'The scene changed to just inside the gates, the place filled to the brim with the villagers. The Furious Five stood in the middle of a large rectangle-shaped area.

-Villagers, the time of the Dragon Warrior is upon us!- Shifu shouted –Let us begin!-

The scene changed to outside, showing a panda trying to get in.

-Something wrong, panda?- a voice asked.

The panda turned around to see Sonic, Roll, and Shadow walk up. The panda gasped and bowed.

-I am not worthy of being in the presence of Master Sonic- the panda stated.

-Master Sonic?- Shadow repeated.

-I forgot that Grandfather promoted me to that title- Sonic chuckled –And don't sweat it, dude-

-Sorry- the panda apologized, standing up –But you're just so awesome!-

-I know- Sonic chuckled –So.. you wanna get in? It seems all but my big sister Tigress and Viper have preformed-

The panda's eyes widened before shaking his head numerous times. Seconds later, the panda was strapped to a chair with fireworks on the bottom.

-Are you sure this is safe?- the panda asked.

-Of course- Sonic replied, the trio behind a large rock –Now… FIRE IN THE HOLE!-

Shadow fired a Chaos Spear, lighting the fireworks. They ignited for a second. The panda sighed and looked as if he were about to cry when he and the chair went high up into the air. The fireworks exploded and the panda screamed as he fell on the other side of the gate.

-…Oops…- Sonic sweatdropped.

Shadow strangled Sonic as the gates opened.

-Um… Oogway is pointing at the panda- Roll said.

The two stopped and the three ran in. The panda, burnt a little, was facing Oogway, who was pointing at him.

-Master? Why are you pointing at him?- Tigress asked.

-Him- Oogway stated –He's the Dragon Warrior-

-Him?!- Tigress gasped.

-HIM?!- Shifu gasped.

-Him?!- a goose in a red Chinese Noodle Maker outfit gasped.

-ALRIGHT, PANDA!!!- Sonic cheered.

The villagers began to burst into cheering and Knuckles was the one who carried him, since he was the only one there strong enough, as a group of pigs and ducks that lived in the Jade Palace ushered him towards the Great Hallway.

-But, Master, he can't… I won't…- Shifu sputtered –This was an accident! You were going to point at Tigress!-

-There are no mistakes- Oogway replied –Hello, Sonic, Roll, Shadow-

-Hello, Grandfather- Sonic waved as the trio walked up.

-Sensei?- Shadow pondered.

-I see you remember me from your days of training in Kung Fu- Oogway chuckled –A pleasure to see you again, Shadow. Let us catch up for old time's sake-

Shadow nodded, leaving a shocked red panda, blue hedgehog, and yellow Hedgefox.'

Shadow sighed sadly.

"Hard to believe he's gone…" Shadow said.

'The scene changed to the panda and Knuckles entering the Great Hallway. After a few seconds, Sonic and Roll entered.

-We never did catch your name- Sonic said.

-Oh! It's Po, Master Sonic- the panda replied before bowing down –I'm sorry! I didn't mean to land in front of your sister and be picked. It was an accident, honest!-

-There are no accidents- Sonic replied –You were chosen, that's all-

Po nodded, not believing it. He then gasped as he looked around.

-No way…- Po gasped before running up to some dented armor –Master Flying Rhino's armor… with authentic battle damage!-

He ran over to a small sword.

-The Sword of Heroes!- Po gasped- Said to be so sharp, that you could cut yourself by just looking at…OW!-

He sucked his cut finger as he walked over to a wall with nothing hanging on it.

-The Invisible Trident of Destiny!- Po gasped –Awesome!-

Everyone saw Po run over to a painting.

-Ohh… I've only seen paintings of this painting!- Po awed.

This went on for a little. Sonic always nodding when Po said the name of the weapon, each one a correct guess. Po then froze, slack-jawed, before walking over to an urn.

-Nooooooo….- Po awed -The Legendary Urn of Whispering Warriors…said to contain the souls of the entire Tenshu army!-

-Have you finished sight-seeing?- a voice asked.

He gasped, but didn't turn around.

-I'm sorry, I should've come to see you first!-

-My patience is wearing thin-

-Oh…really? I mean, it's not like you were going anywhere."

-Would you turn around?!- Shifu asked, trying to keep his temper under control.

-Sure- he looked over his shoulder and greeted Shifu -Hey, how's it going?- And just as suddenly he was back to the urn: -So how do you get five h—-

He gasped and jumped.

-Master Shifu!-

However, when he jumped, he bumped the pedestal and the urn went crashing to the floor. Sonic began to laugh.

-Um…the red echidna…broke that-

-WHAT?!- Knuckles gasped as Sonic and Roll fell over laughing.

-But don't worry, I'll fix it…if you've got some glue or…" he bent down to pick up the shards, only managing to knock over the pedestal, which hit him in the head as it fell -Ow! Ooh…splinter…-

-So you're the legendary Dragon Warrior, hmm?- Shifu asked, chuckling.

-I…guess so?-

-WRONG!- Shifu snapped.

He flinched and cowered behind Sonic and Roll, who had looks of fear as well.

-You are not the Dragon Warrior. You will never be the Dragon Warrior until you have mastered the secret of the Dragon Scroll- Shifu continued as he pointed to the ceiling with his flute, drawing their attention to the sacred scroll clutched in the Gold Dragon's teeth.

Po looked amazingly impressed, no doubt because of his upbringing. He must have never seen such finery, or ever imagined it in his wildest dreams. He breathed deeply

-Whoa…- He composed himself quickly, and asked, -So, how does this work? Do you have a ladder, or a trampoline?-

Shifu, Roll, and Sonic chuckled, Shifu fingering his flute as he studied him.

-You think it's that easy? That I'm just going to hand you the secret to limitless power?!- Shifu asked.

-What? No! I…-

-One must first master the highest level of kung fu, and that is clearly impossible if that someone…is someone like you- Shifu glared.

-Someone like me?- he asked curiously.

-Yes, look at you!- Shifu snapped, slapping various parts of his frame with his flute as he called attention to his physical shortcomings -This fat butt…flabby arms!-

-Hey, those are sensitive in the flabby parts…- Po said as he rubbed his sore arm.

-And this ridiculous belly!- Shifu jabbed the flute in his paunch.

-Hey!- he protested, stepping back a few paces.

-Shifu…- Sonic began.

-…And utter disregard for personal hygiene- Shifu concluded.

-Now waitaminute, that's a little uncalled for- Po pointed at Shifu, now thoroughly annoyed.

"And the rest of that wasn't?" Everyone but Shadow asked.

-Don't stand that close, I can smell your breath- He took a step away, smelling salty broth and onions on his breath and wondered when the last time was he brushed his teeth.

-Listen, Master Oogway said that…-

Shifu grabbed his finger in between his thumb and index finger, and raised his pinkie. Po gasped and cowered fearfully.

-The Wuxi finger hold! Not the Wuxi finger hold!- he begged on both knees.

-He…knows about the hold? How? There are thousands of kung fu warriors who don't even believe it existed, many more have never even heard of it. How did Po know?- Sonic and Shifu thought.

-Oh-ho-ho, you know this hold?- Shifu taunted, chuckling darkly.

He fired off like it was second nature, nodding fearfully.

-Developed by Master Wuxi in the third dynasty, yes!-

Shifu chuckled.

-So you must know what happens when I flex my pinkie…you know the hardest part of this? The hardest part…- he paused for effect and then whispered it to Po -…is cleaning up afterwards-

Po, Roll, and Knuckles gulped.

-Now listen closely, Panda…- Shifu drilled into Po's head -Oogway may have picked you, but when I'm through with you, you're going to wish he hadn't. Are we clear?-

-Yeah, we're clear, we are so clear- He looked like Shifu had completely scared the living daylights out of him.

-Good- Shifu chuckled gleefully, intending to take full enjoyment of his predicament.

He released Po.

With a final wicked grin, he said -I can't wait to get started-'

"Okay. I'm impressed by Po's knowledge," Shadow stated, "First try and he got all of them right. Even Master Dog's Honorable Hammer."'The scene changed to the training hall. Shifu threw open the doors, grateful that the Five had done what he had always expected of them. Even though they had had a long and rather...disappointing day, they were venting their frustrations and obviously angry fury at their training. Training had helped rein in Tigress' temper; and remarkably, it worked for the others too. The five saw Crane swoop in through the open skylight and land on the Jade Tortoise, deflecting incoming spears with his wings. Mantis was dashing in between the Gauntlet of Wooden Warriors, lightning fast. Viper practiced her agility on the Field of Fiery Death, leaping and slithering to avoid the unpredictable bursts of fire through the iron pipes. Monkey swung his body off of the Serpent Rings hung from the ceiling. And right in front of them, Tigress leapt nimbly across the Spinning Serpents above the pool, dodging the Seven Swinging Clubs of Instant Oblivion, one of which she hit with an open palm, smashing it to bits from the forceful fury of her strike.'

"Wow…" everyone, but Shadow, awed.

'Shifu, Roll, and Sonic managed to dodge the flying debris, but one heavy block hit Po and Knuckles right in the foreheads. As they recovered, Shifu burrowed his hands inside his wide sleeves.

-Let's get started- Shifu stated.

-W-w-wait…- Po stammered, staring fretfully at the most dangerous obstacle course in the Jade Palace's history -…Now?-

-Yes, now- Shifu affirmed -Unless you think the Great Oogway was wrong, and you are not the Dragon Warrior-

-Oh well, uh…- he lowered his voice, pointing at the gauntlet -I don't know that I can do…all of that-

-Well, if we don't try, we'll never know, will we?- Shifu smirked, walking off along the platform.

-Shifu, isn't this going a bit far?- Sonic asked.

-Yosh. Po-kun probably can't do all this on his first day- Roll added.

-Well, I'm just saying…- Po said as the four followed in Shifu's wake -Maybe we could start at something closer to…my level?-

-And what level is that?-

-Well, I'm not a master…but let's just start at Zero. Level Zero-

Shifu couldn't hold back the laugh

-Oh ho no…there is no such thing as 'Level Zero'-

Suddenly he brightened up, now lighter on his feet (if that were possible, given his size).

-Hey! Maybe I can start with that!-

Shifu watched incredulously as he skipped over to the Adversary.

-That? We use that for training children…and for propping the door open when it is hot. But, if you insist…-

-Good idea, Po-kun- Roll nodded –Start with the safest thing in the room-

-Idiot- Knuckles stated.

Behind Shifu, the Furious Five had paused their training, coming over to finally meet the one who was to be their ultimate master. Viper and Crane looked mostly curious, Monkey and Mantis skeptical at best. Tigress…well, one couldn't accurately describe the full measure of disdain in her expression. In fact, had they not been there, they would not have put it past her to completely destroy him, one way or another.

But if he was discouraged by the looks the Five were giving him, he didn't show it. In fact, he seemed to be quite the avid fan.

-Whoa! The Furious Five! Wow, you're so much bigger than your action figures!- he paused, -…except for you, Mantis…you're about the same-'

Shadow pulled out a mint condition set of the Furious Five.

"A memento of them," Shadow replied to the stares.

'Shifu lieu of a twitching eye, Mantis just ticked an antennae in annoyance. Shifu broke the uncomfortable silence.

-Go ahead, Panda, show us what you can do- Shifu ordered.

-Good luck- Sonic and Roll said.

Po paused, twiddled his thumbs distractedly, then asked me in a lowered voice as he glanced at the Five.

-Um…are they gonna watch, or should I just wait until they get back to work or something?-

-Hit it- everyone ordered.

-Okay, um…I just ate, so much kung fu may not be as good as…later on…-

-Just hit it!-

He finally relented, and…started taunting the dummy. Taunting it, like he would have done to an enemy. It was almost painful to watch. They had never heard of "get ready to feel the thunder" or "betcha never seen bear style". (A/N: I cringed just writing these down. It doesn't bear repeating whatever else he said.)

Shifu finally gave in to my impatience, snapping -Will you hit it?!-

He stopped.

-Okay, here goes…- he drew back his arm, hand balled into a fist and he…tapped it.'

Facefaults.

'-Why don't you try again?- Sonic suggested -A little harder-

Po drew his arm back again, and this time gave a real punch—if it could be called that. But the dummy had done as one expected it to. The panda didn't even get the chance to ask "How was that?" before the dummy teetered back and then forward again, knocking the bear off the platform…and right into the middle of the obstacle course.

Well, as much as Shifu was sure the Five were not pleased with the latest addition to the Jade Palace, he did have to commend them and the other three for rushing forward to try to save the poor panda. They only stopped when he ordered them to, and they watched helplessly—and yet with some amusement—as the obstacle course effectively handed him his ass.'

"Ooh…" Yuchiro, Skye, and Dex winced, rubbing the spot between their legs.

"Ow…" Yai flinched.

Lan saw Maylu covering her eyes. He didn't expect her to quickly move close to him, actually in his lap, and holding him tight while burying her face into the base of his neck, not wanting to see Po's pain. Lan blushed heavily as Dex glared at him. Shadow returned to glare for Lan, making Dex whimper and hide behind his chair. They all closed their eyes and flinched badly when Po entered the Field of Fiery Death.

"All I'm willing to say is that the Field of Fiery Death was neither kind nor forgiving," Shadow stated.

'After getting torched, hit, struck and bruised in inestimable places on his tubby body, Po literally dragged himself back to the group, his fur singed and smoking, and in the case of a couple hairs on his head, still burning.

-…How did I do?- he gasped.

Shifu had to curb his enthusiasm as Roll extinguished the flame with her fingers.

-There is now a Level Zero- Shifu declared.

The scene shifted to night, Sonic, Shadow, and Oogway walking towards the Heavenly Peach Tree of Wisdom. But, to their surprise, Po was there, his back turned to them as he easily got the largest peach on it… at the top of it, before easily jumping down to eat.

-WHOA!- Sonic gasped, startling Po –Po, how did you do THAT?!-

-Do what?- Po asked.

-…He's kidding, right?- Sonic whispered.

-This must be a mistake- Shadow stated –You told me he couldn't do anything close to Kung Fu today-

-There are no mistakes- the hedgehog and the turtle replied in unison.

-I see you've found the Heavenly Peach Tree of Wisdom- Oogway smiled as he walked over -I am Oogway, Sonic's grandfather. It is a pleasure to meet you again, Dragon Warrior-

-Seems that only you, Sonic, and Roll think I'm that guy- Po sighed.

-Wanna talk about it?- Sonic asked –They say that people can easily find this tree when they're troubled-

Po sighed.

-It's just that… AW! I probably sucked worse than anyone in the history of Kung Fu Sucking today!- Po groaned.

-True- Oogway said.

-The Five must totally hate my guts- Po sighed.

-Totally- Oogway agreed, earning a jaw drop from both hedgehogs.

-I should just leave and go make noodles- Po sighed.

-Noodle, don't noodles. Leave, don't leave- Oogway said –There is a saying, Dragon Warrior; 'Yesterday is History. Tomorrow is a Mystery. But Today is a Gift.' That is why it's called the present-

He tapped the tree and a peach three times as big as the one Po had fell out and landed in Po's free hand as Oogway walked off.'

"Okay, turtle's good," Dex and Skye stated.

Everyone nodded.