Just thought up of this new story after it playing in my head in the beginning of spring, thinking what if Musaki participated in a kung-fu competition? Although, he doesn't worry about winning, but rather being honored to be there? Some awesome assistance for this idea courtesy of Joe 'Po' Navark. Hope ya enjoy!

Warrior on the Inside

by: Terrell James

Chapter 1: Competition Opportunity

One afternoon in the Valley of Peace, Musaki is just walking around, trying to get used to being 17 years old after just a month and a half and as he was heading back to the Jade Palace, he comes across someone putting in some posters across the Valley. He was curious to see what's happening and when he came to the guy, he asked, "Excuse me. I saw some of the posters around the valley and I just wanted to know is there an event happening here?"

The poster goose turns around, sees Musaki and then he replied, "The name's Haiko and I'm putting up posters for this little kung-fu sporting event in the coming weeks."

This intrigued Musaki a little bit and he asked, "What sporting event?"

Haiko gives one of the posters to Musaki and he responded, "Kung-fu competition."

As he was continuing spreading posters through the Valley, Musaki didn't know why he was there, but he was more than willing to find out more about this kung-fu competition anyway and it definitely caught his eye.

'Showcase your kung-fu talent! The legendary Kung-fu competition is in full force this year! Participants must be around between the ages of 12 through 18 to enter as a contestant to achieve amazing skills, loads of competition bound and bask in the glory of kung-fu achievement. Held at the new Rai Song Stadium in Shanghai Secluded Valley. Competition starts with opening ceremony in the first week along with the actual competition and by the second week, the top five finalists will compete for kung-fu glory.'

Musaki was completely excited and stoked that it's held at Shanghai Secluded Valley because it's held at his home away from his current home and he was definitely gonna be one of those participants to enter in that competition. And as he looked at it again, something suddenly caught his eye.

'Rumor has it that a certain bloodline of the Bushido-Akio clan is gonna participate in this competition because one surviving offspring of Sakamoto Bushido-Akio has recently surfaced named Xing-Fu Musaki Ko-Kanjo Bushido-Akio Meng Cheng Xi-Wang and that he might be the 20th member of the same clan to win the entire competition.'

To hear that Musaki is immediately elligible to enter this competition because he's the bloodline of the Bushido-Akio clan made him feel like it's a big honor to be a part of something like this, even if it's definitely unheard of.

Just then, Haiko comes back in and he looks at Musaki for a second and asked, "Is your name Xing-Fu Musaki Ko-Kanji Bushido-Akio Meng Cheng Xi-Wang?"

Without any hesitation, he replied, "Yeah."

He chuckled softly and bowed to him in honor and said, "I've known your father since we were kids and a darn good fighter too. He used to be in these tournaments when he was a teenager and this guy just completely defied all expectations of any kung-fu master or legendary warrior would do."

Musaki was completely eager to hear all of this and he asked, "Has he won any of them?"

"Pretty much. But he's not one to make either winning or losing the competition a big deal. To him, it's just an honor to be there and whatever happens happens with the final result. He'll take it all in stride." Haiko added.

Musaki has that exact same personality his father had before his time was up and he said, "That's my dad."

A few minutes later, Musaki went back to the Jade palace and he explained everything he said to the kung-fu masters about participating in a kung-fu competition and the reactions were pretty much in a set of mixed answers.

Shifu was definitely unsure about having Musaki be a part of this kung-fu competition and said, "Why would you want to be part of this?"

"Because it's held at Shanghai Secluded Valley and if there's something important happening in my old hometown, why should I miss out on it?" asked Musaki.

Po, on the other hand was completely stoked about Musaki being in this round and he said, "This is like the best news ever! Are you gonna win this thing?"

"Slow down, Dragon Warrior. I'm just participating in it, but winning isn't considered a big deal for me in something like this." Musaki answered.

That reaction shocked most of the Five after Musaki uttered those words, especially Tigress. She was the most shocked and a little appalled to hear Musaki say that winning isn't a big deal in a competition like this and she asked, "Are you serious? Why do you say that winning isn't a big deal?"

Musaki could see that Tigress obviously thinks that losing is a bad thing regarding competition and he answered, "Even if I don't win, I consider it to be an honor to be a part of it anyway because I don't take my fighting skills for granted."

Viper seemed the most supportive about this and she smiled at him and said, "You're absoultely right, Musaki. You've progressed over the years of us being here and whatever it is, I wish you the best of luck."

Musaki starts blushing from his cheeks after hearing this from Viper and he said, "Thanks. That's very sweet of you, Vipe."

Mantis groans in a disgusted tone after hearing both of them talk and asked, "Cut out all the mushy-gushy stuff. Besides, she's too old for you, Saki."

Viper took that as an offensive statement and resorted to just swiping his head with her tail and said, "Why don't you close that big mouth of yours? If you can grow one."

Mantis grumbles to himself with that comment and then hops onto Musaki's shoulder and said, "So, are you trying to like prove yourself worthy of something?"

Musaki rolled his eyes at that comment and said, "No. I don't really go for that stuff. I don't even care about how much fame I want. All I have is integrity, honor and also knowing how to be humble."

Crane stepped forth with how it involves kung-fu and he asked, "If this is a kung-fu competition, how come it never involved us?"

"It has an age limit. The competition enters for anyone ages 12 through 18 to participate." Musaki answered.

Monkey walks towards Musaki and he lets out a small chuckle and said, "Where does that leave us?"

"Overage." Musaki added.

Shifu clears his throat at this and he said, "Well, what is the real reason for entering something like this?"

Musaki wasn't really quite sure if he should tell the others about his certain reason, but he knew that if anyone has a right to know, it's Shifu. He takes a deep breath and replied, "Because my father used to participate in this tournament...that and I'm also the bloodline of the Bushido-Akio clan to do so."

They all froze for a minute, taking in what Musaki just said and all Shifu could say is, "What?"

Musaki sighed heavily and said, "It's complicated, really. But my dad used to be in these things when he was a teenager and some believed that his son is the bloodline of the Bushido-Akio family clan to enter themselves in it; not just for fame, but for honor, integrity and to achieve major accomplishments...just like my family."

Now that really surprised Shifu to hear that Musaki is next in line for this family generation and he looked at him and said, "Well...that seems like a good reason."

"Just because your dad used to compete, you have to compete too?" asked Tigress.

Musaki rolled his eyes at her and responded, "Yes. When one generation closes, another one opens for the future. As far as winning goes...my dad both won and lost the competition, but that doesn't make him any less humble. He's learned to take whatever the results say in stride and still keeps his head high and still gains his honor to the ones he knows him best. The Bushido-Akio clan always stays humble and true to themselves and they don't let anything, like pride and egos get in the way. Besides, my dad always describes the pride and egos in one word; weak schmucks."

Tigress felt like it was referring to herself and she growled at him and said, "I'm not a weak schmuck!"

"I never said you were...maybe. But the point is, winning doesn't matter anyway. Losing is never dishonorable if it is for the right reason." Musaki added.

Po pats Musaki's head and he said with a smile, "Well, either way, Lil' Saki...you have our support. I mean, you have to fulfill your dad's example."

Musaki chuckled softly and said, "People always see him in me because I have the same persona as him. I know I'll do my dad proud no matter what happens...just as you would for yours and Tigress does for hers."

Hearing that made Po smile at him with much happiness and Tigress with a great deal of silence after this and it made Shifu re-think about his opposition with Musaki participating in something like this and he said, "Well, if you want to fulfill your father's wishes, then I support that."

Musaki nodded his head and he said, "Thanks, Shifu. I'll do you guys proud."

Soon enough, most of the Five already honored Musaki's willingness to make them proud and Shifu went on to say, "You've grown a lot wiser since you've been here. Young...but wise."

"Well, my dad has always told me that I'm never too young to be wise. That's how my grandfather raised him...it's never too early to learn wisdom." Musaki added.

"So when do you leave?" asked Monkey.

Musaki lets out a deep breath and replied, "Later this weekend. The opening ceremony starts off Monday, so I'll be around for 2 weeks."

"2 weeks?" Po asked surprisedly.

"Yep, first week is the opening ceremony and start of the competition and then by the end of the first week, they round out the finalists and on the second week, the finalists duke it out to see who's on top and then celebrate with a closing ceremony." Musaki explained.

"Sounds awesome."

Later that day, Musaki sits around the Peach Tree, playing his flute into the sunset, just letting the wind blow through the tree branches and set himself for a little bit of peace and time for himself before leaving for Shanghai Secluded Valley for the competition. His mind casts himself on the cusp of how it will go, but he knows for a fact that he'll ace it.

Suddenly, he sees Tigress behind him and she didn't seem angry or anything. Whatever it is, he wasn't sure if he was gonna talk or just walk away because it might turn violent later on, but as he stood up, he could see her eyes getting a little misty-eyed and he was curious to know why.

"Is...something wrong?" asked Musaki, nervously.

Tigress only stared at him for a short time and soon enough, the misty-eyes transferred into streaks of tears coming out of her eyes and Musaki completely didn't know how to respond, other than just wanting to know what's wrong.

"Why do you do this to me?" asked Tigress, tearfully.

Musaki stared at her confusedly and asked, "Do what?"

"When you mentioned that you'll make your father proud no matter what happens. When you said that just as Po does for his dad and me for Shifu...it just made me feel like crap." Tigress added.

"I would never treat you like crap. And also...what I meant by that is, regardless if I won or lost, it wouldn't matter to me as long as I give it my all, that's enough to make my dad proud and it's the same with you, with Po, with everyone else."

Tigress sighed heavily and she just felt like a ginormous burden has been placed on her for years and she said, "I've spent 20 years trying everything to make Shifu proud of me and not once has he ever acknowledged me. To him...I just feel like I'll never be good enough for anything and that he'll never be good enough for me...as his student and as his daughter."

"That's not true." Musaki said.

"Yes it is! Shifu always gave Po praise for his training and he gives you praise for your training and I get nothing! He just hates me!"

Musaki rose his eyebrows after hearing what Tigress said about Shifu hating her and he only said, "Why would he hate you?"

"BECAUSE I'M A MONSTER!" Tigress screamed.

Musaki was nervous for her but he knows he disagrees with everything she said and she just covered his face while she broke down and cried her eyes out. He lets out a big sigh and he said, "You're not a monster. All of these things are in your head. Shifu does not hate you, nor does he favor me and Po. And I think it would break Shifu's heart if he actually heard that."

Musaki sees the one tear fall down on her face and puts his hand on her shoulder and she turns around and sees him sitting next to him, actually comforting her. She couldn't believe what she was seeing and she said, "Why am I crying? I'm supposed to be hardcore. Tears are for the weak."

Musaki thought it was ironic to hear that because Tigress is crying herself and he said, "You know, people who claim that they don't cry or feel anything because they're strong are usually the weaker ones themselves."

That raised Tigress' eyebrows when she heard that coming from Musaki and she asked, "What does that supposed to mean?"

"People who feel that way are usually hiding from their hurt from everyone else who's been hurt a million times before. If you're used to people pushing you away or putting you down, you're doing the same thing everyone else does to you. But simply because they're afraid to hurt those who care about the most." Musaki answered.

That surprised her to know that he knows what's inside her mind and never thought anyone would really understand her and she asked, "How can you tell so quickly?"

"Like I said, I can see the truth in another person's eyes. Crying and letting out emotions isn't as weak as you claim. It's a strength. It shows real courage to let any feelings out and it's okay to cry too. You may not like what I say, but in some ways, it is the truth."

"I just don't know if I can trust anyone because I would end up hurting everyone. When you're a hardcore person like me, it's just that simple. That's why I can't let anyone in." Tigress added, sadly.

"Then, you're risking on the verge of permanent loneliness. I'm not saying don't stop being...you. Just realize that sometimes your actions might affect everyone else. Would you want the other members to be cold and unemotional like you? You don't want them to do that and I know you don't want that to happen to them." Musaki said.

"But why should I let anyone in? I'm just a stupid, hardcore monster that does not deserve to be loved. Why can you not see that?" asked Tigress, angrily.

"Why are you so afraid to let anyone in? You think they'll just come and hurt you? I think the only person you're hurting is yourself. Life's about taking chances and face those fears head-on. You may never know, someday the people you've trained with and saved China with...may not be here anymore someday. All I can say is that even when they're not training, just cherish those moments you have anyway as if it were your last day with them. And you're wrong about you not being loved...Po loves you, the Five loves you, Shifu loves you, and even I do...despite the fact that you get on my nerves sometimes." Musaki explained.

"How could Shifu love me? He never has." Tigress answered, bitterly.

"Now I know that's not true. You've got to let everything in your past go because it's been years anyway. Why waste them with so much bitter and unfeelingness? It's just a waste anyway." Musaki added.

Tigress sighed heavily and tried to get those thoughts on what Musaki said out of it, but for some reason, it keeps coming in and her heart said he's right, but her pride refuses to let it come in and she turns to him and said, "Why are you saying those things anyway?"

"Because it's coming from my heart. Shifu is proud of you, Tigress. He was scared to show it to you just as you are of letting anyone in. He doesn't favor me nor Po because he loves us all just the same. You just have to realize that and take it in consideration. If my father was here right now, he would always say, 'Xing-Fu, always use your kind heart to comfort someone else that's in need of comforting.'"

Tigress finally looked at Musaki in the eyes and she didn't want Musaki to see her cry, but he saw it anyway and said, "There's no shame in crying, nor showing your feelings. You can still be the strongest warrior without proving to anyone that that's all you are."

Musaki stood up and walked out of Sacred Peach Tree, but not before Tigress stopped him and said, "How do you know if your grandfather nor your parents would be disappointed if you lost the competition?"

Musaki figured that question was coming and he replied in the best way he knew how.

"Because they'll be proud of me no matter what. It's not about winning or getting fame or recognized in China as the best warrior. It's about staying humble while being a good person and never take any of my talents for granted and just stay true to myself. It's not what I think up in my head, but what I feel in my heart. Even if you don't feel it, it doesn't change who you are."

She stood up and just walked up to him and hugged him tightly and whispered, "You're the closest thing I have to a little brother."

"Wow, really?" asked Musaki.

She sighed heavily and said, "I don't show it because I was afraid of being hurt by you or if I tell anyone about it, I'll just be alone again."

"But you won't be. You've got Po, Shifu, Crane, Mantis, Monkey, Viper and me. All you have to do is just understand that we're here for you...no matter what." Musaki added.

Tigress nodded her head in agreement as they both walked out of the Sacred Peach Tree and she said, "I hope you don't mention this to anyone."

"I won't...because you might want to tell them yourself someday." Musaki added.

Tigress felt like she was gonna knock him out at any minute, but Musaki stopped her and stated, "Look, there might be a next generation of the Furious Five coming soon, so it might be a good idea to do so whenever you're ready."

She sighed for a minute and only said, "Fine."

Didn't expect that to happen, huh? Well..this is only the beginning!