Start of the Mission

Po and Tigress had been searching the maps for two weeks now. Po took the liberty of trying to find out from villages and valleys near the coast of China to try and figure out some things. These villages were very acquainted with the islands and mainland that made up Japan. Po even wrote to his samurai friend, Yijiro to figure out the mystery behind Tanega Island. Po came back to the Jade Palace with a full report for Tigress, who had stayed behind to do some cartographic research. She had purchased and found differing maps about Japan. She knew there would be some inconsistencies but she was trying to do with what she had. The others were very surprised not only that Po was so interested in this, but Tigress was also showing some favor in the project. The others would help them in any way they could.

When Po got back, he told Tigress and the others what he had learned. "Apparently," He started, "It is said that the island is inhabited by spirits that aren't normal spirits."

"How are they not normal spirits," Tigress asked.

"They are said to be higher than normal spirits. The island is thought to be a place where these spirits could rest in peace."

"So it's not a spirit realm," Monkey asked.

"No, some kind of higher realm. The guy I finally got this from was weird. He said it was a place where the 'higher spirits' would test the minds of people. Those who were good at heart would find peace, but those who had some evil in their heart would be tortured until they gave up that evil. But yet another said it was the place where the Chi of the world is formed into a being." The whole room looked at Po with strange faces. "I could not make this up even if I tried." (A/N: But I did. HA!) "The point is that there is some mystical thing happening on that island. But I'm not here for ghost tales. I want to know what happened to Master Shum."

"And did you find that out," Tigress asked. Po nodded. He took out a rolled up paper from his backpack.

"It's a planned route of what the boat he was on took. There are the main route and several alternative routes on it," Po said, giving the paper to Tigress.

"What do you plan to do, Dragon Warrior," Master Shifu asked.

"I plan on finding out what happened to Master Shum," Po stated plainly.

"Why? What makes you care about it so much," Monkey asked.

"I don't know. But I know I won't stop until I find the truth," Po replied. The others looked at each other puzzled.

"Well, if this is your passion, Po," Master Shifu said, "Then we all will try our best to help you." Just then, Zeng came in.

"Dragon Warrior, there are some people wanting to meet you," Zeng replied. Po shrugged and followed the duck servant to the courtyard door. Po opened the door to see his friends.

"Guys!"

"Po!" They all hugged each other.

"Wulf! Is that you? You've grown," Po exclaimed. Wulf had a satchel on his plain white, black rimmed vest. The mountain cat had reached Po's height over the years and was very skinny and lanky. His winning smile and interesting character made him one of the best friends a person could have.

"Yeah, that's what happens when people grow up. I see you've done the same," Wulf replied.

"Oh come on, Wulf," Su said, "Po couldn't grow up if he tried," Po smirked at the female crane. She had grown from just a small bird to a big one. Her decorative bands and rings on her long legs made a lot of noise as she moved around. She was very outrageous in her dress. A slightly shorter than the normal red vest and a loosely worn jacket-like cloth was wrapped around her. She had five white feathers sticking out on her head. She was always looking at the bigger picture, and always pushed to see it. She was very free-spirited, which made her a very great friend.

"It's good to finally see you again, Po," Niko finally said.

"There's my favorite croc," Po smiled.

"You have other crocodiles for friends?"

"Not really," Po laughed. Niko wasn't a traditionally green croc. He had a faded tint to his complexion. His black pants and bare chest and tall appearance made him seem big and bad. However, Niko is very level-headed and often times shy. He doesn't talk much, but when he does, he takes the floor. Just then Master Shifu, Tigress, and Crane came to the door. "Everyone, these are my friends Su, Wulf, and Niko," Po introduced. The three bowed before the masters.

"It is an honor to meet you," Wulf bowed before Tigress. Tigress returned the bow.

"We've heard many things about you," Su smiled brightly at Crane, getting close to his face. Crane awkwardly smiled back and slowly stepped back from her.

"But I think we're all wondering why Po called us and told us to get our maps," Niko finished. Master Shifu nodded, looking at Po.

"Come on in," Po invited.

"So this is why? You want to figure out our old mystery," Wulf asked.

"What old mystery," Tigress asked.

"The mystery of Tanega Island. We learned about it while we were in the Valley of Peace, but we went our different ways before we could find out. So this place is...what again," Su questioned.

"A place where... you know what, let's just say things happen there. That's not the point. The point is we have a missing master who maybe on Tanega Island," Po explained. They looked at all the maps that Po had in his room as well as their own. "This is the route the ship Master Shum was taking. It lands straight into Tanega Island."

"That's stupid," Niko spoke up. "I've swum there once. Going straight from China to Tanega Island is very dangerous and everyone knows that. The southwestern coast is riddled with hidden underwater rocks."

"So there's no way to get to it other than by sky?" Po wondered.

"I didn't say that. Most people go directly to the mainland then go to the island. The northern part of the island is clear of rocks though the coast comes up very suddenly," Niko replied.

"So why hasn't anyone settled on the island," Tigress asked.

"With all the weird stuff that goes on that island, no one wants to go there," Wulf replied.

"Have you guys," asked Po. They all seemed a bit unsure. "Is it yes or no?"

"Well, I've soared above the island, but half of it is covered by a thick fog," Su explained.

"I've been on ships passing by the coast. I've also never set foot on the island. I've been to many of the neighboring islands," Wulf said.

"I've only swum around the coast," Niko simply stated. Po sighed.

"But it is likely that Master Shum and the others of that ship are on the island, correct?"

"Completely plausible," Niko stated. Po thought for a moment.

"What are you thinking of doing, Po," Su asked, not liking the look on his face. Tigress didn't like it either.

"I'm thinking of going to Tanega Island and looking for what happened to Master Shum," Po explained.

"It's risky and there's no guarantee that you'll come back," Wulf protested. Po smirked at him.

"Isn't that what I do for a living," He jokingly asked. He looked at Tigress.

"It will be very dangerous," She said. Po nodded, knowing the danger involved.

"I have to know if Master Shum's alive," Po said, determined. Tigress knew she couldn't argue when he was like that. She stood firmly.

"I'll go with you," Tigress answered. Po didn't want her to get hurt or anything, but he knew that he couldn't change her mind once it was set. Po reluctantly nodded.

"Then you'll also allow, Master Monkey to come alone with you," Master Shifu popped in. "The more, the safer."

"I'm not sure that's how the phrase goes," Po countered. Shifu's stern face made him shut up.

"What about you guys," Tigress asked.

"We're actually thinking of staying around for a while. We've contacted some family to stay by. We'll be awaiting your return," Su playfully saluted. Po smiled.

"Good, I'll get ready," Po replied. During the preparations, Tigress walked by Po's room again, noticing him looking at the ground with his hands together and his face saddened.

"What's the matter," Tigress asked, popping her head inside. Po looked at her.

"I... I'm afraid of what I'll face on this trip. This started out as a simple curiosity. Now, it's something bigger. I have a strange feeling like taking you will be a great danger."

"For you?"

"For you," Po answered. Tigress's ears perked up a bit as a sign of surprise. "I don't know if I'll come out of this alive. I'd hate to drag you down with me."

"How do you think I feel," Tigress said. Po looked at her with a confused face. "How do you think I feel every time you go on these 'epic' journeys. You're not the only one that's...worried."

"Afraid?" Po guessed. Tigress was reluctant to agree. "Yes, I know that's something you don't like to admit. I didn't know you cared that much about me." Tigress stared at Po. It seemed to Po like she was angry about something.

"I've always cared about my friends," was all she said. Po smiled. "Come on, we're going to be gone in about an hour. We have to find a ship going to Japan." Then Master Crane came in with a tired face. Po smiled.

"I'm guessing Su's been keeping you up, huh? Don't worry, she's like that with a lot of people."

"Thanks for the forewarning," Crane muttered as he passed the room. Tigress looked at Po.

"What," Po asked, looking at her confused face.

"Po, in the time I've known you, I know that you're always out to make unity and patch things up between people. Basically, you're a peacemaker. But I would think that you would have already suggested Su to Crane," Tigress explained. Po laughed.

"Tigress, Crane's ten years older than Su. Plus, she's not really into guys like Crane," Po replied.

"Why?" Po looked at her like she just asked a crazy question. Tigress thought about the female crane's appearance and attitude. "No, wait. Don't answer that. I get it now." Po laughed.

Continue...