A/N:

Alright here it is guys, along awaited part of the series. I hope you'll enjoy it. BTW I'd like to take the chance to turn your attention to a project that may lift of. So please check out my latest story and drop a review. Me and a friend are working together on it but will only continue if it has enough response. Anyway, read enjoy review. You know the drill.

I'm so going to enjoy this...

We had arrived at the capital a few days ago and I was buried neck deep in paperwork already. So while Tai Lung and the Wue Sisters were doing drills, I was holed up in my office going over endless amounts of files of people with a fighting background. I needed another twenty people for my unit. So far I had a pretty even selection, the problem was that none of them had any military experience. So far I was the only one with military experience, but I could not take anyone from the current forces, as they could not afford any losses in their man power. In short I had to step out of the common zone and recruit outside of the normal parameters. I had my eyes on a number of potential people so all I now had to do was find a suitable training location. Fortunately there was an old mining pit not too far away, perfect for what I had planned. It was large enough to have a barracks tent, as well as a trench and a training field for drills.

I grabbed my team and went to the pit and started setting things up. It took us the remainder of the day mapping the place out and putting security measures in place, after that was done I left my four squad leaders to start while I went to the Emperor to get the documents I needed.

As I entered the palace, I was greeted by some of the nation's highest generals. Bowing in respect, the four rhinos just walked past me by without acknowledging me. I made my way to the throne room and waited for him to acknowledge my presence.

"Ah, there you are, I must say, I am having quite the headache because of your choices? However I am to blame as well, as I have given you free reign to do as you wish. Now then, what can I do for you?" the Emperor said with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I need a release form for the names on this list," I stated calmly.

I gave him the list and waited for him to come down from his shock.

"Warrior, all of these names are criminals, sentenced to labor or imprisonment until death. They are some of the worst scum this empire has ever had the misfortune of nurturing." He said in shock.

"I am aware of that, I have read their files," I replied still as calm.

"What do you want with these names?"

"I need soldiers… Soldiers who won't freeze up or lose their head at the sight of their first kill. I want those names, because of the military background some of them have, as well as the fact that they have killed before. On top of that, they are already dead, meaning they have nothing to lose, which in extension means, they can be pushed that much further."

"I see… And am I to understand, that you are enlarging your platoon to a garrison?"

"No sir. I only need twenty names, the others will die before then."

To many, this statement would seem cruel and deranged, it was however a fact. I would draw upon my entire well of experience. Top that of, with principle and making examples, the number of victims, I mean, candidates, would shrink to the desired number. The Emperor just sighed and handed me the document and seal. I bowed and went off to gather me some recruits.

The pit prison of Chorh-Gom, supposedly the most secure location within the empire. The former Commander Vachir was an ambitious man. Carving a prison into the depths of a mountain, no sunlight, no other outside contact as well. Before Tai Lung broke out, he was the only prisoner here. Now however numerous criminals were held here and it gave me a chance to get me some victims. I walked up to the gates and was stopped by the guards.

"Halt, this area is off limits. What are you doing here?" one of the two rhinos said.

"Special Forces Leader, Búmìng of the Jade Palace. Under order of the Emperor, I am here to see the commanding officer of this military prison."

I showed him the order and the seal. I was let in and led to what seemed to be the main office. In honor of military protocol I bowed and waited for his introduction.

"I am Commander Vachir the second, of the Anvil of Heaven. What can I do for you?"

He was a muscular man, a sword at his hip with a light armor vest and pants. The insignia of his unit proudly standing on his chest. An anvil struck by lightning.

"I am here to gather these men and women."

"All of these documents seem to be in order, I will have my men gather the prisoners. Is your escort outside?"

"No sir, I am the only on, but don't worry, they aren't going anywhere."

The rhino shrugged and grunted the orders. It didn't take long for them to have the prisoners chained in line by their necks and ankles. I walked up to the line and built myself up to my full height.

"Listen up. I am now your new warden. I am bringing you to a new place where you will be trained and after a certain amount of time twenty of you, will have the chance at a new life. We move out in a few moments, all questions will be answered when we get where we're going. And to those who think they can mess with me or try to overwhelm me."

I walked up to a boar with metal spiked tusks, pulled out my sword and rammed it into his body next to his neck. Death came quickly. I retrieved my sword and wiped it of on the boar's fur. Then I let him drop to the floor.

"You are all here on a death sentence. Society has labeled you dead, and dead men have no rights. And I personally have no quarrel to kill you for sport. Have I made myself clear?"

There were murmurs but no clear answer.

"I said, HAVE I MADE MYSELF CLEAR, MAGGOTS!?"

"Yes!" came the awaited response.

"Good we move out now."

I started to walk but the line wasn't moving. I turned around and looked at them. All eyes were on the dead boar.

"I said we're moving out, Maggots."

"Aren't we going to cut him loose?" one of them asked.

"No! We are going to walk out of here now. Now move, before I set some of you on fire."

That did the trick. In an instant they were marching on out of the prison. They actually had the intelligence to carry the dead weight. After the better part of a day we made it to the bottom of the mountains, mostly by accident. Some idiots decided it be best to jump of the trail and down the side of the mountain. Needless to say the others were rather displeased by the decision and didn't even wait for me to come around to execute them. Another day later we made camp, our numbers being cut from two hundred to one hundred and seventy two. Most of the deaths were a result of blunt force trauma received by rolling down the cliff. I sighed, luckily there was a creek and it was big enough for them to drink. Thanks to the unwanted shortcut we had cut a week from the trip, from the point we were, another week away.

The next leg of the journey was relatively mellow, meaning that I only had to kill ten or so more of them until we came to the pit. I was impressed with what I saw. The trench was marked out, as well as the water aqueduct for it. The tents stood as well as the drill square. Oh the memories were flooding in. I must have let it show a little too much because Tai Lung and the Sisters were backing away ever so slightly. Deciding to humor them, I let myself really get into it.

"Alright, you now are here and I will explain why you are here. I have here twenty conditional pardons for those of you who survive the next two months, you will be free men and women with a wonderful occupation of soldiering. Now to get you some strength, stamina and endurance, we're going to dig some ditches. Get to it."

The evil smile I put on definitely helped their motivation. Within hours the trench was done, the perfect ditch for training. Uneven, covered in mud, blood and body parts of the dead. On top of that rocks, shrapnel and off foods the stench was already nauseating, at the end of the two months it would be deadening. The top of the ridge of the mine was fenced with barbed wire, the only way out was like in Chorh-Gom, an elevating platform via a pull system. The candidates would get a rest and the next day, I would get to torture them, I mean train them to be soldiers of my standards.

The pit was drained a little all the time so it would not overflow. I also had another pit dug and filled with various layers of different rocks in different sizes to filter the sludge water and return it relatively clean back into the system. I checked up with Tai Lung and the Sisters and went through the plan for the next two months.

After going through the plan with my four squad leaders we divided up and started getting ready. The next day we had them lined up and gave them a nice pep talk.

"Now, I know you are dying to know how this entire thing is going to work, so I'll be brief. As I said before, the pardon is conditional, meaning you have to fit certain requirements, before you are free, all you have to do is become soldiers… Under my loving care and command. Twenty of you will have the privilege to be known as the fiercest fighting unit in the entire empire, directly under the emperor's command. You will get a good pay, food and shelter. After the situation on our borders normalizes, you will be placed as special guard in the Valley of Peace. That is the reward. If you're not up to it, well… There's forty five reasons to give all of your effort into succeeding. The name of the game is Death or Success. Now here are your uniforms. We are going to start training by standard physical exercise. Get in your uniforms. Bring down the platform!"

The platform came down and I got on it. The platform was lifted up and I got off. During the night we had managed to get a small armory set up, as well as a forge, so in my free time during the last night I made myself a PreAnquillium bow out of metal. The penetrating power, was enough to go though one inch thick steel on a distance of about three hundred and fifty meters. With my enhanced eyesight and strength I could push the limit to about half a click. As the group came up I fixed them with a glare and the stayed rooted. With the last load there was an idiot who decided it was smart to run.

"You can't outrun an arrow…" I muttered.

I calmly pulled an arrow back and aimed. I let the arrow fly and grinned at the pained screams that floated over on the breeze. I walked over to the fool, grabbed him by his now useless leg and dragged him back. Once back I retrieved the arrow and broke his other leg and both of his arms. After that I unceremoniously dumped him on the platform and lowered it to just over six feet above the ground. Done with that I turned my attention to the group.

"Let me make this abundantly clear… You are dead… No one knows you exist… You are here to be trained, as soldiers, of an Elite, Special, Forces unit. You will do as you are told, you will be broken down, and you can be as sure as there is a beating heart still in your chest, I will build you up to the standards of my soldiering career. And trust me, you will be there or die trying. I only need twenty of you to fill the unit, the rest of you, will be classed as collateral. Disrespect me, well you know what'll happen. Now then, we're going to start the day by going on a nice walk."

I turned and started running. The group followed. I loved running, the freedom of movement, and the rush in your blood. After a couple of hours we arrived back at camp and did more physical exercise. Over the next few days, I still had them do their walks in the morning and evening, but also started to go through technical terminology. Strategy, Tactics, Applied Physics and Close Quarter Combat. I prepared them theoretically for a base jump and once I was certain they would survive me had they line up around the pit.

"Now then, I have given you the knowledge, now it is time for you to prove, I did not waste my time with you. Now then, Vice-Commanders, does one of you want to demonstrate how it's done?"

"I'll do it." Wing said.

She walked to the edge of the platform and jumped down headfirst. Six feet before the ground she spun around and hit the ground. Immediately she crouched and rolled forwards losing most of the excess momentum. She straightened out and looked up. I put my thumb up and looked at Wang, She nodded and repeated the process.

"And that is how you are all going to do it. Remember one second too late and I will be scraping you off of the floor. Mess up the roll and you will ram your legs up through your intestines. Needless to say, even if you survive a mistake, you will wish you were dead. Now one after another you will jump. Begin!"

And so the remaining one hundred and fifty four jumped. We did five runs during which another eleven died. The week went on and they were improving greatly. The theoretical was done and they had a basic fitness level that I could accept. During that time, another twelve decided to be smart and try and run. That ended with them being hung above the pit with a nice stab wound for them to bleed out and die slowly and painful. Their groans of agony were sweet, sweet music in my ears. It also served to motivate the rest of them.

Week Two was a continuation of Week One, focusing on honing the skills of analysis and movement. During this time another ten idiots decided to die. Our number still was too high. I was willing to push up to forty units, but that would be an entirely new nightmare in the logistics department. But with all of the progress these idiots were making, I might actually have to tread that dreaded minefield.

I was sitting in my office going over the remaining files. I made copies of the files because I was not allowed to take them away from storage. So those who died got their files shredded and buried with them in the pit. One last symbol for repentance. One last plank for their boat to the next life. In retrospect thinking about it, I was slowly introducing the doctrine of the Ghost Protocol into this ragtag bunch of wannabes. But more would die and that was a fact.

Week three was weaponry and armor. We would be using mock armor and weapons exclusively. This did not mean I could not kill them with blunt force trauma. We trained the basics of the Ghost's Bladed Combat Style. Needless to say it was not mastered quickly. It took four weeks to get them to the level I needed them to be. The fine tuning would be done by experience. I had cut the number down to a hundred and had a clear idea of who I would like to have in my unit. So as Week Seven approached me, Tai Lung and the Sisters were in my office playing cards.

"Again, how are you so good at this?" Sue complained.

"I told you. I'm damn good at poker. Okay Final round."

Tai Lung handed out the cards. I looked at them and grinned. Ace of Hearts and Ace of Spades. A nice high Pair. I raised and everyone called. I checked and again everyone did as well. Now came the moment of truth. King of Diamonds. Jack of Diamonds. Ten of Diamonds.

"Say Búmìng, what you say about we sweeten the pot?" Sue said grinning mischievously.

"What did you have in mind?" I answered,

"Remember that story you told us the other day… The one with that infiltration mission…"

Oh no. She was talking about a small mission I was volunteered to do. Ironically I was volunteered through the same way as I was being now.

"I remember…" I answered.

"I don't believe you actually were able to do it. I want you to prove it. The next test is an infiltration right? So that should be no problem for you, will it?"

And I was had. I could not back out of this one. Defeated I sighed.

"Fine, if you win, I'll recreate the mission for you. However if you lose, you will walk around in an outfit I'll be designing for you. Deal?"

The leopardess nodded. I checked and the others followed. Ace of Diamonds. I grinned, there was no way I could lose now. Not with three aces. I checked, and the last card was put down. Two of Clubs. I sighed in relief. That was until Sue went all in. I called her and we put our cards down. I had three of a Kind. Tai Lung had two Pairs. Wing had a Pair of Fours. Wang put down a King and a Ten so she tied with Tai Lung. Sue was grinning from ear to ear as she put down the Queen of Diamonds, as well as another King. I had lost. Sue had won with a Straight Royal Flush. Damn, I had hoped to never have to go through something like that again.

"You win… I'll do the necessary preparations," I said in defeat.

I made my way to the village and bought the items I needed. And set everything up. I talked with small settlement not too far from where we were and managed to make them agree with the plan. The next day we headed there.

"Alright, this is how we will be doing this. Like all of us the village we will be doing this exercise in, is inhabited by predators, such as tigers, mountain lions, wolves and other species, which is perfect for what we are here to do… This will be a Stealth Infiltration Assassination. I will be your target. You will each be given a colored stone anonymously. There are eighty white stones, and twenty black ones. My job is to eliminate those carrying the black stones. You have the knowledge and the skills to prevent me from succeeding. If I am found out before the time runs out the training is over. Now your job is to find me and if you can incapacitate me. You are under no circumstance allowed to tell each other by and through any means what color your stone is. And before you ask, yes as long as it does not jeopardize this mock mission and our relations with the community, you have free reign to do as you want, within the constraints of the law. Now are there any questions?" I asked.

"Sir yes sir. Permission to speak freely, sir… Thank you sir. Sir, why are you actively part in this exercise?"

"Well for one, because I want to. Second, because I can. Third, I and your other superiors will be evaluating your performance so that we can start putting the squads together. Now, the town knows what is going on and will give the time. Now then move out, time starts any minute now."

As they dispersed I grabbed a sack from the bushes and walked to town. I could not believe I was being forced to do this. Again. But then again, this was going to be fun as well. I dumped a smaller sack in numerous locations. Once that was done I changed into my disguise. Once I was done I walked onto the streets and heard the gong of the bell. Mission commence, now.

Operating Undercover: When operating undercover it is essential to know how to hide your presence while still being able to move around freely within the defined space. It is undesirable to avoid open and crowded places, just as much as it is to stick to them. The most desirable pattern of movement is a fluid transaction between open and enclosed spaces. It is of utmost importance to not stand out in the crowd, be this by demeanor, appearance, attitude, or body language. It is recommended to learn to change one's demeanor as well as body language fluidly.

If the mission requires any form of aggressive actions varying in intensity it is discouraged to carry any sort of arms. Aggressive actions should be done in one of two ways. In an enclosed space with little or better yet no witness numbers. Or in an open space with a delayed effect. This can be done primarily with poison.

If target identification has to be done prior to engaging in aggressive actions, it is critical to know how to approach a target and analyze their behavior for evidence of being a suspected target. Key indicators for this are body language, attitude towards the surroundings and behavior. Once a suspect has been confirmed one must be able to approach without being noticed. Once in close enough proximity the knowledge and ability to pick the pockets and find the evidence needed.

Those were the introducing words of the Stealth Assassinations Guide of the Ghost Project, a book I and everyone in the field knew by heart and lived by. I walked through the streets acting my role. It was true that the process of selection was anonymous and random for them, it was not random for the other four ranking members of the platoon, meaning I too was clueless. However I had years upon years' worth of experience. And I'd be done and gone being dumb enough to not use it. So knowing all they knew about the mission, all I had to do was take out all of the, and kill only those who are the targeted.

I walked through the entirety of the town and marked my targets. As soon as I was done I started taking out all of my potential squad. I saw one of them and followed her into the restrooms. Quick chop to the neck and she was down. I picked her up and dropped her in a hidden group of bushes. I moved through the crowds and picked them off one by one. After a few hours and a large amount of costume changes, I was down to four more bodies, one of them had to die. The only problem was that these last four were sitting in a restaurant as a group. I stayed at a distance and watched, I checked the sun and sighed. One more hour to go before the training simulation was done. I looked at the restaurant again, sighing I saw my point of entry. This was going to be horrible for me later, I was not going to live this down.

Walking over to the restaurant, I used the back door. I entered and grabbed me someone, who looked important. Luckily, it turned out to be the head waitress.

"Listen, I need your help," I said.

The group was sitting around the table drinking tea. They were just running out of tea when a rather tall waitress came by. They ordered some more. A few minutes later the tea arrived, delivered by the same waitress. They thanked the waitress and drank the tea. Seconds later, the four dropped.

I carried the bodies from their hiding spots just as the simulation was over. I dumped the unconscious ones outside of the pit. The dead ones were strung up as part of the training equipment. I stood in the back and waited for Tai Lung to wake them up.

"Get up, Maggots!" he yelled.

Slowly the group moved and got up. Instantly they got in line and stood at attention.

"You all have failed. Before I let all the floodgates open up on you. Has anyone of you even seen your target? Have you even noticed him watch you?"

"No of course not. Do you even know who we were after? We were going up against the Demon. A ghost," one of them said, with the agreement of the rest of the group.

"True, but explain to me how he could take out all of you, without any of you noticing. Do you see the problem in that situation?"

"The problem is the lack of team work, Lieutenant. But you also need to consider your analytical skills. Seeing as I sat at a table ten foot away from you."

The voice came from a shady spot und a tree not too far away. Walking towards them was a tigress wearing a Navy Blue Ruqun with a white Banbi over it. Her eyes carried a breeze of turquoise eye shadow. On top of her red lipstick and the slight blush on her cheeks made her one hell of a looker. Tai Lung looked over and his eyes widened in shock.

"Well Búmìng better makes sure Tigress never finds out about this girl, or I might be looking at a new position."

The group chuckled at Tai Lung's comment. The tigress walked up to him and in a flash the leopard found himself face first on the floor with his arm in a vicious arm bar.

"You really shouldn't let your guard down so easily Lieutenant, after all two knives coming up front, is better than one knife in the back. And by the way, that was not a comment to say about your commanding officer."

Tai Lung stared at the tigress.

"Búmìng?" he asked shocked.

"Guan-yin, actually," the tigress corrected.

"Yeah, goddess of mercy, my tail," came his sarcastic reply.

"Now, now, don't be a meanie, sweetheart. You don't want me to hurt you anymore, do you? From here I have a wonderful shot at you sides and if done well enough, you might not make a picture in the next generation, eh, sweetie?" the tigress said with a cheeky grin.

"No ma'am, probably ma'am, please don't, ma'am."

Guan-yin untwisted the arm and helped him up.

"Now, if you could please get back in line sweetie."

Tai Lung did and waited for orders with the rest of the group.

"Now as you can see, I am currently not in my normal personality. Now, can anyone here tell me, why I did this?" Guan-yin said.

"Making the female portion of the group doubting their own gender?" came the sarcastic voice of a female wolf.

"Not at all sweetie. I did this to show you that when it comes to infiltration, you should be aware and expecting any and everything from and of your target. What I mean, sweethearts, is that you were looking for someone similar to your commander, instead of someone who was doing something suspicious. Now, all of you have one strike to take me down, aim to kill."

The group dispersed and surrounded her. Then they attacked. Jumping at her, but hitting nothing. When they were all done the tigress still stood in the same spot. A condescending look on her face, as well as posture. She put her weight on one leg and put her hand on hip. The group felt a wave of depression wash over them.

"Now, now sweeties… No need to feel down. All you need to do, is have some more practice."

The group groaned.

"Now, I am going to get changed, and then go through a new training with you. At the end of the week there will be a last test and those left will be part of the squad. Have fun."

And with a giggle the tigress walked off, leaving a very stunned group of recruits.

"I think I just lost as a woman…" many of the female members muttered.

Ten minutes later I returned to my unit wearing my normal uniform. Everyone was trying to pretend the previous training simulation.

"Alright folks, listen up. With this latest training exercise, a great flaw in our training. You all have to work on your teamwork. Now before I start throwing javelins at you, you still have two more tests to do. Number one will be a one thousand question test and the second will be executions. You have three days to prepare. All questions will relate to what you have been taught in these last seven weeks. Do your best, the results of these tests will have a direct influence in the assassinations; now let's get to training. I want you to be used to how a battle field will look like, feel like and smell like. Twenty of you will do the Ditch. Twenty of you will be shooting arrows at the new targets. The rest of you will spar, no lethal blows. GO!"

The rest of the waiting period was done the same as the prior day, only with groups being rotated. On day four of the final week the written exam was done. Easy by Ghost standards. Multiple choice, classic ops procedures, intelligence gathering, assassination, living of the land, infiltration, spaying, close quarter combat, ranged combat, weaponized combat, military strategies, tactical advantages, anatomy and of course battle wound dressing. I had a few answer sheets on my desk, of which two miraculously disappeared. I knew some of them would steal and I was amazed that they had managed to do so without being caught by me. And that was a good thing, because in the end, only those who can adapt and act will prosper and survive. My demonstration of fifteen female outfits excluding the waitress uniform and the final Ruqun I wore.

The tests were handed out and the quizzing began. I kept my eyes on everyone along with Tai Lung and the sisters. The group was filling out the questions to the best of their abilities, and based on training results and skill analysis, this test would give strong points and points of improvement. After ten hours we went around and collected the tests. The group got the day off and the five off us started checking them.

The grading was simple, each question answered correctly gave you a point, and any unanswered question was a one point reduction and incorrectly answered was bad but not penalized. It took us the better part of the remaining day to finish. The next day the results were handed out.

"Alright the higher your score was, the sooner you get to do the final test. Here are the results. Now the rules of the test are quite simple, kill the target within five minutes after the first move. Now you will be paired up. The results are split into two, each spot will target their counterpart on the other list. You can do the assassination, however you wish. You have five minutes after your first move before one of us breaks it up. Now the target has the right to fight back, so don't go to over the top with planning. We begin whenever Number One is ready. Go to one of us and we will begin."

I walked away and decided to take a nap. I was awoken by a tigress, a couple of hours later. She was next in line to assassinate so I stuck around to see what she was going to do. Her target was a male wolf and I did not believe her approach. She ran up to him and hugged him. She lied to him, saying she already did her test. Sometime later I had followed them behind a building where the tigress was currently in the progress of undressing her target and herself. Quite the interesting strategy. Once she was done, they both laid down and in mere moments the wolf was dead. Choked and neck broken by the legs of his mate. Quite a way to go, maybe he will remember to not trust in his lust more than his brain. The tigress got dressed and grinned at me.

"Very impressive strategy. Lower his guard and then take him out. Good job. Go back to barracks. The squads will be announced tomorrow."

I turned and left. I found my squad leaders as usual playing poker in the main tent. I let myself be dealt in and started to talk about the results.

"So, all but one of the trainees ignored me as a judge." I started the conversation.

"Origi Mo-sari, she is a rather bold character," Su said.

I snorted at that.

"So what is your take on her?" Tai Lung asked.

"Before that, let's talk squads first. I have a fairly certain picture of how I want to build the unit. Now my specialties are basically everything related to soldiering making my squad the jack of all trades and more likely to do the more specialized missions. We'll worry about squad names later, right now we'll go with Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo. I'll take Alpha and do advanced missions. Tai Lung will take Bravo, with your expertise in the scrolls and straight forward combat, you will be in charge of the strike force. For long range combat, Charlie Squad, Sue you way of thinking is best suited for this type of squad. Long, non-confrontational, and out of sight. Delta will be the Hit and Run squad, Wing you have the same strategic approach as some former colleagues of mine. You will do maximum amount of damage in minimum amount of time. You go in, hit hard and go out. Now Echo will be our Infiltration, Espionage and Assassination squad. Wang, you will be in charge of that squad. Do you agree with this set up?" I asked, looking around.

"You know…" Wing started.

"Whenever we talk about strategies and tactics, I can't help but feel like you've done this before. Your declassified file still had more ink than paper in it. On top of that there is no information about your childhood, parents, home. You just appeared shortly after the first wave of killings. One can't help but wonder… Care to shed some light on the mystery?"

The other looked at me with expectation. Sighing, I decided to give them something.

"You're right. I have experience as a soldier. But I will not go into detail about my origins or my career. Just know, that it is my experience that is getting you where you need to be to survive this. I've seen a lot of wars in my time and believe me, no matter how prepared you think you are, you all are still green behind the ears, when it comes to actual warfare on the field of battle."

I saw them look a little distant. At least they were thinking about what I said. But back to the matter at hand.

"Now going back to the core of this discussion. Origi Mo-sari, her strategy and attitude make her ideal for seduction and hence forth assassination. I'm certain not many would have the willpower to resist her approaches."

The others agreed. And so went a long, long day going over the individual results and discussing who would be best suited in what squad and how their skills would be best implemented in the squad. It was the early hours of the next day, when we finally finished and agreed on a squad layout. Sighing I made my way to my bunk and hit the deck. Sleep never felt so good. A few hours later, I awoke and hung up the platoon listing. After that, I went into town and ate out. Today was my day off and I was going to enjoy it. On top of that the platoon we let the platoon have the day off as well, so they could form as a squad.

I entered the hot spring bathhouse in the center of town and sighed as I entered the water. In retrospect, I'd have to talk with Tai Lung and the sisters, to allow the platoon time to sprout routes in the town. I noticed quite a few of them flirt with the locals, fitting as well as seeing the town had a very unique way of keeping the gene pool as big as possible, with its inhabitants only marrying outsiders, there would never be the possibility of inbreeding. And with the majority of the platoon showing interest in a long lasting relationships, it could be a great way to pull the platoon together, and a great way to motivate them for battle. It certainly did me good to think of Tigress when I was stuck in the pit. In any way, while I was daydreaming the bath I was occupying was filled with the entire platoon. Or to be more specific the entire female portion of the platoon. Unfortunately for me, that portion was two thirds of the entire platoon. And with the wicked grin the sister and the rest were sporting, I was stating to feel like a deer standing in front of a tanks main armor. In short I was one wrong move away from being sprayed in a ten yard radius. I forgot how intimidating females could be, especially as I was scaring the living daylights out of them on a daily basis. Looks like I was going to regret it. Why couldn't females be more like males? If the guys got upset they'd just attack me out of the blue and I could have a nice work out. Girls and women just plot a revenge scheme that makes overkill look like a favor. I was going to have it, big time. Sighing I started to tread the path of my own destruction.

"Well hello there pretty ladies, what can I do for you on this lovely day? You look like you would enjoy a bath."

The grin they carried turned into a full-blown predatory smirk. This was turning very bad, very quickly. And with an evil chuckle the predators pounced on their prey.

"You're coming with us," they chuckled darkly.

"You're going to pay for making us through all of those inhumane tortures you call training."

Knowing struggle would only result in defeat and more punishment. With my head hung, I went along, though I didn't walk all that far. All of a sudden I felt a prick and then nothing. Those sly little kittens and puppies were so going to get it when training went back into action. When I finally came back to, we were in a spa. One of the most popular spas in the entire empire at that and if my resources were correct, the owner was the future empress of China, in other words the Emperors girlfriend. I sighed feeling a wave of dread wah over me. I stayed still and adapted my breathing to that of an unconscious state. If I didn't move, I wouldn't draw too much more ire to me.

"So, is he ready?" I heard the voice of my squad Sargent.

"Yes, he is," came the voice of Echo Squad's sergeant.

"Good to know that my experience as a masseuse came in handy. Who'd have thought, eh?"

"Yes, now we can make him pay."

The giggle that followed made me want to dig a hole and bury myself in it.

"Well let's wake her up, shall we?"

I could literally feel the smirk that only promised pain, to my person specifically. And did they just say 'she'. Then pain in my groin hit me. I stayed motionless.

"He's not waking up," said Echo's Sergeant.

"Well then hit him again. Harder."

I steeled myself for pain. And it came, hard.

"He's still not waking up."

I heard the annoyed breath, and the menacing glare directed at my privates.

"Well, let me give it a try. Wake up, my little ray of sunshine!"

And with that wonderful call I felt myself jolting into the air and crumbling to the floor. The blasted b… woman had just curb stomped my genitals. She was going to pay in training. I slowly got up my eyes trained on the two misfits that were manhandling my groin. While I was glaring, I noticed that the two were trying their best to keep their faces straight. With growing dread, I looked down at myself. I froze. I was wearing a turquoise Quipao blouse with golden trimmings along with turquoise pants. And from the way my stomach was compressed and the difficulty I was having with taking deep breaths, I could only conclude that I was wearing a corset. I sighed and looked for a mirror or other reflecting object. Luckily there was a mirror right next to me. I looked at myself and froze once more and sighed. Well on the bright side, my makeup had rarely been as good. Sighing once again, I looked at the two sergeants.

"I suppose you'd have me parade around town like this and humiliate me in front of the rest of the platoon?" I asked.

"Oh no… Whatever gave you that idea? No we're going to humiliate you even more."

The grin that came over their faces was absolutely terrifying.

"We're going to bring you to the capital. The Lieutenants Su, Wang and Wing have Lieutenant Tai Lung under wraps and our vacation got extended to two weeks. On top of that the Emperor has asked the Jade Palace, as well as the Ladies of the Shade, to come and view a mock mission."

I tensed, Tigress was coming here. Oh I was so going to have it. And after that I was going to make the entire platoon make rounds through the pit for a week, with live fire. And after that I was going to brutally mutilate, I mean spar with them. These… Soldiers were going to regret this. I was proud to be the target of such a greatly executed plan. It was exactly the kind of plan that an Elite Spec Ops unit would operate. But none the less, I was still in a bit off a pinch. Sighing again, I decided to play along, after all what were forced alternate personalities good for. With Búmìng, Tiger, and Ghost personalities, being all male, I was in need of a female counter part. I sighed, looked like I had to use her again.

"Well how delightful. And how very thoughtful of you to invite me to a vacation with you in the capital. I can't wait to experience all the pampering those royals get. And do you two darlings have any friends who want to accompany us on this wonderful vacation?"

As expected Guan-yin was something they did not expect. And as such, I now could turn this into an advantage. However, I had underestimated the amount of planning gone into this plan. As they immediately reestablished control and steered the situation into path again. Clearly, this was meticulously planned, over than on a whim. Bonus points for preparation.

"Why of course," Echo's sergeant said with the same enthusiasm I was showing.

"The entire female portion of our platoon is coming, with the exception of our Lieutenants. You don't even know how long we have been looking forward to a vacation like this for weeks…"

"I see…" I responded with the same smile.

"So when are we leaving, dearies?"

"We'll be leaving right now."

And so we made our way to the capital. I felt defeated, however my pride was nothing in comparison to the eminent death looming over my head if Tigress ever found me in this situation. Worse even, if Monkey or Mantis found out, I'd never be able to live it down. So as we walked through the countryside, I decided to gather as much information as possible, hoping to catch a way to escape this devastating minefield. With the cheerful banter going on we barely noticed our journey had ended at the capitols gates. Seeing them the group stopped the chatter and entered the village. If I'd hazard a guess, it was your typical female holiday. Visiting spas, shopping, eating out and the likes. What I was very grateful for was that they also allowed me to stay in plan with my training and actually joined me. The first week was splendid. No drama, I gained insight on the group.

On day nine my deepest dreads came true. I was walking along with some of the Bravo girls along the shops at the palace when I saw the Five, Shifu, Fei, Tip and the Ladies of the Shade walking towards it. I was doomed. Doing the only logical thing in that situation, I discreetly made my way to the stalls further away from the palace. Unfortunately Tip had already seen me and was moving to intercept. I taught that little fox too well for my own good.

I turned into an alley and waited. The fox did the right thing, scouting the alley with a brief look inside while passing and then turn to the wall. Slowly inch yourself back to the opening and take in a deep breath. Discern the scents, find your target and drop low. Then move in, quick and quiet. The kit was doing everything exactly as I taught him, using all of his senses, he allowed himself no unnecessary movements. The problem though with going up against a teacher was that the teacher knew the book and knew most of the times what the student could do. So the advantage was clearly with me.

I had moved to the very back and jumped up to the roofs, once the kit had entered I dropped down on top of him. In moments he was disabled. After a few brief moments off struggle Tip relaxed.

"Well hello there, sweetie," I said with mock surprise.

"It's not very polite to sneak up on people. What do you want little one?"

"It's nice to see you again too, Stripes," the kit said calmly.

"I wonder how Tigress would feel seeing you in this wonderful get up."

I froze. Dammit, he had me. I was too cocky and he had me at his mercy in an instant. I had trained him far too well.

"Maybe she'll like it, have you dress up like that all the time. Or maybe she'll unman you completely? It's hard to say, with her temper."

I was doomed, so doomed. One word from Tip and I was so doomed it wasn't even funny anymore. And this comes from a man who was laughing like a lunatic hill boarding down a lava spewing volcano.

"Alright then, little one. What would you have me do, to keep your silence?"

I could feel his grin. I was going to regret it, I knew, but it had to be better than to get mauled by Tigress.

"Easy, you have to show Tigress this side of your personality."

The smug tone he had was making me want to break his neck right there.

"So instead of throwing me over the proverbial cliff, you're making me do so myself. Is that it? A clean conscience?"

"Not at all, I just want to see how good you are, seeing as you are a master in infiltration, this should be an easy task for you, should it not?"

"Filling my ego with compliments, will not get you anywhere, but a quick meeting with my blade."

"I never said, you have to show her, all I said is show her. If she realizes it's you or not is entirely up to you. I don't care either way."

I sighed. I knew I had lost and I really couldn't bring myself to kill him. I had saved him from death, and I'd be dammed if I brought him there now.

"Fine. I'll need to do some preparations, I'll meet you here tomorrow."

With that I let him go and rejoined my unit via the back alley. I met up with them in a café and told them of my plight. Needless to say they were all for my idea and were laughing heartedly. At least they agreed to help me out. On the bright side, it seemed my teachings of squad unity were taking a hold.

With Tigress

Her peaceful slumber was halted by the sound of soft grunts. Tigress got up and saw the little kit, Tip, her love had brought to the palace. It was amazing to see. In the few short months that Tip had been with Búmìng, he had already adopted his rigorous training regime. The boy was hanging from a beam, pulling himself up and then shifting side to side. He was developing nicely, but was investing too much time amongst the scrolls of Búmìng's charts of killing. She knew the reason why he had sent him along, and as long as the boy refrained from killing she didn't mind. He noticed her watching and dropped down to both knees bowing with the head on the floor.

"Master Tigress, I apologize for being so loud, I did not mean to wake you," the fox said.

He even has the subservient nature of a soldier. Búmìng was making too good of an impression on the boy.

"Don't worry, it is quite alright. How long have you been up?" she asked with a smile.

"Since the first light of dawn."

"I see my mate has rubbed off a lot on you, but please, do stand up."

"I'd rather not. I wouldn't want to disrespect you by looking at you, not whilst in your current state of dress."

Tigress fought the urge to hit herself over the head, she was still in her night wear. She went back to her chambers and got dressed. A little later Fei came racing to the table.

"So what are we doing today, mother?" she asked with a smile.

"I don't know, Fei?" she answered.

"I haven't heard from Búmìng's post yet, so I guess we could explore the capital a bit."

"Before I forget, Mater Tigress," Tip said, pushing over a scroll.

"This was sent by Master Tai Lung."

Tigress looked it over and smiled.

"Well it seems that we will be able to visit Búmìng by the end of next week. He'll even come and escort us himself. So with that matter settled, shall we head into the city then? Tip did you get the information I asked for?"

"Yes, Master Tigress. For this morning there are several events all throughout the city. There is a noble son's birthday festivities, a weapons demonstration, a city wide banner hunt, as well as a demonstration of armors."

"That is quite a selection. Búmìng did always praise your ability to gather information. Where would you like to go?"

"That is entirely up to Fei."

Just like Búmìng, leaving matters of domestics to her, but when it came to fight, he took charge like no other. And this kit was becoming more like him each day.

"Well then Fei. Where do you want to go?"

"I would like to go to the weapons demonstration, mother. I'd like to see if the is a sword out there that could match papa's."

And of course her little girl absolutely adored her papa.

"Then let us leave. Tip, can you lead the way?"

And so a long morning began. Fei was gushing over every blade they saw. Tigress made a note to have Búmìng make her a weapon and teach her in its use. As the demonstration ended she was starting to get hungry. The left the square and headed towards the market district.

"Tip, you've been all over this city, are there any establishment that can satiate our appetites?"

"Yes there is a wonderful restaurant just on the other side of the main market square. From what I heard, the food is delivered to the emperor's banquets."

Tip led them through the streets to a quaint little restaurant. From what Tigress could gather on first glance all the waitresses were dressed in uniforms. Each waitress seemed to have a set of three tables she served. Right now all but one of the waitresses were busy, she was fairly large, but seemed unsure of herself. But seeing how children were when it came to differences, it was easy to understand her meek demeanor. They approached the table and the waitress, a tigress, greeted them.

"Welcome to the Gentle Dragon. Please have a seat. My name is Guan-yin and I will be your waitress today," the tigress said with a smile.

"Would you like our standard menu or would you like me to bring you the family menu?"

Tigress smiled, she was definitely getting more than she expected. The waitress was kind and thought ahead. It was a welcome change to the Jade Palace.

"We'll take the family menu, please."

"At once."

The waitress walked off. Tip and Fei were talking excitedly. Tigress sighed. She was starting to miss Búmìng. A minute later the Guan-yin returned with a folded parchment.

"Here you go," she said with a smile.

Tigress looked at the different meals. The selection was plentiful. The waitress seemed to notice her situation.

"If you are having difficulties to decide there are a number of dishes I would be happy to recommend to you. One of my personal favorites is the Fried Rice and Vegetable Platter or if you desire something chewier, I recommend the Fried Noodle, Vegetable and Tofu Platter."

Tigress thought about the two options and found them in the menu. She looked at the two children and asked them for their preference. The two were basically bouncing in excitement at the thought of noodles.

"We'll take that noodle platen please."

"An excellent choice. Would you like me to bring you some refreshments while you wait for your food?"

"Yes please. Are there any you would recommend?"

"Yes, we have a very pleasant Chai Tea. It is quite strong and reenergizing."

The two children shuddered.

"We also have wild berry tea. It is sweet and fruity."

"We'll have those, thank you."

The waitress nodded and left. A couple of minutes later the tea was brought with an estimate for the food. It took another ten minutes for the food to arrive. They dug in and were amazed by the taste. They ate their food, discussing what to do in the next few days. During their eating, their waitress was called to the entrance by a guard with a poster. Tigress watched as she hung it up in a place where it could be seen. It was a notification for Búmìng's unit, aptly named Ghosts' Shadows.

After they were done the waitress took their dishes and let them pay. Tip had suggested that the go and see the second demonstrations of the armors, which was a nice experience. At the end of the day the three of them walked back to their rooms in the palace.

With Búmìng

I sighed for the umpteenth time since the midday rush. My shift had ended five hours ago and now I was currently enjoy a hot bath in a bath house. I was seriously regretting my day. I knew Tip had noticed me, even if it took some time. Luckily he kept quiet. Fei and Tigress seemed to have been oblivious to the entire situation. And now that things were finally starting to roll, he finally had a reason to cut this vacation short.

They were expected to demonstrate a few maneuvers in a public arena. These maneuvers had to be drilled and with that I was let free two days later. I swore to myself, these girls were going to pay dearly. As for Tip, as soon as I got the chance I was going to ki… no, tortu… no test his abilities. The rascal was going to wish he had been more open to negotiation. But for now, I got to relieve some stress by drilling my platoon.

A/N:

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