Disclaimer: Song credits: Iridescent by Linkin Park
The Berserker Saga reading order:
Daddy-Daughter Issues – One-Shot – Shifu and Tigress have a discussion on the events of KFP2… (Completed)
A Completed Collection – One-Shot – Tigress notices something missing from Po's action figure collection… (Completed)
Father's Day – Two-Parter – Mr. Ping helps teach Shifu to be a better adopted father for Tigress while Tigress goes to Po for help with a gift for Shifu… (completed)
Confidence and Courage – multi-chapter – A horrible "accident" shakes Po's confidence in himself and his Kung Fu… (In progress)
Today is a Gift – multi-chapter – An ancient artifact sends Tigress on an amazing yet horrifying adventure…
Mist of Pandaria - multi-chapter - The Heroes of the Jade Palace receive a call for help that will lead to Po learning far more of his history than he ever thought possible…
The Claws of the Berserker – multi-chapter – The Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five face their greatest enemy yet, a monster, a Berserker that does not want power, wealth, or rule, but to watch all of China burn… and why is Master Shifu determined to keep Tigress out of the fight?
After the Storm – multi-chapter – the Masters of the Jade Palace and the Valley of Peace try to heal the physical and emotional wounds left by the Berserker…
-KFP-
"But the one thing they love more than a hero is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying. In spite of everything you've done for them, eventually they will hate you." - Green Goblin - Spiderman
Prologue…
Viper, Crane, Monkey and Mantis awkwardly made their way through the dormitory of the Jade Palace, somber expressions on their faces. Monkey held the letter from Zeng in his hands, having drawn the short stick in giving the report and interrupting Grandmaster Shifu and Master Tigress.
Viper drooped when they heard soft sighing from Tigress' bedroom door, and Monkey softly knocked on the wooden part of the door. "Enter!" Came Shifu's harsh sounding reply.
The rest of the Furious Five entered Tigress' bedchamber and stared a moment at the sight of the fearsome Master Tigress on her bed. She was seated upright, ears and whispers drooping as she sat, staring at the plush panda Po had discovered in the ruins of his original home village held protectively in her paws and lap. Her eyes were blank of emotion, simply staring at the simple little toy in her arms.
"Master…" Monkey began softly.
"Any signs of him?" Shifu asked, his blue eyes glaring coldly at his students.
"None yet…" Viper said softly, hoping not to disturb her friend further.
"Dumb panda…" Shifu growled, stroking his daughter's back soothingly.
"And… uh… Zeng arrived shortly ago with this," Monkey explained, holding out the scroll.
"This best be important," Shifu snarled, unrolling the scroll. His eyes widened at the report.
"We're going to go back looking for him," Viper informed.
"Yeah, the big guy couldn't have gotten too far, we just gotta figure out which way he went…" Crane nodded.
"We have to…" He paused a moment to glance at Tigress who made no recognition of any of their presence then whispered to the four. "We're going to have to let him go for now. We must prepare to defend the Valley." Shifu got up and walked out of the room with the four. "I will fight alongside you, and should it prove needed we will contact Master Ox and Master Croc for assistance."
"Is the news that bad?" Viper asked.
"I do not know. The eastern defense was defeated; that is all I know for now," Shifu rubbed the bridge above his nose, "But with Po gone we are down in defense capability… and Tigress is in no condition to defend herself let alone the Valley of Peace. If we could find that Stupid Panda and knock sense back into his head…"
"Tried that, didn't work…" Mantis commented, and Viper's tail hit his head.
Shifu sighed and rubbed his face. Hard to believe how quickly things fell apart, it was all fine two weeks ago… then The Incident happened…
-KFP-
When you were standing in the wake of devastation
When you were waiting on the edge of the unknown
And with the cataclysm raining down
Insides crying save me now
You were there impossibly alone…
Do you feel cold and lost in desperation?
You built up hope
But failure's all you've known
Remember all the sadness and frustration…
And let it go…
Let it go!
KUNG FU PANDA: CONFIDENCE AND COURAGE
Chapter 1: Dragon Warrior No More
Two weeks earlier things were as usual at the Jade Palace. Po's 'Inner Peace Mode', as he's come to call it, was still a mystery to Master Shifu and the others. Master Oogway himself was only able to use his inner peace to catch and manipulate a small cup worth of water. This Panda who had only a little over two years under his belt in Kung Fu had miraculously been able to deflect cannon balls as well as attacks from four of the finest students in the Jade Palace at the same time.
They had tested to see if it was a constant thing, but while his skill was good majority of the time, unless he mentally accessed his 'Inner Peace Mode' (patent pending) he was the same old panda. One on one he could hold his own but against the four without the Inner Peace technique… it was bouncing time. Just the fact that Po could turn it on and off astounded Master Shifu. Yes indeed, this Panda was full of surprises. But the aged Master had a surprise of his own this day.
"We doing another test-run of the ol' Inner Peace Mode this morning, Master?" Po asked from the training mat in the training hall. Shifu and Po had both wanted to know and test out this ability. One does not fully trust a technique in battle unless you know the limitations of it.
"Yes, Panda," Shifu said, fighting back the smirk. He had grown to respect and even love the big ball of Kung Fu Lovin' Panda but especially since the friendship began to grow between him and Shifu's adopted daughter, the enjoyment of inflicting pain and punishment on the noodle-cook turned Kung Fu master had returned tenfold.
"So all four, or just Mantis, Viper, Monkey, or Crane?" Po asked, doing some stretches.
"None of the above," Shifu smirked, and snapped his fingers. The door opened and Tigress walked in, swishing her tail behind her.
"Hello, Dragon Warrior," Tigress had an odd predatory smile on her face as she popped her knuckles approaching him.
"Tigress?" Po gulped, seeing her standing across the painted ring, tall and proud.
The others entered for their own training a moment later, but froze when they saw Po and Tigress standing in the ring together. "They're going to spar?" Mantis squeaked.
"Oh, this I gotta see!" Monkey chimed in.
"If anyone can bust that defense…" Viper grinned, "Get him, Tigress!"
"Oh good, an audience," Shifu smirked.
"On Guard!" Shifu yelled, clapping his hands. "Po, find your Inner Peace and prepare."
Po closed his eyes and stood in his stance, searching his mind for images and memories that brought calmness and peace to his very soul. He felt it wash though his spirit on into his body and muscles, into every cell of his being. He had done it several times since the ruins of his home village, and the feeling still amazed him. He felt One with the Universe. "I'm ready…" He said, taking a defensive stance and opening his eyes. That was a mistake.
His eyes met the rushing Tigress' crimson orbs and any calmness and peace suddenly abandoned him. "Oh crap…" He managed to mutter before her rock hard paw slammed right between his eyes, sending him flying into the army of spiked dummies. He bounced like a pinball before being thrown into the combat bowl, on to the upgraded Floor of Fiery Death. He managed to crawl back to the surprised masters.
"Flawless… Victory?" Monkey shrugged.
"BOO! I was expecting him to block at least a couple! C'mon!" Mantis complained.
"Are you ok?" Tigress asked in concern as she helped the cross-eyed Dragon Warrior back to his feet and dusted him off. "If I had known you wouldn't block it, Po, I'd not have hit you so hard!"
"Panda, what happened?" Shifu asked, as the panda slowly regained his senses.
"She knocked the crazy out of me… that's what happened…" Po said groggily.
"I meant with your Inner Peace technique?" Shifu pressed.
"I… I think I have to keep absolute focus on it to keep it going and I…" He glanced again to Tigress's eyes, filled with concern. "I got distracted…" He yelped when Shifu jumped up and thwacked him in the head. "Ow! What was that for?"
"FOCUS!" Shifu snapped, "Try again, Tigress, Panda, at your positions. Panda, regain your focus on your Inner Peace, Tigress… hold back till we see this is going to work… I don't feel like cleaning up a mess today."
"Yes, Master," Po and Tigress bowed to Shifu and returned to a side of the ring. Po closed his eyes and returned to his stance and began digging deeper for memories. Making noodles with his father… Tigress' eyes… being accepted by Master Shifu… Tigress's eyes… becoming friends with his heroes, the Furious Five… Tigress's eyes… "You are free to eat…" "I'm not hungry."… Tigress's big red eyes… "Mei Ren. Mei Ren… it's my name."
Po hadn't even realized he was blocking her attacks till he opened his eyes. He felt the peace slip again, but he was better prepared for it this time. While some of her blows made it in, he was able to block many of them and counter others. It looked like more of a dance than a sparring match. Both masters had hard, focused faces, but their sparkling eyes showed that they loved every moment of their match.
They had both studied each other's styles the most, and because of that they were the best ones to team together in a fight, and the most difficult to fight against. They just knew each other too well, and concidering how she acted when the Panda first arrived in the palace, this shocked Shifu the most.
Po finally made a slip and Tigress moved in, grabbing his arm in a lock. She was just about to leg sweep him when he leaned toward the side of her face and whispered just soft enough to make her ear twitch. "Sassy kitten…"
"Huh?" Tigress' eyes widened and she hesitated just enough for Po to reverse the lock and leg sweep her, sending her to the mat with a thundering thump.
The Five were dead quiet except the 'creak' from Crane's falling lower beak. "Did… Tigress just lose?" Viper asked with wide eyes as Monkey held out his palm to her. "I'll pay you later…" she hissed at him softly.
Tigress blinked as she laid on her back on the mat. "Win goes to Po," She heard Shifu say, and her eye twitched.
"But he cheated…" Tigress growled getting up on all fours, glaring at her friend.
"Do bandits often fight fair, Tigress?" Shifu asked knowingly. "We must keep to our code but always be prepared for the underhand. And you could have easily ignored his flirtation."
"Best two out of three then," Tigress flashed her fangs.
"Huh? Uh oh…" Po tried to back pedal as Tigress rushed him. She did a quick spinning jump kick, hitting his soft belly. Po screamed like a girl as he went flying through the far wall.
Tigress stood with one foot in the Po-sized hole in the wall and humphed. "TKO. I win." She snorted, turned and walked away.
"Life lesson, Panda," Shifu jumped through the hole into the long unused office. "Catch a tiger by the toe, and she'll kick your teeth out… you ok?"
"What's this, Master?" Po asked holding a painting. "I recognize you Master Flying Rhino and Grandmaster Viper, but who are the two tigers?" He asked, pointing to the orange and black-striped tiger standing off side of the group, and to the white tiger with the young Shifu standing in her arms. "She looks like Tigress… only not orange…"
"THAT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!" Shifu grabbed the painting away from him.
Po looked apologetic, but before he could say anything else, Shifu pointed to the hole in the wall. "Back to training. NOW!"
"Yes, Master, sorry, Master!" Po bowed as he clumsily climbed through the hole.
Shifu scowled after him before glancing to the panting, tracing the picture of the white tigress with a sad expression on his face. "I thought I got rid of all your pictures, Lynn…" He whispered, bringing his hands to either side of the picture. He tried to rip it, he did… but instead just hugged it to his chest.
-KFP-
After a short while, the Furious Five and Po's training was interrupted by an exhausted messenger with news of a bandit attack on a nearby village. The team sprang into action rushing to the village.
"You're not still mad at me, are you?" Po asked as he struggled to keep pace beside the still ridged Tigress.
"I'm fine," Tigress gave a low growl, not glancing his way.
"C'mon, we don't need to go into a fight mad at each other…" Po tried to reason, "We work better when you're not looking at me like you could claw my face off…"
"I told you that I am fine," Tigress snarled and after a moment of silence. "Sassy? Sassy Kitten? Really?" She asked, glaring at him.
"Well… you can be sassy, Mei…" Po shrugged.
She grunted, sending Po an irritated look. "See? I rest my case…" He said before coming to a complete stop as something caught his eye. "It can't be…" He said, seeing a tall, powerful, and familiar figure standing on a jagged cliff overhead.
"What's wrong, Po?" Viper asked as the Five stopped with the Dragon Warrior.
"No one can survive the Wuxi Finger Hold, right?" Po asked looking up at the now vacant cliff.
"As far as I know…" Mantis said, shrugging.
"None of you guys see anything up on that cliff? Crane, anything from above?" Po asked.
They all shook their heads and Tigress growled softly, "Head in the game, Po," She said dropping to all fours and continuing toward the village.
"You heard the lady," Po said, "Let's bring the thunder!"
Bandits all glanced up as Po and the Five rushed into the village square. "It's time, Shen, do as you've been instructed…" the dark-armored tiger said from the shadows, "succeed for me, and you will be a Lord once again."
"Yes, Master," Shen bowed as the Berserker turned his attention to the fight beginning below them. A smile formed on his hidden face as he focused on Tigress and Po fighting back to back.
"Have we already taken down the good bandits? Cause these guys are like scraping the bottom of the barrel…" Po said as he easily blocked an attack and countered.
"Never underestimate your enemy, Po," Tigress replied, doing a fierce combo attack on a croc.
"And what's a good bandit?" Mantis asked, flying between the two Kung Fu Masters to knock out another thug.
"You fools!" One heavier armored croc snapped at his fallen comrades.
"Think that's the Boss Croc," Monkey thumbed toward him. "Do the honors, Po?"
"Panda Style!" Po cried, rushing the croc, "BELLY OF DOOM!" He said jumping and forcing his oversized stomach out to slam into the croc, sending him flying into a nearby wall.
"Whoa, didn't think I hit him that hard…" Po said as the entire stone wall collapsed. "Awesome, but unexpected…" He said and the Furious Five glanced at each other in confusion, they jumped back into defensive stance when some rushed out.
"MY SON!" a rabbit cried running toward the fallen structure. "MY SON! HE ALWAYS LIKED TO PLAY AND HIDE IN THERE! MY SON! MY SON!"
"Uh oh…" Po said as a sick feeling washed through him. He and the Five dove into the rubble and started digging.
"What's your son's name?" Tigress asked as she lifted a large chunk of rubble.
"Bao… he's my only son!" the Rabbit cried, digging for all his little body was worth.
"Bao, hang on! We'll find you," Tigress yelled into the rubble.
Po lifted a large chunk of rubble and dropped to his knees. "No… oh no, no, no nononononono…" He muttered.
"Po?" Tigress asked as all eyes turned to the Dragon Warrior, who with a lost and broken face lifted a small, bloodied body from the rubble.
"I… I…" Po muttered, holding the lifeless body in his arms.
"My son…" the bunny's father numbly stepped toward Po as the Five moved to the Dragon Warrior's side.
"I… I didn't know he was there… it was… I didn't mean to… it was… it was an accident…" Po muttered, holding the body like it was the most precious thing in China.
"You killed him… YOU KILLED MY SON!" The father cried in hysteria.
"No… No I didn't… I mean… I didn't mean to… it was an accident… I…" Po rambled, fear and disgrace shining in his tear-filled eyes.
"Po…" Tigress and the others tried to console him and the boy's father, but villagers started leaving their safe homes all looking angry and upset toward the Dragon Warrior. She was quickly pushed away from him but fought against the waves of angry villagers to try to get to her friend. "PO!"
"Child killer!"
"You're supposed to protect us!"
"Bao was your biggest fan!"
"Murderer!"
"MONSTER!"
Mumbles and angry outcries filled as a lynch mob began to form around Po.
The Five were quickly pushed back by the mob, as two pigs slammed two staffs into the bends of Po's legs making him drop to his knees.
"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Tigress roared as she, Mantis, and Crane prepared to jump to his defense. "HE WAS FIGHTING TO PROTECT YOU! WOULD YOU RATHER HE LET THE BANDITS KILL YOU ALL?" She roared, as Viper and Monkey tried to hold the three back.
"A boy was killed and like it or not it was Po's attack that caused it," Monkey explained, making himself not watch them wrap the submitting panda in chains.
"He has to have a fair trial with the village elders," Viper said, trying to sooth her friend, "If it isn't fair, we'll strike but we have to follow the laws we defend, or else we'd be no better than the bandits we fight… Tigress, are you listening to me?"
"Po…" Tigress' eyes never left the Panda who was dragged to the ground by the villagers. "You'll hurt him!" Tigress snapped, pushing past the crowd, "He's not even fighting you! HE'S THE DRAGON WARRIOR! If you won't give him your respect, at least grant him his dignity!" She said, standing protectively over Po with her claws and fangs bared.
"Crane, go fetch Master Shifu, NOW," Viper instructed, worry filling her eyes and voice.
"On it," Crane replied, taking to the air.
"Please hurry…" Viper whispered.
-KFP-
Master Shifu made it to the village in record time, and wasted no time finding where the Furious Five had been given lodging. They were allowed to return to the Jade Palace but Shifu was not surprised in the slightest that they refused to leave Po. "Master!" Mantis, Viper and Monkey bowed as he and Crane entered the large hut. "Where are they keeping the Dragon Warrior?" Shifu asked, glancing around the group.
"In a cell under the elder's hut," Viper replied, and when she noticed him glancing around. "Do you expect her to be anywhere else but as close as she can be to him?"
"Loyalty is one of Tigress' greatest strengths and weaknesses," Shifu nodded, "You four remain here, I will see what I can find out…" Shifu bowed and exited the hut.
Shifu walked across the village square and saw his daughter huddled beside a door leading below the village elder's hut. He gingerly approached her and went to one knee before her. "Mei Ren?" Shifu asked softly.
"Master?" Tigress opened her eyes and surprise, and tried to stand and bow, but Shifu caught her by the arms and held her down.
"I'm not your master right now, Mei Ren…" Shifu replied softly.
"They won't let me see him, Baba…" She whispered in angst, glancing to the locked doorway.
"Tell me what happened?" Shifu said softly, taking her paw in both his.
Tigress glanced away for a moment before reciting the events of the battle in detail from start to finish in a monotone voice. But the resolve and strength began to shake as she came close to the end. "They forced him to the ground and… and called him… called him a… Monster…" Her eyes turned to him with raw hatred. "How dare they even think of him as one…" She looked down at her trembling paws, claws extended, "If there's anyone among us a monster it's…"
"Master Tigress," Shifu said harshly, causing her to snap to attention, "We have been through this many times. You are not a Monster. Neither is Po for that matter. There was a child harmed and the people are angry."
She bowed her head but didn't acknowledge his statement. "I'll go speak with the elder," Shifu stood up, "Stay focused, and remain on guard. I know the Panda and if anyone came to seek vengeance he's likely to just allow it. Protect him till he stands trial."
"Yes Master…" She ducked her head, but glanced back, and Shifu was taken aback by the feral look in her eyes. "But if they condemn him in this 'trial', they will have to go through me to harm him."
"It won't come to that…" Shifu said, praying that it wouldn't.
The aged Grand Master entered the Elder's hut and found an old pig, rabbit, and sheep seated at a table dining. "Grand Master Shifu! What do we owe the honor?" The Sheep asked grinning.
"Honorable Elders, I believe you know exactly why I have made an appearance here," Shifu said, bowing humbly.
"Ah, yes, the so-called Dragon Warrior," the Pig snorted, wiping his mouth.
"Today was proof of Oogway's degraded mind and your over-exaggerated reputation as a teacher," the rabbit nodded, straining to reach for a carrot without leaving his seat.
"The Dragon Warrior singlehandedly defeated not only Tai Lung but also Lord Shen," Shifu replied, struggling to contain his anger.
"No one was there to witness the defeat of Tai Lung, and only you and the so-called Master Tigress witnessed the actual defeat of Lord Shen," The pig snorted, waving his hand, "Granted we have heard of others seeing the light show the Panda put on in Gongmen Bay, but you Kung Fu Masters are known for your slight of hand and tricks."
"I am certain you know that this was purely an accidental death of the child," Shifu said, being as diplomatic as he could, concidering how much he wanted the Kung-Fu-Chop them all in the face. "The Dragon Warrior Po Ping is the most peace-loving of my students. I am certain he is in his cell now punishing himself far worse than any of you could. I ask of you if you deem he does deserve punishment, grant that to me. He is not a member of your village but a resident of the Jade Palace and Village, which is under my jurisdiction."
"Hmm, we do see your situation and we do feel for you, we really do…" The sheep said, leaning over the table, giving Shifu a tight smile.
"We recently have fallen on some hard times, you see?" the pig smiled toothily, "We have traded with the Jade Village for some time, but since we haven't had enough produce to trade, our supplies have been cut off… it's caused such hard times… such hard times…"
"We would be more than willing to let this whole nasty matter go…" the Bunny leaned forward, "If you would grant us some leeway… as in free produce and vegetables for, maybe four seasons?"
"Our farmers are struggling as much as yours; you can't expect us to just give away our produce…" Shifu gapped.
"Suit yourself, Grand Master, but should the Dragon Warrior be convicted of manslaughter, the least of his punishment will be imprisonment and manual labor for… four seasons," The pig shrugged, "and you and your Furious Five would not be allowed visitation at any time. Nor can we truly guarantee his safety… Bao was much loved… that is if he isn't sentenced to death."
Shifu was quiet as he mused over his options. "And Master Tigress is your adopted daughter, is she not, Grand Master?" the Rabbit asked, "from her reaction to the Dragon Warrior's … situation, they are quite close… you wouldn't want her to lose a friend if you could help it, would you?"
"We have some villagers from the same orphanage she attended and recall her… history, she doesn't have that many friends, does she?" the Pig asked.
Shifu clinched his fists. "You will leave Master Tigress, and the other members of the Furious Five out of this," Shifu growled, glaring daggers at the Elders.
"So what will it be, Grand Master," the Pig sat back, "We go ahead with the trial, or we cut a trade agreement and you take your pet panda home tonight?"
Shifu glanced around, concidering his options. "Two season deal," Shifu growled lowly.
"Three, take or leave," The Pig crossed his arms.
"Two and a half, and coupons for Mr. Ping's delivery," Shifu pulled out a hand full of red slips of paper.
The three elders whispered among themselves before turning back to the Grand Master. "We have reached an agreement. Take your so-called Dragon Warrior and leave, Grand Master. It's been a pleasure doing business." The pig said, tossing Shifu the key to Po's cell.
"I… thank you for your… generosity…" Shifu said through gritted teeth. He walked out of the hut and wasn't surprised to find the Furious Five waiting impatiently.
"Next time there's a bandit attack here, it will have to be a major attack and a threat to the rest of the Valley before we return here," Shifu grunted, glaring over his shoulder at the closing door. "Let's go home…" he glanced up at the five confused set of eyes. He held up the key and smiled softly. "All of us."
The six Kung Fu warriors walked through the side entry of the Elders' Hut and found a single bunny guard in the dark, dreary basement. "Po?" Shifu asked as he motioned the guard away and unlocked the cell door. Po remained seated on the floor, head bowed and eyes closed. "Panda?"
"I'm sorry, Master," Po whispered softly, not looking up at his friends. "I failed… I failed big time…"
"Po, no one is perfect, not even after years of mastery, mistakes and missteps are a part of Kung Fu," Shifu said, placing a hand on Po's shoulder, "The important thing is you did everything you could, and what happened was beyond your avoidance. You did everything you could, Panda."
"Po, there was nothing you could have done to save him," Tigress said, getting down on her knees and making him look at her.
They kept eye contact for a few moments before Po rolled his eyes away. "Sure… whatever you say, Tigress…"
"Come on, Panda," Shifu said, rubbing his arm, "Let's go home…"
The walk back to the Valley of Peace was silent and awkward. Everyone's eyes kept darting to Po and away, uncertain what to say or do to the obviously depressed panda. Only one who refused to take their eyes off him was Tigress who remained close to his side every step of the way.
Once they reached the Jade Palace they entered the kitchen/dorm building. "I'll cook some Secret Ingredient Soup," Tigress offered, "How many bowls would you like, Po? I know they didn't feed you…"
"Thanks but no thanks," Po gave a smile that didn't even come close to his eyes, "I think I'll just go ahead and hit the sack… Really not hungry…"
Tigress and the other watched after him with pity and concern on their faces. "What can we do, Master?" she asked softly.
"Just be there if he needs us," Shifu said softly, leaning on Oogway's staff. "Beyond that, this is a fight the Dragon Warrior must face on his own…" He glanced at the Furious Five, "We will not start training till mid day tomorrow, you've all have had a stressful day and deserve a time of rest and meditation. We will meet and begin training after lunch."
-KFP-
Do you feel cold and lost in desperation
you build up hope, but failure's all you've known…
remember all the sadness and frustration…
and let it go, let it go…
-KFP-
Concern was becoming well known among the Furious Five as the days past after what had come to be called "The Incident". Po returned to training two days after Bao's death, but he refused to spar with any of them. He would constantly go through the movements of his Inner Peace technique, but would always end with him dropping his arms, shaking his head and trying again.
It worried and scared all of the Five, even Tigress. In the week since Wu Fei Village, Po never talked, seldom ate (when he did it was very little), and only responded if specifically spoken to. They all tried to bait him into his 'fan-boy' excitement when one of them would do an outstanding mood, asking Po if that was awesome or not. The response was always, 'yeah, guess so…', yes it was starting to scare even Tigress.
Master Shifu had remained silent for the whole week, observing the Panda closely. Then finally, on the evening of eighty day since 'The Incident' Shifu spoke up. The Five were winding down their training and Po was still going through his motions when Shifu stomped Oogway's staff into the floor, the usual call for attention. "PANDA!" Shifu called, "You've gone a week without sparing, before we end for the day, you will face Master Viper," Shifu ordered.
The five looked at each other in concern and Po ducked his head and nodded, and it seemed like he began to tremble. "Let us all make our way to the courtyard," Shifu ordered, turning and walking out of the Training Hall.
Let it go…
"Jai Li…" Tigress whispered softly as she walked out beside Viper.
"I'll be gentle," Viper whispered back, "But, Master Shifu is right… Po has to get back in the saddle sometime…"
Let it go…
"Masters at the Ready!" Shifu clapped his hands as Po and Viper stood in the same positions as they did back when Po first arrived there. Oddly to her, she felt just as wrong doing it here as she did then.
"Are you ready, Brother?" Viper asked, echoing her memory. To her, calling him 'Brother' seemed so much truer now than it did then.
Let it go…
Po took a fighting stance and nodded. Shifu snapped his fingers and the two Masters moved toward each other. Po made the first move focusing his eyes on Viper as he threw a punch, but hesitated as his reptilian friend quickly morphed in his vision to a bloodied, broken little bunny child. Viper's tail lashed across his face sending him to the ground hard.
LET IT GO
"Po!" Tigress called and started to move to the Panda, but Shifu's staff stopped her for a moment, the look on Po's face stopped her full out. In the time she'd known the Dragon Warrior she'd seen many expressions on his face… in his eyes… She'd never seen this expression before.
When you were standing in the wake of devastation
"He looks… defeated…" Monkey noted softly as they all watched on in concern.
"Brother! Are you ok? I thought you were ready?" Viper said, quickly moving to the panda's side.
When you were waiting on the edge of the Unknown
"Po, are you ok?" Po simply moved his face to hide it in the dirt from his friends, as his shoulders began to tremble. "Are you hurt?
And with the cataclysm raining down
Insides crying "Save me now!"
Then Po said something just loud enough for them all to hear. All of the Five gasped and held their breath in shock and Shifu closed his eyes and bowed his head sadly.
You were there impossibly alone…
"I quit."
"What?" Viper asked, the first to regain her voice from the shock as Po pulled himself back to his feet, and quickly turned his back and started to walk away.
Do you feel cold and lost in desperation?
"Po! No! Don't please!" Viper begged following close behind as the rest of Five rushed to them. "It was an accident! You can't let it rule you!"
Po turned quickly, and the tears flowing from his emerald eyes caused them all to freeze a moment. "None of you get it, I can't… I can't do it…"
You build up hope, but failure's all you've known
"I can't do it… every time I try I… I just see him… every time I close my eyes… I try to focus… he's there… he's always there…" Po said, his body trembling violently in sadness.
"You're not alone, Po," Monkey said, "You're one of us…"
"Am I?" Po said, his voice turning icy.
Remember all the sadness and frustration
"I'm not the Dragon Warrior, I'm just a fluke," Po shook his head, then in an angry voice quoted: "And the Dragon Warrior fell out of the sky in a ball of fire! And when he walks the GROUND SHAKES! You know one would think Master Oogway would have picked someone who knew Kung Fu or could even touch his toes… or… wait, EVEN SEE HIS TOES!"
Let it go…
The five visibly back pedaled at his words. "You… heard all that?" Mantis asked, all of their faces filled with shame.
"Even after all that… you guys… you guys became my family… and… I really do love you guys… I do… that's why I have to quit…" Po shook his head, "Last week was a kid from the village killed because of my sucking… who's next? Another kid? A mother? Father? A whole family? One of you?"
"You won't hurt them," Tigress step up, her emotionless face and eyes hard as she focused on Po, "And you can't hurt me."
"I'm a disgrace to Kung Fu, Tigress," Po replied, turning away again. "If I had any respect for who you are… and what you do… I'll be gone by morning."
"You can't hurt me!" Tigress called after him, taking a fighting stance, "Fight me!" She commanded but he kept walking. "I SAID FIGHT ME! YOU CAN'T HURT ME! PO! FIGHT ME!"
Po closed the Training Ground's Gate behind him.
Let it go…
-KFP-
The Gong sounded the next morning, and the Five for the first time in their years at the Jade Palace were hesitant to leave their rooms. "Good Morning, Master!" they chimed as Shifu stood at the front of the hallway. It wasn't unusual for Po's door to remain closed at the morning call, but something was eerily wrong this morning. Shifu quietly padded past the first four of his students, who fell in step behind him. Tigress didn't even really acknowledge him, her eyes remained focused on the door across from her dorm.
Shifu even seemed to hesitate a moment as he reached for the door. Slowly he opened the door and he entered, and only Tigress was brave enough to follow behind. "And he has gone…" Shifu said noting only Dragon Scroll on the bed and the case with his action figures and the stuff panda remained. Shifu stood by the bed, bowing his head sadly, lifting the abandoned Dragon Scroll, while Tigress walked to the action figure case. She touched it and noticed that the Furious Five figures were still in there but the Po figurine she made him was now in the floor under the case. She reached up and took the stuffed panda doll in her hand and held it as if it was a child.
She stared at it for several moments. Give him his space Shifu had said. This was a battle the Dragon Warrior must face alone Shifu had said. Her paws tightened on the doll. She had listened to him. She gave him the space Shifu instructed her to. Look where it had gotten them. A snarl escaped her throat, as she turned and ran from the room, knocking the rest of the Five down as she barreled through the hall. She knew where he had to be. And he would not face this alone anymore. He was coming home if she had to drag his fat butt up the stairs kicking and screaming.
With the doll still tight in her hand she ran has hard as she could leaping down stairs five and ten at a time.
And in the burst of light that blinded every angel
Villagers ducked and jumped out of the way as Tigress ran full speed through the village streets. Some muttered angry words and curses as she knocked them out of her way.
As if the sky had blown the heavens into stars
She roared into the 'Dragon Warrior Noodle and Tofu Shop' growling loudly. "Master Tigress?" Mr. Ping asked from the booth.
You felt the gravity of temper grace
"Where is he?" Tigress growled out.
"Who are you looking for?" Mr. Ping asked as she stormed into the kitchen, looking around determinedly. "Are you looking for my Po? I haven't seen him…"
Falling into empty space
She stormed up the stairs, the stuffed panda still clenched in her paw. "PO!" Tigress called angrily as she stomped toward his old bedroom. "I KNOW YOU'RE HERE!"
She kicked open the door. "I WON'T LET YOU…" her voice softened drastically as she found the room completely empty, "…run… away…" She glanced around with a numb and fearful look on her face as her whiskers and ears lowered drastically. "Po?"
"Tigress?" Ping asked fearfully. "I… I haven't seen him in over a week…"
No one there…
Tigress glanced down at Ping, then at the shocked Pig in the house across from Po's window. She looked around as a numbing pain and fear flowed through her veins. "Po… Where's… Where's Po? Where'd he go? Po? Po, Where are you?"
…To catch you in their arms…
TO BE CONTINUED…
NEXT TIME ON Kung Fu Panda: Confidence and Courage
Po backed away fearfully when he saw the face behind the cloak. "You… no… you can't be here… you can't be alive…"
The cloaked figure responded in a crisp regal accent, "The rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated…"
Chapter 2: Lord Shen Strikes Back