In the Jade Palace dining room…
And, with all the time wasted, Fung and Gahri kept at it.
"What in the world do you mean I'm the one who got you in trouble with your mom over that?" Gahri exclaimed, angrily hauling a bowl across the room. The bowl collided with the wall and smashed into pieces.
"Darn it, Gahri! You broke another one!" Fung fumed in his comrade's face, much to Gahri's disregard.
"That's a lie and you know it," Gahri snapped back, placing his hands on his waist, "I didn't even know you were going to that fest. You said we were supposed to be robbing Mr. Ping's."
"Yeah, because I knew if I had've told her exactly where we were going, she would've told me no. You know how she gets about that stuff–but what does it matter? You messed everything up by not playing along…and being weird."
Gahri scoffed. "Well, I can't help it if I'm not as good as you at being sneaky," he retorted, "And anyway, it's still your fault for not telling me straight."
"I don't care what I told you. You ruined that just like you ruined almost everything else," Fung argued, elbowing Gahri aside dismissively and heading to sweep up the shattered glass. "And now you've broken another one of the palace's plates."
"Uh, you broke some of them, too," Gahri countered, pointing at a basket filled with shards on the floor.
"Yeah, by accident," Fung responded dryly, before murmuring, "What a moron." Apparently, it was loud enough for Gahri because the crocodile gave an offended "Hey" in response.
"We're still in the same boat either way. Come on, are we really gonna continue arguing about everything while we're practically in the hot seat here?" he added.
"Gahri, technically we're not supposed to be here. So do you really think we're gonna be let off the hook so easily about this?" Fung responded, referring to the shattered glass in the dustpan. "These items don't belong to us. How do you suppose Shifu will react when he finds out we've broken a lot of them?"
"Shifu? You mean the panda?" Gahri corrected, reminding Fung that Shifu was not exactly the one in charge of the palace anymore.
"Yeah, yeah. But we're supposed to be cleaning up the place, not breaking and making more mess in it," Fung replied with a facepalm, "So can we just not do this right now and work on getting to the last part of our punishment? Do you forget he's still making us walk all the way up and down the Thousand Steps after this? We're practically going to be up all night."
Did he have to remind me that as well, Gahri deadpanned mentally.
"We're gonna have to do something about that broken glass, too," Fung continued with an unenthusiastic afterthought, to which Gahri nodded with pity. "No need to go telling anyone else about this either. If you know what's gonna keep us out of any more trouble…"
"I was thinking maybe we could hide it in the dungeon somewhere," Gahri proposed, "You know, since that's the place the panda could care least about in this palace."
"Yeah, I don't care if we do that. Let's just hurry and clean it up before he decides to come back for a late night snack," Fung responded with a sigh before muttering with dissatisfied thought, "If he hasn't already eaten this place out." And, right there, a fainted grumble erupted from the crocodile's stomach. "Aw, and that as well."
"You're starving, too?" Gahri noticed, rubbing his own as if hunger pangs were kicking in.
"Well, duh, I've eaten hardly anything this whole time," Fung deadpanned, "And what we're supposed to be doing is helping the others come up with a plan even if it means we don't get anything in our stomachs."
"So you're basically saying they want us to starve ourselves in the process?" Gahri asked pathetically, "C'mon, we have to eat something. I don't think they'd mind if we had a bean bun at least."
"Gahri, you don't remember we've gone longer than this without food," Fung responded flatly, "Just don't think about it. That makes it worse."
"Uh, I remember, alright. And that's not a good feeling," Gahri said miserably, listening to his stomach growl, "It makes you all queasy. You know that because I've watched you–" The crocodile's muzzle was clapped shut by his comrade's paws.
"Darn it, Gahri!" Fung exclaimed in frustration, "Could you not just focus on cleaning up the mess? It's a simple task for goodness sake. Apparently now you've forgotten what could happen to us if the kitchen stays like this. If Po won't get us for it, we'll definitely get in trouble with Shifu and everyone else. Either one could be worse than the other. Are you trying to get us killed for real? Because if we end up stepping on the old guy's toes again, he'll throw us to Tigress and we've seen how merciless she is. You thought Lidong was bad. She makes him look like a nice guy. I don't care if we have to feed from scraps. I'm not facing those claws again."
"Mm…I never said we had to get in trouble just by having a morsel in our stomachs," Gahri insisted, pushing away from Fung's grip and moving towards the kitchen. "Look, I don't know about you but I'd rather not starve to death while I'm suffering in other aspects of my life right now."
"Gahri! Gahr-g-gaah! Darn it!" Fung cried with a deadpan before following his comrade into the kitchen, which arguably was as big of a mess as the dining room–unwashed cookware, dirty dishes, empty jars, disregarded food packaging, scraps, and crumbs everything. "Eat the first thing you see that the panda left over and that's it."
"What–no! That is totally gross!" Gahri responded, both taken back at how messy the kitchen had been left after the Dragon Warrior's big feast and the fact that Fung seemed to have complete disregard for his hunger. "Hey, if you're so concerned about the mess then you should still be cleaning up while I find me something to eat."
Fung scoffed. "Yeah, so you can take some time from doing your share of the work," he retorted, folding his arms.
"Will not!" Gahri shot back in his fellow crocodile's face.
"Will to!" Fung protested.
"You wanna downplay me so bad! It's almost as if you get a kick out of it!" the smaller reptile argued, his temper rising as his eyes burned into Fung's, "You act like I haven't been behind you this entire time."
"And barely picking up the slack," the bigger crocodile said sharply, putting his muzzle against Gahri's before poking into his chest and proceeding with a rant. "You're so stupid and annoying and you haven't proved much help at all. I put this together as a team which I'm the leader of–"
"Nah ah, you gave the role as leader of the team to the panda, remember? The Dragon Warrior is the Bandit King now," Gahri countered, not backing down, "Meaning you're not supposed to be the boss anymore. So what business do you have telling me or the others what to do really? You can't just boss us around like you used to."
"Uh, yes I can. And you remember everything is this way because we messed up in the first place."
"We–you mean you!" the smaller crocodile spat, "You messed everything up by telling Po he was a crocodile bandit. And you're calling me stupid–coming from the one who came up with the most stupid idea in the universe. The idea that I warned would backfire. Not to mention I, like you, am currently trying to reason with the fact we have a bigger issue on our hands now because of the foolish decision made by my so-called partner. That's right–the great and mighty Fung. The guy who put the team together to lead the Croc Bandits against the panda. That's the way it should be now. But because you wanted to be stubborn and go along with the dumbest thing you could come up with ever in the history of carrying out a crew of bandits–the Croc Bandits–whose leader happens to be a panda for crying out loud! Who does that? You know, maybe I should've been the leader of the team instead."
"Oh really, how would that turn out? A complete disaster? Crazy you think you're even smart enough to lead a team?" Fung tested, "And you think you could've came up with a better idea than I did so everything would be different and not problematic as if–you didn't almost always ruin everything prior to this!"
"I did not! Your plans were almost always failing because they suck! And you're not as smart as you like to believe!" Gahri shot back.
"Oh no, not you calling me stupid! You're stupid!" Fung protested.
"No, you are!"
Right there, the two creatures found themselves muzzle to muzzle in a heated staredown. One would think they had spent a lot more time arguing than cleaning up since both the kitchen and dining room looked mostly the same as it did when the greedy panda left it.
"We can do this all night, you know?" Gahri pressed.
"I wouldn't sweat it," Fung retorted.
…
…
BOOM!
A loud noise startled the bandits out of their anger and into panic at once. They had no clue what it was nor where it came from. However, they could tell something that loud could not have come from far away; in fact, it sounded like it might have come from inside the very palace they were standing in.
"Uh, did something, like, explode out there?" Gahri asked anxiously.
"Maybe a s-storm's b-blowing in… Did that sound like thunder to you?" Fung stammered fearfully.
"I-I don't know, man. Thunder's like b-b-booooom…not just a…boom," Gahri tried to explain, "W-we don't have to go see what it is, right? We can leave that to the panda. I'm sure he heard it."
"Gahri, quit being a wimp and come on," Fung responded, pathetically trying to mask his own lack of courage.
"Are you kidding!? We don't know what that was!" Gahri replied with alarm.
"And, you think we really have a choice to hide in here and not investigate? Huh, the last thing we need right now is everybody thinking we're scared of everything in our path."
"It's not being scared, it's being smart. Aware of whatever is out there could turn us into dumplings in the next minute."
"And, nobody cares for our sake, not even the panda. Did you forget that?" Fung deadpanned, "To Shifu and the Five, we're supposed to be enemies but all this helping-them-out stuff is what we have to do till everything gets back to normal, if it ever does. Even that barely makes us useful to them. What part of that do you not understand? If something happens to us, everyone–besides a few of our own crew and mom–could care less. My own cousin wouldn't throw water on me if I was on fire. He admitted it to my face by the way."
"You need to remind me the thousandth time Lidong hates your guts–"
"Gah! Gahri, this is not the time. I said that—"
"WHERE IS THE DRAGON WARRIOR!"
The angry, powerful voice rang in the terrified crocodile's ears. They could make out the being it belonged to from anywhere.
The Hall of Heroes…
BOOM!
The doors to the Hall of Heroes slammed open, revealing Lidong, Wong, Irwin, and Wall Eye.
"Alright, where is this almighty Dragon Warrior?" the large reptile demanded, storming into the heart of the hall.
"Uh, you probably should've c-consider knockin' first," Wall Eye suggested anxiously, tapping claws together nervously, "S-so they won't think we were just barging in or nothin'."
"I agree with him," Irwin commented timidly.
"Oh, I'm sorry, never knew till now it was our job to be polite to our enemies!" Lidong hissed back at them, causing the smaller reptiles to flinch. "Now where is the panda? You've brought me all the way from the den and up here to this place. I straight up let you know I just wanted to see if this story you've been telling me all this time is the truth and you idiots made a deal that I make you suffer if it isn't, so where is he?"
"Calm down, Li, we swear up and down we aren't lying about anything," Irwin pleaded fearfully, "The panda's probably just out running some errands or something…he's a busy guy, you know."
"Yeah, h-he is the Dragon Warrior after all," Wall Eye added weakly, "And doesn't he run a noodle shop with the goose guy he calls his dad?" Lidong just growled in response. "H-he'll be here soon enough…I'm sure."
"I think he better hurry. 'Cause for whatever reason I'm not counted out of this one," Wong said nervously.
"The panda had better be here in the next minute or so. Or else…" Lidong threatened mercilessly, towering over the trio and smashing a fist into a palm, "You three won't be conscious to see the one afterward. Even admitting it was all a lie right now won't save you."
"Uh, anybody know what the Dragon Warrior'd be doing if he isn't busy?" Irwin intimidatingly asked Wong and Wall Eye.
"You think this is a joke? I want the panda. I will face him myself," Lidong gritted, "We'll see if he can defeat me this time. Then, I'm going to give you fools the worst beating of your miserable lives."
"Li, is that really necessary?" Wong asked softly, "You think we aren't smart enough to not play one on you, knowing how painful that'd be?" Lidong growled again and got right in the small reptile's face.
"Are you questioning me?" he said sharply.
Wong swallowed hard. "I didn't mean any harm by that, Li. I was just saying we wouldn't play a joke on you knowing what could happen as a result," he explained weakly.
"Then where's the panda? I want a fight," Lidong commanded, eyes bearing into the small crocodiles's souls, "If you're not lying, then why hasn't he shown up to challenge me? This is another one of those foolish schemes by my cousin, isn't it? You idiots couldn't take on the panda yourselves so you decided to throw me in this?"
"N-not at all," Wall Eye said desperately.
"Then prove i–"
"Hey!" A familiar voice broke the exchange. The crocodiles only had to look around briefly before they found their eyes on none other than himself, the furry black and white "Bandit King." He was standing not too far away with a paw on his waist and shooting the crocodiles a rather dissatisfied look, before he happened to note one particular crocodile who was much, much bigger in size than the others with surprise. "Whoooaaa, you're a monster. Would you look at that right there? I doubt a crocodile would be that size… normally. But you're absolutely humongous. How did you manage to get that big anyway?"
Lidong growled loudly. "Panda, you dare question me! I have no obligation to answer to you!" he snapped, clenching his large fists. "I'm going to crush–"
"Yeah, yeah–I get the message. You've come to try and fight me, overthrow me from my reign, then paint the palace with my blood–yahdy-yah-yah. You have to answer my question anyways," the bear scoffed, placing his paws on his waist without an ounce of alarm nor any regard his response would send the huge crocodile charging at him immediately with a viscous roar. "And here comes the rage."
"You overweight, pitiful excuse of a Dragon Warrior, I've been seeking this moment since day one!" Lidong spat, ferociously ripping through the gap between him and Po.
"Hey, I get enough of the fat jokes, okay? You can't think of a more unique insult for me?" the black and white warrior retorted before quickly getting into fighting stance.
"This ends here!" Lidong demanded, shoving his fist towards the panda as soon as he got within punching distance. Po instantly dodged the punch with a side jerk, by which the reptile ended up striking the floor, and the black and white warrior took hold of his paw. Before the crocodile could realize it, he was swiftly raised into the air and tossed onto his back with a loud–
THUMP.
Son of a–
"I have to tell you it wouldn't be very smart for you to just charge at me like that, man," Po spoke casually as he stood over him, "Or you could end up in this position."
"Enough talk, just shut up and fight!" Lidong thundered as he sprang up and spun around, attempting to sweep the panda off his feet with his large tail. The Dragon Warrior jumped and backflipped some steps away. Lidong threw more punches, which Po simply dodged. "You won't defeat me this time, panda. You're a match for my cousin and those other idiots but not me. You will fall now."
"Uh, did he forget we're right here?" Wong asked stupidly from the sidelines with Irwin and Wall Eye.
"Hey man, I've done enough fighting and kicking butt for tonight if you need to know," Po responded dismissively as he continued to avoid Lidong's blows, "I just had to hand it to a really feisty tiger lady and a bunch of other guys not too long ago. I'm not gonna lie but it kind of got my energy down a little. And I just ate, too, so my food's still digesting–"
"I said shut up and fight, panda!" Lidong spat, amping up the speed and power of his attempted blows.
"That being said, I don't mind having to kick some more butt if I have to," Po said coldly, "I don't like that tone you're using with me."
"I don't care to appease you, panda! Your existence is worthless to me," the crocodile responded with venom while swinging, "I only seek to destroy you, once and for all." Lidong spun around and aimed another tail attack, which the black and white warrior dodged with a simple jump in the air once again.
"Hah! Destroy me? Yeah, think again, big guy. Despite the size you are, you're small potatoes," the panda harshly remarked, "I don't really see you as much of a threat to be honest. Just an oversized crocodile guy with muscles and anger management problems. You don't think I can handle that? Pff. I can show you wrong for just a couple of moments then we're done with this, okay? Good to know we're on the same page now–Wakah!" Seconds after just dodging another blow from the large reptile, the black and white sprang into the air and slammed a clean kick into the side of Lidong's muzzle, briefly stunning him and sending him stumbling backwards wildly. Immediately, the crocodile was overtaken by a powerful pain spreading all the way to his forehead.
Aaarrgh! In his mind, Lidong had to admit the panda's kicks felt much less painful during other encounters.
"That one had to hurt, didn't it?" the panda wickedly jested, proudly noting the impact of his kick, "Let's take it up a notch with some mighty punchy-punch!" The panda then charged forward and swung his fat fist jabbing into Lidong's chest before the crocodile could straighten himself up. A section of the wall was met with the pounding force of the crocodile's back crashing into it. Some cracks were formed from the pressure.
Son of a–WHAM! Lidong's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a metal object slamming into him.
"I know that shield will really come in handy in battle," Po said with satisfaction, to which the large reptile groaned.
"Foolish panda…" Lidong croaked as he struggled upward.
"Say, why do people keep calling me a panda? I know it's the same thing but I prefer to be called a crocodile for the record, if you need to know. That other just sounds weird to me," Po responded smartly.
"W-what!?" Lidong found himself in great surprise, then his eyes were on the crocodile trio across the hall. "You aren't telling me that the story those buffoons gave me on the way here is true!"
"So I guess this settles that," Wong commented anxiously.
"Yeah, I said they tell you the whole thing," the black and white warrior remarked coolly, "At least now you know they weren't lying. Plus, if you really believe those guys make up some ridiculous story simply just to fool with you, then you must be as dumb as you're looking right now. It's pretty evident they aren't the bravest henchmen I have."
"Hey!" the trio exclaimed in unison. The panda shot them a glare.
"I don't see you guys fighting the big crocodile here so I know you're afraid of him," Po denounced before setting focus back on Lidong, "You know they're cowards, right? I mean, look at you compared to them. Fung told me I was one of a kind but you…with that size, you're something else."
"My cousin is a bigger idiot than you," Lidong replied with venom.
"Fung's your cousin?" the black and white warrior asked simply as one would when noted something new, "Man, seems like genetics favored you. You should consider yourself lucky."
"I don't need to hear anymore from you, panda!" the large reptile roared, charging at the bear with ferocity. Lidong lunged his fist forward, aiming for Po's head. The panda ducked it with a crouch and took a swipe for the crocodile's leg, knocking Lidong off standing position. With not even a quarter of his strength, the black and white warrior raised his opponent in the air and spun him around.
"Then let's finish this!" the Dragon Warrior declared before he stopped spinning and tossed Lidong over his head. The other crocodiles had to get out of the way before he smashed clean into the wall near the entrance. The large reptile let out a moan as he dropped on his back–seemingly without any will to get up this time.
"It's a surprise he didn't throw him down the stairs…" Wong muttered timidly, to which Wall Eye and Irwin agreed in silence.
The panda fist pumped the air. "Boo-yah!" he said victoriously, "That's what happens when you mess with the Bandit King. You get served the thunder." He looked at the rest of the crocodiles. "Come on, say it with me. The Bandit King rules!"
…
Po frowned and scoffed. "Ugh, what's it with you guys? It seems like you've decided to stop embracing the spirit of the dark side," he said with a paw on his waist, "You've gone soft, haven't it?"
"Uh no that's not it. What are we supposed to do with him?" Irwin asked, pointing over at Lidong laid out on the floor.
"Oh yeah, I haven't thought about that," the panda recalled, "You told him the story so I'm sure he knows how things are gonna go around here, does he?"
"Well, Lidong isn't the most willing to take orders from others," Wong responded nervously, "Trust us, we know. He's just as bossy as–"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Po interrupted sharply as he immediately caught on to what the crocodile was about to say.
"No offense, but the guy just doesn't listen to us. The size thing gives him sort of a complex," Irwin gulped. The black and white warrior simply shrugged.
"He's not so much to handle," Po said casually.
"Are you seriously telling us that?" Wong deadpanned.
"Listen, you're the only one here capable of handling him like that so if that's the case, then why don't you handle him?" Irwin asked weakly. The panda raised an eyebrow.
"Uh, hello? You guys are like, my henchman for crying out loud," Po responded with annoyance before his voice turned stone cold, "If you think I'm gonna allow my fellow crocodiles to be weak, then you have another thing coming. I will build my empire over the Valley of Peace from top to bottom and I made it clear from day one that those I chose to join me will prove any little bit of usefulness they have in their bodies even if it means some broken limbs, bones, or bloody noses in the process."
The reptiles huddled together in fear as the scary panda towered over them.
"And I don't wanna have to do everything myself," Po declared with venom, "And, there will be no ifs, ands, or buts about that."
"B–" Wall Eye croaked out stupidly. He was so nervous he could barely catch himself and almost slipped out a forbidden word at the moment, but Irwin caught his muzzle.
"Y-yeah, no problem with that, boss," Irwin spoke quickly.
"That's the Bandit King to you," Po pressed before he turned over to Lidong who was lying barely conscious on the floor. "And as for that guy over there…"
The large crocodile raised his head as the panda moved towards him. "...you can't keep me down for long, panda," Lidong groaned.
"Listen, buddy. I get we don't know each other like that yet. But, trying to fight me is getting you messed up big time," Po gloated, "I wasn't joking when I said I'd done enough fighting for one night, and I honestly would like to get some shut-eye for real. I'm tired and my muscles are a bit sore. And trust me, that wasn't even a quarter of what I could do to someone even your size."
"Why do you speak to me like I would associate with you, panda? We are not friends," Lidong responded coldly.
"I never said we were," the black and white warrior retorted, "First and foremost, you must really think I'm an idiot to consider someone who just tried to attack me as a friend. Second, diabolical evil geniuses don't make friends–where's the sense in that? Thirdly, we just met."
"Don't play stupider than you are, panda. You aren't fooling anyone," Lidong said dismissively, "I'm not those idiots."
"Dude, who am I trying to fool? What are you talking about?" Po responded with irritation.
"My cousin would be the one to fall for whatever you're trying to pull. But not me," the large crocodile continued.
"Okay, now you're really starting to get on my nerves to the point where I wanna knock you out," the Dragon Warrior said, pressing his head, "And I'm getting a headache arguing with you. Listen, I really have more important things to tend to and I'd be a fool to waste time here doing this with you. So either you'll join me or not?"
"What! Join you–"
"Yes, I gave you that or the other option," Po said tonelessly, "Just now. Which one is it gonna be?"
Lidong, on the other hand, could not believe this fat slob excuse of a warrior was literally asking him to be in an alliance. "Is this one of your ideas of a joke?" the large crocodile questioned angrily, "I would never join you. You're just as much of an idiot as my cousin to think I would ever work with the likes of you, panda." Po was not the least offended by that statement.
"I get you're saying that because you just got your butt kicked in front of those guys over there," the black and white said coolly, nodding to Irwin and the others, "Trust and believe, I'd be that way too if I were you. That being said, I'm really not giving you a choice here so…"
"Who do you think you are to say that is so?" Lidong pressed harshly, "You don't have control over me." The panda chuckled darkly, to which, somehow, the crocodile became a bit unnerved.
"So you think you're getting out of this on your terms, eh? You got some rebel in you," Po sneered, "I like it. It's too bad I gotta force it outta ya…kind of."
"What will you do?" Lidong asked grudgingly.
"You can find out."
"You call that a threat?"
"You better believe it."
"And that's supposed to intimidate me?"
"You shouldn't take it lightly."
"Pathetic."
"Look who's still on the ground?"
"Okay, wouldn't we rather settle this over what happens if he chooses not to go with the program or whatever?" Wong asked impatiently. Irwin gave him a slightly painful nudge in the arm. Fortunately Po and Lidong were rather focused on the verbal exchange to take note of what Wong said. "So we're just gonna stand here and watch them go at it all night?"
"I'm not looking for a problem to be honest," Po continued, his patience waning by the second, "Our guys over there bought you here to be a part of my army. I'm offering you the choice to accept by free will or I make the choice for you." The panda lowered and got directly in the crocodile's face with a venomous look in his eyes. Strangely, Lidong found himself slightly unnerved once again, but he was able to mask the feeling.
"You have nothing over me," the crocodile gritted, to which the serious panda clenched his fists as hard as possible; a sharp cracking of his knuckles sounded across the hall.
"So I'm the idiot, eh?" the Dragon Warrior said in a flat tone, "So how was I able to beat you up and you're way bigger than me, huh?" Lidong honestly had nothing to respond but a low growl, to which the panda mocked. "This is how it works. The one who takes down everyone else stands above all. And right now, judging how our little interaction here is going, I'm considering placing you under the dungeon."
"You won't lock me up, panda," Lidong spat coldly.
"I will. That or you'll join me as I command," the panda said strongly.
"Never."
"Then it's final," Po declared, raising a paw. Lidong, as if ever, would not take the gravity of his foe's statement into account. But he had merely a split second to respond before the black and white warrior struck a hard blow on the head with his meaty fist. The blow instantly made the large crocodile see stars and his large head dropped back to the floor.
"You'll…pay for that, panda," Lidong croaked weakly, struggling to keep himself from drifting off into unconsciousness.
"And that's for making me waste my time," the Dragon Warrior continued harshly, then he turned to speak to Irwin and the others, "And as for you guys, you get to carry our rebellious little buddy over here to the dungeon."
A brief moment of silence from the crocodiles over the panda's ironic word choice.
"I mean big guy–gah!" the panda deadpanned in irritation, "Just take him out of my sight." He began to walk away, muttering less than friendly comments, such as "idiots" and "couldn't even comprehend that simple statement", under his breath.
"C-can you at least help us carry 'im?" Wall Eye asked, to which Irwin answered with a smack to the back of his head, "Ow! I m-mean, we're on it."
"Yeah, we're on it, Boss," Irwin spoke nervously as he watched the panda leave before he turned to Wall Eye with anxious frustration, "What did I tell you about asking him questions?" The crooked eye crocodile just blanked in awkward silence.
"So how do you expect us to carry Li all the way down to the prison?" Wong asked Irwin timidly and quietly while making sure the Dragon Warrior was far away enough so he could not hear.
Irwin gave a heavy sigh. "You know the protocol," he said glumly, grabbing one of Lidong's meaty arms, "It's only one short of four. Wall, you can take the legs. Wong, get the other arm."
Wall Eye briefly paused in offense. "Hey, why do I have to take the legs?" he argued.
"Who cares? As long as we get him out of here before the panda comes back," Wong responded weakly, picking up Lidong's free arm, "And before the big guy wakes up just in time to get on our case." Irwin, exchanging a dark look, nodded in agreement and began attempting to raise the large crocodile on his side. A grunt escaped his lips with him barely capable of subduing the weight of Lidong's massive arm alone.
"Not too far away…" he gritted, "C'mon, you two." Way Eye and Wong obediently took their part of the weight and started to drag the enormous reptile off with Irwin; for certain, it would not be an easy task for any of them. "Why couldn't I have been born in Japan?" Wong said with pity, "I'm starting to realize China's really not a place for this guy."
"Quit being a wimp," Irwin denounced tiredly as he basically led the way towards the entrance. In the back of the crocodile's mind, however, he had the same sentiment.
One way or another, I have to get out of this place…
In Tigress's bedroom…
The striped heroine sat all alone, locked in a cage, with fresh wounds on her face and arms, and in a deep state of fury and vengefulness; as many would simply trust and believe, very few in the world could handle being around this tiger for more than a couple of minutes–let alone one–right now. And what was there to do about it? Nothing. Tigress had been strictly convinced that everyone she had any form of connection with had turned against her; thus, it would be completely useless trying to get through to her at this point. Even Viper could no longer comprehend the sense in reasoning with someone who could not bring herself to look at a perspective besides her own. In the neighboring room, the snake and Crane had a brief but rather negative conversation over this; Crane may have guessed that the tiger master had borderline crossed her absolute breaking point while Viper undoubtedly was not far behind on the thought. "To tell you the truth, as of now, I really don't feel the need to understand how could she treat us this way," the serpent said, shaking her head with so little empathy, "She believes she's the only one who should have an opinion." The avian seconded that with a painful nod.
"Geez, I got a bad headache from all of that," Crane responded, taking off his hat and placing the free wing on his head. Since the bird master last stepped out of the room, he had not dared to enter ever since and some hours passed. Viper peaked in every now and then; sometimes it was Mantis if he got bored enough. Most of the time, the insect had gone off elsewhere while Crane and Viper stayed in the next room conversing amongst themselves and working on one of Crane's art pieces. He was just about finished with a portrait of his mother he had been painting for the last several weeks; Viper found some ease in helping him, even though it was little. Crane himself was more than satisfied receiving Viper's assistance. What lingered with him, however, was the unsettling feeling that she had practically ignited an emotional hurricane with the tiger she considered her sister and it sort of seemed as though he was trapped in the eye of the storm. Arguably, it was probably him that had the most sentiment about Viper and Tigress falling out.
"Viper, I don't disagree with you a bit," the avian continued sorrily, "She was definitely out of line back there–almost completely putting us in jeopardy."
His serpent comrade scoffed as she fiddled her tail inside an ink pot full of pens. "She's mad," she said blankly, "The most sense it makes is to keep her locked up for good."
"You don't really want to have to do this, Viper, don't you?" Crane said emphatically, which made the viper seemingly back away from her last comment–only in a very, very slight regard before she gave a grim sign.
"What does it matter if I don't, Crane?" she questioned softly, "You and I both know what will happen if we weren't sensible."
"You don't have to say that again, but we're her friends–"
"We were," the snake corrected tonelessly, "Far as me and her are concerned, I can't call her my sister anymore. I can't see it."
"Sad to hear it… But I can't blame you." With a hard sigh, Crane strolled over to a dresser nearby and opened the top drawer, revealing an unfinished sketch of what was supposed to be the Dragon Warrior, Shifu, and the Furious Five in battle stance. He was quick to note a half-drawn viper on the side of the drawing of him. "Remember that painting I told you I was working on?"
"You never completed the sketch," Viper recalled tonelessly, looking up to examine the picture before Crane placed it down and took a seat across from her. "It looks fine the way it is, I think."
"Wanna help me work on the rest?" Crane asked, as a matter of lightening up the mood a bit. Viper was silent for a brief moment, then gave a pitiful nod and took a pen.
"I always kind of thought you were secretly more into art than I was to be honest," the avian continued awkwardly.
"Maybe…a little more than dancing," the snake responded softly, "When my father used to hunt, he'd bring home a bunch of fruits and me and my sisters would use them to paint pictures for decorating. Sometimes we'd get carried away and start painting on the walls."
"That reminds me of myself when I first started. Some relatives gave us a bunch of supplies before we went away. I was considering painting a nice little portrait for an aunt. I remember getting in trouble with my mom when I accidentally drew on the back of one of her messages…a very long and important one too. Didn't hear the end of it for a week."
"That's sweet. Did you get to do it?" Viper responded with a smile.
"Eventually, my aunt loved it so much she had me draw some of my little cousins," Crane said fondly, "I can't remember how many I did but let's just say, it felt like my leg would come off after a while."
"Well, can you blame them? You are a very talented artist," the snake praised, causing her fellow master to blush. The avian immediately hid the red spot with his wing.
"I-I wouldn't say I'm the best," Crane said awkwardly.
"Certainly the best I know," Viper replied warmly, turning focus back to the unfinished sketch of the Jade Palace family. "You seriously have to show me how you get the curves so perfect like that."
"It takes practice…" Crane replied a bit uneasily as he noted Viper tracing the half-drawn figure of herself with her tail. "In fact, with you here, I think maybe you could help me get a better view–"
The snake paused and looked up at the avian. Crane found himself choking on the last word that slipped off his tongue; he did not mean for it to come out like that at all. How Viper would perceive this was in question though. For a brief moment, she did not say a word but kept her eyes fixed on the bird who was struggling to settle the triggers in his throat. If anything, she seemed concerned.
"Crane, are you okay?" she asked, moving forward.
"Eck, eck–I'm fine," Crane exclaimed, backing away from his worried friend, "I'm sorry I said that to you. I didn't mean it like that–honest!"
"It's fine, Crane. I know what you meant," Viper reassured softly.
"Yeah, now you're not gonna see me the same way after this, aren't ya?" the avian responded pitifully, burying his head in his wings. He turned to face the wall in shame. What was I thinking, his mind raced. He would never look at his friend in that way. A male, belonging to any species, should have had the sense to know those types of comments did not settle well with the opposite sex. And here he was, engaged in what was supposed to be a strictly platonic conversation between him and a female only to mess it up like that. It had been sort of awkward from the start, anyways, since neither were in the best mood with everything going on presently and now Viper probably felt just as mortified with the bird's pervish comment. She had every right to feel insulted that Crane allowed his male instincts to get a hold of him. To be honest, however, he had never had much interaction with females aside from her, Tigress, the ones in his family as well, and Mei Ling.
At least, it was not the golden cat he was talking to or he would have been having a time getting his beak unstuck from the ground by now…
"Crane, I said it's fine," Viper spoke softly, moving closer to her friend, "You aren't being fresh by wanting me to pose for your painting. It will be more precise getting me up close anyways." Crane once again had to conceal a blush with his wing.
"O-of course I'm not," the bird responded uneasily, "You'd expect something like that out of Mantis."
Viper gave a breathy giggle. "No lie. He's the perverted one," she agreed, "He makes comments about nearly every female he comes in contact with, or sees anywhere in the valley." The snake rolled her eyes. "Speaking of which, I wonder if that healer he was talking about has arrived yet."
Crane shrugged awkwardly. "He'll certainly know," he said, "Should we check on him?"
The snake nodded. "He'll be fine. The healer shouldn't take long with Tigress," she said a bit unenthusiastically, "Let's make use of our time on your artwork because I really want you to finish it. At least before we have to start our new tasks as palace servants."
Crane smiled sheepishly, appreciative that his friend was understanding. "If we have that much time…" he said warmly.
"Maybe I'll try my own version of a family painting. Probably won't be as good as yours but–"
"As I said, practice makes perfect. I personally think you could turn out to be just as great of an artist as I am." Crane's compliment made Viper smile like a schoolgirl with a small crush.
"By that logic, I could teach you how to ribbon dance better than me," the snake teased.
"I highly doubt it," Crane responded with a playful eye roll, to which Viper scoffed childishly.
"Wanna bet?"
"You're on, snake."
In Tigress's room…
The feline just sat there in her imprisoned state. What was next now? She no longer had allies and her former comrades were adamant on standing by the panda. She was still in disbelief at what Shifu and the rest of the Five had done, which resulted in her being locked in a cage like an animal. At the same time, she felt a strong sense of resentment, particularly against Shifu and Viper. "How dare they?" she growled lowly, clawing into the floor of the cage, "I've shown everything of my ability and he disregards everything as if it was nothing all those years...and so much for my so-called sister…"
Just then, the door to the room slid open and Mantis entered…with another mantis. "Hello, Master Tigress," the equivalent–a female brown in color and with her face beautifully enhanced by makeup–greeted professionally as she hauled a sack over her head, "I'm Ning Ning, the healer for you today." Great, the feline thought as she was recalled of her current physical state. "I truly apologize for not being on time," the female insect continued, "I had to tend to a situation with several residents being robbed."
"Expected," Mantis said unsurprisingly.
"I don't need a medic," Tigress growled with venom, to which the female mantis looked at her male specimen with caution.
"No need to worry. She's in a cage," Mantis said as if that would make the situation any more comfortable for the healer.
"I see, and how would I work on her wounds?" Ning Ning asked.
Mantis deadpanned. "If I'm able to, I would have to paralyze her." The tigress growled. Ning Ning seemed to have considered, but gave a response after a couple of moments.
"Master Tigress, are you feeling normal when you raise your arm?" the female mantis asked. The heroine did not answer, but instead glared. "What about your back? I have a report of the spine being compromised." No answer, but if anything, Tigress really wanted to snap at the bug.
"I don't need your concern," the feline responded coldly as she turned away. Ning Ning looked at Mantis to regard the striped warrior's rather unfriendly demeanor.
"It's…been a rough couple of days," Mantis tried to explain.
"We've been over that. But I don't know how I'm supposed to work if she isn't willing to receive medical attention," Ning Ning responded softly, then she turned to Tigress, "Master Tigress, I understand you aren't well but you really need treatment."
"I said I don't need your concern. I don't understand why Shifu would send you to pretend as if he cares about my state," Tigress denounced.
"Would you at least let me take a look at your back–"
"Er, I'll leave if she has to…you know what," Mantis said uneasily.
"What!? Absolutely not!" the feline exclaimed, turning away from the two bugs and folding her arms.
"I guess that's a no." Ning Ning sighed and gave Mantis a remorseful look.
"I do apologize but if the patient isn't willing to cooperate, then I can't proceed with treatment," she said, going into her sack and taking out an ice pack, "The most I can do is give her this." Tigress huffed, continuing to look away from them. "Will you at least take it and put it over the sore areas for fifteen minutes each? So it can help ease the pain?" Ning Ning bravefully, but carefully as well, slid the pack vertically through the cage bars. She was quick enough to move back when it was just inches from the tigress's feet. After a moment of awkward silence, the feline just snorted quietly and took the pack. She rested it over her shoulder. She would not admit it out loud, but it did feel nice on the spot. Ning Ning gave a half-smile to Mantis.
"And I take it you're doing well?" she asked warmly.
"Holding up," Mantis answered nervously, kind of looking away, "I can tell you I'd rather have someone else with me in here than alone…" Ning Ning raised an eyebrow at that comment. "Not that I would prefer to have you subjected to Tigress's temper or anything like that…"
"I know what you mean. Has she had anything to eat or drink?" Ning Ning said, to which Tigress grunted savagely.
"I'm not hungry," the feline spoke through gritted teeth.
"She's gone days without food several times," Mantis explained pitifully, "It hasn't been that long since we all had something in our stomachs." Suddenly, the male insect heard a growl erupt from his belly.
"I notice," Ning Ning acknowledged with slight content, going back into her sack, "Fortunately I made sure to bring an apple and some peaches with me in case the patient was in need."
"I said I'm not–!" Grrrrrrr! The growl was probably loud enough to be heard from across the hall and there was no muffling it. The first sight of a bright, plump peach immediately shot an ache within the tiger's stomach but it appeared that Ning Ning had at least three of them. Undeniably, they looked pretty tasty right now. Even the insects could note the hardcore master probably would not be able to resist a bite no matter how much she wanted to.
"I insist Tigress. You need to eat something to keep your strength up," Ning Ning said warmly, extending the fattest peach from her bag to the warrior. Tigress hesitated for a couple of moments; then, she took the peach with an attitude that expressed a clear warning for the insect to not try convincing her to eat another one and grumpily took a bite. Ning Ning gave a weak smile to Mantis. "I just picked these from my garden yesterday. You want one?" she asked sweetly, causing the other to blush violently.
"I could, but I can't right now," Mantis responded nervously.
"I guarantee you they're some of the freshest in the valley, and the tastiest," Ning Ning continued. Tigress found this interaction very unflattering as she chewed slowly between bites of peach.
"I promise, I'm trying to fast…spiritual thing," Mantis said pitifully.
"Oh good, the nurse is here," Crane spoke not too enthusiastically, sliding the room door open. "Everything good in here so far?"
"Tigress won't let her perform an examination so that's just that," Mantis said defeatedly, to which Ning Ning nodded in disappointment. Tigress only grunted just as a reminder she could care less of the concern, which made Crane sigh.
"She'll be fine. She's normally like that when it comes to medics," the avian said.
"I notice," Ning Ning replied professionally, reaching into her bag. "Would you like a peach, Master Crane? I promise you won't be disappointed."
"Uh, no thanks. I'm really not in the mood. But I see you got Tigress to try one." Once again, the feline grunted.
"I bet she likes them," Ning Ning said confidently with a wink.
"Yeah, they might sweeten her up. You might wanna have her eat another one," Mantis said as a matter of attempting to lighten the mood. A growl escaped from Tigress's lips at that comment. "Or not…"
"I can leave them here just in case. I got plenty more where my base is," Ning Ning said. "Where's Master Shifu?"
"Him and Monkey are in the library, at least I think that's where they are," Crane answered with uncertainty. "I better go see what they're up to. They've been gone a good while."
"Yeah, and I have to stay here with the Queen of Hell's Wrath," Mantis said with much dissatisfaction, causing Tigress to narrow her fiery orbs at him.
"That's Shifu's instructions. I get your point though. It's not like she's able to do much in a cage," the avian responded flatly.
"I'm fine, you don't need to watch over me like a child. Just get out and leave me alone," Tigress growled dismissively.
"Take her word for it," Mantis declared.
"I second that," Crane agreed immediately.
"Are you sure you don't want anything checked out?" Ning Ning asked sympathetically. The feline grunted.
"That's the response. For some reason, Shifu thought it'd be simple enough," the male mantis said.
"I don't care what Shifu thinks or wants. I don't need concern from any of you. Get out," the feline said harshly. "Your presence won't make me any less angry. The old man is a fool if he thinks I take his regard for anything. Get out."
"Hey whoa, she's never called Shifu that in her life," Mantis recalled, equally shocked and offended, then whispered to Crane, "She's really lost it this time."
"Mantis, that's not going to make this any easier," spoke Viper as she emerged from the next room. "As clear as she makes it, Tigress needs to be left alone." She shot the feline a hard expression, to which the striped master only glared. "She's not well. No argument about that. But let's not forget we have more important things to focus on. Shifu and Monkey should be returning any minute and we don't need to waste more time than we already have trying to settle things here. Nurse, thanks for your help." Viper bowed to Ning Ning before signaling to her comrades to follow and began to slither off with Crane starting behind awkwardly. Mantis began to leave after taking one last worried look at the feline master. Ning Ning, observing the rather tense exchange between the striped warrior and her former allies, had a different sentiment.
"Are you sure leaving her here by herself would be the best thing?" the female mantis asked sympathetically.
"We're one hundred percent she doesn't wanna talk to us right now," Crane said flatly, "Or possibly ever again. Sorry for the inconvenience."
"At least I didn't have to paralyze anyone this time," Mantis added with slight relief, envisioning what another altercation with Tigress might have been. Ning Ning seemed to not have regarded the matter though.
"Master Tigress, I don't know if you're sure you don't need medical assistance but as I respect your request, I wish you well," the mantis said warmly with a bow. The feline only huffed and turned her back in disregard. Ning Ning felt a sad look on her face as she scooped up her bag and began exiting from the room. When the room door finally slid shut, the tigress was left in her thoughts.
Have to figure out an escape, one way or another…
Deep within the Northern Mountains…
The mist stretched thick across the mountains as a chilled wind ripped through the sky, sending shivers down the black goose's spine. "Gotta…gotta get there! Gotta get there f-fast!" the creature exclaimed worriedly between breaths racing through the thick clouds towards some place high, unknown to but a few, and inaccessible to most without wings. Where this place was and how little knew about it was a mystery. The greater secret was who frequented there. Exiles? Criminals?
The goose was struggling to carry a sack with at least eight scrolls over his back. The wind was fairly heavy today, causing the sack to hang off. "Of course…he has me taking on his load," the goose muttered with dissatisfaction as he winged closer towards this hidden place. Ahead, there was a rundown hut built atop of a small mountain peak.
For the time being, it would be just another plain day for many who lived outside the Valley of Peace. In the hut that nearly took up the whole piece of space, two birds laid awake huddled on some raggedy mats in the center of the one-room home. One was a male greylag goose with green eyes and a crossed beak. The other was a female white swan with violet eyes and looked a lot of years younger than the goose. Based on the looks of it, one could immediately gather they were in some sort of union whether it be marriage, a relationship, or simply an arrangement. Some would say what was going on in sight at the moment is only as comfortable as the two creatures could make it look, but what do we know?
"Jun dear…" The swan's voice was soft and sweet as she moved her wing to the goose's beak in comfort. "I'm so sorry. I don't know if it will ever heal though…"
"Not on its own at least… But I can't blame you for anything," Jun responded casually, taking her wing in his and planting a kiss. "At least we get this time now and can do whatever we please without interference. And I know you still think I'm the most handsome fellow in the world."
The swan gave a giggle. "You're right. If anything, this makes you so much more attractive," she cooed, leaning her face closer to his. "As long as you aren't having second thoughts on whether to keep me alive or not. I'm still at an age suitable to be on the market and my looks haven't begun to fade yet. Do you say so?" Jun let out a small chuckle.
"You're on the verge but that doesn't matter at this point. If you had waited until you got to my age, that's a different story," the goose said coolly.
"But what about your son? He thinks I'm too young for you," the swan asked softly, nesting her head into Jun's chest. The goose sneered and gave a sound that was the combination of a grunt and snicker.
"The fool. You aren't having relations with my son. The matter is none of his business," the goose denounced, "He barely respects his own father nowadays. Ever since he's been running around with that pesky cat, I can't control him. But the silly thing is he thinks he can control me. Hah! I'm beginning to think he's gone mad. And to think, it took his old, dried up quack of a mother's passing for him to start acting like a rebel."
"Oh, you must've felt refreshed when I came into the picture," the swan gloated guiltlessly, smooching the goose's forehead. "Younger women are a breath of fresh air. We don't have a lot of baggage and are open to plenty of new experiences. That being said, I have not been given the opportunity to explore my interests yet and I don't believe I'd get it with men my age or younger."
"Ooh, that could explain why the bastard child has gone far dark on me lately," Jun said with wicked amusement. "He's spiteful that I'd have better luck with women than him and I'm old as a tortoise. Aging has never felt more satisfying than in recent years. I feel like myself three decades ago."
The swan cooed. "And would that be because of me," she said sweetly. "I have everything a man could want in a woman. I'm young, gorgeous, and love giving a good time. Especially to a handsome goose that takes care of me. Honestly, would you say I'm worthy of your affection?"
Jun chuckled. "Don't be silly, Meilian. Don't you believe it's a little early to be asking that?" he said smugly. "Doll, I've barely seen you over six months." Meilian appeared only a bit slighted at that comment.
"Barely? I know you aren't referring to the few times I was occupied with the phoenix," the swan responded. "Dear, I promise all of that was for work. You know I don't prefer those types for anything other than their assets. I thought he was too young anyways."
"And you're telling me you wouldn't have left because he was more handsome, had a line and was wealthier, my dear? Hah, you don't have to lie about it," Jun teased. "I understand a woman of your caliber very well. Desires the finer things in life and doesn't want to waste her good years. Understandable. Truth to be told, I'm a man that doesn't have much time to waste himself."
"That's ridiculous, Jun. I love you for what you have added to my life," Meilian said softly, "Emotional security and guidance are the most important things a woman needs to be fulfilled other than money. Why do you think we're so sentimental?"
"Because you're women. Simple as that," Jun replied with a smug grin. "I knew we'd come back around to this conversation. What are you really trying to ask?"
The swan appeared slightly surprised. "For a man to cherish me, Jun. I have proven more than enough to be deserving of that," she said innocently. "And yes, I am a woman with feelings. With needs. With wants."
"And surely, I admire your honesty to me…" Jun said, teasingly caressing her cheek. "That goes a long way with establishing trust."
"And what about your honesty to me, Jun? Do you think I am a toy?" Meilian asked, beginning to become less enthusiastic with her partner.
"Oh the assumptions, Meilian," Jun said with a slight chuckle. "I said I'm too old to be playing those nonsense games. Only a buffoon would entertain the idea of wasting a young woman's time." The swan's face fell.
"So where are we going with this?" Meilian asked flatly. "You've made it clear you aren't the type to be alone and you need loving support. I've made it clear that I want security and stability in a mate. We both should know what we want overall at this point in our relationship."
Jun appeared slightly downcasted. "I thought it would've been a different time when we discussed this," he said.
"How much later?" Meilian pressed, stroking the goose's chest. "Evidently your wife had the patience of a saint." Jun was definitely taken back by that comment since he gave a low snort.
"I won't mention her again," he replied tonelessly.
Just then, a flapping sound could be heard not far away. "Jun! Jun!" a worried voice called the birds up. As if there was little to no time for something to happen any minute, the nervous black goose swooped in through the window, crashing into a pile of cauldrons with a hard thump, and the sack ejected from his grip. Next thing, he was on his back and scrolls were landed everywhere in the hut. "Uuuggh…"
The two other birds, in their suggestive position, shielded themselves. "Wang, what is this all about?" Jun questioned while Meilian shot him a look of disapproval. Wang groaned as he struggled picking himself up from the disarray.
"I…didn't suppose you'd…be busy," the black goose explained painfully briefly before he realized what he had busted in on. "Ooohh–so sorry, sir! H-honestly–I didn't mean to–I'll cover my eyes–" He began scurrying around for the scrolls, avoiding eyesight on the couple. "I-I had no idea y-you with her–"
"Oh give me a break," Meilian commented with second-hand embarrassment. "Didn't your parents teach you how to be polite and knock, you inconsiderate fool?" Wang whimpered at the swan's impressively sharp tone; she looked ready to give him the tirade of his life.
"Truly Miss, I-I didn't mean to interrupt. I was just coming to s–" the poor goose was abruptly cut off by Jun.
"You better have a good explanation for showing up here. And make it quick," the grey goose demanded, his eyes narrowed.
Meilian scoffed. "I see you're still finding use for this…idiot," she remarked to Jun. "Trying to find some other place of work didn't end well I conclude."
"P-please h-hear me out," Wang swallowed. "I-I promise I didn't travel here simply to defy your wishes, sir. I'm here to deliver an important message. It's from the leader of the Sun Clan."
Jun did not appear to relax even the least. "What is the matter?" he pressed, his voice kept unwelcoming.
"There's been a village takeover in the northernmost region of Qinghai, sir," Wang answered carefully. I believe Taizu wishes to speak with you." Jun snorted in disbelief; Meilian just rolled her eyes.
"Him? I haven't heard from that reckless wolf in years. What business could he want with me?" Jun questioned dismissively.
"I-I don't know, sir," Wang responded cowardly. "I swear I'm just a messenger. I don't know if he would mind her seeing–"
"I gladly excuse myself from this," Meilian spat, reaching for the violet robe and undergarments beside her. "Jun, do us a favor and handle your business."
"Fine, give me the message," Jun grumbled, shoving his wing forward to prompt Wang for the scroll. Scared enough, black goose quickly reached into the sack and pulled out the scroll only for Jun to then snatch it from his wing. "Now leave my sight before my temper runs out."
Immediately, Wang scrambled for the window but not before–
Wham! An unexpected, yet comical, slam into the wall left the black goose seeing stars momentarily before he regained equilibrium and flew off.
"And you said no one would find us here," Meilian snapped, folding her arms, "And the idiot saw me without my robe. What do you have to say for that?"
"As if he could do any harm to your image as it is," Jun responded coolly, unfolding the scroll. "And to his defense, he's stupid not a pervert."
"I believe that," the swan said with an eye roll. "Anyway, what's the message?"
"As if that's any of your concern," said the greylag goose, fixing on his robe, "But since you're here, you might as well see." He unrolled the scroll and took a read.
To whom it should concern,
It has been a while since our last encounter. We have much to discuss. You will know where to find me as I made the warning clear to the messenger. I have means to do away with him whether you choose to meet me or not.
"Typical," Jun remarked plainly, folding back up the message.
"Well…" Meilian commented indifferently.
"If only it was that simple," the greylag goose responded, "My disregard for that idiot's life is worth spending some quality time with you but I'm afraid that will have to wait."
"You're leaving me here…alone?" the swan said, offendedly with a wing on her hip.
"I'd rather be having another discussion than the one minutes ago," Jun remarked, "Nothing personal, dear."
"And just as I'm reminded once again, you're a bigger fool than him. Where are you supposed to be going this time?" The black goose forced a small laugh.
"You're not thinking of following me, are you?" Jun said with sarcasm, "I don't think he'd mind if I bring a guest. It might make things more interesting."
"Yes. Because I wouldn't mind getting caught up in your affairs," Meilian matched his tone. "And anyways, I have women's business to tend to." Jun smirked.
"That's what I like to hear," the black goose approved, "Stay being a good girl and I'll keep rewarding you. My promise." Meilian produced a light huff as Jun gave her a small peck on the cheek.
"That means this time I won't be waiting when you get back," the swan pouted childishly with her wings folded.
"Then there's the next," the black goose replied coolly before he took off through the window into the sky.
A dirty smile crept into Meilian's beak as she watched the unsuspecting goose disappear into the clouds.
Not much time, old man…
Hello lovely viewers,
I get it has been a LONG while since I posted. Some things came up and my focus went into multiple directions. That being said, I greatly apologize for the wait. I have read the reviews and will take any feedback into consideration. I will try my best to update sooner between chapters. Thank you for keeping up with the story.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO DREAMWORKS ANIMATION LLC. I DO NOT OWN KUNG FU PANDA.