as Han proceed to put on his blue tunic.

"They are in the war room right now. Also, this arrived for you this morning. It just appeared in the bunks. No one saw who left it," Chang said, presenting a folded pice of parchment in his hand just as Han finished wrapping his legs and forearms with the light blue bindings and puttees. Fastening his red sash around his waist, Han approached Chang, taking the parchment from his hand. Upon opening the note, Han's gaze quickly danced across the text, a slight frown forming on his face as he reached the end. Chang, who at this point was sporting a confused expression, had just enough time to move out of the way as Han bolted out of his quarters toward the war room of the army headquarters.

War Room, Imperial Army Headquarters

The war room was bustling with activity. Strategists were leaning over maps, maps which displayed multiple fronts and territories, not just of China, but of surrounding countries as well. But near the back of the room, behind a set of double doors, doors which were being guarded by two blue banner soldiers, muskets at shoulder-arms, was a private map room, one used by the General Staff. Upon entering the war room, Han and Chang were quickly met with a round of salutes, which they returned while still maintaining their stride. But, as soon as Han reached the double doors, his stride faltered as soon as the doors opened, revealing Xiao, Jade, a handful of guards, and two people he was not too keen to see at the present time.

"Master Ox, Master Croc," he hesitantly addressed two of the founding members of the Kung Fu Master's Council, "to what do we owe the pleasure?" Without missing a beat, Master Ox quickly answered, the large bovine easily towering over Han by two feet.

"We were summoned by Her Highness to join in celebrating your victory, General," he began, a hint of a condescending tone in his voice, one which Han picked up but decided to ignore for the time being, although he could see in Ox's eyes that he was not going to let that happen.

It was no secret that Ox was not a fan of the Imperial Army, believing them just to be a tool to spread violence. While he himself engaged in violence, it was only in self-defense, or the defense of others. He was too stubborn to remember that the Army fought for, and therefore defended, Empress and country. Luckily, just as Ox was about to continue, Croc quickly interjected, his voice far more gentle than his colleague, a clear indication he was trying to diffuse a confrontation before it started.

"Yes, but when we arrived here early this morning, we were informed about what happened with Shi Long," Croc said, his features softening as he looked at Han, "as well as your niece. I am very sorry, General." Upon hearing this, Han offered Croc a sad smile and a nod of gratitude, which the Kung Fu master returned. Ox, however, while respectful of Han's current situation, could care less at this point, as evident by his next statement.

"While it is unfortunate what happened to your niece, General," he began, his voice having softened some, only to harden a second later, "we have more pressing matters to attend to." Upon hearing what he could only interpret as a blunt brush-off, Chang couldn't stop a frown from forming on his face, his eyes staring daggers at the intimidating bovine. Sensing the sudden tension in the room, Xiao decided to interject before things got out of hand.

"I am sorry, General," She began tentatively, which succeeded in turning everyone's attention toward her, "but Master Ox is right. We have to find out what our game plan should be if we are to find Shi Long." Han, although somewhat hurt that Xiao would so quickly side with Ox, nodded as he hummed in agreement. Even though he wanted to speak up for his general, Chang knew that Xiao and Ox had a point. It was more important at the moment to piece together everything that had transpired and what their future course of action should be.

"How did Shi Long's abductors manage to infiltrate the Palace?" Chang finally inquired, causing everyone to turn their attention toward him. "She was kept under constant guard, and her meals were only brought by Huifang." Upon hearing this, Jade decided to add some information she managed to recover that morning.

"When I spoke to Huifang this morning," She began, all eyes and ears now on her, "she said that she and Shi long encountered a wolf. A female wolf to be specific. Huifang said she had brown fur, and orange eyes that 'reminded her of fire...'" As Chang listened, his eyes began to grow wide as the description that Jade was given began to sink in. Believe it our not, Chang was very familiar with this new, or in his case, old adversary. The brown furred buck was pulled from his thoughts as Jade continued to speak. "...said she didn't notice the wolf's presence until she spoke. She did manage to catch a name. it is..."

"Lieutenant Mu Lang," Chang interrupted, a sour expression on his face as he began to reveal what he knew about this wolf. "Best espionage agent in the Imperial Army. Dishonorable Discharge." Upon hearing this, Han began to nod in as started to recall a conversation he had had with Chang some time ago.

"Yes," he began, "I remember you discussing that topic with me." Turning to the others in the room, Han began to explain what Chang was getting at. "Mu Lang could steal information right out from under the enemies noses and they wouldn't have known she was there. However, she was discharged because she had other, more 'torturous' means of getting information."

"When High Command found out, she was done," Chang added, "she was stripped of her rank and privileges, and sent off." Xiao seemed to relax at this news, glad that Chang had unknowingly disproved a theory she had started to develop.

"I am actually somewhat relived," she said, causing everyone to look at her in confusion, "I actually began to think that someone inside the palace had helped this wolf." Upon hearing this, Jade, with a smile, placed her hand on Xiao's shoulder, causing the young lynx to look at her friend and mentor.

"My sisters are proud warriors, Empress," she began, pride evident in her very being as she and Xiao glanced back at Haoxin and Jun who stood behind them, "they cannot be bought, and they would rather die than betray your trust." Haoxin affirmed this with a small grin, while Jun fervently nodded her head as she beamed from ear to ear, her one visible eye gleaming with joy and pride. Returning the smile, Xiao returned her attention to the other occupants of the room, smiles ranging from small to large on their faces. However, Xiao's smile soon faded as another thought came to mind.

"But know we have the matter of locating them." Ox nodded in agreement.

"Yes," he pondered out loud, "their strategy was flawless, leaving no clues or indication as to where they were going." Upon hearing this, Han looked to Chang, a knowing look on his face as he clutched the scroll that was still in his hand. With a sigh, he spoke.

"Actually," he began tentatively, causing everyone to turn their attention to him, "we do." Raising an inquisitive eyebrow, Ox turned his undivided attention toward Han.

"What do you mean, General?" Ox inquired with genuine curiosity. Looking to Chang, who gave him an encouraging nod, Han presented the scroll as he spoke.

"When Chang came to fetch me this morning, he found this note in the soldier's bunks with no indication who left it." Han paused briefly, a shy smile forming on his lips before he continued to speak. "But I do."

"Who was it, Han?" Croc inquired, clearly becoming very anxious. With a smile, Han nodded to Chang, who at this point had very good idea what his General was on to. With out further encouragement needed, Chang spoke up.

"The General is referring to a special spy ring of his. Individuals who have proven themselves more than capable in the art of espionage." Looking around the room, Chang could see the other occupants nodding, a clear indication that they were indeed listening. However, Ox still held a confused expression as he addressed Han.

"Are you saying these spies managed to track down Shi Long's abductors?"

"Yes," Han replied, thought somewhat hesitantly, as he realized he was about to propose a very risky move that could put himself and his spies in jeopardy. Not just from the enemy, but Ox and Croc as well. But at this point, he knew there was no other option. Steadying his nerves, Han continued.

"And because of that..." taking a deep breath, Han finally gave his proposal, "we are going to need them for where we are going." It was at this point, Xiao's eyes widened at what Han had just proposed, a lump forming in her throat at the very idea of what Ox and Croc would do once they saw who Han's spies were. Speaking of Ox.

"And where is it we are going?" After taking a moment to think, Han decided that at the present time, the less Ox knew, the better.

"All in good time," Han replied, before turning to Xiao. "If that is all, Your Highness," he said respectfully, "I would like to put together a small team to accompany myself and my spies." No words were necessary at this point as Xiao simply nodded her head. With that Han and Chang left.


Courtyard Outside of the Army Barracks, Late That Afternoon


The courtyard was, just the like the rest of Army Headquarters, rather silent. The reason being that Xiao did not want to cause panic in the city, or in the army for that matter, over the news of Shi Long's abduction. Rather, she wanted her people to still feel safe and content, but while also maintaining great vigilance. But that did not mean that as Han walked toward the barracks that he did not see a few stray soldiers talking with each other, or to his growing annoyance, making out with some visiting females, be they citizens or palace guards.

Flanked by Hu Chan and Nan Hai, Han motioned for them to stay outside, the two younger bucks nodding in agreement, as he entered the barracks, which, unsurprisingly, were empty. The only indication of someone being their was sunlight, peaking through a cracked door down an adjacent hallway. Approaching the door, Han raised his hand and gently knocked upon reaching it.

"Come in," came the rich baritone voice of Han's captain. Entering the rather confined room, Han smiled as he laid eyes on Chang, who at this point was just putting on his blue tunic, reaching for his red sash shortly after. Looking to Han, Chang returned the smile briefly before getting down to business.

"Are they on their way?" Han's smile faltered slightly.

"Yes. I sent Xinshi to leave a note at their last reported position. Told her to wait for a response about a mile away. They'll be here shortly," he said hesitantly. Catching on to Han's sudden shift in behavior, Chang decided to address the elephant in the room, which involved making a very personal accusation.

"You were never going to me about them before now, were you?" Chang inquired softly, hurt evident in his voice. The hurt only grew as Han responded.

"No," Han responded sadly, regret radiating from his very being as he saw the heartbroken look on Chang's face. "But that doesn't mean I don't trust you Chang. The identity of my spies was to be kept under constant secrecy. Not per me, but per Emperor Kang Zi himself." Looking at Chang, Han could see that, although the younger buck was somewhat dejected, came to accept his General's answer.

"I understand," Chang responded after a moment of silence, "I don't like it, but I understand. But I suppose now is a good a time as any to reveal them."

"How do you mean?" Han inquired, very confused at Chang's statement.

"Well to be honest," Chang continued, "the way your going about this, it makes me think this mission is very dangerous, and that not all of us will come out of it alive." Han slowly nodded as he began to understand Chang's worry.

"Listen," Han answered as he placed a hand on Chang's shoulder, "every mission is like that, this one is no different. You just need to be extra cautious. Alright?" After a moment Chang nodded with an understanding smile, a smile Han gladly returned. At that moment, a bell began to sound in the courtyard, a clear indication that someone, or in this case, three someone's were approaching the Palace. With that, Han and Chang began to make their way outside, but not before Chang holstered his pistol.

Once they exited the barracks, the duo found Hu and Nan, The former leaning on some training equipment with the latter sitting on a crate, having a conversation, one that pertained to the current situation.

"I've heard mixed things about these spies," Hu said, a wariness to his voice.

"They have a hundred percent success rating," Nan piped up, hoping to ease his companions worries. The pair quickly sprang up and fell into step as Han and Chang walked by, but that did not stop Hu from voicing his concerns.

"It's not THAT they win," he continued as they entered the palace courtyard, "it's HOW they win that concerns me." Upon reaching the center of the courtyard, the four bucks were met with sight of Xiao, Jade Tusk with four of her guards, Masters Ox and Croc, and, surprisingly, five very familiar pandas.

"Po?!" Chang called out in cheerful shock, earning a wide smile from the acclaimed Dragon Master who, upon coming into arms length from the young buck, pulled him into a tight hug, one that was gladly returned.

"CHANG, BUDDY!" Po exclaimed as he and said buck laughed, "HOW YA BEEN!" Pulling away from the friendly embrace, Po turned to Han, respectfully bowing upon coming face to face with the older buck, matched in response by his four young students. "General Hanfang," he said respectfully. returning the bow, Han addressed the panda before him.

"Dragon Master Po," he began with a laugh, "it is so good to meet you at last. My niece and Jade Tusk speak very highly of you..." Han paused briefly as he looked at the four young pandas who accompanied their master, "... and your students." Po's face quickly fell as soon as Han mentioned his niece.

"How's Huifang doing?"

"Fine, fine," Han reassured, raising his hands to emphasize his point, "Just a headache." One of Po's students, who Chang recognized as Nu Hai, spoke up upon hearing this.

"That is very fortunate news, General," she said with a kind smile. Han offered a warm smile in response as the tallest of the group, Fan Tong, spoke next.

"Yeah," he said in bubbly attitude that reminded Han greatly of his niece, "I like Huifang. She's nice." Han chuckled warmly upon hearing this.

"That she is, that she is," he responded warmly, earning a round of chuckles from all present, save for Ox. The moment , however, was soon interrupted as call from a guard tower caught their attention.

"THEY'RE HERE, GENERAL!" A young buck called to Han.

"OPEN THE GATE!" Han called back in response. With that, the group began walking towards the gate.

"So these spies of yours," began Jing, a broadly built panda who was also Nu Hai's best friend, "is there anything we should know about them beforehand?" Taking a moment to think, Han came to the conclusion that all would be revealed quite soon.

"Only that when you meet them," he began tentatively, "you must trust them." Upon hearing this, Ox became greatly unnerved by Han's tone. Stopping just one hundred feet short of the now open gate, the group was met by a very surprising sight; Three female snow leopards walking toward them. It was at this moment, Ox and Croc took a defensive stance as they recognized the criminals they put in orison twenty years earlier.

"The Wu Sisters!" Ox yelled, causing Jade Tusk and her guards to quickly move to protect the Xiao as Po and his students joined Ox and Croc in their defensive stance. It was at this moment that Han realized the situation was already getting out of hand, especially since Chang, Hu, and Nan were also aiming their pistols and rifle respectively at the feline trio. With a great feeling of annoyance, as well as newfound anger boiling in him, Han knew what he had to do at that moment.

"STAND DOWN!" Han bellowed at the top of his lungs, causing everyone, even the three sisters, to look at him in shock, with Ox being the first to recover.

"Are you mad?" he inquired in a quite, but tense voice, "do you know who they are?" Han, glaring daggers into Ox's eyes, swiftly responded.

"Yes," he said in a defiant voice, "they are my spies!"


The War Room, Several Minutes Later


To say the situation in the war room was tense, and to an extent, awkward, would be an understatement. While Han had managed to calm everyone down after the Wu Sister's arrival, the overall tension and mistrust was quite evident. Master Po and his students, having no formal military training, were asked to wait outside. Although another reason for that being a starstruck Po's constant barrage of questions toward "China's Most legendary Criminals."

But, even as said leopards stood at the main table, Han off to their right, they couldn't help but shrink under the hateful gaze of Master Ox, as well as the less aggressive, but still judging glare of Master Croc. Wan was actually near the end of her rope when it came to controlling her fear. Try as she might, she couldn't stop herself from clinging to Su's arm as the two masters who put them away twenty years ago stood just twenty FEET from them.

The deathly silence of the room was soon broken as Hu, who had been looking over a scroll that Xiao had a guard retrieve from the Imperial Archives, began to read the writing aloud.

"'And so it is on this day, under the suggestion of Major Hanfang,'" he read after letting out a sigh, "'That Su, Wing, and Wan Wu, in place of incarceration for their crimes against China, will instead begin service as spies until such a time as I see fit to render their sentence as time served. So say I, Emperor Kang Zi.'" Looking away from the scroll in his hands, Hu reached for another that was resting on the table before handing it to Chang. "SUPPOSEDLY, this is the letter of pardon from the late Emperor Kang Zi." Xiao eyes narrowed at the inflection Hu used when he said "supposedly."

"There is no 'supposedly' about it, Corporal Chan," she said sternly, her hard stare shared by Jade who cast a disapproving glare in the buck's direction, causing said medic to bow his head in submission. While this was happening, Chang unrolled the scroll in his hands, reading it over. Any skepticism he had quickly vanished as he came upon the personal seal of Emperor Kang Zi, one not easily replicated. Letting out a sigh, Chang had no choice but to add to Hu's humiliation.

"It's legit," he said, casting his eyes toward the three snow leopards, who seemed to shrink under his gaze as he set aside the scroll. After a few moments of just looking at the feline siblings, Chang's frown soon turned into a small smile as he addressed the trio. "Your service to China is greatly appreciated," he began, earning a smile in return from Han and Xiao, but a flabbergasted expression from Ox, Croc, and Hu, "and your contributions to the 8th Royal Regiment have ensured our victory over the Dzungars. For that, I thank you."

Upon hearing this, the three sisters offered a warm smile of gratitude toward the young buck. Han himself found himself smiling at his second-in-command.

"And you say I'm too trusting Chang?" he quipped, earning a smirk in return for his captain, as well as a quite chuckle from Jade and Xiao. It was at this point that Ox couldn't take it any more.

"ARE YOU INSANE?!" He bellowed at Chang, slamming his fist down on the table, making everyone in the room jump. "Here stand the three most dangerous criminals in all of China, the amount of blood on their hands immeasurable, and you THANK them for their so-called 'contributions?!'" As Ox laid into Chang, who was doing surprisingly well in standing his ground, Wing felt her temper reach the breaking point. Before Han or either of her sisters could stop her, Wing began marching toward the shouting bovine.

"Master Ox," she began dangerously low, causing said Master to snap his attention toward one of the leopards he had put in prison nearly two decades ago, "in case you haven't noticed, our 'so-called contributions' are the reason Han and his boys are still alive. If it weren't for us, they'd be dead. Surely you won't fail to recognize that."

Looking to Chang, Wing's face softened as he offered an appreciative smile for defending him. Returning the smile, which was accompanied by a mischievous wink, Wing turned to rejoin her sisters, but not before shooting a dumbfounded Ox another nasty stink-eye. Hu, having stayed quite for the past few minutes, was still trying to wrap his head around what had just happened.

"Chang," he began tentatively, removing his spectacles from the bridge of his nose, "you can't be saying that you trust them?" The question was more accusatory than genuine curiosity. Chang, catching onto this, glared hard at his subordinate.

"I trust Han," he began harshly, which succeeded in unnerving the medic, who shrank under his Captain's hard tone and glare, "and I trust his judgement. As you should, Corporal Chan." He didn't know why, but the way Chang had said his name and rank caused a slight pang in Hu's heart. Truth be told, he and Chang had been through a lot together, but now was not the time to dwell on that.

"Yes, Sir," Hu said softly following a few moments of awkward silence, delicately placing his spectacles back on his nose, "my apologies, Captain. And to you as well, General." Meeting his medic's gaze, Han offered a warm smile in response, which helped to ease Hu's current bout of anxiety. Realizing now that things had gotten off point, the more level-headed Croc decided to get to the point of why he was in this situation.

"General," he began calmly, but also cautiously, "why ARE the Wu Sisters here?" Upon hearing Croc's inquiry, Han let out a long sigh as he produced the note the Wu's had left for him.

"Because as I told Chang," he began, "we are going to need them for where we are going."

"And where is that?" Ox inquired, having calmed down some. After a moment of silence, Han finally spoke.

"Hubei Volcano."


Li's Tavern & Inn, Later That Evening


Thankfully, word of Shi Long's kidnapping had not found it's way out of the Palace or Army Headquarters, so the citywide celebration was still in full swing. However, Han had requested that Li's be closed for a private "party." While it was a party in the sense that their would be food and drink, the situation was far less than jovial. Having taken seats at various places among the tavern, Han, The Wu's, Po, minus his students who decided to explore the city and join in the celebration, Hu, Jade, and Chang sat silently as they let the gravity of their current predicament set in.

"So we are all clear of the plan," Han finally spoke, earning a round of nods from all in attendance "Po, Chang, and Hu will come with me, the Sister's, Ox and Croc to Jinzhou, where Xinshi will have told the Furious Five to meet us. That is IF she has found them and they are not too far off. From there, we start for Hubei."

At this point, Su had walked over to Han, drink in hand. Upon reaching the older buck, she sat delicately on one of his knees, which was no surprise to the other tavern inhabitants, who at this point had already guessed the two's relationship was well past professional. Han, while still maintaining his train of thought, wrapped an arm around Su's waist, pulling her closer.

"Once we arrive at the Volcano," Han continued, never once losing concentration, "Su and the girls will get us in through a secret passage way. Hopefully one the Baigujing or her followers haven't found. From there we will locate Shi Long and bring her back. Understood?" Once again Han was met with nods, accompanied with a few hums in agreement. Although one face did strike him as skeptical.

"Hu, is there something you wish to say?" All eyes were now on the bespectacled medic who at the time of Han's question was sipping his cup of Yellow Liquor. With a low sigh, Hu answered.

"Han," he began tentatively, "this plan...if it should fail, what happens then? What if they should go after the Empress?"

"That is why," Han interrupted, "I am leaving the Four Constellations here with Jade as added protection for Her Highness." A heavy silence hung in the room, the tension so thick one could cut it with a knife. The reason being that everyone was thinking of one question, but all were too afraid to voice it. All except Han.

"This IS a dangerous mission. One in which I cannot guarantee we will all make it back from. Right now, all I ask of you is to make the most of tonight as you can."

The statement did nothing to ease the tension. If anything, it only increased it.

The three Wu Sisters looked to each other, their eyes filled with worry.

Po, who had been standing just beside Hu, Wrapped a comforting arm around the latter's shoulder.

Ludian Li, who had been listening from the bar, gulped nervously as he glanced at his son, who turned just in time to meet his father's gaze.

Feeling a pair of arms wrap around one of his, Chang looked down in time to see Jade rest her head on his shoulder.

Looking to the cup in his hand, Chang threw back the remaining brandy before turning his attention back to his uncle.

"Another round, barkeep," he proclaimed solemnly,

"for tomorrow we may die!"


By the time the still sober group had left the tavern, it was well past midnight. Because of this, the streets were fairly quiet with a few late night stragglers still out. But, before leaving the tavern, Chang still had one final thing to say to his father. Walking up to the older buck who was cleaning off the tavern tables, Chang stopped just a few feet away. Looking up from his work, Lu looked sadly at his son, but offered a brave smile, which was returned by the young buck. However, Chang's smile cracked as a sorrowful expression took over. Lunging toward his father, Chang wrapped his arms around Lu's neck in a tight embrace.

"I love you, Old Man," Chang said in pained whisper, tears falling from his eyes. Recovering after a moment of shock, Lu returned the hug, a few tears escaping his eyes as well.

"And I Love You," he whispered back. After a few minutes of holding each other, the two males reluctantly separated. But, before seeing his son off, Lu cupped Chang's cheek, the latter leaning into the affectionate gesture. "You know," Lu began with a smile, "your mother and I...we...we raised a...a damn good kid." Returning the smile, Chang enveloped his uncle in one more short embrace before leaving the tavern. Stepping outside, Chang found that the remaining members of the party had already left. All except for one.

"Would you care to escort a pour, defenseless girl home," Jade teased as she approached Chang, arms behind her back as she batted her eyelashes. With a warm smile and chuckle, the young buck offered his arm to his companion, who gladly took it. Before long, the two water deer were enjoying a leisurely stroll back to the Imperial Palace. But, along the way, Chang decided to take them on a little side journey. Before long, the two were on the outskirts of the city, having come to sit on a grassy hillside, far from prying eyes so as to enjoy the evening alone. But, during that time, Jade couldn't shake a question that had been lingering in her mind.

"Chang," she began, catching the buck's attention as he responded with a hum, all while they maintained their stride, "did you mean it?" A look of confusion formed on Chang's face when he heard Jade's question.

"Mean what?" he inquired back. Realizing now would be the only chance to learn the truth, Jade mustered every ounce of courage she had to clarify what she was asking.

"That I was the woman you loved?" Chang immediately froze, his wide eyes now fixed on the still burning lamps of the city. After a few moments of sitting in silence, Jade felt her otherwise hard heart begin to break. Moving herself so as to stand, Jade suddenly stopped as she felt a hand grasp hers. Looking down, Jade's eyes widened as she saw her hand in Chang's. Turning her gaze to said buck, Jade could see him still staring at the city. But know, his face more relaxed as a small smile formed on his lips.

"I did," he finally said, turning his gaze toward the doe beside him.

Positioning himself so that he could take both of Jade's hands into his, Chang looked deep into her eyes as he continued to speak.

"Jade, in the short time I have known you, you have been in my every thought. The way you move, the way you talk, the way you smile, and definitely the way you laugh." Jade, upon hearing the last bit, started to pout as she turned her face away from Chang. However, it was in vain as the buck used one hand to cup her cheek, bringing her attention back to him.

"The universe brought us together for a reason, Jade. That much I do believe."

At this point, Jade was so overcome with emotion, emotions long repressed since her time with her old master, Jindiao, that she lunged at Chang, who, with an "OOMPH!" landed on his back on the surprisingly soft grass, the doe straddling his waist in the process. Before he could register what was happening, Chang found that Jade had planted her lips onto his. Recovering from the shock, Chang slowly melted into the kiss as he wrapped his arms around Jade's waist. For several minutes they stayed in their embrace, only to reluctantly separate with the waning hour. But, they were content enough to just enjoy the others company as they returned to the city. Arriving at the palace gates, Jade turned to give Chang one last passionate kiss.

"I just want you to know," she whispered after pulling away, resting her forehead against his, "that whatever happens in the coming days, I am glad we shared this time together." Chang smiled warmly at the doe in his embrace, pulling her tighter to him as he began to speak.

"I am glad to hear you say that," Chang said sweetly, "and now I truly believe the Universe intended for our paths to cross. From the moment we met, our destines were intertwined. Now, on this night, they have been joined. Mark my words Jade, I WILL come back." Looking into Jade's eyes, Chang smiled as he gently kissed her forehead, before walking away to Army Headquarters, so as to rest for the coming mission. As he walked away, Jade smiled as she whispered to herself.

"You better. Otherwise, I'll bring you back from the Spirit Realm so I can kill you myself." With that, Jade turned to walk into the palace, praying that she would see Chang again when this was all over.


Meanwhile, In the Palace


Han quietly opened the door to the room occupied by his niece. Peaking inside the dimly lit quarters, Han was surprised to see Huifang still up, given the lateness of the hour. Huifang, upon hearing her door open, looked up to see her uncle standing their, a disapproving look on his face.

"Hey, Uncle Han," she greeted with a sad smile. Han, catching on to this, felt that he shouldn't be too hard on his niece. After all, she wasn't a fawn anymore, although she did have a tendency to act like one. Heck, she was only twenty-three and she still acted as innocent and youthful as the day she came to live with him. Walking toward his beloved niece, Han began to speak.

"Huifang," he gently scolded, "what are you still doing up. It is very late." Huifang smiled as she rolled her eyes. She loved her uncle, but he could be a bit overprotective at times. Moving to meet Han halfway, Huifang enveloped him around the chest in a gentle hug. Han, although confused, returned the embrace, if not a little tighter.

"Couldn't sleep," she whispered into his chest. At first, Han thought Huifang wasn't sleeping out of fear of her attackers. But, given the sorrowful ways she greeted him when he first arrived convinced him that she was concerned. And it was no mystery as to what, or rather who, she was concerned for.

"It's about Shi Long, isn't it?" he softly inquired, causing Huifang to tense up at what she assumed was the precursor to a harsh accusation. Taking this into account, Han began to slowly connect the dots, until finally, he had come to the only rational explanation of Huifang's worry.

"You love her, don't you?"

Han suddenly felt Huifang's muscles tense even more, her breathing becoming faster until a soft sob escaped her throat.

"Do you hate me?" Han froze at this. How could his niece, his Little Sweet Hui, think he could hate her? Pulling out of the embrace slightly, Han, cupping Huifang's cheek, brought her face up to meet his. At that moment, Han's heart broke as he saw eyes once filled with such brightness and innocence, now filled with tears. After taking a moment to recompose himself, Han gently smiled at Huifang, which seemed to calm her down as he felt her muscles relax. Leaning forward, Han placed a gentle kiss on his niece's forehead.

"I could never hate you, Sweet Hui," he cooed as he pulled away, "the only thing I could ever want for you is to be happy. And if Shi Long makes you happy, who am I to argue." Upon hearing this, Huifang lunged at her uncle, her arms now tightly wrapped around his neck as she cried.

"Thank you, Uncle Han," she sobbed with joy. Han, his smile growing, returned the tight embrace. However, the sweet moment was interrupted by a new voice.

"Well, seeing as how he's in his own weird relationship, he really isn't allowed to complain." Looking to the source of the voice, Huifang beamed from ear to ear as she saw Su standing in the doorway.

"Aunt Su!" Huifang exclaimed as she ran to the spotted feline, who happily accepted the young doe with open arms. Unknown to all but Xiao and his spies, Han had secretly confided in Huifang about the Wu Sisters, knowing he could trust her to keep that secret. And in that time, Huifang had come to accept the Wu Sister's as part of her family, eventually referring to them as her aunts. After a few minutes of holding each other, the doe and leopard pulled away from the embrace, the latter bringing a hand up to gently caress the does cheek, who leaned into the affectionate gesture.

"Don't worry, Sweet Hui," Su whispered as Han came to stand beside her, "we are going to get Shi Long back. You have my word." Upon hearing this, Huifang jumped forward, enveloping her uncle and aunt in a tight group hug, one that was gladly returned.

"I love you guys," Huifang whispered, placing a kiss a both of their cheeks. Su smiled brightly as she pulled away from the embrace.

"We love you too, Sweet Hui," she said lovingly, "but you should really try to get some sleep so you can see us off int he morning." With reluctant nod, Huifang agreed, releasing her uncle and aunt for the embrace, allowing them to leave the room so she could settle in for, hopefully, a restful night.

"Now," Han said as the two began to walk to Army Headquarters, casting a teasing smile toward his companion, "I doubt you came here just to say hello to Huifang. I assume their is something you want from me." Expecting a quip in return, Han was shocked to see Su hold a passive expression. His shock only grew as Su leaned into his side as the barracks of Army Headquarters. After a few moments, Su finally spoke.

"Tonight could be our last night we have together," she admitted in a pained whisper. Realizing what Su was getting at, Han smiled gently as he pulled her closer into his side.

"I suppose I have made you wait long enough," he teased, which succeeded in getting a small chuckle out of Su.

"You better believe it buster," Su quipped back as the pair arrived at Han's quarters, the feline ready to finally get what she had been craving from her love. And after a night of passion, she was left fully satisfied, unaware of the new life that would begin to grow inside of her.


The Hubei Volcano


"Master," Mu Lang said as she bowed to the flying mammal, who looked upon the she-wolf with some disdain at being pulled from her maniacal scheming.

"What is it Mu Lang?!" She all but hissed, her cold blue eyes staring daggers at her canine servant.

"We have found the Spirit Urn." Upon hearing this, the demonic bat's attitude swiftly changed to one of mischievous glee.

"At last," she whispered with a sinister smile.

"The Qi of the original dragon master will soon be mine."