FieLover: Sorry for gushing about Fie and Rean so much .. It's so cute that she glances more at Rean than at Relon. UwU. And dang Laura and Aurelia fighting together really is awesome.
My fellow Fie lover, you don't have to say sorry. I've gushed alongside Andrew and other friends over Fie when we played the game. You should see the artwork and screenshots I have of Fie from all four games. It's the subtle stuff with Fie that I love and yeah, Aurelia and Laura are basically like the top strongest in Class VII so together, they're a destructive duo lol.
Dramaticmusic23: Not much to say. I like that you kept this oldschool house chapter short and sweet, instead of have a long drawn out process like a lot of other do. I know this will be a while coming but how will the others feel when relon introduces claire, or tell them about his relationship with her. I can't wait!
Yeah, I've read a lot of other stories and they always make the old schoolhouse long and I'm like, 'Imma make it short because I'm 50-80% sure my readers have already read those very same long stories. As for Relon and Claire, that's gonna be a interesting. Especially with Sara. Personally, I'm excited to get to the Roer field study for obvious reasons UwU.
FieLover: I must say, your take is really interesting. At first, when I read it, I was kinda conflicted, but after rereading it, I'm actually really interested on your take Rean's powers. Because the way he controls his power was in CS2, so I'm looking forward to finding out how he does it here.
Good chapter as well~
Thank you so much! When I started writing the last chapter, I ran the idea by my friends and we had like a small debate over the idea. A buddy of mine was like, 'nah! I want Rean to suffer worse. I want nothing but bad things to happen. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger' and I'm over here writing as he's talking lol. Going in one ear and out the other XD. But we'll definitely see more of his ogre power. Especially with Senate and the other known villains to come.
Dantheman2000009: I'm loving the story so far when you posted all of those chapters for birthday week I ended up reading them all in one day also I was just wondering if you would put holidays in the story like Halloween or Christmas or other real life holidays? Anyways keep up the amazing work my friend!
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! And to answer your question, I just finished writing my notes for a Christmas chapter. So yes, holiday chapters will be included. I'm excited mainly for what I have planned for Christmas. That holiday arc is gonna be beyond hectic. I can just tell as will any others I think of. And will do!
THANK YOU ALL FOR REVIEWING!
SOD: So fun fact, I just stayed up all night writing chapter 29.
Andrew: You're telling us this why?
SOD: Don't know. Felt like saying it.
Andrew: Ok?
SOD: And you all can expect chapter 29 or 30 to be when the Field Study officially takes place.
Andrew: Wait, really?
SOD: Yeah, I kept trying to get to the practical exam and as I'm replayin Cold Steel 1, more stuff keeps popping up that I should write and so on and so forth.
Andrew: You and your ideas.
SOD: Look, when I get one, it's better to write it then and there instead of ignoring it.
Andrew: You have a point.
SOD: All I'm trying to do is keep the story interesting by moving the plot slowly (sadly, ugh) while maintaining the romantic and joking aspects. On a side note, any and all feedback is much appreciated.
"Ow..." Relon groans, his sight coming to being met with dust in the air.
Slowly raising up, he shakes his head looking around to take sight of his childhood friend laying on the ground.
Hurrying at a wobble to keep his balance, Relon soon reaches her.
"Laura, hey, are you okay?" He calls kneeling down.
"Mm." Responding with a groan, Relon helps her sit up. "What happened?" She asks still dazed.
"I think we ended in a tie." He answers in a chuckle helping Laura to her feet.
"It would seem so..."
Giving stoic glances to the other, the two soon fall out into fits of laughter.
"Man, those five years of waiting were worth it." Relon comments wiping a tear away.
"So true. The wait was indeed well worth. Though had it kept going, you most likely would have gotten the upper hand."
"Doubt it. You really started laying into me near the end. Had I been less focused, I'd transformed without a second thought and then we'd really be going at it. I'm just glad we weren't too disruptive."
"I wouldn't have minded an audience."
"I'm sure you wouldn't but I do. I'm not trying to have people see me. It's bad enough the class knows about Pippin. I'll admit that would be far too difficult to keep a secret. But having Instructor Sara and Fie know about Rean and I's transformation is something I'm not too keen on. Not to mention no one knows about my fire."
"I suppose you have a point. Though it seems both Fie and the instructor won't reveal such a personal secret."
"We'll see. It's just the first day and too much has already happened."
"You still haven't told Rean nor I about this morning in detail."
"When we all ready for bed, I'll tell you two then. Honestly, the amount that happened in such a short time still boggles me."
"Truly your luck is something else."
"You're not wrong there, Laura. You're not wrong there..."
Rean
"Alright, that's the last of that." Rean wipes some sweat having accumulated from his hours of hard labor setting up his room.
Glancing around, he finds the decorations to be satisfactory.
"What time is it even? It's already past seven?! Did I really spend seven hours just making my room? I don't even have that much. I'm pretty sure most of my time was just adjusting and moving stuff around if anything..." Dismissing the thought, Rean gives a shrug leaving his room. "It's nice to have Relon next door. Now that I think about it, he and Laura should be having their spar right about now. If I hurry, I should be able to catch it." With that thought, he hastens down the steps and out the dormitory.
Heading up the slope, he stops observing the night version of Trista. Lanterns lighting up the cobble path separating the shops from the park. Slowly, his eyes shift to said park. Or more so, who is in it. Curled up on a bench is a familiar personnel with short white hair wearing Class VII's red uniform.
"Isn't that... Fie? What's she doing out here this late?" He looks around not seeing nor sensing anyone nearby. "She shouldn't be out this late. There's no telling who might do something." Walking over before the girl, he is about to wake her up only to pause.
Wait. What if she thinks I was staring at her sleep? I doubt she'd believe me with how the way things may look. Should I just watch from afar? No, that's still the same as staring. Should I just leave and go to Relon and Laura?
"What are you doing?"
Tensing up, his eyes slowly lowers to lock onto Fie's now open. For a moment, neither react. Fie simply looking on bored at her older classmate and Rean frozen in place at the awkwardness he's now in.
"Uh..." He dumbly begins, the girl blinking awaiting an answer. "I swear I wasn't watching you sleep!" He blurts out.
Wait, brain, why did you just say that of all things?!
I don't know, I panicked!
"I know." She responds snapping him from his mental argument.
"Huh?" He questions as she sits up stifling a yawn.
"Not hard to sense people nearby when I'm not even asleep." She explains with a shrug getting up.
"O-Oh. I guess you have a point. But still, you shouldn't exactly be laying out here at night."
"Hm? Why not?" She tilts her head, her bored sleepy expression remaining.
"W-Well, you never know when someone might try to take advantage of you."
"Why do you care?" Her bland question hits Rean's head like a bullet as he shakes from the sheer absurdity it holds.
"We're classmates. Why wouldn't I?"
"We just met today." She retorts. "You saw back at the old schoolhouse that I can take care of myself."
"Yes, but it still leaves me feeling uneasy knowing something could happen."
"Again, it's none of your concern." She flatly states. "We're basically strangers so I don't see why you have to be so persistent." She shrugs walking away in the direction of the dorm.
"Because, Fie, I refuse to sit by and wait for something that can possibly end badly." He states stopping the girl in her step.
Turning around, she looks at the Eight Leaves practitioner as if reading him for the truth behind his words.
"Look, I'm sure you were listening to my 'ordeal' earlier so it shouldn't come as that much of a surprise. Whether you're my friend, my classmate, or a complete stranger, I refuse to stand idly by when I know I can stop something bad from possibly happening." She is about to retort but Rean continues. "And yes, I know you're more than capable of taking care of yourself. Looking more closely, it seemed you were holding back like I was." This making Fie widen slightly. "But regardless, one can't become complacent in their own strength. If you do, then that is when you have lost." He quotes.
After what seems like a solid minute, Fie finally reacts turning back around walking off. Lowering his shoulders, Rean can only sigh to note the girl stop once more glancing over her shoulder. Her gentle feature highlighted by the moonlight leaves the Eight Leaves practitioner speechless.
"Noted." She states leaving.
Once she's out of sight, Rean can only blink in repetition.
"Whoa..." Is all he can mutter.
Unbeknownst to him, a certain female instructor is situated in the Café Inn drinking a glass of beer. A smile on her face having seen the whole event right before her.
"Ah, young love." She places the mug down. "Now, should I wait and see what happens or do a little sabotaging? Hmm..."
"Hey, Rean!" Snapping from his stupor, he turns around to see Rean and Laura with slight dirt covering them. "What're you doing standing around?"
"I... I was just getting some fresh air. Just finished organizing my room so I thought I'd see the town at night."
"It is quite a luxurious sight."
"Yeah. But you know what would be even more better? A nice hot shower at that spar." Relon states.
"How did that go by the way?"
"Intense and hot." Relon answers, the three walking back to the dorm. "After I take a shower, you guys can stop by so I can properly fill you in on this morning."
"Very well. I may as well take the time to use my own as well."
"Sounds like a plan to me."
One Shower Later
"Your room is like mine." Rean notes taking a seat on the rug next to Relon and Laura, the three now in their night attires consisting of a red and black pair of pajamas for Relon, a black pair for Rean, and a navy blue for Laura. "Not much but everything practically exactly where it fits."
"You have no idea how many times I moved my bed and desk. Though I am going to miss wearing my traveling attire. I'm glad our class has the red uniforms but black is still a must in my opinion." He pouts to the others' amusement.
"Seeing you pout like that reminds me of Pippin." Rean notes.
"Meh." Relon shrugs laying down facing the ceiling, his arms behind his back. "This link Pippin and I have is a odd one with all that connects us. All I know according to Pippin is it's a magical sword and a few other details that you two are already aware of." Relon notes sitting back up, said sword laying in Laura's cross-legged lap.
"Right. Like Pippin able to sense your emotions." Rean mentions.
"And that 'path' you share able to see one another from quite a good distance away."
"Right. Now let me tell you two about the drama I had to go through."
Both friends show clear listening intent as Relon begins.
"As I was leaving, a group of six referring to themselves as the Furious Six walked down the train isle talking about their plan, completely oblivious to me being literally right next to them, and how they were representing 'Master Shifu.' A very short, very skilled old man. He also happens to be Leaguient #25."
"So these Leaguients have underlings that do tasks for them..." Laura ponders.
"Yeah. Basically, these six took over the train and set it on a course to crash into another incoming train but luckily, I was able to avert that accident though I ended up crashing one of the trains along the road here. After getting the conductor out, I had him see to the passengers while I faced off the Furious Six."
"They must have been difficult considering who they work under."
"Nope. Complete cake walk. Honestly, you two could have dealt with the six. The only one that proved somewhat of a challenge was the rather obese one seeming to be their leader. Their teamwork was mediocre at best. Also to note they had empty guns that they threatened those on the train with."
"Really? Why do such a thing?"
"Because they were all martial artists. Using a gun in a fist fight is like a taboo for us. I respect that even though they were committing such a crime, they stuck to the martial arts code." Relon shrugs. "Po. Tigress. Mantis. Crane. Monkey. Viper. Aside from Po, the other represented the five animalistic styles of martial arts and were skilled in it individually."
"But you said they weren't that difficult."
"They weren't because all of their styled paled in comparison to the Beastial Arts. It's known as the greatest for a reason. Not only does it incorporate some styles of all five, but the longer the fight goes on, the more beast-like Mister and I become. And once an animal is backed into a corner, that's when they're the most dangerous. At least, that's the mindset Mister instructed me with when I start fighting at least."
"So as the fight went on, it progressively got easier." Laura surmises.
"Yup. But Po was definitely... interesting. He was the big guy so one of my punches with my zemurian glove bounced right off him. Not to mention his style of fighting was odd. The closest I could guess was either it was a style of drunken fist or something he made up because his speed with that body weight was unreal."
"He was their supposed leader so I guess it makes sense." Rean comments.
"Yeah. But after dirtying my uniform, all sense I had left cause I transformed and within five seconds, they were all done. Didn't help that they called on a bunch of bots like Arentula did. Thankfully, I managed to destroy them before any of the civilians were harmed."
"Just what is Senate after? First they try to abduct Princess Alfin and now they try to crash two trains. Are they trying to send a message?" Rean ponders.
"What message though?" Relon retorts. "How weak the security system is to easily kidnap the princess and crash some trains? I feel like something like that can't be it. That's too obvious."
"We can only speculate. This is the third time their actions have been seen." Laura comments. "So what happened afterwards?"
"That was when Shifu decided to show up. Luckily at the same time, the RMP showed up. With the way things were looking, Shifu was ready to kill the Furious Six. That killing intent he was releasing said it all. We exchanged some words before we went at it briefly."
"And?" Laura questions.
"And that was it. It couldn't even be considered a scuffle considering we both were holding back. I'm more surprised over how easy it was to steal one of the Furious Six from him. It's like he was discarding her now that I look back at it..."
"You just said he was ready to end their lives so maybe that could be the case." Rean suggests.
"But that ponders the question; why release someone with intel on your organizations?"
"Hmm. Is there a failsafe in case someone apart of Senate is captured?"
"A failsafe? If so, then what...?"
After some more conversing, the two bid Relon goodnight retiring to their respective rooms, Pippin going along with Laura. Relon having gone downstairs into the kitchen to brew some tea. Now stationed against the counter, he simply waits. His mind wandering back to his conversation earlier.
A failsafe... huh?
Ring ring.
Hearing his ARCUS unit chime, he pulls it out.
"It's going on 10 p.m., who could be texting me at this time of night?" Flipping it open, he reads the text. "Hey, it's Claire, some things came up. You free to talk...? ... HUH?!"
Quickly texting back, he stares oddly at the screen.
When could she have gotten my contact?
Then it hits him.
While I was asleep.
Saving the contact, he takes a glass of tea before seating at the table. A moment passes and another chime rings to which he answers.
"What's up?" He asks taking a sip of his tea.
"Viper's dead." She responds, Relon spraying his tea in the air as he looks dumbly at his phone.
"Failsafe?" He asks.
"Failsafe."
"Wait, are you okay?!"
"I'm fine, but I can't say the same for some of my men."
"What happened?"
"A small but deadly explosion occurred when we started interrogating Viper."
"An explosion? A bomb was planted in the building?"
"There was an explosion, but it wasn't in the building per say."
"Then where-" He pauses, his eyes widening as it clicks. "No... there was a bomb in Viper?"
"Yes." She nods looking out the palace's balcony. "It's safe to say that interrogating anyone related to Senate will prove futile if they have a bomb implanted in their brain."
"Damn it. Are the others okay?"
"Thankfully, the explosion's radius wasn't large. Those inside the room only got 1st and 2nd degree burns."
"Oh... that's... good."
"Yes. Don't beat yourself over it. We couldn't have known."
"I know. I won't." He sighs. "Their attempts have shortened. Between Prince Olivert and Alfin, it was a 14 year gap and now it's only been three. That's too drastic."
"I agree. Which leads me to wonder if during that 14 year period, was all they were doing were scheming?"
"If they've been acting in the shadows, they've been doing a good job of it for no one to notice." Relon mutters taking a sip.
"Unless they've been dealing with any that find out."
"Most likely. Now we know what happened to Viper, it's safe to say the same happened to Arentula."
"That makes sense. Back then, you mentioned one of the men aboard that hovercraft say she was better off dead."
"When I tried to save her, explosions went off. Looking back, one of those must have from her. Which leads me to wonder how should we go about this."
"Do what we've been doing. Keep an ear out and notify the other should anything come up."
"Sounds good to me, Major." He agrees rocking his chair back slightly.
"I told you you don't have to address me like that."
"I know, but it makes sense when we're talking business and not romance. That and when other people are around. Don't want people thinking my girl is a cougar." He chuckles.
Taken aback by the bluntness and flirtation of his statement, she responds.
"You... have a point." A slimmer of heat rising to her cheeks.
"You're blushing, aren't you?" He grins.
"And you're still flirting." She retorts.
"I told you already. I don't flirt."
"Riiiiight. You're just 'unconsciously honest.'"
"Is that the term we're using from now on? When I flirt without realizing it."
"Considering Musse does her Musseing, we may as well make it official. Though... I like it when you refer to me as your girl." Her voice growing gentle.
"I'm not wrong. Besides, the last thing I need is to make a term for you should something happen concerning another girl and I. I've had enough female drama already."
"It'll do whoever some good to let them know that my man is taken and his girl is a quote on quote 'crackshot' with an orbal gun." She smiles, her tone caring though malice is evident as Relon can only shiver.
"That's the Icy Maiden for you." He mutters chuckling nervously.
"Hmm?"
"Nothing. Nothing. But we'll need to watch our backs. Senate is acting again and this time, they might be putting multiple plans into action at once."
"I know. All we can do is be prepared for whatever they do."
"True that." He agrees.
"So Relon."
"Yeah?"
"Moving from a less serious topic, how was your first day of school? I hope your instructor let you off easy for your tardiness."
"Oh yeah, she was super lenient. Took me aback for a moment with how nonchalant she was about the whole thing."
"Really?"
"Yeah, Instructor Sara was pretty unfair with the old schoolhouse. I nearly had to reveal my fire at one point. Stupid gargoyle." He mutters.
"... Did you say Sara?" She questions.
"Yeah, why?" He asks though Claire remains silent. "Claire? Is something wrong?"
"Sara and I simply don't get along." She finally answers.
"Oh? How come?"
"Reasons." She quickly dismisses.
"Ah. Duly noted."
Another thing Aunt Cecily taught me. If a woman's mood shifts suddenly, it's either because of another woman or because the topic bothers them. In this case; both.
"Be careful around her. She's more than a handful."
"I will. You don't have to worry about little ole me."
"Yes I do. What kind of woman would I be if I didn't worry about the man I hold feelings for?" She questions, a smile on her face as she gazes a the star-filled night sky.
Now Relon is the unresponsive one. Steam quickly floats from his tea as his mouth quivers, the young man trying to straighten the childish grin attempting to form.
"Ahem, you have a point there..." He mutters.
"Someone's blushing." She teases.
"And you're flirting." He pouts.
"No I'm not. I'm just being honest about my feelings."
"... That was unfair."
"All's fair in love and war."
"It's not if you win both in one fell swoop." He chuckles once again. "But... thanks, Claire."
"For what? I haven't done much aside from the ride to Thors."
"Nothing in particular really. Just thanking you for being you. It's what made me fall for you in the first place. Intelligent on top of being well trained yet you hold a gentle side that not many others see. I'm grateful I'm one of the few who can."
"Relon..." She mummers happily.
"Sorry, I'm not trying to sound sappy or anything. I'm just speaking what comes to mind. Honestly, It's just reassuring knowing you've got my back."
Holding her phone close to her chest, Claire remains silent clutching the only connection to Relon.
"No." She shakes her head holding out her phone. "You have nothing to apologize for. And I feel the same." She basks towards the lit city. "We may currently be unable to properly enjoy our relationship but that doesn't mean we're not supporting the other. You're handling things or your end as I am on mine."
"And should anything happen, I'll come either running or flying."
"And I will come driving to you." She laughs.
"So what? We're going to be checking in on a weekly basis if not daily?" He begins to laugh too.
"Weekly. Work will most likely keep me busy on most nights so I doubt I'll be able to wish you goodnight every night."
"Boo. Well at least I'll know something's up if I don't hear from you within a week. And don't think about having someone like Lechter message me saying you're too busy once a week has passed. I will come and make you take a break."
"You really don't care about Chancellor Osborne, do you?"
"Bold of you to assume I did." Both share another fit of laughter before settling down.
Taking another sip, he continues.
"Classes officially start tomorrow. I'm curious how their math curriculum is like."
"That's right. I never asked, but what did you place on the entrance exams?"
"First."
"I should have known." She chuckles.
"Not surprised?"
"Why would I? I've seen how smart you are. I'm actually relieved the both of us scored first on our entrance exams."
"You did too? Wow, guess we're a strong and smart team."
"You're just now figuring that out? Better not forget it."
"I definitely won't now." He takes another sip of tea finishing his glass. "Need more night tea." He mutters getting up and doing just that.
"Did you say night tea?"
"Yup. A little concoction I made back during my time in Legram. I always make some whenever I get the chance. It helps ease the mind at night. Wasn't that hungry so I just cooked a little something while I was still fixing my room."
"Really now? Strong, smart, handsome, and you're skilled in the kitchen? Wow, I really got quite the man. That has me thinking now..."
"... What's up?" He mutters regaining his composure from her compliments.
"Can you ingest, for instance, boiling water or meat right out of a fire? Without it hurting I mean."
"Yeah, I can, though it doesn't change the taste or anything." He takes another sip. "Fascinated by my abnormalities?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be? It defines who you are after all."
Taking a moment, he smiles.
"Thanks, Claire."
"Anytime, Relon. Though it's close to 11 we'll have to end things here for now."
"Sadly, but I enjoyed it. G'night Claire."
"Sleep well."
"You too."
And with a click, they hang up. Both releasing a happy sigh. Claire returning to her room and Relon finishing his tea. Both readying for the day to come.
Next Day
Beep beep. Beep beep. Beep-
Tapping the top of the clock, Relon rubs the sleepiness out of his eye. Yawning, he goes over opening his window to be met with the morning air along with a nice view of the quaint town of Trista.
"Alrighty. Day two of Thors Military Academy starts today. First; a shower."
Finishing his wash up, Relon looks in the mirror making sure he's presentable.
Now, Relon never bothered to fix his hair. More so he never had a reason to. Though from his time with Alfin, the girl with the largest amount of haur he's ever seen, he picked up on a few things.
If he had to describe his hair in one word, it'd be scruffy. And thanks to the gel given by Alfin, he's added two bangs ending at his chin along his cheeks. An idea the princess thought of previously though he didn't think much of it until now.
"Alfin was right, the look isn't that bad. Hmm, guess I'll rock it for the tine being."
Knock knock knock.
Looking to his door, he gives an odd look before dismissing it realizing who it is. Opening the door, he's greeted by two familiar faces. Or... one familiar face and weapon.
"Morning, Laura. Pippin." He greets, the sword hovering to his side though Laura remains unresponsive staring at the boy. "Laura?" She snaps from whatever thoughts looking at the curious boy. "I'm guessing from that face the new look is kinda surprising." He comments messing with one his new bangs.
"Quite, but in a good way!" She quickly corrects.
"Oh. Well that's a relief." Relon sighs. "What are you doing herr though?"
"Well..." She averts here eyes. "Ahem. I was just considering waking you." She explains, a small blush apparent.
"Like from when we were kids?"
"Yes! Exactly! You tended to sleep in so... I don't mind should the occurrence ever arise.
"Huh. Thanks for being so considerate, Laura. I may just have to take you up on that." He smiles, his words seeming to .
"Good. Shall we head off then?"
"Yeah." He nods the trio head off. "I'm surprised Aurelia isn't with you."
"She already left for the academy some time ago. She mentioned wanting to do some early morning training."
"Sounds about like Aurelia based off of your letters." He chuckles, the two walking up the slope to halt.
"Isn't that Rean?" She questions.
The boy standing with an arm on his hip.
"And Fie?"
The girl curled up on the bench seeming to be sleeping soundly.
"Fie. Did all of what I say last night go in one ear and out the other?" Rean deadpans.
"Mm." She mumbles sitting up rubbing her eye. "Morning." She tiredly greets for Rean to twitch an eye.
"Fie...!" He groans as she stands to her feet. "What?"
"Last night's conversation ring a bell?" Her eyes immediately becoming lazy upon those words.
"What's wrong with sleeping during the day?" Rean facepalms at her words.
"Morning guys." Both turn to be greeted by Relon and Laura.
"Morning." Fie greets.
"Good morning. Sleep well?" Rean greets, both looking at Relon's new look.
"Nice." They both state in unison.
"Thanks. And I slept well."
"As did I." Laura adds. "Is there some sort of problem?"
"She's not listening to reason."
"And he's being annoying."
"Fie, you shouldn't just sleep anywhere." Rean protests for the girl to look away. "H-Hey!"
"Jeez, you're reminding me of Machias and Jusis." Relon comments.
"True that." Fie agrees.
"Relon, you two?!" Rean exclaims for the group to laugh it off, Fie giving a small smile though she quickly ceases it upon her own realization.
Why did I...?
"Anyway, we should get going. Don't want to be late for class." Relon notes as Rean can only sigh.
Nodding in agreement, the four walk off. Before long, they find their homeroom. Taking sight of the rest of their classmates, Rean seeing Alisa who immediately looks away, they quickly seat themselves. Aurelia, Gaius, Machias, Emma, and Jusis in the front row with Alisa, Rean, Fie, Elliot, Relon, and Laura in the back. Before long, Sara walks in placing a few papers on the podium.
"Alright, who's ready for class?" She winks.
Mysterious Location
"Viper has been confirmed dead, Master Shifu." A grunt in armor states kneeling before the short Leaguient.
"Good. You may leave." Obeying, the grunt dismisses themselves as Shifu sighs. "A pity. She had so much talent. If only you weren't so foolish..." The man looks behind him at the large man behind him. "Po." The biggest of the group raising his head revealing a look of scorn. "Now, her death rests on your shoulders. So tell me, what do you want to do about it?" Silence. "Speak!" She clam him new cane on the ground, the thud echoing around.
"Allow me a second chance, Master Shifu." He mutters.
"A second chance to do what?" Shifu questions turning his back to the man. "To beat that boy? How do you plan to do that when the six of you were no match for him? His Beastial Arts far surpasses anything the five of you combined hold. His fire is something you can't combat easily. Then there's the matter of the boy increasing his fighting parameters. So I'll ask you once more, how do you plan to combat such a foe in your weakened state?" He wonders glancing back at the noticeable bandages on Po's stomach.
"I wish to get stronger, Master."
"Ha! You want strength?! You think I am going to simply comply with such an absurd request? You, the strongest of the now Furious Five, never truly took your training seriously. You are too soft! It showed in your training!" Shifu slams down his cane having turned around the the large man.
"I know." Po responds finally looking to his master. "To avenge Viper. To redeem both your honor and respect. To kill that, boy. Master Shifu- no. Lord Barbatos, I ask for your assistance and this time, I swear I will not fail!" Po begs on his hands and knees.
... How long has it been since you have called me that? When I met you as an infant?
"Very well." Po raises up. "I didn't kill you or the others like I was going to, but should I deem you aren't able to keep up with your training, I will go through with ending not only yours but the others' lives as well."
Looking in disbelief, Po bows his head.
"Thank you, my lord. I will not fail you again."