Grov looks at Sifu with an uneasy expression.
Grov (hesitant):
"We found him outside the city… unconscious and wounded."
Sifu's eyes flare with anger as he snaps back:
Sifu (angrily):
"Do you realize how dangerous what you've done is?"
Grov glares in return, his voice sharp with defiance.
Grov:
"Even if it is dangerous, I would never leave someone to die helpless on the ground. Do you understand… you stubborn, twisted old turtle?"
Sifu's expression darkens further, his tone rising.
Sifu (furious):
"And you're just an old owl who acts on every reckless whim that enters his head!"
The two begin to argue heatedly—
until suddenly, something slips from the eagle's hand.
A golden cylinder drops to the floor, rolling across the stone and coming to rest at Sifu's feet.
Sifu bends down, picks it up, and slowly unrolls it.
Inside the cylinder lies one quarter of a map—
in truth, half of a complete parchment.
Upon the map, a mountain is drawn, with a lake resting at its base, and above the peak a radiant sun.
Strange letters are etched across the surface—written in ancient Greek.
Sifu (frowning):
"I can't understand what this says… I can't read this strange language."
Grov takes the map from his hands, studying it carefully.
Grov (serious):
"For something so valuable that an eagle would nearly die to protect it… this must be important. All the more reason we must keep it safe… and guard it well."
He hands the map back to Sifu
doctors step closer to Grov and Sifu.
Doctor 1 (gravely):
"His wounds… they were caused by gunfire. Whoever did this must have carried immense hatred to fire so many bullets into him."
Doctor 2 (anxiously):
"We tried to remove the bullets from his body, but his condition still remains critical."
Sifu turns to Grov, his expression grim.
Sifu:
"If they shot him to kill… then whoever they are, they'll come searching. They won't stop until they finish the job."
Grov raises his voice, speaking firmly to everyone in the room.
Grov:
"What matters right now is that no one else learns about this eagle. We must keep him hidden from everyone.
If word spreads that we're sheltering an eagle inside the city… it will throw Rock City into chaos."
Sifu:
"I agree with you, old owl."
With that, he turns and walks out of the chamber, leaving the infirmary.
Inside, Grov turns to the two doctors.
Grov:
"If anything happens, you inform me immediately."
Outside the infirmary, Sifu stands tall with his staff. Grov approaches him.
Grov:
"I did what I felt had to be done—what I thought was right."
Sifu (angrily):
"What you think is right will bring ruin upon this city—and upon us all."
Grov locks eyes with Sifu, his expression firm and resolute.
Grov:
"Whatever has happened… cannot be undone. We're walking a savage road now, one with no return. That's why—
if the city ever finds itself in danger, there is a passage behind the old City Hall. Beneath it lies a tunnel… leading back to the surface."
Sifu clenches his staff, his face twisting with frustration.
Sifu:
"You've planned everything already… you foolish, stubborn old owl!"
Grov lets out a sharp, mocking laugh, before vanishing into the darkness.
Sifu, seething, storms away through a narrow alley.
Up on the rooftop of a nearby house, two small shadows crouch low, watching them. Their whispers cut through the night.
Las (speaking a bit too loudly):
"Did you hear that?"
Eli (hissing):
"Shut up, monkey-boy! If Sifu hears you again, he'll hit you with that staff of his!"
Las (determined):
"They're hiding something inside the infirmary… I want to see what it is."
Eli (rolling her eyes):
"Even if we did sneak in, my parents would throw us out! They don't let anyone inside."
Las (excitedly):
"Hey, Eli—look! Over there, a small opening on the side of the infirmary… I can sneak in through there!"
Eli grabs his arm, pulling him back.
Eli (hissing):
"Are you insane?!"
Las yanks his arm free with force and dashes toward the opening.
Eli runs after him, desperate to stop him.