Chapter 26: The Necklace

The Chameleon…the Empress of Juniper City…was now gone. The city began to change the moment she was taken into the Spirit Realm. The corrupt council that oversaw operations in various sections of the city was disbanded and arrested. A provisional government took its place and it seemed as though Juniper City would become a better place as a result. Only time would tell, but for now, we tried to rest as much as possible after everything that happened.

Han took us to a "safe house" within the city so we could stay in for several days. Since my leg was broken it seemed as though it would take a while before I could walk independently again. I was given a cane for the time being…a gift from the locals to me. Instead of seeing me as a monster as they always had, they now saw me as one of them, and I couldn't be happier. Things really did change after we stood up for Juniper City.

It was a relatively cold morning, but sunny regardless. I felt the sun's rays hit my face from my window before I lifted myself up. Zhen soon came in the room, carrying what appeared to be breakfast, "morning sleepyhead. I brought you some of Po's secret recipe…oh, and some Oolong Tea!"

The vixen set them on the side before I affectionately rubbed the side of my head against her cheek. She laughed, pulling away a bit, "okay, okay. Look" she sat on the side of the bed, setting the plate of food by my lap, "tonight's going to be our last night here. We're heading back to the Jade Palace tomorrow."

She put her paw against my side, giving a soft smile, "that means you have to get off your big butt and get those leg of yours working again, lazy head" the gray fox smirked. I rolled my eyes, soon putting a paw against her cheek.

I nodded. Wherever Zhen goes, I go after all. Though, wouldn't I just slow everyone down? Oh well, I guess we'll figure it out.

Master Wolf soon bursts into the room as Zhen groaned…ears folding behind her before she turned to face the gray wolf, "do you mind, we're kind of having a moment…"

"Have your moment later, I just got news from the palace" she handed Zhen a scroll. Before the fox opened it she looked at the canine with a raised brow, "from The Valley of Peace?"

"No, Juniper City."

"Ugh…their timing is impeccable" soon she opened the scroll and examined it…reading the symbols on the paper, "t-they're naming me Chief Magistrate of Juniper City?"

"Eventually, so you'll probably have two responsibilities besides being the new Dragon Warrior and all" Master Wolf said…but soon she put paws on her hips and leaned forward, "it's not like Mia can take the responsibility for you."

"Sure she can!" Zhen defended me, rolling up the scroll…pointing it at the canine, "she can just stand there and pretend to know what's going on, that's what most of them do anyway!"

Master Wolf rolled her eyes playfully and looked toward me, "maybe she has a point, Mia."

I shrugged before the canine began to leave, "well, anyway, I'll leave you two love birds at it" she closed the door behind her before Zhen focused on me once again.

"Chief Magistrate…I can't believe that…I wouldn't imagine that in a million years as something I would be doing."

I had to giggle at that. Soon, though, I put a hand against her paw and looked down at her with a smile, you'll do great, Zhen. You always have.

Soon, however, a terrible feeling hit me…Zhen and I were going to be prosecuted for our crimes in the Jade Palace. Po promised to reduce our sentences but it still left me with bugs in my stomach.

I had to remain strong…for Zhen, and help her through this transition period.

…

The next thing I knew, my face was against water…half of it was submerged. I expected to feel a cold shiver, but the pool actually felt warm like a soft pillow.

Sure enough, I lifted my head and found myself in a lake surrounded by small rocky hills. The sky is bright yellow like the most beautiful sunset a person will only see once in their entire lives. And, there seem to be cherry blossom pedals floating around the island…yes: island!

Naturally, the first question that came to my mind was: where am I?

I can see a peach tree not too far away: it was in full bloom…quite beautiful actually. I stand up finally…I looked down to see that, by some miracle, my leg brace was gone! I must be dreaming…this has got to be a dream!

Another thing caught my eye: I seem to be floating on the water…as if I'm weightless! I can't explain it, but…It looks as though this place could be the Spirit Realm!

So…am I dead? W-what happened!?

I suddenly heard whispering in the wind line that danced around me, the leaves seemed to be guiding me to the peace tree.

I can hear and feel the ripples below me vibrating with each step I take. It's as if in this realm: everything is tuned to perfection.

Then, I heard a voice from the tree as I reached its base. The voice was old and frail, but quite comforting, "I was wondering when you'd wake up!" It was an old, anthropomorphic, tortoise. He had a weary smile on his face. There seemed to be no ill malice in his intentions…in-fact, it appeared as though I was his guest of honor! Wait a minute…can it be, yes…I can't believe it: it's Master Oogway!

Regardless, I tilted my head in confusion.

He rested against the tree branch, still looking down at me, "Wolf had told me a lot about you, Mia."

I raise an eyebrow, suddenly leaf pedals surrounded their entire body and the tortoise disappeared. Shortly after, I sensed them next to me…inspecting me, "healthy, strong-willed!" I tried moving away, yet he continued, "your parents will be so proud."

I move back, giving a frustrated, and equally confused, scowl back at him, why am I here?

Master Oogway kept smiling, holding onto his shiny staff. He seemed to be able to read my expression better than anybody, other than Zhen, ever could, "you wish to know more."

I hesitantly nodded, and he soon continued. He twirled the end of his staff against the water…and the swirling soon became moving images…

"There was a warrior that was set loose in Hu-Man City…The Centipede! The only thing he desires in life is time."

I am shown images of an insect wrapped in a cloak…but what is not hidden is its vicious sharp tail. Its red/black eyes were sharp…so sharp that I could swear that they were looking right into me at that exact moment.

Oogway continued, "he discovered a way to manipulate time and use it in battle…with this gift he desired to be the master of all time." Suddenly, the images around us halted and he looked toward me with a smile, "pretty interesting, yes?"

I stood there, rolling my head to the side before he chuckled…slowly inching closer to me, "you have the heart of a true warrior, I know you will defeat The Centipede" He had given me something in my hand…

Master Oogway's form began to disintegrate into small flower pedals, I could hear his voice around me, "say hello to Po for me."

…

I suddenly woke up to the sound of banging on the door. I sat up quickly, gasping for air.

"Mei! Today's the day we leave for the palace, I'll be in soon to help you get ready!" I heard a voice on the other side of the door.

I sat up…rubbing my neck…it hurts…I must have slept in a bad position last night. Suddenly, I felt something…it's wrapped around my neck…w-what the?

I snap my head toward the mirror across the bed…I'm wearing a necklace? How did that get there? Did Zhen cunningly place it around me? No…she couldn't have…I recognize it.

I look down to study the artifact: the necklace is in the shape of a wolf's head…intricately designed to include every minute detail of a wolf's face. It's just large enough for me to wrap my hand around.

I recognize it, I remember it from my dream the night before…Master Oogway gave me this before I woke up. B-but how is that possible…I thought it was just a dream!?

I've got to admit, it does look cool. The morning sun shined against its surface…for a brief moment, there was a bright glint…almost a bright flash in my eyes thanks to the reaction. I rubbed my eye at the discomfort… suddenly feeling something odd pressing against it…

Huh?

I pull my hand away and I am suddenly wracked with confusion…my hand…looked different! I gasped…eyes widening. There's gray…fur…gray fur! Too late do I realize something I can barely see in my peripheral vision…a gray snout. I looked toward the mirror and that's when I finally let out a scream.

Master Wolf and Zhen burst into the room…both ready for a confrontation, "Mei, what's going on!?" The fox asked before stopping in place. I looked toward them as both females gasped sharply.

To them: sitting on the bed is a wolf. The necklace must have caused this…I've been transformed into a wolf!

Today is going to be a strange day, isn't it?

…

Oooh! I was so excited for this part. I teased a commissioned artwork on my deviant art a while back for Mei in her Wolf form and finally here it is!

This should get interesting!

With that said, this will be the last update of 2024. I hope to see you all in 2025, have a great rest of the year!