Kung Fu Lucario

Chapter 3: Hidden Dragon Warrior

The old master widened his eyes, realizing what Oogway was alluding to.

"You don't mean that... this chi could be from the Dragon Warrior, do you?"

"Perhaps, perhaps not. The universe works in mysterious ways, Shifu. For all we know, it could come from someone even greater than the Dragon Warrior themselves." Oogway presumed. "Nothing is impossible, after all."

"But greater than the Dragon Warrior? That itself is an impossibility! No one could be more powerful than the very person who is destined to save everyone and—"

The Galapagos tortoise raised a hand to silence Shifu's forthcoming rant.

"Remember, nothing is impossible." He then outstretched his neck as if sensing something else. "Ah, and would you look at that. The proponent of this chi is heading toward the Jade Palace. A funny coincidence, is it not?"

Master Shifu drooped his ears back out of uncertainty and slight nervousness. He then crossed both arms and placed them behind his back.

"Funny isn't how I'd describe it..." He muttered. "Should I gather the rest of the Furious Five then?"

"Yes. We should greet any new visitor to the Jade Palace with the utmost respect and curtesy."

He then took another look at this individual's energy and what surrounded it. There appeared to be a smaller chi moving alongside that one.

"Especially since they have somehow befriended Tigress of all people."

Shifu's eyes narrowed in momentary concern. "Mm. So, that's what was keeping her."

Afterwards, he wasted no time and ran into the Training Hall to gather his four remaining students. All of them then traveled back to the Jade Palace, waiting for Tigress and her new companion to arrive.

Meanwhile...

After another hour of running, Lucario and Tigress had finally reached a large village that the Jade Palace oversaw from its place in the mountains. It was filled to the brim with all sorts of houses, shops, and animals. Some inhabitants have even used this particular village as a center for trade across China and its other major cities. This also made it a potential hotspot for petty crime and thievery, but thanks to the Furious Five, that trend never really lasted long.

Upon entering the village's gates, Lucario caught a glimpse of the Jade Palace in all its ancient glory. Even he found it rather impressive in terms of overall craftsmanship and design.

"So, that's where you live, hm?"

"That's right. The Valley of Peace's greatest kung fu masters have lived there for generations, starting from its founder and Shifu's former instructor, Master Oogway." Tigress replied.

Lucario shuddered hearing that name. The Spirit Warrior, Kai, had briefly mentioned it while trying to steal his Aura. It made him wonder if there was some kind of deep-seeded connection between them.

However, he'd rather discuss such matters with Oogway himself. He didn't want Tigress to get involved with his issues. It wouldn't be fair to her.

"I see..."

They continued walking along the village's streets in relative silence. While everyone addressed Tigress with respect and admiration, they looked unsettled by Lucario's strange, exotic appearance. He tried to ignore them, but their sharp, piercing glares were hard not to take notice of.

"It seems that my presence is making everyone a bit... uncomfortable."

Tigress quirked a brow. "Well, can you blame them? You have multiple spikes on your hands and chest, and have blue, black skin. Of course these villagers are going to be offput by... whatever your species is."