My first kung fu panda fic. This was the only non-crossover idea I had for this. Enjoy.
A cloaked figure sits in the corner of Mr. Ping's noodle shop. He ignores the suspicious stares aimed at his back. Once he was done he turns to a rabbit family and smiles at them. They quiver at his fangs, his markings to be a tiger's. He looks away again. One of the younger bunnies speaks somewhat boldly, "you look like master Tigeress."
his head snaps towards it, making it shrink back in fear. "do I?"
the child nods.
He thinks, "where may I find her?"
"at... at the jade palace." it points up the mountain.
"thank you small one." he leaves, leaving a coin tip.
The child faints in its mother's arms.
Po and viper see the mysterious stranger walking up the steps. They jump down in (not really) threatening poses.
"I am Po, the mighty dragon warrior, and who are you cloaked, possibly evil, stranger?" Po says dramatically.
"please let an old man pass for I only seek answers." he replies.
Po wavers, "what questions do you ask?"
the man sighs, "none that concerns you."
"why should we believe you?"
"Po, let him pass." viper says.
"not until he tells us."
"no, can't you see that he's tired?" she lets him through. allowing him to lean against her head.
Shifu watches them approach. The man stops in front of him, "great teacher, I come searching for Master Tigeress. Can you show me to her?"
"most certainly, this way." he shows him to the training room.
Tigeress flips over several flaming pipes. She pauses, then runs to them. "yes Master?"
"this man wishes to speak to you."
the man steps forward, "show me your arm."
she obeys.
He studies it and smiles. He pulls off his hood, showing scars and white whiskers. "dear granddaughter. I have found you."
Po's mouth drops.
Tigeress sits across from him, tea in hand.
"tell me what happened." she orders quietly.
"it was a long time ago. I was a king, not over a large area mind you, but a king still. I ruled my people with fairness. You were only a baby when the crocodile king invaded. We fought hard but lost. a traitor, my closest adviser, took the throne from me. Your parents, my son and his wife, took you far into the woods. The crocodiles hunted you down, determined to wipe us out. Until a year ago, I thought I was the only one alive. How few people I have left cannot take back what is ours, but I can be grateful that you were spared and our lineage lives in you." he taps her chin.
She nods, "I will help you take back our home."
"no. I will not start another war that we cannot win, even with you by my side. I wish you peace for you have brought me peace." he stands and leaves.
What do you think? Sappy? Not how I originally planned but I think it works. Please review.