"Are you saying you'll fail the Great Judge's trial?" You ask.

"No." Renshu replies, unwilling to look at you.. "I will not. While I'll never be a good man. I will become a man who does good. I will make up for my past crimes and show that I am not the person I once was but that will never change what I enjoy and how I view things. Only the decisions I make from now on and the way I will help others. I do not think I'll ever stop enjoying battle or harming others. I do not think I'll ever stop enjoying intimidating those who get in my way and making them cower in fear. But that does not mean I will use it against those who do not deserve it. As Hien struggles to find his path, so do I. I will be someone who is worthy of lighting the Great Judge's halls but I will always carry the burdens of who I am." Renshu stops and seems to contemplate something but doesn't continue. Whatever he was withholding from you, he felt uncomfortable about it, even more so than anything he had shared with you. Out of respect for your friend you do not choose to press him to divulge it.

“I don't think I can or would ever change who you are in a million lifetimes, but I think that if I can help you even further or perhaps make your excitement easier to manage I will and I don't want you to hesitate to ask. Because what is a helping hand between blood-kin who can shoulder the weights of the world together?” You say quietly as you pull out a flask of water to drink. “You are my brother Renshu and I won't have you or Xin as anything but as you are, so long as you are content and doing good. I think that is what I wanted to give you and Xin, as our travels have continued, my own sort of Legacy that I have come to value since Zhengi. Doing good for the sake of good, setting an example that I hoped you and ming and Xin could follow and look up to. As long as you know that the feeling itself is wrong, and that you know the path you take is to help others, then perhaps it is also a type of good. Besides, I'm pretty sure that there are plenty of tales of battle-hungry warriors that were good people. We will make it work in the end, friend.”

Renshu gives you a sad smile. “You’re a good man Tai Lung. Your past might be stained but I think that you were always good at heart. We don’t really deserve your friendship.”

You return Renshu’s smile with your own. “Well that’s the funny thing about friendships, you don’t get to decide. If I say you’re my friend then you are.”

Renshu chuckles. “I’m afraid friendships are a two way path, my friend. Luckily for you, I gladly accept your offer.” You laugh and the two of you continue on your journey. At your speed, it only takes about an hour or so before you reach Xin Lan and the others. As expected, the groups were leading several carts full of raiders. The carts themselves were rather crude but the detail that stuck out the most were the beams in the center of every one. The raiders, now prisoners, were all bound to the beam itself allowing them to sit with their backs to them. You vaguely recall doing the same to the old pirate captain back on the Gale Cutter. You suppose that was more comfortable than simply piling them all on top of one another but you wonder how well it would hold up. As you approach, Xin Lan seems to be the first one to turn and face you.

“Hello sleeping beauty.” They say with a smirk. “Bit of a lightweight when it comes to poisons aren’t ya?

“Be nice.” You say, amused, as you ruffle their ears though the smirk on their face shows they would be anything but.

>What do you do?
>Talk to one of your friends as you travel. (Hien, Renshu, or Xin)
>Speak with one of the Five, Po, or your Father.
>Keep quiet and keep watch over the raiders as you travel. You can talk once everyone reaches town.
>Write in.

>>4706333
>Talk to one of your friends as you travel. (Hien, Renshu, or Xin)
Talk to hien about his plans, if ge is going to the capital with the five, ask say sorry for snoozing after droping the scrolls on him.
And have a talk with Xin about their confrotational streak. Maybe help along with the feelings of protectioness and anger. Smug is good, but too much and it becomes harassement.
>Keep quiet and keep watch over the raiders as you travel. You can talk once everyone reaches town.
If their back are against one anothe, than they can cut the bindings of each others, we will need to make a better sytem of transport.

>>4706333
I'll support >>4706339

Inquire as to the usefulness/validity of the scrolls. Did we miss any or what.
Also we can mention how we'll be spending new years in the town and we really can't miss it, but afterwards we are willing to accompany them back to the city.

And Xin does make a slight point. It wouldn't be a bad idea to start building a tollerance to toxins, but that could be a bit expnsive.

>>4706339
>>4706348
Talking to our friends. Writing.

You step aside and keep pace with Hien. "Sorry about falling asleep on you after just dropping the scrolls on you." You say but Hien shakes his head. "It's quite alright. We all had a long night last night. Even if it wasn't for the poison you breathed in, I wouldn't have faulted you for going to sleep after such a long battle." You scratch the back of your head, unsure if you wanted to tell the young lord that, while the battle was indeed taxing, you could have stayed awake for far longer. You keep that information to yourself however and ask about more pressing matters. "The scrolls. Where they the correct ones? Any missing?"

"I'm afraid I wouldn't know." Hien replies honestly. "While I knew of the existence of the scrolls, I had no idea of the means they were protected nor do I know the exact contents of them. The information seems complete however, and if any would have been missing, I would have guess it would be the cypher and the list of names. On that note, the list of names is quite eye opening. There are several names I did not know I was distantly related too. If such information wasn't a matter of national security I'd be tempted to send them letters asking for years of missing birthday gifts." Hien laughs. You can't help but snort in agreement to that.

"So, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly is in them? I saw a few maps but I didn't study them in detail. I simply looked to see if they were written in coded messages." You ask. Hien gives a noncomittal shrug. "The maps were mostly military outposts we have and safe houses meant for the royal family. Nothing I can divuldge however. I'm sorry." You shrug. You had expected such an answer or even less than that. "I will admit though..." Hien continues quietly while glancing at the Five who had their backs to you. "There's nothing in the scrolls that would put you or your friends in any danger."

"Thanks." You say quietly before speaking in a regular volume, "What will you do with them? Will you destroy them? Renshu mentioned he talked to you about taking them home."

"Yes. I mean, yes I will keep them for now." Hien corrects himself. "Renshu made a good point. These scrolls might contain vital information and I'd rather not risk destroying them if that is the case. Delivering them home would be the safest for them." You raise an eyebrow.

"So you will be heading back to the capital then?" You ask. Hien pauses as if considering something before answering,"Yes. I think that would be best. I'm not sure it would be a good idea to stay away from the palace for too long or I run the risk of my sister sending the royal army to collect me." He jokes though it seems rather half hearted. You feel like perhaps Hien wasn't telling you everything but you were at least sure that he wasn't lying to you.

>What do you say?
>Tell Hien that he doesn't need to go back. He could travel with your and the others. Much like Ming, perhaps some travel would help him figure things out though you must admit that you're not sure if it's working out for Ming.
>Ask Hien if he really thinks his sister would send the military after him. She sounds like a rather severe or strict woman.
>Ask Hien about his parents. Would they approve of what he is doing?
>Tell Hien that you'll be celebrating New Years. Let him know he's welcome to join.
>Write in.

>>4706415
>Tell Hien that you'll be celebrating New Years. Let him know he's welcome to join.
>After you are done with all this raider business, perhaps making a journey across China could be an eye-opening experience. I fell like the pilgramage itself has been more beneficial to me than the destination I will reach. Although a fake identity could help you avoid any distractions.
He can probably help avoid a grim fate for the raiders, and so far he had a good head on hia shoulders. As much I would love adding more people to the party, other's wellbeing take priority.

>>4706415
>Let him know he is welcome
>You truly are the paragon my friend. And who knows, perhaps wandering china would serve the imperial interest. An ear for their moods and minor trifles. Without sounding presumptious, you may enjoy that beyond dealing with the rich and protocol bound, I have so far.
>>After you are done with all this raider business, perhaps making a journey across China could be an eye-opening experience. I fell like the pilgramage itself has been more beneficial to me than the destination I will reach. Although a fake identity could help you avoid any distractions.

Really the thing I'm trying to get across is that we should encourage him to wander and know his people, perhaps even make pals with em. A wandering folk hero with the blood of dragons is a prospect that is actually beneficial and justifiable.

>>4706446
That and we already have 3 people to headpat. We cannot add another without falling over!

Plus, I kinda see the squad as a penitent measure of self improvement and discovery. Hien's on the way there, but it is his way to discover it, rather than following us.

>>4706446
>>4706470
Taking these. Writing.

"We are celebrating the New Year." You say. "You are always welcome to join us. We plan on catching up with the Five and joining them on their way to Zhengyi. From there we will continue on our journey." Hien seems to think about it. "Yes, I think I would like that." He admits. "Perhaps a bit of rest before we continue on our journey. Then back to buisness."

"Perhaps you should consider travel some more after this raider buisness." You suggest. "I think that a journey across China would do you well. It is often said that the journey means more than the destination itself. Maybe you'll find yourself in your travels. It might even be more relaxing than dealing with the rich and protocol bound. At least I've found it to be."

"I feel like most people would be inclinde to agree with you on that." Hien muses. "However, as much as they would dislike it, the courts are my place in this world I think. Although perhap you are right. Maybe I do need to find myself before I can devote my life to anything." He admits. "Perhaps next time I am free or find myself with nothing to do I will try it."

"How often does that come about?" You ask.

"More often than you think. I'm not really expected to do anything in a legal sense. As the third child, I only really have my family's name. All the positions have been taken. Of course that does not stop others from expecting me to do something while at the same time giving me nothing to do at all." He says.

"Sounds...irritating." You say, trying to put it politely.

"To say the least." Hien agrees. "But back to more important matters, I'm afraid I don't have much to offer for New Years. No gifts to give nor anything to offer." You can't help but smile at that. "I'm sure we can forgive you. Just this once." You tease. "You being there is more than enough. We here to celebrate with our friends not practice generosity...although don't tell Xin I said that. I'm sure they'll be very vocal about not getting a gift."

"I do want gifts!" Xin Lan shouts. "That's the best part!"

You give Xin Lan a look and they stick their tongue out at you. "In any case, you just being there will make everyone happy. There will be food and celebrating. Just enjoy yourself." Hien nods but seems to go back to thinking and you leave him to that. A few hours later, you all stop to make camp. The sun had set and the moon was slowly rising. You sit with your friends around a small fire and wait for your food to heat up.

>What do you do?
>Go talk to Xin or Renshu. You haven't spoken to them all day.
>Talk to one of the Five.
>Sleep. You have a long journey ahead of you.
>Write in.

>>4706568
>Go talk to Xin or Renshu. You haven't spoken to them all day.
Talk with Xin about their confrotational streak. Maybe help along with the feelings of protectioness and anger. Smug is good, but too much and it becomes harassement.
Than we check if any of the raiders are trying the old cut eachother rope method?

>>4706568
>>Talk to one of the Five.
tigress

>>4706590
Good call.

After we talk with Xin, I think that we should
>Talk to Shifu
Again, plans for the new years though we haven't gotten him his gift.
Maybe also address the mission and any hassles that came up, would be good to smooth those out and just generally speak with our dad.

As for Po and Crane, we'll get to them. Checking the raiders should be done, but since there are 11 of us, maybe more than one person can stay awake to watch them per shift.

>>4706596
I don't think she gives a fuck mate. I've grown contented that she doesn't want to mend any rifts and we've no obligation nor incentive really to do the same.

We extended her the offer of talking and she refused, there's no point continuing with that path.

Grabbing some lunch. I'll be back to count votes after.

>>4706590
>>4706598
Talking to Xin. Writing.

You move over the pat Xin Lan's head now that things were winding down for the day. As you go to do so, your hand is slapped aside and you feel their smaller hand playing with your ears. "Gottcha first." They say with a grin. You return the grin. "You got me but next time I won't be so easy." Xin Lan grins mischeviously and they hug you around the neck. "Oh I'm always easy for a bit strong kitty like you big guy." They say. You cough and feel your face go a bit red. "Y-you know what meant." You stammer.

"And you know what I mean." They reply. "So, what's up?" They ask nonchalantly. You force yourself not to think about Xin Lan's innuendos and ask, "What I've been hearing a lot about you picking fights with the Five." You say as neutrally as possible. Xin Lan rolls their eyes. "If they call that a fight then I worry what our battle with the raiders did to them."

"Xin..." You say patiently. "I asked you to be nice. What's this all about? If they're making you mad and you want to talk about it, you know I'm here to listen." Xin Lan pouts at you, gives your a slight glare before rolling their eyes and finally sighing after the seemed to have mulled it over. "I dunno. I don't like them. They keep bad mouthing you. They treat you like a criminal which I mean...they're not wrong. You are like public enemy number 1 but still..." Xin Lan presses their forehead against your chest. "...they don't know you like I do. They don't know what a good person you are. Outside you're big and scary, maybe a bit too gruff but in side...you're a good person. You got your burdens and own problems but you still decide to get even more weighed down by that big heart of gold you have. People come to you for help, hell people don't even gotta do that and you still offer to help. You just...do it. No matter how inconvienient or bothersome it is. It just...makes me angry. Not as angry as the guards did but still enough that I want them to feel it. So I jab at them. I poke their buttons because I know they won't do anything about it. What are they just gonna abandon the mission?" They shrug. "I dunno. They're jerks and I don't care to be around them."

"Xin...we can't just pick fights because people bother us." You scratch your head. "Well...I mean we do kind of do that but not for little things like this. It'll deny us potential allies and even you know the benefits of that."

"Yeah, yeah..." Xin Lan mutters. "I won't do it anymore." They mumble.

"Yeah, you said that the last time." You tease gently. "But really Xin...I'm here for you." Xin Lan simply tightens their arms around you as they give you an actually hug. You reach up and ruffle their ears as you let them go at their own pace.

>What do you say?
>Try to talk about something else. Get their mind off of things.
>Ask Xin Lan something else. Maybe talking more about their feelings will help.
>Let Xin meditate on their emotions. Go check on the raiders for now.
>Write in.

>>4706959
>Let Xin meditate on their emotions. Go check on the raiders for now.
I think Xin is feeling some sort of frustration or indignation, that feeling you have when someone treats you wrong based on a preconception, or qhen thinga don't go right. Unfortunaly that's one of the few feelings that you just sort of have to just suck up and deal with.
Being agressive against the other person will just worsen the situation. Although passive-agressiveness in moderation may be able to give them some release without completly jeorpadizing relations.
I feel like a armchair psycologist. It's a dirty feeling.

>>4706959
>Give em a hug back
>check the raiders.
Best buns.

>>4707295
The buns need the big guy. Also cool team name idea. The Four Dragons.

>>4707572
A bit presumptuous though. If we didn't know shenlong, I'd say it was a good idea, but given the prideful nature of dragons it just seems like asking for a "OH, YOU WANNA SEE THE POWER OF A REAL DRAGONS EH?!"

I'm content sticking to the fateful four.

>>4707580
Fair enough. To be fair the team name was more of what people named you rather that what you named yourself. I don't think anyone in the group would give themselves a team name. Well Xin might as a joke. Speaking of which,
>>4706980
>>4707295
Hugging the bun. Letting them mull over their thoughts. Writing.

>>4707580
How about wiverns? Just like dragons, only shittier.
Not sure if it exist in chinese folklore though.

>>4707604
I don't think so. That's more of a European thing right?

You wrap your arms around Xin Lan and hold them close. As much as you would like to, there wasn’t much you could say. Chastising them wouldn’t do anything. They couldn’t help how they felt. You couldn’t scold or advise them. This was something they had to decide for themselves and figure out on their own. You hold them for a while longer and gently rub their head before you let go. Xin Lan holds on for a bit longer before they also release their hold and sit in your lap. You give them one more pet before gently moving them aside and standing up. With nothing left to say, they simply stare at the fire and you move to check up on the raiders.

You weren’t entirely sure of the efficacy of those poles and bindings so to set your mind at ease you make your way to the carts. Most of the raiders were asleep by now but the ones that were still awake were whispering and murmuring among each other. The chatter soon comes to a stop when they notice your arrival. Their eyes widen in fear and they shuffle uncomfortably, wincing as they aggravate any wounds they might have had. You pay them no mind and move to check their hands behind their backs. From what you can see, their bindings were still solid with no signs of tampering or wear. Satisfied you move on to the next cart and check those as well. None of the bindings there were cause for worry so you move on again. By the third cart you hear someone approach behind you. “Just what do you think you’re doing?” Tigress asks.

“I’m making sure the prisoners are secure.” You reply calmly though there’s a funny feeling in the pit of your stomach when you refer to the raiders as prisoners. You can feel Tigress’s glare on your back and once you turn to face her, sure enough, she was looking at you with narrowed eyes. “I’ve got no reason to let them go if that’s what you were thinking.”

“No. I’m sure you were thinking of some other way to undermine our efforts.” She says, crossing her arms though you very well doubt she meant that.

“I don’t try to and I don’t plan on it.” You reply keeping your tone neutral. “Things simply happen and it turns out we run into you as well. There’s nothing sinister or planned about it.” Tigress remains unconvinced. “I’m not your enemy anymore.” You say quietly. “As much as you wish to deny it, I have no ill will towards you or your friends. I want to help people as much as you and the Five do.”

“You could help by going back to prison.” Tigress says coldly. “You are still a wanted man.”

You remain quiet. You’re not sure if Tigress was trying to goad you or if she truly believed that. Judging from what Ming and the others told you about her, you doubt she was the goading type. If she wanted to fight you then she would have done so already or challenged you directly.

>What do you say?
>Tell Tigress that she’s welcome to try and take you in but she already knows how it will end. She stands no chance against you.
>Ask if what she says is true then why hasn’t she attempted to take you in already. You’ve been right in front of her all this time.
>Tell Tigress that unless she wants something, you’ll be going back to your friends. You’ve said your piece and you don’t need to explain yourself.
>Ask Tigress something else.
>Write in.

>>4707719
>Ask Tigress something else.
>Write in

How would that help? Is it not the point of locking people up to reduce the damage certain people can do to society?

I think there is a different reason you dislike me, what is it?

>>4707719
>If that is true, then why have you not tried already?
>There's another reason you don't like me, It's not because of what I did to the valley, so what is it?

>>4707717
>The point of a prison is to stop a danger to society or to reform a criminal. Ever since I saw that empty scroll, I've been only a danger to other "criminals", and would say.
>I noticed how you despise me, in a way that few have so far. So unless you are some sort of fanatical to the letter of the law, you have some other motive. What did I do to you? Which of the mistakes I made ruined your life? I can't revert the past, but I can try to fix the future.
We will make our sister open up and we will have a happy family damnit.

>>4707729
>>4707731
>>4707750
Clearly there's something more behind Tigress's hatred. Twenty years of missed Christmas presents will do that. Writing.

>>4707750
I think calling it an empty scroll is a bit revealing. Eh, who cares. Nobody but the panda gets it.

>>4707780
It is a empty scroll though.
It may also be some kind of mirror with a lesson that true power is inside of you all along or that the real treasure was the friends along the way, but it's still a empty scroll.

>>4707784
The point of the scroll being hidden was that nobody could read it, hence not knowing the contents.

>>4707788
Eh, fuck it. Making it hidden for such a shit reward was begging for a disaster anyway.
Whose idea was it anyway?

Imagining Xin and Tigress vying for TLs attention, assuming they just become a big happy family, puts a smile to my face.

>>4707791
Thats a good question. The movie seems to imply that not even oogway knew what it contained. He and Shifu were simply its guardians after who knows how many before them.

>>4707791
No clue, but it wasn't that shit a reward, given the results.

But on the same score, it's the most overglorified jade and gold encrusted fortune cookie in history

>>4707804
The result would only work on someone like Po, that had innate talent but shit self-esteem, it would be worthless to anyone else, if not straight up detrimental to them.
>overglorifies fortune cookie
What if it was some sort of promotional trick for an ancient restaurant and whoever found it got it wrong?

>>4707819
>The result would only work on someone like Po, that had innate talent but shit self-esteem, it would be worthless to anyone else, if not straight up detrimental to them.

The movie did say that Po was destined to be the Dragon Warrior who the scroll was only meant for. So in a roundabout way with tons of plot based bs the scroll was made with only Po in mind. Funnily enough, it was also kind of made for TL as well. The whole mirror thing also functioned for him as it showed him who he had become although this effect was clearly not intended or perhaps it was. As Oogway mentioned, the Dragon Warrior was meant to defeat you but it was never said it would have been defeat in combat or physical might.

>>4707822
But in this AU, Po didn't even defeat us, the fucking scroll did. Unless by learning the dragon style we became a dragon warrior, therefore this new dragon warrior defeated the old Tai Lung, in the same roundabout way of thinking that Obi-wan said that Vader killed Anakin.
Fucking bullshit ancient magical chinese philosophy that's always right even when wrong.

>>4707827
You fool, you fell victim to the 7th classic blunder.
Never start a philosophical war in ancient china

“How would that help?” You ask. “Is it not the point of locking people up to reduce the damage certain people can do to society? Or to reform them? Ever since I saw that empty Dragon Scroll, I’ve only been a danger to other criminals.”

“Don’t patronize me Tai Lung!” Tigress growls back. “You know very well you shouldn’t be free! You may claim that you no longer want to do harm but that will never change the fact of what you did!”

“That’s true.” You agree. “Nothing I will do will ever change what I have done but I can move forward to make sure such things never happen again.”

“No! That’s what the Five are for.” Tigress counters. “We’re here to make sure no one ever stoops as low as you ever again. To fix the damage you caused and the mistakes you made. Not to assuage your guilt and ease your conscience...if you even have those.”

“So you say. That may be what the Five stand for but what about you? You seem to carry a hate towards me in a way few have so far. If you do not carry some fanatical adherence to the law then I clearly must have done something to you. You once mentioned I was an embarrassment to you and your father. What have I done? I cannot change the past as I have said before but I can work towards fixing the future.” You ask.

“You know nothing of my father.” Tigress says in a quiet, menacing voice. “And you never will. A coward like you, who can’t even fulfil his own punishment. What would you even know about making amends? Of making a better future. You can’t even muster the courage to walk in public. You think I’m the only one who hates you? I’m just one who isn’t afraid of you. You can’t bully me like you can everyone else. Try walking around with your name openly if you’re so intent on doing good. See what the world truly thinks of you.”

You shake your head. “I cannot. Not if I want to be able to help people. As you’ve said, you’re not the only one who hates me. It's much easier to help those in need if they aren’t immediately distrustful of me. I wish it wasn’t so but if that is how I need to operate to do good then I will. You, however, know who I am. Wouldn’t this be a good test to see if I have truly changed if you tell me what is wrong? There are no secrets, no deceit, so you know who you are dealing with when you lay your problems before me.”

Tigress glares at you, her eyes narrowing even further. “I don’t need your pity.” She says raising her fists. “If you truly wanted to help then you’d offer to end your life here and now. But even I wouldn’t stoop to your level and make you do that. If you want then answers then you’ll have to beat them out of me.”

>What do you say?
>Agree with Tigress. If you manage to best her then she has to tell you what’s wrong. If you lose then you’ll promise to leave her and the Five in peace and you’ll never speak with them again.
>Try and talk Tigress out of it. Whatever she’s hiding is clearly making her upset and she’s acting irrational. There are better ways of doing this and fighting clearly isn’t one of them.
>Say no. That’s it. Just say no. Tigress can do what she wants but you won't fight her.
>Write in

>>4707890
>Agree with Tigress. If you manage to best her then she has to tell you what’s wrong. If you lose then you’ll promise to leave her and the Five in peace and you’ll never speak with them again.
I'm thinking we agree and just go full defense. Let her burn herself out. Definitely let our friends and the 5 know and do it away from the prisoners

>>4707890
>Are you sure you wish to do this?
I figure she is going to say yes anyway, but asking is to be sure.
>There is a practice of my Brother and friend, that a clash of martial artists is a clash of ideals. I accept your challenge.

Tell the others that Tigress and us are going to do a bit of training, so we will be in the forest if they need us. Then it is time to face Tigress.
We are martial artists, our bodies speak more than our words can in many cases.

>>4707890
>Try and talk Tigress out of it. Whatever she’s hiding is clearly making her upset and she’s acting irrational. There are better ways of doing this and fighting clearly isn’t one of them.
>But isn't forcing the answer out of you through violence the exact thing that you believe I would do? To be a barbaric monster that takes what he wants? That hate you are carring leads only to dark places Tigress, I've seen it multiples times since I started travelling China.

>>4707905
But if she refuses, accept it. Nothing like a fight to take out the anger out of your system.

>>4707905
I mean that is basically my "are you sure" buffed up a bit so I will support it

It is a hard question when trying to deal with her, but if all you can do is lose, try anything.

>>4707890
>4707900
Agree, best option

>>4707926
You ate one of the arrows anon, let me link it for you>>4707900

>>4707899
>>4707900
>>4707905
>>4707926
Yes wins. But are you gonna best the bejeezus out if Tigress or just dance around her. What's your fighting strategy for this?

>>4707939
Tire and block her, maybe throw a few counters and chi strikes so we don't hurt her, the five need to be at full strength.

Also part of me wants it so she admits defeat, specially since I know her problem with us is living in our shadow for her entire life, so she opens up crushed. I think Renshu is living rent-free in my head.

>>4707945
He is best girl squad and schrodinger waifu so it's understandable.

>>4707939
Tire and block, as the other anon said.
We can't deal permanent damage but let her vent and then start laying on the chi-strikes, I think this would do some good. She gets to let loose on possibly one of two single masters who can keep up or surpass her, and we get a proper work out and nobody gets truly hurt.

>>4707945
>>4707950
Votes say we're using best girl strats. If we can dodge a Tiger hell bent on murdering us we can probably do it again...maybe. Writing.

“Isn’t forcing the answer out of you through violence the exact thing you believe I would do? To be a barbaric monster that takes what he wants?” You ask.

“It’s the only thing I know you do.” Tigress replies, venom in her voice. “If you want to insist on badgering me for answers that you don’t deserve then I’ll just have to teach you in a way you understand.”

“This hate you’re carrying leads only to dark places, Tigress. I’ve seen it multiple times since I started traveling.” You say cautiously. “Are you sure you wish to do this?” You ask again.

https://youtu.be/5Z_TvlVH3tE Can’t have a sibling fight without this song. Xin and Renshu had it.

“Maybe I didn’t make myself clear...” Tigress says as she tenses up. “I wasn’t giving you a choice.” She growls as she lunges at you. Instinctively, you had tensed up as well as your subconscious sensed danger. You raise your arm up just in time to block a kick with your forearm. The blow makes your limb go numb and the impact makes a small pocket of air burst making your ear ring slightly. You quickly swat aside Tigress’s limb and your other hand snaps in front of you to protect you from a punch that the Master throws at you as she stands on one foot. You catch her fist, trying your best to not strike at her as she attacks you. Your muscles tense and relax and it feels as if you were fighting yourself as well as Tigress while you put up your best defenses. You wonder if this is how Renshu feels all the time. Constantly at war with himself. With what he wants to do and who he wants to be. Tigress hops and thrusts her standing foot into your stomach. With no limbs available to block, you take the blow and flung backwards towards the carts with the raiders. You manage to plant your feet into the ground and roll out of the way to get a better position.

The Kung Fu master gives you no time to breathe or contemplate any further as she rushes you down once more. She expertly steps behind your leg to prevent you from getting proper footing and hurls attack after attack at you. You find yourself being pushed to fight more seriously, blocking her fist with an elbow. A chop with your wrist against hers and a stomp with your shin at the height of her raised leg. Before you can untangle yourself, Tigress drops to the ground and sweeps your remaining leg. The two of you come crashing down and you feel her wrap around your arm as she plants her heel under your chin. A classic hold that allowed her to either dislocation any part of your arm or strike at your chin as her convenience. You stand, easily being able to carry her weight in one arm, and prepare to Chi strike her leg to disable it. Despite your speed, Tigress swings on your arm to avoid your attack and as she comes back up unleashes a flurry of kicks into your face. You stagger back and are launched backwards several feet when she kicks straight up under your chin.

You crash into several trees, your vision blurring and darkening. “You’re tricks won’t ever work on me again Tai Lung. Stop holding back! I’ll show you…” She shouts. “I’ll show you!” You stand up, rubbing your chin and spitting blood.

“We never agreed to our conditions.” You say as if nothing even happened. “If I make you concede then you’ll tell me everything. If you win. I’ll leave you and the Five alone. I’ll never bother you again.”

“You can keep your conditions.” Tigress spits. “I’ll be the only one to win.”

“Then it is as my Brother and his sibling do it.” You say quietly as you take a stance. “A clash of ideals…”

>What do you do?
>Write in.

>>4708190
Well, since she wants it so much, give the D
ragon style. Use her lunges against her, she may be a master, but it's what this style is made for, right? To endure and punish.
As soon as she begins to counter, change the way we attack. Make her confused.

>>4708190
>Use Tigress's own momentum and attacks against her, let her own strikes drive her fists into the ground or other hard objects. Let her lunges drop herself to the ground.
Although Tai Lung has never heard of it, it would be something akin to Aikido. The only harm she will receive will be that which she directs at us.

>>4708190
I'm backing this >>4708235
I was hoping she'd be smart enough not to start fighting us next to the raiders.

>>4708245
Angry cats are scary. Angry tigers are scarier and give us a chance to unlock the tiger drop via acupuncture.

Point being is that she mad and you already have like 4 sisters ahead of her in the hugs department. 5 if you count renshu.

Making dinner. Will count votes when I get back. Hopefully this ends well and you can expand the family.

>>4708297
She's technicality already part of the family boss.
Unless she's pregnant it's staying the same size, just happier.
Invite her to the festival, I must collect them all

>>4708235
>>4708245
Going for something like Renshu's style. Why attack when others can make the attacks for you? Writing.

>>4708489
Also time for some experimenting with styles. Hopefully things don't turn out garbage.

>>4708498
I always reckoned that Tai Lung was a true martial artist, like Bruce Lee, rather than a stiff by-the-style-only fighter. Learning maneuvers and counters, but applying them where they work best rather than restricting himself to moves from any one school. And Modifying them with effective principles learned from other schools, as well. Fights are never straightforward or predictable, so don’t fight like you expect them to be that way.
Maybe thats why Po is so good. Too unorthodox even for tai lung. His attacks dont seem like attacks.

Tigress dashes at you, running on all before she leaps into the air with a dragon kick. You quietly side step it and she lands, thrusting her foot behind her to strike you. Again you simply, deflect the blow, redirecting it into the ground. Tigress's foot crashes into the ground, causing cracks to run through the grassy dirt. She stands on it and steps forward thrusting both palms out...

...and striking the training dummy. The inflatable toy rockets away from both your palms and crashes into some dumbbells sending them scattering about with loud clangs. You turn to your father excitedly and Shifu smiles proudly. "Excellent!" He says with joy as he claps a hand on your shoulder. "You've improved so much these past few days, my son. Perhaps maybe it's time we move on to something more difficult." Your excitement only grows at that. "Really?" You ask and your father nods, taking a stance. "Like always let us start with the basics..." He begins and you attempt to mimic his form. Shifu nods in approval and moves slowly, showing you how to block an attack. You nod and go back to your stance, imagining an opponent attacking you. You copy your father's moves and raise your arms...

...to deflect Tigress's punch aside. Her fist rockets past your face, the force of her attack blowing air in your face, before she twists and swings her attack to strike the tree behind you! The trunk of the tree explodes and it begins to fall, threatening to crash upon you. You have no choice but you axe kick upwards with all your might and shatter what was left of it, raining splinters upon both of you. Taking advantage of your distraction, Tigress goes for your leg and moves to stomp down on your knee. You bend at the knee, causing her attack to miss by an inch, and you roll to the side while moving deeper into the woods. Your opponent follows you at the perfect distance, honed by years of training. The two of you exchange blows. Tigress on the offensive and you on the defensive. You move your elbow to block her strikes, she grabs on to flip over your head and you hold on to her to drive her head into the ground. She breaks free of your grip and the two of you catch your falls into flips to land on your feet once more. As the two of you crash into one another, Tigress extends her arm out, wrist loose and a single knuckle extended...

https://youtu.be/KeZPke-i3iM

...the perfect form for a knuckle strike. Deadly and known for it's ability to deliver a powerful blow in such a small area. You know this will make you fath- Master Shifu proud. This will make him see that you really are doing your best. You attack connects with a wooden training dummy and it shatters upon impact turning it to wooden scraps. Heart racing you look back at your master and you feel it drop. He is not excited as you are. You could never explain it but his eyes...there was something about the way he looked at you when you mastered an art. Was it disappointment? It was but there was something else...sadness? Fear? Master Oogway never told you what it was. He would only tell you that if you looked hard enough, you could see what always lay in the center of it all...Hope. So why did it hurt to look? "Too slow. Not enough ferocity." He grumbles and begins to walk away, his cane thumping on the ground. He always had a limp but he never told you how he got it. Probably through some great battle. That only pushed you onwards. You too wanted to be a great warrior like your master. Like your dad. You push aside your nervousness and get back to practice. There was another move you wanted to try out but you had a bit of trouble with it. You push doubt aside, you'd get it eventually. Then you'd show your dad. Then he'd see. With a deep breath you take a running start...

...and Tigress leaps into a handstand. She transitions her momentum into her lower body turning the stand into an upside down butterfly kick. You raise both arms to block it. As the impact pushes you deeper into the ground, you swing your leg and sweep Tigress's arm from under her. She swings her legs and wraps them around your arm, bringing you down with her. The two of you roll on the ground, entagled, before you manage to break apart and create space between one another. Tigress takes her stance and you take yours before the two of you race towards one another, ready to clash once more...

>What do you do?
>Continue with your plan. It'll take a while but you know you can outlast Tigress in endurance. This isn't about beating her down. It's about showing her who you've become.
>Become more agressive. Not in the sense you strike harder but rather in the sense of taking her down faster. You attack but with purpose. To end conflict, not to create it. To free others, not to dominate. To ensure peace, not tear it apart.
>Stop. Stop it all. Perhaps the way is not to fight. You said it before, this is what is expected of you. Of the old you. The new you endures the burdens of others and so you will endure this and whatever else Tigress will lash out at you with. If you were so willing to take Xin Lan's attacks when he was furious then why can't you do it here? What's to stop you from doing it for others?
>Write in.

>>4708533
>continue to outlast her
>"You should have done this away from the raiders"

As enticing as it would be to lower our guard, we have already staked conditions upon winning. Further there is our audience, who we cant afford to start thinking that we are best able.

>>4708598
Agreed

Supporting

You did move deeper into the woods if you're worried about keeping face

>>4708533
>Continue with your plan. It'll take a while but you know you can outlast Tigress in endurance. This isn't about beating her down. It's about showing her who you've become.

>>4708789
It was a concern, but not the main one at this point.

Let her exhaust herself and get it all out. Letting her wail on us may have been a good idea from a moral standpoint, but I don't think she's willing to learn at this point and nor does it fit with out ACTUAL ideology.

Everyone gets a chance to change, everyone can be redeemed, and we only use force to defend ourselves and others.
This falls under the third section

>>4708598
This guy is me by the way

I just realised I can't do color on mobile for flash backs. Won't be home until late because of work. Ah well. I'll live. In the meantime, brainstorming ideas on how to help Tigress is an option until I get time to do a write up.

>>4708533
>Continue with your plan. It'll take a while but you know you can outlast Tigress in endurance. This isn't about beating her down. It's about showing her who you've become.
We may be letting her tire herself and get all of the hate in her system, but it doesn't mean we have to get beaten up like a bitch.
And we may be now that the wicked break themselves on, but we only attack who deserve it. So no punching little step-sis.
But it would be funny to get her in a stranglehold and stay that way until she calms down like a pair of brothers in a sitcom.

>>4708598
>>4708790
>>4708822
Here's hoping Tigress isn't as stupid durable and stubborn as you. Writing.

The two crash into one another, the impact shaking the ground and causing the leaves around to shake and fall. Punch blocked by your forearm, an elbow to the neck stopped with your other hand. You shove Tigress away but she falls to the ground and swings her legs in a sweep. The two of you continue this pattern of attacking and blocking, neither one of you giving an inch, neither one of you faltering from your path. To anyone watching, the fight would look like a theater show. An incredibly choreographed dance of movement and technique. To a master, someone trained in the martial arts, the fight was a deadly dance, each move pushing and pulling the line of victory further and closer, each attack being the move that would bring victory or cause ruination.

You step aside, allowing one of Tigress’s attacks to slip past you. It once again crashes into a nearby tree. The tree falls though luckily it lands away from you and her. It crashes behind you, tearing branches and smashing into other trees before landing on the ground. It lays there, ignored, as the two of you continue fighting. You duck under another strike, slip past her defenses, and stop your palm from striking her ear about an inch away. You weren’t going to hurt her but you definitely could send a message. Tigress slaps your hand away and punches you in the chest, sending you backwards. You land deftly on your feet and hear your opponent shout. “I said I didn’t need your pity! If you’re going to strike then follow through!”

You say nothing and take your stance again. There was nothing to be said. The two of you engage again, lost in the fight. Lost in your own goals. Tigress leaps taking advantage of the air and raining kicks and punches down on you, each attack helping push herself back up. You remember practicing that long ago as well. You shift your head from side to side and hold your arms up in the air to ward off the blows. Tigress stomps on your arm and rather than leap back up, she swings a foot back and kicks upward as she backlips off of you. The strike sweeps past your guard and…

---

...your head snaps to the side from the impact. Droplets of blood fall off the mace in the Rhino’s hand. “What’s wrong little kitty? Not so fun when your opponent can fight back?” The guard taunts as he backhands you, sending blood splattering off onto the platform you were chained down on. You had lost count of the times this occurred during the day, lost count of how many days you were down here and lost the feeling of how heavy your weights and clamps were. All of it lost in the abyss that was your fury. You didn’t have to say anything. Only wait. Soon it would all come to plan. Soon one of those fools would make a mistake and soon, soon you would be back home and ready to burn the Jade Palace to the ground. “Alright. Clean him up. Feel free to get a bit rough with him. He isn’t going anywhere…” The Rhino announces. A few more Rhinos step forward with a bucket of water and some filthy rags in hand. You could just imagine it. Breaking free of these bonds. Breaking every bone in these fools' bodies before strangling them with their rags and finally tossing…

---

...Tigress aside as she goes in for another leaping kick. You reach once more to try and strike her Chi points but she manages to twist midair and bring her fist into your face, knocking you back. Never missing a beat, she presses her advantage by landing on all fours and tackling you. She draws her claws out and slices you down your chest, finally ending the remains of your poor shirt. Blood oozes from your new wounds and the one the raid leader gave you as it reopens. Still, you don’t strike. This wasn’t about hurting her. You grab her by the wrist and pull her close into a headlock. Tigress struggles against your grip and for once you have to actually try to keep your hold on someone. As you feel her elbows smash into your ribs, you can feel something else, Renshu and Xin Lan. You feel them approach and soon you hear others come near as well. The two rabbits leap down from the trees, and the rest of the Five emerge soon after. You hear one of them shout, “Tigress!..”

---

“...It’s Tigress!” You hear a villager shout as they all come rushing out of their buildings. You had taken down the bandit leader and several of his minions and your friends were taking care of the rest. You wanted to tell them to stay indoors until you were sure that all of them were dealt with but the joy in their voices and the adoration makes your heart skip a beat. No one had ever spoken to you like that. No one really spoke to you at all. Not even in the orphanage where you grew up. “Look, she’s so cool!” One child shouts. “Did you see how she fought all those bad guys?” Another calls out.

“Miss! You’ve saved us!” A woman yells. “Your parents would be proud, young lady.” A man shouts. You can’t help but smile. You were being recognized for your efforts! All those years of hard work had been worth it. Unfortunately, you’re not sure how to properly thank them for this so you simply nod and gently remind them to be careful and to return to their homes until you were really sure the area was secure. As the crowd begins to depart, you hear it. Two elderly gentlemen talking among themselves.

“That’s Shifu’s new kid isn’t it?” One asks gruffly.

“Yeah I think so. Started up a new team.” The other says.

“Well...here’s hopin’ she’s not another Tai Lung.” The first concludes.

“I don’t think anyone could be as good or as evil as him.”

“Shame. Kid had real talent. Not like kids these days…”

Your face burns and you feel your eyes sting. Of course this was going to happen. Of course someone would bring him up. It wasn’t fair. No matter what you did. No matter how hard you tried. You weren’t Tai Lung. You sniff and wipe your face. This wasn’t the time. It never would be. You’d never do anything to embarrass your father like. You’d never be like Tai Lung if it was the last thing you did. Especially when it was he who- Your thoughts are interrupted when you hear a shout of...
---

“...What in blazes do you two think you’re doing?!” Shifu shouts. “Stop this! Stop this right now!” The Five move in to help their friend and you see Xin Lan and Renshu stand between them.

“Sorry. Can’t let you do that.” Xin Lan says, flicking his wrists and drawing his knives. Renshu motions for him to put them away. He slides his hand out of the other’s sleeve and adds rather calmly, “My apologies but it seems these two are settling something quite important. I’m afraid my sibling is right however, we cannot let you pass.”

Tensions are high at the moment and Tigress uses this momentary distraction to break free and toss you to the ground.

>What do you do?
>Continue fighting. Your friends can handle what’s going on. This is between you and Tigress.
>Try and talk to Tigress. You’re not really sure she’ll listen but your current plan doesn't seem to be working. You’re still at a stalemate.
>Ask for help? Maybe someone can do something to break this deadlock. You’re not sure you’d feel satisfied with the outcome if that helps end all this.
>Write in.

>>4709231
>Flip to our feet and retake our defensive stance.
>Talk to Tigress "We will finish this in a moment, Let's make sure Father and the five doesn't get the wrong idea. I don't think it'd satisfy you to end it like this."
>Call over our shoulder, without moving our eyes from tigress "We are settling some frustrations, I ask that you don't interfere. Renshu, Xin, let them pass if they wish."

>>4709238
Even if she continues attacking, we can still call to the others.

But we have the other option. Dropping our guard and letting it occur. I don't think she'll take the shot given Shifu being present.

>>4709231
I'm assuming Po is with the 5? Really hope someone is watching the raiders.
>Get back in our stance
>Talk to Tigress "Do you wish to continue?"

>>4709231
>Try and talk to Tigress. You’re not really sure she’ll listen but your current plan doesn't seem to be working. You’re still at a stalemate.
>Let's us pause for a moment. Last thing we would want is for the raiders to break free in a confusion, right?

>>4709392
Oh, and shout to our friends and the five this is just a friendly spar and they should go watch over the prisoners.
I don't think tigress would want her friends and father watching over her emotional meltdown.

>>4709399
That's probably a better idea to call out to them.

>>4709238
>>4709376
>>4709392
Trying to clear the air and talk to Tigress. Writing.

>>4709376
All the raiders escaped. This was my master plan as raid leader.

>>4709448
So the old goat was Luo Khan all along! How could we have not noticed it before!

You take your stance once more. “We will finish this in a moment. Let’s make sure Father and the others don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t think it’ll satisfy you to have it end like that.”

“You have no right to call him that.” Tigress snarls.

Without taking your eyes off of Tigress, you call out to those behind you. “We’re just settling some frustrations. I ask that you don’t interfere but don’t attempt to stop them from approaching guys.” You say. “Just let them pass if they wish to.” You adjust your shoulders. “Do you wish to continue?”

“I’ll never let you walk away from this.” Tigress growls. “Finish what you started!” You ignore the urge to point out it was Tigress who started all this. By this point you were sure she didn’t even care about the start. Before you can act, you hear Shifu shout once more.

“Tigress that’s enough!” He barks. “Tai Lung can wait! We have bigger issues at the moment and you were supposed to keep watch on the raiders!”

“Ouch.” Xin Lan mutters. “Talk about being knocked down a peg on priorities. Big guy is no longer public enemy number 1.” Renshu simply bats their head lightly.

“My father is right.” You say, trying to ease the situation. “Let us pause for a moment. Last thing we would want is the raiders to break free in the confusion, right?”

“Stop calling him that!” Tigress shouts. “And don’t talk to me like some kind of child!” She turns to face Shifu and the others. “Master, I can do this!” She pleads, her eyes wild. “I can take Tai Lung down! We can finally put him away for good! This is what you trained us for!” Shifu looks at you and then at Tigress. You’re surprised to find pain in his eyes.

“Yes…” He admits softly then in a louder voice he continues, “Yes, when I formed the Five it was with the intent of defeating if not killing Tai Lung. In my fear and in my arrogance, I made the group to fix a mistake I was too much of a coward to face myself. But the Five have grown beyond that. You are the protectors of China! You’re so much more than just a task force to fight. You bring hope and happiness to those who you protect. Think of Po, who was so inspired by you. Think of the lives you saved and the people you reunited. That is what the Five are meant to be. That is your destiny. Not as some desperate action by some broken old man.” Shifu motions to him and the others. “Tigress, put your fists down. We can talk about this. You no longer need to let this consume you.”

Tigress shakes her head. “No. No, I won’t let you.” She says, her voice cracking. “I was trained for this! This is my destiny! This is what I was meant to do!” She points at you, accusingly and half mad from anger. “He destroyed lives! He hurt people! I’m done hiding! I’m done letting him just do as he wishes! If none of you are going to take him down, then I will!” She faces you, her eyes wild and tearing up. You’re not even sure what she was feeling at the moment. “You don’t just get to live a normal life after all you’ve done! You don’t have that right!” She screams. Xin Lan and Renshu tense up, ready to pounce but you hold your hand up behind you.

“Don’t move!” You shout. “Nobody move…”

“That’s right Tai Lung.” Tigress hisses. “Call off your “friends”. There’s no one to hide behind and there’s nowhere to run. You can’t take the cowards way out now. You can’t make excuses. You can’t hide behind what is going on at the moment.” She says as she slowly begins to circle around you.

You keep your hands up to defend as the two of you move in a perfect circle, equidistant from one another. Two tightly wound springs just waiting for the slightest bump for them to spring forward. You keep your hands up defensively and you speak quietly and calmly. “Tigress...We don’t have to do this. Whatever is hurting you, whatever I did, doesn’t need to push you in this direction. You’re heading into a dark place and you have too much to lose for me to let you go there.”

“I’ve already lost plenty thanks to you!” She shouts. “What’s a bit more just to see you suffer like you deserve…” The rest of the Five stand there, useless and stunned at their friend’s state. Tigress had always been the calm and collected one. In times of stress and uncertainty, she was the one they could turn to for stability. Never had they seen her so...unhinged. So raw and emotional.

You feel the tension mount higher as you were quite literally facing off against a tiger ready to pounce. You can feel that spring winding up further and further. Soon enough it would break under it’s own force. Soon enough, Tigress would strike.

>What do you?
> Take the initiative. Strike at Tigress. Try and put her down as fast as you can and hopefully without hurting her too much.
>Try and keep talking. Maybe if you can get her to vent then perhaps she might just give you enough leeway to talk her out of this.
>Stay on the defensive and try to wear her down. Then when you see an opening, perform a single decisive strike.
>Tell the others to join you in fighting Tigress. You can handle her on your own but you want to take her out as fast as possible, something you’re not sure you can do yourself without drawing out the fight or severely hurting her.
>Run. Get as far away as possible to prevent as much damage as you can. You don’t want this accidentally spilling out onto the raider’s carts.
>Write in.

>>4709682
>Renshu, man the carts.
>Stay on the defensive and keep her talking.

"You don't want my pity Tigress and I wont give you it, but what are you willing to lose to win against me? I am telling you, one master to another, winning against me is not a prize worth wallowing in your rage and spite over. Look at your friends for Dragons sake, is trying to beat me worth disgracing yourself? Hurting them with this display of self destructive recklessness?
I have ripped apart the palace, attacked my master, disabled you and razed my home to the ground and I will pay for each and every soul until the day I day and until eternity after, but are you willing to do that to your family (Shifu and the five)?"

>>4709682
I'll second>>4709714 but add something like "If you want to prove you're better than me then be better. Let go of this rage before it consumes you like it did me."

>>4709726
I can see that. Though I will admit my next answer to her if she answered "Yes" was a yakuxa esqu "WELL I WONT LET YOU!".

No idea what we would do at that point, but screaming feels like ti is important somehow.

Does Tai-Lung know the Wu-Shi finger hold? I would imagine he does if Po had knowledge of it but Po's also a big nerd so I dunno?

>>4709733
Don't forget to take your shirt off! Or...what remains of it. Make saint kiryu proud.

>>4709734
I don't know. Po says he "figured it out" and it was never shown if shifu was just trying to scare Po or actually knew the technique. I'd say he and TL do but at the moment they don't have nearly the Ki control Oogway does or the panda chi dragon warrior bs Po does.

>>4709737
lel, is Tigress in the Yakuza Zero stage of Majima? Is the push she needs to become the Mad Tiger of the Valley of Peace.

>>4709734
He does know OF the hold, I dunno about actually using it.
But even so, no banishing Tigress to the spirit world.

>>4709737
She did that for us. We going topless from here on in.

>>4709726
On second thought it doesnt work. She doesnt want to be better than us, she wants to defeat us because that is what she was programmed to do from a young age, and we have cast a shadow over her all our lives.telling her to prove she is better is asking for trouble

>>4709740
No. She's the Nishkiyama of Yakuza 1. Tired of living in your shadow. Tired of seeing you get away with shit. And Tired of you being happy. Plus you did also- well maybe I won't spoil it just this once. Hopefully you'll hear about it from her

>>4709714
I elect to add a final line to my speech.

"Are you willing to follow my footsteps, become me, in an attempt to defeat Me?" As reference to all the damage she is doing to herself.

>>4709761
I don't think she'd see it that way. She sees it as putting down a monster.

>>4709754
Oh also betting we killed her parents and orphaned her based on that spoiler

>>4709682
>Try and keep talking. Maybe if you can get her to vent then perhaps she might just give you enough leeway to talk her out of this.
>Stay on the defensive and try to wear her down. Then when you see an opening, perform a single decisive strike.
Talk and fight.
>And why do you think I done what I did? I tought I had the strength, no the right to have the scroll! And I could not I lashed out! Can't you see you arebdoing my mistakes? Can't see you are turning into me? I will never have a nornal life! I will never even have a nornal afterlife! I already died once! I've seen hell! Fight your own hate, not me! Let me fix the future, in place of the past I can't correct!
And by the love of Shenlong send Xin and the five after the raiders, Renshi and Shifu can help mediate this.

>>4709812
>And when I could not
Goddamnit.

>>4709677
“Your destiny does not lie in violence. Neither did mine. My own poor choices were what lead me there. I’ve said everything I can on the matter now, so make your choice.”
>Don’t move.

Tigress is angry but more importantly Luo is tired. I'm heading to sleep now. Only you guys can save lil sis. How is another thing entirely. Good luck!

>>4709781
You know. That makes an awful lot of sense.

>>4710091
At work but I'm >>4709781
I'll switch to this >>4709872 seems more fitting of our MO.

So ot seems like we got talk and defensive fighting as the winning vote. Telling her how we fucked up, how this isn't her path and how we went go hell and we know we won't have a normal life.

Sound about right?

>>4710613
He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster . . . when you gaze long into the abyss the abyss also gazes into you.

Basically yeah, we need to get through to her somehow that she will become like TL was if she doesn’t course correct. We are in a fight where nobody wins, no matter whose the victor.

Honestly it almost sounds like Tigress needs to sort her shot out and truly figure out why she does kung-fu. If she is patient enough after this, perhaps she can meet Bao and Shenglong during New Year’s with us. Might help our case.

>>4710613
Yeah, but send someone to look after the raiders. It seems they are escaping or rioting by what the five said.

>>4710690
I think my writing might have fucked up there. They were yelling at you two not the raiders considering they ran to a scene of you holding Tigress in a head lock. That's my bad though. Sorry about that.

>>4710768
Oh, I thought that when Shifu siad we had to stop and there was a bigger problem, meantbthat the raiders used the comotion of Tigress fucking fucking us through a cart to start a break out when we got out of sight.
Some of the five still should go look after the raiders, noone wants to have a emotional breackdown in frontnof their friends, and Xin smugness will only make things worse. Renshu can stay, he's good with people, it can cover our fighting autism. Maybe Shifu too if he's too worried about his children hurting one another.

>>4710784
Fucking sending us.
That typo send a completly different message holy shit.

>>4710613
Effectively "he who fights monsters" and "I know that I will be paying for my past until the courts stop judging"

The two of you continue to circle one another, eyes locked and bodies tense, ready to leap at one another at a moment’s notice. You had always imagined a situation like this as a child. Two masters circling each other for an epic battle, each one waiting for the slightest sign of weakness or hesitation to take advantage of. It was something straight out of the old stories only now it seemed anything but. You can’t help but wonder if this is how it felt for all the characters in those tales. Ready to fight and go for the throat but ultimately never wanting to do so in the first place. Finally, you speak up, “Xin, go keep an eye on the carts.” You say as you slowly shift around in a circle. “Help Hien.”

“You already know what I’m going to say.” Xin Lan says.

“And you already know what my response will be then.” You reply. You can feel the rabbit stare at you for a while before they turn around and head into the shadows. “I suggest you all do the same.” You tell the Five.

“We won’t.” Monkey says shaking his head. “We can’t leave Tigress like this.”

“Nor will I leave you.” Renshu adds, crossing his arms and watching the two of you carefully. “I will step in if I must to help you.”

“You’re running out of options Tai Lung.” Tigress says as she clenches her fists. “Either you strike or I will. No more running!”

You keep eye contact with Tigress. “It doesn’t need to be like this Tigress.” You say calmly but never lowering your guard. “Look at your friends for Gods’ sake. Is all this worth disgracing yourself? Hurting them with this display of self destructive recklessness? I’ve done terrible things, yes. Ripped apart the palace, attacked my master, and razed my home to the ground and I will pay for each and every soul until the day I die and until eternity after. Are you willing to do that to your family?”

“WE ARE NOTHING ALIKE!” Tigress screams. “This is nothing, NOTHING, like what you have done. Don’t you dare try and take the high road with me. The only disgrace I’ve faced is allowing you to wander free for as long as you have! If you even had a shred of dignity then you’d have killed yourself the moment you realized what you had done. You think you can just walk around, do a bit of good and call it a day? You think it’s just that easy to wash your hands of this? That we’re all just going to forget what you’ve done?!”

“No.” You say. “But I’m trying-”

“SORRY WON’T BRING THEM BACK!” Tigress screams. “You think just because you want to change that it’s going to make everything better?! That just because you want to make amends that suddenly we’re all going to let you free and be friends? I’m not going to give you that satisfaction. You don’t deserve it. This isn’t a story or fairy tale. You need to wear this for the rest of your life.”

Renshu slowly uncrosses his arms. “Tai Lung…” He warns. “Watch what you say.”

“And I will.” You say cautiously. “I’ve already died once. I’ve seen what hell is like. This is why I don’t want you to follow this path. This darkness isn’t your destiny. Let me work for a better future, in place of the past that I cannot change.” Tigress’s eyes widen further, lost to all reason.

“Died already? Been to hell?” She repeats. Her claws jut out, slicing her clenched palms. “Why is it that I can believe you of all people could weasel your way out of divine punishment.” She breathes unevenly. “Very well then.” She whispers before looking at you. “You die tonight Tai Lung. No more running. No more avoiding it. I’m going to put you down like the manipulative demon you are. If I have to sacrifice my own soul to keep you chained down in hell then that’s what I will do. You don’t deserve happiness, friends, second chances, nothing!” She shouts. “You hear me?! Nothing! So just stand there and let me kill you if you have any shred of that dignity you claim you have!”

“Very well.” You reply quietly. “Then if you want to walk that dark path...I won’t let you!” You tear the remains of your shirt off and toss them away. At last that tension, that spring between the two of you, snaps and both of you rocket at one another. In the corner of your eye, you can see Renshu bolting in your direction as he rolls up his sleeves.

>What do you do?
>Write in.

>>4710979
>Utilize your inner peace to bend around her attacks, and to become like fluid to strike her central chi point. You've only really shown her what the tai lung of the past was capable of - now it's time to show her just how far you've come.
Because inner peace style movement seems weird and hard to fight against, especially with how little tigress has seen them. She didn't even go with po during the events of the second movie, after all.
Also because I feel like using a chi move in the inner peace mindset is bound to be effective at showing her what Tai Lung is truly like, on the inside, due to how chi works.

>>4710979
I thought bringing up the hell thing was a bit strange. I'll back >>4710990 as far as fighting goes. Maybe toss in something about how killing us won't bring anyone back either. Shame we can't pull some bullshit that would show her how empty it would feel if she did kill us.

>>4710979
>Close your eyes, let the wind and your inner peace guide your movements. Attack her with efficiency. No butrality, no rage, but also no mercy. Make our strikes just, make them like nature, just like the waves of a river washing on the rocks, the wind shacking the the trees. If she wants to close herself for our chi strikes, than we will channel the chi trough ourselves.
Ok, here's my crazy idea to pull something out of our ass midfight, use the chi on ourself to guide our strikes towards her chinpoints, but instead of chi striking them, just attack normally.
I have no clue if it's going to fucking work.

>>4711035
And if we want to taunt her, say that the hell we visited wasn't even for us, when we died we went straight to heaven.
And then we say we will show what Oogway taught us there.

>>4711038
Why on earth would we want to taunt her?

In the case of fairness and being open of the situation because my writing sometimes doesn't convey what I think it does. Renshu is coming to beat the hell out of Tigress. She wasn't joking about wanting to kill you and he's gonna move in to help.

>>4711046
I don't know, but it's an option.
Maybe she would pass out of an aneurysm due to rage or something.
>>4711047
Oh. I guess we should tell him to stop them? Or atleast for him to only step in if we really need it.

>>4711047
Call off Renshu. He should know we can handle ourself.

>>4711051
So is dropping trow and waggling our dick at her, doesn't make it any less retarded or out of character.

>>4711053
Calm down my dude, I didn't even put in my vote, just saying I realized it due to circustances.
That's even the reason I put in another post so it wouldn't confuse Luo.

>>4710979
>"Stay back Renshu!"
>Enough stalling, Fight properly and disable her

Maybe as >>4710990 describes, maybe as >>4711035 does, It doesn't matter anymore. All that does is that we stop stalling and start breaking her down. She needs to be stopped before she does something drastic.

>>4711059
I feel like we should stay the course on the defensive. She's going to be getting sloppy if she's this angry and we do need her to be in fighting shape to transport the rangers. Plus it's not a good look for us to send her to the emperor beat to shit. TLs big flaw is that he can be too self sacrificing.

File: 33sr7r.png (210 KB, 619x470)

210 KB PNG

The only way to have walked out of this without a fight.

Tigress: "I'm going to make you pay for what you done."
TL: "Ok, make me pay for my crimes. Its what I would have done."
Tigress: >pic related

>>4711072
I honestly wonder how different it might've gone off we just took a beating off the bat and asking if she felt any better once she realized we weren't going to fight back. Feels like a case of the only winning move is not to play, but we're well past that

>>4711072
But it's not we would have done. So far we atempted to diplomacy wirh every bad person and only fucking fight then when they don't stop.
I'm not going to lie in a ideals fight to come out on top, I'm not a fucking politician.

>>4711072
I sorta knew that. But at the same time, would have fucked up the last line.

>>4711069
I'm not saying brutalise her. I'm saying no pulling punches and no permitting her to keep wailing on us.
Fight normally, take her down, chi strike her so we can god damn talk at her then give her to her friends.

>>4711077
The answer very.

For thr sake of Tigress and consolidation. We are pulling a Bruce Lee and flowing like water. Telling best girl to not help us and take Tigress down with a Chi strike. That seems to be the majority vote I can see.

>>4711098
Works for me

>>4711098
Works for me too. Though wouldn't it be like Mohamed Ali than Bruce Lee?

>>4711132
Was that an Ali quote? Thought it was Lee. Although we would be doing the whole float like a butterfly thing too.

>>4710990
>>4711035
>>4711051
>>4711053
>>4711059
Taking these votes then. Writing.

>>4711098
I'm not sure about chi striking her, she shrugged it off last time. Better to just beat her quickly without breaking too much.

>>4711136
It's not an Ali quote, I just thought that his style was more about flowing like water and dodging rather than Lee's more "gonna fuckin' kick you" style

>>4711152
She dodged, not shrugged it off.

>>4711156
Well, in that case I see no problem.

“Renshu stand down!” You shout. You can feel their anger and frustration but surprisingly, it’s not towards Tigress. It’s towards you. You duck under Tigress’s wild swing and block Renshu’s attack for her. “She’s trying to kill you!” He shouts. “I won’t let her!”

“That’s not what this is about!” You shout. “If we don’t do this the right way then it’ll only send the wrong message.” You push Renshu back with your foot and bend backwards to dodge a kick. Rolling to the side, you intercept Renshu once more, his own eyes wild. “You have to trust me. You know I can handle her.”

“I’d rather kill her than take that risk.” He says. “Let me help you! You can stop doing all these things by yourself! She had her chance! Just like everyone else!” You lift Renshu and backflip over Tigress. “Now’s not the time to argue.” You say. “Just stand back for now. If it looks like I need your help. If there is no other option then you can come to my aid. But no killing. Not her, not for my sake. Not ever. Please.” You plead. “Promise me.”

“I...I can’t…” Renshu says, confusion and pain flowing through him.

“You can. I believe that you can.” You say and you push Renshu away to confront the mad Tigress. “Promise me!” You shout but Renshu says nothing. At the very least he did not move to join in again. “Tigress, I’m asking you to stop this.” You ask again, sidestepping an attack aimed at your eyes. “I don’t want to hurt you and I don’t want you to kill. You’re better than me. You can rise above all this.” Tigress takes a swing at you and you block it but she simply rakes her claws across your arm. Pain flares through it and you feel it burn hot as warm blood flows from your wounds.

“Stop talking and just die already!” She screams. You grab her arm and throw her over your shoulder, she flips and cuts your shoulder open with her foot. You hold back the urge to grunt in pain. You had to show Tigress that you weren’t’ the man you used to be. You had to show her, somehow that killing you was not the answer to any of this. But Tigress wasn’t the only one at stake. You had to show Renshu first hand what you were talking about. Show him what it truly meant to be merciful. He wanted to change and you can show him how. Leaping back, you take a centering breath to calm down. This was something new. It could end up killing you. You’re not sure if Renshu could survive something like that but you didn’t get this far by playing it safe. You didn’t save the Gale Cutter by playing it safe. You didn’t pull Renshu to your side by not taking chances.

Closing your eyes, you reach out with all your senses. You feel out for changes in the wind, for tremors in the earth, and finally you reach out with your sixth sense to feel out for Tigress. Unlike your friends, you could not push further than the surface and unlike Renshu, you had to maintain concentration to feel it but it was enough. Tigress was a ball of fire. Furious and white hot, threatening to burn all around her. You could feel it all, years of pain and anger. Festering and boiling over. The agony and frustration built up by decades of being held down. And the sorrow. Like a large ocean, thrashing and crashing against you, almost drowning you. You take it all in, imbibe in it as if in doing so you could lift it from her shoulders. The wind shifts, ever so slightly, and you duck. Tigress’s fist flies past you, missing your face by a fraction of an inch. The earth trembles and you duck under it, pivoting smoothly and avoiding a kick going straight for your ribs. Back peddling, you bob and weave, avoiding Tigress’s attacks. Each step flows into the next, like an intricate dance, almost as if this entire fight was rehearsed. You cannot see, and yet you can feel each attack coming as if they were being told to you in advance.

“Stop running away!” Tigress shouts. “Why can’t you simply face the consequences of your actions!”

You push yourself forward. Simply dodging wouldn’t solve anything. You needed to go beyond that. Tigress attacks you once more, her claws reaching your eyes again. Instead of moving to avoid it, you raise your arm to intercept her attack and...gently push it aside. Like a parent handling a newborn, you gently move Tigress’s hand aside, despite the force and velocity behind it. Tigress’s attack flows off of you like water against a leaf. You follow up by moving as you were to avoid another attack. It was a strange sight to all those around you. As if you were moving in slow motion, every step deliberate and gentle where as Tigress’s ferocity and speed threatened to tear anything it touched apart. When the two collided there was no sound of impact or crash of bodies, instead it was as if Tigress was attacking thin air.

You duck, bend your knees to go lower, and pivot around your opponent. A strange combination of moves that people could confuse as the drunken fist. And yet it was refined and graceful the likes only China’s greatest performers could do on stage. None of your moves seemed to register. No stomps on the ground or movements cutting through the wind. It was as if the very elements were flowing through you and you through them. You were there and yet not there at the same time. You continue to imbibe on Tigress’s feelings, letting them flow through you, letting them fill you up and remain within you. You feel tears fall down your cheeks and although you assume it’s from sensing Tigress, you’re not sure why. They felt distant and faded. You continue to dodge and avoid her attacks until finally, you unleash those emotions and return them to their owner, completing your dance.

It only took a second, but in that brief instant, you flowed under Tigress’s arms and struck. Five jabs into five different Chi points then a single palm thrust into her chest. The familiar blue rings ripple out, each one’s color fading away until finally a lone golden ring appears as you strike with your palm. Tigress’s body does not seize up as it did when you last attempted this technique, instead she goes limp and, despite the force of the blows, simply falls to the ground gently. Just as Master Oogway did so many years ago. Instead of ordering the body to stop, you did as your master explained it to you back in the spirit realm. You simply asked it if it could please stop and so it complied.

The woods go quiet for a few seconds as everyone around you takes the time to register what happened. Then it all comes crashing down on them. “Tigress!” The Five shout and rush to her side. Tigress’s eyes lock on to you, fear and confusion in them, no longer madden. Tears run down her face but she is unable to move to do anything. Shifu runs up as well, obviously conflicted on whom to go to. The two of you lock eyes for a brief moment but you break the gaze and simply walk away. However, Tigress was not the only one who was crying. Renshu rushes up to you, tears flowing freely down his face, awe and amazement in his eyes. “That was...that was beautiful.” He says, breathlessly unable to find the right words. “Never...never have I’ve seen anything like that.”

>What do you say?
>Say nothing. It’s over. For now at least, it’s over. Go back to your camp and check up on Hien and Xin.
>Tell Renshu to collect Xin. You’re leaving and heading to Taishi. Hien is welcome to join but you’re clearly not welcome here.
>Try and talk to Tigress and the Five. You’re not sure what you can say right now.
>Write in.

[Congratulations Gents. Seems like you’ve invented a new fighting style (one that I will have to write up in its rudimentary form for you to develop) and your Chi has changed as well. No longer do your Chi strikes impose your will upon others but rather you simply ask of them to do as you suggest. This does not make you Chi strikes any less potent or effective, they are simply more humane and merciful.]

>>4711302
Oh you poor Sociopath, I'm so sorry that you have to learn like this. But it really is like we say.

>>4711320
>Say to tigeress "Nothing I say or do will ever bring back those you lost. But I'm done making people fall and I shall never run from the consequences."
>Go back to camp.

So I'm going to go ahead and call this style "Empathy of the Spirit" if that's alright with you guys

>>4711332
Also, for Renshu
>"I meant what I said Renshu, Not for my sake and not ever. There is always another path so long as you stick to it."

>>4711320
>Try and talk to Tigress and the Five. You’re not sure what you can say right now.
>Say nothing. It’s over. For now at least, it’s over. Go back to your camp and check up on Hien and Xin.
>Take care of her, the only thing grander them her rage is her sorrow, she needs friends and family. If she ever feels like putting it to rest, I'm still willing to listen.
>Hug the bun. He must have felt the emotions too.
Boss, that fight was incredibly hype. And amazing. Marvelous job on the writing.

>>4711332
That name is perfect anon. I was thinking something like compassionate fist, put empathy fits much more.

>>4711337
Yeah, it really was.

And we also need a new shirt. And some sewing done for our cuts.

>>4711336
That speech to Renshu is good too, we can say it while we hug and pet him.

>>4711337
Wait, we still don't know that Shifu is her adoptive father, I change that part to just "she needs the support of her friends".

>>4711351
Doing it while hugging him would be cute.
Though perhaps we should phrase our 'I'm always willing to mend the rift' speech better than "I'm still willing to listen". It gives off a vibe of 'When you are ready to apologize I will listen' to me which will just antagonize her further.
Maybe something more like 'If she ever finds it in her to accept my apology, then it shall still be standing"

>>4711356
We do, we called him father and she told us to stop it because we "knew nothing about her father" and "We don't have the right". Maybe direct the 'Care for her' part of the comment to him.

>>4711362
I was thinking a willing to listen like a willing to listen her grivances, but I see what you mean. Maybe still willing to talk? Any of your rewrites works too.
And well, all of that is speculation, that we only know that's true because of meta knowledge but if Luo says if Tai Lung already connected the dots it may work. Although thinking back, if we did kill her family, it still would be best not to mention it anyway.

>>4711371
Willing to talk works just as fine.

Tai Lung did connect the dots about Shifu being the adoptive father. "You once mentioned I was an embarrassment to you and your father." and she repl-
. . .Oh. Oh she wasn't talking about Shifu. OOOOOOOOOOOH I feel like such a scum bag holy shit. I do feel really shitty, maybe you are right and she doesn't actually consider Shifu her s-

I've always assumed that she did, like Tai Lung did because that's how the movie presented it, but if I re read the thread without that bias I suddenly feel like utter crap.

>>4711382
Well, she may consider him her father, but if she knew and remember her original ones, it doesn't mean she also consider them her parents too.
But this is also speculation. We are going to have to find time to talk with dad about her full story.

>>4711390
Best to play it safe then with just "friends."

>>4711332
I was thinking something like "Way of the Gentle Spirit". I'll back >>4711336 to Renshu. Let's leave Tigress and the 5 alone for now. They'll come to us in due time. Also the not running from consequences bit seems a bit in poor taste.

>>4711337
Thanks man. Did my best describe how things flowed off of you and give it a reason how it all worked.

>>4711409
Explain, if you would about the "bad taste"

>>4711449
I can kinda see it. It can be interpreted as throwing Tigress’s own words back at her face in a sort of gloating manner. Sort of like "I'm not running away now am I?" after you kicked someone's ass.

That or anon might mean like you're trying to lord your morality over her after she's been kicked down a peg. She's vulnerable and defenseless but your still going over to tell her a speech.

Perhaps that's not what is intended and I can certainly see it the other way. It all really depends on the delivery and words used.

>>4711449
Considering one of the main things she said is that if we meant it we'd either turn ourselves in or kill ourselves it seems like an odd choice to beat her, do neither of those things, and then say that we're totally not running from the consequences anymore.

>>4711467
Hnn. Don't want that. Don't want that at all.

Right, lets try and consolidate this all into something that I'm hoping doesn't do the bad.

To tigress "Nothing I say or do will ever bring back those you lost but I am done watching people fall."
Turn to 5 "Take care of her, She needs her friends now more than ever with all the hurt she's holding. I still don't want to leave this rift like this, but if she ever has the mind to give me the chance, I will be there."
To Renshu [hug as applicable, probably away from five] "I meant what I said Renshu, Not for my sake and not ever. There is always another path so long as you stick to it."

Right, I know I may be being anal about this whole thing but in situations like this your words matter a whole lot about how things unfold.

>>4711484
Ah right, I was more going for "Just because I'm not doing either of those things, it doesn't mean I'm running away"

>>4711485
I still feel like we should mention her enormous sorrow. Most people will only notice the rage, but that one is a dead giveaway she needs comfort.
Or maybe it would give off an idea of invading her privacy with emotion reading? I don't know the proper kung fu chi ethiquete.

>>4711492
"Hurt and sorrow" then

>>4711485
>>4711490
I don't think anything we say will matter a lot to them right now. The raid leader was right, we do talk too much

>>4711498
Anon, are you part of the family of the large cats? Because they are the ones that keep saying that.
Atleast a "I'm still willing to talk" is important so she knows that it's all water under the bridge for us.

>>4711510
I just think what we should do this time instead of talking (since that worked super well this whole fight) is to wait and listen when the time comes.

>>4711516
No we must talk.
We have to break the stereotype of our race, out of 5 bosses we fought 3 were large cats and those three refused to talk and were the ones we had to fight?
The refusal for proper communication is obviously the root for the fact that despiste being a smaller part of the population of China, they commit most of the violent acts.
We must change this, one speech at a time.

This fight almost had me in tears, I only wish there was more emotions out of Tai lung like realizing he was basically fighting himself because in many ways they're siblings much like Xin and Renshu

>>4711637
Thats something I struggle to balance because I want players to make their own conclusions but I also want Tai Lung to have a bit of his own personality. I need to work on that to be fair.

I'll leave it up to you guys if you want me to start including more of how TL feels or what he's thinking. I think I have a good balance at the moment but as one player said, and quite accurately, I do tend to be overly critical of myself.

>>4711690
I'm good for how it is, but I'm not going to refuse a bit more of his emotions. Then again, it's a hard thing to quantify.

>>4711498
They wont care for what we say, but at this point I think we have moved into verbose villain territory and I dont think we can leave. TL has always spoken rather than letting his fighting doing the talking

>>4712195
Was TL a talkative villain in the movies? I can't remember but it'd be funny if he went from talkative villain to inspiring speech hero.

>>4712314
He talked a lot before every fight bar his break out and usually ended them with some putdown or villianous declaration.

Namely "fly home and tell my father, his son is coming home"
then "Shifu taught you well, but he didn't teach you anything"
and finally "You can't beat me! you're just a Big. Fat. PANDA!"

the second and third fights also had pre-fight monologues and the third had him shouting at Shifu throughout

>>4712339
Well at least we're putting that habit to more useful endeavours. We could have ended up still gloating and taunting even as a good guy

>>4711336
>>4711337
>>4711409
Speaking of which. Telling the Five to support Tigress and heading to camp. Writing.

“Take care of her.” You tell the Five. “She needs her friends more than ever with all the pain she’s been holding in. I don’t wish to leave her like this and have our disputes unmended but I feel like I would only make things worse by attempting to do so now. If she is willing to forgive me or at least give me the chance to speak to her about this, then I will gladly lend an ear. However, should she wish otherwise and no longer see me then I will abide by her wishes as best as I can.” With that you motion to Renshu and make your way back to camp. The walk is silent and heavy as you're both unsure of what to say. Despite it all, Renshu seems to be glowing with awe and pride at you which gives you some measure of comfort. Not at the fact that you impressed him, but rather at the idea that even you had family and friends to rely upon in times of need. You only hope that Tigress could find some measure of solace with her own friends.

The two of you arrive at your small camp, now dark and empty with the campfire gone out. You reach for a nearby pack to grab flint to reignite the flames but Renshu gently places a hand on your arm. “Let me tend to those.” He says quietly motioning to your gashes. You nod and sit back while Renshu lights the flame himself and begins to boil rags, further ruining his shirt to make more bandages. “I’m afraid I ran out of actual bandages tending to the Five and Hien after our battle.” He explains. “Xin Lan needed tending faster than I could go and get them. I’m afraid my clothing will have to suffice.”

“It’s alright.” You say quietly. “Anything will do. We can have Ming look at our injuries when we arrive at Taishi.” Renshu dips the rags into the water and you pull them into a hug. Renshu lets out a slight squeak and you hold them close. “I meant what I said to Renshu. You don’t need to kill. Not for my sake and not ever. There is always another path so long as you stick to it.” You’re quite surprised to feel Renshu grow a bit flustered despite all of their stoicism and serenity. It takes them a few moments to gather themselves before they answer.

“I...I never thought it could be done.” He admits quietly. “I just...I never...you showed me differently. For the first time...when I saw you. I thought that maybe...just maybe I could be like you. I could fight without hurting anyone. That maybe there was hope for me…”

“There’s always hope.” You reply. “You simply need to want to change. I’ll always believe in those who truly wish to become better and you’re no exception. Not you or Xin. Everyone deserves a second chance and sometimes it takes a bit longer than others for them to realize it. As long as there still seems like there’s a glimmer of hope and a sliver of a chance then I will try.” You hold on to Renshu for a bit longer and you can feel something akin to pride and happiness as well as contentment. You hope that you managed to convey that you truly wish for them to be better and that you will support them as best you can. After a while Renshu speaks up. “Perhaps I should tend to your wounds now.” He says. “I wouldn’t forgive myself if you got an infection while under my watch.” You let Renshu go and he moves to prepare the herbs for your bandages. You sit there content and try to ignore the aches slowly creeping through your body as your adrenaline begins to wear off.

>What do you do?
>Make small talk with Renshu while he works. (What do you talk about.)
>Ask Renshu to bring Xin over after he’s done tending to you.
>Do nothing and wait patiently. Look at the stars.
>Write in.

>>4712740
>Watch the stars and consider what exactly we just did.

Instinctively we have just created a new martial art but WHAT did we do for that martial art. There was some sense of emotional connection, so maybe if we meditate on how it felt like it worked we can come to a better understanding of this ability.
Because I think we just did what we did on the gale cutter, but without entering a proper meditation.

>>4712755
You mean when you fought the spirits? Or are you referring to something else?

>>4712740
>Ask Renshu to bring Xin over after he’s done tending to you.
>Do nothing and wait patiently. Look at the stars.
Instead of asking to bring Xin, we both go where they are. We didn't finish inspecting the raiders and we have a cart to fix.

>>4712763
When we sat down to do a deep dive into Xin's mental state and found a void with a flickering of hope in there.

That took us a serious amount of meditation and effort, while we seemed to connect to tigress' emotional capacity without much more than some concentration

>>4712755
Actually, ponder our new style instead of watch the stars. We invited trigress feeling on to us, becoming in harmony and than directed them back. And we became able to sence the difference in the elements surroding her attacks too, so was it something akin to our astral projection too? We know it's like our emotion reading, but it seems there is more to it.
We really need to train it more and show it to Oogway someday, I think he would be proud.

>>4712777
I was thinking once we refine it we could give it to Shenlong/teach it to him. A sort of "gift for gift" type thing, in return for his offering of Dragon style.

>>4712780
We should teach it to Bao.
She may never use it, but its a style fit for a priestess.
Maybe Shenlonh could pass the knowledge to others priests of his? That way they could defend themselves without hurting people. So what happened in the forest village would never repeat again.

>>4712785
Perhaps. Though I don't know if Bao has the time to learn, being a busy Bee and Shenlong not actually talking to most people barring the most holy and devoted of his priests, who are few and far between so it seems.

>>4712795
Well, he can probably make a scroll with the technique appear at any of his major tended temple with a note for his priest saying "learn this faggot".
And it can give Bao something to do in those free time gaps that are too short for something major but too small for something inconsequential.

>>4712773
Xin is a deep dive because they're are a void due to their forced inner peace. Everyone else you can sense their emotions with a bit of meditation and you get more insight the deeper you delve. The situation is similar with Tigress yes but it was also a risk you took because if it didn't pan out, you'd have died on the spot. It was also helped by that fact she was quiet open about her emotions as most people tend to hide them a bit as a habit. It's also very dangerous to do so because you can become overwhelmed by a person's emotions as well leading you to be completely defenseless. Further more you're completely defenseless and unaware of everything around you.

This is an incredibly rough style that you'd need to develop and work the kinks out but it shows hints of being quite powerful. Something perhaps Renshu could take to new heights seeing as he does not need to concentrate to sense emotions and he already incorporates it into his style.

He however lacks one thing that is key to this form. To use it effectively you have to have absolutely no ill will towards your opponent. That's why it worked. Because you fought but never wanted to harm Tigress even if you could use violence to end the fight quickly, you never threw a single punch. You toss her aside and pushed her but it slowly evolved into not wanting to harm her and you went from a regular fight of ideals to attempting to soothe her pain. That's something that very rarely occurs in any fight.

Of course people who can hide or manipulate their emotions or those you are not close to or know much about are effectively immune to this style but as you learn more about your opponent and their ideals you can slowly begin to make it more and more useful.

All subject to change mind you but thats the rough draft I have.

>>4712777
Yeah you're becoming more perceptive of changes in the elements as well. That's mostly due to your blessing and all the time you spend hanging out with spirits. Its not a big difference but for someone with your reflexes and skill. It's enough to help in battle.

>>4712755
>>4712765
Contemplation it is. Writing.

>>4712807
Hmm. To make it truly effective we'd need to try and develop our empathy sense or develop a dun mock mockup about determining their beliefs and intentions.
The no Ill will is a thing that we should keep though, that crap makes it utterly vital to avoid it being used as a weapon of the vicious.

What are your timeskip goals when it eventually comes? Here’s mine:
>Ming fully develops her style and becomes a true martial artist of some kind, even if its in a more esoteric way
>Xin gets their house, and finally decides on one set identity.
>Renshu fully accepts the Third Path, and finds his own inner peace.
>Hien uses his influence to help reform the cruelest parts of the justice system, allowing some criminals to get Help instead of merely Punishment.
>Tai Lung refines his martial arts more, as usual, but also fully steps into the arts and releases a series of artpieces meant to teach others in forms and philosophy. And, of course, reinvigorate spiritualism and dragon worship by depicting shenlong and eureka.

>>4712909
I'm with you on Ming, Developing her style properly then moving on to helping her with her spiritual affinity. Maybe letting her meet Bao to talk about it. Maybe.

All of us getting a nice house would be cool, like really cool. We already went over some designs for it in previous threads. Make it a home.

Renshu I want to fully fix his style and continue to improve his sense of self.

Hien, he's outside of our scope now, mostly.

and for TL, I think to compile he journey into a tome and send it to Luo, as a sort of retractive justification for us reading his story here. And of course, helping the others and himself with their styles and goals.

>>4712935
Ideally id like to routinely visit he ling to reform him over time with speech jutsu, but realistically we would never be allowed within ten miles of his prison

>>4712909
>Bao makes friends with our friends and often finds time to visit the gang through the little wind shrine.
>Tigress doesn't lose her way and becomes a even better martial artist.
>Shifu is proud of the five and his children, and finally forgives himself.
>Luo's new book is an absolute best seller, however it starts an unfortunate trend for darker and grittier anti-heroes and misunderstood protagonists.
>Po learns multiple different styles of martial arts and finally refines one to call his own. Now he just need to find Tai Lung for that spar he was promised.
>Daiyu finds a romantic interest that actually stays in one place near the coast or is willing to sail with her.

>>4712942
I don't think we should ever try to deal with He Ling again. Lets just not.

>>4712949
>Trying to cockblock Daiyu
Come on anon, not cool. Ming will be there eventually.

>>4712960
anon is right, daiyu is an obstacle in our path to waifu ming so we have to distract her with someone else
oh who am i kidding, bao is still best girl

>>4712968
I just find it funny that it's the sailor who has to wait for their love to come back rather than the land bound, but that's just me.

And yes, Yes she is Sometimes

>>4712960
I'm not cockblocking her, it's just that Ming keeps wandering all over China and will problem lives with the rest of the group in the middle of some mountains. That would be hell for a sea captain.
But if we find a nice moutain range near a big river or if she is that stubborn to trek through valleys and forests to visit her, than god damn she deserves it.
I've been team Bao since we met her, Ming can do whatever she wants

>>4713038
>Team Bao
>Not changing team depending on whoever is in the update, up to and including Tai lung

Then you are lost!

>>4713073
I'm a deep believer in monogamy, your wicked poliamorous harem ways have no power over me!

>>4713135
There is no Harem, for there is no lust. There is only the being who best exemplifies being the bestest girl who ever did try, and currently that's Renshu

>>4713142
Bold of you to abandon Xin like that.

>>4713151
The nature of Air is fluid adaptation, all get their time and their time shall come again.

Accusations of being flighty and unable to pick favorites are completely untrue!

Sorry about the delay. Got very busy on my end. I'll have dinner and finish up the write up.

You let the pain slowly spread through your body and look up at the stars as you try to clear your mind. What was it that you had done just a few moments ago? Was it out of desperation or was it out of faith that it would succeed? You figure that didn’t really matter so much as the effect. You had been in complete peace with yourself and our surroundings. It felt...well you didn’t quite have the words to describe it. Even right now, at peace with yourself, did not match the feeling of being at peace in battle. There was no anger or hate. No anxiety or even excitement. You were simply there, allowing the fight to flow around you. You knew the steps needed to achieve your goal, to stop this quarrel without causing harm. You could feel what your opponent was feeling. Not just in intent or anger but it was almost like a glimpse at their motives and their inner turmoils.

This new style felt so forgien to you. It was too gentle and almost too passive when you compared it to how you were raised to fight. Even the Dragon Style invented by Shenlong’s friend was based around ferocity. But that style was built for war. It was made with the intent to topple an empire and lead people to their freedom. To you Kung Fu was who you were. It was everything you built your life around. Granted, it was wrong and led you down an evil path but it was still who you were. This new style flew against everything you knew. And yet it felt...right. The crudest explanation was that it gave you the feeling you were told as a child that you would feel when you settled arguments through peaceful means. Such feelings never came of course, there were always ill emotions left over after such things, but this was it. Devoid of ill intents and hurt feelings. Simply...peace.

Oogway once told you that Kung Fu was developed as a form of self defense and self discovery. Could this be the next evolution? No longer did you defend yourself but defended others from themselves. No longer was this about self discovery but about understanding those who you went against and helping them understand. So lost were you in your thoughts that you never noticed Renshu finished tending to your wounds and by the time you pulled yourself back from your thoughts, Xin Lan and Hien were fast approaching.

“Xin Lan apprised me of the situation.” Hien says, breathlessly. “Is everything alright?”

“Everything...well it’s better than we hoped.” You say and you explain the situation as it occurred after Xin Lan had left. Your friends cling to your every word in rapt attention and when you complete your short tale, Hien speaks. “Astounding. I could never dream of attaining such a state.” He says. “To think the once feared Tai Lung has achieved a style of perfect peace. It would almost be laughable if I hadn’t met you myself.”

“It was just as unbelievable in person.” Renshu adds. “Words cannot express what I saw and felt there.”

“The only thing now is what to do.” Xin Lan says.

“What about the raiders? They are still a priority.” You say.

“They’re being taken care of by the Five now.” Hien says. “We…” He seems to struggle to find the words.

“We backed off.” Xin Lan says. “Or rather, Po asked us if he could be left alone with his friends. Hien and I decided that it would be best to leave them be in the interim. We probably have worn out our welcome.” As if on queue, Shifu arrives and quietly makes his way toward your campfire. His face was composed but his eyes were conflicted and pained.

“Tai Lung…” He begins, his voice clinical and professional. “Perhaps...it is best if you go.” Hien looks surprised and he uncrosses his arms. “Master Shifu. Are you certain?” Shifu nods and he looks away. “Yes. We believe that it is for the best considering Tigress’s state. Should Tai Lung remain, she may attempt something drastic. For that reason, we will not be heading to Taishi. We are still early in our journey and can still head towards another town. I understand you wished to celebrate the New Years with your friends and I wouldn’t want to keep you from that. We can handle transporting the raiders but we don’t wish to push strain Tigress mentally.”

You say nothing for a moment. It made sense no matter how you tried to think otherwise. You were the source of Tigress’s pain and you weren’t sure if she would relapse should you remained nor did you think it would be healthy for the source of her agony to remain near her for a two week trip. Still, it did not do anything to dull the pain in your heart. You clear your throat a few times, unsure if you were trying to hold back tears or simply trying to ease the dryness in your throat before speaking.

>What do you say?
>Say that you will stay. You’ll keep your distance but you want to make sure the raiders are safely delivered to the capital.
>Say that you want to speak with Tigress at least one more time. Maybe you can get through to her but you’re not sure.
>Agree and leave. You’ve already caused enough damage in a few hours it seems. Best that you leave the injured with their loved ones.
>Write in.

>>4713357
>Agree and leave. You’ve already caused enough damage in a few hours it seems. Best that you leave the injured with their loved ones. Extend an invite to Shifu and the 5 for new years if they can make it.

Let them go but also let them know they're welcome if they can make it and are willing. Wish we could've caught up with Crane.

>>4713357
>I understand how difficult things would be if we were to stay around each other, but I ask just one more favor from you. Join me for the New Years celebration. You and whoever of the five that wishes to join, and po. There’s someone I want all of you to meet, and it’s unlikely I’ll be able to have you meet them outside of this one chance. I’ll steer far clear of Tigress until the celebration, if that worries you.

>>4713367
Forgot to add mei ling to my vote too, dang.
That cat is cool enough with us to extend the invite, yeah?

>Agree and leave. You’ve already caused enough damage in a few hours it seems. Best that you leave the injured with their loved ones.


Man i was wishing we can combine dragon kungfu with the yin/yang style or the true peace style.

>>4713357
>Agree and leave
We have worn out our welcome, let's not disappoint our father. And hey, it gives us a chance to really let loose and run free.

>>4713452
We can in theory, Dragon style's great strength is the ability to incorporate other styles into itself.

>>4713367
>>4713368
We told them to take care of tigress, lets not

>>4713357
>Say that you will stay. You’ll keep your distance but you want to make sure the raiders are safely delivered to the capital.
>Father, could you tell me what exactly I did to Tigress to foster such a grudge? Her rage and sadness was on a level I've not seen before, and my mind wanders back to the atrocities I've did in the Valley of Peace.
I need information, otherwise I'll keep speculating out of paranoia.>>4713357

>>4713564
current information points to us having murdered her parents.

>>4713570
Well yeah, but I need a concrete answer.
The best source would be from herself, but Shifu will do.

>>4713560
my vote says we'll stay away from tigress, there's nothing wrong with it

>>4713657
Consider that we have asked them to take care of tigress because she needs their support and presence, then you are asking for her friends and master to join you for one of the main celebrations of the year.

>>4713668
i doubt all of them would come, and besides...it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing we're talking about here, given one of the guests.

>>4713670
Even one of them leaving is a rather damaging grievance, bar maybe Mei Ling or Shifu, and I'm iffy on Shifu.

And lets face it, they don't have to meet the great dragon, there's no special reason for it other than just wanting to introduce them. Tending to their friend is a better use of time.

File: House Colours.jpg.png (7.67 MB, 4160x3120)

7.67 MB PNG

The talk of Xin getting their dream house in the timeskip inspired me to try and draw over the complex I made in photoshop so it looks less scuffed.

I just started, so instead have a dirty colouring of the original one.

>>4713684
Niiiiice. Though I doubt we could get proper brick walls.

>>4713711
That's probably Xin's goal, and the one we end up living in would be made out of wood.
But with enough dedication and autism they will remodel and renovate until it has marble walls and mahogany beams.

>>4713715
Xin does have that energy about them, That's why they are best girl.

So the green house is the shrine to Shenlong, The top blue house is our home and the bottom one was the alchemy shed/dojo wasn't it?

>>4713720
Yeah. Couldn't decide between dojo/alchemy lab/guest house, but I knew we would need an extra building.
An alchemy lab with a small greenhouse and garden would be the best idea though, we can have a spare room or two for guest and train in mountains/forest/river around the complex, or in the shrine if it's spiritual.

>>4713725
Not sure about having a training house in the shrine, being it is a place of some worship but I think we could get away with actually putting the shrine outside of the compound so that it is closer to nature and not blocked off from the wind.
By that tree, perhaps

>>4713684
Hey nice job there! Love the peach tree near the pond. Perfect place to meditate or in Ming's case, force everyone to have a nice picnic instead of spending all their time indoors training.

>>4713743
>Ming has a small collection of pillows to throw at the others when they try and meditate during the monthly picnic.
>Xin joins in but with knives.

Wholesome family fun

>>4713740
Not having a training house inside the shrine, but any time we need to do chi meditation or some spiritual things we do it in there.
Maybe have like a nice meditation cushion or something in the corner and we pull it to the middle when we need to use it.

>>4713788
Well yeah, that's just the sort of place you go to meditate isn't it?

Alrighty, I'm back from wandering the endless halls of my library.

>>4713364
>>4713452
>>4713558
Leaving is the winning vote. It's best we return to our friends. Though we leave on a somber note perhaps the new years with those we are close too will lift our spirits. Writing.

>>4713684
So I was redrawing it in photoshop with a mouse, was nearly done, and then a fucking storm came out of nowhere, cut the power and corrupted the files.
God fucking damnit.

>>4713933
And I just lost my entire post. AGAIN! I'm glad this library is endless because I'm about to scream down every hall.

>>4713969
Ok, who here summoned the digital deleting demons? I won't judge you, but we need to find the entry point to make the exorcism.

You stand. "I see..." You say and you turn around to pack what little your group has. You hated to admit it but you could not bear to meet your father's eyes. You feel the burn of shame flow through you. Shame for how things turned out, shame for how your past once again came to haunt you despite all your attempts to be a better man, shame for being unable to look your father in the eyes. The silence is almost unbearable and you can feel everyone's eyes on your weighing you down with their stares. Thankfully, it was Renshu who broke the silence. There was none of his polite guidence nor of his mysterious tone. Only cold hard truth. "Stop avoiding your shame Master Shifu." He says. "Your doubts are holding you down and keeping you from doing what you have to do. You might fear that will be. You might doubt whether or not your actions did more good than harm but none of that matters now. You are at a crossroads and you no longer have the chance to avoid picking a direction. What you decide will effect the direction you and those you hold close will take. We may no longer be affected by your decisions but if tonight has taught me anything is that we won't stand idly by and allow someone to make the same mistake twice. Go to your students and give them the guidance they need and the guidance you always wanted to give them."

You're not sure what Shifu's reaction is but there is another silence. You wonder if your father was angry or was he contemplating Renshu's words. You want to look back and confirm it all but you don't feel you have that right. You remake the knot on your bag you were working on for the last few mintues and finally hear Shifu turn around and begin to walk away. You can feel relief mixed with guilt and shame as you hear him leave. You don't have to time to dwell on it when you feel a hand strike you in the back of the head. "Say goodbye." Xin Lan says quietly. You turn to look at your friend, their face angry. They hit you once more with the flat of their hand, this time on your nose. "Tell your dad goodbye." They say again, this time louder. The confusion must be obvious on your face as they continue. "Stripes and I have a terrible family. Hell, I'm pretty sure what we hand outside of both of us couldn't even be called a family. So on Ming's behalf and mine, I'll be damned if I let you mess up yours." Xin Lan points at Shifu. "Go tell your dad goodbye."

>What do you say?
>Write in.

>>4714001
Go tell goodbye to dad.
>It's been good seeing you again father. I'm sorry we have to part under this circustances, but perhaps we will see eachother again in during better days. I will continue sending you my
I'm still too mad to be emotional, someone less autistic please write sonething better.

>>4714001
>Call out to Shifu "Dad! If we don't see you again. . . Before New years, then I wish you all the best new years you can enjoy. I hope you won't mind my letters."

Xin is right, but I never expected them to be this right.
But here, something to at least lighten the mood.

>>4714010
That mad you didn't even finish your post. Kek

>>4714010
sending my letters, and I hope to recieve some replies some time.
>>4714028
Fug

>>4714010
>>4714013
Taking these. Writing.

You nod at Xin Lan, your embarassment buring hotter than the hit's they dealt to you. You stand up and turn to face your father. With a bow your say, if a bit stiffly, "It's been good seeing you again father. I'm sorry we have to part under these circumstances, but perhaps we'll see each other again during better days." Shifu nods, "Yes...I think I would like that as well. Stay say on your travels Tai Lung." The two of you look at each other a bit awkwardly before turning around. You look down at Xin Lan who has their hands on their hips and is glaring at you. Despite their shorter stature they managed to perfectly mimic everything that made an upset Ming frightening. Xin Lan thumps their foot on the ground and points at Shifu. Evidentally you didn't do a good enough job of saying goodbye.

You turn to face your father again, who was now leaving, and shout, Dad! If we don't see you again. . . Before New years, then I wish you all the best new years you can enjoy. I hope you won't mind my letters."

Shifu stops and turns to look at you. "Yes..." He begins and stops as if to think about something. "Please..." He begs before quickly turning around and promptly leaving. You swear you saw something glimmer at the edge of his eyes. Once your father was out of sight, you turn back to Xin Lan who looked less than pleased but at least they seemed to have deemed your goodbye acceptable.

"You're gonna work on that." They say, waving a finger at you. "I'm telling Ming and we're gonna work on that."

You could have made a joke. The emotionless assassin getting all riled up over family but that was tasteless. Instead, you decide to continue being open with your feelings and say, "Thanks...maybe if I was more open about things...then maybe none of this would have happened." Xin Lan's face softens and they rub the back of their head. "Ah geez...had to kill the mood didn't ya? Still...it's one of those things where perhaps it's better things panned out this way."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well I wouldn't have met you, you dunce." They say punching your good arm. "But we're getting into talks I'm not in the mood going over right now. Let's just get packed and head out. You coming Hien?" They ask. Hien looks a bit surprised and they look behind them, in the direction of the Five. "Well...I...yes. Perhaps it would be best that I go with you. I'm not sure I could much to help the situation. However, if you give me a moment, I had something I meant to speak to the others about before...well never mind. I'll be back by the time you finish packing up. This won't take too long." Hien quickly makes his way after your father and the rest of you return to your work.

It only took a few minutes to make sure everything was packed up and for Hien to return. You and your friends immediately set off to Taishi at full speed. It only takes you a few days before you arrive at the edges of the sleepy little town. By the time you make it into the town proper, it was noon and the streets were bustling with activity. By now, it was obvious they were preparing for New Years. The market place and it's stores were heavily decorated in ribbons and artworks. The stalls were offering sales and various trinkets for the upcoming celelbration. It was a stark contrast to the dour mood you had left the Five.

>What do you do?
>Go to Chuanli's tavern. You could use a stiff drink and you vaugely recall promising Xin to invite them to one long ago. Although they probably wanted to do it in much better circumstances and between the two of you alone.
>Go to the Captain's station. Best to apprise the Captain of the situation.
>Go find Ming. See what she is up to and let her know how things went down.
>Write in.

>>4714278
>Find Ming first
>Inform captain

Priorities first, we have to find Best girl and make sure everything is alright, then get her up to speed. Once that is done, we can find best Girl and get him up to speed.

>>4714283
>Captain
>Best girl
A new challenger?! Damn I'm good.

>>4714287
Sure you are best girl

>>4714316
Thanks anon. I'll harem TL and the crew in order to put an end to the waifu wars (at least on paper. We all know it'll never end.)

>>4714278
>Go find Ming. See what she is up to and let her know how things went down.

Best girl is actually Mei Ling. Sorry flyboy, we're gonna steal your girl.

>>4714278
>Go find Ming. See what she is up to and let her know how things went down.
We need to go to the shrine to alert Bao and Shenlong we are spending the New Years here, so the sprites and spirita can begin the preparations for their visit.

Making food because somehow an endless library has a kitchen...just gotta find it.

>>4714397
Chadlong and Bao always know where you are. So you dont' have to let them know (although it is polite to give them a heads up. they are your friends after all) in this instance though, they know you planned on celebrating in Taishi...at least I think I wrote that you mentioned it. In any case, it just a matter of calling for Bao like you would call any friend that's nearby over. It's weird but as mentioned before it only really works in wooded areas with a shrine strong in wind energy or one to shenlong. You're good on preping for them at the moment. But you're still free to visit them. Sorry if I made it seem like things weren't set on their end.

>>4714397
I think the spirits have all been preparing their shrines and he is just waiting on us to give him a call.

>>4714413
Oh so we would need to go collect them from a strong wind shrine and then bring them to Taishi?

>>4714420
Making soup. Might be the last day where it's cool enough to enjoy it.

The spirits have prepped the shrine. It's only temporary but it'll suffice.

>>4714452
Nice.

I just lost an hour so I am turning in, have fun guys.

>>4714413
In this case then we just need to explain things to the captain, hang out in the tavern and maybe visit the other shopkeepers we met. The monkey and wolf were cool, the sheep was a nice grandmother and the baker couple will definitaly need some help with the featival coming up. Maybe even finally getting to see the mayor.
The perfect time to sow the idea of a city council
Will Bao and our big friend be visible to mortals or will we have to find some special way for our friends to meet them?

>>4714470
They'll be visible to everyone as far as you know. You never actually spoke to them about their arrival. Only if they'd like to show up.

>>4714283
>>4714365
>>4714397
Finding Ming. Writing.

"Let's go find Ming. She's probably worried about us." You say looking around at the busy streets. "Can we at least take a bath first? I'm covered in dried blood and sweat. I'm all gross." Xin Lan complains as they scratch their bandages. You pat Xin Lans' back.

"Are you finally going to show us what you have hidden under all that?" You tease and immediately regret your decision. Xin Lan smiles and pats your leg. "Why don't you take me out to dinner first big guy? I'm not that easy of a lay even if I'm willing to make an exception for you. Of course you'd need to ask my elder brother for permission too." They lean to look around you. "Stripes, the big guy is asking to see me naked. Are you going to let him do that?" They ask with a pout on their face. Renshu chuckles and shakes his head. "Defintely not." He says before adding, "Although if he was willing to do the same for me at another point then I suppose I too can make an exception. You did once say we were a set after all. If he wishes to court you then he must do the same for me."

You cover your face and try to hide it as wiping sweat off your brow. "Renshu, not you too. I just wanted to make a joke about Xin being a boy or a girl..." You groan. Renshu laughs and pats your back. "I am sorry." He says. "But I could not help it. Come, let's go find Miss Ming and assure her we are ok. Then we can go clean up after she tends to our wounds properly."

It takes Xin Lan a few minutes to finish cackling at your embarassment before they say, "Well do you know where to even look?"

Hien, who had been quiet all this time but was doing his best to choke down his laughter, speaks up. "Perhaps she is at the mayor's home? It would be the nicest place to live and considering how influential she might seem since our planning, she could easily convince him to let her use a room at his manor."

You remain quiet and simply feel out for Ming's presence. Now that you were closer to her, it was an easy feat to do so. You reach out and find her presence at the small inn you and your friends frequent. "She's at the inn." You say. "Guess she decided to keep the room we have been using."

"Not surprising considering who the mayor is." Xin Lan snorts. "Well let's go then. The longer we wait, the longer I gotta wait for a bath."

---

The inn was far busier than it was in the days before your departure. A fact that you had a hard time believing considering it was already packed by evacuees. Now you see traders and travelers roaming the halls, talking in the stairs and generally being a bit of nuisance. Luckily both your and Renshu were able to easily push past them all with your raw strength. You can see Xin Lan appraising each and everyone of them with the expert eye of a thief but they make no move towards any bags or coin purses. Ming's room was conviently at the end of the hall way with a window at the far wall. An easy exit and entrance point for someone of your group's acrobatics. You knock one the door politely and hear a shout from within. "I don't want to buy your things! I don't care if you're giving me a discount!" Xin Lan shoots you a grin at that.

"Relax, it's just us!" Xin Lan calls through the door. "You'll be too tired from working out to care about any of that kind of stuff. Now open the door or I'll pick the lock!"

You can hear the sound of footsteps running to the door and of the locks being undone. Ming throws open the door and lifts Xin Lan off the ground to hug them tightly. "You're all ok....alive!" She corrects herself when she sees your group's condition. Somehow, she manages to pull you, Renshu and Hien into the hug before moving the group into her room. "Oh Gods, I've been worried sick. I mean...I know you were all going to be ok but still. And oh no, not again. Did you really have to lose your shirt? Well you're better of without it because I have a surprise." She rambles and let's you all go. "First things first, shirts off boys. I need to see where all your cuts and injuries are." She continues, her tone authoritative. She grabs her bag and being to pull out all of her herbs and medicines.

>What do you do?
>Talk to Ming as she works. Ask her about the festival. You want to keep things light and happy. The heavy stuff can come after the festivities.
>Talk to Ming about the events of the fight and before your arrival. Maybe it's best to get all the gloomy topics out of the way first.
>Say nothing and let Ming work. You're just happy to be around all of your friends.
>Write in.

>>4714640
>Talk to Ming as she works. Ask her about the festival. You want to keep things light and happy. The heavy stuff can come after the festivities.

>>4714640
>Talk to Ming as she works. Ask her about the festival. You want to keep things light and happy. The heavy stuff can come after the festivities.
What has she been doing while we were gone? Did she keep up her training? Did she strangle the Mayor yet? And such things.

>>4714640
>Let's stay light and happy. Talk as she works

>>4713933
So today I wake up and go finish my work.
The transparent layer I was working merged with the one before, effectively removing everything I did again.
I'm begining to think this image is actually cursed.

>>4715035
Jesus. Perhaps the crew's home is to remain in a quasi state of nonexistence. We know it exists but we can't map it and the layout tends to change depending on what the story requires. Spooky.

>>4715111
elemental spirits stole it
as a prank

>>4715155
>Sprites running away from a furious Xin yelling "It's just a prank bro! Just a prank!"

>>4715155
Now you made me think on what would happen should the childlike sprites had acess to youtube and were influenced by it's "children" content.

>>4715166
I have never felt more fear from typed words than this post linked.