Chapter 2

My Sunshine

Po awoke that morning the same as all those that month, to the shimmering feathers and golden beak of Master Crane's sleeping form, watching as the room slowly came into focus. Yet, for all that was going right, the two of them being more open about them being together the others, constant reassurance from all those around him, not to mention that he seemed to get better at Kung Fu by the second, Po was insecure. He had always been self-conscious, but being around the Five, all those beautiful people, he was more ashamed of his appearance than ever. But he had a plan that would help him fit in better here at the Palace. All he had to do was last.

How Crane could possibly love a blubbery oaf like him was beyond his grasp. He had decided that, for his lover, he was going to change, but it had been getting harder and harder. It took longer to wake up, and he got tired even faster than he used to. All he needed to do was last a few more weeks and he could relax. Po thanked the spirits for Crane every night, watching as his gentlest eyes in the world closed, smile fitting perfect features to the last nook and cranny of his decorative face, and every day, awestruck by his limitless grace as he would dance about the course, dodging and fighting in a deadly dance as wings so beautiful Po could hardly believe they were real directed a scent that could only be described as completely and utterly Crane wafting through the stuffy air of the training hall, intoxicating smell like the sweetest sake. Po could simply close his eyes and bask in the ethereal glow of Crane, and he would never need anything more than that.

Yet, as the first rays of morning light cast themselves across his perfectly groomed feathers, Po knew that he would have to part with Crane for training that morning. With a disappointed sigh, Po placed an impossibly light kiss upon Crane's brow and stood without waking the martial artist to leave the bamboo room as the sun began heating the Earth as it did every morning.

Walking toward the Sacred Peach Tree to see Master Shifu, Po contemplated the sun's loyalty. No matter how terrible things seemed, no matter what happened, the sun always rose in the morning to chase away the veil of night. The stars and moon could hide away, offering no solace when Po needed it most, but the sun was always there, visible even through the thickest storm clouds. Silently, he vowed to be the sun for Crane, always there when he was needed, or even just wanted.

Spotting the auburn form of his former Master, Po approached the tree and plopped himself beside the other Panda to watch the sun rise, drinking in the waves of illumination, breath taken away at the ocean of light before him, racing forward in a way that, at first glance, worried Po. Would those waves crash upon the cliff of the mountain and pull him into oblivion? Would they pass over him, and then leave him in the dark? Would he live to see another sunrise?

The sun's light reached the temple, bathing it in a morning glow to chase away his fears of darkness, mentally laughing at his fear as he realized the sun would never abandon him.

"Good morning, Po," came the soft, relaxed voice of Master Shifu.

"Same to you, Master Shifu," Po replied, eyes never leaving the Valley of Peace.

"I have noticed that in the past month, you have lost a lot of weight, yet you look troubled and tired. Are you feeling well?" Shifu questioned.

"I've been working out and trying to eat more healthily, but it is hard work. I think I am starting to adjust, though," Po replied without making eye contact.

"Good for you, Po. You should be very proud of yourself," Shifu hailed, making Po's heart swell with a false pride.

"Thank you, Master Shifu," he answered.

"How is your injury today?" Shifu turned to cast Po a concerned look.

"They're okay. I mean, it still hurts, but I think I can train today," despite inheriting the Palace from Master Oogway, Po still stuttered and stumbled over words. After all, he was still just a chef's son.

"I had wanted to talk to you about that. Po, do you realize that when you became the Dragon Warrior, not when you were chosen, but when you really became the Dragon Warrior, you perfected every form of Kung Fu?" Shifu's words resonated within Po, widening his eyes as his jaw fell open.

"Wait, so I don't have to train?" he questioned.

"You don't have to do anything. You own the Jade Palace, but I think you should still practice, to keep your skills sharp in case of an emergency," Shifu explained.

"Well, if you'll lead me, I'll practice," Po offered.

Shifu smiled warmly as he agreed to Po's terms as the morning bell rang out, Shifu stood to retrieve his other students as Po meandered over to the training hall, waiting within its walls for the Five and Shifu.

As Crane entered, dust motes that filled the air crowding about him to get a simple glimpse, Po felt a heavy iron within his stomach, guilt surrounding him for loving one so much better than himself.

"Alright, students, Po will be practicing with us today. We will be sparring, so form a line near the hall and I will decide partners," Shifu commanded as the warriors followed swiftly and without question.

"Viper, you will fight Monkey. Face each other now and prepare," Shifu instructed.

The two fighters positioned themselves for the battle, eyes narrowing in concentration, neither moving an inch until Shifu gave the signal, a single, powerful word that had barely been spoken before Viper sprung forward, wrapping herself around Monkey. Monkey slid out from her coiled form only to grip her middle and fling her into the air, leaping up to kick a calculated arch that was expertly dodged as Viper used her tail to hit monkey's solar plexus, knocking him breathless as he collapsed upon the ground, Viper emerging triumphantly.

"Monkey, do not become so over confident. Had you been paying attention, you would have noted Viper's pre-strike twitch. Viper, good reading your opponent, but do not become so tense when you fight. It gives away your every move," Shifu assisted as the two bowed to each other, and to their master before rejoining the group, panting heavily from the intense fight.

"Next, I would like Mantis to fight Crane," before the words had left, Mantis and Crane were prepared, awaiting the signal. Best friends though they were, this was the kind of fun the two had: boy fun.

Signal given, Crane shot into the air, barely missing a nerve attack from Mantis. Small though he was, Mantis was a force to be reckoned with. Leaping onto Crane's back, Mantis found he had to use all of his strength and focus to simply remain on the bird's back. Crane dipped and rose, dove, then back flipped in rapid succession to rid himself of his sparring partner. Po watched in unabashed amazement as Crane finally managed to rid himself of the insect by diving for the ground, back first, only to shoot back up when he was mere inches from the ground, Mantis losing his hold and dropping onto the ground only to be pinned there by Crane's wing.

"Mantis, think before you leap. You could have easily avoided defeat by aiming for Crane's neck. Crane, nice maneuvering. You should try to provide a bit more defense, especially around your neck. Speaking of which, why is it red?" Shifu inquired, pointing to the hickeys Po had left the night before. Though Crane had enjoyed receiving them at the time, he was now wishing Po had been more careful. Shooting Po a dark glare, increasing the weight of guilt within the panda's stomach, Po silently berated himself for hurting his lover. Why did he have to be so stupid? So careless? So Po? He desperately hoped that his plan would help solve that issue.

"I slept without removing the necklace Po had given me last night and it scraped me, Master Shifu," Crane stealthily lied.

Master Shifu, not believing a word of it, figured he could let it go this once, nodding as Po and Tigress took their stances.

All was silent as the best fighter of the Furious Five faced off (A/N: Ha! Tongue twister! Try saying that five times fast!) against the Dragon Warrior.

"Begin."

Tigress leapt forward, moving to punch his somewhat lessened gut only to be sent flying backwards by a belly slam. Regaining her footing, Tigress moves to strike, claws bared, swiping at the panda, which stepped out of reach every time, narrowly avoiding being sliced to shreds. Lunging without aim, out of sheer frustration, Tigress found herself on the ground where a panda had stood only seconds ago, looking up at the annoying sweet face of said panda.

"Need a paw?" Po offered, holding out his own to help her up. Forgetting the Warrior's status, Tigress angrily batted his hand away, growling that she did not need his help.

"Tigress! You will apologize to High Master Po! You will then go run ninety laps up and down the Palace's steps!" Shifu reprimanded as Tigress recalled whom Po was, aside from an annoyance.

"Master Shifu, that's not necessary. I honestly don't want others to think they can't tell me what they think. One thing, Tigress, you should try to assess the situation first, and then strike. Get into your stance; consider what you know of your opponent. For instance, you know that I'm not really a take-charge guy; therefore you can assume I won't try to make the first move, giving you extra time to find a weak spot. From just a glance, you can figure my stamina isn't as high as yours, so if you give me reason to attack, all you would have to do is stay out of reach. Remember that words are just potent a weapon as your actions can be. And most importantly, don't fight with your rage, but with your mind and heart. They don't call them martial arts for no reason. It's an art you make with your body, fighting and defense are secondary," Po spoke, realizing that his Dragon Warrior spirit was taking over again. He almost felt as if Master Oogway were guiding his words.

Maybe he was.

Tigress gaped at Po, new respect reigniting within her as she bowed before him, apologizing for her rash actions and harsh words, and thanking him for his advice.

"You're welcome, want to try again?" Po offered as Tigress smirked, sending him a look that read, 'you really have to ask?'

Po and Tigress retook their stances, Shifu, thoroughly impressed with Po's words, allowing them a moment of assessment before starting the match.

Neither moved an inch.

Silently, stealthily, Tigress walked forward, circling the still form of Po, assessing him from every angle, a contemplative look adorning sun burnt features. Then, without warning, Tigress swung her legs out, Po leaping into the air, dodging with grace none had realized he possessed.

Watching this scene, a delicate and calculated dance, Crane felt an inexplicable jealousy of Tigress. He was awestruck by the agility and flexibility of his lover, and couldn't wait until he got a chance for the two of them to be alone.

Tigress was getting frustrated; she couldn't seem to hit Po no matter what she did. Po, sensing her anger, spoke his first words since the battle began.

"Don't get upset, Tigress. Breathe, don't let it get you," Po encouraged, watching as Tigress closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and struck, hitting Po right in the chest, sending him sprawling on his back.

Smiling as she approached her prey, Tigress held out a hand, thanking Po for his help.

"Heh, no problem. That's me, the helpful Master of Kung Fu. I mean, you were totally cool, but I just, ya know, wasn't expecting you to strike out like that, and," Po was cut off by Master Shifu clearing his throat to alert Po of the fact he was rambling.

"Right, sorry, I'll shut up now," Po blushed as he stood, scratching the back of his head.

"I think now is a good time to go to the training hall, we can see if Master Po has improved on his ability to complete the course," Master Shifu teased as they entered the building, all missing Po's shamed face that was quickly hidden behind a light joke at how the dummy was possessed.

Po stood, looking at the extensive training course, admiring its dangers as if seeing it for the first time, and, in a sense, he was. The first time he had seen the course, he had seen only an impossible path and a beautiful dancer, swaying and gliding all about it: Master Crane.

Crane watched in fascination as Po ducked and dodged, spun and glided between dangers, narrowly avoiding each and every one, turning his combat into an ethereal dance, Crane basking in the amazing abilities of his partner. The dance held such love for the art of Kung Fu, such grace within every motion, striking the very soul of each of the students. Tigress even went so far as to be angry with herself for saying he made a mockery of Kung Fu.

As Po finished, panting heavily through parted lips, Master Shifu spoke up, breaking the musical silence.

"Well, I suppose improved is an understatement. Po, I think you are finished for today."

With that, Po dragged himself over to the side of the building and, leaning against the wall as he sat, watched as each of the Five completed the course, all seeming to have something pushing them to work harder, dodge faster, and move swifter than Po had ever seen. Tigress had been first after him, face calm throughout the entire routine. Po was glad that he was able to help her. Viper had followed, muscles relaxing, body moving with the course. Mantis had followed her, easily dodging every obstacle. Monkey had swung above them all.

Finally, it was Crane's turn. Po's heart raced as he watched Crane's glimmering eyes hide behind the rim of his hat, all-knowing smirk flitting across his face for only an instant before he took off, but unlike the rest of the five, he did not move with the course. It moved him. It was as if an invisible source was playing inaudible music so loudly it was a tangible force that pulled and pushed Crane through the course, guiding him around objects and through the fire, to the end where Po sat, waiting.

Crane flew over to Po after finishing his run and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"You did great, love," Po whispered as he pulled Crane into his lap and nuzzled his smooth beak.

"So did you, but I think Master Shifu may want me back at some point," Crane chuckled lightly.

"Oh! Right, um, yeah, sorry about that, Crane," Po blushed as he stood, lifting Crane effortlessly in his arms, then setting him gently down.

Shifu simply laughed as he approached the couple. "Well done, Crane. That was without a doubt your best run so far. Perhaps Po should always go first, if it makes you focus that well."

Crane agreed with his Master whole hearted while Po laughed nervously, going into a tangent about his awesomeness, making the entire group sweat drop.

That night, Po decided to try a new recipe he had gotten from the far end of town, a dish called pizza that turned out stunningly well. All enjoyed Po's cooking.

There was a point during dinner where Mantis inquired as to why Po wasn't eating. He simply replied he had eaten earlier before leaving the table.

"Has anyone even seen Po eat, lately?" Viper asked once they were certain Po was gone.

"Now that you mention it, no. I haven't seen him take a bite of anything all this month, since we had Thai noodles," Crane replied, concern forming. What was Po up to?

"None of my almond cookies have gone missing, either," Monkey put in.

"And he's been looking a lot thinner and getting tired so easily. When I was sparring him, I accidentally scraped him on his shoulder and it took tem minutes to stop bleeding. And it was a very small scrape!" Viper interjected.

"He's always awake when I fall asleep, and gone when I wake up," Crane mused, worrying even more about Po than when he had gotten injured by Tai Lung.

"What do you think he's doing?" questioned Mantis, head cocked to the side.

"I don't know, but I'll ask him about it tonight. I hope he isn't injured or ill," Crane whispered, suddenly losing his appetite.

"Po is strong, physically, but he cares too much. Perhaps something was said that injured his emotions. If I know his kind, he'd take something as innocent as a joke about his smell too seriously and try to change it to further the comfort of those around him," Tigress put in her first words of the night.

Crane, now beyond worried, raced from the room, thousands of possibilities whirling about his mind. What if someone had told him he was too tall, and he was trying to shorten himself by only eating leachy nuts? Too many of those could slow stamina and keep blood from clotting properly! What if someone had made a joke on his smell and he had decided to only eat lima beans? Too many of those could slow the heart! What if . . .

What if someone had said this world would be better off without him, so Po tried to take his own life? Enough blood loss could destroy the appetite, make blood clotting nearly impossible, and, eventually, he would die.

"Crane!"

He stalled, mid air, and looked to see the rest of the Five behind him.

"If something is wrong with Po, we all want to know about it. We're coming with you," Mantis, who had formed a special, brotherly bond with Po because of size issues, spoke bravely, but it was clear that he, that all of the Five, were concerned about Po.

Crane nodded as he continued to Po's room, knocking lightly on the door.

"Po? We need to talk, love. Open the door, please, love. Po? Po, are you in there? Po!" Crane shouted, sliding the door open to see an empty room. Po was not there.

"Where do you think he went?" questioned Viper, glancing into Crane's room just to be certain he was not there.

"The Sacred Peach Tree," Crane replied without hesitation. Po always went there to meditate, to talk to Master Shifu, or just to be alone.

The Five exited the building to see Po sitting, back against the tree, staring out at the Valley of Peace.

"Po?" Crane called, watching as he made no sign of having heard his lover.

Approaching the Master, the Five discovered Po was meditating, deep in thought. Dubious though they were about pulling him from his musings, Mantis deemed it necessary and shouted in Po's ear, causing him to leap up, shouting about not being asleep.

Chuckling at his reaction, Tigress was, to the amazement of all, the first to speak.

"Po, we wanted to talk to you. Lately, some of us have noticed you have been losing weight. Not only this, but you seem to have a more hollow expression, your jokes are short lived, you bleed longer, your breath is shorter. Po, what is going on? Did one of the villagers say something?" she pressed, watching carefully as a fearful expression flashed across Po's features before it was hidden behind a forced laugh.

"Po, please, tell us what is wrong! We're all worried about you!" Viper cried, tears forming within Crane's deep eyes.

"Guys, it's nothing, really. I've just been working a bit harder than usual, trying to convince Shifu I was well enough to train again. Really, if something were wrong, I'd be sure to tell you. I promise, okay?" Po chuckled, startled as Crane wrapped his wings about Po's middle, hugging him tightly.

"Well, now that you're able to train with us again, please, stop working so hard. You haven't spent any real time with me since last month. I've been considering tossing you down the steps on several occasions just so we could spend a night together. One where you actually sleep with me, and I get to see your face when I wake up," Crane begged, and Po realized that he had not been the sun for Crane, but like a cloud, offering no shelter from the sweltering heat, never around, illusive and distant. While they had made love several times, Po hadn't really been able to give himself completely. He was too distracted by thoughts of actually being able to please his lover with the results of his endeavors. He had barely spoken to him.

"I-I hadn't realized you were feeling neglected. Why don't you and I go to the bathhouse? If the rest of you will excuse us, I appreciate your concern, but I have important matters to attend to," Po spoke, lifting Crane up as he shouted that he was perfectly capable of walking. The others smiled as they could still hear the two fighting lovingly as they reached the steps, yet something felt off, like the calm before the storm. The Five simply prayed they were being paranoid.

Po entered the bathhouse, laid Crane down in the water, and, sliding in beside him, ran a hand down Crane's chest, licking at his neck's base, muttering softly, "My poor Crane, I've left you to starve, haven't I? I've been ignorant as to what you want, so tonight, I am your slave. What would you wish of me, master?"

Crane smiled, liking the idea of this game. Po had such a creative mind when he tried, Crane had no doubts Po was the perfect lover.

"Kiss every inch of me. Leave nowhere untouched," Crane commanded, spreading himself out as Po began his task, a smirk gracing his face as he started on Crane's beautiful face.

Crane groaned as Po worked his way along his wings, sighing in resignation. Po's hand came up to fondle the edge of his other wing, drawing long, heartfelt moans from Crane's mouth.

"Oh, Po, did I say you could touch me?" Crane gasped out as Po's face appeared before his own.

"I apologize, Master. What shall be my punishment for this disobedience?" he inquired, grinning lustfully.

"Finish your original task, slave, and I shall think of your punishment," Crane replied, tilting his head back.

Po continued kissing Crane's firm belly, wishing his was as solid and beautiful as Crane's. He wished he were more like them, the Five, in so many ways. He wished he was smarter, stronger, and, most importantly, thinner, like they were.

Po shook his metaphorical self, reminding him that he had to be here for Crane. He could think about these things later.

Saving his pleasure center for last, Po started on Crane's feet, working his way up as Crane moaned in protest, arching into the sensation as he kissed and licked his inner thighs, circling the base, kissing up to the tip, then, just as Crane bucked forward, pulling back.

"I have done as you asked, Master," Po spoke, hiding the hurt as Crane shot him a glare for cutting him off.

"My slave, your punishment is this. Sit on the edge of the bath and close your eyes. I will administer the . . . reprimand," Crane ordered, watching Po pull himself up with more effort than before he lost weight.

Po closed his eyes as he felt Crane's wings fluttering up and down his body, a groan escaping his lips at the thought of Crane's well-chiseled chest. All the Five were so perfect. They could go for days without eating. They never got tired, sore, or too hungry. Po hated himself all the more for being so obvious.

Pressure around his pleasure drew a sharp gasp from his lips. Crane's talented wings were rubbing against him hard enough to have him panting, but not enough to send him over the edge. Po couldn't even remember when he had undressed.

Crane continued this for several minutes until Po was begging for completion, smirking sinisterly.

"What were your words? Oh, yes! You're being punished, not rewarded, Po, but, if you promise not to disobey your Master, I suppose I could finish you," Crane cackled.

"Oh, Master, I will never disobey you again!" Po cried as he felt himself fall over the edge, crying Crane's name to the heavens.

Pulling his 'Master' up to his face, Po licked the tip of Crane's pleasure, teasing him lightly before pulling him entirely into his mouth, no objections coming forth from Crane.

Swirling his tongue around, he spiraled up to the tip, then back to the base, feeling a liquid hit the back of his throat as a cry of his name filled the air.

Crane fell asleep and Po snuck out, being careful not to wake Crane as he sat outside the house to think. He could no longer use training as an excuse. They would expect to see him eat. What could he do? There was always . . .

Po ran behind a tree, bent over, and stuck a finger to the back of his throat, feeling the miniscule contents of his stomach exit through his mouth. Po realized that, though it hurt like hell, this could keep the others from worrying. Grabbing a drink from the well to cover the scent and taste, Po returned to the bathhouse and, draping one of the towels over Crane and himself, allowed himself to drift off.

The next morning, the sun arose as always, and Po waited for Crane to wake. He had wanted him there, so Po would be.

"Good morning, love," Crane whispered, eyes cracking open.

"Hey, you're awake? Love you," Po replied, sitting up.

"Love you, too, slave," Crane chuckled, nuzzling Po as they got dressed, exiting the bathhouse to head for the kitchen.

Po cooked and ate at the meal, carefully controlling how much he ate, remembering what he had to do afterward as he talked amiable with his friends.

As he finished his dish, Po cleaned it off and exited the kitchen, stating that he'd see them in training as he headed for the woods.

"So," began Viper, fixing her gaze on Crane. "how was it?"

"Last night, you mean? Amazing," he replied dreamily.

"Details, now!" Viper grilled.

"Well, okay, Po came up with this game where he was a slave and I his master, right? So I had to tell him what to do and, you know, 'punish' him if he did something he wasn't supposed to. I've got to say, he's so good at this! It's like his mind is just a limitless supply of new ideas. But, even though he didn't give me much time to think, I did notice he had a far away, almost sad look whenever our stomachs came into the love fest – don't ask – and I think he's having self confidence issues. So, if you all could, please, praise everything he does today. Agree with him on everything. Don't let him have the chance to make any jokes about himself. If Shifu says anything cruel, even if it is unintentional, try to combat it with something kind, please. Do it for Po," Crane begged, remembering hearing the sound of retching outside the bathhouse right before Po entered.

"Alright, we'll do it for Po," Tigress replied, all nodding in agreement as they exited toward the training hall for that day's practice.

As they reached the training hall, they noticed Po looked slightly green, but passed it off as the light filtering through the leaves.

The next two weeks went much this way. Po would occasionally make love to Crane, he would always be there when Crane awoke, though, after a few days, it was Crane who awoke first, eventually having to wake the giant panda up so he did not miss training. Po would eat at each meal, and then disappear to who-knew-where. He seemed to slow more and more, to the point that Tigress finally beat him on the first try during a morning spar. And, through all of this, Po continued to grow thinner. Each day, he would smile less and less, his face thinned, his body's muscles became more defined, his belly shrank, and his eyes seemed darker and hollowed.

Finally, Mantis decided to follow Po after a meal to see what was going on. He had been chosen the night before to spy on Po because he was the subtlest. Following the panda to the forest, Mantis watched as Po went deep into the woods and bent over. A sickening sound filled the air, wet and strained. As Po stood, Mantis realized the terrifying truth. Po was forcing himself to throw up. He was bulimic.

Racing back into the kitchen, Mantis cried out, tears streaming from his eyes, "He's been-been going into the woods where he-he's making himself vomit! He probably wasn't eating at all until we brought it up to him! He switched anorexia for bulimia! Po hasn't eaten in a month and a half! At this rate, he shouldn't even be alive right now, much less awake! I-I can't believe we never figured it out before. Po-he's killing himself!"

Silence filled the air as the Five took in this information when abruptly, a desperate, hopeless wail came from Crane, drawing everyone's attention. Hiding his face in his wings, Crane sobbed, "I knew something was wrong! I should have checked earlier! I-All of this is because of me! I heard him say he doesn't think he deserves me, and that was around the time he stopped eating! If I had just kept my beak shut, had never escalated our relationship, he'd be okay right now! I'm a horrible mate to him; I don't even deserve to live, much less have his love! He's killing himself for me!"

Crane found Viper patting his shoulder as she told Mantis and Monkey to alert Master Shifu. As the two left, Viper whispered to Crane that it wasn't his fault, none of them had noticed, but he seemed inconsolable, all the while, Tigress never so much as blinked.

"Tigress, are you alright?" Viper questioned, slithering over to the other female.

"He has been fighting me without any nutrients," she mumbled, blinking as she slowly continued, "I've been fighting him, hurting him, while he was dieing. I was forcing him to fight while he was wasting away. I could have killed him."

Tigress seemed not to notice anything around her as she simply continued mumbling, hands palm down on the table, posture straight as ever, staring forward. Crane kept weeping, telling Viper how unworthy he was to even know Po. Viper simply listened to both, going back and forth between telling Crane it would all be okay and telling Tigress she could not have know.

In the training hall, Po sat down, awaiting Master Shifu and the Five. It wasn't like them to be late. Worried, Po stood to check out the kitchen to see if they were there.

In the entrance hall of the Jade Palace, Monkey and Mantis raced up to Master Shifu, shouting over each other until Master Shifu ordered them to be silent.

"Mantis, you first, what is wrong?" Shifu questioned, turning to the distraught insect.

"Master Shifu, it's Po! For the past month and a half he-we-he's been, I mean, at first he just wasn't eating at all. We asked him about this two weeks ago and then he-he just-I-we all thought he was eating just fine, but-he-I-he's been forcing himself to vomit after every meal. Master, Po has bulimia!" Mantis cried, Monkey nodding in delayed agreement.

Shifu froze, worry, fear, and despair filling his heart at those words.

"Are you certain? Have you seen this?" Shifu asked, trying to keep reign over his emotions.

"Mantis has, Master. We just discovered this morning. Master, Crane is inconsolable. He needs your help," Monkey breathed, pointing in the direction of the kitchen.

Shifu ran from the hall, Monkey and Mantis close behind, dread filling their hearts.

Reaching the kitchen, Shifu found Tigress muttering as Viper tried valiantly to calm Crane's maddening cries. Monkey reached for Tigress, calling out to her, though she did not seem to notice, and Mantis joined Viper in calming Crane. The screaming, crying, and wailing, was cut off as a voice shouted, "Quiet!!"

Po stood in the doorway, expression pained as all turned to face him.

"Jeez! Could you guys be any louder? What's going on?" Po questioned, lithe form striding into the room.

"Po," whispered Crane, standing shakily as he approached the panda.

"Crane, what's wrong?" Po asked worriedly. Tear streaks coated Crane's face, leaving red canyons in his soft feathers.

"Po, what happened to you? Why are you hurting yourself?" Crane stumbled forward as Po backed up, shaking his head.

"No, NO! Dammit! No! First, you all bitch about me being too fat! Now I'm too thin! Well, fuck you. Fuck you all! I don't need this! I don't need any of you! All I've done since I got here was to try to make everything easier for everyone! And all I hear is how it's not good enough! How you want more and more! Well, fuck that! I'm out of here!" Po screeched, turning to leave as Shifu stepped in front of him to stop his exit.

Po tried to fight him, but, in his weakened state, was no match for the elder master. Forcing him down, Viper spoke softly, "Po, all we want to know is why you're doing this. Please, Po, tell us why you're hurting yourself."

Po, sobbing helplessly as he was held, pinned to the ground, not so much as looking up for several minutes until –

"I was just trying to be helpful. I saw a couple of crocs ganging up on a group of teenage boys, so I stepped in. I fought the crocs off easy, and thought I'd see if the boys were okay. They-I didn't do anything wrong, I swear! Their parents came out, shouting that I was a disgrace to the Valley, how I was so fat it would be considered a mercy to kill me. I-I ran to the Sacred Tree and just cried. I remembered how, when I first came here, none of you liked me. I was a joke to you. You all made cracks about my size. I figured if I changed my size, people would like me more, so I stopped eating. At first, it was hard, but after a while, it wasn't so bad. I got used to feeling dizzy and tired and in pain. It was no big deal. Then, you all got suspicious and I had to find another way. Barfing, it hurt, more than I had thought it would, but, again, I got used to it. At this point, I don't think I could keep food down, even if I wanted to. I-I'm so scared. I feel like I'm going to die. I-I need help," Po confessed, looking around the room to mixed expressions.

While Viper and Monkey looked upset, Shifu looked thoughtful, and if Tigress and Mantis looked furious, Crane looked down right homicidal.

"I want to know the names of those who would dare insult my Dragon Warrior!" Crane shrieked, striking a fighting stance.

"I didn't get their names, I'm sorry, love. I don't deserve you, a giant freak like myself. I don't deserve any of this," Po sobbed, watching as Shifu stood, beckoning Tigress over.

"Tigress, please help Po to his room. Do not fear, Po, we will not let you die. Monkey, Crane, I am going to need your help to-"

"Master, please, let me help Po to his room," Crane interrupted, tone urgent.

Smiling softly, Shifu nodded and Crane lifted the frighteningly light panda in his wings, carrying him to his room.

"Master, we are going to hunt down those responsible for Po's actions, right?" Tigress questioned.

"Yes, but not now. Now, Tigress, Monkey, please help me get some broth prepared for Po. We will need to teach his body to accept food again. It won't be easy, but at this point, we should all be thankful he was so overweight; otherwise we could have been far too late. Now, Mantis, Viper, get me some peppermint. We are going to make a tea with it to help Po keep down his food," Shifu instructed as his students got to work.

"When we find those responsible, I want a shot at them, just one, that's all I need to show them size has absolutely nothing to do with a warrior's ability to fight. They'll be sorry then!" Mantis cried, exiting the room along side Viper, who nodded in agreement as they headed for the gardens to search for the requested plant.

Shifu asked Tigress and Monkey to bring the broth into Po's room when it was done, both agreeing as they watched the red panda leave for said victim's room.

Reaching the giant panda's room, Shifu knocked as he entered to see Crane telling Po he always was beautiful to him, no matter what.

"I honestly liked you better as the overweight panda. You had a certain innocent charm. Maybe, after we get you fixed up, you could go back to being the cutely chubby Po we all know and love. Whatever you do, just be happy with how you are. Don't worry about how others see you, and remember, we here at the Jade Palace will always love you, no matter what you look like, Po. You never had to change, isn't that right, Crane?" Shifu questioned, seeing Crane's amazement at his show of care for his master.

"Yes, Master Shifu. You're always welcome here, no matter how big you are, Po. I fell in love with the adorable blubber ball that you were, but even like this, I still love you. Po, never doubt that for and instant. I love you more than I know how to express. I'm just sorry I didn't notice you were hurting earlier. Please, forgive me," Crane begged.

"There's nothing to forgive, love," Po replied, placing a weak kiss on Crane's wing. Unlike when Po kissed him when he awoke, this kiss was not soft, but shaking and struggling to even exist on Crane's flawless wing.

Tigress entered, Monkey in tow, carrying a bowl of piping hot vegetable soup broth, steam dancing off its top. Kneeling beside Po, Tigress placed the bowl on the ground beside where Po laid, head propped up on multiple pillows.

"Po, eat, and don't even think about vomiting, or, so help me, I'll throw you down the stairs so hard you won't ever come back up," Tigress threatened with what all knew were the best of intentions.

"Tigress, thank you," Po replied, reaching out for the handle, lifting it from the bowl as a violent shudder ran through his body, causing him to drop the spoon.

"Po, here, let me help you," Crane whispered as he lifted the bowl in his wing, bringing a spoonful of the broth to his lips as Po took in the small bit, grimacing as it went down his sore, raw throat.

As Crane continued to nurse Po, Mantis and Viper returned with a cup of peppermint tea, which Po thanked them for as he felt his stomach calm and settle, sleep creeping up on him.

Laying the panda's head down on the soft pillows, the Furious Five and Master Shifu left the room to plan a search.

"I say we line up everyone in the Valley, have Po point out those ungrateful bastards, and then we rip 'em to shreds!" shouted Mantis, several voicing their agreement.

"No, we do not want to frighten the innocent villagers. We must find the alleyway Po fought the crocodiles in, and deal with those responsible from there," Shifu spoke softly, still shaken from the news. Even he was not innocent after having made so many cruel statements about the gentle giant.

Nodding in agreement, they decided to wait until Po awoke to ask about where the crocs were.

The next morning, Po awoke to the face of –

Tigress?

"Good, you're awake. Took you long enough. Po, I need you to tell me where you fought the crocs. It's of great importance, so please, try to be quick about it," Tigress commanded.

"Good morning to you, too. Um, I think I was near the old bridge, southwest of Anchoret, you know, that new pawnshop, about a quarter mile east from my dad's shop. Why do you need to know?" Po questioned.

Tigress looked around the room, and, seeing no one was there, gave Po a small hug as she whispered, "I was so worried about you, dumb panda. I thought we were going to lose you. Now, all I want is to see you get better and to see those who hurt you brought to justice. We're going to have an important town meeting today to discuss the dangers of these diseases, and to let the culprits know we are going to get them. Crane has volunteered to stay back here with you. I know you two can't seem to keep your paws off each other, but, please, for your own sake, don't do anything strenuous. If you die and I'm not the one there to cause it, I'll bring you back just so I can do it myself for scaring me, stupid panda."

Po smiled weakly as he accepted the broth, struggling slightly to keep it down until he was given more tea. Finally, it was time for the announcement and Master Shifu took four of the Five with him to tell the public of this atrocity.

Crane timidly entered Po's room. His face tired and worried. Po looked over to his lover, smiling reassuringly at him as he watched Crane kneel beside him, wing fluttering up his emaciated form.

"Po, I'm sorry making you feel like you had to change. If there's any way I can make it up to you, I-I just can't believe this happened. Po, why would you do that? What did I do to make you feel like you weren't good enough? How did I manage to be so blind to you?" Crane's eyes were rimmed with tears as he spoke, still trying to grasp what had happened right under his own beak. He could have lost Po. Realizing how honestly close they came to being separated forever, Crane never wanted to leave Po again.

"Crane, it wasn't you, I mean, it's just, you're so beautiful, everything you do seems perfect. I was never good enough, since the first moment I can remember, I messed things up. Then, I became the Dragon Warrior, and all around me people seemed to judge me even worse than before. I just wanted to make you happy, love. I don't deserve you, I never did. I'm sorry, Crane," Po whispered, pulling himself up to stand on shaky legs.

"Wha-what are you saying?" Crane asked, voice high in panic.

"Never forgive me, for I never deserved you," Po whispered, turning to leave the Palace.

Every bone in Crane's body screamed for him to move, to keep Po from leaving, but in his heart he knew that if this was what Po wanted, he had to let him go. No greater love existed than this, to let go of the one you gave your heart to. As Po exited the doors, Crane shouted last words, that no matter what, Po could always return. Just as the sun would always rise to chase away darkness, so would Po always have a home at the Jade Palace.