Disclaimer : I do not own Kung Fu Panda

Chapter 12 : A Newbie

Just like what Po had already imaged, his dad blubbered upon hearing his son's decision. "I knew it. I knew it. You'd choose Kung Fu over noodle," He sobbed. His back facing Po and his watery eyes looking down at the ladle he was holding.

Po felt guilty. Before he could open his mouth to speak, his dad continued uttering the sadness he had. "Anyway, what can Kung Fu give to you? I thought you were happy enough living here as a noodle seller, just like me and also my father and your great-grandfather."

"Dad, please, I know how you feel, but –" The panda covered his eyes with palm, realizing the choice he made had just hurted the one who had raised him. "I must confess this to you," He trailed off, then proceeded. "This ... is a dream I've been waiting for since long ago."

Mr. Ping sniffed.

"Beside," the panda added, "this is Master Oogway's final wish. He wanted me to be Shifu's student and live at the Jade Palace," He exhaled, not knowing how to make his dad understand. "Well, I am sorry because I let you down. I – I won't go there if you ... don't allow me ... to."

"Are you kidding me?!" Suddenly, Mr. Ping hugged him (or in this case, just put his wings around Po's belly) excitedly. "Isn't this great?! You're gonna be a Kung Fu Master!"

Po was confused to see the changes of his dad's expression. "But I thought you –"

"Oh, you must take that offer or The Grand Master Oogway won't rest in peace. You don't want his ghost to come here haunting you, right? " the goose insisted, somewhat threatening his son. He put his wings on his chest and prayed.

"I thought you'd prefer me to become your chef assistant rather than a Kung Fu master."

Mr. Ping waved his wing as if he didn't care. "Nah, forget about what I told you that time. You know, Son? When you're a Kung Fu Master, people will know me as Mr. Ping; the father of Master Po, and more customers will come here, and ... and my restaurant will become more famous!" He said that proudly, like it really would come true.

Po almost laughed as he listened. Deep in his heart, he knew that his dad was still not willing to have the son he had raised in his noodle shop chose Kung Fu as the way of life. However, his dad always gave his blessing to whatever Po did, as long as he was happy with his own option.

And that was one of the reasons to why Po loved his dad so much.

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TTW

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Palace Arena,

The five drew themselves up. Their faces got all stiff. It was like they were not showing any sign of friendliness towards the beginner until Po's stomach lurched, feeling awkward and almost regretted his decision to fulfill the deceased Grand Master Oogway's final wish. He forgot that The Five did not like him at all.

"So," Shifu began. He stood between Po and his five students. "since you've already met before, I think we can just skip the introduction part. But, only as a formality," He stared at Po, "I think you must do it."

The red panda stepped back few meters away, giving personal space for the giant panda and the five Kung Fu masters.

"Uh," Po tried to avoid eye contact with his idols. Okay, Po. This is only an introduction, not a major examination, he reassured himself. "Hello, my name is Po Ping," There was a slight tremble in his voice. "From now on, I'll be learning kung fu together with you all here and –" He noticed Tigress' piercing gaze was getting intimidating, causing Po to shudder. "—I think it's enough," He rubbed his arm nervously, whispering. "Nice to meet you," And ended his introduction in a gawky manner. He spotted at the palace gate longingly, hoping to go back to his dad. But too late. The Jade Palace was where he would stay now.

"Nice to meet you too, Po," A soft greeting was heard from one of the five.

Po let out a small sigh of relief. At least, one of them seemed to be a sociable person. Master Viper had been known as the sweetest and nicest of the Furious Five.

"Likewise, Master Viper," replied Po, smiling.

"I can teach you from the start if you want,"

"If you need anything, just ask us – your seniors,"

"We're here ready to help you,"

Unexpectedly, they were not like Po had thought they would be. Was he dreaming? Of course not.

The five returned the smile!

They were smiling at him!

Master Monkey, Master Crane and also Master Mantis were willing to train with him!

They accepted him as one of them. It was a very different respond they showed him when they had first met the day before yesterday. Master Oogway and Master Shifu might have asked them to be more friendly and welcoming to him.

He sensed that he would quickly adapt to live here.

"One more thing you must know," said Tigress coldly as usual, "that Kung Fu is not the same as noodle," She clenched fist, "you may decide to give up right when you just start and then return to your father before you master straight punch techniques."

Po was silent. Tigress' words was more like a warning than an advice. Monkey nudged his tiger friend as he raised an eyebrow.

The panda gulped. He must be strong. "I – I won't let you all down."

"Do not ever try to,"

Shifu cleared his throat. This conversation must be ended here before things got ugly. "You can build your familiarity when dinner comes. And now, how about if we continue your training?"

"Training?" Po became enthusiastic, eyes glowing with full of happiness. This was his very first day and he would join his heroes to train Kung Fu together. "Awesome!"

But his happy feeling soon was crashed down and turned into feeling of fear as they reached Training Hall. His legs shaking.

Seven talons wooden rings were swinging, some arrows were shot out of nowhere, an area never stopped spewing up fire, not to mention another dangerous pointed equipments which Po was not familiar with. It was a house of horror.

"It looks ... terrible,"

Tigress soon was aware of the fright upon Po's face. She rolled her eyes. Again? What in the world that makes this panda special for Oogway?

"Ready?" Shifu gave the command. Po observed around him, confused. Ready for what? "And begin!"

"Kiyah!"

Five figures, without wasting more time, leaped forward and got themselves ready to face the various deadly tools. Monkey expertly swung across the hole of the talon rings that were hung up three meters off the floor. Crane deflected arrows that were being shot at him while balancing on half of a jade-colored turtle shell. Mantis weaved his ways through an army of wooden crocodile warriors with an amazing speed. Viper evaded fire spurted on the field of fiery death. Tigress dodged the swinging spiked clubs on spinning serpent logs. She smashed one of the clubs with her bare fist. Such an impressive power.

Po gawked in amazement. Awesome. Are they actually Gods of Kung Fu?

Tigress had a quick glance at the speechless panda. This was her chance to tell him what the true Kung Fu was. And also a chance to show Shifu her competence.

"Kiyah!"

Tigress leaped towards Crane and started to spar with him. The avian had himself prepared for an another combat.

"Ouch!"

His body was thrown backward as the kick from Tigress landed on his face. When he was about to proceed the fight, the tiger already started a new sparring with someone else. She chased Monkey through the rings. The primate successfully blocked her kick. Tigress swung further. Then jumped, arms stretching forward. Her claws were ready to pounce. A second later, the monkey had laid down onto the floor, wincing in pain.

It was obvious that Tigress seemed to be more ferocious this time. She stood firmly and placed her arms on hips, sending a haughty glance to the panda.

Then a sudden realization occured. Po was alarmed. Wait a minute! Does it mean I have to -

"What are you worried about, Panda?" Shifu asked calmly while still watching his other students.

"Uh ... I'm... just not sure if I can do – you know – those moves." He pointed at where the five were wrestling in their battlefield. "Is there a tool for a beginner like me? A level zero."

"Well, I'm not sure. But, you can just start with that," The red panda master led him to a wooden doll which was placed in the corner of the room.

"Yeah! That's what I mean!" Po cried for joy, studying the doll who had the same height as him. No flame, no spikes. This one looks safer.

"Then, show me what you can do for starters,"

"Okay!"

Po, hesitantly, hit the doll with his fist, very lightly.

Shifu shook his head, desperately trying to not make any sound of growl. "Try harder!" Come on! That punch won't even make a baby cry.

A harder knock was sent to the doll. That tolls righted itself and and whacked Po, sending him flying backward and causing him to get trapped between the training courses. Luckily Crane grabbed him by the shoulders before his white and black fur was caught on fire.

Shifu was almost frustrated. Teaching this panda needed a very hardwork, indeed. "We should try using another easier method for you."

Tigress was flabbergasted seeing how his master cared for the panda. She worked hard to show off her skill yet he never noticed it.

"How about sparring?" suggested Monkey. "Maybe his true power will be revealed if he applies it for a combat?"

Po agreed. "Sounds good."

They walked out from the Training Hall for an outdoor fighting. Tigress, halfheardtedly, followed them.

First Round : Viper vs Po.

Shifu flicked his fingers. "Begin!"

Three seconds later; Viper won, Po lost.

Second Round : Crane vs Po.

The avian easily achieved his victory only within five seconds, almost without doing anything.

Third Round : Monkey vs Po.

For ten seconds, after continuosly getting hit from a toya, the panda had to admit defeat.

Fourth Round : Mantis vs Po.

The panda did not even get a chance to see or touch his small opponent.

Fifth Round : Tigress vs Po.

"Stop the training!" Shifu's voice halted Tigress, who was about to attack the beated up panda.

"Master, I haven't even started –"

Shifu ignored her. He inspected the bruises on the panda's body. "Are you okay?"

Po put a fist to his palm ... before he finally collapsed.

"Oh My God!"

All immediately surrounded the unconscious panda.

"Must be because you hit him too hard, Monkey!" Mantis shortly accused the monkey.

"Me?" the primate protested. "Hey! You're the last one fighting him. You slammed him cruelly onto the ground again and again!"

"But I've seen him already in soreness right after he fought you!"

"Well, he had been like that before he fought me. This is Crane's fault!"

"Hey, don't blame me!"

"Or maybe he's just too nervous to spar with Tigress?"

Shifu stomped his feet angrily. "Enough!" he snapped. He did not understand why his student acted childish like this. "You take him to his room! And Mantis, give medical treatment to this panda! I'm sure your acupuncture skill has improved."

"Yes, Master Shifu,"

The teacher left his students indignantly. He massaged his head, lamenting his life who just became more tangled than ever.

The five stared at each other with their inquiring look.

"Err ... so, how do we take him to our barrack?" asked Mantis.

Four pairs of eyes were directing at Tigress. They all knew who the strongest was among them – the one who was the most capable of to lift something heavy.

Tigress groaned in annoyance. "Fine! I'll carry him!"