Shout-Outs:
RidingtheRoughWaters: You and your "crazy assumptions"… ^^ Thanks for the kind words.
shouvin: I am glad you caught that joke. I thought it would be perfect there. Abrea is what Po would call: pretty hardcore.
Anki-Shai: *Tilts head to the sky and laughs deviously * I am pleased that you liked the prophecy.
GreenScar1990: They never do… do they? ^^ Thank you for the kind words!
As for the others who reviewed: Thank you for taking the time to! It means a lot to me. You are the heart that pumps my writing's existence.
I do not own Kung Fu Panda, Dreamworks does.
More Than Meets the Eye
Valley of Peace, Jin Mao Hospital
Po heavily panted, as he firmly placed one paw on his knee with a bowl of noodle soup held in the other. He finally reached the assassin's room, after he climbed a massive amount of stairs in the Jin Mao Hospital. He exasperatingly glared at the two masters who stood guard over the prisoner's medical room.
"Seriously... did you guys, like, have... to bring her all the way... to the top floor?" The panda complained, gasping for air in between – almost – every word uttered.
Mantis mockingly rolled his eyes, his voice with a hint of sarcasm. "Yeah, putting her on the bottom floor would have made it a lot easier for you."
Viper giggled at the panda's antics. "We have to keep the prisoner up here to separate her from the rest of the injured civilians."
Po caught his breath and slowly walked towards the doorway. "Makes sense, has the assassin been any trouble?"
"She hasn't said a word, since she was brought here," Viper informed, then she noticed the filled bowl in Po's hand. "Why do you have noodles with you?"
"Probably hungry from walking up those stairs," Mantis quickly interjected and lightly chuckled, "Po's travel snack."
Po glowered at the insect in annoyance. "Very funny, it is actually for the prisoner."
The two masters quizzically stared at the panda in disbelief and simultaneously inquired, "Why?"
"I have this gut feeling, trust me." Po nervously scratched the back of his head. "I have my own interrogation methods."
"That must be a really big feeling then," Mantis jokingly jabbed. "What are you going to do? Feed her till she begs for mercy?"
"Hilarious. Oh, that reminds me," Po grinned mischievously, "Monkey told me to inform you that he is still waiting on his almond cookies. He said something, like, if he does not get them soon that fly paper will be placed all over your room."
Mantis frightfully gulped. "Damnit, I might as well take care of that now, later guys."
Mantis quickly dashed down the hospital hallway, abruptly stopping at the stairs. He then turned towards the panda with a sly smirk on his face. "Oh, did I mention that the assassin is smoking hot?"
Viper gently shook her head and snickered, as she watched Mantis disappear down the stairs, "Only Mantis."
Po chuckled and turned his attention towards the serpent. "Hey, Viper, you can go ahead and get some rest. I will stand guard today."
"Are you sure, Po? I mean, you just been through a lot. Not to mention, she is highly dangerous," Viper warned with a concerned tone.
Po smirked confidently. "Don't worry, Viper. I have a feeling that the assassin will totally cooperate."
Viper nodded with a smile. "Okay then, please be careful, Po, and thank you for taking my post." She then slithered down the hallway.
I hope I know what I'm doing, Po thought, as he sighed heavily and opened the door.
The panda quickly glanced at the golden feline and noticed that her eyes were closed. He gently placed the bowl of noodles on the counter by her bedside and examined her for a second. She had white bandages wrapped around her midsection and her arm from the battle, with cuts and bruises scattered around her body. Extremely curious and entranced – dare he even say attracted – he never witnessed a feline of her species before and wondered where she came from.
Mantis wasn't kidding; she is gorgeous.
"It is about time you arrived. I was getting extremely bored," Sheva scoffed coldly, as her eyelids jolted open, revealing her sapphire blue irises. "What are you staring at?"
Somewhat embarrassed, Po cleared his throat and immediately looked away.
"I am here to – uh – question you on the ambush attempt," Po apprehensively stammered, trying to change the subject.
He is an awkward one… not what I expected from a Dragon Warrior, Sheva thought, as she slowly moved herself in a seated position.
The lioness intensely stared at the discomfited panda and growled. "What makes you think that I would even waste my breath, panda?"
Thanks to previous interactions with Tigress, the growl didn't remotely bother the panda.
Focus, Po, here goes nothing.
"I believe you totally have a good heart and somewhere along the way it became, like, darkened."
I didn't expect that response. Taken aback from the panda's warm words, yet instantly curious; the lioness slightly tilted her head in confusion. "What are you talking abou–"
Before Sheva finished her question, a little stuffed, brown bear quickly plopped onto her lap. Her eyes widened slightly and her heart began to beat faster.
How did he? I thought I lost this. Oh God, he knows…
"I found this in the area where you ambushed us, and by the scent I knew it was yours." Po then inhaled the fragrance from the room, "lavender right?"
Tremendously baffled, the lioness faintly paused before she reluctantly yielded a soft, "Yes."
Score one for the panda! Po secretly made a small fist pump, as he slowly walked closer to the lioness's stretcher. "So, what's the deal here? Why did you attack us?"
Sheva pondered the predicament she was in for a moment. If she refused to speak, then she would be held captive in a maximum security prison; where there would be a very small chance of her escaping to save her daughter. It became crystal clear to her that the best option was to be honest about the questions, but not before she made sure of one imperative detail.
"How do I know you won't just toss me in jail, if I answer your questions?" Sheva inquired, as she examined the worn stuffed toy with an emotionless expression and then promptly looked back at the panda. "This intelligence you require is the only thing keeping me from behind bars."
"Because I would never keep a mother from her daughter," Po responded matter-of-factly.
With years of experience reading people, the lioness directly looked in the Dragon Warrior's jade green eyes, as if she were peering into his soul. Her pupils slightly dilated in confirmation.
I am completely shocked. He is telling the truth. This guy seems… different. I'll take my chances, Sheva contemplated.
"I was hired by a powerful white Siberian tiger by the name of Lord Johan. He did not give me any information as to why he wanted you dead. Our interaction was extremely short. Yet, working with his commander I have learned that they are building a massive army. That is all I know."
"A massive army is being assembled… great," Po said sarcastically. He then frustratingly rolled his eyes. "What happened to the good old days where you had one villain?"
I can't put my finger on it, but he is oddly familiar, Sheva thought, as she observed the panda with smiling eyes.
Po suddenly crossed his arms in contemplation. "Alright, but there is one thing I don't get. Why are you doing this? Maybe I am not seeing something here, but a mother, who willingly assassinates people doesn't, like, fit."
Sheva sighed profoundly and unenthusiastically responded; "I do not know you personally. So I will not explain much. Yet, what I can tell you is that I racked up a debt with Lord Johan's commander – Diablo – and eliminating his targets is what kept that barbarian away from my daughter and I. You were supposedly the last job."
Not thinking, Po reflexively asked, "Where is your daughter?"
The lioness's ears flattened on top of her head, as she gave a minor frown and softly answered – barely above a whisper. "They have her…"
Po walked closer to the feline concernedly. "Excuse me?"
Sheva gripped the soft sheets tightly and clenched her teeth, giving a furious growl. "They have her! Okay?" Extremely emotional, the lioness then showed a rare moment of weakness and closed her eyes forcefully, holding back the tears. "I have failed her as a mother."
Po gave a sincere smile. My gut feeling never steers me wrong. I knew she wasn't a bad person.
Even though she caused physical pain to Monkey and himself, Po willingly comforted her, as he placed his paw gently on her shoulder. "Look, everything will be fine."
Sheva forcefully swatted Po's arm in frustration. "You don't understand. If I do not go back within three weeks with proof of your demise. They will kill her."
Po understood the hardship that he caused himself with his next words, but – in his heart – he knew it was the right thing to do. "Then I will have to go with you."
The lioness gazed at the panda extremely perplexed, as she faltered; "W-What do you mean?"
Po fiercely pounded his fist on his open paw with determination. "I am going with you and we are going to rescue your daughter."
Sheva was extremely joyful of his words, yet, with some more deliberation, became considerably uneasy.
"I do not understand. Why are you doing this?"
His thoughts on the past, Po lightly frowned, as he looked away from the lioness and reminisced on his trouble past momentarily.
"I never had a mother growing up because she gave herself up for me. You seem like the type of mother that would do the same for your daughter. No innocent child should be a victim of violence; not while I can help it. I also know that in your awesome heart; you're totally a good person."
Suddenly, Sheva unintentionally did something that she hasn't done around anyone else but her daughter; she smiled, slightly showing her white fangs.
Wow, she has a beautiful smile – no focus, Po thought.
"I didn't expect you to be like this, Dragon Warrior – physically or personally. Especially considering the pain I have caused you and your primate brother."
"You aren't the first one to say that. One thing I have learned is that there is more to people than meets the eye. Also, an old friend told me that what has happened in the past... is in the past. What matters is what you choose to be from this moment forward," Po explained with his signature grin planted on his face; an aura of determination emanated from him.
After Po's comment, Sheva finally realized what made the panda recognizable. That grin, his eyes, and that determination… he reminds me of Leo. No wonder he took down my defenses so quickly – effortlessly.
"Very wise words. Thank you, Dragon Warrior; I am in your debt," The lioness humbly thanked, giving a small appreciative nod.
"You're welcome and no need for the title – just call me Po. Also, keep what we discussed between us. My Master cannot know about this deal we made."
"My lips are sealed, Po," Sheva responded with a small smirk.
"You go ahead and get some more rest. I need to discuss with my Master the information you told me, and that you are no longer a threat. Please stay in your room – uh." Po abruptly remembered that he did not know what she was called. "I'm sorry, what is your name?"
For helping with my daughter, he at least deserves my kindness. I should start with honesty.
"My name is Sheva and I understand; I will stay put."
"Sheva, huh? That sounds really pretty." Realizing what was just said, Po tensely cleared his throat and instantly blushed. Without a moment to spare, he quickly dashed out of the medical room, "Later!"
Sheva chuckled at the panda's bashfulness and calmly relaxed on her medical bed. Then the lioness noticed the bowl of noodles with the chopsticks placed beside it.
He must have brought this up for me to eat, and forgot to say anything because of his embarrassment.
Sheva carefully grabbed the bowl and lightly placed the tip of the concave container on her lips. She smelled the enticing aroma; it seduced her taste buds. Enormously hungry, she rapidly gulped the meal down and let out a satisfied purr.
This… was amazing. I need to ask him where he got this.
Suddenly, her mind wandered towards the Dragon Warrior again, as she contemplated their recent interaction.
This Dragon Warrior – Po – is something really special. He forgave me… even though I caused him so much hardship. Then he valiantly offers to help me rescue my daughter. For some reason, I just trust him – this is so odd. I cannot fathom the fact that he made me feel safe in my slight moment of weakness. I understand now. I know why he is the defender of China – the Dragon Warrior. It is because of his pure heart.
Sheva lightly laughed, as she gently grabbed the worn stuffed bear and held it tightly to her chest.
Hang in there, my beautiful daughter. I am coming back for you.
Location Unknown, Xiong Shou Base Camp
Noon slowly approached, as the sun constantly pounded its hot rays onto the bustling encampment. Within the chaotic military site, a black panther blurred past countless soldiers to reach a specific destination. He breathed heavily, but pushed himself even harder with a determined disposition. He spotted his destination and stumbled into the Lord Johan's tent.
"Lord Johan, sorry to disturb you. I have news of our top allies from the messenger," Diablo hurriedly informed, kneeling down in respect.
Looks like everything is going according to plan, Lord Johan thought deviously. The white Siberian tiger continued his Tai Chi movements, as he flowed through the motions effortlessly. "What is it that they need, my loyal comrade?"
"The Masters of the Shade would like to discuss your battle plans against the Kung Fu threat and meet with you in person."
Lord Johan calmly halted his exercise and hardheartedly stared at the dark feline. "Why would I need to do that?"
Diablo nervously swallowed the nervous lump in his throat, as he felt the piecing gaze of his Master. "Most want you to become the absolute leader of the movement, but one of the masters is unconvinced of your abilities."
"Is that so?" Lord Johan chuckled menacingly. The white Siberian tiger then casually walked to one of his elite sentinels, and put his arm playfully around the guard's shoulder. "Can you believe that? Someone doubts my strength."
Lord Johan began to laugh loudly, as he tiled his head back with his eyes looking to the tent's canopy. Ignorantly, the sentinel began to boisterously laugh with him.
Big mistake, God help him, Diablo fearfully thought, keeping his eye contact to the ground.
Without warning, Lord Johan ferociously roared and horrifically swung hit fist into the elite sentinel's chest. He plowed through the armor and chest cavity, shattering through his ribs and gripping his spinal cord. The guard coughed up a massive amount blood from his mouth with red, warm liquid spewing from his upper body onto the white Siberian tiger's arm.
"I didn't say you could laugh." In one swift motion, Lord Johan tightly clenched the spinal cord and shattered it in half; which when he pulled his red stained arm out, he left a massive gaping hole in the victim's torso. The guard fell lifelessly on the ground with a pool of blood that soaked deeply into the soil.
Lord Johan nonchalantly walked to his cupboard and grabbed a towel, cleaning the plasma and guts from his furry appendage. Was he a bit over-dramatic with that spectacle? Probably. Yet, he wanted to make the situation convincing in his own sadistic manner. He wanted to scare a false truth into his commander until the time was right; it was for his own good, and more importantly, for the good of the mission.
"So, where were we? Ah, yes, the meeting I must wastefully attend." Lord Johan then slowly walked towards the shivering commander and noticed his fearful demeanor. "You may rise, my friend. Do not worry, I have no quarrel with you."
"Yes, Lord Johan," Diablo rose without delay, his crimson eyes still fearfully looking towards the ground.
"Now, it will take me some time to reach this location, but I should be back before the assassin's deadline." The white Siberian tiger coolly placed his paw on the panther's shoulder. "You will be in charge of all operations until I return. Will I have any problems?"
Can't be timid on this answer. Diablo looked directly into his Master's eyes and confidently responded, "No, sir, everything will run smoothly."
Lord Johan smiled in approval, "Good, because after that incident with Lady Xia, I was beginning to think I made the wrong choice in you. Glad to see that I am mistaken. You may go."
Diablo fretfully nodded and swiftly paced towards the gleaming light that shined through the tent's flap on his attempt to exit the tent before...
"Oh, and, Diablo..."
The charcoal panther immediately stopped, as his muscles rigorously tensed, waiting for the inevitable threat on his life.
"If you fail me, you better pray that your death is less painful and as quick."
A/N: Thank you for taking your time to read the story! Please take a couple of seconds to review, I want to know what y'all think.