A Word of Advice

The Golden Harvest Noodle Shop was the best restaurant in the Valley of Peace, and everyone in the Valley came there at one time or another, including the Kung Fu masters from the Jade Palace. At not quite four years old, Po wasn't entirely sure what a Kung Fu master was; all he knew is that he wanted to be nothing else in his life.

And so when the three masters were seated at a table eating, he wandered up to find out what they were talking about. After a moment he realized there were not three, but four - the new one, Mantis, was on the table. Po wasn't allowed to sit on tables, and wondered if the rules were different for Kung Fu masters. Or mantises.

"So once we leave the Valley, it should only take about four days to get there," Master Fox was saying. Po thought she was a very pretty lady, with her bushy, white-tipped tail. Master Gaur was rather more intimidating; he was huge, compared to everyone, not just a three-year-old panda.

"Four days for us," Gaur said, grinning, "but who's going to carry Mantis?"

"Just keep it up, Gaur," answered Mantis, looking annoyed at the chuckles of the others.

Po asked, "Where you going?" They turned to look at him, surprised. "I'll go too!"

Fox broke out in a beaming smile. "Aren't you precious? Where are your parents, sweetie?"

Gaur laughed aloud. "So we have a fifth warrior now? Mantis, I think we've found someone your size for you to spar with!"

Mantis whirled a chopstick like a staff. "Let's go back up to the arena, Gaur, and I'll show you who's my size." He didn't sound amused. Gaur continued to laugh.

Po said, "I can do kung fu. Watch!" He began to shuffle around as fast as he could. Gaur seemed to find that amusing, too.

"Look at that. The kid has some kind of footwork going there. Anyone seen anything like this?"

Po had the feeling he was being laughed at, and he tried harder, circling around behind Gaur's seat and backing around the corner of the table. As he turned, his foot caught the table leg, and he tipped over backward, arms flailing.

A hand caught his shoulder and righted him. "Not bad, but you will need practice."

Po turned to look at the fourth master. He felt foolish, and was starting to sniffle. "But I almost fell over. I fall a lot."

"I'm sure we all did. I'll tell you a secret."

"Here we go," said Mantis, rolling his eyes.

Fox leaned forward, ears perked, huge eyes widening even further. "Oh, this I have to hear."

"Gather round, friends," Gaur laughed. "The great master of kung fu is about to bestow on us the wisdom of the universe. I feel so blessed."

Tai Lung turned a sardonic look on his companions, then turned back to the panda. He said simply, "Keep breathing."

Po looked puzzled. "What?"

"Keep breathing," the snow leopard repeated. "As long as you're still breathing, you're still fighting." The intense golden eyes looked deeply into Po's. "Never give up."

Po stared back. He wasn't entirely certain he understood, but he wasn't entirely certain he didn't understand, either.

Then his father's voice cut through his concentration. "Po! Don't bother the customers!" Ping rushed up to the table. "I am so sorry my son bothered you…"

"Not at all," said Fox. "Is he yours? He's precious!"

"Oh. Yes. Thank you," Ping said, rather vaguely, flustered by her compliments. He focused on his son. "Po, come help me in the kitchen. Let's see if we can find you some lunch." He herded the little panda away from the table.

Behind him, Po heard Gaur say, "Keep breathing? That's all you've got?"

"Do you have something better?" came Tai Lung's smooth voice.

If there was a reply, Po didn't hear it.

I feel I should mention, the review with my name on it came from my son. Glad you enjoyed it, Ryan! ;-D