17. Entry ban
"Po? What are you up to?"
The panda had jumped thunderstruck and ran to the exit of the restaurant.
"What do you think?" He answered Manits's question. "He's not allowed to go there. And if there is a dangerous blue bird waiting for him with an army, then you have to do something about it."
"Do you really think that's wise?" Viper doubted. "Leave it to the Huns. After all, Xiang broke out of their prison."
"And by the way," Monkey added. "He wouldn't be pleased to find you there."
Po's eyes narrowed. "That may be true, but I have to go there."
"Why?" Tigress pressed on him. "Just because you think that you have to make up for him something? It wasn't your fault."
The panda slumped his shoulders. With a bump he sat down on the floor and stared dead ahead.
"If I may interrupt for a moment," Wang said. "Personally, I wouldn't mind having the dragon warrior by my side."
He gave Po a comradely slap on the shoulder. "I know Xiang longer than you think. His family hadn't been on good terms with us. After all, we've been neighbors for generations. His father died quite early. And his mother - was beautiful and very controlled. We had the fewest problems with her when she took over her husband's town. But she disappeared under mysterious circumstances. You never found out what became of her. Xiang was still a teenager when he succeeded the throne."
"In this case, it's a done deal then," interrupted Po and stood up.
"Then we'll come with you," Monkey said resolutely.
"Coming with me?" Po's mouth remained open. "You don't have to do that."
"Po, this is not just about a duel," Tigress instructed him decisively. "You will need reinforcements."
Po gave Wang a questioning look. The leader shrugged his shoulders. "I don't mind."
A little agitated, Po rocked from one leg to the other. "Well then. Let's go!"
"Po!" Mr. Ping called after him from the restaurant. "I'll pack you something to eat!"
"Shifu has to know about it," Mantis added.
"I'll do that," Crane offered himself.
"Here, Po!" Immediately Mr. Ping rushed towards him with a stuffed backpack. "This should be enough for the next few days. And take good care of yourself."
"I will, Dad." They hugged.
At that moment they were distracted by King Wang's reputation.
"Wait a moment!"
Everyone looked at King Wang, who had stopped next to a little kiosk.
"Is this a Dragon Warrior fan article shop?" He asked.
The pig, that owned the stall, nodded. "Uh, yes."
"I buy everything!"
The pig's jaw almost dropped. "This will be the business of my life."