[a / b / c / d / e / f / g / gif / h / hr / k / m / o / p / r / s / t / u / v / vg / w / wg] [i / ic] [r9k] [cm / hm / y] [3 / adv / an / cgl / ck / co / diy / fa / fit / hc / int / jp / lit / mlp / mu / n / po / pol / sci / soc / sp / tg / toy / trv / tv / vp / x] [rs] [status / ? / @] [Settings] [Home]
Board:  
Settings   Home
4chan
/qst/ - Quests


File: 4jxb8xqlq2u11.jpg (85 KB, 1015x788)
85 KB
85 KB JPG
Welcome back to Tai Lung's journey on the path of redemption. In our previous thread, Tai Lung continued to look for work during which he found passage to the Haungshan Mountains with the captain of Gale Cutter, Captain Daiyu, in exchange for work as payment. While befriending Chan Ming, a rather prodigous apprentice alchemist, Tai Lung assists Ming with her medical duties in the city tournament only to discover a murder. Not wanting Ming's reputation marred by a death that wasn't caused by her, he investigates and his inquiries lead him to He Ling, a bat who can seemingly drain the life out of people using moves not even Tai Lung is aware of.He Ling manages not only to hold his own against Tai Lung but forces him to team up with a mysterious rabbit, who later identifies as Xin Lan and had attacked him earlier in a odd attempt at recruitment, before forcing both of them to retreat.


After apprising Ming of the situation the trio now head out to put a stop to He Ling before he rampages across the city and hopefully before The Furious Five and The Dragon Warrior arrive.

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Tai%20Lung%20quest
>>
As the three of you arrive at the fireworks store, the night is dying down and the sun threatens to begin to break the darkness as dawn soon approaches. Xin Lan quickly picks the store's locks as you and Ming keep an eye out. "I still don't feel too comfortable with this." Ming whispers as you close the door behind you all and lock it again.

"A little late for that." Xin Lan replies as they grab a lantern and light it up. The walls of the store are lined with every kind of celebratory firework you can think of. Noise makers, sparklers, even ones that simply expell colored smoke surround you. "We should head to the back." They say. "Umm...probably should be careful with flames." They admit looking at the lantern. Turning to you, they ask. "You going to be taking anything big guy?"

You nod. "Having options will help. Once you hear the signal, start setting up decoys. We don't have much of the night left and if this is going to work we'll need as much darkness as we can get."

"What's the signal?" They ask.

"This." You reply grabbing one of the traditional fireworks, the kind that flew up into the sky and exploded. "He Ling won't be able to ignore this."

"Right. Alright Miss Ming. Best we get you to your station." Xin Lan says before turning back to remind you. "Remember 25 mintues then you return here for the finale." You nod.

>What else do you want to take? Pick 2.
>More of the traditional stuff. You could use them to grab He Ling's attention should he catch sight of Xin Lan
>Some of the sparklers. If it's still dark enough, sudden brightness might blind He Ling momentarily.
>The smoke makers. The smell is a bit foul but enough of them might give you a decent smoke screen to slip away.
>Write in
>>
>>4420160
>>More of the traditional stuff. You could use them to grab He Ling's attention should he catch sight of Xin Lan
>Some of the sparklers. If it's still dark enough, sudden brightness might blind He Ling momentarily.

We're taking him down for good.
>>
>>4420160
>More of the traditional stuff. You could use them to grab He Ling's attention should he catch sight of Xin Lan
>Stink bombs?
>>
>>4420293
Actually nvm stink bombs just go with the smoke makers
>>
>>4420160
Firecrackers?
>>
>>4420173
>>4420293
>>4420299
>>4420346
Looks like we're going for the traditional stuff. And with some lightmaking ones. Writing.
>>
You grab another one of the traditional firecrackers. It's size makes it rather awkward to stuff in your pack so you can only manage to put in two more into your pack ontop of your signal one. With the limited room you can only put in a few more of the other types. You can easily place 3 sparklers and 2 firecrackers for throwing. "I'm heading out." You say quietly as you wrap your face up again in the thin clothes you stole off a line. "One you hear my signal, get ready to run."

"I hear ya. I hear ya." Xin Lan says pulling their hood and face mask on. You sling your bag back on and slip out the back. Jumping back on the rooves of the city you run off towards the center to give yourself the most amount of room to manuver and hide. You look around the city but you can't seem to make out anything out of the ordinary. He Ling doesn't seem to be flying or is in visible sight but you were going to change that. Your jumps are silent and the roof tiles you land on barely move as you get to your destination.

You quickly set up a firework and strike the flint and steel. The sparks catch on the wick and it burns, slowly at first but with a few breaths it catches on quicker and soon the small flame races up towards the combustables. You step back and slip Ming's mask on. The smell of herbs and her perfume hit your nose and block out all other smells. You can still see through the glass eye peices but your vision is slightly limited. You might have to remove it if you don't plan on using Ming's liquid bombs.

The firework finally catches fire and sings as it soars high into the sky and explodes showering the night in a colorful array of lights. As you watch it you wait and plan your next move.

>What do you plan to do?
>Run off immediately. Go hide and wait for a sign that He Ling has caught on to something. Hopefully Xin Lan's decoys.
>Wait. Let the bat come to you. Buy some time for Xin Lan to get around the city and set up some decoys.
>Engage He Ling. Fight him 1 on 1 and only rely on the decoys if things get too tough. This time, you're not going to play nice.
>Write in.
>>
Forgot inventory.

You got:
2 traditional fireworks
3 of those sparkling sticks
2 firecrackers that explode with flashes
A dull sword of heroes
one smoke bomb
and a thin shirt or peice of clothing that hides your face.
>>
>>4420477
>>Wait. Let the bat come to you. Buy some time for Xin Lan to get around the city and set up some decoys.
>>
>>4420477
>Run off immediately. Go hide and wait for a sign that He Ling has caught on to something. Hopefully Xin Lan's decoys
Let’s do this Viet Cong style. We wait for a sign, then sneak up on He Ling and hit him while he’s confused. We then either trap him right there or run away while he’s still dazed and repeat until he’s ready to be trapped.
>>
>>4420477
>Run off immediately. Go hide and wait for a sign that He Ling has caught on to something. Hopefully Xin Lan's decoys.
>>
>>4420660
dis
>>
>>4420538
>>4420660
>>4420765
Seem like this is popular vote. Sorry for the slow start. I'm getting my wisdom teeth yanked out tomorrow so I won't be able to run. Votes are up until the day after. Right now I've gotten tangled up with something. Liking the hit and run idea. Please bear with me. Thanks.
>>
>>4420816

oof. Feel better man.
>>
>>4420816
Good luck
>>
Das ninja rabbit.
>>
>>4420660
>>4420538
>>4420765
Face feels like shit. So I'm gonna be a bit slower today. Looks like we're going to be sneaky. Writing.
>>4422956
Nice. Did you draw that?
>>
>>4423440

Wait until the painkillers wear off...

F
>>
>>4423440
Yeah. Sorry it’s not in the KFP rabbit style but it’s hard as fuck to make those things intimidating.
>>
File: 604.png (22 KB, 381x205)
22 KB
22 KB PNG
>>4423447
>>
>>4423451
Nah man. I dig it. Looks awsome. KFP also makes all the non main characters look the same so I definitely appreciate you putting your own spin on it.
>>
File: flat,800x800,075,f.jpg (8 KB, 180x204)
8 KB
8 KB JPG
>>4423451

WAT NO THIS IS A FANTASTIC FANART

>>4423453

I don't know what they did to you. I'm presuming mouth shots since you're not typing 'loop zoop' into the keyboard rn, but my experience with wisdom tooth removal is that your mouth's gonna feel like the Kylie Jenner lip challenge for a while.

Then at some point a few hours later, your mouth's going to suddenly feel like it's rapidly deflating. That's when the pain will hit like a freaking wrecking ball.

Have some motrin on hand when that happens. Feel better OP!
>>
As the firework lights the night sky, you duck back into the alleyway to hide in it's shadows. You wait and stay still while you keep an ear out for anything that could indicate He Ling was on his way. After a few minutes you hear it, a loud screech that manges to rattle the windows above you. You hear the sounds of wings flapping followed by something heavy landing on the roof you were on. Footsteps pace around above you and you hear another screech. You push yourself against the wall as much as you can to blend in. Hopefully the building helps block the sound waves and keeps you hidden. As the sound starts to die down you put your plan into action.

You leap as hard as you can, soaring above the roof and seeing He Ling below you. He barely has a chance to react as you come crashing down and drive both your kneeds into the back of his head! The impact and your weight slam the bat into the roof and several tiles shatter under the two of you. You roll off of He Ling and as he gets to his feet you're already throwing other roof tiles at him. The tiles strike He Ling in the face and he roars in anger. You roll into a handstand and flip off the roof back into the alley. As you land, you quickly dash behind a merchant's stall. The smell of old seawater, salt and fish hit your nose but your training helps keep you from gagging. In the distance you can hear He Ling jump down as well. He growls and smashes something near him, presumably another stall and his footsteps draw close.

>What do you do?
>Stay hidden. If he screeches, the stall should proved you with cover. Eventually he'll probably think you ran off in a different direction.
>Wait for him to get closer and jump out for another surprise attack.
>Use one of your items. (Which one.)
>Write in
>>
File: images.jpg (8 KB, 224x225)
8 KB
8 KB JPG
>>4423460
Mfw the teeth were so impacted my dentist had to cut into my gums just to be able to break them up for extraction. Well if I stop posting, you know where I went.
>>
>>4423474
>Wait for him to get closer and jump out for another surprise attack.
>Use THE PUTRID BREW as your surprise attack.
>>
>>4423488

+1
>>
>>4423478

also plz do tell wat kind of steroids the bat is on. I wanna know how I can get as buff. LOL.
>>
>>4423493
Stolen chi is one hell of a drug. The strongest villain in the movie trilogy stole chi.
>>
>>4423488
Supporting.
That said, what should we do AFTER we hit him with the brew? Just keep wailing on him until he’s knocked out? Run away right after and keep up the guerrilla warfare approach until Ming is ready with the big bomb? Something else entirely? We don’t want to corner ourselves by not thinking ahead.
>>
>>4423499
Guerilla seems like the best bet. Wearing him down while wasting time for the big bomb, you know?
>>
>>4423496

never saw the last movie.
I think if I got caught watching KFP at my age, I'd never live it down.

Just last week, I was drawfagging for my quest and I had one of my brothers blurt out, "ARE YOU MAKING ANIME FANART?! Mind you, I'm not a NEET nor am I that good at drawing, but the look on my parent's face was... something.
>>
File: D0J1RveWsAAoQP2.jpg (71 KB, 912x1024)
71 KB
71 KB JPG
>>4423508
Someday, my brother, you will take the chadpill as I have. You will watch what you wish to watch, without care for what others think. You will enjoy what you enjoy, without worry for how it looks. You will be the most genuine you that can exist, unaffected by the minuscule gaze of the ants around you.
The ones who judge are to be pitied.
>>
>>4423508
Last movie from what I've seen in the wiki, Po had to fight some guy who stole martial arts masters' chi and turned them into jade zombies. He Ling is similar but not only does he mess with chi but he actually steals that specific attribute. Old dude wasn't so old before you got to him and He Ling isn't as young a man as he looks.[/spoilers]

Also don't let your family get to you anon. Drawing is pretty dope. I can't do it for shit but if you put enough effort and get decent, people are willing to pay you. Plus you can always use it to show off. Like >>4423518 said just enjoy it.

>>4423488
>>4423489
>>4423499
Looks like we're going for THE BREW and using our stealth for hit and run tactics. Looks like Xin Lan has taught us something. Hopefully he learned something from us or he'll get more headpats. Writing.
>>
Well that's what happens when I try to be fancy with spoiler tags. I'll stick to italics and bold from now on.
>>
The sounds of He Ling approaching grow louder.

step. step. step.

You quickly unsling you pack and rummage through it to get to one of the concoctions Ming made you. You know that his hearing is second to none and that he'll catch even the slight sounds you make while searching for your items but you're prepared to use that to your advantage. You can picture He Ling's ears twitching as they catch the noise you make and turn in your direction. The footsteps draw even nearer and you can see the faint shadow of the bat loom over the stand. Even at this distance, He Ling's reflexes are fast enough for him to be able to dodge or deflect your concoction so you decide to close the gap.

Your muscles tense up and to punch straight through the stand! You tear right through the wood with your sheer strength and splinters fly everywhere. The mask protects your face and eyes from the wooden shrapnel and you smash the space between your thumb and pointer finger right into He Ling's throat before closing your grip on it! The attack forces the bat to cough as his air flow is interrupted. Just in time for him to get a face full of THE PUTRID BREW!

You can feel the warm splash of it's contents hit your arm and chest. Even with Ming's mask you can smell the stench but the herbs inside help dilute it and make it tolerable. You can only imagine what He Ling smells. He let's out a screech and smashes you aside with a wild swip of his arm. You crash into another stand but smile as you know that his screech cost him another inhelation. He Ling gags and holds his throat and flaps his other arm trying to get away from the smell. He retches and tries to regain his composure but only manages to upset his senses more and ends up expelling the contents of his stomach all over the floor.

You take advantage of the situation and leap into a flying kick and sending him into the smell fish stall putting the poor stand out of it's misery. Like a helpless bird, He Ling flaps his wings sending wood and scales everywhere as you make your escape. You leap back onto the rooftops and run for a few seconds before jumping back down into the alleys.

>What's your next move?
>Find one of the Xin Lan's decoys and wait near it. If He Ling finds it, you'll be in a perfect position to strike agian.
>Wait for a moment and let He Ling loose track of you. Search for items that might help you next time the two of you cross paths. (What do you search for?)
>Try and find He Ling in the skies. He might try and fly to have the advantage. Best to keep him for holding on to that.
>Write in.

Also apologies. I never posted how many of the brews you had. Your current inventory
2 traditional fireworks
3 of those sparkling sticks
2 firecrackers that explode with flashes
A dull sword of heroes
one smoke bomb
and a thin shirt or peice of clothing that hides your face.
2 Putrid Brews
>>
>>4423555
>Find one of the Xin Lan's decoys and wait near it. If He Ling finds it, you'll be in a perfect position to strike again.
>>
>>4423555
>Wait for a moment and let He Ling loose track of you. Search for items that might help you next time the two of you cross paths. (What do you search for?)
Needles, or anything thin and pointy that could be used for acupuncture. My thinking is that if we pierce his chi points like the jade needles did with us, we can try to permanently paralyse his arms and therefore remove his ability to fly. It’ll be much easier then, and the paralysis will be more powerful than what our strikes can do (remember, in the movie Po was immune to Tai Lung’s chi attacks but not to Mantis’ acupuncture).
>>
>>4423584
I like your thinking. Switching to this.
>>
>>4423555

>Find one of the Xin Lan's decoys and wait near it. If He Ling finds it, you'll be in a perfect position to strike agian.
>>
getting some food. Will count votes when I get back.
>>
>>4423584

+1
>>
>>4423518
>>4423520

Based and chadpilled!

Thanks for the encouragement, lads!

Also OP, if you want to get fancy with the spoiler tags, you highlight the text that you want to spoil and then press ctrl+S.
>>
>>4423584
>>4423602
>>4423633
Sorry about that. Food took longer to make. Writing!
>>4423649
Oh shit I can do that? Thanks for the heads up and no problem! Keep it up man. People love drawing.
>>
>>4423694
Whatcha eating, OP?
>>
>>4423696
I'm ashamed to admit it but most of the time I spent was trying to figure out what to make considering I can't chew properly at the moment. Considered mashed potatoes which I might make tonight after this session but I made tomato soup with the tiny star shaped pasta. Easy to swallow and doesn't require much chewing. I'm afraid I'm not the best of cooks and I'm gonna have to go out tomorrow to buy some easier to eat food.
>>
>>4423713
If I were you i'd go full soup no chewing at all for a few days. For real.
>>
>>4423713
>tiny star shaped pasta
They’re adorable.
When I got my teeth pulled I started on soup and porridge and stuff, then moved onto regular solid food, but rip it into tiny pieces and then use my tongue and the roof of my mouth to “chew” it up. Would that do you any good?
>>
>>4423715
Yeah. The pasta was small but after the first "bite" I ended up just swallowing it whole because chewing was too much. Getting ice cream when I head out but I'm definitely going to get ingredients for soups. I hear yogurt is also good to help recovery so I'm probably gonna swing for that too. Considering just getting canned soups and just drinking the broth.
>>4423725
I never actually thought of that. Might try it next time. I could dip bread into the soup to soften it up and do that. Thanks for the advice anons.
>>
You duck behind another building and lay low watching the skies. As much as you want to continue fighting He Ling, you fight back your instincts and reassert yourself to assess the situation. He Ling must be furious right now. If he's a half comptent fighter as he's shown, he'll try to use his greatest advantage against you. Flight. While your jumping ability is phenomenal, it would be more advantageous if you could ground him. You follow the train of thought of somehow binding him to your incarceration and then to the acupuncture needles that were inserted into your back. You weren't a trained medicine man but you knew enough first aid, joint locks, holds, and chi strikes that you felt reasonably confortable trying to use acupuncture to keep He Ling grounded.

If you could hit him in the shoulders or maybe the elbows, you could prevent them from moving and thus deny him his ability to fly. You search around for something that could function as a needle. You can't find anything that resembles such a thing until you duck behind a cart to avoid what you think is He Ling. As you stay kneeled you find yourself face to face with the nails holding the boards together. With your strength you could easily pull the thing appart and take them but the noise could attract your opponent.

>Do you want to take the nails?
>Yes
>No
>Write in some kind of stragety on how you can get what you want silently.
>>
>>4423756
>Yes
>Use your claws to pry the nails out carefully and quietly.
Bitch can cut into stone with his claws, and the precision required will be child's play for Tai Lung. Just don't break the wood apart like a weirdo.
>>
>>4423756
>>Yes

>>4423731
also feel better
>>
>>4423756
>No
I vote to watch and wait, at least for now. Best case scenario, He Ling moves away for whatever reason. Worst case, he finds us regardless of whether we pull the nails and we use more equipment to bail a second time.
>>
>>4423766
support
>>
>>4423766
>>4423772
>>4423801
Using our claws to try and pull the nails out. Writing.

>>4423772
Thanks anon. Hopefully things go well in healing.
>>
You flick your claws out and dig them into the wood. Compared to stone, the wood is soft and malleable and your claws slices in easily. You hook three claws around the head of the nail and slowly drag it out. You take great pains to make sure the wood doesn't splinter or crack lest you give your position away. The nail slides out with minimum effort and you move on to the next. After four, you have to stop and place the board they were holding down on the ground and you move on. As you continue your work, you hear a screech off in the distance followed by a loud smashing down. Evidentally, Xin Lan's decoys have started doing their job. You push yourself to work faster and pull out more nails. After a few mintues and several boards, the cart is on it's last leg and you have a handful of nails. You quickly pocket them and keep an ear out. Off in the distance, you hear another smash and you make your way towards it.

You dart through alleys and keep to the shadows, as you edge closer to the sounds of smashing. You see in on a nearby rooftop the silloutte of He Ling as he attacks the decoy and continuously smashes it into the building with his legs. It's clear that he's no longer the calm and collected as he once was. He Ling sends the decoy, a set of torn clothes around a now torn sack of rice, down into the alley where you are. The bag sprays out it's contents right next to your hiding place and you see the bat flap it's wings getting ready to fly.

>What do you do?
>Let him take flight and follow him from bellow. Once he attempts to land you ambush him.
>Stop him from flying. If he get's into the air, the advantage is his. Keep him on the ground.
>Throw the nails. Use them as needles to keep He Ling's wings from working.
>Use something from your inventory.
>Write in.

(It's a short day today but I'm gonna stop here and lay down for a bit. Tomorrow we'll continue and hopefully we can stop He Ling before the Five arrive. Thanks for the well wishes and votes.)
>>
>>4423910
>>Stop him from flying. If he get's into the air, the advantage is his. Keep him on the ground.
>>Throw the nails. Use them as needles to keep He Ling's wings from working.

Let's attempt both
>>
>>4423910
>Recall your fight against the dragon warrior - he used the city to his advantage, intentionally or not. Perhaps you could set the area up to do the same.
Hear me out, this is a weird one.
We can take a stall's canopy or some fishing net or whatever, load it up on something bendy/springy (a tree perhaps) aimed at a spot where we know He Ling will come to, and release it at the right moment.
When it wraps around him, he'll temporarily lose aerial mobility and fall to the ground. That's where we'll have positioned a cart, which is strapped with our two Fireworks that we quickly ignite. We get on top of the cart and start wailing on him to keep him down while it rockets towards its destination - sacks of flour. Flour, when dispersed into the air, can ignite into an explosion, which the fireworks can manage easily. That'll definitely do some damage.
And when he bursts out of the explosion, more furious than ever? That's when we nail him in the wings.

TL;DR Set up a net trap, a cart loaded with fireworks to propel it, and find some flour sacks (local bakery maybe? food stalls?) to stack up where the cart will hit.
>>
>>4423965

yeet this is awesome. switching to this.
>>
>>4423910


>>4423965
This is halarious and somthing that fucking panda would do. We should lean our leason and follow suit.

Supporting
>>
>>4423965
+1, learn from our old foes
>>
>>4423965
Support
>>
>>4423965
Cool, supporting.
>>
File: as2jf8235h2u3jh.gif (3.41 MB, 580x325)
3.41 MB
3.41 MB GIF
>>4423965
>>4423971
>>4423972
>>4424071
>>4424385
>>4424508
This is a ridiculous plan. I love it. Writing.
>>
You watch as He Ling flies off and pull a nail out of your pocket. With your skill, you might just be able to hit him with the nail though you're unsure if they'd hit the exact location you want. Xin Lan might be able to do it but they were busy trying not to get involved. You needed a way to ground him momentarily. Something heavy to pull him down or something to entangle his wings so he couldn't just fly off. You stand up and look around. You need a net, a blanket. Something with a large surface area that can envelope He Ling. Something like the canopy of the cart you were hiding behind.

You slam your forearm against one of the four wooden columns holding it in place, shattering it. You follow up with a kick, then grabbing the broken pieces you pull it off while breaking the last two wooden beams off as well. You fold the cloth hasitly and dash off after the bat before stopping and looking behind you at the cart. You vaugely remember something involving a similar cart and...fireworks. "That'll do." You mutter to yourself as you pull out your two fireworks and quickly tie them to the sides of the cart. Then for good measure you also add the firecrackers to the mix just to annoy him. You grab the cart's handles and pull it behind you on squeeky wheels. The noise would attract He Ling but you were planning on it once again.

Running through the streets, you keep an eye out for He Ling and begin to set up your cunning plan. You line up the cart to face a bakery while trying not to think of the look Ming will give you if she finds out about this. Once you have that ready, you leap onto the rooftops once more. Judging by the time it took to set all this up[, you guess this is your last attempt to deal some damage before you need to return back to the fireworks shop. You look up into the sky and see the bat flying around. No doubt looking for the source of the noise from your cart, you decide to give the man what he wants. Raising two fingers to your mouth, you let out a shrill whistle. Why bother guessing where he would be when you can make him come to the exact location you want.

The figure in the air turns and lets out a shriek as it hurtles towards you! "That's right." You mutter taking a few steps towards the edge. "I remember falling for that one." You say as you backflip off the roof...right onto a tree. You grab onto the four wooden beams attached to the canopy and pull it down with your weight and momentum. "Too bad I'm not going to be as nice about it as The Dragon Warrior." You add as you let go.

The canopy flies through the air as the wooden beams keep it wide open just long enough for He Ling to crash into it. You run right towards the tangled mess of bat and cloth and as the two fall from the sky you give them a bit more motivation to go in the right direction. You leap and as you soar through the air you spin to slam your shin into He Ling's side and slam him right into the cart you set up.
>>
File: tenor.gif (1.22 MB, 490x322)
1.22 MB
1.22 MB GIF
He Ling crashes and the cart groans at the impact but holds. The canopy tears as he manages to get a grip on it and simply tear it in two only to have the first thing he sees is your foot colliding with his face. "Sorry." You say. "But we're going my way this time." You lower a torch on the various wicks you tangled together. With a hiss they burn out and your cart races off towards the bakery! The firecrackers pop and explode singing your slightly but nothing you couldn't deal with. He Ling's pupils contract as he screams but his shouts are cut short as your drive your fist into his face. He responds by throwing his elbow into your chin but go with the punch and fall to your side right next to him before you drive your knee into his gut.

The two of you continue pummle each other as the cart's wheel gives away and falls off. You use the the sudden lurch when the broken side hits the ground to push away and fall off the speeding vehicle. You slam on to the ground and bounce a few times before crashing into some pottery from a nearby shop. Groaning you get to your feet just in time to see the cart crash right into the bakery! Flour is thrown everywhere and a fine mist of it hangs in the air right as the last of the combustables in the fireworks ignite. The explosion goes off and windows all around you shatter from the impact. You steady yourself and draw out the nails from your pocket as you slip them in between your fingers. "3...2...1..." You slowly count down. Just as predicted, He Ling brusts out the flaming wreck, badly burned and cut, screaming and flying right at you. "Yeah. I fell for that one as well." You say before you scream and run right at He Ling. As the two of you come close you throw yourself forward, plant your hands on the ground, and wrap your legs around He Ling's waist. You tighten your grip and use the push from He Ling's flight to fall backwards and slam him, headfirst, into the ground!

You go with the fall and sit on the bat's chest as you quickly thrust the nails into various joints and pressure points on his arms and shoulders. You can see He Ling's wings and arms tense up and stiffen as the attack paralyzes them. He Ling lets out an incompreshenable screech and head butts yous. You flip off of him and get to your feet in a fighting stance as the flames of the bakery slowly lick at the nearby buildings.

>What do you do?
>Run back towards the shop. You want to give it everything you got to try and take He Ling down.
>Stay and fight. You want to try and finish this here and now.
>Use something from your inventory. You don't have much left.
>Write in.

Inventory:
3 of those sparkling sticks
A dull sword of heroes
one smoke bomb
and a thin shirt or peice of clothing that hides your face.
2 Putrid Brews
Xin Lan's balanced combat throwing knives
>>
>>4424886
>>Stay and fight. You want to try and finish this here and now.
>>
>>4424886
>Fight, but lure him closer to the shop. It doesn’t need to be you who uses ming’s work against the bat.
>>
>>4424886
Ooh, big update. I like.
>Stay and fight. You want to try and finish this here and now.
I would have liked to end this using Ming’s bomb, but we actually seem to be in a good position for a non-lethal takedown right now.
Besides, we need to finish this as fast as possible so we can get started on putting out the fire before the city burns down.
>>
>>4424917
>>4424942
Looks like we're gonna try and finish this here. You guys wanna give a speech? Gonna go make food. Will write when I get back.
>>
>>4424974
"It feels good to push the limits of your power, doesn't it? To soar to new heights and know that you're above everyone else? To take your anger out on those weaker than you, knowing they could never stand a chance? I know the feeling all too well! Tell me, He Ling, why do you fight? Why do you consume? Is it a drug that you crave, or is there a hole you're trying to fill?
>>
>>4424990

+1 badass speech
>>
What is the price of power? Do you truly believe you can make others pay for you and still expect You won’t ever have to pay your dues?
>>
>>4424990
Support. I’m usually good at writing speeches but I can’t think of anything this time.
>>
loving the speeches. Getting on writing. Time for a showdown it seems!
>>
The two of you circle each other, unflinching, never breaking sight. He Ling growls and bites down on the area where you put a nail through his shoulder while still looking directly in your eyes. With a grunt and tears it out and repeats the process with his other shoulder. Blood oozes from his wounds and mouth as He Ling spits out two nails. Still moving stiffly, he grabs the nails in his elbows and tears them out with the opposite hand. The flames crackle behind you and their light is matched by the dawn slowly breaking. "It feels good doesn't it?" You shout above the flames. "To push the limits of your power. To soar to new heights and know that you're above everyone else? To take your anger out on those weaker than you, knowing they could never stand a chance? I know the feeling all too well! Tell me, He Ling, why do you fight? Why do you consume? Is it a drug that you crave, or is there a hole you're trying to fill? But did you ever stop and think? What is the price of your power? Do you truly believe you can make others pay for you? That you won’t ever have to pay your dues?"

He Ling growls and spits again. "What would you understand of power?" He replies. "To come back from the height of it all. To know that everyone beneath has forgotten your glory and live thinking they have no superior. All this was my people's! You all live to serve us. You will all be reminded of your place. This is all my birth right! Know this warrior, there is no one better than me. None that can soar as high as I can. No one. And I will make sure the world knows of it when I'm done with you." He shouts before running at you once more.
>>
File: tai_lung_vision.png (77 KB, 350x177)
77 KB
77 KB PNG
"Yeah." You mutter. "I made that mistake too." and you roar as you break into a run as well and engage He Ling. You begin with a right hook and your fist collides with He Ling's face. Your opponent counters by falling to the ground and sweeping your legs from under you but you twist in mid air to land in a handstand and backflipping back to your feet. You grab a nearby peice of wood and hurl it at He Ling so he can deflect it while you go into a running jump kick. He Ling grabs your leg with his bloodied arms and smashes his elbow into the side of your knee. Even with his debilitated arms, pain lances up your leg as you're thrown through a window. You land inside what looks to be a kitchen but you don't have time to think as He Ling leaps through another window.

Instinctively you grab the nearest pan and slam it into He Ling's leg as he throws a kick at you. You follow up by stepping into his space and backhanding him with the pan, sending the bat crashing into a shelf of jars full of spices and herbs. He Ling jumps onto a table and uses his height to rain kicks down on you. You block a few and take one to the neck, knocking you to the ground. You let out an angry growl and you place both your feet under the table before kick up. The table and He Ling fly in two directions crashing again into a wall. The table shatters into peices and He Ling plants his feet on the wall to bounce back after his impact. He crashes into your and the two of you roll on the ground punching each other, smashing elbows into what ever open spot you can find. Your breathing grows ragged as your vision grows red and you roar. You punch through He Ling's defenses and grab him by the throat before you slam him against a door and hurl him through it, sending him crashing back out into the alleyway where you started the fight. The bat rolls to his feet and whips up winds with his wings to send the shattered remains of glass, wood, and broken pottery at you. You roll behind a wall just in time to only get grazed by the shrapnel. You take the this time, this split second of breathing room, to decide what to do next.

>What do you do?
>Engage He Ling all out. Hold nothing back. No move disallowed, no technique banned. Unburdened by things such as rules, fairness and morality.
>Use an item in your pack. You still have a few tricks up your sleeve. Better to use them than be sorry you didn't.
>Use something from the building you're in. It's a kitchen so there's bound to be something useful you can use in an unexpected way.
>Write in.
>>
>>4425140
>>Engage He Ling all out. Hold nothing back. No move disallowed, no technique banned. Unburdened by things such as rules, fairness and morality.

Play dirty but don't go completely back to old ways. We're on a redemption arc after all...
>>
>>4425140
>>Engage He Ling all out. Hold nothing back. No move disallowed, no technique banned. Unburdened by things such as rules, fairness and morality.

Tai is the person the grow but still kick ass when the time comes. Like come on, this dude is worse then Tai ever was
>>
>>4425167
>>4425175
Gonna have to write an apology in that anonymous letter we're leaving to Shifu because we're about to go all out. Writing.
>>
>>4425140
>Engage He Ling all out. Hold nothing back. No move disallowed, no technique banned. Unburdened by things such as rules, fairness and morality.
"Look at me! Everything I have now I paid for in my own blood, sweat, and tears! I worked until my bones broke...and I'm still pushing your back against the wall without stealing an ounce of anyone else's effort. You don't need to steal from others to succeed, you never did. You just needed to look within."
>>
>>4425256
I like this. I'll be using that. Thanks!
>>
>>4423451
Bruh. Usagi Yojimbo is your resource for this.
>>
>>4425283
I don't have time to read the quest so Imma drop this and run.

I've heard good things about it tho.
>>
>>4425287
Thanks for the images! He's from the Ninja Turtles comics right? Looks badass.
>>
You step out of the kitchen and flick out your claws. Left then Right. You chest heaves as you breathe in deeply and exhale to get as much oxygen running through your body. The two of you lock eye and both let out a scream then a roar as you rush each other. He Ling starts off with a chop to your neck but you block it with one arm. You sink your free claws into the bat's chest and drag it down his chest. He Ling hisses as his fur becomes darker from his bleeding. He snaps his knee straight up and smashes it against your chin. You flip backwards from the impact but you use your momentum to swing your leg upward and return the favor with a backflip kick. You backflip, grab the remains of a pot, and fling them at He Ling as you run to the side to grab the remains of the cart you crashed into the bakery. He Ling raises his arms to deflect the pot shards instinctively and you use that as an opening to run in weilding two peices of wood akimbo. You beat the bat over the head with one and as he thrusts his arm out to chi strike you in the chest you plant your foot in his elbow and force it down.

As He Ling is forced to the ground by your deflection you swing your other arm upward and strike strike him upside the head with it. Your weapon shatters under the impact leaving you with one free hand. He Ling is sent flying backwards, his arms flapping uselessly as he tries to take flight or at least adjust his trajectory in the air. He lands in a heap and as he rises he swings his arms to once more whip the winds up. The flames of the building behind him flare up and the neighboring buildings begin to catch fire as well. He Ling doesn't seem to notice or he does not care as he manipulates the winds to carry the flames and fires them directly at you! You roll out of the and sweep your leg against the ground to send sand into the bat's face while you feel the scorching flames narrowly miss you. The sand meets its mark and He Ling screams in pain as his eyes are clouded by sand. He lets out another shriek and you feel your body grow heavy and slow once more but your adrenaline keeps you in motion, pushing you past pain and agony.
>>
"Look at me!" You shout above the roaring blaze. "Everything I have now I paid for in my own blood, sweat, and tears! I worked until my bones broke...and I'm still pushing your back against the wall without stealing an ounce of anyone else's effort! You don't need to steal from others to succeed, you never did! You just needed to look within! One chance!" You continue. "You have one chance to give yourself up and we can end this. That's all I was given and that's all I'll give you."

He Ling hisses. "You don't get to talk about your skill!" He screems still rubbing his eyes, his ears flicking in your direction. "All you advantages come from tricks and deceit! Your skill is beneathe mine! That's why you resort to hiding! You recognize that should we fight directly, I out match you!"

>What do you do next?
>Continue to beat him down with your martial arts. He's making mistakes, leaving openings. Soon you'll be able to start inflicting actual damage.
>Use something from your inventory.
>He's manipulating flames and so can you. Ignite your hands and engage He Ling. He'll suffer severe burns but you're fairly certain he won't die.
>Try to get him open for your own Chi strikes. If you can paralyze him then the fight is over.
>Continue to try and talk He Ling down? He doesn't seem to be getting it but then again neither did you in the beginning.
>Write in.
>>
>>4425307
>Try to get him open for your own Chi strikes. If you can paralyze him then the fight is over.
We're not alone in this fight. The wind on our face is proof of that.
>>
>>4425343

+1
>>
>>4425343
>We're not alone in this fight. The wind on our face is proof of that.
Nice. I like that alot.

>>4425343
>>4425355
Seems like Chi attack is winning but I'm going to wait til tomorrow to count the votes. Thanks again for voting and pictures. I hope you're still enjoying the story. Have a good night guys.
>>
File: 1579736540933[1].jpg (31 KB, 407x407)
31 KB
31 KB JPG
>>4425343
+2
>"All you advantages come from tricks and deceit! Your skill is beneathe mine! That's why you resort to hiding! You recognize that should we fight directly, I out match you!"
Yes but it was fun smashing you with kitchenware.
>>
>>4425562
That response is hilarious, we should use it to make him even angrier.
The rage will blind him.
>>
File: 1589141164377.jpg (349 KB, 1000x729)
349 KB
349 KB JPG
>>4425563
and to be fair he does us dirty with that screech attack of his.
>>
>>4425570
Oh yeah, that's a good point.
The first fight against him would have been much less of a stomp if we weren't dizzy and nauseated from it.
>>
>>4425343
Can we Just use the knives to Strike his Chi Points?
One under the shoulder Plate locks his arm movment to a maximum of 90 degree
Btw i love this quest
>>
>>4425343
+1, Bravo Luo! Hope your gums heal well :S
>>
>>4425667
That is an interesting question anon. Tai Lung does have the minor ability to manipulate Chi, as he can do Chi strikes, but it's not on the level to be able to channel it through knives or other objects. While in theory it would be possible (and I'm liking the idea of Chi enhanced throwing needles for Xin Lan to do the Chi blocking strikes at a distance) the issue comes up with the intent of the Chi strikes. The techniques Tai Lung knows were taught by Oogway so naturally the intent for them is non lethal takedowns or incapacitation without harming the target (despite how Tai Lung used them in the films to keep The Five in a mangled paralyzed state) and because of that some of the strikes for it are on vital areas. In the films we see both Oogway and Tai Lung strike the areas near the heart to paralyze their foes so using knives to attempt to do the same would more than likely result in the recipient's death.

Such a technique would probably fall on the same level as He Ling's Chi and attribute theft or a previous anon's suggestion of a chi strike that makes the target dumb by messing with their brain. Not impossible but certainly not a technique most martial arts practioners or schools of martial arts would know or teach. However, I can see the arguement for learning how to enhance weapons with Chi to make them more potent or to attempt the strikes against armored foes in the rare cases your bare hands can't penetrate but I'll leave wanting to learn such things up to the you guys. That's my thoughts on the matter and I'm always open to disscussion on the idea. You're still free to use the knives to try and lock his joins however. Chi isn't the only way to hamper a foe, it's just a very hard to block and bloodless one.

>>4425926
Thanks for the well wishes! Jaw is kind of sore but it seems like the swelling is dying down. Got tons of ice creams, yogurt and soups to keep me going. Have an appointment to get the stiches out next week.

>>4425343
>>4425355
>>4425562
>>4425926
Going for Master Oogway's technique to try and end it. Also we can't help but have a bit of banter. We did kind of earn it. Writing.
>>
File: Oogway_fights (1).gif (800 KB, 200x200)
800 KB
800 KB GIF
Decided to look up a gif of the technique and it seems I might be wrong. Doesn't look like the heart is struck as I origonally thought. Still, I think my thoughts on the intent of technique still hold water. I'll leave a gif for you guys to check out.
>>
>>4425984
Chi enhanced throwing knives aside, would Tai Lung be capable of throwing needs that hit people in their pressure points?
Could...could we steal He Ling's chi?
>>
>>4425998
>Chi enhanced throwing knives aside, would Tai Lung be capable of throwing needs that hit people in their pressure points?
Yes, as a matter of fact, that was a vote that won. Only we couldn't find needles so nails were the replacement. Anons then voted for the cart plan in order damage He Ling and close the gap to use the nails. With a bit of practice, Tai Lung could learn how to accurately use needles for pressure points/acupuncture from a longer distance. Currently, he is trained to use throwing weapons but using small needles in this manner is something he can do but is something he doesn't have much practical application practice with. He's mostly a melee centered fighter. You do know two people who can help teach you the basics in both ends. Anatomy for acupunture and accuracy in throwing. It's all a matter of convincing them to help you train.

>Could...could we steal He Ling's chi?
Unfortuantely no. I don't know if I would veto a vote like that if anons all agreed to do so. (honestly vetoing a vote seems rather harsh but I understand sometimes its necessary to preserve the game and it's intent) But in this particular instance, Tai Lung doesn't know the technique for stealing Chi. I've mentioned in the previous thread that He Ling's Chi strike techniques are forgien and unknown to our protag which both bothered and intruiged him. Also I might be misremembering but Chi stealing was shown as a super rare and never before seen move in the third film wasn't it? Something only Pandas knew how to do because of their innate talent at manipulating Chi.
>>
The flames roar and the two of you remain still. This was the height of the fight, both bodies battered and beaten. Weariness, fatigue and pain all being held back by pure adrenaline. At this point was where it would all start to crash. Here was where the first mistake would lead to it's owner's downfall. And you couldn't help but feel excited. For the second time in your life, you've found an opponent that pushed you to your limits, forced you to think outside the box, made you rise above who you once were. If this tale could be told, it would be legendary.

A beam of wood snaps, and crumbles under the flames and the two of you inctinctively throw yourselves at one another once more. He Ling throws a round house kick at you but you duck under it and throw a jab at the bat's bloodied shoulder. The attack is blocked as He Ling grabs your wrist, pulls you in and thrusts his fingers for a Chi Strike. You step forward to dodge past it and grab his wrist forcing you chest to chest with the bat as the two of you struggle for control. "You might be right." You grunt as He Ling smashes his knee into your ribs. Through the pain your give him your cockiest grin. "But that didn't make smashing your face in with kitchenware any less fun." You reply before you rear your head back and smash it straight into the bat's nose. You hear the crunch of bone breaking and the man screams in pain. He let's go of your wrist but you maintain your grip and grab his arm with both hands. With a growl you lift your opponent and spin him around before letting go and sending him flying to the tree you used as a catapult. The bends backwards and flings He Ling back at you! You rear back and deliver a heavy haymaker down on the bat's head, smashing him into the ground!

You hop back and keep your arms raised. For the first time all night you see the bat struggling to get on his feet. "You...you...YOU INSIGNIFICANT VERMIN!" He screams as blood pours from his broken nose. "I AM THE ONE YOU SHOULD BE FEARING! IT WAS MY PEOPLE THAT RAISED YOUR KIND FROM THE BUMBLING FOOLS THAT YOU WERE! WITH US YOU WOULD STILL BE WALLOWING IN THE MUD LIKE THE USELESS HALF BREED YOU ARE! YOU KNOW NOTHING OF THE POSITION YOUR IN! NOTHING!" He Ling's screams grow more inconprehensible as he flaps his wings to fly straight at you. Flecks blood are flung everywhere but it seems like his anger has pushed him past his pain as He Ling takes flight. He screeches louder than you've ever heard before, and even with all your protection, you're brought to your knees. Before you sense of hearing goes, you faintly hear the sound of things shattering within the buildings, presumably more glass objects.
>>
He Ling flies straight at you at an unbelivable speed but all you can do is say, "I feel like I've been looking at a mirror all night" before you put all your will power to work and rise to your feet. Acting on instinct and memory alone, you thrust out your fingers and strike He Ling four times in the chest, a cold blue glow ementating from each hit and rippling across the bat's body. Your opponent's screams die in his throat and he falls to the ground, stiff and paralyzed but not dead.

You breathe heavily and look behind you at your opponent. Shock is quickly replaced with anger as he glares at you seethingly. You have one small thought before you propmtly throw up and collpase on the ground. Did I look at my father the same way when I was first struck down?

>What do you do?
>Rest. You've earned it. Just for a few mintues.
>Try and get back to your feet. There's still work to be done. A fire to try and put out, a mad bat to deal with...and maybe just maybe...friends to get back to?
>Use one of Ming's Brews? The original intent was to use them to wake people form unconciousness. With her mask on, it might dilute the smell enough to have their original effect and not just knock you out.
>Write in

>If you choose to get back on your feet. How do you deal with the following issues?
>What do you do with He Ling? You can't just leave him here.
>How do you want to put out the flames? (Although you can vote to let someone else deal with it)
>>
>>4426102
>Try and get back to your feet. There's still work to be done. A fire to try and put out, a mad bat to deal with...and maybe just maybe...friends to get back to?

Also we can't risk being found by the guards.

He Ling should be tied up and an explination note stuck to him, about who hes killed, and his abilitys, before we find someplace to tie him to.

As for the fire? Best to leave that. Any smoke inhilation in our states going to knock us out and maybe kill us. Best to ask our rabbit freind to try protect people regarding that one.
>>
>>4426126

+1
>>
>>4426126

Supporting
>>
>>4426102
>Try and get back to your feet. There's still work to be done. A fire to try and put out, a mad bat to deal with...and maybe just maybe...friends to get back to?
Knock him out with pressure point strikes

also this >>4426126
>>
>>4426126
>>4426131
>>4426133
>>4426169
We're giving the guards a present and making sure people stay away form the fires with the help of Xin Lan. Writing.
>>
>>4426102
>Try and get back to your feet. There's still work to be done. A fire to try and put out, a mad bat to deal with...and maybe just maybe...friends to get back to?
We need to alert whatever primitive fire brigade this place has before we get blamed for city-wide arson. Maybe Xin Lan can do that.
>>
And now for a day's work at the docks...

oh well, guess we'll have to make it up to the captain later if we embarrass ourselves now.
>>
You grunt and slowly push yourself off the ground. The world seems to spin as you move and your body threatens to throw up again but you grit your teeth and power through it. "Not yet." You mutter as you stagger forward towards He Ling. The bat continues to glare at you as you approach and you decide to be pragmatic. You strike He Ling in several pressure point and knock him out unceremoneously. No speeches, no preaching. With a grunt you lift He Ling on to your shoulder and make your way to another stall. You tear off the canopy to that and, as you remind yourself to buy rope in the future, you use it to bind the bat. Once he was well tied up, you hastily scrawl a note detailing the events of the night pertaining to He Ling's crimes and abilites. If you could escape The Heaven's Anvil, it was because they underestamated you. Best to not let the local guards to the same. Finally, once all that was done, you tie him to a tree that was right outside the tournament area. The place where you knew was crawling with guards.

You leap onto the rooftops and run across them back to firework's shop. The breaking dawn illuminates the city and casts your form into a dark silloutte. As the wind whips across your face and weary body, it feels reassuring and welcoming. You run for several mintues before hopping back down into the streets and making your way into the store. Ming and Xin Lan poke their heads out from the back room as they hear you enter.

"You're late." The rabbit says now sporting their arm in a sling. "What the hell happened? We heard an explosion." You grunt and move to the back room to collapse on a table.

"It's over." You say exhausted. "He Ling is taken care of."

"What do you mean taken care of?" Xin Lan asks skeptically as they hop onto the table. You huff tiredly and pet the rabbit's head. "Hey quit it!" They say as they bat your hand away.

"Knocked out and tied to a tree infront of the tournament area." You explain. "If they guards can't find him there then the spirits have mercy on the people of China. As for the explosion. I need you to go alert the fire brigade." You tell the rabbit. "There's a fire going on and we can't have it spread." The rabbit grunts and mumbles.

"I'll go grab a dress or something on the way there then." They say as they hop off the table. "Stupid leopard, can't help but making fires gotta go and save his butt again..." Xin Lan grumbles as they leave the building. Ming tentatively walks up to you.

"How are you feeling?" She asks gently.

>How do you feel guys?
>Tell ming your fine. Maybe a few bruised ribs, lots of cuts and burns and bruises but nothing that you can't handle.
>Ask Ming if she can make something like an energy drink. You still got a job to do and you could really use a pick me up.
>Tell her that you took a beating but it wouldn't hurt for a quick check up. Your body is your weapon and you can't neglect it.
>Just say quiet and try to get some rest.
>Write in.
>>
>>4426281
>>Tell her that you took a beating but it wouldn't hurt for a quick check up. Your body is your weapon and you can't neglect it.
our pride will not be our downfall
>>
>>4426281
>Tell her that you took a beating but it wouldn't hurt for a quick check up. Your body is your weapon and you can't neglect it.
>>
>>4426281
>Tell her that you took a beating but it wouldn't hurt for a quick check up. Your body is your weapon and you can't neglect it.
“...Sorry for, uh, making you waste your time building that bomb. I’m certain it would’ve been a terrifying and deadly weapon of legendary proportions. Yes.“
>>
>>4426286
>>4426295
>>4426329
Asking for a check up. Writing.
>>
"To be honest, I did get beat around quite a bit." You admit. "Wouldn't hurt to get looked at. I got a job in a couple of hours. Gotta be sure I can do at least that." You say. Ming frowns and gets to work.

"You really need to slow down a bit." She says. "You've been running around since you got here." She gently runs her hands through your fur, checking your cuts and burns. "Everything looks ok." She says as she runs her fingers down your side. You wince and inhale sharply at the touch. "I think you have a few fractured ribs." Ming says looking at you. "I'd tell you to rest and take a break but you won't listen will you?" She asks.

"I swear, I didn't intend to get hit this much." You say sitting up and feeling your side burn. "But I really do need to get to that job. It's how I'm going to pay for my boat trip." You say. "Kind of want to get out of the city before The Five notice I'm here. For obvious reasons."

"But you saved the city." She points out. "They can't just take in you for that. You and your friend just helped everyone."

"Ming. You know there's more to it than that." You say quietly. "I'm an escaped criminal. The monster of the Valley of Peace."

"That's not what I saw the last few days." Ming mutters as she pushes a bandage against your face. "When are you leaving?" She asks.

"In a few days I assume. Captain is giving her crew a few days off to enjoy the tournament. I'm supposed to work during their down time to show I'm committed." You wince as Ming starts to bandage up your arm. "From there, I guess I'll just be working on the boat."

"Are you taking Xin Lan with you?" She asks.You frown, you hadn't thought of that.

>What do you tell Ming?
>Tell her no. While Xin Lan was a great help, you travel alone. It's your redemption. Not theirs.
>Tell her yes. They're a good fighter and you also want to keep an eye on their progression.
>Shrug and say you don't know. You only really met them last night.
>Say you're not sure. Where you're going isn't typically a traveler's destination. You're not sure anyone would want to join you for that or if they'd trust you enough to do so.
>Write in.

Sorry about taking so long. Something came up and i'm gonna have to cut it short here or risk just giving you even worse updates. But while I'm away, I'd like to ask, Do you want to continue from here and run around avoiding The Five or so a small time skip to you leaving the city? I can do either but knowing what you guys want to play through gives me an idea of what to plan out so to speak. So that'll be a vote as well.

>Do you want to stay and play up to you leaving the city or do you want to time skip to you leaving?
>Stay in the city.
>Leave.

>In either case, could you please outline some goals or ideas you want to do during your time in the city? It'll help me figure out what to write during an epilogue post or introduce during your days here if you choose to play it out. Thanks and sorry for stopping on short notice.
>>
>>4426459
>Tell her yes. They're a good fighter and you also want to keep an eye on their progression.
Though while I would say we'd be okay with them joining us, I am not sure if they want to join us, they were trying to invite us to a group before so maybe they have prior engagements?

I'm undecided on skipping to leaving or not.
>>
>>4426459
>Say you're not sure. Where you're going isn't typically a traveler's destination. You're not sure anyone would want to join you for that or if they'd trust you enough to do so.

Come to think the rabbit might also be interested in the pools. But he has other stuff to deal with in the city, no? I'm guessing he (she) will want to stay. But I also suppose we could try to get the captain to extend her deal to them, although that would only maybe ever work if we leave a significant impression on her... even if the rabbit could stowaway more successfully than we could it sounds like a terrible idea to attempt.

Regarding timeskip, whichever you prefer to write about is fine for me, OP.
>>
>>4426459
>Say you're not sure. Where you're going isn't typically a traveler's destination. You're not sure anyone would want to join you for that or if they'd trust you enough to do so.
At the end of the day it’s Xin Lan’s decision. Besides, they already have business here in the city from how they tried to recruit us, no?
Not to say they wouldn’t be welcome if they still wanted to join after all that.
>>
>>4426459

Also for remainder of our stay in the city...
>maybe hang out with/learn from Ming,
>stock up on non-perishable travelling supplies
>train and meditate on new moves we could use in a pinch - this encounter taught us that there is always room for improvement and adaptation.
>>
>>4426459
>You'd have to ask Xin Lan that. It's not my decision to make.

>Timeskip, but have a small 'clip' of the 5's reaction to entering the city with it being on fire and smashed up from the fight.
I also want to see what happens to He Ling.
>>
>>4426459
>>Tell her yes. They're a good fighter and you also want to keep an eye on their progression.
>Leaving the timeskip to OP
>"Ming, would you like to come with us. I know you have your roots put down here with your apothecary business, but, for all of your help, we'd be honored to have you aboard our crew."
>>
>>4426478
And in regard to time skipping, you should do whatever feels natural. If you’ve got any ideas/plot points that you want to try out then by all means go ahead, but this would also be a nice place to end our time in the city.
As long as we get to say goodbye to Ming I’m fine.
>>
>>4426459
>Tell her yes. They're a good fighter and you also want to keep an eye on their progression.
>Say you're not sure. Where you're going isn't typically a traveler's destination. You're not sure anyone would want to join you for that or if they'd trust you enough to do so.
I honestly think they have nothing better to do.

>Stay in the city.

>In either case, could you please outline some goals or ideas you want to do during your time in the city?
Eat, recover, train, become stronger, find the body of tr hat old man to see if he's still alive or not. Finally find that damn weasel. We did kind of promise the mistress of that Bordello.
And finally, find someone to sharpen our sword.
>>
>>4425291
> He's from the Ninja Turtles comics right?

Technically correct.
>>
>>4426485
>>4426459
I would like to see how Shifu, Po and the five react to some of our deeds so far.
>>
>>4426459
>>Say you're not sure. Where you're going isn't typically a traveler's destination. You're not sure anyone would want to join you for that or if they'd trust you enough to do so.
Finally caught up. I like the rabbit as a character. I hope they stick around.
>>
File: Spoiler Image (879 KB, 400x166)
879 KB
879 KB GIF
Counted the votes. There will be a timeskip as it feels more natural but I'll write up an epilogue detailing what you do in the city. There might be some votes in it just so it's not one massive text dump of railroading but for the most part I'll be speeding along to the trip. I will be including the Jade Palace crew's reactions and the fate of He Ling that sort of thing. Not wanting to leave you guys waiting there was an anon who suggested Tai Lung leave and anonymous letter to Shifu basically apologziing and telling him we do indeed miss him and only want to make him proud. That sort of thing. I'll do the write up Monday so I have some time to think about how to structure it and the next few shenanagins you get up to. With that being said...

>What does Tai Lung write in the letter to his father?
>Write in. (Have fun!)

Pic being what I imagine Tai Lung is thinking when he's writing it.
>>
>>4428045
Phine posting at work, but maybe we can include the things we've done. Freeing those merchants and that goat/ram dude giving us a replica sword including the guy's name, helping out that one village before they get wrecked by an angry forest spirit + losing/helping a friend become a priestess, and everything that's happened in this city. Including He Ling.
I suppose it wouldnt hurt to mention how angry he was about 20 years in prison, you know to vent because venting is healthy. Maybe a little excerpt about regrets like crippling his dade for like and whatever additional crippling damages he received during our bout in the Jade Palace.

I dont know if in universe if furry china has advanced far enough to have cameras, but if cameras are out of the question then he can maybe expect a painting from us soonish.

I guess it wouldnt hurt to admit the fat one is a very skilled fighter, and the furious five arent half bad.
>>
>>4428045
>letter
Maybe he can relay his revelation from fighting the bat, and how although he ultimately triumphed, he learned just how much there is still for him to learn and discover.
How he saw a reflection of his pride in the opponent and how he's resolved to not allow the pride to blind him so again.
>>
>>4428045
Letter? Better make it an entire scroll.
Because we're going to dictate to him the tales of our adventures so far, complete with paintings of the most important moments and the people we've met along the way.
All the best martial artists are masters of the brush, so it shouldn't be too much trouble...I think.
>>
Op's not dead but I over slept. Alright. Mother of all epilogues coming right up. Question for clarification thoug while I write.

>Do you want to invite ming? Saw a few suggestions for that.
>Yes
>no
>>
>>4430567
Invite, sure. She has obligations but it couldn’t hurt for her to get real world experience. Acupuncture Knowledge could only improve her craft.
>>
>>4430567

Let’s make our own furious five— but better!!!
>>
>>4430580

By that I mean of course we’re inviting Ming along for the ride!
>>
>>4430567
>Yes
It's an invitation but she doesnt have to accept.
>>
>>4430567
>Mother of all epilogues
Y-you’re not ending the quest here, are you, OP?
>>
>>4430671
Also, supporting >>4430593
I find it highly unlikely that Ming, if remaining in character, would choose to come with us. To uproot your entire life to accompany someone you only met last week on a mystical journey that you’re probably not even interested in would be quite the strange decision. We should ask, but be prepared for a no.
>>
"I don't know." You admit. "It would be up to him if he'd like to join but I wouldn't say no if he wanted to. I'll have to ask him. It's rare to see someone who can keep up with me in a fight especially one that isn't trying to kill me. I'd like to see how his skills develop." Ming finishes up patching up your injuries and you hop off the table, legs still a big sore. "...Thank you." You say awkwardly. The words feel heavy and odd as you say them. You mean them and you're not sure if this is the first time you've said them more out of genuine feeling than social politeness. "We should go before someome catches us here." You quickly add. "If you see Xin Lan, could you let them know I'm looking for him?" You ask. Ming nods.

"I'll try. I don't know if they'll show up at the store." Ming admits. "But I'll pass on the message. Are you sure you have to go to work?" She asks.

"If I want to get to my destination. I do. I'll be fine." You assure her. "I've trained with broken bones before. This shouldn't any more difficult."

"Well if you feel like it gets any worse. Come over to the shop. No excuses." She says hurriedly. "Speaking of the shop. I need to hurry back and help Mr. Wong open up." She runs off a bit before turning back. "Stay safe." She says before turning a corner and leaving.

You watch her leave for a moment before you look out into the streets. Adjusting your face coverings, you dash off into the streets and back towards the cemetary. You were curious to see what became of the old man. If anything, maybe you could help him. By the time you arrive, the sun has broken the horizon and various priests have started doing their morning rounds. You quickly sneak around them and make your way to the battlefield you left. Off to the side, you see the limp body of the old man. You place your fingers on his neck. No pulse. If he had one, which you doubt, when you left him it was long gone.

Morning light, you see that the man is a hyena with two long scars running down his arms. Just like Fen Fang. You think back to He Ling's attacks on him and his mobility increasing after finishing the man off. He Ling was far older than anyone you've ever met and from what you heard of Fen Fang, he wasn't very old. Certainly not at this age. The only thing you can think of is that He Ling somehow siphoned more than his life with his attacks. Maybe his age? You shake your head. Even thinking that sounded ridiculous. You hear movement behind you and quickly duck behind a tomb. Footsteps rush to the body and you hear a scream.

"He's dead! Someone help! Help!"

You decide that was your queue to leave. There wasn't much you could do for the man and it was better that you didn't get blamed for this. As you run off you hear something cut through the air and a kitchen knife embeds itself into a wooden beam in front of you. Attached to the knife, was a small scrap of paper. You snatch it up and open it as you run,
>>
TL,
Gotta lay low for a day or so. If you need me I'll be at the light house. Couldn't say my goodbyes becuase I had to move everything thanks to our little scrap in the cememtary. And I know it's you that got the message because I just saw you pick it up and I'm a very good aim.
Talk to you later,
XL

P.S Tell Ming I left a thank you in her medicine bag before we left for the fireworks shop.


You look around as you run but can't seem to find Xin Lan's silloutte or any trace of him. You shake your head in amusement and shred the note before you race off to the docks. By the time you arrive to the Gale Cutter, you see Captain Daiyu's first mate waiting. Rather impatiently, you notice. As you arrive he narrows his eyes at you. "Well you're certianly not making a good- Good God's man. What happened to you?"

You grunt and shrug though evidentally He's not taking that as an anwser. "I got into a fight last night. Muggers." You explain. "Managed to fight them off but.." You raise a bandaged arm. "I didn't get away cleanly. I'll still be able to work though if that's what you're worried about."

(1/X Dunno how many posts this will take but I'm spliting this. First I'll do Tai Lung then I'll do The Five's view. And I'm doing it in chunks so you don't wait a million hours to get like 5 posts of text.)
>While I write. What part do you want me to write next?
>Writing a letter to Shifu
>Inviting Xin Lan to join you.
>Inviting Ming.
>Looking to sharpen your Sword.
>>
>>4430671
No anon, not ending it here. Maybe once we reach the pools of contemplation but I'll need to see how the story has progressed at that point.
>>
The First mate nods slowly, "Bastards. Think just because everyone is off drinking or celebrating with the event they can get away with anything." He shakes his head. "Did you hear? They set a fire to one of the stores in the city. Guards are busy looking for the culprits." The alligator sighs and holds out his hand. "Name's Bohai. When the captain's not around, I'm in charge. If you're still willing to work, then I can't stop ya but Captain would probably send you away than risk someone getting injured in her name because they wanted to look tough." You take Bohai's hand and shake it. His grip is firm and his hands weathered. "Well let's get started. We'll start you off with something light, move up to the heavier stuff."

The "light work" involves cleaning out the ship. You spend most of the day mopping the decks and cargo hold, making sure every thing is organized and logged. It's probably not what they originally had in mind for your work load but you decide to take advantage of the slower pace. You keep an eye out during your work for The Five or guards. You definitely see an increase in armored soliders patroling the docks. They seem to be looking in alleys and and stopping the odd person to speak with them. By noon most of them have returned to their posts and you hear the sounds of celebration of in the city. "That must be one hell of a reception." Bohai says looking back off into the city. "The Five must be used to it though." You shrug and grunt in reply. Rather than dwell on the fact that the people after you are in the city you pass the time by asking Bohai about sailing. The aligator seems slightly surprised at that but takes to teaching you in earnest. You learn about the basics of sailing a ship, such as cardinal directions, sailing jargon, and the basic operation of sails.

As the days toil away, you move on to moving cargo onto the ship. Large crates and baskets full of foods and wares. With your strength and years of training, you could easily push several at a time but you hold back or else you might give yourself away. In doing so, you also allow your body some modicum of rest. Even so, Bohai and Daiyu are impressed. "Gods man. Are all travelers worth several of my crew?" The captain asks as you push another crate up the ramp onto the ship. You give a polite shrug as you tie down the cargo.

"I've dedicated my life to keeping in shape. It's one of the reasons why I was ran out of my home." You say quietly. The captain nods.

"Well keep this up then Xuebao. We'll make a sailor out of you yet." She says. "Who knows, keep this up and we might invite you aboard." You nod and give a polite thank you as you return to your work.
>>
In your spare time you found yourself keeping an eye on the tournament area, looking for someone. It seems like fate was not on your side as every time you were free, the place was crowded. You didn't risk taking to the rooftops incase one of The Five looked up. Despite being so close to your father, you never felt further away from him.

"Maybe you should speak with him." Ming suggests as the three of you eat at the Jade Palace. Ever since the fight with He Ling, the three of you have been keeping in contanct in case the bat escaped and decided to enact his revenge. The three of you slowly made the Jade Palace a conversation and planning spot. Ming lifts her cup to her face and studies yours. "I'm sure he'd be happy to see you. You don't talk about him much but he seemed like he was close to you." You stay quiet and look at Xin Lan. They, or rather "she" as they had taken a liking to the disguise they used to warn people of the fire, takes a bite of her meal and shrugs at you.

"Don't look at me. I never had parents." She says daintily wiping her mouth. "But Ming is right. If you two were close, he might overlook what you did. This might be your only chance to talk to him again." You shake your head.

"Honor and duty would obligate him to try and take me down. Despite the pain, he would do what he felt is right." You reply quietly as you poke at your meat buns. Ever since Shifu arrived, your appetite for them had increased. "Not to mention the five would never leave his side knowing I'm still at large."

"Well..." Ming says thinking. "Why don't...you write him a letter?" She asks. "You could leave it with a guard...or Xin Lan could sneak it in somehow." Xin Lan looks up from her soup.

"What? Why me?!" She hisses looking around. "That place is crawling with guards!"

"Yeah, think of the challenge." She teases with a grin. A sentiment Xin Lan didn't share.

"Why don't you take it there? You're a doctor on the grounds." She points out. Ming shakes her head sadly.

"Can't. Ever since Boqin's death, there's always a guard following me. They say it's for my own safety but I'm not so sure." She says as she wistfully stirs her soup. "I'm not even sure if they'd allow me to see The Five..."

"But that wasn't your fault." You point out. "We caught the culprit or at least the one who killed the one who did it." Ming shakes her head.

"I manage to wrest some information out of a guard but apperantly, he's under The Five's supervision while they figure out where to detain him. And evidentally he's not talking." She sighs. "Was doing so well too..." The conversation drifts away the subject and onto more lighter talks before the 3 of you split up once more. As you rest in the lighthouse with Xin Lan, you think back to it. A letter. It was simple enough and you could put your real thoughts to paper. Would be easier than having to face Shifu once more.

I'm not ready to see him. Not yet." You think to yourself as you take a brush and begin to write.
>>
This...is going to be much longer than I had anticipated. Should I continue or just go full cliffnotes? I don't mind writing it all out but this is starting to go full fanfic and I feel rather bad you guys have no input. I'm glad you enjoy my writing but I don't think it's that good to allow this level of text dump.
>>
>>4430787
>Writing a letter to Shifu
I think we should keep it brief with few details of our whereabouts. We’re journeying on our own terms and would rather not be interrupted. However, we could still talk about how sorry we are and other stuff the above anons mentioned without giving too much away.
>>
>>4430910
I think it’s okay so far. After all, it’s the end of an arc and therefore a rare occasion. And we did vote for this sort of thing, a lengthier update bringing our time in the city to a close.
>>
>>4430921
That's true, I just feel it's kind of...I dunno...showboating or something? Next topic will cover asking Ming and Xin Lan to join us so I'll make that a player driven thing. Choose how to ask and the like.
>>
On the third day after your fight with He Ling, you once again meet up with the others in the Jade Palace. The place is jam packed with people as the last few days of the tournament are drawing near. In an effort to keep some privacy, the three of you pitch in for a private booth on the second floor. The rumbling sounds of people talking and moving can be heard through the floor but it was far quieter and spaceous then eating in the public area. "So, what's up?" Xin Lan asks as they hop on their chair and orders from the menu. They had taken a liking to a vegetable based noodle broth and decided to eat it again. You and Ming place your orders and when the waiter leaves Ming speaks up.

"Yeah. I know it's crowded downstairs but I didn't think we needed the extra privacy." She points out. You nod and look around.

"It's about my trip." You say. "I'd rather no one know where I'm headed to."

"And so you're going to tell us." Xin Lan points out with an eyebrow raised. Ming bats one of Xin Lan's ears playfully.

"Let him speak." She scolds.

You take a deep breath and decide how to say this.

>How do you approach the topic? (A few of you want to ask Ming. I'll point out that she can be recruited to the team but because of her attachments to the city she'll be much harder to convince than Xin Lan. Good luck!)
>Start by telling them exactly where you are going. It's best they get the whole story of why you're traveling. Why you don't just turn yourself in if you want to attone for your crimes.
>Ask Xin Lan why he travels. Let him know you respect his skills as a martial artist but you want to know why he's a thief instead of a trainer or a tournament fighter.
>Ask Ming what she'll do when you leave. Once the tourney is over there won't be as many people to treat.
>Straight up ask them if they want to join your travels for redemption. You three make a good team. You don't know where your path will lead you but you do know that you've become rather prone to helping those in need whether you intended to or not. Having more poeple aboard would make it easier.
>Write in.

I know you guys will want to choose them all but for this you get to pick up to two.
>>
>>4430910

In my opinion, I think your quest is extremely well-written. Don’t feel bad about word-dumping if you want to.

Point if a quest is that everyone has fun— QM included, so do whatever you want.
>>
>>4430973
>Start by telling them exactly where you are going. It's best they get the whole story of why you're traveling. Why you don't just turn yourself in if you want to attone for your crimes.
Let’s lay our cards out on the proverbial table. I’d be tempted to start by asking a question and leading their answer into an explanation, but that feels more like Oogway’s style than Tai Lung’s.
>>
>>4430973
>Start by telling them exactly where you are going. It's best they get the whole story of why you're traveling. Why you don't just turn yourself in if you want to atone for your crimes.
>>
>>4430979

+1
>>
>>4430979
>>4430994
>>4430997
We'll start with our story. Writing.
>>
"You already know who I am." You say quietly. "But I think it's best if you know my full story." You take a drink. "Where I'm traveling is only the first step to my goals. After I escaped, I sought revenge. None could stop me. Not The Five, not The Dragon Warrior, not even my father. And once the haze of battle faded away, I saw first hand the destruction I wrought. I'm not sure what changed that day but I couldn't face what I had done. So I fled to look for a way to redeem myself. During my travels I saved some merchants. Among them was an old ram named Luo Guanzhong."

"Wait!" Xin Lan shouts. "The Luo Guanzhong?! Guy who wrote Romance of The Three Kingdoms?" Ming glares at the rabbit.

"Let him talk." She says shushing him.

Xin Lan settles down with a small pout. "I like that story." They mutter.

You shrug. "I don't know." You admit. "He was wise and claimed to be a storyteller. When I told him of my plans to seek redemption, he told me of a place that could help. The Pools of Contemplation. A place so serene and at peace that a person could study their own soul in true inner peace. So that's where I'm headed to."

"But...does that place even exist?" She asks. "It sounds like a legend." Xin Lan nods.

"Yeah, no offense but it does kind of sound like a story." They say. You nod in agreement.

"Even Luo said as much but he said that I should head for the Sacred Library. Their archives might have texts that could hint at the location. That's why I'm taking a boat to the Huangshan Mountains. At their peak is the library. If I can't find the location there maybe I might be able to get other awnsers." You explain. Xin Lan doesn't look conviced.

"So that's it? You're just going there and hope that they have your awnsers?" They ask.

You shake your head and reply.

>What do you tell Xin Lan?
>Tell him that the Library isn't the final stop. That you hope as you travel you'll find out about yourself. To look inside you after decades of neglect and figure out who you are.
>Say that you don't just want to go to the library to find the location. You want to travel to redeem yourself. You've been doing good deeds in your travels and maybe that will be more than enough should the library not hold awnsers.
>Explain that the library and traveling are just stepping stones to your redemption. You want to go through every option, every possible solution if it means you can be at peace.
>Ask Xin Lan why he travels. He's an expert assassin and martial artist. If he really wanted to he could settle down to teach or as a body guard. Instead he plays thief.
>Ask Ming about her plans after you and Xin Lan leave. With the tournament over what will she do?
>Invite the two to join you in your travels. You could use companionship and the three of you do make a good team.
>Write in.
>>
>>4431131
>>Tell him that the Library isn't the final stop. That you hope as you travel you'll find out about yourself. To look inside you after decades of neglect and figure out who you are.
>>
>>4431131
>Say that you don't just want to go to the library to find the location. You want to travel to redeem yourself. You've been doing good deeds in your travels and maybe that will be more than enough should the library not hold awnsers.
>>
>>4431131
>Tell him that the Library isn't the final stop. That you hope as you travel you'll find out about yourself. To look inside you after decades of neglect and figure out who you are.
>>
Gonna stop for today. Sorry for the massive text dump. I gotta get my stiches removed tomorrow so I'll be a bit late. Thanks for voting!
>>
>>4431131
>>Tell him that the Library isn't the final stop. That you hope as you travel you'll find out about yourself. To look inside you after decades of neglect and figure out who you are.
>>
>>4431131
>Tell him that the Library isn't the final stop. That you hope as you travel you'll find out about yourself. To look inside you after decades of neglect and figure out who you are.
>>
>>4431131
>It is the most promising lead I have in my quest, so I intend to follow it.
>so far, it seemed to work out well for me. I met you on the way, after all.
>sorry for being so rough with you back then, by the way. I’m not accustomed to holding back when uncertain. Perhaps there is a lesson in this for me, too.
>>
>>4431699
(in case it’s not clear, the “you” in second line refers to both of them, the “you” in third to the bunny)
>>
>>4431189
>>4431377
>>4431604
Library isn't the last stop. The journey is sometimes more important than the destination. Writing.
>>
"No. The Library isn't the only option." You say. "All my life I thought I knew who I was. Who I was destined to be and it turns out that it was all for nothing. Now I don't know who I am. But Luo once said that even nothing is something. From nothing there is infinite possiblity. So I want use this to choose who I get to be. I want...I want to redeem myself. Maybe when I was younger I wanted to be the Dragon Warrior for selfless reasons but I somehow lost that. I want to travel to figure things out. To learn who I really am again. The Library is just a goal I gave myself to have hope. 'Even in the darkest of nights, all it takes is a single spark of light to banish away the shadows. Never lose hope, do not be afraid to stop and ask for help lest you lose yourself in the shadows as you try to run away from them.'" You say finding yourself quoting the old ram again.

"Not very good at the asking for help bit are you?" Xin Lan teases while grabbing some bread. "W-what I mean is that it's good you're trying to change. Just gotta remember what you learned so far." They stammer as they shirk away from Ming's glare. "So then you're just gonna travel the country and help those in need? Like some kind of folk hero?" They ask. You nod uncertainly.

"If that's what happens then yes. Like I said, it just sort of happened so far. I never did intend to save those merchants. I just needed food and bounty hunting seemed like a good way to do it." You explain. You think to mention the situation in the village but decide not to. "And fighting He Ling also sort of happened too." You say shrugging.

"No it didn't." Ming speaks up. You and Xin Lan look at her confused. "You said you went looking for whoever murdered Boqin that day. You did that on purpose. You did it...to help me. I didn't ask you to do it and you weren't getting anything out of it either. That's something you did on your own." She points out.

You stay quiet and think about it as your food arrives. You did do it without being asked to. There was that strange mixture of curiosity over the method, wounded pride, and discomfort. But the last two weren't for your behalf. It was your pride in Ming's work being wounded. Work she did that was tarnished. And discomfort over the she looked at you as she couldn't find why she had failed. You poke at your food for a bit before speaking up.

>What do you say now?
>Ask the two if they think you're doing the right thing? Would it be better if you simply turned yourself in than looking for a fool's prize? Can you even manage to ask this?
>Ask the two if they think you're a good person. It's probably best to get their opinion before you even consider asking if they want to join you.
>Ask Xin Lan or Ming something about them. You've spoken more about yourself in a non gloating way then you ever had before in your life. It's time you let them talk about something. (Write in)
>Say nothing. You're not really sure how to respond to that revelation.
>Write in.
>>
>>4432227
>What do you think? What World you advice me?

I feel like just asking whether they consider us a good person is pressuring them to validate us. Although we might be looking for that, too... but still. No. Let’s just ask if they have something to say in the mood we’ve set.
>>
>>4432253
>world
Would. Thank you, my megalomaniac autocorrect.
>>
>>4432227

>>4432253

+1
>>
>>4432253
>>4432268
Asking the two if they have any advice. Writing.
>>
You take a bite and swallow before speaking up again. "What do you think?" You asks slowly trying to find the right words."Do you have any advice?" Xin Lan and Ming look at each other and seem to spend sometime thinking. The air is rather thoughtful as the three of you eat but you can't help but feel an uncomfortable awkwardness creeping in. Just as you feel the mood start to get worse Xin Lan speaks up.

"You gotta stop hiding." They say chewing thoughtfully. "I mean, pretty stupid coming from me, but if you keep trying to have your identity hidden, you'll end up pushing away people who could help you in an effort to stay hidden. Or worse, you'll lash out. Paranoia wil set in and then you'll lose sight of your goals. While trying to stay hidden you'll lose sight of who you are and in the end you'll end up back to how you started." They say in uncharacteristic thoughtfullness. "Like, if you want redemption then how will that happen if you can't prove you changed? Sure there's not that many snow lepoards wandering around but even so...it'll be hard for anyone to think that the evil Tai Lung escaped prison and started doing good deeds." They quickly add tugging at their ears. "I dunno...just some food for thought."

Ming sets her cup down and thinks for a bit before adding her piece. "Well I think you're doing good so far. But Xin Lan is kind of right. You have the whole strong and silent type thing going on. It does make you a bit unapproachable." She admits. "But there's nothing wrong with that! Tons of heroes matched that description. I just think you're pushed in to a corner on this. With The Five and the Dragon Warrior still keeping an eye out for you. You're kind of forced to stay low key." She mulls over it for a bit. "Maybe since you'll be traveling to the edges of China, you can be a bit more lenient with keeping your identity a secret? By the time news reaches them and they arrive, you'll be long gone and all they have to hear is of your good deeds? Plus..." She adds a bit uncomfortably. "It's not like anyone could stop you if they tried to take you in to turn over to the five."

"Not gonna lie though." Xin Lan says. "You've got a pretty big mountain to climb. You not only gotta convince The Five but you also need to win the goodwill of China. Shame we can't brag about He Ling. That's be good publicity."
>>
"I think Xuěbào's deeds will speak for himself." Ming counters. "Sure at first the deeds will be attributed to another snow leopard but eventually I think they'll add up and once someone says he did them it'll all click." Xin Lan shrugs.

"I guess. Again, I'm all about not being known. Not the other way around." They say. "Then again I was bred for it so it's pretty much handed to me on a platter."

You take a bite and consider their words. They might have a point.

>What do you tell them?
>Ask them something else. They seem welcome to the idea of offering you advice and advice is rarely ever free.
>Stay quiet. Maybe they want to ask something themselves.
>Tell them that you took their advice and wrote Shifu a letter. You've yet to turn it in but it felt...right to do so.
>Ask either of them if they'd like to join you on your journey.
>Write in
>>
>>4432371
Thank them for the input. And for sticking with you.
Stay quiet for a while. Then mention the letter if neither has anything to add
>>
>>4432378
Support.
>>
>>4432378

+1
>>
>>4432378
>>4432420
>>4432421
We'll stay quiet. Maybe the others have something else to add. Writing.
>>
"I see..." You say quietly and the three of you quiet for a while. The three of you simply sit there in silence, watching the crowds go by as they storm the tournament area. You watch them live their lives, completely unaware of the danger that had passed only a few nights prior. "Thank you." You say suddenly. Ming and Xin Lan look at you. "For the advice...and for sticking with me." You explain.

Ming smiles. "It was nothing." She says. "We didn't really do much."

"I did!" Xin Lan says wiggling their broken arm and looking at her with a withering look. "I still taste blood in my drink too." They grumble.

"Ok. I didn't do anything." She corrects herself. "And you'll stop tasting blood soon. You bit your tongue open that night. Besides, it's more spit than blood anyways. What I mean to say is, we saw you were in trouble and thought you needed to help."

You nod. She was right but...something didn't add up. Why did Xin Lan help you? What did they have to gain? Before you can ask they speak up. "And it all ended well anyways. I mean...as well as a blown up building, a few broken bones, and breaking and entering can be." They say. "No one was hurt by the fire at least and He Ling is in custody. I say this is a win for us all." They look around conspiritorially. "All that's left to do is get out of here." Ming frowns at that.

"And that's it? You two are going to just leave then?" She asks. "Like...like this never happened?" Xin Lan calms down a bit and goes quiet. Ming just looks at you.

>What do you tell her?
>Tell her yes, it's better for everyone that no one knows you were here.
>Say that it would be for the best but that you wish it didn't have to be that way.
>Ask Ming what else can you do? The Five are after you. You're a wanted criminal.
>Tell Ming that this doesn't have to be the end. You can always come back in the future but you want to figure yourself out first.
>Ask Xin Lan why he decided to help you that night.
>Tell Ming that it doesn't need to end like this. She can come with you. They both can.
>Write in.
>>
Gonna grab dinner. Vote's open til then.
>>
>>4432530
>>Tell Ming that this doesn't have to be the end. You can always come back in the future but you want to figure yourself out first.
>>
>>4432530
>>Tell Ming that this doesn't have to be the end. You can always come back in the future but you want to figure yourself out first.
>>
>>4432530
>Tell Ming that this doesn't have to be the end. You can always come back in the future but you want to figure yourself out first.
>>
>>4432535
>>4432557
>>4432574
Tell Ming that leaving isn't the end. Writing.
>>
"No." You say. "No not just like that. It doesn't have have to be like this." You look at Ming. "It's not like we'll forget. It's not like this never happened. We'll all remember." Xin Lan nods.

"Yeah, you still got the memories...erm the good ones at least." They say. "It's not that we want to leave but we both kind of don't want to get caught. And the longer we linger here the higher the chance that will happen. Especially since trouble seems to follow one of us at least."

"I know it's just...it just feels like we all started to get to know each other. No secret identities and stuff." She says. "It sure made life a lot more interesting than it was before. Even without that, I don't know...you two just seem so different than everyone else here. Not every day you meet and befriend a Kung Fu master and a secret assassin."

"Believe me. Your old life sounds way more comfortable than a few nights ago." Xin Lan replies. "Luckily for you, He Ling doesn't know you helped us. So once we're out of here. You're safe."

"We could come back." You offer. "In the future. We can always return for a visit. Just because we're leaving doesn't mean we can't come back."

"You'd do that?" Ming asks. "Really?"

You nod. "Sure. It would help to have some place to return to." You say. "It's starting to become a habit of wearing out my welcome everwhere I go."

"What about you Xin Lan? Would you come back?" Ming asks. The rabbit rubs the back of their head.

"I don't know..." They say. "Having a place I constantly comeback to isn't really my thing." They sigh and roll their eyes. "Oh all right. I'll come back whenever the heat isn't too bad but I make no promises of consistency." They say as Ming gives them a pleading look.

"Great! Maybe you can come back for new years? Oh maybe you can come back this time next year?" She asks excitedly. Xin Lan gives you a look but says nothing. You're content to let her plan. While you can't guarentee any of those dates, you suppose her having something to look forward too isn't such a bad thing.

>Alright to speed this up I'll give you some questions to vote on.
>Who do you invite to travel with you? Ming, Xin Lan or both?
>Do you set an actual date for the reunion?
>Do you have any last questions for either of them?
>>
>>4432699
Extend the travel offer to Ming but we understand if she cant come with.
How long until new years? Let's say we'll see if we can come, but if we cant then next month would be a safe bet.
>pet the bunny
Did we get to tell the Boredello what happened to the dead guy?
Do we have enough muny to commish some more gas bombs from Ming?
>>
>>4432896

+1
>>
>>4432896
>>4432896
Heading to bed but to answer the questions.
>How long until new years? Let's say we'll see if we can come, but if we cant then next month would be a safe bet.
New Years will be in about 5 months.
>Did we get to tell the Boredello what happened to the dead guy?
Almost forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me. I'd assume you guys would tell her that Fen Fang is dead. If you want to tell him how he died then you guys can choose to do so though I doubt you'd want to tell her you saw someone steal the litteral youth out of him.
>Do we have enough muny to commish some more gas bombs from Ming?
Sure, I'll say with the work you put in that Daiyu has given you some allowance to spend considering you basically replace 3 men while holding back. You'll leave the city with 3 gas knockout bombs. Should anything resist the knockout effect, they'll certainly be in bad shape.
>pet the bunny
Always
>>
>>4432924
Would it be possible to, instead of look for Shi Fu, we stay around the very edges of the tournament and look for people who seem like they were able to get real close to the furious five or our adoptive father? If we can confirm the presence of the furious five and Shi Fu through a proxy, then we could probably hire a child fan to go up there and deliver the letter while they wait to have their autograph signed.
>>
>>4432699
>>Who do you invite to travel with you? Ming, Xin Lan or both?
Ask Ming, she could learn alot from the people WE will meet on the way
Xin lan can come too, we can learn a thing or too from him and vis versa
Xin lan
>>
>>4433119
+1 I like it
>>
>>4433119
Sure. The Five probably always receive gifts from fans so someone giving them something to Shifu probably wouldn't be out of the ordinary.
>>4432896
>>4432915
>>4433291
>>4433202
Alright. Asking Ming and guaging her response. Inviting Xin Lan too. Writing.
>>
"I suppose this is the best of time as any to explain exactly why I invited you all here." You say. Xin Lan and Ming turn to look at you curiously.

"I figured it was the food. We've been eating here pretty frequently." Xin Lan says. "Plus it's getting really crowded outside too."

"It has become our hang out spot." Ming admits.

You nod. "I didn't want anyone to listening on us by accident considering it concerned where I was headed to." You explain. "But more to the point. I want to ask if you would join me. You've been a great help and if it weren't for you, we probably wouldn't have defeated He Ling." Xin Lan and Ming look at each other.

"Really?" Xin Lan asks. "You sure your brooding will allow it?" They joke. Ming pokes them in the back of the head. "Well...I guess I can stick around a few more days. I gotta head out soon but leaving on boat is a good a way as any. And...someone's gotta make sure you don't get yourself killed before new years." They say with a grin. "Not to sure about a Library though. They probably don't have anything valuable to take but we'll take it one stop at a time. Maybe your hero gig might make us money." Ming puts her hands on her hips.

"You can't just be traveling to steal things!" She scolds. "That's not right."

"Someone's gotta keep me fed. Now we got two mouths to feed." Xin Lan protests. "I only do it when it's aboslutely neccessary...or when something catches my eye and that only happens with rich folk who don't deserve it anyways."

"You keep an eye on him won't you?" Ming asks you. "Make sure they don't get into any trouble. Both of you?" She says looking at the two of you.

You supress a snort and clear your throat. "Ming...I was asking the two of you." You clarify. Ming coveres her mouth in surprise.

"Me?" She asks. "But why? I'm...I'm not a fighter. I've only ever traveled once to get here. I don't even know what I could do to help you guys."

>What do you tell Ming?
>Tell her that's exactly why. She's not a fighter and sometimes an different perspective is good.
>Say that you and Xin Lan can train her as you travel. She doesn't need to be a master fighter but if she wants to try to learn self defense she has two good teachers.
>Ask if there's anything preventing her from traveling again. She has the store yes, but she also mentioned she wanted to find something that made her stand out as an alchemist. Something that made her more than just Mr. Wong's apprentice. She might find that on your journey.
>Say that her brew did help you in the fight against He Ling. Not to mention before that, her medicine skills helped as well.
>Write in.
>>
>>4433642
>Ask if there's anything preventing her from traveling again. She has the store yes, but she also mentioned she wanted to find something that made her stand out as an alchemist. Something that made her more than just Mr. Wong's apprentice. She might find that on your journey.
It's best to travel in your youth anyways.
>>
>>4433642
>Tell her that's exactly why. She's not a fighter and sometimes an different perspective is good.
It's not as great as getting to work and own your own store, but it's something that's probably out of the norm for you.
>>
>>4433642
Your perspective would be valuable, as would your knowledge. Not that I intended to get hurt, but sometimes I come across people who already are.

Conversely it could be an opportunity for yourself to see and learn.

(debating internally whether to tell her you enjoy her company...)
>>
>>4433669
>>4433674
>>4433690
These three work. Writing.
>>
"That's exactly why." You say. "You're not a fighter so you won't see things as I do. A different perspective is good. Yours would be valuable if that's what you want to hear." You explain. "Your knowledge is better than anyone else I know as well. So having someone who can see what Xin Lan and I can't see or understand would be helpful. Like you said, I can be unapproachable. I'm also only used to dealing with people who are martial artists so sometimes the reasoning behind those who aren't trained like I was might slip by. Ontop of all that, while I don't intend to get hurt-"

"But we will." Xin Lan pipes up. You give them a look and reach over to pet them to settle them down. Xin Lan grumbles and bats your hand away but remains quiet.

"I sometimes meet people who are hurt or worse could get hurt because of me." You continue. "You could help them." Ming looks conflicted.

"I don't know...I mean I can also help here. I'm not sure what my perspective could offer." She argues. You raise your hand to continue.

"You once mentioned that you wanted to find something that made you stand out as an alchemist. That you wanted to be seen more than just Wong's assistant."

"Apprentice." Ming corrects you absentmindedly out of habit as she tries to think.

"Apprentice." You agree. "Traveling might help you with that. The Library might have what you want. If anything else it will give the opportunity to see new thing and learn. If not about alchemy then about yourself. It's not as great or glamourous as owning your own store but it's something that will be out of the norm for you. And I think that's what matters the most." Ming doesn't reply and chews her lower lip. "Ming..." You say gently. "I can't tell you what will happen but I can tell you what happened to me. Growing up, all my life, I was told I would be the Dragon Warrior. That it was who I was meant to be. Everyone who met me saw me as the one how would be chosen. In their eyes I was the one. So that's what I grew to believe. It's what drove me to become who I am today. Who I want to leave behind and redeem myself. I'm not saying that you'll follow my path but what I am saying is that everyone's perception of me changed my opinion of myself. I became what everyone else saw me as and it ruined me. If everyone sees you as just Wong's assistant then what does that mean for you?"
>>
The booth goes quiet and Ming looks at you and at Xin Lan for a while before the rabbit speaks up. "What I think he's trying to say is that you've been looking for a way to prove yourself right? Well here it is. Your chance to go and find that. Because it might not come to you."

"Is there something else that is keeping you from traveling?" You ask. Ming tucks some hair behind her ear and shakes her head.

"Not...not really. I mean Mr. Wong sometimes needs help around the shop but he can just get anyone to do that. It's mostly just stocking shelves and working the front while he mixes medicines. It's just...it's a big change." She looks at you. "What if I fail? What if I travel with you and I don't find anything? Was it all for nothing then? Did I just waste my time?"

>How do you respond?
>Tell her that won't happen. She will find something.
>Say that you can't guarentee she'll find anything but at the very least she'll be able to practice medicine and hone her craft.
>Say that it's just a risk everyone takes when they travel.
>"Even nothing is something. From nothing there is infinite possiblity."
>Write in.
>>
>>4433757
Those are questions I am asking myself. But so far I feel at least that my time searching has not been wasted.

(Probably better not to bring up disaster we’ve been causing when we did think we know what we were doing...)
>>
>>4433773

+1
>>
>>4433773
support
>>
>>4433773
>>4433785
>>4433831
Going with this. Today seems a bit slow but it's wednesday so there's that. Writing.
>>
>>4433773
Support. She would, at the very least, have some new experiences. They might provide just what she needs.
>>
"Those are the questions I am asking myself. But so far I feel that my searching has not been wasted." You say. "At the very least, you'll have some new experiences. That might just be what you need to figure out what you want to do or look for." You say. Xin Lan nods.

"He might be right. A bit of wandering won't do you any harm. It's probably better than becoming complacent. Worst thing that you could do is sit around the shop and wonder what could have been or what might have happened if you joined us." They say. "You'll always be welcome to stop whenever you feel like too. It's not like you're bound to follow us for the rest of your life." Xin Lan gives Ming a smile. "And he's right you know, maybe you do need to break from your comfort zone to push forward. That is what martial arts is all about. Isn't it big guy?" They ask.

You nod. "Xin Lan is right. In Kung Fu, we strive to be better, to do better, to push ourselves past our limits. Often that means we need to do things we're unsure or comfortable about but we do it because the rewards are more than worth it. Perhaps, for you it's the same thing."

Ming goes quiet and thinks once more. The room is quiet save for the faint roaring of a crowd off in the distance. The streets below are empty now that the tournament has started up once more. Xin Lan's bowl clinks as they place their spoon down and you quietly empty yours. Finally she speaks up. "This boat you're taking...when does it leave?"

"In about 2 more days. Once the tournament is over." You reply. Ming nods.

"Then I'll have time to pack up and speak with the captain. See if she'll let me on board." She says standing up. "Can't let the day go by then. I'll have to tell Mr. Wong, I'll be leaving as well. Gonna be busy so I'm afraid I won't be able to catch up for lunch tomorrow."

"We'll just swing by the shop then." Xin Lan says. "See if things go well. Speaking of which, gonna have to speak with the lady herself as well. Can't be making promises of following you if I'm not allowed on the boat...not that it would stop me." They grin as they stand as well. The three of you say your goodbyes and head off to prepare for the journey in the last days you have.

---
>>
Two days later...

"Get that anchor up! I want us out of here before the sun breaks the horizon! We have quite a ways to travel and I don't want your hangovers making me late!" Captain Daiyu shouts as she walks across the ship's deck. The crew shouts back a mirad of responses all of them acknowledging the orders as they scramble around getting things untied and hauling the anchor up. You find yourself double checking the ropes and cargo, making sure that they were all secure. The captain turns and speaks again. "It's good to have a doctor aboard. Even if it is only for a trip. I'm afraid most of us only know basic first aid so having a real medic is a change of pace." She says turning to Ming. Ming nods eagerly and makes a polite bow.

"Thank you for having me aboard on short notice ma'am. I'm Chan Ming." She says. "I'll do my best, though it seems like most of your crew is only suffering from minor alcohol overdose. So...it might not be the best thing to shout at them?" She suggests. The captain raises an eyebrow.

"Noted doctor." She replies. "However my crew knew exactly when we'd be shipping off. So it is their own fault that they're suffering from 'slight alcohol overdose' Isn't that right boys?!" She shouts once more.

The crew groans and replies with a weary but loud, "Yes ma'am!" Captain Daiyu grins.

"Sometimes tough love is all they need." She replies. "But I'll defer to you for anything else. Now...about your assistant..."

"I'm over here!" Xin Lan shouts and makes their way through the crew. They were wearing a small leather outfit, complete with gloves and a small mask akin to Ming's. "Bo Chyou at your service! I think I have just the thing for a hangover..." They mutter searching through their bag.

"No need for that Bo!" Ming says waving her hands. "Captain has it under control!"

"You friend is certainly...eager..." The captain muses. "If you don't mind, I'll have you two below deck. While I don't doubt your talents, I can't have you getting in the way of the deck crew as we leave. Shore's a bit rocky and I don't want us sinking within city limits." With that the captain turns back and begins barking orders. The three of you look at each other for a moment and then back to the city before getting back to work, eager for the journey ahead of you all. Ready to head out to the Sacred Library and whatever answers you find on the road...

(Gonna do a quick write up from the Jade Palace crew and we'll get back to the adventure. Sorry about that. Didn't expect an epilogue to be this long. Or maybe the next part is the epilouge. Again, sorry!)
>>
>>4433996
what about the letter
>>
>>4434040
It was written and turned in. I was going to show it's delivery from the Five's Point of view. Thought it would read better.
>>
5 days ago...

"This is gonna be so aweome!" Po shouts jumping up, a feat unto itself for a panda, and flailing his fists in mock combat. "All the best fighters in China lining up to fight. Just for us!" Shifu sighs.

"Po. It is unbecoming of the Dragon Warrior to jump for joy like a school girl." He repeats for the 10th time. "As I've said, the Anvil of Heaven's recruitment tournment is not for us. We are merely acting as judges of character and talent." Po settles down a bit at that but still keeps his grin.

"I know but still! Think of all the awesome moves we'll see!" He says giddily. "Oh and don't forget the food! Soknan city is wild! Did you guys hear about their noodle bombs? It's-"

"A bowl of noodles tightly wound with another ball of noodles inside them." Monkey and mantis repeat having memorized it by heart at this point of the journey.

"Maybe you should focus on getting there Po." Viper says gently. "After all if you spend all day imaging in it. There won't be a surprise left." Po nods and remains quiet though a squeal of glee escapes his lips now and again.

Tigress, as always, remains focused on her task and instead walks next to Shifu to ask. "Master. Do you think this is wise? Tai Lung is still out there and we have heard of those attacks in the north. Shouldn't we be investigating those?" Shifu nods quietly.

"Yes. I mean I am aware of those facts but the Anvil of Heaven specifically asked for us. After letting Tai Lung escape, they only want the best in their ranks and require our expert opinion. Due to the fact that it is them that help us in patroling China and guarding against it's greatest enemies. It would be in our best interest to help them or else we may be spread to thin. I have sent Zeng to scout the north as well. Once we have his report we will decide how many of you to go there." Tigress seems to have something on her mind but refrains from speaking.

"Come on guys." Po speaks up once more. "Let's just take this time to enjoy ourselves. We might not get another chance. After all the Soknan city is known to be one of the safest...places in all of ...china?" He says slowly as the city slowly appears over the horizon, complete with smoke billowing out of it's center.
>>
---

At full sprint the group cuts their journey from a few hours down to a few minutes. They all arrive at the blaze as the city's fire patrol worked to bring water to the blaze. A rabbit in a dress and bandages, doubt from combating the blaze, shouts over the din of the crowd, "Everyone get outta here! We got a fire! Come on! Nothing to see here!"

Shifu immediately begins to give out orders. "Tigress! Monkey! Po! Go put out that fire! Viper. Mantis. Crane. Circle the perimiter. Make sure no one gets back in. Warn everyone away." The group splits up to preform their duties. Po and his companions run from well to fire, carrying as many buckets to quench the flames often times tossing them between each other and leaping high into the air to reach the higher floors. Mantis and Viper spend their time patroling the streets and urging everyone away, losing track of the rabbit in the dress. All the while not noticing a large snow leopard racing back to the cemetary or a cat in her night clothes, covered in explosive powder, hurrying back to the apocathary district.
>>
By the time the fire is put out, the Five and Dragon Warrior are covered in soot and weary. Shifu managed to bring some of the guards and Anvil members to help combat the blaze but their work wasn't done. "What do mean there are bigger problems?" Shifu asks as an guard leads them towards the tournment area.

"I'm sorry Shifu sir. But this morning we found...well we don't know exactly what it is sir. Just that he was chained up and gagged. There was a note on him saying he was responsible for a murder. Note also said something about Chi and screams that make you sick. Frankly I don't know what to make of it sir. But we figured we'd keep him in custody with the Anvil. They held Tai Lung and frankly we're not equipped if half the things the note said were true."

"How do you know if any of that is true?" Crane asks tucking his wings in as he lands. The guard nods in greeting.

"Well Master Crane...we don't. But judging by the explosion, and the fact we don't even know what he is. I say it's better safe than sorry."

"What do you mean you don't know what he is?" Tigress asks quietly. The guard shrugs as he leads them to the confinement area.

"It's as I said ma'am. But I think you'll understand once you see the guy. The note called him a...bat. Whatever that is. Furthermore it also says it's name is He Ling." The guard explains as he opens the door and steps aside. The 7 look at each other in confusion before each of them step into a brick room. More of a cell devoid of windows, beds, or table. In the center under candle light, sat a large bat chained to the floor on a chair. It looks up as the group approaches, it's mouth gagged, and doesn't try to struggle free. It merely looks at all of them in curiosity. "Anvil says when they tried to speak to it, it knocked out 4 of it's members with it's voice alone. Frankly I'm not sure if it's true or if they're trying to save face but I don't really want to find out."
>>
The 7 approach the creature cautiously. "Master..." Viper speaks quietly, He Ling's ears flick in her direction as she speaks, "What exactly is that?" She asks. Shifu stares blankly at He Ling.

"A legend." He says. "Something even Oogway said he only heard about." He turns to the guard. "How did he get here?!" He snaps. The guard stands at attention.

"I don't know sir! We just found him tied to a tree, uncouncious and beat to hell sir!" The guard shouts. "Note says he can steal people Chi or something to that effect sir! It also claims it uses sound to track his foes and debilitate them sir!"

"Sounds like something out of a children's tale." Tigress says. Po bends down and whispers frantically at Shifu.

"Master. Is this guy for real? I thought only Oogway could fight with Chi!?" He whispers trying not to look at He Ling as if that would prevent him from hearing. "What do we do?"

"Po. He can hear you anyways." Shifu says quietly. "And yes, Oogway could fight using people's chi. However that doesn't mean he was the only one..." Shifu turns to Monkey. "Take his gag off." The guard's eyes widen.

"P-permission to leave sir?!" He asks. Shifu sighs and waves him away prompting the guards to run out of the room. Monkey looks leery at the prospect but does as he's told. The gag falls from the bat's mouth and He Ling opens wide...to take in a deep breath and sigh.

"So uncivilized." He says adjusting his neck. "Take it your friends of the white Tiger?" He asks bored. The crew looks at one another in confusion once more.

"Uhh...sorry dude. Don't know any white Tiger. You mean Tigress? I guess she can be a white blur when she's whooppin' butt but I mean come on-" Po starts but is shushed by Shifu.

"Who's the white tiger?" Tigress asks. He Ling grins, showing a row of pointy teeth.

"Well...this is an interesting development." He says. "I suppose it'd be only fair to show you. But I'm afraid you'll have to wait. He's quite high on my list you see. But I suppose I can push you all up first. After all...you all have so much talent to offer..." He says tearing out all the chains around him!
---

The battle only took a moment. From his position and surrounded by 5 of China's greatest warriors, He Ling didn't stand a chance especially after the beating he took form Tai Lung. Still the ensuing shriek, left all 7 of them winded. Doubling up on the ammount of chains and regagged, He Ling was left on the ground writhing against them. "Master what do we do with him?" Viper asks panting. "I've never seen anything like that." Shifu catches his breath. "For now we keep him locked up. We'll have to adjust his chains to prevent him from getting any leverage. We might have to..." He stays quiet for a brief moment. "We'll have to transport him to Tai Lung's prison. Or what's left of it."
>>
"And that's it?" Po asks wiping the sweat off his brow. "Can't we do anything else?" Shifu shakes his head.

"Until I can get back and scour Ooway's archives, there's nothing more we can do. We must find out more information about him or we risk something like that happening again." Shifu replies. "For now we have to continue with our plan as intended."

"What? But that thing can escape any second now!" Mantis exclaims. Shifu nods.

"Mantis. Tigress. Viper. You three are the fastest. Stand guard here. We'll rotate ourselves around the clock. If the public gets wind of this there will be panic and it might just be enough for him to try an escape again." Shifu sighs. "As much as I hate this. We have to continue with the plan. Hopefully this will all end soon and we can find out what that thing is."

"Yes, master." The 5 reply. Po looks uncertain.

"You sure about this Shifu?" He asks.

"Yes. You most of all. Po...you're the Dragon Warrior now. That name carries weight. I have no doubt that you are a great warrior but you also have to realize that the people look up to you now. They hold expectations of you. And while you defy them in normal conventions, you still have to show them an image that gives them hope. That's why you have to be seen. Not only that but by being in public, you are also the last line of defense for them. Remember that and you won't fail them." Shifu says.

"I...I won't fail them master." Po says.

"I know you won't Po." Shifu replies.

----
>>
----
Last day of the tournament

"Come one! Come all!" A pig shouts. "Come get an autograph and meet the Furious Five! Or be lucky enough to meet the Dragon Warrior! Just speaking to one of China's greatest heroes is a tale to pass down in itself!" A crowd gathers around Po and the Five each person screaming and clamboring to meet their idols.

"Tigress!"
"Viper!"
"Hey I found mantis! Mantis!"
"Hey up above! It's crane!"

Each of the Five dutifully signed the people's autographs and shook their hands. Even accepted any gifts from the crowd, despite how small or inexpensive the object was. "This is so awesome!" Po shouts shaking with glee as he shook hands and signed autographs. "Here you go little guy! Oh thanks!" Po says as he continues to lean forward trying to reach more and more people.

"Po be careful." Crane says as he lands to do some signing. "You're leaning a bit too..." He starts before the ground shakes from Po's impact."...much" Po groans and tries to right himself as a small child hurries over to him.

"Hey there little guy. Whatcha got there?" He asks as the girl holds up a large scroll case.

"It's a present." She says. "A nice man asked me to give it to you. He said you were friends with a man named Shifu but none of the five are called that. Do you know him Mister?" Po takes the scroll case confused.

"Yeah..." He says absentmindedly. "Yeah I know him. Who was this guy again?" He asks. The little girl shrugs.

"I don't know. He just said to give it to you. He gave me some coins for it!" She says happily holding them out. "If I give them to you, can I have an autograph please?" Po looks around but doesn't seem to find anyone of note before looking shocked at the offer of money for his signature.

"Whoa there little guy uhh girl. These autographs are free. Specially for a kung fu master like you." He says patting the girl's head. "Now. How many do you need? Five? 7? Better make it 10 just to be sure..." The group continue to do their duty of mingling with the public, unbeknownst to them that a tall snow leopard watched them from a distance in the alley. A rabbit seems to fade out of the shadows, arm in a sling, and speaks.

"They got your letter then?" They ask. The snow leopard nods.

"Yeah..." He says quietly.

"We better head off then. Captain wants a word with the crew and us. Better not keep her waiting or she just might throw us off board for not listening." The rabbit says melding back into the shadows. The leopard nods. His gaze lingers on the Five for a moment longer before he looks away and he too fades away into the shadows.
---
>>
That night

Shifu paces anxiously in his room. Tomorrow was the day they would be transfering He Ling to his new prison. Tomorrow was the day anything could go wrong. They had aquired or rather comissioned an iron cart to use to transport the man. But the series of events so far had left him anxious and unable to sleep. First was the fire, supposedly caused by an explosion that lead them to a creature he thought was just a myth. Then they found a man, supposedly an contestant, withered away. His youth supposedly stolen and the fact corroborating the note left with He Ling. Finally, just a few hours ago, the prize money to this whole tournament was stolen. Gone. And most in furiatingly, without a trace or clue. It was as if the Gods themselves has conspired against him. Shifu sighs and sits down.

"Inner peace..." He beings to chant but there was one more thing that was nagging him. And it lay on his desk. A large scroll case that Po had given him. Details were scarce, as he expected them to be considering the panda's inablity to focus on the matter at hand when excited but the most he got out of it was that some stranger had asked a child to deliver it to him. "Inner peace..." He continues and sneaks a glance at the case. It was there. Plain and simple. No one had ever gifted him anything. He wasn't one of the five. He didn't show up for public meetings and he liked it that way. Less attention and more time to himself. And yet, there it was. Someone had reached out to him. Was it a trap? Couldn't be. No one would be foolish to try and get something past the Five. If anything they would try and attack them. "Inner peace..." Was it a ransom note? Some kind of threat? If so it would be his duty to read it. "Inner...Inner..." It could be prank. Some child's idea of trying to be clever. "..peace..." Shifu says letting out a frustrated sigh. Well...let's get this over with..." he thinks to himself, standing up and moving to grab the scroll case. With a quick twist of the cap he holds the case to one side and out drops a large scroll. Unfurling it, it reads:

By the time you read this, or so I hope, I will be long gone. My journey has not been the longest nor do I think it is close to its end but I felt that perhaps you deserve to know what has been happening. I’m not the best of writers or artists but I hope that they will make do.

In the beginning, I was still full of rage. Angry at what I had done, angry at what I had become. Then it became shame and perhaps even fear. I ran as far as I could. To get away from you and maybe to try to get away from myself and hide in anonymity.


As Shifu pulls more out of the scroll, he finds the image of a small village followed by what looked like a small camp.
>>
My first task was to keep myself fed and to do that I put the skills that had placed me in this predicament to use. I became a bounty hunter. I hunted after a group of bandits that had taken merchants captive. I am ashamed to admit I fell prey to my anger once more and tried to twist it into some form of justice. While I managed to free everyone. I still felt hollow. It was there I met a man named Luo Guanzhong. He was some kind of storyteller and as we traveled he spoke to me in a way no one else had before.

An image of a small wagon caravan full of wolves follows.

He spoke to me like a person. Not as someone wishing to placate my ego nor someone afraid of me. Perhaps he pitied me. Or maybe he saw something of himself in me. But he encouraged me in my goal for redemption and pointed out a path to me. A path I cannot tell you in fear of you following me but I wish that path will lead me back to you. On that path I came across a village. Seeing their cowardice as they attacked a woman, intervened. Her name was Bao, and I will always regret what I did to her. I had failed her. She had tried to save her father but in doing so incurred the wrath of the villagers. They tried to have their revenge but angered the forest spirits. I attempted to do what I only knew and fought back against the forest. I failed and so Bao and I ran into the forest to try and placate the spirits. The villagers followed and in my attempts to scare them villagers into submission, Bao gave up her freedom to save us all. Now she is trapped as a priestess. Occasionally I think I can feel her in the wind as she promised. I’m not sure if this is my punishment or if it is her way of thanking me.

Images of a woman, shrouded in blue slowly scroll up as Shifu pulls the scroll apart to read on.

Finally, my journey has lead me here. To this very city. The tale is a long one and maybe I can tell it to you in full should I succeed. But I have encountered many things here. I almost succumbed to my anger once more and threatened someone who wronged me. I’m not sure why but they have chosen to forgive me. I met someone who was kind to me. She treated, like Luo, me like a normal person. She offered her help when I didn’t ask for it. I, in turn, helped her when she needed it. These two have now become my companions and will be traveling with me. I’m unsure if they are my friends but I hope that one day I can see them as that. Or maybe what I really hope is that they see me as one.
>>
I’m not sure how to transition to this. What I want to say is. I’m sorry father. I’m sorry for how I turned out. I’m sorry for destroying the only meaningful relationship I had and for destroying what could have been your family. I’m sorry that in no uncertain terms, I let my pride and greed destroy your passion for martial arts. Sorry that I may have crippled you forever or worse killed you. I do not know how I can attone or apologize for this but that is why I’m traveling. I hope to come back to you as a new man. One that you can be proud to call your son.[/i]

Shifu stares at the parchment, his hands trembling. For a moment his vision blurs before it fades and droplets splatter on the scroll. It all seemed to click now. Luo’s mention of a friend who helped him escape, the village near the bamboo forest now celebrating a harvest unlike any other. “Tai Lung…” Shifu quietly whispers as his voice trembles. He drops the scroll and dashes off to throw the window open. Cold wind blasts his face and blows out the candles as he desperately stares off into the city. Hundreds of lights and buildings lay before his gaze and perhaps somewhere...was his son.

>End of the Soknan City Arc

(Phew. That too more than I expected. I'm sorry guys. Tried to get everything you wanted in the epilogue and it kind of ran away from me. I think I'll give you guys a break from text and let you speak. Tomorrow we continue on our journey. So...boat adventures anyone?)
>>
very nice, thanks for running, you really nailed the feeling I have about Bao. It really is our greatest failure on the road to redemption
>>
>>4434231
RIP Bao is stuck in Priestess duty for life.
>>
>>4434211

AAwwwww yeeaaaahhhh!!!

Great arc! Seafaring adventures await!!!
>>
>>4434211
That was good. You go, OP!
>>
>>4434231
>>4434240
I dunno, she seems pretty content with the outcome. I may just be projecting though.
>>
>>4434211
Thanks for writing, i Like your Style
>>
>>4434211
boat adventures yes
>>
>>4434211
Great update, OP!
>boat adventures anyone?
YO HO HO
>>
File: 1595867807768.png (167 KB, 256x384)
167 KB
167 KB PNG
>>4434674
oh fuck you have me in pieces with that pic
>>
>>4434674

thank you my good memer.
>>
Alright getting to writing. Glad you enjoyed the arc cap.
>>4434674
Pirate Lung is best pirate.

I also forgot about wanting to sharpen the sword. Well shit. I'll put it up as the option for votes as I write. You can find a blacksmith who can sharpen it once more. The problem is the merchant who originally had it made used some pretty bad materials for it weapon wise. As a ornament or display weapon, its absolutely beautiful. For it to be used consistently in combat, the metal is pretty bad and as such will chip and break far easier than a regular sword. He can sharpen it for you easily but it won't retain its edge for very long. He'll offer to buy it off of you and you can use the proceeds to get an actual blade but that's up to you. When asked if he can reforge it, the smith will hesitate and say that he can attempt to but he most likely won't be able to keep the jade dragon inscription in the middle and that it will take much longer to do so. Longer than you have until your boat leaves so you'd have to return for it. There's other smiths far more talented out there that could probably do both, reforge it and keep the design. So the choice is up to you.

>What do you do?
>Ask the blade to just have it's edges sharpened.
>Have the blade reforged completely.
>Sell it and buy yourself a new weapon.
>Keep the blade as is, and look for someone else or and alternative method of sharpening it. I mentioned in the first thread that I was also open to the idea/suggestions of sharpening it mystically because this is a wuxia style game.
>some other suggestion (write in)
>>
>>4435039
>Keep the blade as is, and look for someone else or and alternative method of sharpening it.
Let’s not sell a gift unless we’re desperate.
>>
>>4435039
>keep the blade as is. It was a give.
>commission another blade or outright buy a premade blade.
>>
>>4435039
>>Keep the blade as is, and look for someone else or and alternative method of sharpening it.
>>
>>4435069

+1
>>
>>4435039
>Keep the blade as is, and look for someone else or and alternative method of sharpening it
If it happens, it happens. For now it has sentimental value and we rely on fist and claw anyway.
>>
A soft breeze blows past your face and the sails flap as you help adjust the sails. The wind feels warm and welcoming and you look up to look around, only to find nothing as always. "Pull!" You hear the Bohai shout. "We got a storm coming! If anyone leaves the main sails up, I'll make sure that rough water will be the least of your worries!" The rest of the sailors grunt as they work to pull the giant sails up. You snap back to attention and help with the ropes. To you, the sails were like blankets compared to your time in prison but you adjust your strength to allow the others feel like there was some weight to it while preserving their strength. Up on the masts, you expect to see Xin Lan as they tended to hang around at night though you suspect they did it while no one was looking thanks to their broken arm. Instead you see a snake slithering around and tying the sails down.

Behind you Ming is kneeling next to another sailor, an old boar, as she ties a bandage around his knee. "Thank ye lass. This old thing always acts up during the rain." He grunts. "It's how we know when it's going to rain." He adds with a grin. Ming give him a plesant smile as she finishes tying up the bandages.

"Well weather forecast or not. Keep these bandages on. They'll help keep your knee from locking up. I'll have some more soaking in herb juice below deck incase the pain starts to flare up." She says standing up. "If it does start to rain, I'm going to have to ask you to stay below deck. I don't want you slipping and ruining it further. Doctor's orders." She says looking him straight in the eye.

"I make no promises miss." The boar says standing up. "If the ship needs me. I'm there. Half of these boys can't even do a single workload I can. I'm surprised the ship is even running." The man looks around. "But this is my ship. I've been on her for 20 years and I haven't regretted it a day." The boar dusts his pants. "I'm just bothering you a this point lass. I better get back to my post." Ming nods and cleans up the cut up bandages from the ground before heading back down underdeck.

By the time you had all the sails done, it was noon and the sun was partly obscured by grey clouds. The wind had picked up somewhat and was no longer welcoming but rather chilly and foreboding. Still, you now had some time free. Without sails, there wasn't much to do in terms of chores leaving you with time to yourself.
>>
>What do you do?
>Go see what the rest of the crew are up to. Normally you'd spend your free time training but on a boat full of strangers that might be an issue.
>Ask Bohai for more sailing instruction. Over the last few days, you've spent some of your free time being taught how to sail a ship. Maybe Bohai has some spare time to teach you a bit more.
>Find Ming. Ming has spent most of her days tending to minor injuries and trying to keep track of which food is spoiling. Perhaps she has some spare time to talk.
>Find Xin Lan. Your rabbit friend is mostly see trailing Ming and keeping up apperances as a nurse though you haven't seen much of them today.
>Talk to Captian Daiyu. With the storm coming in she might have something for you to do.
>Write in.
>>
>>4435145
>Talk to Captian Daiyu. With the storm coming in she might have something for you to do.
And if there is no work to be done or we have some free time after,
>Find Xin Lan. Your rabbit friend is mostly see trailing Ming and keeping up apperances as a nurse though you haven't seen much of them today.
>>
>>4435190
support
>>
>>4435190
>>4435203
Going to talk to the captain first. If there's nothing extra look for Xin Lan. Writing.
>>
>>4435190
this
>>
You look up into the grey sky and decide on checking up with the captain first. If a storm was going to hit, you wanted to make sure everything was ready before you decided to lounge around. You find the captain at the back of the ship next to Bohai who is maintaining course. Daiyu lifts a spyglass to her eye and speaks aloud. "Anything I can help you with sailor?"

You decide not to mention that you technically weren't sailor just part of her crew and nod. "I was just wondering if there was anything left to do. Bohai mentioned we were heading for a storm. Want to make sure there's nothing that needs preparing before heading downstairs...ma'am." You say.

"Man after my own heart." Daiyu mutters as she continues to look out into the distance. She lowers the spyglass and colapses it. "No. There's nothing left to be done. All we can do is ride it out. Granted I was hoping we could hit port first and ride it out there but it looks like luck isn't on ourside. We're still about a days away from hitting our first stop and the storm is threatening to hit us before that." She says turning to you. "Best you head below deck and get something to eat. If the rain hits us tonight, then you're in for a long shift." You give the captain a nod and head back down below deck. The inside of the boat is rather packed as most of the crew sat around, mostly on barrels and crates to chat. Tucked away in a corner were a few sleeping cots and hammocks. Mostly used on rotation for the crew when one portion was working and the other wasn't. You, Ming and Xin Lan has decided to keep to a corner farther front. The area was smaller than the back and cooler due to less people being there but it was a worth while trade for slightly more privacy.

You choose to go there to look for your rabbit friend rather than mingle with the rest of the crew. You don't find them there but after a few moments they seemingly fade out of the shadows as they always do. "Hey." They say as a way of greeting. "Done working for the day?"

You nod. "Captain says that all there's left to do is wait for the storm to hit." Xin Lan frowns and offers you a mug of ale and a hunk of jerky.

"Snuck some out of the food stores when no one was looking. Not that I had too. Everything here is so ill guarded I could probably walk out with everything and they'd never notice. If you want something else just give a heads up...and don't tell Ming." They whisper. "But anyways. A storm? Bleh, always prefered to keep my feet on solid ground for this reason. The sea is too ill tempered. No good places to hide out." You take the food from Xin Lan and drink.

"There's not much we can do." You reply. "How's the arm?"

"Better. I can move it alright but Ming says I still have a bit before I can lift like normal. Said I should wait or I'll risk breaking it again." They reply. "Better listen to her. I kind of enjoy having two good arms."
>>
>What do you want to talk to Xin Lan about?
>Ask them what they have been up to recently. You've been busy working to keep up with Ming and Xin Lan.
>Tell Xin that their next stop is about a day away. Maybe they have some idea of what to do when you dock.
>Ask Xin how Ming has been. They've been busy playing nurse.
>Ask Xin what he wants to do on your travels. Now that you have companions it could be good to know what their goals are.
>Write in.
>>
>>4435382
>Ask them what they have been up to recently. You've been busy working to keep up with Ming and Xin Lan.
>Ask Xin what he wants to do on your travels. Now that you have companions it could be good to know what their goals are.
>>
>>4435383
>>4435382

>>Ask them what they have been up to recently. You've been busy working to keep up with Ming and Xin Lan.
>>Ask Xin what he wants to do on your travels. Now that you have companions it could be good to know what their goals are.
>>
>>4435383
Does Xin have any long term goals?
>pet the bunny.
>>
Gonna grab some lunch. Be back to count the votes later. About 30 mintues.
>>
>>4435383
support
>>
>>4435394
>>4435405
>>4435425
>>4435461
Taking these options. Writing.
>>
Sitting down you take a bite of the jerky. The meat is tough as most food is now that you've been out at sea for a while. It was still filling but after spending a week in the city, you can't help but admit that you miss the Jade Palace's food. You finish your stolen meal and ask,"Since we're traveling...is there anything you want to do?" You ask. Xin Lan looks at you curiously.

"You mean besides 'aquiring' expensive things to sell off? Granted money is easier to get..." They start but you shake your head.

"No I mean what are your goals? Long term. Ming wants to discover something to make her stand out." You elaborate. Xin Lan goes quiet and gives you a long look. You can hear the faint sound of rain as it hits the boat. Then they smile and shrug. "Nothing. I just want some nice loot. Traveling with you is just easier you know? Besides, what Ming won't know won't hurt her. It'll keep us fed." They lie. You frown but decide not to persue it for now.

"So then what have you been up to? Haven't seen you following Ming for a while." You ask, deciding to change the subject. Xin Lan shrugs.

"Can't say a whole lot." They admit. "Not that I don't mind playing the role of nurse but sooner or later someone is gonna ask me to do something a bit too advanced for me." They whisper. "Honestly, I'm keeping out of the way. Tried to haggle my way into working as a food dealer of sorts but the captain has a tight grip on her crew. Can't really do much. Although I have heard rumors you know." You raise an eyebrow.

"Rumors?" You ask.

Xin Lan nods. "Nothing too good. Most of it is the crew oogling the captain, Ming, or me." They shrug. "You'd be surprised how open lipped men on a ship are at night when they think no one is around."

"I'm guessing that includes you?" You joke.

"Hey, I don't count as either." Xin Lan replies with a wink. "But seriously, some of the guys are talking about the storm. They say it's the biggest they've ever seen. Also that it's coming too fast. Most of the time they reach port before the rain hits if they can catch it this early." The rabbit sits down and crosses their legs. "Honestly? I think we got a bit of bad luck. We're in the middle of the sea. Of course it seems like it's gonna hit too fast. No one ever wants to be out in the ocean during a storm. Although..." They think.

"Yes?" You say urging them on.

"I dunno. Some of the crew have mentioned seeing something at night. Granted they've been completely sloshed." They say. "Lights off in the distance. Bobbing and moving. Normally I think it's just them being drunk but still..." They ponder a bit more.

"You believe them?" You ask. Xin Lan shakes their head.

"Not just that. I've seen them too." They say. You're about to ask for more information but the doors to the deck are thrown open. "All hands on deck! Storm's hit us earlier than we thought! Get off yer asses we need everyone up here!"
>>
>What do you do?
>Ask Xin Lan to eleborate on what he means.
>Run up to the deck to start helping everyone.
>Look for Ming. Now that you think about it, you haven't seen here down here with everone else.
>Write in.
>>
>>4435593
>Run up to the deck to start helping everyone.

We are now a pirate(technically), as such the ship and crew comes first in ALL scenarios.
>>
>>4435593
>>4435593
>>4435593
could be some kind of serpent fish person.
>>
>>4435787

+1
>>
>>4435593
>Run up to the deck to start helping everyone.
oh fuck where's Ming, but we gotta help everyone first
>>
>>4435787
>>4435800
>>4435840
>>4435843
Gotta go help the rest of the crew. Writing.
>>
You give Xin Lan a look and they urge you on. "Go. I'll tell you horror stories later. Shout if you need me." They say. You nod and rush up to the deck. Angry winds pull at your clothes and try to push you around as heavy rain strikes you with the force of small rocks. The boat underneath is slick with water and your training kicks in as you run over the thin layer of water itself rather than the boat in an effort to not slip. "We need to open the sails!" A crew member shouts.

"Are you mad?!" Another screams. "The wind will snap the masts in two!"

"Is this your first time on a ship boy?!" The boar shouts. "We're not opening them all the way! We need to open them up partially to help us get steady! So unless you want to practice swimming in a storm, get your ass over to a rope and start pulling!" You move over to help but the boar stops you. "Lad. You're one of the best wet behind the ears greenhorn I've seen. So I'm trusting you with untying the sails from the masts up there. Jiao-Long can't make it up there in the rain." He says refering to the snake. He hands you a knife. "You might need this." You choose not to argue your position and go to help the crew. You put the knife in your teeth and run at the first mast with the crew surrounding it. Lightning and thunder crash through the sky as you run, blinding you momentarily but not deterring you from your goal. You grab on and claw your way up. In a few seconds your find yourself sitting on the mast and crawling along it. The ropes holding on are slick with the rain and slip from your grasp before you become accustomed to the texture and you untie it on one end and then the other. The ship bucks to one side as the sail opens up partially and catches the wind before the crew below manages to pull on the rope and slowing its opening. You resist the urge to simply leap to the other mast or straight down and instead slide down the mast to make your way back down.

You run to help the crew and pull the rope to hold the sail in place and tie the slack directly to the mast before going to the next one. As you climb, lightning flashes and in the light you see Ming struggling to stay on her feet on the slippery deck and strong winds. She clings to the railing on the side of the boat as she tries to make her way to the back of the ship where the Captain is trying to steer. You can barely make out her mouth moving as you think she's trying to shout above the winds and rain.
>>
Another crash of thunder and everything seems to happen at once. The rope holding the sail snaps suddenly, causing it to furl open fully and knocking the crew holding it's rope around as they're caught by surprise. You see one of the younger members of the fly through the air and off the side of the ship! The sudden opening of the sail causes the ship to lurch once more and Ming's feet slip from underneath her. She falls to the ground and slides off the boat but manages to cling to the railings. The sail, now catching the full force of the wind pushes the ship and causes it to slowly turn, right into the waves and it begins to take on some water.

>What do you do?
>Leap off the ship. Jump into the ocean to save the crewman that fell in. Even with his experience, swimming in this raging ocean is nearly impossible for the average man.
>Jump down and rescue Ming. She's the weakest on this entire ship and you're not sure if her grip can hold in this cold rain.
>Leap down from the mast and use your full strength to pull the rope on your own and steady the sails. If the ship sinks, you're all dead. You just need to hope you can do it in time if you want to save the others.
>Write in.

(Cliff hanger time! I gotta call it a night. I also will admit I have no experience sailing in any capacity. So I just wrote what sounded cool? Sorry to any pirate anons.)
>>
>>4435950
Shout for Xin to help Ming and grab the rope to steady the sail.

Look for extra ropes we could use to help the overboard guy as we stabilise the sail

Hmm can’t seem to think of anything to get help for both right away as Xin’s swimming will be shit with broken arm ... in fact even asking him to help Ming seems risky in itself.
>>
>>4435950
As Xin to hoop the straggler at sea with a lifebuoy or lasso them, we'll get Ming. Then we'll deal with the ship. Between the two of us I believe Xin is the one more proficient with tools. Even if they're not strong enough to pull the guy back to the ship, they can tie the end of the rope to the rail so we or someone else can pull them in.
>>
>Jump down and rescue Ming. She's the weakest on this entire ship and you're not sure if her grip can hold in this cold rain.
Tell her to get below deck, then, if possible
>Leap off the ship. Jump into the ocean to save the crewman that fell in. Even with his experience, swimming in this raging ocean is nearly impossible for the average man.
We might need to reveal our full strength and skill here. We should also pass our current job off to someone else, maybe Xin Lan?
>>
>>4435950
>Jump down and rescue Ming. She's the weakest on this entire ship and you're not sure if her grip can hold in this cold rain.

>Leap down from the mast and use your full strength to pull the rope on your own and steady the sails. If the ship sinks, you're all dead. You just need to hope you can do it in time if you want to save the others.

Why not do both? We can pull on the ropes while moving towards Ming so she can use us as a brace.
>>
>>4435950
>Leap down from the mast and use your full strength to pull the rope on your own and steady the sails. If the ship sinks, you're all dead. You just need to hope you can do it in time if you want to save the others.
>Ask Xin lan to help the crewman that fell overboard with either rope or a lifebuoy
>After we tie down the rope of the sails rush to help Ming we might have to dive into the water if she looses her grip hopefully Xin notices & help with rope or something
Prioritizing the ship cause we cant rescue them if there isnt a ship that's sinking
May god have mercy
>>
>>4436250
Hmm maybe by then the crewmember that slipped will get their footing & help with the rope
>>
>>4436265
Changing to support this.
>>
>>4435946
>Jump down and rescue Ming. She's the weakest on this entire ship and you're not sure if her grip can hold in this cold rain.
>>Ask Xin lan to help the crewman that fell overboard with either rope or a lifebuoy
>Leap down from the mast and use your full strength to pull the rope on your own and steady the sails. If the ship sinks, you're all dead. You just need to hope you can do it in time if you want to save the others.


in that order

>>4436265
by the time you do all this, if Ming has slipped into the ocean, she is done, we are in a raging storm. She goes into the water she isn't coming out again. We have already failed one companion on this quest, let's not fail another.
>>
>>4436384

+1
>>
>>4436384
Also going to change (once again, I’m sorry OP) to support this.
>>
>>4436384
Supporting this.
>>
Sorry spent an hour trying to get food out of my teeth holes with rinsing. Gonna bug me all day because I'm an anxious person like that. Anyways let's see how your anxitey paid off.>>4436384
>>4436491
>>4436544
>>4436560
This vote wins. Writing.
Also 4chan seems to be bugging out so hopefully I can get things rolling.
>>
>>4436384
I linked this post too /QST/. It's litterally the vote that's getting supported.
>>
>>4436603
Ouch. You're on a roll Luo! Damn good threads.
>>
Images of Bao flash in your mind as your legs tense up to kick off. The winds whip around you and you feel as like they push against your back as you launch forward. You speed through the air and with out so much as an impact. The moment your feet touch the ground you run a few steps and throw yourself into a slide. The wet deck and the tilt of the boat preserve your momentum as you rocket forward towards Ming. You hold out your hand and catch yourself on the railing, coming to a stop next to your companion. More out of instinct and habit than any true plan, you grab Ming by the collar of her clothes and pull her up. She crawls ontop of you and holds on. There's fear in her eyes but it's overcome with determination.

"There's someone following us!" She shouts over the rain and points behind the ship. "We have to go tell the captain! It's moving too fast and it's catching up to us!" You look at her confused as she moves off of you.

"Go get Xin Lan!" You shout back. "Someone fell off the ship! We need his help to save them!"

"What about you?!"

"I need to get the sails stabilized! The ship's taking on water! We'll warn the captain when we're not sinking!" You reply as you stand and carry Ming to the door leading downstairs. Ming wastes no time to rush downstairs and you move back to the sails. The crew are trying to get the sails under control to no avail. You move to the front of the line and wrap the rope around your wrist before you get a good grip and pull with all your might! With a grunt, the sails begins to fold in again and you begin walking backwards. The crew behind you notice the rope slacken as you take on the whole weight of the sail and step aside to get room.

"HEY! WE GOT A MAN OVERBOARD! I CAN USE SOME HELP HERE! YOU KNOW? WITH THIS BROKEN ARM AND ALL THAT?" You hear the rabbit scream over the winds. The rest of the crew turn around in confusion and you look behind yourself for a moment as you see Xin Lan spinning a rope with a life preserver at the end. With his usual unnerring accuracy you can see him toss it off into the sea at high speed. You return to your duty and get the sail set in it's proper position. You dash off to the third mast and do the same, wrapping the rope in your arm, climbing the mast to release the sail and leaping down to keep the sail slightly open. Once the sails were set the ship's rocking steadies somewhat and the boat begins to move at a safer angle along the waves. The sea still crashes against the ship but the water taken in is minimal.
>>
You rush over to the group near the edge of the boat. "Nothing's caught on!" Xin Lan shouts. "I don't think the guy's surfacing!"

"You sure you threw it out far enough for him to get it?" A sailor asks. Xin Lan's eyes narrow.

"I never miss." They growl. You stare off into the distance. Through the storm, you don't think you can see anyone out in the waves but something does catch your eye. Lights, out in the distance, bobbing and moving...attached to the silloutte of another ship. And it's headed straight for yours.

>What do you do?
>Go warn the captain. If there's a ship heading in your direction, they might not see yours and it can crash.
>Try and look out for the fallen sailor. Maybe you can help Xin Lan aim for another through...assuming he was lying about never missing.
>Leap into the ocean. In this storm you might be able to manage to swim out to where Xin Lan threw the life preserver if you stay underwater. Assuming his aim is correct then the sailor could be underwater.
>Write in.
>>
>>4436673
Have Xin warn the captain, grab some sufficiently long rope to pull us and/or the overboard back and jump
>>
>>4436693

+1

Also, when the ship gets close enough, jump to the second ship and yeet the other crew.
>>
>>4436693
>>4436843
Sloow day today. But on a more positive note, look at all this delegation. Can you imagine if we didn't have friends? Writing.
>>
"Xin." You say. The rabbit looks at you. "Go warn the captain. There's a boat heading our way. Ming says it's moving too fast."

"And what are you gonna do?" They ask as you grab some rope.

"Jump." You say as you leap forward about 15ft and go into a swan dive. The cold water envelops you and the waves crash all around you, threatening to pull you under. You oblidge and begin to swim beneath the surface where the water isn't as turbulent.

"He's crazy." Xin Lan says from the boat looking from sailor to sailor before running off to the captain. "Don't you dare let him drown, ya hear?!" They shout as they make their way to the back.

The salt water stings your eyes but you push forward following the rope Xin Lan threw as a guide. You can faintly hear the sound of the water crashing up above but more importantly you hear hear something else. A high pitched noise that seems to surround you much like the water. As you swim, you could swear it sounds faintly like...singing. The realization causes you to stop momentarily and you look around. All you can see is the vast darkness of the ocean. No fish, no plants, nothing. You shake your head and force yourself to move on. Your curiosity can be sated once you complete your goal. As you reach the end of the life preserver's rope you can't see anyone. You turn around and look everywhere before realizing that you haven't looked down. Kicking you legs, you flip upside down and feel water enter your ears. You see the faint outline of a person that is slowly sinking away. You push yourself forward and dive deeper. Your lungs burn, your ears pop, and the water around you seems to squeeze you more as you go deeper. The cold sucks away at the heat inside you as you approach the fallen sailor. They sink limply in the water and their skin is pale through their fur. With a mental grunt you kick your legs and zip down to them. You grab the man's waist and begin to push against the sea as if jumping off the water itself.

It takes you mere seconds to jump/kick your way to the surface. Your head breaks through the water and you gasps desperately for air. You pull the man above the sea and shake him but he refuses to breathe. You tug at the rope and at the rope holding the life preserver. It takes a few moments but you feel the rope pulling you back and you kick towards the boat to help the crew get you there faster. The rope pulls you up as you reach the boat and you claw your way back on. "Get Ming. The man's not breathing." You pant. One of the sailors runs off below deck.

"Medic!" He shouts. "We need a medic!" Only a few seconds later you see Ming, still soaked and fur matted running to you.
>>
"Everyone out of the way!" She shouts and drops to her knees as she pushes you away. She rests her head against the man's chest to listen as she uses a free hand to lift the man's head. "No sound of breathing. Dying heart beat." She mutters and places her ear next to the man's mouth. "No air movement." Ming immediately locks her mouth with the man's and forces air down the his throat. "Nothing." She says. "Someone hold his head up!" She orders to a sailor. She rolls her shoulders. "Sorry sweetie but this is going to hurt!" She says planting both her hands on the man's chest and pushes down. After a few presses she puts her ear to the man's chest. She doesn't seem to hear what she wants and continues to push again. "Come on, come on...not again. Don't do this to me love." She grunts as she pushes down. "Thought you boys were supposed to be tough." You faintly hear the sound of something crack as she pushes down and after the 30th push the man gasps momentarily for air before coughing up water all over Ming's face. The man continues to cough up water before his breathing returns to normal and he starts to groan and grasp at his chest.

"Doc what's going on?" One of the sailors says as the others try to hold the man down.

"Hold him still and get him down stairs. I just broke his sternum." Ming says firmly as she wipes her face in a fuitle attempt to dry it off. "I have something I can give him for the pain." She stands up and follows the rest of the crew downstairs leaving you and a few others behind.

>What do you do?
>Head to the back of the ship with Xin Lan and the Captain. See what the situation with the ship is.
>Go downstairs with Ming. See if she's ok and if you can help with the resucitated sailer.
>Walk around the ship. Make sure everyone is accounted for.
>Write in
>>
>>4437021
>Walk around the ship. Make sure everyone is accounted for.
Our place is on the deck, preparing for PIRATE BATTLE.
>>
>>4437072

+1

>inb4 there is a siren hanging around
>>
It's been a bit slow today. So I'm going to pause it here for today. Tomorrow I won't be running but I'll be back sunday. Thread's not gonna bump anymore so I hope interest in it remains. Thanks for the votes today guys.
>>
>>4437021
>Walk around the ship. Make sure everyone is accounted for.

Then If everything is good on that front

>Head to the back of the ship with Xin Lan and the Captain. See what the situation with the ship is.
I'm not sure if Tai Lung would really be concerned about the singing he supposedly heard but maybe he could mention it as an afterthought, especially if he knows what sirens are.
>>
>>4437465
+1
>>
>>4437021
this >>4437072
>fight pirates
>steal their stolen loot
>steal their ship
>turn them into the police for many
>>
>>4437072
>>4437341
>>4437465
>>4437670
>>4438553
I woke up late! Let's get to writing. Gonna go and do a head count.
>>
You get to your feet and set out to see if everyone was safely aboard the ship. Better to be safe than to leave someone else out at sea. The crew still on deck warily avoid the edges of the ship now after seeing the state of the sailor. When asked all of them confirm for you that they've seen no one else slip off the edge and thank you for saving the man. Evidentally, it was his first year on deck and had never really experienced a storm like this while out at sea. Thankfully he would live to continue working and to see his family again. You nod and make your way down below deck to check on the rest of the ship as you hear a few fleeting words of their conversation.

"Did you see that guy? Jumped into the ocean like it was nothing!"
"See him? I was too busy watching him leap up and get those sails under control. Did it single handedly too! Climbed the masts like they were ladders!"

Bellow deck is much of the same. The crew welcome you with open arms and herald you a hero. A mad man willing to risk his life for another. A few offer you drinks, or a favor at a later date. Some even offer to introduce you to their favorite girl on shore but you decline them all for now. There was work to be done. However a strange feeling inside you does not go unnoticed. A strange warm sensation that feels very much like pride but softer...more welcoming. You feel as if you remember this feeling all those years ago when you first started training before stories of becoming The Dragon Warrior eveloped your ego. Then there was also the relief, you're not sure why but seeing the young sailor come back to life eased some tension in you. Maybe it was because it meant you didn't just jump into the sea for nothing or that Ming didn't have another death on her hands or perhaps it was just that the boy got to live once more. Either way, you decide to put these feelings aside for later and get back to the task at hand.

You go around and make sure that everyone still on board. It takes a bit longer as the crew moves around a bit, some to congratulate you others just trying to settle in and rest after the storm. You note that everyone is on board at the very least and make your way back up to the deck to go see Xin Lan and the captain. You arrive just in time to see the captain snatch back her spy glass out of the rabbit's hands and colapse it to put it back in her pocket. Xin Lan makes a face at her and shrugs before noticing you.
>>
"Hey you're here." They say. "We got some problems."

"When don't we?" You ask as you finish climbing the stairs and standing with the two.

"Touche." Xin Lan replies and turns back to face the lights. "It's the Crimson Fang." They say.

"Pirates." The captain explains when they don't see recognition in your face. "Also known as the Red Scourge. Stories claim they got their title because they left the sea red with the blood of their enemies. 'Take no Prisoner and leave no witnesses' is what their motto used to be."

"If they leave no one alive then who do people know about them?" You ask skeptically.

"They went legit a few years a back." Xin Lan says. "Well as legit as privateers can be. Most of their stories come from them and seeing how they leave any pirates they come across...well they proved their own authenticity." You give the rabbit a look and he returns it with a look of Don't ask. when you're about to ask how they know this.

"Regardless of their new employers, their ship is on a collison course with ours." Daiyu replies.

"Only one problem..." Xin Lan says as they look through a familiar spyglass. "I don't see any crew...as far as I can tell the ship is dead. Sails intact..."

"Can't we just avoid them?" You ask as Daiyu glares at Xin Lan and takes her spy glass back again then moves to the steering wheel.

"Been trying to" Daiyu grunts as she tries to turn the wheel to no avail. "The currents are too strong and the winds are against us. Even if I could turn this blasted thing that ship is moving too fast for us to outrun which is impossible. If what Bo says is true then the blasted thing should have sunk in the storm not be heading straight for us. So unless you two have a brilliant scheme on how to avoid them I have a few questions to ask. Namely who are you?" Xin Lan doesn't flinch and seems to not hear the question as they continue to look at the ship, the winds whipping at their ears and small mask.

>What do you say?
>Ask Daiyu what she means by that.
>Ignore the question and change the subject:
>>Ask if you can take the wheel. Your strength is far greater than anyone on the ship's though you have no practical experience manuvering a ship on sea let alone a stormy one.
>>Tell the captain you and Xin Lan can try and comandeer the ship. Both of you can leap great distances so you might have enough time to at least turn the pirate ship and avoid a collision if you wait for it to get close enough.
>>Lie to the captain and try to convince her to go down below deck. (What do you say?) While she's down there, try and steer the ship or find a away to get on board the other one. The ship does have life boats that you can use.
>Tell her the truth. You're Tai Lung. Master martial artist and your traveling to find awnsers at your destination.
>Stick with your story. You're just a man trying to start a new life away from an inheritance dispute.
>Write in.
>>
>>4439908
>has something changed?
If her reasons seem important enough we can volunteer the name if she promises to hold it in confidence.
>>
>>4439930
support
>>
>>4439930
>>4439939
No panicking. Just asking why. Writing.
>>
>>4439930
Supporting, tell her it’s a question to be answered in private. Also,
>Ask if you can take the wheel. Your strength is far greater than anyone on the ship's though you have no practical experience manuvering a ship on sea let alone a stormy one.
If the wheel system breaks, would it be possible to go underwater and move the rudder manually?
>>
>>4440018
Yes it would be possible. However steering the ship like that is both exhausting (even for you as you're fighting the currents to stay alive, coming up for air, and pushing the rudder around) and time consuming. However it will allow for something I wouldn't be able to do if Tai Lung was solo and that's swap characters which sounds cool.
>>
>>4440018

+1
>>
"Why do you ask that?" You say as you turn to look at her. "Has something changed?" The captain grunts as she tries to keep the ship steady.

"You could say something like that." She says. "For starters, we have an empty ship of renegade pirates on our tails, one of the fastest storms I've ever seen, and one of my crew members just spent the last 5 minutes leaping around my ship and single handedly doing the work of a full crew to keep us from sinking. All before deciding to take a leisurely swim in a raging ocean to rescue someone who fell overboard. So frankly speaking, I think a lot of things have changed considering I seem to have one of The Five on my ship. Two if Bo here is a good a shot as they claim to be."

Xin Lan turns back to look at the two of you. "Listen lady, is this really the best time to be asking this?" They ask shooting a glance at you. "Ship is getting closer..."

The captain scoffs. "If we end up dying then I want to go to the graving knowing full well what I wrought." She shoots a glance at you. "There are approximately 40 passengers on this ship inlcuding you. So I'm saying this with their lives in mind. If there is anything you haven't told me that can save their lives I want to hear it. That includes who you are." She says struggling against the current.

"This is something that should be answered in private." You say.

"It's just us three up here. We're as private as we can get sailor."

>Do you awnser her questions? You're free to say as much or as little as you want as well a suggest any plans. (Don't worry, asking to try and drive is coming next.)
>Yes.
>No.
>>
>>4440082
Give her the name and ask that she keeps it to herself. If there are some pirates on board, we’ll hold them off, assuming the “skeleton crew” is punchable.

As awesome as manual steering seems I’d rather not tie up the one dedicated fighter in our party for that given Xin’s broken arm.
>>
>>4440090
Supporting
>>
>>4440090

Also supportinhg
>>
>>4440090
>>4440106
>>4440118
We're name dropping ourselves then we're gonna try to steer the ship. Writing.
>>
"Tai Lung." You say. "That's who I am. All I ask is you keep this private." The captain's eyes narrow.

"And why shouldn't I just have you run through and thrown off the ship." She says. "A criminal. On my ship.

"Because I'm trying to save all of our lives." You say. "I think saving that man was proof enough I mean no harm. Like I said, I just want passage to the mountains. Nothing more."

"Not like you could do that if you tried." Xin Lan says. You shoot a look at them.

"Not helping." You say sighing. "But they're right. If I really wanted, I could simply take the ship and leave you all to drown. Right now I just need to you to trust me." Can you at least do that?" You ask as you motion to take the wheel from her. The captain continue to glare at you.

"No. I can't do that." She says. "But I don't really have much have much of a choice do I?" She steps aside for you to take control of the ship. You grab the wheel and immediately feel it resist you. You grunt and struggle to turn the wheel.

"Bo." You say. "You know ship directions?"

"Not really. I got the basics listenting to your lessons. So I'm just gonna use regular words. Relative to you." They say. "Try and move to the left. If we go that direction we might be able to sail parallel to the other ship. Won't hit us but we're gonna be uncomfortably close." You nod and begin turning the wheel. You're surprised by the resistence your facing but with some effort the wheel begins to turn. The wood groans and strains against you but the ship slowly follows your direction. "Keep going! We're turning but it's still not enough!" Xin Lan shouts. The wheel continues to groan and you hear something crack. The wheel snaps a bit to the left without adding to your turn.

"The wheel is giving out!" The captain shouts. "If it breaks we'll be dead in the water!"

"We still need to keep turning!" Xin Lan shouts.

>What do you do?
>Maintain your course. You need to avoid a crash with the other ship.
>Let go. You need that wheel to be functioning. Try and find another way to avoid a collision.
>Lessen the degree at which your turning. Send Xin Lan over to the other ship to try and have it turn. They're the only one you know that can make a long jump.
>Write in.
>>
>>4440208
>Let go. You need that wheel to be functioning. Try and find another way to avoid a collision.

>Use a rowboat as a sacrificial shield

We might not be able to avoid a full collision, but we may be able to mitigate the damage. If the ship has a small boat to spare, if we lower it on the side of the hull between where the ships would collide we can sacrifice it instead of the hull.

Using the anchor is a no go, dropping that would capsize the ship.
>>
>>4440229

+1
>>
>>4440229
Supporting
>>
>>4440229
+1
>>
>>4440229
>>4440265
>>4440271
>>4440319
Man I never would have thought of something like this. Nice thinking. I'm this will be the last post for today. Tomorrow I'll be back at the usual time 11am PST.
>>
You let go of the wheel. Daiyu was right, if the wheel broke then you'd be a sitting duck. "What are you doing?" Xin Lan shouts. "We're still on a collision course!"

"Get down stairs and tell everyone to brace themselves! It's going to get rough!" You shout as your run to the side of the ship where a rowboat is held. Grabbing some rope you the rowboat to the railings to lower it and serve as a buffer between the two ships. You look up and see the opposing ship in full view, its tattered sails flapping in the wind. The ship's flag bearing what looks like a pair of animal jaws painted red. You lower the rowboat down and hop onto it with some more rope. You set the oars perpendicular to the boar and tie them down, hoping that adding more for the ship to push against will buy you some more seconds. You leap back ontop the Gale Cutter just as the two ships collide. Wood crunches and the rowboat underneath you is crushed as you land back on deck! The shock and sudden lurch of the ship knocks you off your feet. The two ships push against each other and slowly they begin to align parallel to each other. Both ships groan under the weight of one another but ultimately come to a stop. The ships float and bump into each other in the rough waters.

You sit up and turn to face the new ship. Its deck is empty and soaked. Some of the wood on the floor is broken leaving holes in the floor. The masts holding the sails are chipped as if something with an edge struck them. No sign of life can be seen.

>What do you do?
>Get up and explore the ship. Maybe you'll find something of interest? (What specifically do you look for?)
>Go below deck of your own ship and see if everyone is ok. Then gather a party to explore the new ship.
>Go below deck and assess the damage. No point in exploring if the ship is going to sink.
>Write in.
>>
>>4440441
>>Go below deck and assess the damage. No point in exploring if the ship is going to sink.

If everyone’s okay:
>Get up and explore the ship. Maybe you'll find something of interest? (People, loot, artifacts, books, weapons)
>>
>>4440441
Well something set that ship on course to dog ours... I guess we’re not leaving or separating until we resolve that.

Go explore the other ship, head for its captain’s cabin.

...how good are firecrackers against ghosts? Although we wouldn’t want to set our bounty on fire or damage it’s internals unnecessarily...
>>
>>4440836
It'd be really hard to light firecrackers in the rain and I've honestly never thought about how they would affect a ghost desu. Has that ever been a thing? Now I gotta think about it.

>>4440780
>>4440836
We got a tie...kinda. I'm giving it about a half hour more for some suggestions otherwise I'll combine the 2.
>>
You go down bellow deck to check the state on the boat. The inside is dark and and you can hear the constant dripping of water seeping in. With a flash someone lights a lamp and holds it up. "Oh it's you boy." The old boar says. Around him you see others getting to their feet and looking around. "What the hell happened?"

"We crashed into another ship." You explain. "Managed to at least not make it a full on collision. How's everyone down here?"

"A bit roughed up and bruised but I think we're all right." The boar says looking around. "Managed to get the boy on a hammock. Doctor said it'd help keep him from being flung around."

"I'm never letting you drive again." Ming says popping up from behind a box, her hair a mess and all over her face. "If anyone is hurt just come tell me. I have a feeling that things are only getting worse from here."

"While I don't doubt the doctor's diagnosis, I'd rather we figure out what's going on than sit here afraid in the dark." Daiyu says adjusting her coat. "So, did anyone come up to confess to the crash?" She asks. You shake your head no.

"The boat is still empty as can be." You reply. "It's also in bad shape. Looks like some kind of fight happened."

Daiyu scoffs. "Pirates. Probably a mutiny of some kind. Found themselves some loot and couldn't decide to how to split it."

"Maybe." Xin Lan says jumping down from the rafters. "Probably thinned their numbers too much and no longer had a proper crew to run their ship. Doesn't explain how it's functioning. A storm this heavy, the thing should have sank."

"Oi...if they're pirates and what the captain says is true. There must be treasure!" One of the sailors says eagerly. The captain puts a stop to that immediately.

"Treasure or not. We are not going on a wild chase." She says and turns to you. "We've come this far. I presume you want to go explore the ship?"

"Yes. Regardless of treasure, we need to find a way to get the ship away or at the very least figure out what happened." You say. "It's too conicidental. That ship came right at us and in an ocean this big, the chances of that happening are impossible." The captain nods.

"Agreed. So then our next course of action is to form a party and board the other ship." The captain says. "Who are you taking?" She asks.

"Excuse me?" You say.

"You're the best fighter we have on board." The captian says. "So you'll be leading the expedition." You frown. You didn't really expect her to send others with you.
>>
>What do you do?
>Take Xin Lan with you. He's the only other person you know that can keep up with you even with a broken arm.
>Ask for volunteers. See who's willing to come along rather than force someone.
>Take Ming with you. She's not a fighter but she's the smartest person you know. She could be able to peice together what happened.
>Don't take anyone. While it's true that with a group you'll be able to search the boat faster. It's best you go alone and try to figure this out solo.
>Form your own group. (Just give a general idea of the kind of people you want to bring along. Do a quick write up of like 2-3 sailors who might be on board that you'd recruit. Tai Lung has been on this ship long enough to have a general idea of the crew's strengths and weaknesses.)
>Write in.
>>
Your gear thus far.
3 of those sparkling sticks
A firecracker
A dull sword of heroes
one smoke bomb
and a thin shirt or peice of clothing that hides your face.
2 Putrid Brews
3 stink bombs of the same ingredients as a putrid brew.
Xin Lan's balanced combat throwing knives
>>
>>4441441
Ask for volunteers. But warn them that first priority is to find out what happened and why. Looting can wait until the ship is deemed secure.

We could probably use someone who can operate a lockpick so we don't have to force our way in locked doors or damage boxes. And someone with experience in reading charts and logs to spot any anomalies.
>>
>>4441441
Here’s my idea:
>Keep Xin Lan on this ship
>Ask for a small group of volunteers, 5 maximum
>Volunteers should preferably be those with keen eyesight and similar skills that would be useful in a search, such as the ship’s lookout
The basic plan is to get a small group of sharp-eyed people to search for clues while we devote 100% of our attention to guarding them and watching for threats. A smaller group is easier to defend.
I think we should leave Xin Lan on our own boat so as to spread the competent fighters out in such a way that all crew members will have adequate protection in the event of sp00ky ghost pirate shenanigans.
>>
>>4441467

+1
>>
>>4441464
>>4441467
>>4441478
Asking for volunteers. Looking for sharpeyed people, locking skills, and reading charts. Writing.
>>
File: tenor (1).gif (119 KB, 220x220)
119 KB
119 KB GIF
"You heard the captain." You say. "I need volunteers." The crew chats among each other and you choose Aiguo the ship's look out, Delun, Duyi, and Kueng all of them who work as alternating navigators and replacements for Aiguo. Xin Lan makes his way towards you.

"Ready then?" They ask as they adjust their pack.

"Xin, I need you to stay here." You say. The rabbit gives you a look and you gently pet his head. They grumble and bat your hand away. "You're the only other person I know who can handle themself. Take care of Ming and make sure no one tries anything dumb." Xin Lan give you a mutinous look but doesn't argue.

"Fine. But you owe me some treasure!" They whisper. "This is probably one of the biggest scores since Soknan!" Out loud he says, "Alright. Need me to do anything in particular?"

"Check out how damaged the ship is from the crash. Can't have the thing sink while we're trying to save it." You say. Xin Lan waves you away.

"Alright, alright. But you run into any pirates and I better hear you shout for me to come help." They say wandering off. "You heard the big guy! Gotta find out how much trouble we're in. I hear water. So let's work on not hearing that anymore." The 4 others meet you on the deck.

"So...do you really think there's treasure on the ship?" Asks Duyi. You shake your head.

"Doesn't matter. We need to figure out what's going on and if we're being target specifically. Treasure doesn't matter if we're cut down by a surprise pirate ambush." You say as a matter of factly. Duyi goes a bit white. "If we find valuables we'll decide what to do with them once we know that we're safe. Delun, you got lockpicks?" Delun looks around and coughs nervously.

"Hypothetically if I was going to go on a pirate ship full of loot. I wouldn't forget them Xuebao." They say. Kueng laughs.

"Right and hypothetically it's not half the ship that knows you sneak out food and peek into the cargo stores." He says. "Come on. The longer we wait, the longer we'll make excuses not to go." With that revelation, you grab a plank and set it down to bridge the gap between both ships. You hold the board down as the others cross then make the leap yourself. Pulling the plank on to the other vessel. You and your grew look around. Aiguo shudders.

"This doesn't feel natural." He murmurs. "Like something out of a horror story." You walk towards the damaged mast and run your fingers over the nicks and breaks. Definitely caused by a blade. "Oi, Xuebao. Where are we going first? Below deck?" Aiguo calls out and pulling you from your focus.

>Where do you want to explore first?
>Go below deck. Majority of the crew spends their time there. It would be a good place for clues.
>Go to the captain's quarters. There tends to be logs there. Assuming any strange goings ons were documented. It would be there.
>Explore the deck somemore. Make sure this area is clear before venturing deeper in.
>Write in.

>Pic related. Bunny pets.
>>
File: maxresdefault.jpg (155 KB, 1280x720)
155 KB
155 KB JPG
Also I don't think I've posted an image for Xin Lan's knives. His combat ones. Not the throwing daggers. Knuckle daggers sound cool. Especially since he tends to use his heel to kick them down or into his opponents.
>>
>>4441603
>Go to the captain's quarters. There tends to be logs there. Assuming any strange goings ons were documented. It would be there.
There might be some sort of captain’s diary. We could get an idea of the captain’s frame of mind at the time of the incident and get an idea of how long the ship has been uninhabited, which would definitely shine some light on the situation. Maybe some charts with plotted courses, too?
Of course, WE shouldn’t look for them. Let the other four guys handle that. Well watch their backs while they search.
>>
>>4441598
Double check the deck, then head for captain's quarters.
>>
>>4441631
>>4441733
We'll double check the deck then go to the captain's quarters. Writing.
>>
File: maxresdefault (1).jpg (83 KB, 1280x720)
83 KB
83 KB JPG
"Let's clear the deck first." You say. "Don't want anything following us down here." The 4 others nod and you begin to search the deck. Upon intitial glance, the deck is much like your first impressions. The wood is damaged by what looks like weapons. Nicks and dents all over the place seemed to suggest a battle of some kind but you don't seem to find any blood stains, fur, or anything that would indicate injuries an impossibility even for a master fighter. As you walk to the front you hear Delun shout, "Hey Xuebao! Come look at this!" You hurry over to the man as he leans over the edge of the ship and points down. You follow his gaze and see a rowboat hanging from ropes as if it was being lowered.

"It's a rowboat." You say and Delun nods.

"Yeah but it's only half way down. Like someone was lowering it but stopped. Think the guy was killed?" He asks. You shrug.

"I don't know. If he was I don't see why it wasn't pulled back up after the battle." You reply.

"There's no bodies. What makes you think it was a battle?"

"That's the weird part. This whole place is messed up. Most of the wood is damaged from weapons by the looks of it but there's none here." You explain. Delun nods and the two of you step back. "I'm going to finish up looking around. Have everyone meet up in front of the captain's quarters. "Do not go in without me. Understand?" You say looking him straight in the eyes. Delun nods and salutes.

"Yessir." He says and moves to gather the others. You walk over to the back of the ship, just above the captain's quarters where the steering wheel is. On a whim you give it a push and the wheel spins effortlessly. You raise an eyebrow at that and keep it in mind for later before jumping down to the door below. The 4 others look around nervously and Aiguo clears his throat.

"Hey uhh...probably not important but have you noticed that the rain has calmed down?" He says motioning around. You look around with a small start. He was right. You hadn't noticed it but the furious storm had settled to a light rain. The kind you'd see small children play in during the summer. Not quite a downpour, not quite a drizzle.

"We probably just weathered the storm is all." Kueng says quietly. "But we should head into captain's quarters just in case it picks up again."
>>
"Right." You agree and jerk your head at the door. "Delun if you will?" The man nods and moves over to the door. He gives the doorknob and experimental twist and coughs.

"Uh...just wanted to make sure it was locked." He says as he pulls out a set of lockpicks. "Would be embarassing if it wasn't..." He mutters with his tongue between his teeth. After a few moments you hear a soft click and Delun opens the door. Your ears perk up, waiting for a creak that never comes as the room is slowly revealed. Duyi takes a few tentative steps into the room and pulls out a lamp to light up and illuminate the area.

The dim light of the lamp reveals a rather ordinary if not slightly cramped room. A single table stood in the middle with various barrels littered about the room. Most of them fallen over on their sides spilling their contents on the ground. Scrolls, brushes, and bottles of ink lay scattered about and in the corners of the rooms were chests. You can see the eagerness in your party's eyes but you raise your hand for attention. "Search the room. Find out if the captain had any logs or charts showing where he was meant to go. We'll take a look at the chest afterwards. I'll stand on watch." You say. The men protest a bit.

"Come on Xuebao. Don't you wanna see if the cap has some treasure at least? We can thoroughly examine it after we search the scrolls." Delun says.

"We should at least secure it on our ship." Duyi suggests. "The rest of the crew and figure out if it's actual treasure in them."

"We could split up." Kueng suggests. "We'd cover more ground that way."

>What's the plan?
>Open the chests. Just looking wouldn't hurt.
>Secure the chests. Send them over to the Gale Cutter. They can deal with it.
>Ignore the chests. You have a plan and it's best to stick to it.
>Write in.

>Do you split the party?
>Yes (Where do you delegate your men?)
>No
>>
>>4441835

>Keep the chest closed for now, send to the Gale

>inb4 greed trope gets all our men captured

Up to you, OP, where you want the party split.
>>
>>4441835
>Secure the chests. Send them over to the Gale Cutter. They can deal with it.

>No
>>
>>4441835
>open the chests to look in for clues, but leave the treasure, if any, for once we’re done with our sweep,
>no splitting
>>
>>4442297
Support
If they complain, let’s just tell them that something doesn’t feel right and “the Spirit World and its inhabitants can be quite tricky”.
>>
>>4442297
Supporting
>>
>>4442297
>>4442353
>>4442502
Taking a peek and not splitting up. Mfw anons don't want to "split up and search for clues gang." Writing.
>>
You don't want to admit it but the idea sounds tempting. You sigh and begrudgingly agree. "Alright but keep to the task. You can gloat over treasure last. We need to find out why this ship is here." Delun pumps his fist and moves to unlock the chests. Everyone else moves around to rummage through the papers. The ship is eerily quiet as you work. It dawns on you that you haven't heard so much as a creek from the wood. You frown and stay at the door. "I found some recent logs." Aiguo says as he places a map on the table and sets a sheet on it.

The map is faded and worn. You look at Aiguo as he traces the route on it. "Looks like they were following a lead for the empire. Probably another pirate they were going after."

"What do you mean?" Duyi asks. "These guys are pirates right?"

"Privateers." Aiguo corrects. Duyi shurgs.

"All the same."

Aiguo shakes his head. "Either way they were hunting down another pirate crew. From the looks of it not to far from here. Probably a week or so away." You nod.

"That might explain the damage." You say.

"But...that's where the charts end." Aiguo says. "Assuming this was their only plan...They probably would have returned to shore."

"I think I found the captain's log." Kueng says approaching.

"Forget that!" Delun shouts. "Check this out guys!" He says stepping aside to show a chest full of shining treasure. Coins, jewels, and even a crown on top gleam against the lamplight. The rest of the group move in to look and as you hear a plank fall outside. Everyone goes quiet and looks at you before ducking below the windows and sight lines. Footsteps can be heard and the sound of something dragging echo out.

>What do you do?
>Go outside and confront whoever is moving.
>Lay in wait and stay hidden. There's plenty of people on the Gale Cutter to handle this.
>Try and sneak out to go somewhere else on the ship. You could get a better look at whatever is moving outside and still explore.
>Write in.
>>
>>4442896
Signal for the sailors to stay in cover while we sneak to a better vantage point to take a look at the movement.

Also gesture for them to leave the treasure where it is until this is resolved.
>>
>>4442902

+1
>>
>>4442902
>>4442984
Phew slow day for votes and busy one for me. So glad this is aligning so well. Should I make a new thread? Seems like this one is pretty old. Not too much posts on it though. I could never figure out how saging and archinving works.
>>
>>4443018
Nah, you can safely leave it until page 8. Also, the sup/tg/ archive provides instructions on how to archive threads beyond the temporary board archive.
Someone seems to have been archiving your threads for you so far, though.
>>
>>4443018
Autosage comes after five days, I think, or a certain amount of posts, not sure how many on this board, whichever comes first.
Built in archive keeps the thread around for a while, but not too long. It you want a more permanent archivation you’d be advised to go to suptg.

Qst is a rather slow board though so the thread is likely to stick around for several more days before it drops off page 10... you can see in the bottom right (or top right, too) which page thread is currently on.
>>
>>4443024
>>4443028
Oh that's been me. Sorry, I meant to say that I didn't know how long a thread stays up before it goes into temporary archives. But if we still got time I'll stay on this thread so I don't spam the board with new ones. Thanks for the info guys.
>>
You raise a finger to your lips and motion for them to stay down. The 4 others nod and settle in to wait. Kueng slowly draws a dagger from his boot. Delun fidgets looking slightly nervous while Aiguo and Duyi simply stand still and wait. You move like a wraith and make your way to the door, absolutely silent. The door is windowless so you're forced to slowly open it and slip past it to get a better view of the noise. Staying low to the ground, you move quickly through the ship and peek out from the stairs leading up to steering wheel to get a good vantage point. From your position you see actual people! 6 other men, whom you assume to be the pirates of this ship, are finishing nailing the plank to the ship. A large chest sits between two of them while.

A hawk points and directs the others, two of the men grunt and hoist the chest up as they try to get across the gap between ships but the plank groans menacingly and they quickly step of. The hawk glares at the crew and motions furiously to get more boards while looking around quickly as if trying to acertain if their cover had been blown. The men move quickly to grab more items to build a bridge and you slip back to the captain's quarters. The four men tense up and seem ready to jump at you before realizing who entered the room. They look at you expectantly. "Pirates." You whisper. "Looks like the ship wasn't as empty as we thought. They're trying to move to the Gale Cutter. Making a bridge."

"Well we have to stop them!" Delun hisses. "We can't let them get across." Kueng nods.

"He's right, though at the moment we seem to be evenly tied in man power. If we can hold them off long enough everyone else might hear the fighting and come to back us up." He suggests. "Although we have people already on the ship for this reason. We could try and let them handle it."

"Whatever the plan is, it's your choice Xuebao. Captain put you in charge for a reason." Aiguo says.

>What is your plan?
>Confront the men. Your party doesn't know who you are but you can certainly handle 6 men no problem.
>Try and warn the Gale Cutter somehow. Let them handle it while you continue your search.
>Try and intimidate the men. It's worked for you before when you wanted information. Why search through books when you can get it from the source. (what do you say?)
>Write in.
>>
>>4443043
>Search for some rope, ambush the hawk & take him as hostage this hawk seems like a leader so the other guys should listen to demands let our group tie them up also put something in thier mouths(cloth or socks) so they cant yell for help then interrogate hawk
>>
>>4443076

+1 but if this fails we can just beat them all up single-handedly, because we're more than capable.
>>
>>4443043


>>4443076
Supporting


The deception they put in the works to approach makes it clear their intentions are of the unsavory kind. I wonder what belowdecks looks like since they masquerade as a ghost ship... unless...
>>
>>4443076
support
>>
>>4443076
>>4443337
>>4443483
>>4443837
Getting a bit rough. Writing.
>>
You think for a bit. "Whoever these guys are, we need more information." You whisper. "The bird seems to be in charge. I'm going to subdue him and hopefully the others will see it's not worth putting up a fight. When the coast is clear I'll call for you and you tie them up. Clear?" You ask. The others look at each other anxiously.

"You sure this is a good plan? 6 on 1 doesn't sound like good odds." Aiguo says.

"Don't worry about me. I can handle myself." You insist. "If things go south. I'll hold them off while you run for back up." The group still doesn't seem convinced but they begrudingly agree. "Keep your ear to the door. I'm heading out." You say and you slink away. Sticking to the shadows, you duck behind a mast and search for rope. You find some of the remnants of the rope that would hold sails in place and gather it together for the others before you make your move. You quickly peek too the side to watch the pirates do their work and wait for the moment that the Hawk turns his back to you. After a few agonizing seconds your moment comes!

You leap into action, deftly running across the deck in near silence before pouncing on your target. The two of you collide and roll on the ground before you grab the Hawk from behind and slip your arm under his chin. Placing your free palm on the side of the hawk's head, you growl, "Any movement and I'll snap his neck like a twig."

The pirates turn around stay still and look at you as they slowly raises their hands. "E-easy there fella. You don't know what your doing." One stammers.

"I'm well aware of what I can do." You say back as you put some pressure on the Hawk's neck. "Now. I want everyone to gather next to that mast." You instruct as your jerk your head to the mast where you gathered all the rope. "Go. Now." The pirates nod and slowly back up from the planks. "Kneel." You order. The pirates nod and slowly get to their knees.

"It's ok big guy. None of us have to get hurt." One of them says. You ignore it and call for the others. They burst out, weapons drawn to survery the scene. They cautiously approach the group as you speak.

"There's rope behind them." You say. "Tie them down and gag them." You look down at the Hawk. "And we're going to have a talk." The hawk, who has been completely complacent and nonresistant doesn't say anything but gives a slow nod.

>What do you ask him?
>Ask him if there's anymore of the ships crew onboard.
>Ask them what they were planning.
>Ask why they decided to tail your ship.
>Write in.
>>
>>4444048
>Why were you tailing our ship
>What were you planning
>How are they controlling their ship in the storm? The wheel feels like a decoy
>>
>>4444059
Supporting
Just be ready to act in case something goes wrong. Also maybe send one of our guys to alert our guys on the Cutter.
>>
>>4444059

+1
>>
Jesus I need to get better sleep. Lay on the couch to watch some TV and I ended up taking a nap for like an hour or so. Anyways,
>>4444059
>>4444179
>>4444281
We're going with this option. Writing.
>>
You nod to Delun, "Go warn the others. Best to keep them informed." The man nods and hurries over to the plank. "Give me some rope." You tell Duyi and you use it to bind the Hawk's wings to his body before you put him in a hold again. "Now, why were you tailing our ship?" You ask. The hawk shuffles nervously as you tie him up.

"Careful with those claws boy..." The hawk mutters quietly as he eyes your hands. The words were neither a threat or a warning but they did hold a certain weight behind them "It wasn't our choice." He says. "As you can see, we don't have a crew to run a ship let alone. You were just caught in a bad situation. We have no control of the ship. Test the wheel. It doesn't do anything."

"I did. It feels fake. Turns too easy for something in a storm." You say. "How do you control the ship then?"

"With the wheel." The hawk says. "Like any other ship. However, it doesn't do anything anymore. It may have broken during the storm but I don't think so. That's be too convienient." You shake the man a bit and adjust your grip. Not enough to injure the man but enough to start making his neck ache. "Easy..." The hawk says placatingly. "None of us want to hurt you. Me not wanting to die aside, starting a fight here will damn us all."

"Then what where you planning?" You demand. "What's going on? Your story is a little to convinient for someone who was attempting to steal a ship." The hawk grunts a bit as he starts feeling his neck stiffen.

"Not steal exactly." He says. "We were exploring. Same as you. We were below deck when we hit your ship. Impact caught us off guard and by the time we came to we heard you lot wandering around shouting. Figured our reputation would preceed us. Seems like we weren't wrong." He says attempting to motion at their situation. "So we though if we boarded your ship, you'd be a bit more receptive to hearing us out. As you can see, we're all unarmed. Had we confronted you here, well you saw how this goes. Thought you'd be more receptive on your ship."

"Your plan sounds oddly familiar in how stupid it sounds." You mutter. The hawk nods.

"Probably. We're paid to kill people not be diplomats." The hawk says. "Conversations with our clientelle don't tend to go beyond directions and orders."

"Then why were you sneaking?" You growl.

"There's something in the ocean lad." The hawk says. "I don't know what it is. I don't want to know what it is. All I know is that it butchered the rest of my crew." As the two of you speak, you see Xin Lan, the captain, and a few others emerge from below deck. All of them soaked.

"I see you found guests." Daiyu calls to you. "Mind appraising me of the situation." She asks as she motions to other sailors to cross the planks. The others among your crew draw some weapons and begin to cross.

"Tell your men to stand down!" The hawk shouts. "If anyone here spills blood, you'll kill us all!"
>>
>What do you do?
>Ask something else? (What do you ask.)
>Tell Daiyu's men to hold off for now. Clearly something is going on and it's best not to aggravate the man with awnsers.
>Tell the men of your crew to search the ship while you handle this situation on deck.
>Transport the pirate crew to the Gale Cutter. Interrogations would be a lot safer on your own ship.
>Tell the captain of the treasure. Have her gather it and bring it over.
>Write in.
>>
>>4444382
>>Tell Daiyu's men to hold off for now. Clearly something is going on and it's best not to aggravate the man with awnsers.
>>Tell the men of your crew to search the ship while you handle this situation on deck.
>>
>>4444380
>Tell Daiyu's men to hold off for now. Clearly something is going on and it's best not to aggravate the man with awnsers.
>Transport the pirate crew to the Gale Cutter. Interrogations would be a lot safer on your own ship.
Inb4 some dumbass crew member cuts their thumb on a nail and summons Cthulhu
>>
>>4444391
>>4444392
Taking these votes. Writing.
>>
"Do as he says." You say calmly. "Right now he's the only one with answers. If he knows something we don't it's best to play it safe." The crew look at each other in confusion. Daiyu looks at you and you just give her a nod.

"Weapons down boys. Looks like we're playing nice. For now." She says. The men put their weapons away and wait patiently as they look at the pirate crew warily.

"We should still search the ship." You say. "He says this is the only crew he has left but we don't know that. They might also have more answers around here as well." You turn to your party. "Let's get these men over to the Gale Cutter." The captain raises an eyebrow. "It's safer on our ship." You explain. "No surprises and we have more men."

"Well it certainly seems you have things under control." The captain says.

You shrug. "I'm used to having plan and organize things in strange situations. It's starting to become a habit." You admit. It takes a bit but you manage to move everyone on to the Gale Cutter. Xin Lan moves over to you.

"So looks like we're having another adventure again. Any bats this time?" They asks quietly. You shake your head.

"No but looks like we might be dealing with something in the ocean." You reply. The rabbit frowns.

"That's...not at reassuring as I thought. Should I get Ming?" They ask. You shake your head.

"Not yet. How's the ship?"

"Not the best. We're taking on water. The impact fractured some boards and water is seeping in. We're currently trying to patch it up. Biggest problem is that we're not moving anymore." They explain as they walk with you.

"Keep me posted then." You say and Xin Lan grins.

"And let you have all the fun? I think I'll stick around for a bit." They say. You shake your head but move to address the hawk. Daiyu stood nearby adjusting the ropes on the pirates.

"So...do you have a name?" You ask.

"Daichi." The Hawk says. You give him a look.

"That's not chinese is it?" You ask. Daichi shakes his head.

"Fraid not. Parent weren't natives." He says.

"What's going on then?" You say cutting to the point. Daichi's face grows dark.

"I don't know." He admits. "This was supposed to be a simple smash and grab. We find pirates, kill them all, take their loot. Quick and simple. Don't give me that look girl. I do as I'm paid. If you have an issue take it up with the emperor." He explains looking at Daiyu's face. "We're paid the empire to cut down on piracy. If they wanted to negotiate they'd have sent someone else. We're hired when the only option is to put them down." Daiyu is about to say something but Xin Lan interjects.

"How about instead of debating the morality of killing for money, we stick to trying not to die." They say. Daichi nods.
>>
"Fair enough lass." He says. "We have bigger issues than arguing what's right or wrong. Like I said, it was supposed to be simple. When we arrived, a storm had hit. We caught the theives unaware. When we boarded the ship, they plead for their lives. At the time we didn't think anything of it. They always do when they know what's going on. Seeing as they weren't too keen on fighting, we decided to relieve them of their loot as we were hired to do. One of their group got jittery and decided to attack. I guess he wanted to play the hero or was just scared. I don't really know. The fighting spilled out on both our ships soon. And not too long after it happened."

"What do you mean?" You ask.

"Monsters." He says. "More like ghosts of the oceans. Serpents with arms. They rose from them depths and attacked us all. We attempted to fend them off but our weapons did nothing. As if we were attacking the air but their weapons always struck true. We somehow managed to retreat, most of us at least, and we sailed off. We still fought on as we left but eventually, the ghosts parted. We thought we were safe. Evidentally not." The hawk pauses for a bit and you hear the crew arrive behind you.

"Captain! We found no one else. But we did find this." One of them says moving the chest you found full of treasure and the one the pirates were dragging also stuffed full of gold.

The hawk looks at Daiyu. "Technically that belongs to the empire. But I'm willing to admit we lost some at sea if you would take us to the nearest port." He says shrugging. Daiyu's eyes narrow and she bares her fangs.

"Are you bribing me?" She growls. Xin Lan raises their hand up.

"Actually I think he's asking you for a ride and he's willing to pay for it." They say. "Assuming you believe his story." Daiyu growls at Xin Lan but he doesn't flinch. "I dealt with him." They say nodding to you. "Can't really beat that. How about we take a step back and talk this out. You don't mind that do you Daichi?" They ask. The hawk nods.

"Don't really got much of a choice do I?" He says settling down to wait. The three of move to the captain's quarters, Daiyu is visibly irritated.

"So?" She snaps. "What do we do with them?"

>What do you want to do?
>Tell the captain you want to speak to Daichi some more. There's still a few details he hasn't elaborated on.
>Say that you should keep them tied up for now while you try to figure out how to get the boat moving again.
>Put the decision on hold for now and go visit Ming. Daichi kept mentioning spilling blood would spell your doom. Perhaps its how the spirits are summoned. Have her thoroughly check everyone to make sure no one is bleeding.
>Speak to some of the pirate crew members. Maybe they have information can give. (What do you ask them?)
>Write in.
>>
>>4444538
>Tell the captain you want to speak to Daichi some more. There's still a few details he hasn't elaborated on.
How did their steering wheel break, such a coincidence they manage to head straight to our boat
How come there was no blood on their ship when there is signs of fighting
Also what happen to the bodies of his crew?

Any questions for daichi crew mates?
>>
>>4444637
Also what did he mean
"We still fought on as we left but eventually, the ghosts parted. We thought we were safe. Evidentally not"
Did he say that since we captured him?
>>
>>4444641
No he meant more of they thought they were safe from the their attackers. No you specifically.
>>
>>4444637
support
>>
>>4444637
Support

Some spooky shit is going on but I dont trust Daichi completely either.
>>
>>4444637
>>4444660
>>4444662
Speaking with the hawk once more. Writing.
>>
>>4444637

+1
>>
"I'm going to speak with Daichi some more." You say. "There's still a few details he hasn't explained. Like how he was able to sail a ship in the storm with a that size of a crew. I tested their steering wheel on a whim. Thought maybe we could take it incase ours broke. It spun like it wasn't attached to anything. Moved too smoothly." Daiyu frowns.

"Do you think he's hiding something?" She asks. You shrug.

"Don't know. If he is, he's sticking hard to his story. If I talk to him more, maybe I can trip him up." You say. The captian nods.

"Alright. I'll go below deck and make myself useful." Daiyu grunts. "Better than having a hissy fit about pirates." With that the captain heads out of her room leaving you and Xin Lan alone.

"You know, I think I'm getting some boy clothes after all this." They say tugging at their clothing. "Daichi sounds like a cool name don't you think?" You give the rabbit a look. "What?I'm just borrowing his name."

"Probably not the best idea to steal a forgeiner's name and a famous pirate at that." You say opening the door.

"Yeah...you're probably right." They ask as the two of you head back to the pirate captain. The hawk is busy eyeing his ship warily. Once he sees the two of you Daichi nods.

"Your captain isn't too fond of pirates is she?" He muses. "Make me wonder what you did to for her to allow you onboard." He says looking at Xin Lan. They frown at that.

"What do you mean by that?" They ask.

"You can't pull the wool over my eyes." Daichi says with a quiet smile. "You're a natural born killer. Done it more than a just a couple of times have you? I can see it in your eyes." Xin Lan goes quiet and their demenor shifts. "Theres those eyes. You're pretty good at hiding them lass but I've seen them all my life. You don't stay in my line of work and not see them. Men and woman who are just built for it. Killing without remorse. So before you start asking, let me pose a question first. You're not a pirate or a sailor. You're not used to the sea but you still move too well to be just some serial killer. I'm guessing martial artist? Mercenary?...assassin?" You look at Xin Lan expecting them be angry at the accusations due to all their past protests against killing or at the very least afraid of being found out. Much to your surprise the rabbit is completely devoid of any emotion. Their face is completely neutral, their eyes cold and emotionless having lost that spark you always saw in them...or had you ever seen it in them?

Xin Lan flicks their wrist and a flat throwing knife seems to appear from nowhere. "You have good eyes captain Daichi of the Crimson Fang, The Red Scourge of the Sea." They say in a quiet monotone as they flit the throwing knive between their fingers. "Maybe I should relieve you of them."
>>
The captain shakes their head. "Calm down lass." They chuckle. "I'm just saying I admire your stance on life. Even I still feel a pang of regret when I have to cut someone down. Shame the captain found you first. You'd have made a great addition to my crew." The pirate closes their eyes and muses. "Perhaps you'd like to join us after all this? I can tell you this. The money would be amazing and we'd utilize your talents far better than that sea wolf ever could." They say shooting a grin at Xin Lan.

"No captain...I don't think you understand." Xin Lan says approaching. "I wasn't asking you. I was contemplating how to get away with it. Your eyes are quite big. All it'd take is one throw." Xin Lan looks at you. "We can say he was planning something. Captain Daiyu's predisposition against pirates will work in our favor. She'd believe it. I can't be found out." Daichi looks at you then at Xin Lan nervously.

"Hold up there. No one said anything revealing nothing." He stammers. "I'm just paying my respects is all. From one professional to another is all." Xin Lan seems unmoved or at least you think so. It's practically impossible to tell.

"Xin." You say quietly. "You're good. I think we can drop the act now."

"How do you know I'm a professional?" Xin Lan asks.

Daichi tries to shift away but the ropes hold him in place. "I didn't say nothin...I just know of groups like that. I was never approached by one I swear. It was just a guess."

"He's lying." Xin Lan says.

>Something's not right gents. What do you do?
>Grab the knife out of Xin Lan's hand. Last thing you need is murder on board.
>Try and talk Xin out of whatever the hell he's doing. What happened to him being adamant about not killing? Something must've triggered this but getting into a fight after all the captain said is a bad idea.
>Try and knockout Xin Lan. You don't have time to deal with this.
>Try and get some information out the captain right now. He's scared senseless. He'll awnser your questions without hesistation if he thinks his life is on the line.
>Write in.
>>
>>4444767
>Try and talk Xin Lan out of whatever the hell he's doing.
This is neither the time or the place to stage a murder. We need to get to the bottom of the captain's inconsistencies currently. Figuring out how/why Daichi knows about Xin's profession can come later.
>>
>>4444767
Be the good cop. Take the advantage of having Daichi off balance, but make sure to convince xin to not let him get under their skin. Gesture at them from outside Daichis field of view as he is likely to focus his attention on Xin, if necessary.
>>
>>4444876
If we can get Xin to understand we’re not too concerned about their skeletons with what we have on our own conscience nonverbally, that should hopefully be enough to reassure them. If they are not messing with the pirate to begin with.
>>
Thread related?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jWBUziNxvw
>>
>>4444876
>>4444877
Supporting.
I think Xin is planning something with this sudden shift.
>>
>>4444798
>>4444876
>>4445352
Trying to calm spooky bunny. Writing.
>>4444957
Look at it's tiny legs! I love it. Definitely related.
>>
There's admittedly something disturbing and unnerving about an emotionless and detached Xin Lan but you decide to take advantage of the situation. You've seen this song and dance. You can even say that you've been on the receiving end of it. The nice guard and the intimidating one. Granted a few of your jailers were a bit too eager to play the role of the intimidator but you think you can play the role of the protective one. However there was the issue of your...friend? The word feels a bit strange in your mouth but it certainly doesn't feel wrong. Maybe it was a ploy or maybe Daichi knowing of their old profession was getting to them. Xin Lan was really adamant of no one knowing who they were. Either way, you couldn't have a murder occur on the boat.

"Listen," You say, "Not to be cliché but my friend here doesn't seem to be the best of moods now. Give us some information and I'm sure she'll back off."

"Information won't buy us his silence." Xin Lan says. "It's best we do this now before the others come back up to the deck." You look behind at the rabbit. You still couldn't figure out Xin Lan so you opt to play it safe. You think of someway to signal to them that you didn't really care about whatever they did in their past. Ultimately, only one thing seems to come to mind. You gingerly place your hand on Xin Lan's head and pet them reassuringly. At least, you try to convey that through your petting. Xin Lan's eyes flick to you and seem to seem less detached to you. You hope that it's a good sign.

"Like I said. Maybe it's better you start talking before she decides to act." You continue. Daichi looks at you.

"Alright! Alright! I'll tell you anything. Just keep her...thing. Whatever away!" They shout.

"You said your wheel was broken or that it didn't work." You say quickly. "How did the ship manage to track us?"

"I told you! I don't know! When we broke away from the pirates, we thought we were in control! But the storms never stopped! No matter which way we turned the wheel on only seemed to go in one direction! Sometimes it seemed like the ship turned on it's own while we slept but with all the clouds we could never track the stars!" Xin Lan spins the throwing knife in their hand.

"The bodies..." They say quietly, unchanging. "You said you were in combat. Where did they go?"

"Those ghosts took them." Daichi says nervously eyeing the knife. "Whenever they left the bodies would just vanish...until the next time. Then they would reappear. Walking corpses. Bloated and waterlogged."

"What about the blood?" You ask. "You keep mentioning it. I never found any despite your battles."

"Gone with the bodies." The hawk says. "But everytime blood was spilled, even if it was just a drop. They would come at night. Like sharks in the water. They whittled down my men with every attack. Eventually, we all just holed up below deck and lived there. Even if we got injured we could barracade in there. Now can you please call her off!"
>>
You nod and pet Xin Lan's head. "Let's go. We got what we came for." You say quietly but Xin Lan doesn't follow. Instead they walk towards the hawk and raise their dagger. "Xin Lan!" You shout. Xin Lan thrust forward and stabs the mast behind the hawk just a few inches away from the man's head.

"Not a word of this to anyone." The rabbit whispers, voice full of malice. "If I even get a hint of you breathing a word of this to anyone on this ship. There won't be a single hole in this country to hide you Daichi. I will find you. And I'll make sure you stay quiet." Xin Lan tears the dagger out of the wood and walks towards you.

You wait for the rabbit to catch up to you but don't say anything. Nonetheless Xin Lan speaks up. "I don't want to talk about it." They growl before angrily tossing the knife out into the ocean. "Go tell the captain what's going on. I need to...decompress or whatever emotion it is." They mutter under their breathe as they fade away in the darkness of the stairway down into the belly of the ship. You're unsure if Xin Lan walked back out or ran ahead, only that by the time you reach the bottom they're gone. You find the hold of the ship busy. Several of the crew are busy nailing boards to the sides of the ship to patch it up. Others are looking through the treasure with the captain. Ming was busy tending to the man who nearly drowned and speaking with another sailor.

Daiyu notices you coming down and motions to a crew member to head back up. "Well? What did you get from him?" She asks.

>What do you tell her?
>Tell her what Daichi told you. They were attacked by monsters of somekind. They're apperantly attracted by blood and attack at night. That the ship seemed to be driving itself.
>Tell her that the hawk stuck to his story. You're not sure wether to believe it or not.
>Tell her about what happened to Xin Lan? Perhaps Daichi is trying to instigate the crew. For what ends you don't know.
>Ask how repairs are going and if she has a plan for getting moving again.
>Write in.
>>
>>4445552

>Ask if they managed to patch up the hull. We may need to migrate to the other ship if not.
>Tell her that Daichi stuck to his story, and by the best of our judgment appears to firmly believe in it - he claims they have been accosted by a curse.

>While we are not yet sure to what extent what he told us is work of his imagination, we know that their wheel doesn't work properly. Warn the crew to not spill any blood and stay away from the captured treasure until we search rest of the ship and determine what's what.
>Be emphatic about not touching the potentially cursed treasure. We've nowhere to spend it at sea anyway and there will be enough time to split it up after the storm clears up. Less risk of anything valuable accidentally rolling off the deck, too.
>>
>>4445564
Support
>>
>>4445564
>>4445587
Taking these votes. Writing. Hopefully bunny pets helped.
>>
File: rabbit.gif (986 KB, 460x250)
986 KB
986 KB GIF
>>4445620
I'm sure they did. Barring that, I'm sure bath at next shore leave will help.
>>
>>4445587

+1
>>
"How's the ship? Are we safe?" You ask looking around.

"She's holding." Daiyu says crossing her arms. "We're not taking on water anymore. Everyone is wet, tired, and anxious. We have plenty of food to hold us off. Managed to find some more on the other ship but the good doctor is telling us not to touch it until she can examine it but that's besides the point. What did the hawk say?"

"He stuck to his story." You reply. "And from what I can tell is telling the truth or at least he believes that it's the truth. He's apperantly cursed. He claimed the ship drove itself even claimed it could turn on it's own and that it's been raining nonstop since he attacked the pirates." You explain. "Whatever the truth is, his ship's wheel isn't working so we can at least verify that he wasn't going after us intentionally."

Daiyu nods. "With a broken wheel there was no way he could go after us with that precision in a storm." She thinks. "Filthy pirate might be right after all..." She mutters.

"There's more." You say. "The monsters are supposedly attracted by blood. We'll need to do our best not to get injured."

Daiyu growls. "If this is a ploy for him for us to disarm ourselves..."

You shake your head. "Nonetheless. I say we still be careful. As long as they're bound, the pirates can't take advantage of it. We should gather the crew and warn them. A bit of hassle on our part could save us all." The captain nods and claps her hands.

"Alright lads! Gather round! I have some news for you!" She shouts. "You to doctor. Especially you." Ming looks up confused by moves in along with the rest of the crew. They wait expectantly as the captain gets ready to address them. "Alright boys. According to our guests we currently being haunted. Or at the very least they are. Whatever is attacking them could verywell be following us. Something just don't add up so from here on out. According to Xuebao here, they claim that bleeding attracts the monsters. So from here on out, we'll need to be careful. If you're carrying a weapon, I'm gonna need you to keep it sheathed for the time being" The crew audibly protests and Daiyu barks. "I know! I know! Because of this, I'm doubling shifts to keep watch on the pirates. We maybe being careful but that doesn't mean we're being foolish. If I see anyone with a sharp edge out without a good reason, I'm tying you along side the pirates."

"Captain. You don't really believe this do you?" A crewmember asks. "I mean ghosts? Monsters? The pirates might just have a touch of the sea madness."
>>
"I really don't want to but things aren't adding up. Their ship shouldn't be able to sail but they followed us better than any navigator I've seen. In a storm even. The rain hasn't let up nor the clouds thinned out." She runs her hands through her hair. "Look let's finish up exploring the other ship, salvage what we can and try to find a way to get out of here or at the very least detatch ourselves from the other ship." She looks at you. "Anything else?"

"DO NOT touch any treasure you find or even the treasure we have here. It maybe be cursed. We can't even spend it here so best we wait until we have solid ground under our feet before we divide it. Plus there's less risk of you dropping it off deck too." You say. "Don't pay the pirates any mind. Maybe they'll try to goad you into doing something. Ignore them. If their stories are true then any blood you spill will kill us all. For all we know they might want that." The crew murmurs but don't argue. Evidentally your actions during the storm has garnered their respect.

"Anything we should focus on?" They ask.

"More food. Supplies, maps, spare navigation equipment." You think. "If we're not fully trusting their story then they must have had some way of getting around. Anything strange, don't touch it and come to me."

"What about me?" Ming asks. "What can I do?"

>What can Ming do to help?
>Have her try and figure out a way get the ships apart.
>Keep her on standby incase anyone gets hurt. Maybe if you can patch someone before they bleed all over the boat it might prevent the monsters from coming.
>Have her join the search party. She might be able to find something they didn't.
>Write in.

>What do you do?
>Look around and see if you can get the ships apart.
>Join the search party. Better to be looking around that doing nothing.
>Speak to someone in particular. (Who do you want to talk to?)
>Write in.

>>4445639
Xin Lan may well be a Spa person. Cute rabbit though. Look how relaxed it is!
>>
>>4445680

Ming could make sure nobody gets hurt, or patch them up if they do. Also maybe she could examine the pirates carefully, in case whatever is affecting them has physiological manifestation... or could be contagious.

>Tai
Check on Xin, just to make sure he's fine, then join the search party.
>>
Grabbing. Lunch. Be back in like an hour or so.
>>
>>4445692
support
>>
>>4445692
+1
>>
>>4445692
>>4445720
>>4445794
That took longer than I anticipated. Sorry about that. Writing!
>>
"Make sure no one gets hurt and do what you're best at. Tend to injuries." You say and Ming nods. "Also...keep and eye on the pirates. They're under a lot of stress because of all this. It might start affecting them mentally."

"Could spread out ot the crew." Ming whispers. "Mob mentality could happen. I'll make sure everyone is doing ok." She looks around. "Tai Lung...you don't really this it is a curse do you?" She asks nervously.

"I don't know." You say. "I've seen spirits once so it wouldn't say I'm a nonbeliever. So if it is true we better exercise caution. Keep your gloves on Ming. I'm going to go see if I can find anything on the other ship." You turn to leave but Ming perks up and says.

"If you find more food. Look for preserved fruits and vegetables. We have enough meat and while we can get by on it, it's better we have some alternative for vitamins and minerals. Especially for you, me and Xin. Our bodies aren't used to unblanaced diets like everyone else's so if we start running low, the vitamin deficienies will hit us hardest." She says. You nod and give her a thumbs up before heading out. As your foot hits the first step, your mind turns to Xin Lan. They were upset. Far more than you've ever seen them before. If Ming was going to stay on top of the ship's mental health, it would only be fair that you kept an eye on your group's as well. Or at least you tell yourself that. In truth, something bothered you about seeing the rabbit's shift from a carefree attitude to one of wrath and spite. After your battle with He Ling it was all to easy to see too much of yourself in that shift. You walk up to the deck and search around for the rabbit to no avail. They weren't near the wheel or even in the captain's quarters snooping around. Asking the other crew members yeilds nothing unsurprisingly. However, as you've been told before, you're quite stubborn and your persistence pays off when you simply look straight up.

At the top of the mast in the crow's nest you see a small figure sitting on the railings of the small platform. You quickly make your way up, no longer burdened by having to hide your abilities. Reaching the top, you see Xin Lan's ears flick. "What do you want?" They say quietly.

>What do you want? How do you approach Xin Lan? What do you want to ask/tell them?
>Debating making this write in only but I'll add suggestions just in case.
>Tell Xin Lan what you're thinking. They were acting too much like the old you.
>Ask them what they think of the situation. Try to ease into the real conversation.
>Just be direct. Ask them what's going on.
inb4 Xin Lan romance option
>>
>>4445890
>>Ask them what they think of the situation. Try to ease into the real conversation.
>>Just be direct. Ask them what's going on.
>>
>>4445890
Be direct and brief. We’ve still got to check the other ship for curses.

Assure them that in our experience although we get to carry our past like a burden that can’t be cast off - (and probably shouldn’t if it could) - we need not be shackled by it and let it to dictate choices we make. Or at least we’d like to believe that to be the case.
>>
>>4445901
>>4445916
Comboing these. Tai Lung isn't very good at talking about feelings. Writing.
>>
"Nothing in particular." You lie. "Just wanted to ask what you thought about the situation." You say. Xin Lan doesn't reply. "Do you think the captain was telling the truth?" You ask and again the rabbit doesn't respond. You stand next to Xin Lan and tap at the railings. "He seemed to think this was true. If we get attacked I'm not sure how we can fend of monsters that conventional weapons can't hit. I have Ming making sure everyone is doing ok. We need to keep morale up."

"What do you want?" Xin Lan asks again. "We both already know all this." You sigh and scratch your head.

"Fine. What's going on?" You ask. "I've never had to deal with other people's feelings. Was trying to ease into it." You grunt.

"I lost control." Xin Lan says flatly. "I never lose control. I got angry..."

You nod. You were all to aware of how that felt. To be blinded by the heat of the moment. "I...understand." You say awkwardly. "To lose control. To feel slighted and the urge to lash out. I also know how it feels to be burdened by our past. We'll never be able to cast that weight off and we probably never should. Just because it's a reminder that doesn't mean we're tied to it doesn't mean it dictates who we will be or what choices we make. Maybe is shapes who we are now but I think that we still get to choose who can become. That's why I'm traveling. "

Xin Lan shakes their head. "No." They say and you look at them. "I don't regret anything I ever did. Have you ever killed a man Tai Lung?" They ask. "Truely killed one? Planned it months in advance, learned their life, inflitrated their inner circle, befriended them and at the height of their trust, snuffed it out like a candle in the wind? I've killed hundreds of people this way. Their blood is in my hands and not once have I ever regretted it." Xin Lan turns to look at you with that same detached look. "We're not the same Tai Lung, Scourge of the Valley of Peace, Master of the 1000 scrolls of Kung Fu. Because you can regret what you've done." Xin Lan stands. "I told you I was bred to be the best assassin of The Hēishǒu. Children cannot be made into killers. Not unless you take away the one thing that holds them back. Xin Lan is a lie. Their feelings, dreams, goals. Everything. All of it an elaborate persona so I can integrate in society and not draw attention."

"So...all this time we spent? It means nothing to you? All the times we spoke together and ate with Ming? When we fought He Ling? When you risked that arm for us to escape?" You ask in confusion. The rabbit nods.
>>
"Yes." They say completely neutral. "Nothing. Risking my arm was the optimal price for us to survive and get away. Giving away my past to earn your trust in order to defeat an opponent greater than us. A calculated risk." They pause. "But I want it to mean something." They say quietly. Xin Lan scratches their ears and adopts a regretful tone as they shift back to their old personality. "Sorry...it's just easier for people if I act like I have an actual personailty. Not having one tends to unnerve or confuse them." They sigh tugging at their ear. "My entire life has been like a stage play. Shifting from role to role. Xin Lan being one of them. When I get mad or upset. When I bat your hand away in annoyance. It's all within what the character I play would do. Do they like this soup? Do they get along with Ming? These are questions I have to ask or I figure out instinctively. Even the name is made up." They look remorseful. "You asked my why I was traveling with you a while back...so I'll tell you the truth." Xin Lan drops his personality. "I want to be able to feel emotion Tai Lung of the Valley of Peace. You once said that traveling might help Chan Ming find out more about herself. I want to do that as well. I want to be able live my life not someone else's. I want to be able to call you and Chan Ming my friends. My companions."

Xin Lan shakes his head and looks at you determined. "That's why there's something wrong on this boat big guy. Something is making me feel things and these aren't the nice feelings of holding hands. I'm angry. I'm afraid. Everything inside me is telling me to take everyone on this ship out so no one finds out my identity. It's irrational. Even if Daichi tells everyone on the ship who I am, no one will believe him. That's how I know this isn't me. I'd have calculated that and used that information overwrite what Xin Lan's natural reaction would have been. Instead I acted on impluse." You stand there trying to process the information. A breeze of anxiety pushes against your face.

>What do you do?
>Ask Xin Lan something. (What do you ask?)
>Tell Xin Lan you'll give him some space to contemplate. Perhaps he can turn this situation to his advantage. If he's finally feeling emotion, maybe he can use it to assist him in his goal. Turn his current weakness into his strength.
>Leap down from the mast and find Ming. Maybe she's found someone acting erratic as well. If a trained assassin is being affected then the sailors stand no chance resisting it.
>Tell everyone to forget searching the ship and find a way to leave. Clearly this spot is a bad place to be.
>Write in.
>>
>>4446035
Try to comfort them by pointing out that if they ascribe some value to things like friendship and companionship, there may already be more left in them than they give themselves credit for.

Then ask Xin if they felt any difference in intensity as they were moving around the ship. If the influence is proximity based they may help us pinpoint source.

Then go bring the information to Ming and ask if she found something similar, ask her to pay attention to that.
>>
>>4446035
>Leap down from the mast and find Ming. Maybe she's found someone acting erratic as well. If a trained assassin is being affected then the sailors stand no chance resisting it.
I wonder if internal bleeding counts...someone did break their ribs from CPR earlier.
>>
>>4446082

Support

>>4446121

Also this.
>>
>>4446082
>>4446121
>>4446133
Taking these votes. Gonna reassure rabbit friend and use them as a radar. Writing.
>>4446121
>I wonder if internal bleeding counts...someone did break their ribs from CPR earlier.
Yes
>>
>>4446150
>yes
Oh come on!
>>
You reach out and pet Xin Lan again. "It's like Luo once said. From nothing there is infinite possiblity." You say. "You say you don't feel anything but you put value in friendship and companionship. They mean something to you even if it's just desire. That's the first step to anything is to want it. There might just be something left in you than you think. Something made you want to stop being an assassin. There's also that. If your journey is to find emotion then I welcome you as Xin Lan." Xin Lan smiles and looks at their feet.

"Thanks big guy. That actually helps what with the real fear running through me. It's...interesting. Is this what reassurance feels like?" They say.

"While we're on the topic of the truth..." You say. "Are you a boy or a girl?"

"Nice try TL." They chuckle, brushing your hand away. "You got your free touch. Don't push your luck. Some secrets will break your mind. This is one of them." They say lightly.

You shake your head smiling before a thought comes to you. "So if you can't feel emotion but you are right now...has it changed?" You ask. The rabbit tilts their head.

"What do you mean?" They ask.

"Like...you came up here. Why? To get away. Do you feel just as mad and afraid as before?"

Xin Lan thinks for a moment. "No...I don't. I mean I don't have a pirate flaunting my secrets to keep me on edge. I mean people always keep their distance to cool down. It's a self defense mechanism." You nod.

"Exactly. If what you feel is unnatural then why is it subsiding? Wouldn't whaever force affecting you keep it up? If it's trying to instigate some kind of fight or sow chaos. Why let up?" You explain. Xin Lan's eyes light up.

"So you're saying it might be based on location? Or distance?" They ask. You nod. Xin Lan snaps his fingers and points at you as it dawns on them. "Good idea! Good idea! If it's proximity based then the closer we get the more afriad I'll feel!" They rub their chin. "Could also be dangerous."

"We can ask Ming about this." You suggest. "If she's heard or seen something like this we can have a general area to look."

"Right!" Xin Lan says. "Best get cracking then...uhh I'll probably need some help getting down." They say. "I mean I can jump off but...I'm not supposed to be a reguar nurse."

"Then how did you get up here?" You ask.

"I wasn't thinking!" They say. "I was just hiding and climbed up here." You roll your eyes and lift the rabbit up to your chest with one arm before leaping off the crow's nest and landing softly on the deck. Xin Lan hops off of you and the two of you make your way to Ming's station. Ming was busy pacing on deck, her brow furrowed in thought.
>>
"Doctor we have some news." Xin Lan says. Ming looks up in surprise. "We think that maybe, people are on edge because of the curse or whatever is holding us here. It might also be proximity based."

"What makes you think that?" She asks.

"Because I'm afraid and I don't scare easily. Believe me." They say. "Captain got under my skin. And after He Ling? You know something is up. Have you heard anything similar from the other people?" Ming thinks about it.

"Well...a few of the guys have mentioned feeling just uneasy. I think that just might be because of the situation we're in." She says. "But that hawk is still completely on edge. Won't sit still, won't talk, just looks around everywhere. I'm kind of scared of approaching him and setting him off. I think it's starting to affect everyone else too. Maybe he's the one behind it? Is there like some kind of Kung Fu move you can do that does that?" She asks. You shake your head.

"You can project yourself and make yourself seem more frightening than you really are." You admit. "But that's not really anything advanced just general psychology. If someone already thinks your scary then you just play into that."

"We seem to have a link then." Xin Lan says. "Wanna go check it out?"

>What do you do?
>Take Xin Lan to the other ship. The captain has been on there for who knows how long. Maybe it's coming from that?
>Go check out Daichi. Perhaps the curse is directly on him.
>Ask Ming if everything is ok. She was pacing pretty hard. Maybe the curse is starting to affect her?
>Take Xin Lan to the treasures. Perhaps one of them is the source. He was below deck too.
>Write in.
>>
>>4446218
Lets start with the treasures, then go on to the ship.
>>
>>4446225

+1
>>
>>4446225
>>4446243
Last post for tonight. Gonna check out the treasures. Writing and I hope you've been enjoying the game so far.
>>
File: _37A0055.jpg (390 KB, 2000x2000)
390 KB
390 KB JPG
You shake your head. "Not yet. I want to go check out the treasures first. They might be the source." You say. Xin Lan rubs his hands together.

"Alright. Loot!" They say.

"Ming. Stay on guard. If someone is behind this, they might not like the fact we're getting closer." You say.

Ming nods. "You be careful guys. I don't want to have to patch you up." She says as the two of you head downstairs.

"You feel anything?" You ask as the two of you go down the stairs. Xin Lan shakes their head.

"No. Actually it's lessening." They say. "It's...weird. Like going numb but not really. Getting colder but you still feel the same." They shake their head a bit and their ears perk up. "Hold up! It's coming back to me." They shuffle their feet. "Yeah, definitely getting anxious again." You motion for them to lead the way. Xin Lan wanders slowly around the room as if feeling out in the dark. They open up a chest and look in it for a while before shaking their head and heading towards the next. "Bingo." They say as they rummaging around the chest and drawing out a crown. "Here it is." They say. "I can practically feel it emanating whatever it is." They turn the crown in their hands. "Weird...it's not as strong as when I was near Daichi."

You move over and extend your hand to examine it. Xin Lan pulls back. "Probably best if you don't touch it. I do not want to know what it does to you." They do hold it up and slowly turn it for you to examine. The crown is made of solid gold with gems inlaid in each peak. However it seemed scuffed and damaged. Three of the gems were missing from the headpiece. Xin Lan places the crown back and rumages a bit more.

"Ooh...check this out!" They say as they pull an ornate sword from the chest. "A weapon." Xin Lan pulls the blade out of it's scabbard. "Nice one too." You give the rabbit a look and they shrug at you. "What? I threw my last knife into the ocean." They grumble sheathing the weapon. "Come on. You gotta admit it's a real nice sword. No one is gonna miss it." You sigh and peek up the stairs. The dim light from the clouds was slowly fading away and the sound of rain was picking up. It's better you make a decision now.

>Do you let Xin Lan take the sword?
>Yes
>No

>What part of the other ship do you want to explore first?
>The captain's quarters.
>The cargo hull
>the sleeping area.
>Explore somewhere else entirely. (Write in)

Also I make a super rough character info pastebin. Check it out. Not planning on making any mechanics out of it. Just general notes of the characters. Planning on adding allies and enemies or maybe making a seperate sheet for those. https://pastebin.com/vniYZcLB
>>
>>4446321
>let Xin Lan take the sword
>the sleeping area

Ey, caught a vote this time. Anyways, let best rabbit have the sword, with maybe a recommendation that they be prepared to lose it if any spirits are attached to it.

Secondly, maybe we can find something in the sleeping quarters. I was tempted to vote captain's quarters, but I suspect we'll just find confirmation of Hawk boy's words. If we search the general crew's things, we might find a journal with more or even new information or some kind of symbol scratched into the walls or something.
>>
>>4446321
>ask Xin to leave the sword be for the time being, we did ask the crew to leave the treasure be and the last thing we want is give excuses for tension when they see double standards.

Let’s revisit captain’s quarters to check if we overlooked something daichi took for himself, then systematically proceed through rest of the ship.
>>
>>4446321
>Do you let Xin Lan take the sword?
>Yes
I just hope he doesn’t get caught with it by other crew members, the last thing we need is for everyone to start playing the blame game.
>the sleeping area.
If this curse is emotion-based, then the presence might be stronger in places where people sleep and let their subconsciouses run wild.
>>
>>4446418
It's not about blame. It's about giving your buddies first dibs on loot after we've told everyone else to wait until we're on shore.
>>
>>4446429
You’re not wrong, but that doesn’t change the fact that if the crew finds out we’ve been handing out treasure to some people while holding out on others they won’t like us as much.
>>
>>4446439
Yes. Hence why I was for urging Xin to not take the sword yet.
>>
>>4446446
Oh, so you did. I read your thing wrong, apologies.
>>
>>4446408
Gonna switch to support this.
>>
It occurred to me maybe since Xin raised the issue we could give him those knives we, er, confiscated from him, back. Especially if he ran out of them.
>>
>>4446321
>Do you let Xin Lan take the sword?
>No, but he gets dibs when we split the loot on land

>What part of the other ship do you want to explore first?
>the sleeping area.

Also is the abandoned ship the Obra Dinn? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Return_of_the_Obra_Dinn
>>
>>4446418
Supporting
>>
>>4446564
+1
>>
>>4446564
+1
>>
>>4446564
It's not but damn that's a coincidence. Now I want to play that game.
>>
>>4446564
+1
Hmm some gems are missing you guys think one of the pirates has it or daichi does & we might have to reassemble the crown gems?
Just might have to throw it overboard
>>
Tons of votes! I'm glad. Looks like we're telling Xin not to take the sword and exploring the sleeping quarters. Writing.
>>
"Put it back." You say. "We don't know if the rest of the treasure is cursed too." Xin Lan frowns but oblidges. "Besides, I told the rest of the crew not to mess with the treasure until we're safe on land. Not like we can do much with it here. It's be hypocritical if we took things for ourselves. With the curse affecting everyone's emotions who knows how they'll react too."

"Good point." They say locking the chest. "We should tell the captian to avoid messing with this stuff for the time being. But I get first dibs on that sword! I got this cool wandering swordsman disguise in mind. Kind of looking to take a break from dresses for a bit. Getting oogled by sailors is making feel self concious." They admit and make their way to the stairs. You tilt your head and watch Xin Lan for a bit. It was quite a strange feeling to see them talk about being self concious, being greedy over treasure and thinking that something is cool while being fully aware that all of that was a lie and the rabbit wasn't feeling a thing. That it was all calculated. Did they always plan on putting the blade back if you had asked knowing that it could unbalance everyone's emotions? Were they willing to risk it knowing that they would be armed in case a conflict arose and they needed to defend themselves? You feel...sad about it. An odd ache when you think about that fact not unlike when you saw Ming be upset over Boqin's death and yet completely different. You shake your head to clear it and follow Xin Lan.

"Where are we checking first?" Xin Lan asks adjusting their sling.

"We should take a quick look at the sleeping quarters." You say. "Perhaps someone hoarded more loot. Maybe one of them kept a record of the attacks. It could give us some clues." The a faint air of nervousness hangs and you feel something hit your face. You look up and notice that it's started raining. "We should hurry." You say.

"Agreed." Xin Lan says anxiously following your line of sight. The two of you quickly move over the plank and walk towards the captain as she directs the crew as they salvage as much as they can from the ship. "Captain!" Xin Lan says. "A word please." The captain nods and walks over to you two.

"The treasure." You say. "Don't let anyone touch it under any circumstance. We have reason to believe it's cursed. Notably it seems to affect people's emotions." The captian raises a brow.

"First monsters, now curses?" She asks. The two of you nod. "Well what do we do with it then? Throw it overboard? Put it back on the pirate ship?"

>How do you reply?
>Tell the captain to throw the treasure overboard. Best to get rid of it before it starts affecting more people.
>Ask that it be brought back to the pirate ship. It might be safer it the chests aren't where the crew sleeps or where they could easily get to it.
>Tell the captain to leave the treasure be for now. You want to explore the ship before making a decision.
>Write in.
>>
>>4446850
>Tell the captain to leave the treasure be for now. You want to explore the ship before making a decision.
Aside from kleptomania, we don’t know if there are any key items to ending the curse in that chest. We could just throw it into the sea and be done with it, but ancient evils that are simply sealed away rather than destroyed have a habit of breaking free at some point.
>>
>>4446850
Leave it be for now. We’ve already dangled it before the crew, better learn more before provoking them by taking it away.

We could ask the pirate captain about missing gems though, as per >>4446763
>>
>>4446921
>>4446922
Just not touching the treasure. Writing.
>>
"Leave it be. If we end up needing it to break the curse or something it's better to have access to it." You say. "We're going to take another look around." You look up and hold out a hand. "Maybe it's better that everyone else head back in. Looks like the storm is picking up." The captain nods in agreement.

"I don't like this at all." She grumbles. "Alright boys! We're heading back to the ship! Don't want to get caught in the rain!" The crew starts relocating once more as you and Xin Lan pass by to go below deck. The sleeping quarters are in complete disarray. Blankets, pillows, clothes, anything that could be knocked around was all over the place. The floorboards creak for the first time as the two of you explore.

"This place is a mess." Xin Lan says out loud. "What exactly are we looking for again?"

"Anything that could be out of place or could hint at what we're up against." You say turning over a table and finding spilled ink everywhere. "Maybe one of them noticed something the captain didn't mention. Xin Lan pokes around and begins turning things over as well. The two of you comb the room before Xin Lan holds up a few sheets of paper.

"Found something! Looks like some kind of torn up scroll." They say before the begin reading.

"Day 21,

Captain says we spotted the pirates. Damned if I could see them in this rain. Says that we'll attack in a few ours using the rain as cover. Hopefully the loot will be good. Didn't get anything last time. Maybe I can at least kill someone for a better weapon. My sword is getting all chipped and blacksmiths are charging an arm and a leg to fix it. Screw that." Xin Lan gives you a look. "Not the best start to a diary. Let's see..." They shuffle through the pages.

"Day 25,

They just won't stop! Every night. I hear them. Voices in the water. Singing to me. It was my mother's song. No one else can seem to hear them. I tried telling the captain but he won't listen. Too busy trying to figure out how to kill whatever keeps attacking us. Everything is cold. The rain won't stop. I'm just going to stay down here. Its dry here. Safe. I don't trust the water. Won't drink it anymore. The voices come from there too. At least I managed to sneak some loot. Ripped a gem off the crown. No one will notice. They'll just think it was like that. Bastards." You pull back some sheets and find a few broken jars. Their contents spilled and stuck to the blankets. Xin Lan continues to read.

"2 7

Everone looks at me funny. they don't understand. no one is safe noone is safe. they think i can't hear them. but i'll save us all. when they sleep i drive. the boat listens to me. some nights i can hear the voices come closer so im not going to sleep anymore....and that's the end of the pages. most of them are inked over but all of them are just short notes like that." Xin Lan says as you continue to search. You moves some barrels aside, a table against a wall, and find a door behind it all. You move to open it but find it locked.
>>
"Xin. Door's locked. Got any picks on you?" You ask. The rabbit drops the pages and goes to pick the lock. You hear a click and the rabbit slowly pushes the door open. A putrid stench hits your nose. Both you and Xin Lan cover your noses as you both recognize the smell. Death. As the door to the closet opens fully, you see the source of the smell. A rotting corpse of a sailor laying on the floor. It's face is contorted in fear, his body bloated and starting to rot and in it's hand is a bright blue gem. Scratched in the walls behind it are the words:

The Gem Speaks

The word is written over and over all along the walls. In the biggest scratches you can see something embedded in the wall. A set of claws, torn from the man's hands. Xin Lan looks at the body unfazed.

"There's nothing wrong with this room if that's what you're gonna ask." They say. "No fear here."

"No? But apperantly that gem is related to the crown." You ask. "You sure you don't feel anything?" Xin Lan shakes their head.

"Not really. Something sketchy about the gem but it's not like it's making me feel anything." They say as they start to reach for the gem.

>What do you do?
>Let Xin Lan examin the gemstone. The crown is already affecting them so maybe they'll be able to sense any effects better.
>Don't let Xin Lan touch the gem. Grab it yourself and examine it. Xin is already being affected by the crown. You don't want it exerting any more influence on them.
>Search the closet a bit more. Maybe you can find some more clues.
>Write in.
>>
>>4447026
Suggest to Xin that (s)he grabs it through a piece of cloth. We'll set it back in the crown. Hopefully the curse can feel intent.

Let's look for the other two gems, if they are even here...
>>
>>4447049
support, calling it now our bunny friend, is a futa, and I for one and more than ok with that~
>>
>>4447049
Support
>>4447062
Something something horny jail
>>
>>4447049
>>4447062
>>4447089
Taking these votes and writing.
>>
>>4447089
you know I'm right~
>>
You put a hand on Xin Lan's shoulder. "Use a cloth." You say. "Best you don't touch it with your bare hands." The rabbit nods and goes to tear a bit off a sheet before returning to get the gem. Xin Lan picks up the stone and holds it for a moment before whistling in a surprise. "What's wrong?" You ask.

"The gem speaks." Xin Lan says. "Or rather it's making a lot of noise. You can't hear it?" They ask.

You shake your head no. "Nothing. Did it start making noise when you touched it?"

"Not immediately." Xin Lan replies. "Happened a few moments afterward. Though we might have triggered something."

"So what do you hear?" You ask.

"I'm not sure...it's muffled but it's kind of high pitched and wavering. Can't really tell. Pretty sure the cloth might be interfering with it." They say.

"Let's see if the missing gems are here too." You suggest as you search around. You and Xin Lan search for a few mintues and come up with nothing. "I don't think he has anything." You force yourself to admit after a while. Xin Lan is about to reply when you hear it. The sound of thunder cracking in the sky and followed by the groaning of wood and water rushing around the ship. Xin Lan let's out a quiet groan and falls to one knee. "Xin!" You shout and move over to pick them up. Xin Lan rests their forehead against your arm.

"That...that doesn't feel right. It's like the sounds of screaming in my head." The grunt as they grit their teeth. "Fear is starting to seep back in." They force a chuckle and for the first time it actually sounds false. "You know when I mentioned wanting to have feelings, this was not what I meant." They let out a loud breath and try to push themselves away from you. "Good call on not letting me have that sword. I really, really want you dead." They say as their voice wavers. You hear something heavy slam outside. "Ok...bad idea but here's one." They say, their eyes glassy and wide. "Take the rock. Leave me here. Gods knows what I'll do if I'm on the other ship. Let alone what I'll do if I get my hands on a weapon and we both know anything counts as one."
>>
"You know I can't do that." You say as the Xin Lan struggles out of your arms and lands on the ground, arm raised and ready to fight before they catch themselves and toss the bundled gem at your feet. Relief flashes on their face for a moment and they push themselves against a wall.

"That's a bit better. Rock is definitely bad for me." They say and something pounds against the door to the deck. "And we got visitors it seems. You better get go-" Xin Lan pauses and their ears perk up. You strain yours to try and hear beyond the slamming. Out in the distance you hear the sound wood groaning and water rushing. You rush to a nearby port hole and look out. Vague shadows seem to be climbing the side of your ship and the Gale cutter. More noticably you notice the Gale Cutter moving...

>What do you do?
>Do as Xin Lan says. Take the gem and leave them here. You know some of their capabilities. You don't want them running wild and unchecked on the other boat.
>Ignore Xin Lan's suggestion. Take them and the gem back to the Gale Cutter and figure out something from there.
>Don't listen to your companion. Run over to the Gale Cutter, grab the crown, and come back. Better that you isolate the crown here.
>Write in.
>>
>>4447137
>run to the gale cutter and grab the crown
>ask captain/Ming/whoever is available to interrogate the pirate captain about the gems and the crown as we run back
In the odd chance they’ll be in position to communicate
>>
>>4447137
>KO Xin with a chi strike
>Run over to the Gale Cutter, grab the crown, and come back. Better that you isolate the crown here.
>Pick Xin up and take them back to the Gale Cutter
Just to make sure Xin doesn’t go crazy.
>>
>>4447147
I’m a bit worried that if we do that he’ll go on a ninja rabbit murder rampage on Cutter if he loses control, while we could maybe hopefully contain him if he’s with us.
>>
>>4447141
+1
We can still use xin to help fend off the ghost or whatever they are
Also it seems the gale cutter has started moving so we might want to hurry this up
We might need to leave the crown & it's gems on this ship better than on the gale cutter
The captain might have a gem that's missing & we have one already
>>
>>4447338
We should have ming or the captain interrogate the captain while the crewmates search the chest just in case one of the missing gems is there
>>
This is a big decision so I'm going to leave the votes open until tomorrow. I'll try post a few times but saturdays are ussually busy for me. I hope you guys have been enjoying the quest so far and thanks for the votes! If you have any questions feel free to post them.
>>
>>4447141
support, hope this isn't another mistake like the forest
>>
>>4447338

+1
>>
>>4447141
>>4447338
>>4447460
>>4447496
Looks like we're heading back to the ship. Gonna be dangerous but so is spending time with an assassin. Writing.
>>
"I'll come back for you." You say as you step back. "I swear it." You turn and dash towards the door.

As you run you faintly hear Xin Lan chuckle, "Run you crazy bastard. Maybe we'll meet again in another life." The words only serve to make you run faster.

When you reach the door you hear something banging against it on the other side. Taking a deep breath, you tense up and slam your shoulder against it. The door swings wide open smashing whatever was hitting it out of the way. You step out into the rushing wind and heavy rain and you close the door behind you before barring it shut with some barrels and other planks of wood incase anything wants to get in. You look around in the dark and see figures wandering around the deck. Several of them are hard to pin down, but they're slender and don't seem to have legs. The ones that you can see clearly are corpses. Shambling, water bloated bodies of sailors long dead. All of the beings notice your presence and begin to rush at you. One of the dead men tries to bring it's arms down on you but the attack is beyond amateur. You side step it and thrust out your foot, striking the dead man in the chest and sending him flying into the boat's railings! You hear a sickening crunch as the corpse strikes the wood and flips over it, falling back into the ocean. One of the hard to see figures approaches you and seems to be weilding some kind of blade. The weapon itself seems shrouded as well, making it hard to track. This being seemed well versed in it's weapon and not some mindless creature as it swings at you, aiming high then striking low in an attempt to unblance you. You roll out of the way and instinctively sweep whatever it used as legs. Your leg goes right through it and feels as if you had swept it through water.

Another being brings it's weapon down upon you. You barely manage to throw yourself out of the way and despite your ineffective attack, it's weapon cuts through your clothing and embeds itself into the deck. You roll, leap to your feet, and slam your shoulder into another cropse to push past it. As you approach the edge of the ship, you can hear screaming from within the Gale Cutter. Even through the rain you can see several figures attacking the door to the lower deck and trying to get in. The plank that served as a bridge cracks under the stress of the Gale Cutter moving away from the ship prompting you to think fast.

>How do you want to enter the Gale Cutter?
>Try and fight off the monsters attacking the door and go through it.
>Try and figure out another way into the lower deck of the ship.
>Figure out a way to contact someone within the Gale Cutter to hand you over the crown.
>Write in.
>>
>>4448321
The attackers are wraiths or zombies? Because we shouldn't have any zombies on Gale Cutter, or?

If they're wraiths, they are clearly corporeal enough that door is an obstacle to them, but fighting through them may be ineffective and waste of time. In that case can we grab some rope and swing through a window to belowdecks?
>>
>>4448321
>>Try and fight off the monsters attacking the door and go through it.

We’re Tai-freaking-Lung.

Muscling stuff is our middle name.
>>
>>4448438
To clear things up. By sailors, Tai Lung could reasonably assume the corpses belong to the old crew of the pirate ship as Daichi did say the dead would come back to attack them. As for what's attacking the door on the Gale Cutter, the rain is too heavy to be able to tell from your position just that something is attacking the door.
>>
>>4448443
Oh well.

I suppose >>4448441 has a point. Now's a good time to
>RIP AND TEAR
>>
>>4448441
>>4448472
Tai Lung might have been original doomguy. But he has friends...probably. Writing.
>>
You kick behind you to knock away another cropse. Taking a few steps back, you run forward and leap across the gap between ships. Your momentum carries you forward and you drop kick another dead man off the Gale Cutter. Leaping back to your feet, you dash towards the door to see half a dozen of the dead men trying to knock the door down with a handful of the incorporeal ones hanging nearby. You let out a shout and slam your fist right into the face of one of the men, knocking it off the boat. Another shambles towards you, arms raised, but you strike him under the chin with your open palm. The attack lifts him off his feet and you follow it up grabbing them and slamming him into another corpse. The two colapse on the ground, limbs and bones broken. You roar into the rain as you let loose finally not having to hold back. Even against live opponents you stayed your hand to keep them alive but now that was no longer a requirement.

Two more of the cropses engage you from both sides but you merely thrust out both your hands, dig your claws into their faces and swing down. Rotting blood and water pour out of them and your nails slice through them like wet paper. As you're attacking a specter approaches and instinctively you kick out. Your leg goes through the same watery figure and the ghost seems unfazed as it brings it's weapon down on your chest. You twist out of the way but the blade cuts into your side. You feel the warmth of your blood spill down your side as you stumble forward, through another ghost. You feel your breath catch in your throat and as you turn to face the monster it also swings down and you feel pain go down your chest. As you roar out in anger and pain, a corpse gets in your way and you grab it's shoulds and pull down! The sailor's arms are ripped out of their sockets and you use them to beat it into the ground. You touch your chest and see your hand slick and dark from blood as you bleed profusely.

Your vision darkens for a moment and another ghost comes to attack. You sidestep the attack and try to move through it but find some resistance in doing so, as if the watery composition of the ghost is somehow more viscous. When you finish passing through it, you think you can make out some details of the monster. Scales and slits for pupils. Your attention is momentarily taken away as you hear snapping behind you from the plank bridge giving out and the boats slowly growing appart. Around you the broken bodies of the corpses rise and begin to make their way towards you, their shambling even more unsteady and limbs dangling uselessly.
>>
>What do you do?
>Continue to fight. The corpses may not be able to die but they can still be worn away. Their broken bones don't regenerate, their torn limbs do not reattach themselves. The ghosts are offering resistance now so perhaps they eventually can be hit. Attempting to go through the door now will give them a chance to enter.
>Try and enter below deck. Maybe you can go fast enough so that only you get in. They haven't entered yet so that means doors and walls can't be passed through.
>Try to find another way in. You maybe fast but you don't know if your opponents have any tricks up their sleeves they could use to take advantage of you opening the door.
>Write in.
>>
>>4448651
How bad is our bleeding, OP? How much time do we have?
>Toss the corpses overboard while keeping a safe distance from the phantoms
>>
>>4448651
>Experiment a little, but as safely as possible - see if Chi strikes can disable the corpses, or the spirits themselves. They may not be fully corporeal, but this technique strikes at the flow of one's spiritual energy...
>>
>>4448665
You're not medically trained enough to give an exact time and the rain makes it harder to tell as it makes it seem like there's more blood than there really is. But using your experience with anatomy from training, your reflexes and reaction times are still normal and you only feel slightly fatigued. You'd estimate you have maybe an hour or so before you think you'll be unable to fight but it's a guess at best that your making from tales you heard. Ming could definitely tell you a better number.
>>
>>4448651
Is there a captain room on deck, if so enter it a smash our way into the lower floor we gotta hurry up if we want to get the crown also to get back Xin back on the Gale
>Try to find another way in. You maybe fast but you don't know if your opponents have any tricks up their sleeves they could use to take advantage of you opening the door.
If not able to then just
>Try and enter below deck. Maybe you can go fast enough so that only you get in. They haven't entered yet so that means doors and walls can't be passed through.
>>
>>4448729
The Gale Cutter does have a captains quarters so that is a possible action.
>>4448670
Clever thinking. I like that.
>>
>>4448651
>>4448670
+1
>>
>>4448903
>>4448651

+1
>>
>>4448670
Supporting
>>
>>4448670
>>4448903
>>4448961
>>4448978
Going to try and experiment with Chi attacks. Writing.
>>
You instinctively grip your chest and hiss in pain. Clenching your teeth, you go back to basics and fall back on what you learned when you were younger. You take the pain and focus on it. Turning it into anger, and from anger into focus. You would return the pain back ten fold. You'll make them feel worse than you and you'll show them who you really were! Maybe these monsters may not feel pain but you'll make them feel fear! You snarl and duck under another swipe from a cropse. In retaliation, you stomp down on the side of the dead man's knee. The limb caves in and bone juts out of the rotting flesh. As the zombie fall you quickly wrap your hands around the head begin to squeeze. Bone cracks and snaps under the pressure before you crush the monster's skull and you feel it's brains and eyes ooze out of your hands. Your vision running red, you lift the remains and toss it over board.

A ghost slithers it's way towards you and in retailation you thrust out with your Chi strike. If you couldn't break their limbs then you'll attack the soul itself and tear is asunder. The ghost stands and let's you follow through, confident that your attack will simply pass through as normal. Your fingers sink into the monster, as if you were striking at thick mud, but eventually they stop and you see Chi ripple throughout the ghost's form. The ghost flinches and recoils in an attempt to get away but it was too late. Within a second you extend your middle, ring and pinky fingers, each one striking and sending out it's own ripple. The ghost's limbs swing in an attempt to attack you but as you finish the being slows down considerably and your able to easily walk away from the attack. You turn to the other ghosts, crack your knuckles and neck, and wave at them to approach. The monsters hesitate for a moment before rushing towards you. You scream in anger and run them down. One of the ghosts swipes at you in an attempt to slit you neck open but you fall to your knees and slide on the wet floor before rising and striking each Chi point. Ripples erupt all over the ghost and it too slows down to a noticable crawl. The third ghost attempts to phase through you but it can't as it feels as if it was made of a thick mush. You can actually place your hands on it's chest and shove it to the ground. You see it's eyes widen as it falls and once it strikes the deck you slam your fingers into it's chest and manage to freeze it in place.
>>
The remaining corpses shuffle towards you mindlessly and you leap towards them. Falling through the air, you bring your heel down upon the a zombie's head and smash it to bits. You grab the remaing body of the corpse and lift it over your head. When the last zombie gets within range you bring the body down upon it over and over until all that's left of the two bodies is nothing but a smear of rotting flesh upon the deck and shards of bone scattered about. You roar into the storm before your chest tightens and you bend over to cough. Blood drips from your torso and side and runs down your legs as a sudden light headedness hits you. You back up and lean against the door to the captain's quarters to catch your breath. Your vision spins and you can see the ghosts clear as day. Serpantine beings much like master Viper but these have arms and weild wicked curved blades with serrated edges. They eye you in fear and disgust but you can also see a certain smugness in their looks as they watch you double over. The first two you slowed down as regaining their old speed once more but the third stays frozen and unable to do. You afford yourself a quick glance at the ship behind you and notice it a decent distance away now. If you attempted to right now, you could make the leap but to make matters worse the Gale Cutter is picking up speed.


>What do you do?
>Head down to the lower decks and get the crown and look for it's gems. It has to be with the group. It just has to.
>Find Ming. You're bleeding pretty bad and your excersion hasn't helped it at all. You need to patch up or you run the risk of bleeding out. Problem is, do you have the time?
>Try to finish off the ghosts. They're fully corporeal in your eyes. Maybe if you can defeat them, you can buy this ship enough to formulate a plan.
>Return to the previous ship and engage Xin Lan. In your condition you're unsure what the outcome will be if he's fully sucumb to his unnatural fear but you have to at least try to get him over to the Gale Cutter.
>Write in.
>>
>>4449072
Go see Ming, while she patches us up share what we learned with the crew and the captain. Ask them to get information of other gems from the pirate.

Once bandaged - presumably bleeding makes things worse, right? - grab the crown, any other gems (if the pirate has any with them, and explore options for boarding the pirate ship again: jumping, swinging from the mast, swimming and ultimately asking captain and the crew to pursue the ship.
>>
>>4449247

+1
>>
>>4449247
>>4449457
Ooh thought there'd be more votes. Oh well, going with Ming. Writing.
>>
You take in a painful breath and make your move. As the monsters are slowly regaining their movement speed you rush over to the door that leads below deck and throw it open. It resists, presumably because it's locked, but you simply shatter the lock through sheer strength. You quickly close the door behind you and bar it with some heavy objects while propping a chair under the handle to add to the difficulty of getting in. As you turn around you find yourself facing a few of the crewmembers holding swords at you. They see your bloodied visage and visibly flinch but stand their ground. "Out of the way." You growl and slap aside their swords. "I need to see the doctor." You push past the stunned men and head into the cargo hold. Screaming fills your ears as you can hear Daichi yelling in terror locked away in some other room. Everyone is huddled in a corner, miserable and scared. Some of them eye the windows nervously as more figures seem to rise from the depths and climb up the side of the ship.

You walk around looking for your companion, leaving a trail of your own blood behind and find her trying to bandage some of the crew. "Just sit still." She says sternly. "There's nothing you can do. Just stay there and let the those fingers mend themselves. Don't you dare try and take those splints off." She shakes her head and sighs before a scream dies in her throat as she sees you approach. "What happened to you?!" She says running over with her bag. You shake your head.

"Nothing. Just got caught out in the rain. Fended off some of those monsters." You reply. "I just need a few bandages." You say. Ming shakes her head.

"Bandages! You're bleeding out! Sit." The orders and you complay. She grabs a wet cloth and tries to clean the cut. You hiss and growl in pain but the blood doesn't seem to stop seeping. "Bandages..." She scoffs at the idea. "You're lucky you have a ribcage! Any lower and you'd have your entrails spilling out. You need stiches! If you're even luckier then maybe your ribs and sternum were missed and you don't need to heal broken bones!"

You grunt as she pulls back the bloodied cloth. "Can you do it quickly?" You ask urgently. "I need to get back out there."

"What?! No." Ming says. "No. I forbid it. You're lucky to be alive at all. You need to lie down." She says. You take her hand and look her in the eyes. Worry and anxiety run through them as she looks into yours and then at your cuts.

"Ming I have to go back out there." You insist. "I have to get back on that pirate ship. Xin needs me. The crew needs me. I have to find a way to stop all this or we'll all die." Ming's eyes harden a bit.

"What do you mean?" She asks. "Where is Xin Lan?" You hesistate.

"They're on the other ship." You say.

"You left him behind?!" She shouts.
>>
"They told me too!" You hiss. "They were worried! Xin is under the effect of the curse. It's driving them mad and they want to go on a rampage!" You hold on to Ming's shoulders. "The longer we wait the farther apart these two ships get. And the Gale Cutter is getting faster. I've already failed two people who believed in me. I won't let it become a third." You insist. "Tell me the truth Ming. What can you do?" Ming looks anxious and takes a deep breath before speaking.

"You're dying Tai Lung." She says. "If you keep this up and the bleeding doesn't stop. You only have...like 20 mintues. Tops. I don't know what you did but you've torn this cut open really bad. Even I'm not sure if stitching you up will stop the bleeding." She admits. "I have to stitch you up. It's the safest bet. I have some herbs in my bag. If you can crush them in to a paste I can put it on the cut and it should help staunch the bleeding. With those two, you'll have the best chance."

"How long." You ask and Ming fidgets.

"With a cut that large, I'll have to use everything I have. 10 min- No I can do it in about 5 minutes at best." She says and you shake your head.

"Too long." You says. "Seperate how long will it take?" Ming hesistates as she debates the ethical nature of giving you half a treatment. "Ming. How long?"

"Uhh...bandages and the herbs. About 30 seconds. You can mash the herbs easily. All you'd have to do is stay still. The stitches are the longer one. About the five minutes I said and that's me being really quick about it. The work will be a bit sloppy but I don't think you'll be able to find any other doctor who could do it in that time and have it even be functional. I could... I could try and go faster. Maybe knock it down to 2 mintues now that I wouldn't have to worry applying the herbs properly and bandaging you up afterwards.

You nod and shout to Daiyu. "Daiyu. The chest. I need the crown in there! Use a stick or something I don't care but don't touch it! Throw it to me! Someone else go search the captain and see if he has a gem on him. It should match what's missing on the crown. Maybe the other gem is in the chest as well. Grab them with a cloth or something. Don't let it touch you directly!" The crew looks at you confused. "NOW!" You shout and leave no room for arguement. Everyone jumps and runs to go do as their told. You turn to Ming and nod.

>What do you do?
>Tell Ming to do the full treatment. You can't risk the chance of you dying.
>Just the stiches. They may not stop the bleeding fully but they'll buy you time and you need as much as you can get.
>Herbs and bandages. You have no time. At this speed, you don't think you'll be able to get back on the other ship if you wait any longer. Tell Ming to start the bandages, stuff them in your wound if she has to and you'll bind them as tightly as you can.
>Write in.
>>
>>4449926
>>Herbs and bandages. You have no time. At this speed, you don't think you'll be able to get back on the other ship if you wait any longer. Tell Ming to start the bandages, stuff them in your wound if she has to and you'll bind them as tightly as you can.
Well it’s going to take the lads a few moments to bring the crown back anyway... hold on tight, rabbit bro/sis.
>>
>>4449926
>Herbs and bandages. You have no time. At this speed, you don't think you'll be able to get back on the other ship if you wait any longer. Tell Ming to start the bandages, stuff them in your wound if she has to and you'll bind them as tightly as you can.
>>
>>4449932
>>4449965
Going for the bare minimum. Writing.
>>
>>4449932

+1
>>
Hey, I have an idea. We should equip the gas mask and get some putrid brews ready in case we need to incapacitate Xin. We don’t want to risk fighting them, so a quick gas KO would be safest.
>>
>>4450026
I can certainly add that. Wouldn't take you any more time than it would to just grab your bag on the way out.
>>
"Just do the herbs." You say. Ming frowns and looks worried. "I'll be fine." You assure her. "I've been through worse. Don't be gentle. Do the best job you can. I can handle the pain."

"O-ok." Ming chokes out and holds back tears. She sniffs and opens her bag before hardening her expression and toughening up. "Alright love. This is going to hurt. A lot. Might want to find something to bite down on. Tense up as much as you can. Put pressure on the area to restrict blood flow. It's going to limit your movement because the bandages will be tightened around the tense state so when you relax your muscle won't have much room to expand." She explains as the two of you mash the herbs into a pulp. Your arms feel heavy and sluggish. Once instructs you to breathe with her. "Ok. One. Two. Three!" You tighten your chest muscles and grit your teeth. Pain lances through your chest and your heart aches as it goes from a flash of pain to a burning sensation. Ming grabs a fistful of poultice and presses it to your chest. You make no sound and feel your head pulse as the burning gets worse when the herbs hit your chest. Occasionally you flinch and take a sharp intake of breath when you feel one of Ming's fingers slip into your cut accidentally. Your vision blurs and the room spins a bit from the pain but you hold fast and tough it out.

"I can't give you anything for the pain." Ming explains. "With a cut this big, it'll either be washed out from the blood or I'd have to give you so much that it'll enter your blood stream and make you sluggish or knock you out cold." She says as she wraps you in bandages.

"Ming, I'll need your mask." You say.

"Why?" She asks confused. "There's nothing toxic out there is there?"

"No but if there's a chance I need to confront Xin, then I might have to try and knock him out with those bombs you made me." You explain. "Better than trying to fight each other directly." You hear something hit the ground near you. The crown clatters to the ground.

"Are you sure about this?" Daiyu asks sheathing her sword.

"Not at all." You say. "But if it's a chance then it's one we have to take. Better than sitting here and waiting for it all to end."
>>
"I got the gems!" One of the crew members says running up to you with a small pouch. "The crew were all trying to sneak one. I guess they saw one was missing and were trying to grab one for themselves."

"Leave them here." You say as you stand up and go to grab your bag. You carefully place the crown and it's gems in it. "Ming, the mask please." Ming removes her mask and throws her arms around you. She holds you tightly.

"You come back alive right? You and Xin. Don't you dare die on me." She says. You place your hand on her shoulder.

"Don't plan on dying yet." You say. "I'm too stubborn."

"Idiot." She replies. "Not the time for jokes." She says letting you go.

"Bar the door." You say. "I don't know how long I'll be out." When you go outside the rain is heavier than ever before. You can see more figures in the dark then ever before. You leap onto the captain's quarters and look behind the ship. The pirate's boat is far off into the distance. You estimate it's at least a few thousand feet away. Jumping there would be impossible. You're only options would be to try and swim out or figure out a way to close the distance.

>What do you do?
>Swim out to the ship. It's the only option. You're not sure how safe it would be but at this point you don't have any other options.
>Try and run across the water. You've never tried to move across water this violent and turbulent. Frankly you're not even sure if it's even possible but you're running speed is far greater than your swimming speed. The down side is that if it does work, you'll be left increadibly winded.
>There is rope. You once flung yourself across a chasm using a rope bridge. Granted it it was far longer than any rope you'll be able to find or use here on the ship but the gap is also smaller. At the very least it'll make it less of a distance to swim.
>Write in.
>>
>>4450085
>Try and run across the water. You've never tried to move across water this violent and turbulent. Frankly you're not even sure if it's even possible but you're running speed is far greater than your swimming speed. The down side is that if it does work, you'll be left increadibly winded
If nothing else i have confidence in tai lung’s fucking ridiculous stamina and endurance.
>>
>>4450090

+1
>>
>>4450085
>>Try and run across the water. You've never tried to move across water this violent and turbulent. Frankly you're not even sure if it's even possible but you're running speed is far greater than your swimming speed. The down side is that if it does work, you'll be left increadibly winded.
>>
>>4450090
>>4450094
>>4450116
Sometimes, you just gotta teach yourself new techniques during times of duress. Writing.
>>
You leap over a zombie and dropkick the serpent monster behind it as you make a mad dash to the edge of the boat. Another serpant gets in your way and clothesline it, sending it sprawling on it's back. You leap on to the ship's railings and kick off as hard as you can. You feel the wood shatter underneath all the force you put on it and you rocket forward. The waves beneath you seem to leap up and want to grab you out of the air as you soar forward. As you hit the water, you take a deep breath and focus all your will into that split second. Time seems to slow to a crawl and for the briefest of instances the water under your foot seems to solidify from the impact. In that moment you kick downward with all your might and push off from the surface tension of the water alone just in time for a wave to miss you! You flip right over the wall of water and land behind it repeating the proccess. As your run, your chest burns and you can feel your body heat rise considerably as it struggles to figure out how to fend off whats ailing it. You feel yourself sweating even while soaked completely by the rain.

To add even more distractions to your already intense concentration, as you approach the ship a scaled hand rises from under the waves to grab at you! You quickly leap and spin in midair. During your spin you swing your leg and smash it right into the serpent's head underneath the water. As your foot collides with the monster's face you push off of that to continue your run but the closer you get to the boat, the more hands attempt to pull you out of the air. Your body feels heavy and sluggish so you decide to take advantage of the situation. Another hand tries to grab you midjump and you let it get a grip on you. With all your might you swing your leg upward pulling the monster out of the water. You raise your hands above your head and bring them straight down into the beast's chest! You push down as hard as you can, tearing your leg out of it's grip and pushing you back into the air and towards the ship. You flip and corkscrew through the air before you sink your claws into the side of the boat and pulling yourself up onto the deck of the ship. Your body screams for rest but you ignore it. Not yet. Not now. You think as you survey your surroundings.
>>
The deck is a complete warzone. You see various limbs of the zombies strewn about each one cut cleanly of the body. Several of the dead crew members are pinned to the mast by kitchenware. They wiggle and move in an attempt to get at you but are unable to break free. Other zombies are stuck to the ground by sharpened bits of wood or together by full planks. However it seems like the serpant ghosts are still intact and unharmed. They eye you maliciously as they wait patiently for either party to make a move. You quickly look behind you to guage the distance of the Gale Cutter only to see it completely gone from view. You're not sure what unnerves you the most. The ghosts waiting quietly readying to attack, the precision behind the destruction of the zombies, or the fact you can't hear Xin Lan anywhere and you're now stuck with the perfectly bred assassin who can keep up with you in your prime.

>What do you do?
>Clear the deck. Keep an eye out for Xin Lan. You've only fought them briefly once but you're sure that their fear hasn't dulled their combat sense. Thye'll still be smart enough to wait for an opening to attack you.
>Go below deck and bar the path. It seems like the zombies and spirits keep on coming albeit at a slow pace. Best to not engage them pointlessly. See if you can find your rabbit friend and try to knock them out somehow. Hopefully they still have enough sense to not make it hard on you to do so. They may have a replica of Ming's outfit but you have one small advantage. They don't know you still have some of her bombs. If it comes down to it a surprise attack maybe enough to give you an edge.
>Assemble the crown. You went out of your way to get all the peices together. You don't know what will happen but something has to. It must be important to the monsters. Maybe you can use it as a bargining chip.
>Write in.
>>
>>4450180

>>Clear the deck. Keep an eye out for Xin Lan. You've only fought them briefly once but you're sure that their fear hasn't dulled their combat sense. Thye'll still be smart enough to wait for an opening to attack you.

>Assemble the crown. You went out of your way to get all the peices together. You don't know what will happen but something has to. It must be important to the monsters. Maybe you can use it as a bargining chip.
>>
>>4450209
Supporting
>>
>>4450180
>Assemble the crown. You went out of your way to get all the peices together. You don't know what will happen but something has to. It must be important to the monsters. Maybe you can use it as a bargining chip.
Remember to use gloves or something similar when touching gems.
>>
>>4450209
>>4450241
>>4450245
Looks like we're clearing the deck and then assembling the crown. Unless you just want to assemble the crown? Writing both to be safe.
>>
You center yourself once more and launch yourself at the nearest specter. The ghost raises it's blade to bring down on you but it's taken by surprise when you smash your palm into the side of it's jaw. Teeth fly out of it's mouth and while it's reeling in shock, you Chi strike it. The monster seizes up and you throw yourself to the side just in time to see a set of nails embed themselves into the wood you were standing on. You spin, slam your elbow into the chest of another serpent, and blackflip behind it to give yourself cover as you preform another Chi attack. You keep your movements short and consice so you're not left over extended. The next serpent falls and immediately after you see a blur fly through the air. You raise an arm just in time to block a kick from Xin Lan. Their eyes are wild and dilated. Xin Lan leans forward, plants their free hand on your bicep and falls forward bringing their heel into your forehead. Despite their small size the kick has a heavy inpact and your head snaps down from the force. Xin Lan does the same as you and uses the connecting attack to leap off of you and flip behind you. You move with hit, fall to the ground and roll away in time to avoid another handful of nails. Xin Lan flips right side up in midair and fades away in the shadows and rain, completely silent.

You continue to roll on the ground towards the next snake and rise to shoulder tackle them. You lift them off the ground and grab them by the tail before swinging them into a mast. The monster falls stunned and you quickly follow up with another set of paralyzing strikes. You don't have any time to breathe when the rabbit jumps out of the shadows and strikes at your knee! You manage to step back and raise your leg to block their kick with your shin. Instinctively, you snap your leg forward and kick Xin Lan away. The rabbit flies away from the strike but manages to plant both their feet on the mast and stop their flight. They draw a kitchen knife and rush towards you! You back peddle as they swing at your legs trying to get away. As comical as it would seem to an outsider, Xin Lan's attacks were deliberate as they try to cut your hamstrings and cripple your movement. However it takes you too long to realize that the attacks also hand an ulterior motive when you see a serpant stand behind you and bring it's blade down at the same time Xin Lan swings at your leg.
>>
You think quickly and smash your foot down on the deck. You foot punches a hole through the deck but more importantly the plank you struck rises up on the opposite end you hit. The rising side smacks Xin Lan's hand and the kitchen knife spins and flies upward into your waiting hand. You snatch the blade out of the air, spin, and swing the knife into the monster's sword just in time to parry it! In the same movement, you sweep your leg and catch Xin Lan on the side. The rabbit manages to block the brunt of the attack with their good arm but they're sent sliding backwards. Rather than engage you once more they slip back into the shadows. You shove the monster you're locked in combat with back and readjust your grip on the knife. You prefer unarmed combat but simply throwing the knife means that it gives Xin Lan a chance to rearm themselves. You feel a warm dampness on your chest and your breath hitches as you reassess your situation.

>What do you do?
>Finish clearing the deck and deal with Xin Lan. There's only one serpent left. You can finish them off and draw the rabbit below deck where it's dry enough to use a gas bomb.
>Retreat downstairs. Block the entrance and reassemble the crown. Xin Lan is out here so there's a good chance you'll be able to lock them outside. With only one serpent up here and the rest Chi stunned. They'll be relatively safe.
>You do have a brew left. Because this one is a liquid based one, it should work in the rain. It requires you to be in melee combat with the rabbit but should you strike true then the effects will be immdiate and incapciate them.
>>
Write ins are still allowed! I forgot to add that to the options. My mistake.
>>
>>4450334
>Kick the remaining serpent below deck. Go after it and block the entrance. Use a series of muscle-moving chi strikes on it to force it, rather than you, to assemble the crown - the less contact you have with the components, the better.
I ain't cursed, you're cursed!
>>
>>4450361

+1
>>
Gonna call it a night for now guys. Hope you've been enjoying the quest. Votes are open until I get back.
>>
>>4450361
Supporting
>>
>>4450361
You mean control it like a puppet?
>>
>>4450361
This is a pretty cool idea

If we’re capable to do it without wasting tine, let’s go with it. But with our time limit it might be quicker to just put the crown together ourselves.
>>
>>4450361
Support, well if this is how we die, then I can think of worse deaths
>>
>>4450361
>>4450367
>>4450469
>>4450683
>>4451005
It's unanimous. Heading home and I'll write. Tai Lung knowing Hakuto Shinken sounds scary as hell. So I'll let you do it this one time.
>>
>>4451180
Well he definitely has to be a master of pressure points to know how to use his normal incapacitating chi strike, and I believe we see pressure points causing involuntary movements in the first movie. So it's not too far fetched to assume that Tai Lung would know that hitting this particular nerve causes this particular movement, etc.
>>
>>4451183
I can buy that. It was thinking of describing it as him forcing the serpant's hands to close or causing muscle contractions rather than the weird shit Kenshiro can pull off.
>>
You don't have much time to think as the serpant moves in to attack. You sidestep the first swing then raise your knife to parry the next. Slowly you manuver your way around the deck as you avoid attacks. You keep an eye out for Xin Lan and your ears strain to hear their footsteps but to no avail. The rabbit leaves nothing to indicate their presence but for the moment it seems they are not attacking. You pivot on one foot to dodge another swing and thrust your raised leg down onto the snake's lower half. The attack hits and your opponent bends before falling like a rope. With all your strength you swing your leg and kick the monster towards the door to the lower decks. The beast crashes into the door and smashes through and you can hear it fall down the stairs. You run and dive into the opening before pushing as many objects as you can to block the entrance. A table, broken barrels, chairs, whatever you can find.

You turn to look around you. Much like the deck, the inside of the ship is strewn with sliced off limbs and destroyed corpses. The serpant slowly rises to get ready to attack and you respond by throwing your bag at it. You kick the monster through the bag and spill it's contents everywhere! The crown and it's gems fall to the ground and you move quickly as you formulate a plan. The snake moves towards you to attack as you approach the crown. You quickly raise your leg into the air and bring it down on the monster's arm, forcing the beast to bend down against it's will. You force it's hand onto the crown and strike at a pressure point on the monster's wrist. The snake's hand clenches shut around the crown and you hop off.The monster struggles to let go of the crown but its muscles refuse to listen. You smash your knee into the beast's chest and repeat the proccess forcing the snake to grab a gem.

In desperation the monster tries to beat you with the crown but you block the attack at the wrist with yours. You step to one side and slap the attacking hand into the hand holding the gem before striking a pressure point on the gem holding hand. You gem slides into the slot with a quiet "click". The snake tries to resist but you follow up with another series of pressure strikes forcing it to move back, bend down, and fall on another gem that you force a hand to grip. You slip your foot under the fallen snake and kick it into the air where you force both hands to connect again and put the next gem into the crown before smashing a closed fist into it's back to knock it in the ground and repeat it with the final gem.

The snake twitches unable to move and you knock it out with one last Chi strike. The monster goes still and falls unconcious leaving you alone with the crown. You pant and immediately grip your chest in pain. Your hand comes back slick with blood and you can feel it slowly pour down your stomach.
>>
>What do you do?
>Take the crown and throw it in the ocean. Maybe that's what they where after. It wouldn't explain why they would incite fear and madness into people with it but at least you'll be rid of the thing.
>Take the crown outside and threaten to destroy it unless the snake monsters bring their leader. From there you can decide what to do.
>Try and put the crown on Xin Lan. Maybe it controls the beasts and being a person with no emotion might give him an edge. The problem being is you'll have to force it on him.
>Wear the crown yourself? Maybe it'll give you some edge of the beasts. Or at least it'll give you some insight on them. Your will is like iron and you haven't felt any effects of the curse as far as you know.
>Write in.
>>
>>4451249
>>Take the crown outside and threaten to destroy it unless the snake monsters bring their leader. From there you can decide what to do.

If we wear the crown ourselves and get affected somehow, we chance ourselves turning into Evil!Lung on steroids.
>>
>>4451246
Well.

We're not really in shape to be forcing Xin to anything. Throwing the crown into the sea may or may not work, it might also do fuck all...

Honestly I'm of half a mind to try the damn thing on and ask the (presumed) voices what the fuck they want to lay off and return to the abyss whence they came...
>>
>>4451258
Well let's go with this >>4451253
>>
Should we really be going outside? We could just shout through an opening in our barrier, no need to expose ourselves.
>>
>>4451253
>>4451260
Threatening to destroy the crown seems to be the popular choice. Do you want to follow >>4451263 advice and stay indoors?
>>
>>4451273
Fine by me. Both to conserve energy and keep the knockout gas as backup plan.
>>
Alrighty writing.
>>
You take a few moments to catch your breath then use some cloth to pick up the crown. Even as you hold it with a layer between, the object feels wrong. As if something was feeling around in your head. You shake your head to clear it and move to the door. "Listen up!" You shout through the baracade. "I have your crown! You've seen what I'm capable of! Destroying it is child's play in my hands! Now...if you want any chance of getting this back then you better leave the rabbit and the other ship alone!" You push your ear against the table serving as a makeshift door. All you can hear is rain and hissing. "Do you think I'm joking?" You ask. "If an ordinary man could pry a gem out of it then pulling the thing apart is even easier! Whatever you have as a leader better show themselves!" The rain seems to howl even louder and thunder crashes closer than ever. You look through a crevice in the baracade and see all the serpent monsters huddled together as if speaking to one another. You wait a moment and suddenly they slither away to the edges of the boat and out of sight. A few moments later you hear the sounds of things hitting water.

Moments pass and you see no movement outside. Again the feeling of something trying to worm it's way into your mind but you push it away. You're tempted to step outside but knowing there was an assassin waiting for you and the fact that any number of the monsters could be laying in wait as well holds you back. Finally after what seems like an eterinty passes and the wood of the ship groans. Waves crash onto the deck itself and you feel the ship lurch upward as the water seems to grow rougher. Even from your hiding spot you can see the water swell infront of the ship as if a giant wave begins to form. The wave swirls and slowly begins to form into a vaugely humanoid shape. A voice booms out as if from the ocean and rain itself.

"Who summons me?" The voice roars out. "Show yourself if you are worthy of an audience with me!"

>What do you say?
>Tell the water creature that you wish to bargin with it. You have what the monsters want or use as a bargaining peice.
>Tell the creature that you demand it let everyone go. You will destroy the crown if you are given no choice.
>Ask the creature what it is. Why did it choose to attack you and the crew of the Gale Cutter.
>Write in.

>Do you step out into the deck to show yourself?
>Yes
>No
>>
>>4451390
>yes
>ask the creature why it attacked and what would it take for it to stop. It’s beef is presumably not with us or ours.
>>
>>4451390
>Yes
>Tell the creature that you demand it let everyone go. You will destroy the crown if you are given no choice.
>>
>>4451390
>Yes
>Ask the creature what it is. Why did it choose to attack you and the crew of the Gale Cutter.
>>
>>4451403
>>4451468
>>4451418
Looks like we're revealing outselves and asking what the creature's motives are. Writing.
>>
File: 2311697.jpg (179 KB, 1024x1024)
179 KB
179 KB JPG
You decide that hiding won't help you now. Moving the baracade aside, you step out onto the deck. A large being of water looms over the ship looking down at you. You notice that the rain has become a drizzle allowing you to see clearly. "I did!" You shout as you stand in the center and look straight up at the being. The being leans down and looks at your tired and bloody form. "Now I ask you a question!" You shout. "Who are you? And why did you attack the people of this and my ship?"

The being of water flows around the ship as if trying to look at you from all angles. You turn with it, keeping an eye on the creature at all times. As it moves you hear the sound of rushing waves though you can see no water moving around the ship. "I am water personified, the ocean itself, the lift that gives the waves motion. That you stand before me means you must be well aquianted with such things. You also bear the cursed crown so you are fully aware of your crimes!"

"I am not!" You shout back raising the crown. "If this crown belongs to you then I will return it!" The water being laughs causing the water to vibrate and rattle the ship.

"That crown is a symbol of you mortals' greed. It is a stain on your people's history. That you bear it means you succumbed to your own vices and thus your lives are forfeit! You cannot deny your crimes!"

"Explain!" You call out.

"That crown came into being when your people attacked my sanctuary. In your greed, you slew my children. In your arrogance you claimed my sacred treasures yours! Thus I curse you all. To all who bear my items, to all who choose to forget why they fear the sea. Your lives are forfeit and mine to do as I please! I use your own follies against you so that you know my pain."

"You're wrong!" You shout. "We are not accomplices to those crimes! This crown was obtained by pirates! And then fell into the hands of those who hunt pirates for a living! Finally it fell to my crew when we saved those hunters from your attacks! We came in to possession of this object doing the right thing! You cannot punish us for that!" You think. "How many lives have you taken under the guise of revenge? How many of those lives only because they accidentally found one of your treasures?!"

"It matters not!" The being roars. "My word is law! I did not come here to have idle banter over the morality of mortals. You have shown your true colors and thus I judge you!"
>>
You nod. "You're right! I didn't come here to debate right or wrong! I called you to ask how to stop this maddness! My ship and it's passengers both old and new are innocent regardless of the crown's history! What must I do to make you stop?!" The being of water dives below the ocean. The ship rumbles violently and from the depths rises the being once more. It lifts the ship in one of it's hands and rises hundreds of feet into the air. The creature pulls the ship close to it's eyes and looks deep into you.

"I see your patron has backed your claim of brokering peace." The being says. "Very well...I will halt my retribution against you and your companions. I will grant them clemency for their crimes. In return, you must prove yourself in their place. You will be their champion. Should you succeed, I will allow them to live and roam my vast oceans freely under my protection. The only payment to attempt this trial is the crown you hold."

"And if I fail?" You ask.

"Then all of your lives are forfeit. You will pay for you treachery tenfold and your family's decendants will be forever cursed and barred from entering my lands lest they wish to suffer the same fate!"

"What is the trial?"

"In order to honor this deal. The trial will be one of your choosing. It must be one that proves your valor and devotion to your claims. So choose small one! What will you do to prove yourself?"

>What do you say?
>Demand a test of strength. You're on your last legs but fighting is your greatest asset. Tell the creature of water that you'll fight his greatest warriors and barring that as many as he can throw at you until it's statisfied.
>Go for a test of endurance. You've held out this long. A bit more is nothing. Tell the creature you'll endure attacks from the serpent creatures if not that you'll go for surviving under water.
>A test of agility. You'll race one of the serpent monsters for the crown. And obsticle course that will prove your valor and enginuity.
>A test of intellegce. You can outwit the being and in doing so, show that your logic is sound. That his vengence has become nothing more than wanton murder. The original criminals that attacked his sanctuary are long dead and no one today are compliant.
>You won't go for any test. You'll prove your commitment with the one thing. Your life. You'll trade it for everyone else's. Self sacrifice is the ultimate way of showing how dedicated you are to your goal.
>Write in.
>>
>>4451542
>A test of courage. You're ready to face the darkest fears that this creature can summon.
In a not so subtle hope that we face manifestations of Tai Lung's psyche or do some other trippy bullshit
>>
>>4451573
Supporting
>>
>>4451573
++++++1 les go
>>
>>4451573
>>4451577
>>4451594
Oh...oh lads. That's a doozy of a trial. I honestly don't think I have the skills to pull that off well. But...I'm gonna do it for you guys. Hope you're ready for write ins because I don't know how to do suggestions that aren't just straight up awnsers. Time to find out what Tai Lung is most scared of. Is it death? Leaving this world without an ounce of recognition? Or himself? Who knows? But I'm gonna get to writting after dinner. Hope you guys enjoy.
>>
"A test of courage! I'll prove my resolve by facing the darkest fears you can summon! Your greatest asset against my will! I'll prove to you that mortals are able to overcome your tests and prove themselves worthy of sailing your oceans!" You shout as you slip the crown on your head. Your body seizes and the world goes cold. The wailing songs of lamentation fill your ears and slowly the color begins to drain from your sight until everything goes black...

...and you open your eyes once more. Try as you might you couldn't pin point the sound. "Get anything?" Xin Lan asks tapping their foot impatiently. "This is like the 5th time we've stopped. If I can't hear anything you're certainly not." Ming flicks the back of the rabbit's head.

"Be nice." She says before looking at you. "Maybe Xin is right though. We've been traveling for days. It might just be your excitement getting to you." You sigh and shake your head. Perhaps they were right. You've been going through the mountains for about a week and had finally reached the bottom. You were so close. If the scrolls you found in the Sacred Library were right then the Pools of Contemplation were only a few minutes away. You just had to find the cave entrance to them but something had been nagging you. You couldn't figure out what but you could swear you always seem to catch the sound of something every so often. The fall of a couple of rocks, rustle of leaves, creak of branches. After so many setbacks and false enterances, you just wanted to find the caves. Maybe your mind was playing tricks on you. A silly attempt to keep you from going for fear of finding another dead end.

"Alright. Let's go." You say as you move forward once more. "Ming is probably right. I'm just eager to finally come to an end of our journey."

"Same here. If I have to stop to check up on another random animal being scared of our presence one more time I think I'll just dump you in any old pool and make you contemplate there." Xin Lan teases.

You pull out your map and double check it as you walk. The map indicated that you were close. The cave had to be a least a few more step away. You look up to find yourself looking at a cave enterance and your heart leaps. This had to be it. It just had to be. After months of travel. Days spent sleeping under the stars on hard ground. You finally found it. You turn to look at the two others. "This has to be it gu-" You start only to see Ming with her arms pinned behind her back and mouth covered by Monkey and Xin Lan being wrapped up by Viper. You hear something land behind you and you turn to face Tigress, Crane, and Mantis.

"It's over Tai Lung." Tigress says. "Come quietly and don't make this complicated."

You look at the the three. "Where's the Dragon Warrior." You ask stalling for time.

Tigress shakes her head. "He's back at the Valley of Peace preparing your cell." She growls. "We're more than a match to take you down. Now stand down." She orders.
>>
>What do you do?
>You're more than a match for the Five. Even if they had been training so have you. The trials you've overcome to get here have strengthened you more than any training session back at the Jade Palace ever could. Take on Monkey to free Ming and then Viper to free Xin Lan. Perhaps a show of force is enough to prove that trying to fight you is meaningless.
>Ask Tigress to enter the caves with you. Tell her that she's free to see if you've truly changed once you study the secrets of your soul. Then in the darkness of the cave take her by surprise. Once you dealt with her, covertly take down the other members of the Five to free your companions.
>Challenge Tigress to a one on one fight. It's your ideals vs hers. Who ever wins proves that their conviction is strongest and will follow the other's plans. Best to leave the others out of this. This is your determination your resolve your testing after all.
>Tell Tigress to let Ming and Xin Lan go. If it's you they're truely after then they have nothing to do with it. You'll come quietly and explain everything to Shifu. Perhaps by now your deeds will speak for themselves. Now that you know the location of the Pools, it's easy to come back here.
>Talk to Tigress. Tell her that you only want to find a way to redeem yourself. You've helped countless of people on your way. Surely that means something. All you want to do is enter the caves to find true peace. If she lets you do that then you'll gladly return home to await your sentence knowing you did everything you could.
>Ask Tigress to enter the caves with you. She can watch whatever test or meditation you do. If at the end of that, she deems you still a danger then you'll go back to server your time.
>Write in
>>
>>4451632
>Ask Xin Lan how they could be captured so easily. Tease them about it, jokingly, to lighten the mood.
>Tell Tigress to let Ming and Xin Lan go. If it's you they're truly after then they have nothing to do with it. You're still intending to go into the caves, but afterwards you'll come quietly and explain everything to Shifu. Perhaps by now your deeds will speak for themselves.
>>
>>4451677
Supporting
>>
>>4451632

>Ask her to release your companions. They are with you out of goodness and compassion, that is not something that should be repaid with violence.

>Ask her if she knows where you are. They could enter caves with you and see them for themselves. Your travel has been to reach this place, can they just give you the few moments here? Afterwards, you will return with them to face whatever judgment that awaits you.
>>
>>4451800
+1
>>
>>4451800
changing to support this instead
>>
>>4451800
Support
>>
>>4451800
Support, man I hope we picked right
>>
>>4451800
>>4451849
>>4451859
>>4451900
>>4452098
It's been a long journey. Perhaps you can talk this out. You're so close. Writing.
>>
"Let them go." You say calmly. "Ming and Xin have nothing to do with this. They're here out of their compassion and willingness to help me become a better man. I won't have you repay that with violence." Tigress narrows her eyes. "Do you know where we're at?" You ask. None of the Five reply. You motion to the cave. "Beyond there are the Pools of Contemplation. A place where one can study themselves in true peace. I've made this journey with my friends to find some way to redeem myself. I want to be able to return to Shifu a new man. All that I ask is that you allow me a few moments there. You're free to join me and see for yourselves. Once we're done here, I will go back with you to face my judgement. Quitely and without resistance."

Tigress studies you for a moment. "Do you really think you can change that easily?" She asks.


You shake your head no. "No but I have changed. Through my trials and journey I have learned to become a new man. The Pool is simply to ascertain if I have changed enough and complete my journey. My deeds will speak for themselves once I return."

"I see...very well." Is all Tigress says and nods at the two behind you. You let out a breath of relief and turn to face your companions...just in time to hear Ming's neck snap. She barely has time to let out a single wimper and cough before the life fades from her eyes. Blood pours from her mouth as she drops to the ground, terror now permantly frozen to her face. You don't have time to react when you hear another crack ring out and Xin Lan falls to the ground, his body broken and limbs bent at wrong angles. Rage flows through you and you let out a roar as you get ready to avenge your friends. The ones who followed you through your darkest moments. The ones who gave you your first second chance. You turn...

...to face Tigress, Crane, and Mantis as they leap down from a nearby tree.

"It's over Tai Lung." Tigress says. "Come quietly and don't make this complicated."

You look at the the three. "Where's the Dragon Warrior." You ask stalling for time, your eyes wide. Your heart beating quickly in your chest as adrenaline flows through you. You were so close! How did they find you? Why didn't you or Xin Lan catch them trailing you?

Tigress shakes her head. "He's back at the Valley of Peace preparing your cell." She growls. "We're more than a match to take you down. Now stand down." She orders. You turn back to check on your friends and see Ming with her arms pinned behind her back, blood staining her clothes and Monkey's hands. Her eyes look at you in fear and then flick at Xin Lan who was wrapped up by Viper, their clothes torn and full of holes.
>>
>What do you do?
>You're more than a match for the Five. Even if they had been training so have you. The trials you've overcome to get here have strengthened you more than any training session back at the Jade Palace ever could. Take on Monkey to free Ming and then Viper to free Xin Lan. Perhaps a show of force is enough to prove that trying to fight you is meaningless.
>Ask Tigress to enter the caves with you. Tell her that she's free to see if you've truly changed once you study the secrets of your soul. Then in the darkness of the cave take her by surprise. Once you dealt with her, covertly take down the other members of the Five to free your companions.
>Challenge Tigress to a one on one fight. It's your ideals vs hers. Who ever wins proves that their conviction is strongest and will follow the other's plans. Best to leave the others out of this. This is your determination your resolve your testing after all.
[s]>Tell Tigress to let Ming and Xin Lan go. If it's you they're truely after then they have nothing to do with it. You'll come quietly and explain everything to Shifu. Perhaps by now your deeds will speak for themselves. Now that you know the location of the Pools, it's easy to come back here.[/s]
[s]>Ask her to release your companions. They are with you out of goodness and compassion, that is not something that should be repaid with violence.[/s]
[s]>Ask her if she knows where you are. They could enter caves with you and see them for themselves. Your travel has been to reach this place, can they just give you the few moments here? Afterwards, you will return with them to face whatever judgment that awaits you.[/s]
>Write in
>>
huh I guess strikethrough doesn't work here. That or I did it wrong. Really can't be fancy when I want to be can I?
>>
File: 1358278851396.jpg (81 KB, 750x600)
81 KB
81 KB JPG
>>4452145
You... are not the Five I have faced before. The Five I have fought have exposed themselves to harm to shield the innocents from it, not the other way around.
If you think this new outlook will help you beat me... come try me.
>cue come-get-some-gesture
>>
>>4452160

+1
>>
>>4452160
>>4452174
Fighting the Five. You just have to get into the cave. Nothing can stop you. Writing.
>>
fuck I don't think fighting them was the play but too late now
>>
>>4452227
I think it will be more about how we handle loss and failure desu
>>
"You...are not the Five I've faced before." You say glancing back at your captured friends. "The Five I have fought exposed themselves to harm to shield the innocents from it, not the other way around." You take a stance. "If you think this new outlook will help you beat me...come at me." Tigress takes a fighting stance as well.

"Somehow I knew you wouldn't come peacefully." She says. "Do it." She orders and you hear a wimper followed by the sound of something snapping behind you. You turn to look and find Ming dead on the ground followed by more snapping as Xin Lan falls to the ground as well, dead. You howl in rage as you throw yourself into battle. The Five lauch themselves simultaneously at you but you're wrath knows no bounds. Ming was innocent. The only blood on her hands was of those she swore to heal. The countless injuries she helped mend, the illnesses she cured. All in the name of bettering herself and the lives of those around her. Even in your darkest moments, in your greatest acts of violence, you only saw her death as cowardice. The act of the weak attempting to be strong. You grab Monkey by the head and bring it down into your rising knee. Once, twice, three times. Teeth embed themselves in your knee but you don't stop until your strikes no longer feel the resistance of his teeth. You roar and throw the man, one handed, into a tree. Monkey strikes the wood at an odd angle and you hear the sound of wood splintering as the tree begins to fall and you opponent's body falls limply to the ground, their spine severed.

Viper hisses and leaps at you but you grab her out of the air and warp her body around Crane's neck. You pull her taught and begin to choke the life out of the bird. You look down at Xin Lan's body as your rage rises to even greater heights. Xin Lan carried the weight of their profession on their shoulders. You never thought to ask why they stopped being an assassin but all you knew is that, like you, they wanted to be a better person. They simply wanted to be able to enjoy the world like everyone else. To have a life that was denied to him. If you were allowed to have a second chance at being a new person then they surely deserved it more. With a roar you pull as hard as you can and Crane's body seizes. The bird claws at it's throat, unable to even gurgle as the air leaves their lungs, before they too go limp.

A growl rumbles in your chest when Viper bites deep into your arm but in your anger you feel nothing. You tear her head from your arm and crush it in your fist. Dropping her corpse, duck under Tigress's attack and retaliate by striking her in the chest at full force. Never had you unleashed all your anger and frustration on a living being before not even in the fight against the Dragon Warrior. Your fists sink deep into Tigress's body as her ribs shatter, pulverized by the sheer force.
>>
Tigress throws up a mouthful of blood as you grab her by the throat and sink your claws in it before pulling it towards you and tearing it out.

You approach Mantis and they cower in fear. They try and leap away but even at their speed, your reflexes are more than adequate to catch them. There was nothing ceremonious about it, you simply crushed him in your bare hands. You drop the bug's body to the ground and you turn to face your friends. Your body runs cold as realization hits you. Death. Death all around you. By your hand or because of you. Everyone was gone. Your friends, your enemies. You walk to Ming and Xin Lan's bodies. You had come so far. You were just at the cusp of finishing. You failed them. You promised to protect them. To be a better person. So why did you do it again? Was it them? Where they the only reason you chose to be a good person? Or where they just a time bomb waiting to go off? Just another thing to set you off on another rampage?

You look at the corpses of the Five. Did they resort to murder because of you? Were you such a threat that the only way to stop you was for them to throw away their ideals? Where you truly so evil that you had to be put away? Where ever you went it just seemed that destruction and death occurred. On the Gale Cutter, Xin Lan lost control because they chose to follow you back on the ship. You told them to grab the gem. In Soknan City, you caused that fire. You chose to engage He Ling in that fight and pulled him to the city. In the forest village, you told Bao to use the ritual. You failed to stop the villagers from angering the spirits...

"Bao!" You shout as you cough and run out of the burning house. You kick the back door down and run into the cat's small garden. All around you the mob of villagers wield pitchforks and torches. You hear screaming from the woods behind you. The bamboo forest alight in an uncontrollable blaze. The screams of children and more importantly Bao fill the air as the villagers continue to toss fire at the woods.

>What do you do?
>Attack the villagers. Force them to stop or they'll kill Bao and the children.
>Run into the blazing fire. Go to the sacred grove where you sent Bao to do the ritual and try to save her.
>Attempt convince the villagers to put the fires out. They're making a grave mistake. Even if they don't like Bao, they'll end up killing their own children!
>Stand there and watch. You don't have the power to do anything here. Your greatest assests, your fighting skills, are no use here.
>Write in.

>>4452227
>>4452242
Don't worry gents. I do have a plan in mind. You asked for a test of courage so I had to do a bit of thinking. Actually this is kind of mean spirited for me but I assure you that it'll lead to something.
>>
>>4452275
>>Run into the blazing fire. Go to the sacred grove where you sent Bao to do the ritual and try to save her.
>>
>>4452275

>Yell at the villagers they're setting their children on fire while running into it in an effort to save what we can manage.
>>
>>4452275
>Run into the blazing fire. Go to the sacred grove where you sent Bao to do the ritual and try to save her.
>>
>>4452275
>>Run into the blazing fire. Go to the sacred grove where you sent Bao to do the ritual and try to save her.
>>
>>4452280
>>4452286
>>4452289
>>4452282
Running into fire and telling the villagers to knock it off. Writing.
>>
>>4452275
>Run into the blazing fire
We should try to save everyone, no? We might clear a patch of forest around the children to stop the fire reaching them.
>>
"No." You say. "Nononono!" You run towards the forest. "Stop it you fools! Your children are in there!" You shout grabbing the nearest villager and throwing them to the ground. "You're killing your own children! And for what?! To ostracize some random girl?! Listen!" You shout as the screams ring out again. "Can you not hear them?" The villagers quickly go white as they listen.

"Oh Gods. What have we done?" One shouts. You shake them.

"Go and start putting out this fire for one!" You yell. "Everyone grab a bucket! I'll try and save those stuck in the forest!" You take a deep breath and run into the blaze. Flames flare up around you, and you throw yourself forward to avoid flamming bamboo as it falls. Your arm's fur catches fire and you grit your teeth as you rub it into the ground to put it out. You continue to run and cough as your lungs fill with smoke. Your eyes burn and it feels like your chest is on fire itself as you push forward towards the grove. You finally manage to break into the clearing to find it on fire. "Tai Lung!" You hear Bao shout behind a wall of flame. She slowly backs up as the fire begins to spread. Behind her you can see the glow of flames behind the bamboo. You take a step forward but Bao screams. "No! Don't come closer! You have to save the kids!"

You turn your attention to the mounds of roots that you assume are encasing the children. The roots were burning brightly and slowly giving away to the flames. Even if they roots withstand the flames, the heat would cook the children alive inside. "I'm sorry Tai Lung!" Bao cries. "I tried! Really tried! But the spirits wouldn't answer!" You hear the snap of bamboo breaking and you leap backwards as you avoid more of the flaming trees falling. You stand there forced to make a choice. Bao or the children. Inaction would only result in everyone's death as the forest crashes down around you all.

>What do you do?
>Save the children. It's what Bao would have wanted. It's why you sent her here.
>Save Bao. If the children die, then the spirits will have no way to claim it's so called "retribution" against the villagers and thus would set is full wrath upon the village. Only Bao can try to placate the spirits again. Or selfishly, you can save the one person you can relate to here. The one person who put their trust in you.
>Try to save them both. You're Tai Lung. Master of the 1000 scrolls of Kung Fu. You can do anything.
>Write in.
>>
>>4452316
>Try to save them both. You're Tai Lung. Master of the 1000 scrolls of Kung Fu. You can do anything.
Shifu can blow out a thousand candles (not lined up, mind you) with a thrust of his hands. So we just have to do that...about ten times harder.
>>
>>4452316
>>Try to save them both. You're Tai Lung. Master of the 1000 scrolls of Kung Fu. You can do anything.
>>
>>4452316
>Try to save them both. You're Tai Lung. Master of the 1000 scrolls of Kung Fu. You can do anything.
This sounds like something we'd do.

Priority should be ensuring the kids are safe, even Bao wants that. But still.

Try to use something solid, like a piece of trunk or branch not yet on fire, to quickly make some weakness in the wall of fire and buy Bao some time, go free the kids, then return to Bao.
>>
Grabbing a quick lunch. Be back in about half an hour. Votes are open til I get back.
>>
>>4452325
>>4452333
>>4452351
Gonna try to save both. Can we actually succeed this time or will death surround you again? Writing.
>>
I have a bad feeling that we’ve made the less courageous choice here. We didn’t have the “courage” to accept the situation and make a tough decision, and therefore we’ll doom everyone.
>>
>>4452413
I disagree with that sentiment. The coward chooses the 'logical' option. The coward chooses the safest choices. The courageous choose to go beyond their limits and take destiny into their own hands, even if the chance of failure is present. To act where others would not, that's bravery. Foolhardy, perhaps, but brave nonetheless.
>>
>>4452418
I suppose courage is fluid. Maybe that’s part of the test?
>>
No. You won't choose...maybe you can't choose. To give one's life up for another. Bao would certainly want you to save the children. You would never repay her choice by not trying to save her as well. You spin and roundhouse a nearby bamboo tree. You grab the fallen tree and drag it along the ground beyond the wall of flame in an attempt to stunt it's spread. "Please! Just leave me!" Bao shouts. "It's just me! The kids still have lives to live!"

"No!" You growl. "I won't let you simply die! Just hang on!" The flames leap on to your tree and climb up. They burn your arms and you grit your teeth as you bite back the pain. You pull the tree back and hurl it into the burning woods away from the grove. You've dug a trench and hopefully that will hold the flames back. You run towards the roots, now fully engulf in flames, and put your palms together. You thrust them out and force a gust of wind out. The wind blows at the flames making them rise higher as they're fed with oxygen. Not good enough! You think as you inhale and try again. This time you put all your strength behind it. The winds blow and the flames rise even higher as they try to fight against the winds but they are ultimately put out. You draw your claws and slash at the roots, cutting the children free. The kids are released, unconcious, but alive. You quickly run back to Bao. The wall of flames had slowed but was now roaring higher than ever. Bao lays unconcious beyond the flames and your reach. You clench your jaws and leap through the flames. The heat burns, and you can feel some of your fur catch fire. You ignore the pain and stagger towards Bao. You lift her in your arms and cover her up as much as you can with your body before you leap through the flames once more.

You stagger forward, in pain and covered in burns as you shake Bao awake. She slowly opens her eyes and they suddenly go wide. "Look out!" She screams. You look behind you and see a tree break due to the raging flames, stoked by your winds, fall down towards you and the group. You stand tall and catch the tree on your back. You grunt but hold fast.
>>
"Take the kids." You say as the fire sears your back. "Get them out of here. I'll be right behind you." Bao looks at you wide eyed as another tree falls down on you. "Go!" You shout. Bao nods and lifts a few of the children in her arms as she runs out of the woods. You groan and take a few heavy steps forward to the kids. You adjust the fall trees on your back to form a baracade of sorts. Right on time, another tree falls on you and your building. The weight causes the structure to buckle and you take the weight on you. You lift the remaining children in your free arm and begin to walk towards the entrance of the grove. You're nearly at the edge when the flames on your back burst into a fire storm. With the last of your strength, you push the remaining children into a clear area as your body ignites into flame. Your screams die in your throat as you inhale smoke and the flames burn the inside of your mouth and neck. You fall to the ground, your vision going out as the flames eat away at your eyes. Your last thoughts are of you hoping that the final sounds you think you can hear are of footsteps drawing closer...


...as you meditate. Truth be told, you were increadibly nervous. You didn't want to admit it lest Xin Lan decided to tease you for it but today was the day you were dreading the most. Even after months of traveling, countless battles fought and trials overcome, you never thought you'd be here. "It'll be alright." You remember Ming saying. "He'll understand for sure."

"Yeah and if he doesn't...well we can always find something else to do." Xin replied much to Ming's annoyance.

"Not helping." She hissed.

You sigh and try to settle your thoughts. Regardless of what your friends said, their intent was clear. They just wanted to ease your anxiety and show that they would be behind you no matter what happened. So much so that they refused to wait back in the village and both were now quietly meditating next to you. The doors to the Hall of Warriors are thrown open and you hear a familiar voice call out. "What are you doing here?!" Shifu asks incredulously.

>What do you do?
>Turn to face your father. Offer him a hug. You've missed him greatly.
>Introduce your friends to Shifu. Explain that they have assisted you throughout your travels.
>Tell Shifu that you're here to beg for forgiveness. You've traveled far and wide to discover who you were and now that you've figure it out, you want to atone for what you've done.
>Bow before your master. Maybe he no longer sees you as his student but his teachings have kept you alive and helped you protect those who you hold dear.
>Write in.
>>
>>4452454
>>Bow before your master. Maybe he no longer sees you as his student but his teachings have kept you alive and helped you protect those who you hold dear.
>>
>>4452454
>Bow before your master. Maybe he no longer sees you as his student but his teachings have kept you alive and helped you protect those who you hold dear.
>Introduce your friends to Shifu. Explain that they have assisted you throughout your travels.
>>
>>4452479
This
>>
>>4452454
>You cannot offer him a hug. You have been away long. You know he received your message, but would he accept it after you hurt him?
>You want his forgiveness, but can you truly bring yourself to beg? Wouldn't that be another way of using what feelings he may still harbor for you to get what you want? Or is that just a justification your pride calls for to avoid debasing yourself with begging?
>But one thing is beyond doubt. A fact of life. He was once your master, and his teachings sustained you to this moment.

>Bow before your master. Maybe he no longer sees you as his student but his teachings have kept you alive and helped you protect those who you hold dear.

time to face the music.
>>
>>4452471
>>4452479
>>4452482
>>4452490
Bowing to our sensei and introducing Xin and Ming. Writing.
>>
You cannot offer him a hug. You have been away long. You know he received your message, but would he accept it after you hurt him? You want his forgiveness, but can you truly bring yourself to beg? Wouldn't that be another way of using what feelings he may still harbor for you to get what you want? Or is that just a justification your pride calls for to avoid debasing yourself with begging? But one thing is beyond doubt. A fact of life. He was once your master, and his teachings sustained you to this moment. You steel yourself as you run through every option in your head and decide to keep things simple. You rise and open your eyes as you stand. Xin Lan and Ming give you a reassuring look but offer nothing more. You turn to face Shifu. Your master, your father. Before you say anything you bow deeply. Even after all these years, despite the fact that Shifu should be bowing to you in terms of skill level, you feel like a child again. A child who is about to be scolded by their parent.

"Master-" You start but Shifu cuts you off.

"I am no longer your master!" He snaps. "You are no longer my student. I would never train someone like you." You do not rise and stay bowed.

"I...I understand." You say. "None the less, your teachings have kept me alive. They've helped in my journey. Where once I used them to for my own personal gain, I've learned to use them for the betterment of others. To protect those who can't fight back. To defend those who cannot..." You look at Ming and Xin Lan. "...and to keep safe those I hold close to me." Shifu approaches the three of you, using his walking stick to hide his slight limp, and simply watches you carefully. You motion to your friends. "These are my friends." You explain. "Xin Lan and Chan Ming. They've journied with me as I searched for myself. They helped me find out what it means to be a true practitioner of Kung Fu and taught me more than what I could learn on my own. More over they've saved my life in many occasions."

Ming stands and bows. "Mr. Shifu sir." She says. "Tai Lung's been trying really hard to attone for what he's done. Every day he's spent with us has been working towards that goal. I think he's truly changed and so do the people he's saved. Please, even if you don't believe us, give him a chance to speak his mind."

Xin Lan nods. "It's the least you can do." They say. "Despite what he's done, it takes a lot for someone to swallow their pride and open themselves up for judgement. Especially from someone they consider their parent. At least hear him out. Guy can be pretty eloquent when he puts his mind to it."
>>
Shifu squints and studies your friends. "I see...well if Tai Lung wants to waste his time trying to justifying his actions. I'll listen. What do you have to say for yourself? After all the people you hurt? All the destruction you caused? You chose to rampage after you were imprisoned rather than face your punishment with honor. And after you realized what you had done, you fled like a child into the night. What could you possibly say to justify your actions?" He asks.

>What do you say?
>Write in.
>>
>>4452510
>I can’t say anything, as there is no justification. I have no excuse for my crimes. Everything I did, from the moment I was banished from the Valley of Peace to the moment I fled it twenty years later, I did purely out of rage or cowardice.
>That is why I am trying to make amends now, why I have journeyed across China in search of enlightenment. I know I cannot take back the past, and I will not attempt to, but I can shape the future into something better than it.
>>
>>4452511
>Nothing I could say would justify my actions, and nothing I could do would reverse them. I have fled to preserve freedom I have won, but not earned, and used that to look for answers.

...did I even get those answers? Of course I must have, seeing as I'm here now...

>...Now, my journey has come to a full circle. I am done running and have come for one last thing I was missing - facing you one more time. Hoping, that wherever I would find myself heading next, it would be after I've deposited this burden of my soul at your feet.
>Pronounce your judgment. One way or another, I'm not going to elude it.
>>
>>4452524
>>4452527
Sorry about that. Internet was giving me trouble. Speech time! Writing.
>>
>>4452524
>>4452527

+1
>>
"I can't say anything, as there is no justification. Nothing I could say would justify my actions, and nothing I could do would reverse them. Everything I did, from the moment I was banished from the Valley of Peace to the moment I fled it twenty years later, I did purely out of rage or cowardice. I have fled to preserve freedom I have won, but not earned, and used that to look for answers. That is why I am trying to make amends now, why I have journeyed across China in search of enlightenment..." You say as you breathe in trying to get your thoughts together. Ming gently places a hand on your arm and Xin Lan gives you a thumbs up. Straighten up and look Shifu directly in the eyes. "......Now, my journey has come to a full circle. I am done running and have come for one last thing I was missing - facing you one more time. Hoping, that wherever I would find myself heading next, it would be after I've deposited this burden of my soul at your feet. I know I cannot take back the past, and I will not attempt to, but I can shape the future into something better than it. Pronounce your judgment Father. One way or another, I'm not going to elude it."

"Told you." Xin whispers to Ming. "Eloquent."

Shifu looks at you long and hard. Your heart races in your chest as you wait his judgement. What if he still thought of you guilty? What would you do? Would it make your entire journey pointless? Where would you go? What would keep you going? You look at your friends and shuffle your feet. What if he said he forgave you? How would you respond? It's not like the rest of the Valley would forgive you. Would you stay in the Palace? What about your friends? What would they do? Could they stay with you? Or maybe you could travel again? To do what?
>>
The air grows awkward in the silence and it feels like an eternity before Shifu speaks once more. "So all this time you've spent traveling...All the while I've been made to awnser for your crimes. All the while I've been burdened with fixing your mistakes. Did you think the Valley simply rebuilt itself? That people simply forgot what one of my students had done? While you were off playing hero, I was here mending the people's broken faith in us! I was here with the Five defending all of China and explaining why the rampaging monster known as Tai Lung was still free! Instead of simply facing your sentence like a man and proving that you were willing to face your charges, you ran! Not only showing that you don't care for the rules set in place by the people but that your crimes meant nothing to you! I had to explain to the families of those you hurt why exactly where they not getting the justice they deserved, simply because you were too much of a coward to see the truth when it was shown to you!" Shifu paces around in anger. "No. I will not grant you what you want. I will never forgive you Tai Lung. Not only you are no student of mine but I can't even bring myself to call you my son. You have become everything I raised you not to be. A coward and a failure who runs at the first sign that things won't go his way. It's only because of the boy I once raised that I haven't called the Five here to detain. Go Tai Lung. Just...go. I never want to see you again."

Both Ming and Xin Lan step forward to say something but you raise your hand to stop them. Your heart aches. Everything you worked for...has been for naught. Once more. No forgiveness, no redemption. Your mind reels wondering what to do next.

>What do you do?
>Get mad. You didn't just run away! You were lied to your entire life! Lead to believe you were going to become something you weren't. Instead of choosing to lay down and take your punishment, you decided took fate into your own hands and chose who you wanted to be rather than be told.
>Tell Shifu he's wrong. There's countless of people who depended on you and when things became harsh, you were the one to make the tough decisions. The one to put their life on the line for everyone else's sake. While the Five stayed in a luxurious castle casting down judgement on those who did wrong, you lived among the people and learned from them. You took in their fears and worries and turn them into the strength to move on and help them. You won't accept his judgement either but you certainly won't stay around here with someone who can't see you for who you really are.
>Say nothing. Shifu has made up his mind. You came here for one reason and although you didn't get what you want, you can say that you saw your journey to it's end. Maybe Shifu doesn't see you as family, and you can't say that knowing such a thing doesn't hurt more than any wound you've endured, but at least you have others who also see you as such. Take your leave with dignity.
>Write in
>>
>>4452576
>>Say nothing. Shifu has made up his mind. You came here for one reason and although you didn't get what you want, you can say that you saw your journey to it's end. Maybe Shifu doesn't see you as family, and you can't say that knowing such a thing doesn't hurt more than any wound you've endured, but at least you have others who also see you as such. Take your leave with dignity.
>>
>>4452576
>Say nothing. Shifu has made up his mind. You came here for one reason and although you didn't get what you want, you can say that you saw your journey to it's end. Maybe Shifu doesn't see you as family, and you can't say that knowing such a thing doesn't hurt more than any wound you've endured, but at least you have others who also see you as such. Take your leave with dignity.
We did say that we’d accept his judgment. Besides, it’s not like the journey was all for nothing. We may not have won the grand prize, but we did some good stuff along the way.
>>
>>4452576
>”thank you for your words, sensei.”

>Leave. You did not get what you hoped for, though you did get what you feared you could expect. If the words are harsh, at least Shi Fu was still around to speak them.

>let’s find another shelter before this rain gets worse...
>>
File: Spoiler Image (987 KB, 500x281)
987 KB
987 KB GIF
>>4452578
>>4452583
>>4452587
We got what we came for...at least partially. Writing.
>>4452587
Anon it's not rain-...oh...
>>
You stand there processing the words. You could think of a thousand words to reply with and yet at the same time you don't know what to say. Instead, you simply nod and motion for you friends to leave with you. Ming and Xin Lan look at you then at Shifu but say nothing and follow. Ming's footsteps echo throughout the Hall of Heroes and you look around one last time remembering all the times you would sneak in here to look at the artifacts and hope that one day...you would have one of your own to contribute here. Shifu's words weigh heavy on your heart and once you reach the doors you can't help but speak, "Thank you for you words...sensei." You leave them hanging in the air before stepping outside and closing the door behind you.

"So...what now?" Xin Lan asks quietly. No jokes, no playfulness. Simply a question. Ming looks like she wants to say something but is conflicted. You simply shake you head.

"I don't know." You say quietly. "Let's just..." You cough a bit. "Let's go somewhere else before the rain gets worse..." Ming looks confused.

"It's...it's not raining sweetie." She says gently. You begin to walk and raise your arm to your eyes to wipe them dry.

"Yeah...yeah it is..." You whisper...

...as the sound of thunder snaps you out of your reverie. You look around the ruined ship in panic. How long had you been out? Did you pass the trial. Your hand snaps to your head to pull the crown off but you find nothing resting on your head. You quickly stand on your feet and are surprised to feel no pain. You look down to see your chest is completely healed. Did the water spirit heal you as a reward for overcoming your fears? You don't see any of the serpant ghosts arounds. All you see is...yourself. Slowly approaching you with a smug look of satisfaction.

"Really? Was that any kind of test at all?" You ask as you approach yourself. "Honestly, I think you might have gone soft. Talking your way out of fighting? Really? What did that get you? Your pawns died. You should have simply broken all of that monkey's fingers for laying a hand on your woman. She is quite the catch. Smart, loyal, and even a feline. Or maybe you prefer the rabbit? Maybe you like the mystery? Or is it the size difference? You do enjoy petting them. Is that why you decided to murder Viper outright with your bare hands? Although I do need to congratulate you for strangling the bird with the snake. That was pretty clever." You glare at yourself as they circle you. For some reason you can find the will to argue. Everything they said did ring true in some manner. Talking only got your friends killed. But so did fighting.
>>
"Yes so did fighting." You say as if they read your thoughts. "But it felt so much better didn't it? Finally getting revenge. Putting an end to their incessant chasing. Feeling Tigress's blood on your hands as you tore out her throat? We really need to stop holding back. Look at how much we can acomplish when we simply let go? Nothing and no one can stop us. Any defense breaks under our strength. Any attack we use kills." You clench your fists.

"Now don't get started on using your strength for good." You chide. "Just look what happened when you tried to play the hero. Everyone died. Especially you." You don't say anything. That wasn't true. Bao and a few children got away. "Oh did they? How do you know? You died. Are you simply hoping they did? Why? Because it makes sense? How do you know the villagers didn't murder her on first sight? Why does it matter though? What should matter is that you should have gotten out of there alive. You had all the strength and power to do so. As a matter of fact, you didn't even need to go in there in the first place. Their worthless lives are dust in the grand scheme of things. Where as we are destined for greatness!"

"You're wrong." You finally manage to speak out against your mirror image but your voice sounds weak, uncertain. "We were never meant for greatness. Look what our pride got us. We're on the run. We can barely trust anyone. Anyone who approaches us is at risk of us snapping at them. This is barely a life worth living."

You laugh at that. "Oh? And you think this little quest is? You're right. We're on the run. Everyone hates us. But you're here wasting your life trying to be the 'good guy'. You already saw what that will get you. Shifu will never forgive us. No one will. It's best we simply kill them all and take out place as a legend. We could rule China. We could burn it to the ground. If we really wanted to, we could simply wander around and kill anyone who slights us. It's not like anyone has the strength to stop us. The bat? We've beat him once. And we held back. If we go for the kill, he wouldn't last a chance."

"What do you want?" You ask. "You're just an illusion. Some kind of test. So just spill it." Your mirror image shrugs.

"I don't want anything." They say. "I'm you. The real you. Not some test, not some kind of reflection to contemplate on. I'm simply here and I'm telling you what I saw you do wrong. Nothing more to that because deep down. You know I'm right." The mirror image moves to a barrel and sits there. Waiting.

>What do you do?
>Write in.
>>
>>4452646
>"Let's say I agreed to break China's will and take my place as a new emperor. I rule through power and fear. What happens when poison finds its way into my wine? How much of my might could I bring to bear against that? Let's say I choose to raze all of China to the ground instead - how long would it take for the people to organize and hunt me down at my most exhausted? To wait until I'm run ragged from exertion and lack of sleep?"
Let's get some back and forth going, refute his points.
>>
>>4452696

+1
>>
>>4452646
What Deep Down? You are who you are, and define yourself by the choices and the actions you take. Your thoughts are only that, your thoughts, it takes action to bring them into being.
Tai lung of the past was a monster made of pride, fear and anger.
Tai lung of the present seeks redeption knowing he drips with blood.
Tai lung of the future is unknown and unwritten. Let us write something worth reading about.
I reject you and your reality, and substitute my own.
>>
>>4452703
This.
>>
>>4452696
>>4452703
Two good choices here. I think I can combine them but I'm gonna let people vote a bit longer. Gonna make dinner. So I'll be back in about an hour or so. Hope you guys have been enjoying this so far.
>>
Took a bit longer and it's still tied. I'm gonna leave votes open over night because I think I ate something bad. Food's not sitting too well. I'll see you guys tomorrow! Thanks for the write ins and votes!
>>
>>4452703
Supporting
>>
>>4452696
>>4452703
Support, both, combine them damn I love this
>>
>>4452646
No. I am /afraid/ that you may be right. That my current path is as vain as the one I’ve walked before. That placing my hopes with anothers, or with an ideal, is only building myself for disappointment.

But...

The chance of failure alone is never a reason to /not/ do something. This holds true even when fighting using my own claws. Maybe opening myself to hope, or trust, or... companionship, exposes me to danger. But in the end it’s worth it. Because only if don’t allow my heart to be constrained by scar tissue can I have it accept something greater than my self.
>>
>>4452703
+1
>>
>>4452696
>>4452703
>>4452988
Looks like everything is evenly voted for and I get that. These are some damn good write in. Let's see if I can combine them. A bit early but you can blame my sleep schedule for that! Writing!
>>
You stare your mirror images down as they watch you. The other you simply crosses their arms and returns your glare with a bemused look. "No." You say. "I am afraid that you're right. That my current path is in vain just as the one I walked before. That placing my hopes in others, or in an ideal is only building myself for disappointment." You take a deep breath and shake your head. The other you might be right. Their words strike a cord in you that no one else could.

"But..." You look back at your image. "The chance of failure alone is never a reason to not do something about it. This holds true even when fighting with my own claws. Maybe opening myself to hope, or trust, or... companionship, exposes me to danger. But in the end it’s worth it. Because only by not allowing my heart to be constrained by scar tissue can I accept something greater than my self." You begin pace around the deck of the ship, thinking.

"But let's play your game!" You shout pointing at your copy. "Let's say I agreed to break China's will and take my place as a new emperor. I rule through power and fear. What happens when poison finds its way into my wine? How much of my might could I bring to bear against that? Let's say I choose to raze all of China to the ground instead - how long would it take for the people to organize and hunt me down at my most exhausted? To wait until I'm run ragged from exertion and lack of sleep?"

The false you simply laughs. "Poisons? Being hunted down? Are those your concerns? Are you so weak willed that you can't see the answers in front of you? You're Tai Lung. None can bear their might against you and succeed. You won't rule through fear. You'll break them. You will make them obey. If they get the notion to even think of rising up against you, then you will break them and their children and their children's children. You will drive the point that any attempt to undermine you will bear the graves of consequences. No poison can take you down. But the poison you'll force down the families of those responsible will kill them. If none will step forward, then a simple village will serve as a proxy until those responsible are found. Someone raises an army against you? Then you will break their bones along with their spirits before you string them up for all to see. The people are not you. They do not possess the will power or conviction to deny you. If they did then we wouldn't be the greatest martial artist in all of China. We are a living legend soley for the fact that we possess the skills and abilities that the common man does not. Do I need to remind you what happened when you tried to strive to serve others?" The fake asks as they approach you. You open your mouth to speak but the copy grabs you by the collar and snarls in your face.
>>
"We faced two decades of prison time! We were denied what we worked so hard for. What we broke bones and bleed for. What we spent countless of sleepless years training for! It's time you woke up and took what belongs to you! You know who you are. You know what you must be!"

You simply glare at your copy. "You're right." You say quietly. " You are who you are. You define yourself by the choices and the actions you take. But that's it. Your thoughts are only that, your thoughts, it takes action to bring them into being. The Tai Lung of the past was a monster made of pride, fear and anger. The Tai Lung of the present seeks redemption knowing he drips with blood. But the Tai Lung of the future, the one I wish to be and the one you want me to be, is unknown and unwritten. Let us write somethign worth reading about." You say as your hand snaps up and grabs at the top of your copy's head. While there is nothing there, your hand finds something pointed and cold. You grab it with all your might and tear it away. "I reject you and your reality and I subsititute my own!" You shout as you tear the crown from your head. Pain sears through your mind as you pull but you don't hold back. Your copy says nothing. There is no scream of defeat. No howl of dispair as you reject what he tries to convince you of. Nothing heroic or poetic. They simply fade away with a smug smile and the last thing that echoes in your mind is.

Don't ever forget. I'll be here. I'll always be here. And eventually, you will call upon me to do what needs to be done.

You toss the crown aside...

...and it clatters uselessly to the ground as you gasp for air. You find yourself laying on the ground, emotionally drained. It seems like all your confidence and strength of will have been completely emptied. Your body feels numb and cold despite the pool of warm blood you lay in. Your limbs heavy and useless. You barely feel the pain in your chest andyour heart struggles to beat. Everything around you is increadibly dim and your vision threatens to fade away. It takes all your strength to look up at the spirit of water as it studies you quietly.

>What do you say?
>Ask if you have succeeded at it's trial. Every choice you made was the choice you would have taken in real life. Perhaps they were foolish or reckless but you never faltered in your decision.
>Tell the spirit to honor your deal. You have managed to escape the crown's influence.
>Simply say that you've won. You're here mind intact and unbroken.
>Write in.
>>
>>4453284
>>Tell the spirit to honor your deal. You have managed to escape the crown's influence.
>>
>>4453295

+1
>>
>>4453295
>>4453305
We held up our end of the bargain. Time to ask the spirit to do theirs. Writing.
>>
>>4453284
>It is done, spirit. Are you not entertained? Haha jk convinced?
>>
You struggle to speak. Even forcing air out of your lungs is a mounumental task. "I...I did it." You gasp as you struggle to maintain eye contact. "I bested your crown. Defied your magics. That was the deal. I overcame my fears. Now you do your part. Call off your attacks. I've proven we're worthy of your oceans." The water spirit pulls the boat closer to it's face and holds it right up to its eyes.

"That was not our accord small one. You were to participate in my trial and I would then judge if you were worthy. Success or failure do not decide what I think of you." You struggle to maintain conciousness.

"Then what is your judgement?" You gasp as you maintain your glare.

"I judge you..." The spirit pauses as it considers something. "...worthy! Your fears are those of one of true courage and valor. Not monsters, not demons. But those of true fear. Failure, Rejection, the loss of those we hold dear. Even in face of situations with no solution, situations in which one must meet their own demise be it yours or someone else's, you persevered. When faced with the bitter truth of the inevitable you held tight to your convictions and marched onward. Such are the traits required to sail my vast oceans. The will to face the unknown, the strength to continue in spite of the dangers, and conviction to refuse to accept hopelessness. Your valor was evident before you placed the crown and your conviction tested when you wore it. Despite your condition and dwindling life, you chose to march onward for the sake of the others even if it meant everyone's failure." The boat rocks as the water spirit slowly places it back into the ocean proper.

"I will pardon all those you held in your protection small one." The spirit says. "Rest now, knowing that their lives are safe. Those on this ship and on the other are worthy of sailing my oceans and will never be bothered again by my people." The ocean rocks and roars as the spirit sinks back below the vasts depths of the sea. As he does so the rain softens, then stops before the clouds part and the sun begins to rise once more signaling a new dawn.

"Good..." You whisper as you feel your head lower and hit the deck before you feel your eyes shut. "...Good." You manage to say one last time...before you die.
>>
>>4453355
rip
>>
>>4453360
Time for some mouth to mouth and heart massage I reckon
>>
And that's...that's the end of this thread gentlemen. Tai Lung has finally found redemption. Perhaps it's not one full of glory or legendary battles. Often times, the way a once villianous person finds peace is through self sacrifice. Their death a noble cause but one they take willingly as they fall knowing that the future is secure in the hands of those they left behind. However, others argue that death is not truly the end. So I leave you one last vote gentlemen.

>Is this truly the end?
>Yes
>No
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>4453369
>maybe

Your call, OP! How you feel?
>>
>>4453369
>No

Somehow I don't think the spirits going to be satisfied leaving him dead.
>>
>>4453373
I feel fine either way. This is a nice melancholic ending. However, I don't mind continuing the story. I have an idea for what the epilouge can be that leads perfectly into the next thread should anons want to continue. I'm a big fan of the noble sacrifice but I'm an even bigger fan of happy endings. However I can understand any apprehension of wanting to continue after this. It is a nice ending.

But if I had to actually pick a side and not just avoid the question. I'd like to continue even if that means risking the story getting boring or jumping the shark so to speak. After all, wasn't that the lesson of this trial? Failure shouldn't be a wall for trying? I'll leave the vote up for the rest of the day. Maybe give it til uhh... 4pm PST? Or at least until I've seen enough votes for one side. Then I'll write up an epilogue for this thread and start a new one tomorrow.

Finally, if this is the end. Thanks to everyone for participating! I hope you enjoyed this hijack of a game and I hope I made it worth your time!
>>
>>4453369
>>No
if you wanna keep writing than i'll keep playing
>>
>>4453387
I say if you feel like going on then keep going. If you have enough, wrap it up. I’m always happy to consoom more stories. So go with what feels good for you!

(My preference would be to keep going)
>>
>>4453369

>No

CONTEMPLATION POOL LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!1111
>>
>>4453369
>No
>>
>>4453369
>No
Even if we died, it wouldn't be the end. Death is another journey, my friend.
>>
>>4453369
>>No
Fuck death on god, we still haven't had our reunion with our dad
>>
If we do continue this, would to be interested or willing to do and an omake epilogue for if Tai Lung actually died, like with the 5 and tai lungs dad learning of his fate from our friends and the emotional baggage that would be.

Also, I think we still have plenty of stories left to tell our friends still have there own personal struggles to overcome and a redeemed Tai lung would be a lot of fun to see, we also still need to get to that pool if for no other reason than to affim to ourself we are good. Finally, I want that reunion scene with his dad
>>
>>4453489
Hey that sounds interesting as hell. I might save that for a rainy day or for like a brief break period. I'd love to do it soon but with this thread nearly reaching auto archival I'll have to set it aside. I want to do it justice and not be rushed with this thread ending soon. Doesn't feel right to start a new one with a non cannon story either. So I'll keep that idea though. Nice suggestion anon.
>>4453421
I can never remember where that quote came from but "Death is just the next adventure" has always been a favorite of mine.
>>
>>4453503
Page 8? We got a few days bro
>>
>>4453511
Oh do we? I don't know how fast the thread goes to the next page. If we got a few days then I can certainly give it a try.
>>
>>4453503
>"Death is just the next adventure"
That and from what little I remember about Kung Fu Panda the Spirit World is a tangible, physical place that the living can visit and vice versa

Besides, I want to know what the water spirit meant when he referenced Tai Lung's patron.
>>
>>4453573
Hey nice guess!
>>
>>4453373
>>4453374
>>4453392
>>4453416
>>4453419
>>4453421
>>4453448
Well it seems like the vote is pretty unanimous. Guess it's not the end here! I'll be writing up an epilogue for this thread and then gonna make something to eat. Still debating on that non cannon epilogue but I think I'll give it a go. Maybe no votes on that one but we'll see. Thanks for sticking around!
>>
>>4453580
for the Omake epilogue, no votes would be best as Tai lung and thus anons are dead
>>
>>4453387
If you’re willing to continue then I definitely am. Proceed with the next thread, OP, if you dare.
>>
You awake. Not with a start, not in a panic. Simply awake as if from a restful sleep. You sit up and feel some sheets fall off of you. You mind is a flurry of thoughts. Were you still wounded? Where was Xin Lan? Was the Gale Cutter ok? Why were you in a room? Eventually your mind settles on your injuries. You look down and see that your chest is fine. Your wound is gone and your fur is neat and clean as if you were never hurt. This feels strange to you as you would have a guess a cut that deep and exacerbated from your constant fighting would have left a scar of some sort. Furthermore you feel...great. Faster and stronger that you ever had before but that wasn't right. You know you weren't any stronger than you were a few days ago. You contemplate on it a bit more before it dawns on you. You were at peace. No longer bound by worry or regret, you feel as if a great weight has been lifted off your shoulders. You've never felt this good in your life. You inhale and exhale slowly as you relax and let this feeling flow through you. You feel your mind settle faster than ever before.

Eventually your attention is drawn to the rest of the room or rather home. It was a single room filled with the basic amenities. A series of cabinets and cupboards line the walls. A table in another corner with a few chairs. Knives and spoons resting on some counters. There's a pot on a small fire bubbling with what smells like soup. You get out of bed and step on to the soft grass that served as the floor to the small hut. As you stand you notice something moving in the corner of your eye and you turn to face it. The creature was green but seemed to be made out of pure air. Semi translucent and with a vague humanoid form it floats around a pot curiously unaware of your presence. Despite the alien nature of this strange creature, you feel no hostility from it. Infact, it seemed strangely familiar to you and instinctively you know that it's harmless. You take a step towards it and the creature notices you. It turns and jumps with a start when it notices you. The creature squeeks in surprise and flies off through the wall of the hut and out of sight.

At the same time you hear the door behind you open and a familiar voice speaks, "My, my...this is quite a surprise. Who would have thought I'd see you here of all places. What brings you to my small home young Tai Lung?" The voice is old but it was increadibly friendly and wise. It had been years since you've hear it. You turn to face the speaker and find yourself face to face with a smiling turtle.

Oogway, your old Kung Fu master.

>End of the Great Sea Arc
>>
>>4453638
ah so we did die then. RIP, guess this is spirit world quest now, a shame but I am interested to see where it goes I guess
>>
>>4453640
Oh definitely. You bled out. Ming did warn you about pushing yourself. But...who says you can't come back?
>>
>>4453648
shit son if we can pull a snake way then fuck yeah we will punch or way out of the afterlife if we have to. To be clear you are implying we can come back to life, not force ghost, not you have a day, but rise from the dead my son and walk
>>
>>4453651
I'm saying you can come back to life 100%. No force ghost, no you get one day, no 99 days to collect the mcguffins. You come back. Xin Lan still needs to get his emotions, Ming needs to figure herself out, and dad still needs to get hugged but since you did die I figured we could have a bit of fun in the spirit dimension. Maybe get a few lessons from Oogway now that we're not an angry rampaging snow leopard. Spirit Dimension looked awesome yo
>>
Shit, I keep defaulting to male pronouns with Xin. Annoying habit with them. Before you ask, no I actually haven't decided on what they were born as. Makes it more fun that way for everyone.
>>
>>4453662
all I will say is bunny snow leopard hybrids, you know the correct path.
>>
>>4453638

...it's raining again.
>>
>>4453677

no. let's have some Leopard-LYNX hybrids (or whatever Ming is)!!


No descendants of ours will be herbivores...
>>
>>4453677
>>4453692
mfw I might have started the waifu wars. Debates mentioning Tigress and Viper.

>>4453692
In Xin's defense the kids could still be carnivores...or omnivores...wait forget I said that I'm playing no part in these wars!
>>4453688
I know anon. It's been raining a lot recently.
>>
File: Spoiler Image (3.19 MB, 564x316)
3.19 MB
3.19 MB GIF
Forgot the image
>>
>>4453658
There's at least one canonical way to come back from the spirit realm, and that's by harnessing a truckload of chi. As a bonus, this method also makes you immune to techniques like the wuxi finger hold...

There's also whatever the fuck that yin-and-yang thing po did to go back to the living realm, but that was pretty obtuse and unexplained. Given how Kai didn't use it, I'm inclined to believe that inner peace is a requirement to use that method.
>>
>>4453702
I thought Kai was dead and that's why the hold didn't work.
>>
This non cannon epilouge is getting pretty long. Would you like me to post it here in chunks or link a pastebin for ease of reading?
>>
>>4453787
Whichever is most convenient for you
>>
>>4453651
>pull a snake way
Imagine how busted Tai Lung would be after training with King Kai.
inb4 Sun Wukong is a real person in the KFPverse and we use his cloud to get back to the mortal world
>>
Here it is gents. https://pastebin.com/QnMQPyrz

According to Word. It's like 5 pages long. Hope you enjoy it.
>>
>>4453818

Oof.

I can almost hear Lung's wailing in frustration at his only friends giving up like that.

Nicely done, OP.
>>
>>4453830
Thanks! Ming's kind of made sense as that's her second patient actually dying on her in a row. Not to mention it was compounded by the whole ordeal of the sea trip. It really killed her sense of adventure.

Xin Lan was a bit more complicated. They did lose the only person who ever said, "I know what you were, I know what you want to do. I can sympathize not just empathize with you and I accept you for who you are." Basically the only person who truly understood. While Xin Lan is a bit more resilient and despite his inability to feel emotion, it still really messed them up inside. Whether or not Xin Lan is aware of it themselves is up in the air.
>>
>>4453843
>Shifu runs over to the vase, holds it close, and cries as he holds the remains of his only son.

crushing, simply crushing
>>
everything about that epilogue was crushing
>>
>>4453984
Yeah, maybe I went too gloomy. On the other hand, it does show that Tai Lung does have people that care about him and he does have a great influence on the people around him. He's not just a lone wolf anymore. What he does ripples out into the world and the people he interacts with.

Had this non canon epilogue happened later on in this quest, perhaps things would be different. Granted Shifu's side might have remained relatively the same but maybe Ming would have stuck it out with Xin to accompany her. At least, that's my take. Still, I hope you got some enjoyment out of it...even if it was kind of a sad ending.
>>
File: Spoiler Image (37 KB, 719x677)
37 KB
37 KB JPG
>>4453818

Nicely done OP.

Pic related
>>
>>4453997
Oh no don't take my statement as condemnation, you nailed it, it was great, it was also just really crushing
>>
New thread gents! >>4454563



Delete Post: [File Only] Style:
[Disable Mobile View / Use Desktop Site]

[Enable Mobile View / Use Mobile Site]

All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective parties. Images uploaded are the responsibility of the Poster. Comments are owned by the Poster.