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Now… not much progressed in this chapter, just some…. Fluff…

KFP Owned by Dreamworks.

Everyone stoned while gaping towards the fallen creatures, no one dare to twitch a muscle. The panda and the tiger slowly stood up. Po's attention swiftly darted towards her, yes... they were back on the world of the living, and Tigress stood in front of him - she was real, tangible and breathing. For a moment, everything felt so surreal, they just gazed into each other's eyes digesting what had happened. When the lightning of reality finally struck their mind, both creatures lunged in each other's arm, caring nothing about consequences, embarrassment, further questioning, shifting expectation, and disregarding about dozens of infatuated eyes fixated on them.

All the while in his life, Po undoubtedly received a lot of hugs. But living as one of very few large creature, surrounded by pigs, geese, rabbits... sometimes made one forget how is it like to have someone your equal. Same size as he was, similar height, same kind of strength so he didn't have to restrain himself, worrying he would hurt someone. And standing in front of him was his heroine, not just merely standing there... he hugged her, and she hugged him back. He remembered this hug, how solid it felt compared to the feathery hug from his goose dad, or from a plushy hug from his panda dad. That shock came with a tug in his chest, she was perfectly placed by his side, leaning physically where his heart was, and overpowering sense of elation as he felt her arm encircled him. Her hug was paradoxically strong and tight, almost protective... yet passionate and gentle, as she had savored it only for very few selected individuals.

Po hugged her, it was soft and caring, portraying his tenderness and his affection towards her. Tigress' hug was strong and bold, tightly gripping him, as a reflection of her determination and earnestness to protect those she loved. And after such a disturbing turn off reality, nearly losing someone you deeply cared forever - did put things into perspective. Under the scrutinizing eyes of other Masters, her adopted father, her brother, her mother... both of his fathers, in fact quite a number of citizens of the valley, they both embraced in a tight melancholic hug.

Just as both of them were sure her life was about to end at the heinous hand of their adversaries, fate had given them another chance.

"Don't let go..." He muttered, as the eruption of emotion began to take control of his being, tears flew down uncontrollably from his eyes. She wasn't in a much better form either, burying her face on his wide shoulder she began to weep.

"I won't..." She muffled into his fur. "Po..., you're the reason I'm still here."

His heart swelled hearing her earnest words. Keeping his arms tightly around her slender figure, the panda gently gave her a kiss on her forehead and whispered, "...I love you Tigress…to the spirit realm and back." She smiled, very much sated being the passive recipient of his affection. It was a mere brush of his lips, but it held a powerful promise of future to come.

To those who witness her sudden departure to the spirit realm, understood just about everything the panda must have felt. Viper and Crane huddled together, eyes both red. Monkey and Mantis snorted their nose loudly and wiping tears of joy. As soon as both panda and tiger parted - unexpectedly, Tai Lung was the first to scoop his strong arms around both of them, and let a single droplet of happy tears slid down his prideful eyes.

"Tigress, you are alive!"

"Sister..!"

The entire group said in succession and swarmed Tigress and Po in a group hug. "Welcome home…. Buddy!" The later said to the panda, applauding his effort taking Tigress back to the world of the living.

"Man… you managed to melt her iron heart." Mantis wagged his tiny brows and paid the panda a scandalous look. "Crane… you better watch out those mental images may turn into reality." He added. But even Tigress was too happy to be bothered by Mantis crude joke, she was tugging the happiest smile as she hugged her family in return.

The villager let a jubilation yell and clapped expectantly at the moving sight, and Shifu….he was sighing in utter contentment, congratulating the panda in his heart.

But their sentimental moment was rudely interrupted by a sudden squawk and clamorous cluttering sound. The group huddle absently loosened as they tried to identify the source of the dissonance. In joyous, celebratory mood, Mr. Ping - leaving his noodle cart - leaped and gave Tigress a tenacious hug.

"Oh... I finally have a daughter... you'll be a good wife Master Tigress!" Then he turned to the rest of gawking citizen.

"Dad! We are not getting married!" The flushed panda protested. But his goose dad paying no attention, as if the words had never reached his ears.

He swept his analytical gaze at his son, and suddenly reached his wing credulously inspecting Po's torso as if he was going to do a full autopsy on his body. "You've gone skinny!" and landed his accusing glare to Master Shifu, who remained completely stoic and expressionless.

Tigress quickly reassured the goose,"...my apology Mr. Ping, our last mission in the mountain had been very hard, the bandits stole our rudimentary food supply that we pack for a week." Instantly his stern features softened, as he rubbed the back of Tigress' paw with his wings. "...oh how I wish your father as nice as you." Shifu rolled his eyes, but Mr. Ping took no notice, instead he bellowed to the villagers. "Free Secret Ingredient Soup for everyone... only this time, with no purchases...!" The crowd chorus a rapturous squeal in response and barging towards the establishment.

As the rambunctious spectacle dispersed, Po and Tigress saw Li Shan, smiling widely. He quickly shoved Po a big panda hug. "Welcome back, Son!... I came as soon as Grand Master told me the news about Tigress… glad you take her home safely." He turned his attention to the tiger. The two of them stood in momentary recess, Li was the first to reach her. "Xiu… welcome home." He said with much softer and gentler tone. Tigress stupefied as soon as she heard that name.

As he released her, he explained, "Zhi came to my dream last night…. I am sorry I didn't recognize you straight away when we first met - part of me trying to push those sad memories away, I even changed my name. But I need to give you this…." He reached his pocket and gave her a necklace with a locket. Inside it was a picture of Zhi and the cub version of herself, they both wearing coordinated qipao.(*) Tigress smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Shan…." She paid him a hug. "... thank you."

"And Po…." His panda dad obstructed a blue box under his large paw, as he secretly passed it to his son. "That's from your mom… errmmm…. She figured you may need that, sometimes..… in the near future." Bemused, Po received the box and quickly tugged inside his pocket.(**)

"Uhm… Master Shifu." The former confident and passionate panda suddenly reduced into tongue-tied cub in front of the Grand Master. "Yes, Po." The red panda answered with a rare generous smile that could light up the entire marketplace.

"M-may I get your…. approval...to... urmmm… court Tigress?" He asked timidly. Just when he was expecting him to plow his tiny little fist on his face, his diminutive master instead grinning with a very untypical expression of happiness. "Of course you may panda." He answered without any sign of reluctance. Po let an explosive sigh of instant relief. The hard part had passed.

Scrupulously, Tigress attention darted towards a striped feline. She was wearing simple qipao running to her knee, underneath that was a black slack much like hers. Her adopted father cleared his throat and smiled. "Tigress….. this is Wu Jia….your mother."

Both of them stood in wordless silence, each with dozens of emotions wrestling in their chest. Finally, after such hardship… numerous hurdle….fighting life and death, mother and daughter finally reunited the first time in nearly three decades. This was where future and past met at the present, stood in front of her was an astounding mirror image of her future self in decades to come.

Wu Jia was the first to embrace his long lost daughter. She girded her fiercely as rivulets of tears cascading down her cheeks. Caressing her auburn fur, feeling her toned figure in her arms, repaying those times of distant separation and quelling zealous desire to bestow her maternal love for her only daughter. "Tigress….I am sorry, for being absent this long...for not being there for you when you need me". Her body shook in wrecking spasm, and the tears she wept went unchecked down her cheek. Tigress haltingly requited, with her eyes welling up and whispering in return. "...what's important that you are here, now… Mother."

However, during the intense Mother-Daugther moments, Tigress couldn't help but notice the enamored, positively smitten look her adopted brother had for her mother. He was trying desperately to keep his mind clear and focused, but admiration was a much stronger enemy than he could handle.

Of course, like the rest, the realization of the spotted leopard's first love was soon rudely assaulting her mind. So, while climbing up the endless stairs of Jade Palace, Tigress forewarned her brother,"...Tai… don't tell me that you are after my mother!" She snarled with a threatening tone. Notwithstanding somewhat feeling betrayed that Tai Lung never disclosed such information, it was apparent why the leopard wisely kept it away from everyone, especially Tigress - as she herself admitted, she might make him into her bedroom rug should she know about this love affair far in advance.

The snow leopard was grinning fiendishly in retribution and quoted the dialogue from their truth and dare. "I already told you Tigress... be careful what you've wished for." (***) If there is anything Tigress regretted returning back to the mortal world - this would be one of it.

Admitting defeat, Tigress could only reply,"...but if you hurt her…I would skin that spotty butt of yours, even to the extent of stripping off what makes you a man." While the panda next to her seemed to just watch silently at the two felines contentious interaction.

Her adopted brother nonchalantly cracked his neck and retorted, "...actually it's more likely your mother to hurt me before I could hurt her." Tigress tried to ignore Po's comical nod of agreement on Tai Lung's blatant rebuttal. While the snow leopard acknowledging he had a supporter - immediately jutting his chest, throwing a scandalous look and walking pompously to Wu Jia's side.

Tigress could only roll her eyes and huffed in her heart.

Men!

That evening, the Wu Sister made their sojourn back to Manthai, leaving all the Masters peacefully by themselves.

At dinner time, all of them circled around the kitchen table which barely could withhold the number of its passengers, leaving Mantis and Viper to sit on the table instead of the chair. But everyone was in such jovial mood… of course, for once they could sit and enjoyed dinner as a complete family.

From where he sat, the Grand Master watched the flame licking gently the cauldron that hung over it, creating a delectable sound that made everyone mouth's water profusely. Everyone idly chatted, sounds of sporadic, boisterous laughter filling the gaps, topped with the intoxicating smell of Po's impeccable cooking and a generous spread of festive food. Outside the kitchen window, the white cold flurries just settled down on the ground, creating a mystical view of the valley beneath. The diminutive master sighed contentedly, savoring every minute of repose.

Yes, Khan was gone, and the Empress betrothal was revoked, all his students were here...son and daughter were both alive and had found the love of their life, how couldn't all these made him blissfully at peace? However, the Grand Master couldn't help to foresee there was a lurking danger coming from those vagabond Mongolian. A grievous vision was declared in his mind, but he decided to push those negative conjecture to the corner of his mind, letting it rest and not to spoil the moment of joy.

Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift.

That's why it's called the present.

"So quick spotty… spill the beans." Mantis pressed Tai Lung expectantly, perching himself on the top of his broad shoulder. The rest of the Masters, save it for Wu Jia and Viper, were around the kitchen table, savoring their light snack courtesy of their panda chef. Tai Lung watched his surroundings before lowering down his voice and announced. "I heard, that Shifu had a previous… love interest."

"He is a man Tai Lung… what so special about having a girlfriend." Tigress reprimanded her brother.

"Wait, this gonna be interesting…" Monkey bounced mischievous gaze at every Masters."Tell me, Tai Lung, was the girl a fox?" Monkey grinned, waiting for the leopard reaction.

"How did you know?" He said almost impulsively.

"I sat next to her brother during the trip to Changping. He had such adorable ears… no wonder Shifu fell for her." Monkey said, extrapolating the similarities of the fox and her brother.

"What else you know?"

"Nothing much… " The simian shrugged."...she is a herbalist, living in Xiongsen. Now, what do you know." The langur retaliated back.

"I met her actually, she was the one that nursed me back to health after the Wuxi finger-hold." The spotted leopard admitted.

"She did?"

"What was she like?" Albeit sounding distantly interested, Tai Lung could tell Tigress was dying to know the other side of Shifu that she and the rest of her cohorts seldom saw.

"...mmmm very attractive, dainty… painfully glamorous….like a fragile china."

For a moment Tigress stood there completely silenced, not believing that Shifu had fallen for a feminine nonsense, decked with glittering jewelry, dressed in best hanfu, manicured her claw, fanning herself daintily, even soaked in vanilla and lavender bath every day.

"She had never been a warrior?" Tigress replied back almost dejectedly. It was clear that Tigress somehow inferring Xin Yue should have some knowledge of Kung Fu even though she was a herbalist. "And all these while Shifu trained all of us to be ruthless killing machine...while he clearly favoring a girlish freak." She chided bitterly.

"Tigress… he looked at her as a potential mate, not potential students." Crane spoke up, but soon regretting his move.

"Spare me your thought, will you? I am still a woman! And he never gave me a chance to look attractive for the opposite sex. He is indirectly depriving my chance of love…who is not intimidated to have a girlfriend who could skin you to be her bedroom rugs?"

"Or… could make Po cry like a girl." Monkey derided casually.

"Seemed like Po doesn't mind being your bedroom rug." Mantis sneered. "Ugh… Sorry, didn't mean that to be...err...audible."

"Can't believe this, even I miss the boat! Even Shifu no longer available to hit on." The simian commented.

"Wait… didn't know you attracted to Shifu." The panda shivered imagining the prospect.

"For dumpling sake, Po! that's not what I meant!"

"But that wasn't the shocking fact… do you know why Shifu had never said anything to us? Not even Tai Lung, and this happened during his cubhood. He had never even seen her, so Shifu had been absolutely clandestine about this affair." Mantis added, and that was just the trigger for the snow leopard to utter the word that had been itching on his throat.

"That's because she used to be a whore…" Tai Lung exposed with a wide prideful smile, somehow pleased he was the first to know among all the Masters despite his prolonged absence from Jade Palace.

"A WHAT?"

Tai Lung quickly signaled his paws to subdue the explosion of collective ghastly outcry.

"Oh heavens…. Now I had a mental image. This is worse than panda and tiger or mother and adopted brother." Crane covered his face with his straw hat.

"Shut it, Crane!" Tigress glared at him.

"She must be absolutely seductive, to be able to lure a person as Shifu to ensue much-forbidden relationship…. " Monkey said.

"That's part of her job wasn't it." A scandalous smile gripping the leopard's maw, before making flippant remark toward his sister. "Maybe you can learn a thing or two from her in pleasing men. Right Tigress?" He was wise to quickly bolt outside the kitchen with furious Tigress behind him.

Some other days, inside Tigress' bedroom, three females enjoying a rare bonding time together. Viper and Wu Jia sat on Tigress' bedroll while the owner of the bed herself sat cross-legged on the floor. They exchanged tales of their life, but Wu Jia's narration was obviously taken dominance. She expounded her meeting with Hei Jian, her political marriage to the Emperor, and later the whole saga of Khan despicable jealousy. Tigress silently marveled at her mother's bravery, her selfless deeds towards her people, and her long suffering. How could she live under such oppressive condition, having to trade her life of myriad of privileges to plain hardship? But now, such time of dare and endured had passed - it was time for her to think about her own happiness.

"So you know that Tai Lung is after you?" Tigress phlegmatically asked, while Viper felt a little uneasy on such personally invasive question. Tigress' mother just shrugged spontaneously, and replied,"...unlike Po… Tai Lung wasn't the subtlest creature."

Pacing back and forth, Tigress began to feel slight discomfort. Not that he dislike Tai Lung, she loved him as her brother, but to have him hooked up with her mother was…. beyond her most creative imagination - but she guessed, the same could be said about her and Po. Who might have guessed a panda and a tiger could be together? Besides, Tai Lung was merely his adopted brother, so his relationship with her mother was completely legitimate.

"Ok… " She said, concentrating back and emphasizing to herself that this wasn't about her…. This was about her mother's happiness, her chance to reignite the feeling that someone would be there for her when the dawn of her age approached.

"...do you love him?"

"Tigress…. I am not you… a fair maiden who is new to the world of romance and seeking the exhilarating side of love journey. If I were to be bound by a marriage vow, my intention was to seek and confided someone that would serve the function rather than give myself to invigorating experience." Tigress folded her arm, feeling rather miffed with her mother's blunt remark to the point she inadvertently, giving her a sordid look.

"Are you saying that I am merely pursuing thrilling romantic adventure with Po?" She scoffed, her mother was perfectly amused looking at her daughter sulking in denial.

"Tigress is romantic?…now that's new." Teased Viper, who just froze as Tigress landed predatory glare as her wordless reply.

"No… I didn't say that. What I meant is….I know romance is one thing, but I am more interested to find someone who is proven to be compatible with me. I am not a firm believer in love at the first sight."

"So I heard…. more like a slap at the first sight." Tigress cackled sinisterly but quickly silenced at her mother's witty comeback. "Speak for yourself, dear daughter… you are not much different, you made that poor panda ate your fist on your first spar? And look at you now… if you weren't acting like a hopeless romantic enraptured with burning desire on every mention of his name."

"... you got me there." She resigned in defeat. Her mother smirked impishly.

"I am quite surprised with your choice of man…" Her mother smiled, scooting closer to her.

"You mean because he is a klutzy, rotund panda?" Wu Jia nodded weakly at Tigress' statement. "...well, his heart is far bigger than his belly." She added, her mother smiled in agreement.

"Had to admit though, Tai Lung was admirably a great man, unfortunately very lacking in 'understanding women' department. He hardly had any clue on the most basic interaction with female counterparts such as with my cousins, the Wu Sisters." Wu Jia stated.

Viper suddenly had a brilliant idea, she would make sure the snow leopard would get the girl of his dream. She knew Wu Jia was already falling for him and that was a half a job done. The serpent just had to make sure that the next time an opportunity presented itself, the snow leopard would be the most romantic man ever walked on earth.

The serpent had kindly offered the snow leopard some 'understanding women for dummy 101' lesson in her bedroom. Tai Lung obediently sat cross-legged, made himself comfortable inside Viper's bedroom. Eyeing the serpent, the spotted leopard asked his first question.

"So, after this lesson… would I understand woman better?"

"That's the hope…you see, I perceive Wu Jia is already interested in you, it is just…. you are sometimes annoyingly clueless…" The snake gently chastised the lack of romantic fibers in the spot leopard's paradoxically magnificent god given figure. The spotted leopard just stared back vapidly at her observation. But the green serpent wasted no more time to convey the much-needed lesson.

"First lesson…. If she asked for your opinion, never say the first thing that emerged in your mind."

"As if she knew what the first thing come into my mind…" He scoffed sarcastically.

"Of course I do Tai, men are simple… their mind pretty much centered around one thing. While women' minds have...more depth and… sophistication." Viper blurted.

"You see… if you wanted to please a woman, you take her out on a date, buy her jewelry, die for her, cook for her, listen to her… but if you wanted to please a man, you pretty much just need to show up wearing…. nothing…" Viper explicated, which clearly by the look Tai Lung gave her, her exposition had hit bull's eye right on the dot.

"Next lesson : she is always right, even when she is not…" The snow leopard let a frustrated groan under his breath. Admitting wrongdoings were clearly against his self-respect code of conduct.

"Like you are now." He retorted blunt and short, pushing his voice with arrogant defiance. Viper glared at him unnervingly.

"Bad kitty…baaad kitty!" She slapped the side of his torso with her tail. "I already told you do not blurt up the first thing comes to your mind." She reprimanded sourly. "In this kind of rate, all you'll get is her fist ruining your handsome face." Tai Lung snorted, some part of himself berating his own approval to listen to Viper conducting this lesson. Making up for the lack of vocality, Viper continued parting her word of womanly wisdom.

"Lesson Three… if she said WHAT?' that's not because she doesn't hear you…. She merely gives you a chance to change what you've just said."

"I think I may end up being a confirmed bachelor… if not a celibate." He commented.

"You want to be a crotchety old man like,-"

"My father?" The snow leopard laughed, making Viper increasingly skeptical whether the snow leopard would get anywhere at all with the lesson. Probably he is destined to be a bachelor, shame about the body though.

"There are five dangerous words, if you heard them…. 1. Fine!….2. Nothing!...3. Go ahead….4. Whatever ... Listen carefully Tai, whatever you do… try not to interpret this word literally, because it doesn't mean what it says…. In fact, it means quite the opposite."

The snow leopard paid her a devoid, uninterested look. Viper hissed contentiously, partially miffed at his lack of willfulness to think that this could be a serious matter pertaining his future. She huffed. Patience Viper…. This would be the last one.

"...and… I do have other things that will sharpen your instinct…." The serpent pulled a stash of novel… sappy, corny romance novel. Tai Lung eyes widened as big as saucers that Po used to feed the entire Jade Palace occupant.

"You are not serious,... you want me to read….these?" He said in pure disgust. All he can imagine was the potential embarrassing repercussion. What would other said, if they knew, the Master of Thousands Scroll, the man that beat thousands of rhino guards singlehandedly, and the man that had been dedicating his life and energy to perfecting the art of Kung Fu, had actually read a tacky romance novel in order to woo a woman's heart? But Viper seemed to read his mind. "Tai, if you care too much about your badass image, a woman like Wu Jia certainly not for you… no way in a million years I can portray her begging for love if your ego can't even make you do a simple task as reading these." She added,"... you may as well looking for a dainty and feminine nonsense that would be easily impressed by your appearance, that would succumb to your feet and do whatever you would ask."

"But I don't want to be a henpecked man…" He scoffed back.

"Gosh, you still don't get it, don't you. It's not about fighting for dominance. It's about mutual respect, sacrifice, and understanding.

"If you try to win her the way you try to get that Dragon Scroll…. You won't get it, Tai." Viper replied back. "Love is not earned, it's a gift. And to make her gives her heart to you… you must first give yours. Try not to decide with your head or whatever between your legs…"

"Ok… fine, I'll read it." He snagged the stash scathingly.

Two peaceful weeks had gone by, that morning Furious Five and Wu Jia were taking turns to run through the various courses of devices in the training hall, while Tai Lung was mentoring and sparring with Po one to one. The Grand Master was meditating on the side while occasionally opened his watchful eyes to monitor their progress. Their routine was ungracefully interrupted when Zeng crash landed in front of them.

"Zeng... what is it?" The Grand Master watched impatiently as the clumsy goose battling to restore his rattling breaths.

"M-Master… a messenger from the Imperial Palace is outside."

"I'll come right away, Zeng. Students...please resume the training, I will be back soon." The diminutive master disappeared for quite a while. When he returned again, a distressed and bleak look clung onto his feature.

"Father, what's the news?" Tai Lung halted his spar with Po. The Grand Master signaled everyone for their undivided attention.

"Students and Lady Jia… I received a message that… The Mongolian Kingdom has officially declared war against China. In a few weeks from now, we would need to intercept them in the northern border of China. We are told to gather our troops and meet the rest of the Imperial forces in Datong." He announced.

War?...WAR?! Is this for real?

"We need all the help we could to win this war."

"Master Shifu, I can go back to Manthai to assemble forces, Master." Wu Jia suggested.

"That would be helpful My Lady. So, Tai Lung, please accompany Lady Jia on this mission. Meanwhile, Dragon Warrior and Furious Five, you all will travel to Gongmen to ask assistance from Kung Fu Council to round up all the Masters. Then all of us to meet up in Mantai before heading to Datong."

"Yes, Master."

"The rest of you please continue your training, Dragon Warrior please come with me."

The panda submissively followed his master. They arrived in the Hall of Warriors, when Shifu halted his step in front of the magnificent looking sword. Its blade reflecting a strange effulgence from the wan color of candlesticks, delineating the image of a dragon that was etched on its surface. The Sword of Heroes wasn't a new encounter for the panda, specially equipped with his encyclopedic knowledge of kung fu artifacts. However, he had never imagined he would be allowed to use it in a real battle - not, except in his dream.

He felt giddy witnessing his master reached the sword. He could feel a skittish shiver travel down his spine, second guessing what his master going to do.

"Po… this would be your weapon in the war." He said while embedding the masterpiece of weaponry into the panda paws. "This could be a weapon of lethal destruction when fell into a wrong hands, use it judiciously. I trusted since you had passed the test attaining the Heroes Chi, that you are ready to use this for the welfare of others."

Shifu smiled while watching Po's absolute dumbstruck, spellbound expression, with his jaw slacked as he received the sword. Sometimes this panda needed to be reminded, that he is the mighty Dragon Warrior that had defeated numerous formidable enemies of China.

"A-are you sure...Master?"

"Yes Po, you had proven that you owned the right heart to use this wisely. Now go… and fulfill your destiny."

The trip into the heart of Gongmen did rekindle a lot of untold memories. The misty river where they set sail, the modest cobblestone floor betwixt the alleys, the numerous spiraling pinnacle of various notable buildings, to the humble, well-hidden sign of Gongmen jail. But all the Masters were in solid agreement, nowhere in Gongmen could rival their vivid recollection of the battle occurred at Gongmen pier.

It was used to be a recurring nightmare. The battle that nearly escalated into a war, ended inexplicably on the hand of a single very unlikely creature, to the immense gratitude of many citizens of Gongmen and many unaware civilians across China. Although the Gongmen city had been wretched from the wings of the deranged peacock in the wake of his demise, the wounds from such titanic struggle still left a clear evidence of devastation even until today.

In his undertaking to console the grieving citizen, Po had suggested transforming the annihilated palace into a sacred temple for the dead to rest, and the living to mourn. The name of the fallen was written in a large tapestry draping the wall. Master Thundering Rhino's Mace still impaled the ground where he last released his mortal existence, dressed with red ribbon marking his heroic deeds and adorned with a stone skillfully chiseled bearing his name. Those were silent witnesses of what power madness could propel someone to do their worst to others. However, no matter how large his contribution was, Po had refused to have his name to be inscribed anywhere in Gongmen, for he felt it was remotely necessary to remember him by.

Of course, most of the people had way past their grief, it was more than five years ago. But in front of the pier, stood one memorial Po had asked to build for Shen. Amidst everyone hatred and anger towards the peacock, the panda had tried to dissuade him to his very last chance. And now the peacock was dead, he recommended the mayor for building a memorial for him - in respect of the sorrow Shen's parents had to endure, and a reminder of their undying love even to their death.

Laid here, Lord Shen. His tale would be recited as deterrent and reminder, of such sad end to those who seek an absolute power. May he found peace and contentment that he was lacking on earth.

"Gosh… it's been a while, isn't it? Do you still remember that venture in Dragon costume?" Mantis smiled, reminiscing the adventure they had years ago.

"I did… that was fun. Remember the goat lady that was confronted by a wolf? He was threatening her to cook him some rice, otherwise, he'll cook her. Remember that one?"

"Yeah, and I said to Po…. 'Po, do something!'" Crane cackled.

"And Po innocently replied… 'How I am supposed to cook her rice without getting noticed?'"

"I still remember the racking pain when Po's weight slammed me on the ground inside The Tower of Sacred Flame." Monkey added.

"...I remember Po's graceful stealth mode…." Tigress nudged the panda with her elbow. Po blushed while grinning sheepishly."Geezzz c'mon Tigress…. I am much better than that now."

"Yes, one time if you could sneak up on Shifu to take Tigress on a date, I'll believe you." Viper laughed and stole the tiger master a twisted look. Tigress pretended she heard nothing.

"Right guys, here we are…"

Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five visited the Kung Fu Council, Po and Tigress explicated their intention to gather recruits for the war in Datong. Most of Kung Fu Master whom healthy enough to partake had pledged their support. It was a relatively simple task to do.

"Erm guys…. I and Viper are going to the town center, anyone wants to come?" Crane asked.

"No thanks…. I think Monkey and Me would settle to sit and have drinks somewhere." Mantis hopped on to the simian's shoulder and grinning knowingly.

"So… how about we meet later on at the inn?" Po suggested.

"Sound like a plan."

Everyone dispersed accordingly, leaving the panda and the tiger in solitude.

"Tigress… wanna go somewhere? Y'know… more private"

"You mean like finding corner a restaurant such as Golden Wok whereby you can delve beyond your calorie intake limit without anyone reporting to Grand Master?"

"I hate it when you can read my mind." He muttered admitting the truth over his guilty pleasure. "But you still gonna accompany me, right?" Smiling enticingly, Dragon Warrior held the tiger's paws. Tigress smiled back, but simply shrugged with no definite answer.

"Please…. Please….please." He begged, very much using his puppy dog's eye card. His infantile act just made the tiger master's smile grew wider but remained silent.

"Mannn… it's harder to take you for a date now even when our relationship was out of the bag." He moped.

Tigress intercepted his gaze, and before Dragon Warrior could discern her next move, she briefly pressed her lips against his and replied. "That was my reply." The panda blushed, one of his idle paws unwittingly tracing the spot where the tiger had kissed him, but his eyes had yet to leave those hypnotizing sunset eyes.

"I take it you understand my answer... " She smirked.

"Er…. would you….mm…. answer me one more time?" He grinned shyly while toying his fingertips. As if receiving a divine command, both creatures leaning forward, slowly yet surely. Head slightly tilted, paws intertwined, however...just as their lips grazing to each other, they heard someone mentioning their name.

"Dragon Warrior… it's such a rare occurrences to see you and Master Tigress….ups… sorry! SORRY!...I don't mean to,-" The uncannily familiar voice made both of them turned around and left speechless.

"Wolf Boss? You are ,-" Po's jade eyes went wide, mouth gaping, as his finger pointed towards the wolf in open shock, while Tigress staring apathetically at the suspected interloper.

"I am very much alive, and thanks to you… I had a second chance and a new start." He explained, but immediately remembered what he had witnessed a minute ago. "Uhm… I don't mean to… interrupt you…. and….er… Master Tigress… doing-"

"That's fine…" Tigress butted in with an irritated growl, the Wolf cringed. That doesn't sound fine at all.

"Hang on… me? What did I do for you?" The panda raised his brows completely perplexed.

"You don't remember Dragon Warrior? You've pledged my pardon in court." The wolf explained. Po took a moment of recess and recollected his vision when he was acquiring the Heroes Chi.

"Ah… yes yes. Sorry… I am not thinking straight."

"That's must be because the ki…. Never mind." The wolf was wise enough not to continue his rambling after inspecting the tiger perturb expression that could eviscerate him any seconds. "So... you and Master Tigress? Ah… I should have guessed." He chuckled deliriously reminiscing his pack talk about the plank-paw-holding scene and the surprise ending hug. "So plush hug and iron fist huh? Very compatible indeed. Good choice Dragon Warrior." He teased, somewhat amused yet incredulous.

"Was that meant as an insult?" Po deadpanned. Tigress cleared her throat and questioned the wolf with much apathetic yet satirical tone. "So… what are you doing now? I hope nothing to do with any assortment of criminal activity."

"No, not at all Master Tigress…. I and my pack worked as town sentries." He patiently answered, not wanting to escalate the miffed look that was already imprinted on her face. He was sure her fist would land into his face if he wasn't prudent selecting his words. "What bring you two to Gongmen?"

"We are recruiting soldier to go to Datong… for war." Po explained shortly.

"Oh….A WAR?" He shrieked, eyes bulged in disbelief. But he didn't see any untruthfulness in the panda's expression.

"Dragon Warrior….Master Tigress, if this arrangement suit you, I would ask my pack to join in arms in Datong. Just tell me where to rendezvous." He offered.

"Are...are you….are you serious?" He was pleasantly surprised, and briefly, flint his eyes towards Tigress seeking for her approval. The tiger merely gave him a small nod in retribution.

"Of course Dragon Warrior… I owe you my life. Now, I had a chance to repay my debt, just consider we are even." The wolf retorted.

"Deal! By the southern mount in Datong, here is the map. I will send a messenger to you once we set the time." The panda stood up, taking the tiger by the paw with him and took her to the busy market square.

"So… you don't mind me taking you for a date, right?" He repeated his question, almost inaudible due to the intense chattering in the background. Tigress smiled, she was about to repeat her answer, she leaned forward.

"Wait… you are not gonna…" Po blinked and combed his sight towards his surroundings in slight reluctance, as if wanting to remind Tigress of hundreds of watchful eyes around them. But the tiger quickly impeded his maw with her finger on his lips, "Shh…. say no more, Dragon Warrior." Her voice was seductively lustrous than he could ever remember. Completely lacking awareness about the onlookers, she caught him with her muzzle, tongue, and lips and caring nothing about a dozen of astonished eyes and their gawking expression. Hesitantly, Po reciprocated the notion, but as his instinct overrode his sense, he found himself melted and even deepened the kiss. Naturally, they closed their eyes, their paws slipped around each other, while their lips were zealously exploring their newfound closeness.

In the near vicinity, Viper and Crane were just finished watching the calligraphy demonstration, when unintentionally the serpent's eyes caught sight of distant attraction surrounded by a congregation of creatures in the middle of the hustling market square.

"Gosh, is that…. Tigress and Po?" Viper blinked in awe, she rubbed her eyes, making sure her sight was real and she wasn't hallucinating from inhaling too much of calligraphy ink.

"Oh…" The avian master felt a sudden surge of blood to his cheek as soon as he was on the same page with Viper, watching both the leader of Furious Five and Dragon Warrior were perfectly intertwined and engaged in intense muzzle combat, discounting the growing assemblage around them. It was really out of both their characters to do something that's a little too close to the line of being… undignified? Maybe it was true, love could blind all senses, defying all rationale, such as now.

"That's no longer a mental image, it's for real." Viper retorted almost as if she could hear the string of utterance in his head. Crane left confiding his own fleeting thought for a moment as he caught the glimpse of Viper slender curve accentuated by the wan moonlight and her shiny, gleaming scales.

She is actually very attractive. He blushed at his own words.

"Viper… I… I have actually been thinking." His voice suddenly stern and serious. He tried to hold his nerve by occupying himself tidying up his bedraggled feather and straightened the stubborn creases from his silk slack.

"About?" Viper raised her brows, inwardly, she made a second guess about where the conversation leading to by reading his nervous expression, but keeping her neutral facade.

"Us… you know… I know, you knew what happened between Mei Ling and me." He stated with certain reluctance in his voice, while his mind reconciling the honest truth about the reality of his first love against the woman that had openly cared for his welfare.

Viper met his gaze, effectively digging for truthfulness - there were concerns, honesty and… affection? She was pleasantly surprised but pretended to be completely oblivious.

"But I am glad…. You didn't give up on me." He added, rapidly averting his gaze from her interrogating turquoise eyes.

"Crane are you…?" A tint of blush colored her olive-hue cheeks, which quickly alerted Crane out of his trance.

"I care about you Viper… now I knew…" Crane admitted. "I don't want to repeat the mistake of the past, a-and...I…. I wanted to say…" The intense anticipation of next words he was going to say made his tummy churned and twisted, his throat tightened causing him to feel like he suffered from a serious 'panda asthma'. Viper chuckled at his grogginess, and Crane visibly embarrassed with his not-so-suave moves, quickly rubbed his beak unconvincingly in futile undertaking to gain his cool composure.

"You need to say no more Master Crane." She smiled knowingly.

Abruptly, as if it had been instigated by what they had seen between the tiger and the panda, as soon as their gaze met, a magnetic connection was formed and certain inexplicable chemistry influenced their brain. Time seemed to stand still and everything around them felt so surreal. Viper body cleaved to him in a tight embrace, as both of them progressively closing the gap, until his elongated beak met her scaly lips, connected into a strange jigsaw puzzle joint, however for them, it was a perfect fit. Both pulled abruptly after sudden awareness hit them of what are they doing, chuckling and blushing nervously, but very much sated it was said and done.

(*) Chapter 4

(**) Chapter 5

(***) Chapter 21 During Truth and Dare.