Tournament Of The Half Moon
Master Shun Lao (a lion), and his students, Mongoose, Lotus (kangaroo), Jigjig (grasshopper), Mandrill, Ziria (hawk), and Kuma (bear), I thought up to make the story interesting. Everyone else trademarks and copyrights Dreamworks Animation. (Be kind, and I might treat you to a picture of the others.)
Prologue--
Tigress watched a monarch butterfly circle the far right of the courtyard, half-convinced she could hear its wings beating. It was said that the Dragon Warrior could hear such things, and Tigress was certain Shifu could hear it, even now, as it passed his peaceful, meditating form from a good six feet away. Although Tigress had generated brand new respect for Po, since his defeating of Tai Lung, she was certain he would never hear the beating wings of such a delicate creature over the growling of his stomach. Instead of feeling automatic disgust at the notion, however, nowadays she just grinned inwardly.
"Tigress." Shifu spoke without moving or turning. He had noted her presence long ago. She knew this from experience; the senses were at their sharpest when the warrior was at peace. The peace he had discovered since Tai Lung's defeat appeared to make him invincible.
Tigress saluted. "Master."
"Summon the others to the day room, please. I have an important announcement."
"Yes, Master."
As Tigress hurried off, she could not help but linger mentally on the gravity in his voice.
Not even ten minutes later, masters Monkey, Mantis, Crane, Viper, Tigress, and Po had gathered before Shifu, who held an ornately-decorated scroll case before them. He delicately balanced it from finger to finger as he spoke.
"This is an update from an old friend for me. It is also a challenge to you." Shifu caught the scroll case, opened it, and proceeded to read the portion relevant to them. "'We look forward to hosting your esteemed school in the Tournament of the Half Moon. I can guarantee your masters will face their equals at our venue. You will be welcomed, respected, and perhaps, we will all come away richer than we were before.'" Shifu rolled up the scroll and stood quietly. "As is known, you are all masters in your own right. It is your decision."
"There is no decision, Master Shifu," Tigress stated automatically.
"There isn't?" piped Po.
All eyes turned to Po with various levels of disdain. Shifu merely raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, just a second. I'm looking out for you guys, y'know?" Po explained hurriedly. "I mean, is it really worth the trip if they don't even have decent dumplings?"
"This invitation is from my old colleague, Shun Lao." Shifu grinned slowly. "I can vouch for him. At the very least, they'll provide fine dumplings."
"We would be honored, of course..." said Master Monkey.
"Of course," added Viper.
"I was gettin' a little stiff anyway," noted Mantis, cricking an antenna.
"Sounds like a real party" said Crane. "Dumplings, Po! You wouldn't turn that down, eh?" He poked a wing into Po's abdomen with a jest.
"Probably those almond cookies you love so much, as well," chuckled Tigress.
"At least you will no longer have to steal them from me," observed Monkey.
"Okay," Po said in a resigned tone, "You guys really wanna go for it, I won't be the wet blanket."
"Excellent. We will leave for Chunking tomorrow, so you should spend the rest of this day in preparation."
The masters saluted Shifu, who returned the gesture. They then headed from the room. Shifu smiled as he overheard Po's retreating voice.
"You really think they got almond cookies?"