The Master

They went through the forest until they came to the mighty snow mountain. Po looked at the sun. "Come," He said to Tigress and Tai-Lung, "We got to get to the top before nightfall." They started struggling up the mountain nearly falling a couple times. Tai-Lung was getting worried for Po.

"Why do you need to be up here before night fall?" he asked trying to be heard above the blizzard.

"Because after nightfall, the opening to the inside of the mountain closes. So we need to get moving," Po shouted back. They moved on. Finally, they came to a cave. Po looked at the setting sun. "We made it." They went into the cave. Po lit a torch that he brought on the way. The cave was very deep and had a lot of tunnels. They finally came to a large opening that allowed a dull light in from the top of the mountain. "We'll wait until he comes," Po said sitting down.

"Are we going to see your Master?" Tigress asked. Po shook his head.

"You guys are going to see a duck," Po said confusing them. Then they heard flapping. They looked up to the opening at the top of the mountain to see a little duckling flying in. When he touched the ground, he looked around to see Po, Tigress, and Tai-Lung. The duck looked to be seven or six. He smiled and ran up to the sitting panda to hug him.

"Po it's you!" he said. Po hugged back.

"Nice to see you too, Zan," Po replied.

"Who are you guys?" Zan pointed to the other two curious.

"Well, I'm Tai-Lung and this is Tigress," Tai-Lung explained.

"I'm Zan, director of the Singing Mountain," Zan replied excited to tell. Tigress and Tai-Lung were confused.

"Director?" Tigress asked.

"You see, the Singing Mountain actually has a special cast that makes the mountain sing. Zan why don't you start your song?" Po said to the duck.

"Okay. We've been practicing, too. Which one do you want to hear?" Zan asked. Po pretended to think.

"How about you do my favorite song? The one about servants." Po suggested. Zan giggled with excitement and started for the center of the area. He tapped his stick on the ground, raised his hands up in the air, waited a minute, and swung them back down.

Mysteriously, soft music started to play. A flute and harp. Then a small shining bunny girl appeared out of nowhere in a white robe, singing:

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in deepest sin
My hand will save

I, who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Then other shining animals in white robes came in singing:

Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord.
If you lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

The music slowly crescendos into a loud triumphant blast with hundreds of other animals in white robes lighting up the entire mountain like it was daytime

I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save

Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord.
If you lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

Then the music quieted to a sweet ending. Then all the shining animals were gone. Tigress and Tai-Lung stood beyond amazed of what they saw. They looked at each other and then looked at Po. "What was that?" the both asked.

"The Master's angels. They come down here to practice singing for him. It really is simply amazing. Now, if you'll excuse me. I need to go be alone," Po said as he went down one of the tunnels. Tigress looked at him and said to Zan.

"We'll be right back, Zan. We need to check on Po," she said running after him. Tai-Lung sighed.

"Here we go again," he muttered chasing after her. Zan shrugged as he flew out the mountain. He usually only plays one song. Tigress and Tai-lung again hid out of sight while Po looked around for a place to be safe. He placed the torch on the floor when he hit a dead end. Tigress and Tai-Lung watched behind a rock. "I don't know what I'm doing. I've never even talked to the Master. How am I suppose to know his voice?" Po said frustrated.

"Po," A voice said. Po looked around. "Po."

"I'm here," Po said cautiously still looking for where the voice was coming from. "Who are you?"

"I am the Master," the voice said. Po noticed the torch burning brighter. He watched it and saw that it was twice the size it once was. Po immediately bowed to the ground and said.

"Master, we need your help. We need to know what we are to do now," Po asked. Tigress and Tai-Lung watched in amazement.

"Po, I have seen the hurt and pain that my people have put on themselves," The Master said, the torch pulsing each time it spoke. "They need a protector that will be there for them. I want to bring them out of their suffering and bring them into truth and peace. And so, to protect the people, I shall choose...you." Po instantly lifted his head.

"Me? Why me? I can't lead or protect these people. They won't listen to me," Po argued.

"They will listen and you'll be able to protect them," The Master said.

"But you know what these people have done to me. You know the past I've gone through with these people. You've made a complete mistake, Master! I'm not even one of their kind!" Po ended up shouting. Then the flame lit up like an explosion as it knocked Po flat on his feet. The Master shouted back.

"Who made animal-kind? Who made the leopard, bear, the lion and the lamb? Did not I?! Now, Go!" Po was panting on the ground, huddled up in a corner. He was scared. The flames kindled around Po, lifting him up but it didn't hurt him. The Master spoke in a gentler tone. "Po, you must forgive these people. As I have forgiven you. But remember this, I will be with you always, even to the end of time. Have faith in me, Po, and you will always be my chosen warrior. I will be with you, Po."

The flames turned to normal as the torch remained the same it was before. Po got up, took the torch in hand, and walked out. Then he heard something, sniffed around, and said.

"I know you're there guys. Come out," Po said. Tigress and Tai-Lung came out completely speechless. "Listen, don't tell anyone of what you've seen or heard. Not until I tell you so." Po and them walked out sadly. Tigress was starting to worry about Po. Zan had already left, so they went out the cave to see the sun again. "It's sunrise. We better get going," Po said firmly as he started down the mountain.

"How did the time go by so fast?" Tigress asked.

"That happens," Po stated simply. Tigress and Tai-Lung were worried but said nothing all the way back down.

Sorry for the religious song. I just really like how the song sounds.