Chapter 8 The Wake Of Teasing
The wake was held in a grand hall within Gongmen City, with guests arriving from all over. Panther, Blake, Jie, Kiba, Kuo, Po, and the Furious Five made their way through the crowded halls, greeted by Shifu, Ox, and Croc.
"Welcome," Shifu said with a quiet nod, his eyes scanning the room. He was composed, as always, but his mind was heavy. "It's good to have you all here."
Blake gave a respectful bow. "Thank you for having us."
As they settled into their seats, the air was thick with a mixture of somberness and respectful silence. The citizens began arriving, quietly paying their respects to Master El, and the wake commenced.
Tigress, standing near the front, kept her gaze focused ahead, but there was a fire in her amber eyes. Shifu caught sight of her and silently observed. He knew she wasn't ready to give up on Leo. He could see it in the way her eyes burned with a mixture of concern and determination. She, Panther, and Viper had all been trying to reach Leo, to help him confront his grief. But it was clear that no matter what, they loved and cared deeply for him.
"Is it hard for her?" Ox asked quietly, his large frame casting a shadow in the soft candlelight. His voice was low, but his concern was clear.
Shifu sighed. "Leo's decision has affected them all. But Tigress… she's strong. She'll hold on, no matter how long it takes."
Across the room, whispers started to circulate amongst the citizens. They spoke in hushed tones about Leo's absence. Ox could hear bits of their murmurs, and it troubled him.
"He should've been here," Croc muttered, his voice steady but filled with frustration. "He owes it to Master El. He owes it to everyone who loved him."
Ox nodded. "But we both know Leo never planned on attending. He made a promise, and he's a man of his word. That's the burden he carries."
Po and Crane stood near the back of the room, conversing quietly. Their eyes occasionally flicked toward Tigress, who stood, unmoving, at the front.
"I can't believe he didn't come," Po whispered, his voice heavy with disappointment. "This was supposed to be a time of remembering, of honoring Master El."
Crane gave a knowing look. "You know Leo. He's stubborn. But we can't just let him keep running from this. We have to help him."
Po rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "What if we come up with a plan for when we all get back to the hotel? Get Leo to see reason."
Crane's eyes narrowed. "We'll need to be subtle. Leo's too proud. But we can't give up. He's hurting, and he's hiding from it."
Meanwhile, back at the hotel, Leo was in his room, pushing himself physically as a way to cope with the overwhelming weight of the promise he'd made ten years ago. He was doing pushups, crunches, pull-ups, and handstand pushups—anything to keep his mind occupied. But even his physical exertion couldn't block out the thoughts that kept resurfacing, memories of a promise he made to a loved one long lost.
His phone buzzed, interrupting his focus. Leo paused in the middle of a handstand pushup, glancing at the message notification from Panther.
"Leo, we miss you here at the wake. Please, at least think about it. You're not alone in this."
Leo didn't reply. His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before he dismissed the message, continuing his workout as if to block out the world. But even the physical strain couldn't silence the thoughts that gnawed at him.
Back at the wake, Blake, Jie, Kuo, and Kiba had gathered with Monkey and Mantis in a quiet corner. They were talking in hushed tones, still processing the absence of Leo.
"It's good that Blake came," Jie remarked softly, watching the crowd around them. "But it would've been better if Leo had come, too."
Kiba nodded solemnly. "Yeah. He would've honored Master El's memory so much more if he'd shown up."
Blake sighed deeply, his brow furrowing. "I get why he's avoiding it, but… it still feels wrong. He's not just avoiding the wake; he's avoiding all of us. It's like he's shutting himself out."
"Master El would have wanted him to be here," Kuo added, his tone firm but sad. "Leo's one of the strongest warriors I know. But right now, he's letting his grief take over."
Jie's eyes softened, thinking of the man she once fought alongside. "Sometimes, even the strongest need help. But we can't force him to come back."
Meanwhile, the old female goat, Soothsayer, approached the group. Her eyes, though wise and weathered, still held a deep kindness in them.
"I've been hoping," she said softly, "that Leo would show up. It would have been a sign, a sign that he's finally ready to let go of his past, to move forward."
But as the wake went on, the truth was undeniable—Leo wasn't coming.
The wake lasted for four hours, and though the citizens honored Master El in their own way, there was a sense of absence, not only from the void left by Master El himself but from Leo's refusal to be there.
Leo spent the last four hours exercising in his room, pushing himself through various routines to keep his mind off the heavy burden of his promise. Afterward, he made his way to the hotel's restaurant to eat dinner.
The restaurant was quiet with only a few patrons eating. As he sat down with his meal, Leo overheard a conversation from a nearby table.
"I still can't believe Leo didn't show up," one of the diners said, shaking his head. "After all, Master El meant a lot to the city."
"Yeah, it's strange," another person replied. "I thought for sure he'd be here for the wake."
Leo remained silent, his jaw tightening slightly as he listened to their exchange.
"Maybe he's still dealing with whatever happened," the first diner mused. "You know, there's a lot of mystery around why he wouldn't come."
"Yeah, it's not like him to miss something so important," the second diner agreed.
As the conversation continued, Leo finished his meal quietly, his thoughts swirling. After a few moments, he stood up, paying for his dinner, and walked back to his room.
Meanwhile, at the wake, the final moments were unfolding. As the last citizen left, Shifu turned to everyone gathered.
"Thank you all for coming," Shifu said, his voice steady, though his gaze was somber. "Please remember, the funeral will take place in a few days."
Ox, who had been helping organize the event, moved towards Shifu, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Thank you for being here, Shifu. And thank you, Panther, Blake, Jie, Kiba, Kuo, Po, and the Furious Five, for attending," Ox said, his voice filled with gratitude. "We hoped Leo would show up. It would've meant a lot to him, and to everyone here."
Po sighed, looking around at the emptying room. "He'll come around, I'm sure of it. He just needs some time."
Crane nodded, standing beside Po. "But the question is… how do we get him to come to the funeral? We can't just leave it like this."
In a quieter corner, Tigress, Panther, and Viper were speaking with Soothsayer.
"Soothsayer," Tigress asked, her voice full of concern, "What do you think? Do you have any advice on how we can get through to Leo?"
Soothsayer sighed, her wise eyes full of understanding. "Leo is carrying the weight of that promise to Fang. You must be patient with him. Sometimes, the heart needs more time than the mind wants to admit."
Viper nodded, though she looked worried. "We'll keep trying, won't we? He can't shut us out forever."
"Yes," Panther affirmed, her voice firm but full of care. "We will find a way. He'll come around."
At a nearby table, Blake, Jie, Kiba, and Kuo were talking in hushed tones.
"It's really too bad," Blake said, looking towards the door, "It would've been good to have Leo here."
Jie sighed, glancing at Kiba and Kuo. "We all hoped he'd make it. But we know how Leo can be sometimes."
"I just wish we could do something to help him," Kiba said, his ears slightly drooping. "We just have to hope he shows up for the funeral."
Kuo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we just have to hope."
Back at the hotel, Leo entered his room, the weight of the day hanging over him. He walked straight to his closet, grabbing his black pajama shorts and boxers before heading into the master bathroom.
The water from the shower washed over him, helping him clear his mind, but the weight of the promise still lingered. He dried himself off and slipped on his black boxers and shorts before heading over to the window.
Looking out at the city, Leo's thoughts remained focused on Master El and the promise he'd made. His eyes were distant, the burden on his heart heavier than he was willing to admit.
After a long day, the group headed back to the hotel. The events of the wake had weighed heavily on everyone, but there was still a quiet determination in the air. Tigress, Panther, and Viper were tired but knew they still had a little bit of time for themselves before the night ended.
As soon as they entered Tigress and Viper's shared room, Tigress and Panther made their way toward the bathroom. They quickly removed their clothes, ready to unwind. Viper, always the calming presence in the group, was already filling the tub with warm water. She gestured for Tigress and Panther to join her, and soon the three women were relaxing in the bath, the warm water soothing their tired muscles.
The sounds of the water and their quiet conversations filled the room, but after a while, the weight of the day seemed to lift. After finishing their bath, Tigress and Panther stepped out, wrapping themselves in soft towels. They quickly changed into their pajamas, feeling the comfort of their favorite clothing after the exhausting day.
Once they were dressed and ready, the trio left the room. They quietly made their way to Leo's, knowing he would be there alone, perhaps still contemplating the events of the day. When they reached his door, they paused for a moment, taking a collective breath.
Inside, Leo was standing by the window, looking out over the city. His black pajama shorts were a contrast against the deepening night sky, and his shirtless torso seemed to reflect the stillness in his mind. He hadn't noticed them approach, lost in his thoughts.
Tigress couldn't help but smile softly at the sight of him. She silently stepped toward him, her movements slow and deliberate, a playful glint in her amber eyes. With a mischievous grin, she snuck up behind him. Before Leo could react, Tigress gently planted a kiss on his cheek, catching him by surprise.
Leo, startled at first, turned to see Tigress standing there with a teasing smile on her face. His heart skipped a beat, his thoughts momentarily distracted from the heavy burden he had been carrying all day. He didn't say anything at first, just stood there, his expression softening.
Tigress, always a little bolder than the others, winked at him. "You should smile more, Leo," she said softly, her tone light, though her eyes reflected the concern she had for him.
Panther and Viper, standing just behind Tigress, shared knowing looks. They could see the small shift in Leo's expression, and though he wasn't smiling yet, they were certain the warmth of their presence would eventually get through to him.
Leo, still slightly surprised, chuckled softly. "You caught me off guard," he admitted, his voice quieter than usual. He finally turned to face them properly, though the hint of sadness still lingered in his gaze.
Tigress, sensing the weight of his thoughts, placed a gentle hand on his arm. "We're here for you, Leo," she said, her voice steady and comforting. "Whatever it is you're holding onto, we'll be with you every step of the way."
Leo didn't reply immediately. Instead, he just looked at them, the warmth of their friendship and care slowly breaking through the barrier he had built around himself.
As the three women gathered around him, Leo couldn't help but feel a small comfort in their presence, even if he was still struggling with the promise he had made. Maybe, just maybe, there was still room for him to let go of the past—at least for a moment.
But before he could react, he felt the light touch of lips on his cheek. Tigress had snuck up behind him, her soft lips brushing his skin in a kiss that took him by surprise.
"Leo," she whispered, her voice warm and tender.
He turned around to face her, his heart racing at the unexpected gesture. Behind her, Panther and Viper stood, the latter's green scales shimmering in the low light. Viper's blue eyes gleamed as she watched the interaction between the two, her body language relaxed, but her mind always working.
"You missed the wake," Tigress said softly, her voice laced with concern. "Everyone missed you. We all hoped you'd be there. It wasn't the same without you."
Leo sighed, feeling the weight of her words. "I know," he said quietly, his gaze flickering to the window again. "I just… I couldn't."
Panther stepped forward, her posture gentle but firm. "You've been through a lot, Leo. We get it," she said, her voice strong yet empathetic. "But you're not alone anymore. We're here for you, always."
Viper's voice slithered in next, as soothing and calm as ever. "We care about you, Leo. You don't have to carry it all by yourself. Let us help."
As the three of them gathered closer, Tigress placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch comforting, but there was a playful glint in her amber eyes. "But," she added, "we're not going to let you hide forever."
Panther and Viper exchanged knowing glances, and then the teasing began.
Viper, ever the sly one, slithered around Leo, her green scales catching the light, and she nuzzled against his arm. "What's the matter, Leo?" she teased, her blue eyes glinting mischievously. "Not even a smile for us?"
Tigress and Panther laughed lightly, their voices filled with affection. Leo, ever the stoic, fought to keep his expression neutral, but the warmth of their affection and the playful banter was enough to make his cheeks turn a light shade of red.
"You know we're just trying to get through to you," Tigress said, her voice soft yet unyielding. "You don't have to push us away."
Leo looked at her, his heart thundering in his chest, and for a moment, the weight of his promise, his grief, seemed just a little lighter. But he didn't let himself fully believe it. Not yet.
"I know," he replied, his voice steady but quiet. "But I'm not ready."
Viper, still teasing, playfully wrapped herself around his neck like a scarf, her green scales brushing against his skin. "You know, Leo," she said, "You don't have to be 'ready' all the time. Sometimes, we just have to… let go a little."
Panther, ever the gentle one, rested a hand on Leo's arm. "We're not asking you to forget, Leo. Just… don't shut us out. Not when we're trying to help."
The warmth of their words, the sincerity in their eyes, made Leo feel something in his chest shift. Maybe, just maybe, they were right. He didn't have to do everything alone. But for now, he wasn't ready to fully open up. Still, he felt himself softening under their gentle pressure.
Tigress stepped closer again, her amber eyes catching his, and she placed a kiss on his cheek once more. "We're here for you, always. No matter what."
Leo could only nod in response, his heart still conflicted, but a small part of him was beginning to believe that maybe he didn't have to carry the burden alone.
As the night stretched on, the teasing continued, each little remark and lighthearted jab from Viper, Panther, and Tigress making Leo blush just a little more, but deep down, he knew they were only doing this to get through to him. And maybe, just maybe, they were helping him heal in their own way.
As the evening wore on, Leo sat comfortably on the edge of the bed in his room, his mind still swirling with the events of the day. He had hoped for some peace and quiet, but it seemed that wasn't in the cards, as Tigress, Panther, and Viper had other plans. They were determined to pull him out of his thoughts and make him laugh, and Leo knew exactly what that meant.
Viper, with her characteristic slithering grace, curled her body up to Leo's head. She playfully flicked her tail across his ear, her usual mischievous grin spreading across her face. Leo flinched slightly, his ear twitching as he instinctively reached up to swat at the playful snake.
"Viper, you're really starting to test my patience," Leo muttered, though the corners of his lips betrayed him, curling upward.
"You can't expect us to stop, Leo," Viper teased, her blue eyes gleaming. "You know we're only trying to distract you."
Meanwhile, Tigress sat beside him, her usual stern demeanor softened by the warmth of the moment. She gently traced circles on Leo's collarbone with the tips of her fingers, the delicate motions a stark contrast to her usual strong, no-nonsense presence. Leo's eyes flickered down to her hand, not out of discomfort, but because he knew exactly what she was doing. She was persistent, but in a way that made him feel cared for, even if it was a bit distracting.
"Is this really necessary, Tigress?" Leo asked, trying not to laugh as the subtle pressure of her touch had a calming, almost grounding effect.
"You need to relax, Leo," she replied, her voice low and soothing. "You've been working yourself up too much over everything. Let us help you let go."
As Leo attempted to focus on the task at hand—whether that was thinking or talking—he could feel the lightness of Panther's approach. With grace and quiet confidence, Panther leaned in from behind and began tracing slow, delicate patterns on Leo's upper back. Her fingers were gentle, moving with purpose as if she were helping to ease the tension that had built up in his muscles.
"There," Panther said softly, her touch almost meditative. "Take a deep breath, Leo. Let it all go."
Leo couldn't help but close his eyes, allowing himself to lean back into the softness of their attention. His mind started to quiet, the weight of his thoughts momentarily fading. As the trio surrounded him with their affection—playful, soft, and supportive—he felt a strange sense of comfort that he didn't realize he'd been missing.
"You know," Leo started, breaking the silence, "this is the last thing I expected when I woke up this morning."
"Good," Viper chimed in from behind him, her tail flicking his ear once more, "because you needed it."
"Don't listen to her," Tigress said with a smirk. "We're just making sure you're not so deep in your thoughts that you forget to breathe. Besides, you've been avoiding us for too long, Leo."
Panther nodded, her hand still gently rubbing his back. "You can't hide forever. We just want you to know that we're here for you."
Leo let out a soft sigh, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth despite himself. He wasn't quite sure how it happened, but the combination of their touches, their teasing, and their care had finally managed to break through his stubborn exterior.
"Alright, alright," Leo finally said, turning his head toward them, though his face was still slightly flushed. "I get it. You've all succeeded in flustering me."
"We'll keep doing it until you're ready to join us," Tigress added, a wink in her eyes.
"Until you smile for us," Viper chimed in, giving him a playful nudge with her tail.
Leo chuckled, his heart lighter than it had been in days. He wasn't quite sure why they were so insistent, but somehow, he appreciated their relentless affection. Yet, as much as they tried to pull him out of his head, his mind kept returning to one thing.
The funeral.
Master El's funeral was fast approaching, and Leo could feel the weight of the promise he made to Fang all those years ago. The promise that he wouldn't go to another funeral. The promise that had kept him from attending her memorial, kept him from being with anyone during their hardest moments. He had turned his back on his own people, on his friends, all because of that one, fateful decision he made ten years ago.
Leo's smile faded, and his thoughts turned inward again. Tigress could see the change in him, the way his body stiffened as the memories resurfaced. She leaned in close, her warmth a grounding presence as she kissed him gently on the cheek, her lips soft and comforting.
"You don't have to go if you're not ready," Tigress whispered, her voice filled with understanding. "But you don't have to carry it alone, either."
Leo closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the kiss to linger, grounding him in the here and now. His heart ached with the memories of Fang, of the promise he made, and of the weight he carried in silence. He had told himself he wouldn't go to the funeral. But the reality of it was, he didn't know how to face everyone. Didn't know how to face the guilt.
"I can't go, Tigress," Leo whispered, his voice strained. "I made a promise. And I'm not ready to break it. Not yet."
Tigress nodded, her expression soft but unwavering. "You don't have to explain, Leo. But you know we're here for you, whenever you're ready. We'll wait."
Leo opened his eyes, meeting Tigress's amber gaze. For a moment, he saw only understanding and love, the same warmth he had felt from all of them. He wanted to go, to honor Master El, but the pain was too much, and the promise too strong. He wasn't ready. Not yet.
"You don't have to rush into anything, Leo," Viper said, her voice gentle. "We'll always be here. To help, to listen, whenever you need it."
Leo finally let out a long breath, the weight of his thoughts still heavy, but the burden of guilt feeling a little lighter for now. "Thanks, Viper. Thanks, all of you."
Panther gave him a soft smile, her hand still resting lightly on his back. "Whenever you're ready, Leo, we'll be with you. Together."
For the first time in a long while, Leo felt something close to peace, even if it was just for a fleeting moment. His mind was still heavy with the past, with the promise he made to Fang. But surrounded by Tigress, Panther, and Viper, he felt a little less alone in the silence.
And yet, one thing remained constant. No matter how difficult things became, no matter how much the memories or the guilt weighed on him, Leo knew that he would never shed a tear. Not for the death of Master El. Not for anyone.
The promise he made to Fang—never to shed another tear for loss—was a vow that ran deep within him. It wasn't just about her, or Master El, or any future losses he might face. It was about strength. It was about survival.
Leo had promised himself that no matter what, he would remain composed. He would never cry. Even if it was the hardest thing he ever had to do.
As the night stretched on, Leo knew that this wasn't something he could resolve quickly. But he wasn't facing it alone, and that, in itself, was enough.
As the flustering game between Leo and the three women was nearing its end, Tigress, always the bold one, had an idea. She glanced at Leo, who was still blushing from the playful teasing, and a mischievous glint sparkled in her amber eyes.
"You know," Tigress said, her voice soft but teasing, "I think it's time to really make you feel something, Leo."
Before Leo could respond, Tigress swiftly sat down on his lap, catching him off guard. Leo froze, unsure of what was happening, his heart racing slightly at the unexpected movement.
"Tigress, wh—" he began to say, but Tigress quickly placed a soft, heartfelt kiss on his lips. It was a kiss that lingered, not rushed, filled with tenderness and affection. The kiss was filled with unspoken love, reassurance, and the kind of connection that Leo had been pushing away for so long.
The kiss ended just as quickly as it had begun. Tigress pulled back, her lips curling into a soft smile. "I told you, Leo," she murmured, her voice low, "we're not giving up on you."
Leo blinked, his face still flushed from the kiss. "T-Tigress… I…"
"Shhh," Tigress whispered, placing a finger on his lips. "It's alright. We know you're hurting, but we're here for you. Always."
With that, Tigress slowly slid off Leo's lap and joined Panther and Viper on the bed. Panther lay down on Leo's right side, while Tigress settled on his left. Viper slithered gracefully onto Leo's stomach, curling up in a way that made him feel comfortable but not overwhelmed.
Leo, still processing the kiss and the warmth it had brought, let out a sigh. He leaned back, trying to relax into the comfort of the moment. He felt their presence around him, not just physically, but emotionally. He closed his eyes for a moment.
Viper, ever the calm one, glanced up at him with her blue eyes, her head resting comfortably on his chest. "You know, Leo," she said in her soft, soothing voice, "we only want the best for you. Whatever's holding you back… you don't have to carry it alone."
Leo's eyes flickered open, meeting her gaze. "I know… It's just… not that simple."
Panther, who had been silent until now, spoke up from beside him. "Nothing worth fighting for ever is," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "But that doesn't mean you have to face it alone. We're all in this together, Leo."
Tigress, who had been resting her head on his shoulder, added, "Whatever decision you make, we'll support you. But we just want you to know that we're here. You're not alone."
Leo took a deep breath, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. He still wasn't ready to face the past fully, to confront the promise he had made ten years ago. But with the warmth and support of Tigress, Panther, and Viper around him, it was hard to ignore the deep, comforting connection they shared. He closed his eyes again, trying to push the weight of his thoughts aside, if only for a little while.
"I'm not sure I'm ready," Leo said quietly, his voice almost a whisper. "But… maybe one day, I will be."
Tigress squeezed his hand gently. "And when you are, we'll be right here."
"Always," Viper added, her voice barely more than a whisper, but it was filled with a sense of finality and commitment.
Panther nodded in agreement, "We've got you, Leo."
Leo let out sigh. He wasn't sure what the future would hold, or when he'd be ready to face the past and the promise that haunted him. But for tonight, he allowed himself to just be for a little bit. Surrounded by the people who cared for him deeply, he could find solace in the fact that he didn't have to go through this alone.
The four of them laid there in silence, the soft rhythm of their breathing creating a comforting lull. Leo felt Viper's warmth against his stomach, the gentle presence of Tigress and Panther beside him, and the quiet reassurance that no matter how dark the road ahead might seem, he didn't have to face it alone.
But one day, Leo will have to face it alone.
It was past midnight when Panther slowly stirred awake, feeling an absence where Leo should have been. Her golden eyes blinked open, and she immediately noticed the warm presence of Viper still curled up beside her. The green snake's steady breathing was a quiet, comforting rhythm that almost lulled Panther back to sleep.
However, something felt off. Leo, as always, was nowhere to be found. Her gaze shifted across the dimly lit room and landed on the spot where Leo's pillow should have been — empty. A faint draft tickled the back of her neck, and Panther realized that the window, which had been shut before they went to bed, was slightly ajar.
Careful not to wake Tigress and Viper, Panther slid out of bed, her movement silent like a shadow. She padded across the room in the soft moonlight, her sharp eyes scanning for any other clues. Her hand reached out to close the window when something caught her attention— a figure on the rooftops below.
Her heartbeat quickened as she spotted a lone figure standing tall on the edge of the building across the street. The figure wore a full-body black suit, black gloves, and shoes, and a demonic mask covered the entire face. Panther's breath caught in her throat. She had only seen one person with such a silhouette before. It couldn't be—
The figure noticed Panther's presence and, without a second thought, leapt off the rooftop, disappearing into the darkness below. Panther's instincts kicked in, her mind already making sense of the situation. She knew who it was.
With barely a moment to consider, she quickly grabbed her cloak and slipped out of the room, carefully leaving the door slightly ajar to avoid waking the others. Her footsteps were quick and measured as she made her way down the hallway and out of the hotel, her senses heightened as she pursued the mysterious figure.
She moved swiftly, like a shadow herself, until she spotted the figure again, now standing in the street some distance away from the hall where the wake had been held. The Black Spirit. Leo. She could sense it was him, even though his demonic mask concealed his identity.
The Black Spirit stood still, his arms folded across his chest as he stared at the building in the distance — the building where Master El's wake had just concluded. Panther paused in the shadows, watching him silently. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern in her chest, knowing that Leo had a tendency to internalize things, burying them deep.
"Waiting for an explanation, are we?" Panther called out, her voice smooth but laced with a playful tone as she approached him. She mimicked the deep, gravelly voice of the masked figure, knowing it would catch his attention. "What are you doing here, Black Spirit… or should I call you Leo?"
For a brief moment, the Black Spirit remained still, unmoving. Then, with a soft sigh, he turned toward her, his gaze hidden behind the mask but still unmistakable. The silence between them grew thick, and Panther could feel the weight of his internal struggle pressing down on him.
"I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing," Leo muttered under his breath, his voice muffled by the mask but still heavy with doubt.
Panther took a step closer, her golden eyes studying him intently. "You're not the only one who feels that way," she said, her tone soft but firm. "But you know, Leo, we don't always have to have all the answers right away. We just have to take the first step."
Leo sighed again, his posture slumping as if the weight of his promise, the one he made to Fang ten years ago, was crushing him. "The promise I made… it's too much to bear," he said, almost to himself. "I can't just forget it. I can't just pretend like everything's okay. I don't belong at the wake. I don't belong there with them. I made that promise to Fang… and I'll never break it."
Panther stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Leo, you know we don't expect you to forget or replace anything," she said, her voice reassuring. "We just want you to be at peace with it. The promise doesn't define you, not in the way you think."
The Black Spirit, still standing tall and rigid, finally removed his hands from his crossed arms and looked down at Panther. The mask seemed to hide his expression, but she could sense the struggle within him, the tension in his shoulders.
"The others… they want me there," Leo murmured quietly, as if admitting something he hadn't voiced aloud before. "But how can I face them? How can I face myself when I've spent so long hiding from the truth?"
Panther paused for a moment, contemplating his words. "The truth isn't something to hide from, Leo," she said, her voice gentle but insistent. "It's something to understand, even if it's hard. But you're not alone in this. We're all here for you, even if you don't think you're ready to face it yet."
For a long time, Leo said nothing, standing in the dim light, staring at the wake building in the distance. Panther could tell he was still conflicted, his mind torn between the past and the present, the promise and the people who cared for him now.
"We can go back," Panther said after a while, her tone softening as she stepped back. "But remember, Leo, we're not asking you to make any decisions right now. We just want you to be okay. One step at a time."
Leo nodded slowly, as if absorbing the weight of her words. After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice quieter than before. "I'm not sure if I'll ever be ready to face it… but I'll try."
"That's all anyone can ask for," Panther said with a smile, her voice full of understanding. "Come on, let's go back. We'll figure this out, one way or another."
Together, they turned and started walking back toward the hotel. As they walked side by side, Panther knew that Leo wasn't going to be able to forget the past anytime soon. But with the support of those who loved him, maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to make peace with it.
The promise would always be there, but so would they.
Sorry for the long wait, everyone! I've been busy with a lot of stuff. So I hope you all enjoy this chapter and don't forget to leave a review!