[A/N]
Welcome to the next chapter of Bounty Hunter!
I hope you're all enjoying this fanfiction so far… we're only just beginning and I always get so happy writing these chapters!
All of your kind reviews, as well as ratings, are greatly appreciated as it lets me know that you wish to see more!
Alright, I think I've gone on enough. I'll let you get into the action within…
Chapter 5 – Mission Compromised…
8 PM – Unknown Cave – Meeting of the Hundred (more like dozen) Hunters…
"Wait… you're the hunter from the Valley of Peace, aren't you?" The female lynx, named Lynqi, questioned Po. He silently nodded as he turned towards the chief, a water buffalo with an extremely loud voice.
"I apologise for any judgement- I wish I knew better!" She continued to exclaim, the water buffalo scowled at her as her voice became a whisper. "You'll forgive me, right?"
"Of course… just remain silent and let the chief do his thing," Po responded, pointing towards the impatient water buffalo.
"Thank you!" Chief Shuli sarcastically commented as he huffed. "It's time for this water buffalo to get this meeting underway so he can return home to his family! - I still can't believe we have to come here whenever a hunter is placed under threat," He complained.
"I told you about Hunter Po, you gladly obliged to do this meeting. Why must you protest now?" Hunter Zhao, Po's close ally, responded to the buffalo's complaint.
"Because I didn't know what sort of hunter we would be protecting… you called me here for someone who's barely above the age of 18 and has undoubtedly done some reckless things. I thought this was meeting was for someone more important!"
"Hey, now isn't that a little judgemental?" Po commented, Chief Shuli merely grunted. "You're acting like a real Lynqi right now!"
"If I hear one more sarcastic comment from you, panda… I swear I will eject you and Zhao from this meeting!" Chief Shuli snapped whilst Po grew concerned under his straw hat. "Yeah, I saw that you were a panda… you really need to learn how to cover up if you truly want to keep your identity a secret. Oh wait, this Shen guy we're here for… he discovered you were a panda thanks to your inept ability to keep your species a secret-"
"Silence!" A large crocodile stood up from his seat. "Chief Shuli… I expected you to handle this situation with professionalism. If you continue judging this panda, I will have no choice but to eject you from the meeting!"
"Chief Taoci, you can't do that, I called this meeting!"
"You'll find that because I am of the same rank as you, I have equal authority over this meeting. With enough justification, I can eject you from this meeting for your irrational behaviour," Chief Taoci sighed. "Now let us continue, I know you don't wish to be here for long and I expect you to keep this meeting short but informative."
"Alright… let us begin," Chief Shuli relented from smashing the table in front of him before he placed a scroll on the desk. "Hunter Zhao has informed me that the former lord of Gongmen City is making an attempt on Hunter Po's head. Hunter Po has formed a… respectable reputation in the Valley of Peace and therefore, this lord has caught onto his actions and placed a target above his head. He doesn't seek to pay someone money, he's hired a private army to personally assassinate this panda- what did you do to piss him off?" Chief Shuli's question caught the panda off guard.
"I've never really heard the phrase 'Gongmen City', well, besides that time I challenged Master Thundering Rhino and won… I'm not into politics," Po anxiously replied.
"This is serious! What did you do?" Lynqi's whiny voice deafened everyone deep within this cave. Po shrugged whilst twiddling his thumbs.
"Lynqi, I've repeatedly told you to remain silent… you do not want to see the moment in which I warn you a third and final time," The water buffalo threatened the black lynx as she leapt to her feet.
"You're seriously going to scold me for trying to find an answer? You've called us all here to help but it appears you're going to allow your ignorant ways blind you once again-"
"I know nothing… except a group of wolves ambushed me recently and one of them said something along the lines of 'Shen's going to be excited to hear this!' - If we're here to get to the bottom of this, wouldn't our first act be clearing the air?" Po cut off Lynqi, but he had a convincing argument.
"You don't mean Shen… as in Lord Shen, right?" One of the wolves from across the room commented.
"I- I think so… why?" Po's ears began twitching thanks to his nerves.
"Dude committed mass genocide against a bunch of panda's… you were most likely there when it happened too. Luckily for you, fate was on your side and you ended up in the Valley of Peace," The wolf dropped his bomb and Po's face fell flat as he realised why he was belittled so much as a young child. "But you already knew that, right?" The wolf's harsh comment didn't help the situation.
"I- I did not know that… thanks for justifying my past, I guess. Now I understand why I was picked on so much as a child," Po's pensive tone made the wolf's ears fall flat.
"I apologise, I thought you knew. I'm Hunter Wuxi-"
"As in the Wuxi Finger Hold?"
"Um… no. That's just my name. If you prefer remembering me that way then I have no problem with you doing so," Hunter Wuxi replied. Chief Shuli couldn't help but feel slightly sympathetic for the panda.
"Wait, you're telling me… you've never kept your identity a huge secret? You do realise how rare your kind is, right?" Chief Shuli began interrogating Po.
"I've always recognised that there's been something odd about me… I didn't really start hiding my identity until I became a bounty hunter. I don't need the entire Valley of Peace knowing that their neighbourhood noodle chef dabbles in the realm of hunting bad guys in their spare time," Po admitted. "If you're wondering… no, I didn't get any type of hunting license either. I just followed my heart and it became a hobby."
"You technically shouldn't be here," An ignorant cheetah spat from across the room.
"Clam it, Wuzhi! Every time I come to these meetings, we have to deal with your ignorant nature as your record is almost flawless in comparison to our own!" Lynqi snapped at the cheetah, who fell back into his seat.
"Before this blows out of our control… I would like for everyone to have some civility whilst we continue this meeting. Any comments made when we are not engaging in a discussion will cause that individual to be ejected… have I made myself clear?" Chief Shuli warned, everyone fell back into their seats and silently nodded. "Fantastic. Now Po, what do you know about Gongmen City?"
"Wow, I thought you'd be giving us a history lesson but I guess jogging my memory couldn't hurt. I don't know too much about the city but I heard there was a peacock dynasty in charge before the rulers unexpectedly died. They had no heir as they had banished this Lord Shen person and thus the imperial possessions were ceded to the Kung Fu Council," Po explained, everyone was somewhat impressed by his knowledge on the subject.
"You've claimed to have fought Master Thundering Rhino… is there any chance that he could be the one that's looking for you and has sent this army?" Shuli continued to ask the young panda.
"He wouldn't. He doesn't hire criminals to conduct his work. Wolves- sorry Wuxi, have a bit of a reputation in Gongmen City and are seen as criminals. Master Thundering Rhino would raise an imperial army consisting of rhino's to deal with me if he really wanted revenge."
"Is there a chance that Lord Shen could want you dead as you are the last panda he knows of… he always had a goal to eradicate all pandas."
"I don't know what his problem or his motive is regarding what I do or who I am. If he wants me dead, I will fight him back. I'm glad to have the opportunity to discuss this with other bounty hunters… even if I am informally trained compared to you professionals," Po calmly responded before sitting back in his chair, which collapsed under his weight.
"WOAH!" Po fell onto his backside as the room erupted with laughter. Zhao looked down upon the panda in pity before Po began laughing as well to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, happens all the time!" Po's humour even caused Lynqi to giggle, which was previously seen as impossible. Po just decided to stand up for the rest of the session.
"Why are we helping this guy… he can't even sit in a chair properly," Wuzhi arrogantly remarked. Lynqi decided she had enough of his cocky attitude and calmly walked to his seat, delivered a strike to his face and then walked back to her own. "YOU'RE GOING TO LET HER GET AWAY WITH THAT?" Wuzhi bellowed, utterly humiliated.
"You had it coming!" Chief Taoci angrily stated whilst pointing at the cheetah. "If it wasn't for your foul attitude, you wouldn't have been treated in such a dishonourable manner. You really need to get your stuff together if you want to continue partaking in these meetings."
"Understood, Chief Taoci," Wuzhi began sulking quietly as Taoci nodded towards Shuli to continue questioning the panda.
"Is there anyone you know that could've potentially alerted the former lord of Gongmen City?"
"Quite honestly… he may have just received a tip from a newspaper or something. I do know one thing, however… Master Shifu of the Jade Palace has grown to dislike me and my acts. He calls me a shame to the name of kung-fu because I have outclassed his warriors with my finesse," Po confidently claimed, receiving a reaction he didn't expect.
"YOU HAVE ALERTED THE ENTIRE TEMPLE OF THE JADE PALACE TO YOUR PRESENCE?" Shuli raised his voice in an attempt to scare the panda.
"Yeah… is that a bad thing?" The panda responded, confused by the chief's suddenly erratic behaviour.
"OF COURSE IT IS! HE COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARMY THAT'S COMING YOUR WAY, NOT SHEN!"
"I know he hates me but he wouldn't summon an army of criminals to take me down… he's too- what's the word… mature, for that, sir."
"He's got a point, Master Shifu wouldn't dare do something to dishonour that wise tortoise!" Hunter Wuxi commented.
"The legacy of Oogway is notable by itself. Master Shifu wouldn't dare tarnish that in the name of hunting down some panda. It's obvious more is occurring behind the scenes than we first thought," Lynqi commented, her voice felt like silk to Po's ears in comparison to the voice she displays when angered.
"About that… I had a chance to interact with him and Master Tigress- she's kind of my idol if you didn't know. He asked me to cook for him and he challenged me to a duel to test to see if I'm worthy enough of a place at the Jade Palace. He lost that duel and I'm no genius when it comes to emotions… but I can sense the friction between him and Master Tigress, especially when she was wounded during our battle against the ambushers," Po could observe the face of the water buffalo warping more and more as his explanation only brought negative thoughts to Chief Shuli's mind.
"Please tell me you refused the job after beating him senseless!" Hunter Wuxi held his breath in anticipation, as if he was hoping the panda would deliver some good news for once.
"Nope. I was supposed to be at the Jade Palace today for my first day on the job… it's clear that it didn't turn out as myself and Zhao had to spend the entire day getting to this location," Po enthusiastically responded. He soon learned that his big mouth was causing anguish to the hunters and chiefs as their faces crumpled.
"Zhao!" Chief Shuli gestured for the lizard to come to his feet. "You're telling me… your great plan to save this panda's life involves us? Why would we involve ourselves when he's too clumsy to keep his head on straight? We all know that working for royals is a horrible idea, especially when they know we're criminals!" His irritated voice echoed throughout the chambers of the cave as Hunter Zhao felt as if he was mentally shrinking.
"If this panda falls… so will you. Lord Shen plans on conquering the Valley of Peace if he assassinates this panda. He will turn the valley into a place where he can wage war and launch attacks against neighbouring valleys, including the valley that you live in. You cannot fight your problems with ignorance and it would be best if we leave this panda alive rather than allow him to perish," Zhao protested, the water buffalo merely huffed in frustration. "I am adamant about the protection of Hunter Po because I have witnessed first-hand that from a young age, he has always had the safety of others in mind. He doesn't hunt for the money, he hunts to guard the security of the residents inside of his own valley. If we lose this panda, not only do we lose a potential ally and one of the kindest bounty hunters in history… we will also fall to the tidal wave that is Shen's army," Hunter Zhao rested his case, Shuli was absolutely astonished by the display brought upon him by the lizard.
"He's got a point! Shen's army is based dangerously close to my valley… if the Valley of Peace falls, not only would the guards in my valley lose motivation to fight Shen's army but they would be massacred as Shen's forces could steamroll our valley!" Hunter Wuxi supported the claims of Hunter Zhao, whilst Hunter Wuzhi hissed under his breath.
"This isn't a problem for me… if Shen's forces are to confront the guards of my valley, they would fall… I have a much more sustainable idea…" Wuzhi ominously schemed before picking a shuriken from out of his pocket and launching it at the panda, who thankfully dodged it with ease. "How about… we eradicate this problem on behalf of Shen so we can all remain safe?" Wuzhi left to his feet and threw more shurikens at Po, who in an act of desperation, lifted the table up and threw it at the cheetah.
Instead of breaking the fight, the chiefs as well as the hunters were interested as to who would be victorious in this confrontation. Hunter Wuzhi was much more experienced than Po but his arrogance was a weak spot. Hunter Po was much less experienced but he remained humble… despite his skills in the art of kung-fu being so great.
After an intense amount of hissing from the cheetah, it appeared he wouldn't act on his urges and fight Po in melee combat… that was until Po scratched his head and he took a shot, only to be deceived when he realised Po had lured him in on purpose.
"All growl, no bite," Po coldly remarked as he slammed the cheetah onto the ground. He attempted to climb to his feet but his mission proved to be futile when Po merely took a seat on his spine, rendering him useless. "What were you thinking? This is meant to be a civilised discussion and you pull something like this!" Po exclaimed whilst Wuzhi screamed in pain. Po allowed Shuli to pick the cheetah up by the back of the neck and eject him from the premises.
"You are no longer invited to these meetings if you are willing to resort to such extreme measures to get your own way. For someone with a respectable reputation, I am extremely ashamed of the actions you have taken today," Chief Shuli attempted his pep talk technique on the rebellious cheetah but he merely spat in the water buffalo's face before walking off into the darkness.
"Po! That was amazing!" Lynqi praised the panda as he subtly made his way back to the desk. He just stood over the pile of collapsed wood that used to be his chair before turning his attention to Taoci.
"Unfortunately, due to these events, we will be forced to hold our ground here for several hours. Wuzhi now has the ability to draw guards to our location and we must wait until he has fully exited the area until we can leave ourselves. We will continue our discussion about the treatment of Po Ping and how to deal with this up and coming Lord Shen but after that… we'll have to sit idly by," Taoci's announcement brought audible sighs of disappointment into the room as many of the animals impatiently exhaled.
"I understand… and I apologise if I may have overstepped. Why are you worried about guards finding this location, it's literally in the middle of nowhere!" Po exclaimed, his noble act being silently praised by the female lynx.
"Imperial guards roam this forest at night. We are a fair distance away from any outposts but the exit of Wuzhi could draw their attention into the forest. We are to resume our discussion but with frequent checks to the outside world," Chief Shuli calmly informed the panda as he pulled the makeshift entrance to the cave shut. He could hear a frustrated Wuzhi return to kick the door and shout before he eventually gave up, retreating into the darkness fully.
"Now that we have that mishap contained… should we continue?" Taoci gestured towards his friend to take a seat.
"Of course, this matter is to be handled with much more sincerity now that this disturbance has been put to rest… Po, I'm going to find you a chair. I can't imagine you standing up for the entirety of this session," Chief Shuli ran into the darkness of a nearby corner before emerging with a metallic chair. He dropped the hefty object next to Po before walking back to his informal throne.
"Now I just need a place to sit!" Po exclaimed, Lynqi had a bright idea form in her head and she called him over.
"Over here, there's nobody sitting at the end of this table!" Lynqi excitedly waved her hand around whilst pointing towards the empty space. Po warmly smiled before hauling the chair over and placing it down with another mighty clang before carefully sitting down. He was suspicious about the creaking noises until they eventually settled and he could complete his meeting.
"You smell like a lotus, what sort of perfume do you use?" Lynqi asked, her rose-pink eyes glistening thanks to the light of a nearby torch.
"Oh, I don't use perfume… I've always smelled like this, I guess…" Po awkwardly responded before Chief Shuli stared him as well as Lynqi down in a warning for him to silence.
"I guess we will begin with our next question… how much do the royals know about you, such as Master Shifu?"
"I haven't let onto much, he only sees me as a crook who happens to be a superfan of his daughter. He doesn't treat Master Tigress like a daughter at all and if anything, I'd say he spites me because of how nicely I've treated him… however, I know one of his objectives is to arrest me. I know he's trying to forge some type of excuse, his loyalty to that tortoise is preventing him from doing anything drastic… at least for now."
Meanwhile, at the Jade Palace…
"Your forms could use improvement, overall… you would still win a fight," Master Shifu critiqued his students after observing them on the training hall before their day came to a close.
"Are you okay, Master? You seem a little… on edge. I can tell by your twitching ears that something isn't right with you," Mantis commented, although he wish he hadn't when the blunt end of Shifu's wind flute smacked him across the face and forced him into a nearby wooden beam.
"Don't dare question me! Everything is fine… I'm just a little unnerved because that panda didn't show up for work!" Shifu erupted with rage before he began to shake. "And to think that Oogway sees something else within him… pathetic," Shifu disrespectfully spat before turning his attention to his students that sat idly by. Tigress was doing an impressive job of holding up against Shifu's repulsive emotions but she her own were beginning to take a grip over her body.
"On that note. I believe it is time for you to head to your sleeping quarters. You have worked hard… but there are things you could still improve. I expect to see you up by sunrise tomorrow!" Shifu commanded before bowing to his students and pointing towards the door.
"Perhaps I could get a little meditation in before I sleep… my mind needs time to rest," Shifu muttered to himself before he grabbed a nearby set of candles and arranged them so the wall behind him would reflect a sunset. He gracefully lit each one and entered Lotus pose… unbeknownst to him, his daughter would be listening in on the conversation that would follow.
After 2 minutes of meditation, Shifu's ears twitched as if he detected a noise. He shrugged it off to be a passing gust of wind… until the sound seemingly became more consistent. Eventually, the noise grew so irritating to the point where he decided to announce his presence.
"Whoever is making that flapping sound, quiet down!" Shifu's voice bellowed into the empty training hall. The sound seemingly vanished as Shifu closed his eyes, only to have them shoot open as Zeng landed mere inches away from a burning candle, his beak emitting a squawk of pain as he picked himself off his feet.
"Master Shifu! I bring important news!" Zeng proudly announced as he clumsily stumbled to his feet.
"Can't it wait until the morning?" Shifu complained as he adjusted himself in his position.
"I believe news of such importance shouldn't be put off… especially when time is of the essence," Zeng's statement interested Shifu as he opened his eyes and tilted his head towards the messenger.
"Time is of the essence, what are you talking about?" Shifu said, his ears twitching as he felt baffled by the odd riddles being carried by the messenger.
"A disturbance has been detected in the deep end of the bamboo forest. They believe they spotted the local bounty hunter alongside a reptilian accomplice. We have no clue what their intent is but it seems as if they're undertaking some form of mission… what would you like to do about them?" Zeng finished reciting the message he had been ordered to carry to the red panda.
"What would I like to do… hmm, so many options," Shifu's grin grew wide and sadistic as he began tapping his fingers together. "Summon the imperial guard and have them march down to his location. He has already done enough damage to my honour… he shall do no more. Order them to seize him and bring him here, I wish for him to see his 'lover' for a final time before he is locked up in Chorh-Ghom prison alongside Tai Lung," Shifu instructed, his tone was dark and filled with spite. Zeng began shaking nervously and even doubted the words of the master.
"Are you sure this is what you want… couldn't we just investigate the scene instead?"
"I have spoken, now get a move on! The sooner this mission is conducted… the better," Shifu dismissed the messenger before sitting back in Lotus pose, his mind much clearer than it was 5 minutes prior. Tigress had been listening in the entire time and was absolutely devastated when she realised her father would dare to go to such extremes to prevent her from attaining happiness.
Instead of reacting to rage, she put together a plan and began her sprint to the sleeping quarters of the students so she could wake them and tell her of the news. Her plan was simple, they were going to reach Po's location and defend it before the imperial guards arrived, it was a matter of whether or not the rest of the Furious Five would follow such a devious set of commands that really plagued the feline's mind.
'This is for my happiness- no, that sounds too selfish… this is for Po," Tigress motivated herself mentally before bursting through the doors of the sleeping quarters in a huff, practically ripping open every door leading to the student's bedrooms before gesturing for them to line up in the hallway. Not wanting to aggravate an already annoyed tiger, all 4 lined up against the wall in their drowsy and disorientated states.
"Tigress? We were just getting ready to settle down for the night, why the sudden rush?" Monkey complained, yawning in the process.
"Yeah? You're usually one that tries to squeeze in as much sleep as possible, why are you waking us up?" Crane asked, stumbling back before regaining his balance.
"Sister, is everything okay?" Viper's motherly chirps were soothing to the male warriors but they knew they couldn't sleep.
"Master Shifu is going to kill you!" Mantis exclaimed before falling silent as Tigress killed her throat.
"As you all walked back to our resting quarters… I had a sickening feeling encompass my stomach, a feeling that told me to stay behind and keep an eye on Master Shifu…" Tigress led the warriors on as they began concentrating to accompany their curiosity. "Everything was usual, I heard Shifu set up his candles and light him for his daily meditation setting… until he began complaining about noises," Tigress stunned the rest of the Furious Five as they assumed she was talking about a threat.
"Did someone break into the training hall… is Master Shifu okay?" Viper's worries quickly boiled to the surface and popped like aggressive bubbles.
"I can assure you… Shifu is more than fine," Tigress's tone suddenly became cold as the warriors grew nervous." Zeng burst into the room and informed him of a disturbance in the bamboo forest… he then followed that message up by claiming there was sighting of the bounty hunter; which is Po," The anticipation was beginning to frighten the five.
"And then what happened?" Viper pressed Tigress as she could see a very obvious tear well up in the feline's eyes.
"He told Zeng to summon the imperial guard… that Po has 'damaged his honour' and that 'he shall do no more'. He also called me Po's lover, not only does it feel like he's trying to spite this panda… it feels like he's trying to spite me," Tigress on the verge of tears as she confided within her allies. "I hate to admit it… but I'm scared! We must do something! We can't allow Shifu to do such a thing to that innocent panda!"
The Furious Five stared down Tigress with scepticism. They wished to help the feline, especially after seeing her mistreated for so long… but they couldn't help but feel like something was amiss. Mantis found it hard to believe that Master Shifu would do such a thing.
"Are you sure you're hearing things correctly, Tigress? Shifu wouldn't dare do such a thing!" Mantis's ignorance was cut off when Tigress slapped him off Monkey's shoulder and onto the floor.
"You've seen how he treats me, you've seen how he treats all of you! Do you really think defending his honour will magically repair the damage that has already been done?" Tigress snapped in anger, intimidating every single member of the Furious Five. "Nothing is impossible, however, repairing such a fractured bond between him and I will be a feat that only a miracle can achieve!"
"What about Po… didn't he say that following him to his location would compromise his mission?" Crane's legs shook as he was absolutely terrified of provoking the feline further.
"I feel as if his commands are irrelevant when imperial guards are most likely marching his way by now!" Viper allowed her less optimistic and more aggravated side to show itself. She hated to do such a thing to a warrior she had built such a close bond with but she needed to get her message across.
"She has a point… what do we do?" Monkey pensively asked as his eyes met the fiery orbs belonging to Tigress.
"We try our best to outrun them and warn Po. If we cannot get there in time… I say we temporarily forget the oath we have taken and we protect the innocent, even if the imperial guard sees him as guilty. I will admit, that bounty hunter has committed a lot of crimes-" Master Tigress was abruptly cut off when a wise tortoise entered the corridor.
"He has never committed a crime that would harm the innocent, he merely wishes to protect the innocent," Master Oogway chirped, grabbing everyone's attention in the process.
"Master Oogway? What are you doing here?" Master Tigress warmly asked, she felt as if her soul was temporarily relieved after seeing the wise Grandmaster instead of her own father.
"I have appeared as I am needed. I've been observing your commotion and despite allowing the universe to flow around me, there are still things we can control. Master Shifu may have sent an envoy of guards to arrest Po Ping… but you can prevent that from happening. The present is a gift and Shifu has made the forbidden mistake of attempting to alter the future through present acts," Master Oogway warmly responded.
"Forgive me master, but I do not understand what you mean," Master Tigress scratched her head in confusion.
"I think he's trying to say we should try and get to Po before the guards do!" Mantis cheered, Master Oogway smiled in approval.
"It seems as if someone is in tune with the universe on this day… a team filled with great minds is always better than one great mind that acts as if they are their own team. I am usually vague when it comes to my intentions… but Master Shifu and I must have a word. I cannot allow this behaviour to go unpunished. I will not speak down to Shifu with anger but I will attempt to resuscitate him with wisdom," Master Oogway mysteriously proclaimed before exiting the corridor with his lantern and staff in hand.
"That seals it, pack your things, we're going to save Po!" Master Tigress commanded as everyone rushed into their rooms to gather items they could deem useful for this mission.
Master Tigress's tail impatiently swept across the hardwood floor as her comrades appeared to be taking their time. Master Viper exited her room first with a tiny green sack wrapped around her back. Mantis was next, he brought… nothing. Soon thereafter, Crane and Monkey exited whilst carrying small red bags around their backs as they nodded towards Tigress to begin their mission.
"Today will be the day I act in defiance against my father and his unfair treatment towards myself, the Furious Five… but most importantly, Po Ping. If you can hear me, bounty hunter… just know that help is on the way," Tigress sweetly commented before she leapt onto her paws, her claws scraped across the wooden floors as she made a break for the exit alongside her close allies.
Master Oogway looked on with a smile as he watched them exit the Jade Palace… a small bolt of thunder cracked across the otherwise clear skies of the night as reality dawned on him… he would be forced to confront Master Shifu.
The wise tortoise silently made his way towards the training hall as his previously prideful smile disintegrated and was replaced by a frown of disappointment. Master Oogway took in a large breath of air before releasing it, kicking open the doors of the training hall with a great amount of force. He was greeted by Master Shifu, who expressed a feeling of peace as he smiled at his master. He was soon unnerved when Master Oogway didn't return the favour and he broke his Lotus position so he could stand up and engage in conversation with his infinitely intelligent master.
"Master Oogway… is everything okay?" Shifu asked, concern filling his voice.
"You seem oddly at peace for a time filled with mayhem…" Master Oogway sternly responded.
"Mayhem? I fail to understand you, if anything, things are beginning to settle down."
"You were forced to your breaking point thanks to that bounty hunter… now you're pushing your emotions aside and flying a banner filled with lies. I thought I taught you better."
"Excuse me?"
"You have attempted to undertake a mission under my nose, to issue commands without my approval. Your orders could very well end up banishing you from this valley. You may have wished for success when you sent that message to the imperial guard… but I promise you will be met by failure."
"How do you know about that?"
"One does not exist for 1,000 years without being able to detect whispers despite the use of their ears growing redundant long ago. It has been countless generations since I used my ears for anything other than to perceive basic noise… when that noise grows into agony and repression; that, my friend, is when I hear," Oogway sighed deeply as Master Shifu looked on in horror. "My friend, you cannot simply dictate the future by warping it so it benefits you. This panda is here to stay and you cannot change that by arresting him. If he is locked up in Chorh-Ghom prison, he will still live on within the hearts of the Furious Five, namely Master Tigress. Attempting to alter destiny will merely bring you closer to your original fate. I will let you off on such an occasion so long as you prove to me that you have learned your lesson… but if I encounter this behaviour again, I will not be as forgiving," Master Oogway was taken aback when Shifu chuckled.
"You won't be as forgiving? You've always been forgiving! The prospect of my daughter liking that panda is absurd-"
"But not impossible. I shouldn't have to remind you of my history for you to understand that I am not afraid to let go of forgiveness. I may have matured since my times as a warlord, but I will never forget what I did… nor am I afraid of opening up those opportunities to you to prove that attempting to undermine me is a futile act at best. Goodnight, Master Shifu," Master Oogway slammed his staff against the floor as a final warning before ascending up the stairs leading to the outside world. Master Shifu was instantly filled with guilt as his fort of emotional suppression began to fall… not only had he neglected Tai Lung in his time of need, he had also neglected Master Tigress.
"I'm a terrible father…" Shifu admitted to the empty air around him, not caring for any potential eavesdroppers or spies. "I allowed myself to let go of Tai Lung once he discovered kung-fu… I allowed the weight of expectations to grip a hold of him as I drilled the message in his head that he was destined for greatness and the Dragon Scroll would be bestowed upon him, his actions that laid waste to the Valley of Peace devastated me. His actions warped my sense of reality and my sense of fatherhood. I was responsible for teaching Tigress patience and adopting her… but the scars left behind by my previous treatment of Tai Lung blinded me. I didn't give Tigress the attention she needed and she confided within kung-fu. Now I am attempting to stand in her way yet again, instead of being supportive of her friendship with the panda… I am being spiteful and unprofessional. What have I done?" Shifu wept into the open air around him as his tears extinguished the flame of a nearby candle. As he continued to weep, he sensed he was no longer alone and began scanning his surroundings.
"It takes hitting rock bottom to truly realise what you had in comparison to what you have now… but that doesn't necessarily mean all is lost," A feminine voice bellowed from the shadows. Shifu was convinced his sanity had left him as he began rapidly searching his surroundings to find nothing but a pair of amethyst eyes staring him down.
"Who is this?" Shifu asked, a tear still streaming down his cheek.
"Ugh, you've always been one for investigation…" The pair of amethyst eyes wandered closer until they revealed a female avian figure that wore a dark black cloak. Shifu was awestruck when he realised he was staring at Fenghuang, one of the Jade Palace's greatest students gone bad.
"Fenghuang… you shouldn't be here. Oogway would execute you!"
"I'm sure he has already sensed my presence but doesn't see it as concerning. I won't be sticking around for long, I'm just here to comfort you," Fenghuang offered her wing to the distraught red panda.
"You're here to- what now?"
"Are you hard of hearing? Comfort you… like, help you?"
"I see, but why would you do such a thing… I still remember what you did them years ago…"
"I have moved through my past and into the present, it's about time you do the same," Fenghuang launched an ancient scroll at the face of Master Shifu. He flinched as the scroll hit him. He opened his eyes to run after Fenghuang but she was already gone.
"The path to Inner Peace…" Shifu recited the title that outlined the scroll. "How have I never heard of this?" He curiously opened the scroll and sat back down… it was time for him to take a gander at the glory that's contained within the present.
9 PM – Unknown Cave – Meeting of the Hundred Hunters…
"That settles it! We'll await the arrival of Lord Shen to inspect his troops… that's when we'll either send him back to where he came from or we'll behead him and hang his carcass on a wall!" Chief Shuli proclaimed after several hours of back and forth debate between Po and the rest of the hunters.
"For once, we were able to agree on something!" Hunter Zhao hollered as he lifted himself from his seat.
"Not so fast, reptile. We still have to wait here just in case Wuzhi attracted attention to our meeting point," Chief Taoci reminded the lizard, who grunted and fell back into his seat.
"Surely enough time has passed for us to leave! I'm panting down here thanks to the heat!" Lynqi huffed as she melted onto the floor thanks to the heat being generated by everyone inside of the cave. "Ah, finally, some cool air!" She amusingly said as her body heat was dispersed by the icy cold floor.
"Feet have been down there and you're lying in it, gross!" Po slid back in his chair to give Lynqi some room as he was mildly disgusted by what she was doing.
"How are you not sweltering?"
"Because I can endure the heat. Trust me, I'm warm too… but I wouldn't rub up against the floor," Po trailed off as he proudly lifted himself from his metal chair and slammed his back up against the wall. "I use the wall!" Po's sense of humour caused a ripple of chuckles to resonate across the room as everyone lifted out of their chairs to stretch their legs.
"That's… very innovative of you, Po. Say, do you have any stories to share with us? You're young blood here, I'm sure you still remember your first hunt as much as we do!" Chief Shuli spoke up. Po stopped rubbing his back up against the wall and nodded in agreement.
"Believe it or not… my first 'hunt' was a complete accident," Po's confession filled the room with gasps.
"Come on, don't hold us over a ravine like that, tell us more!" Lynqi picked herself up from the floor and began staring down the panda… something within her couldn't help but admire how lean his figure was even though his species were notorious for being large and lazy.
"Alright, alright! I'm getting to it! Jeez, I've known three felines in my time alive and they're all so impatient!" Po cracked a joke before Lynqi's icy stare caused him to continue. "It all began…"
2 years ago – Mr. Ping's Noodle Shop – Near Sunset...
A not-so-long time ago. I was assisting my dad with cooking noodles for the final customers of the day and all was well. Business had been great this day as it happened to be the weekend and many travellers had stopped by the Valley of Peace for sightseeing purposes. Despite the surges in crime, this valley seemingly grew in popularity due to the legend of Master Oogway, as well as the Furious Five, spreading far and wide. Many people would ask me or my father if we had ever served them, unfortunately, we always had to explain that the royals barely left the palace unless there was a public disturbance.
I was counting the yuan we had made on behalf of my father before pouring out the final servings of the day before a group of boars walked into the restaurant. I was instantly able to determine that they had come into the Valley of Peace looking to disturb the peace and loot any nearby shops. Our noodle shop was apparently their first target. They looked at my face as they scoffed."What's a panda doing all the way out here? Shouldn't you be dead or sitting in a bamboo tree somewhere?" I recall one of the boars spitefully mumbling as his three accomplices chuckled."Haha, very funny. What makes you think you can come into my restaurant and disrespect my son?" My father honourably defended me. Unfortunately, he had made himself a powerful enemy as they grabbed him by the neck and suspended him high in the air."Oh… so this is your restaurant? I demand you to lead us to your safe. We're not here to be served, we're here to seize your earnings!" Another boar threatened my father. I decided enough was enough and that was when I learned this group of boars were notorious and had a hit placed above their heads. However, I wasn't there to kill them and take the money for myself. I was going to hand them over to the forces of law after punishing them for treating my father in such a disrespectful way."Release my father!" I demanded, one of the boars had the gall to spit at me and they swiftly wore out their welcome. Whilst one of them was chuckling, I managed to sneak past the boar holding up my father and delivered a kick to his tenders, setting my father free as he ran into the noodle shop. My father called me inside as he was shutting the doors but I assured them that I could handle the boars. As soon as my father finished closing up the shop and the customers evacuated from the premises, the boars drew their weapons and threatened me with low growls.
Their bravado was futile. One of them struck at my chest but their fist merely bounced off it. Another one tried the same but they were knocked back, they figured out that no fist could shake me off my feet and they opted to attempt use of their weapons. I disarmed them by striking at their hands with my feet and kicking the weapon high into the air and out of view, leaving them with just their fists. Their moves were extremely sloppy and weak, I ended up regretfully breaking their ribs as I struck blows to them that rendered them unconscious. I found a nearby set of lanterns connected via a rope and tied them around the four boars before sending them packing outside of my father's noodle shop. I ran inside, hid and waited for the Furious Five to arrive to take them to Chorh-Ghom prison.
I hate to sound sappy but I think that's the night Master Tigress saw me, as she glanced up at my eyes before shrugging and hauled the prisoners off to jail. I also realised that I no longer wanted to merely be a noodle cook, I saw that I had potential and I wasn't going to let innocent people be picked on like that. I saw first-hand how people would treat the common folk and I was going to change that treatment for good.
Present Day – Unknown Cave – Meeting of the Hundred Hunters…
"And that's how I concluded that I wanted to be a bounty hunter. Someone who worked for the good of the innocent for an extra bit of pay. I understand those that I save on my journey and how they cannot pay me, they have endured a lot and I'm not going to tax them for it. However, if there are wealthy civilians that are in need of assistance, I will charge them a fair price and their problem will be taken care of soon after. I have never killed a criminal and I don't plan on doing so, I just allow justice to do it's work after I am done with their punishment," Po concluded his story and victoriously sat backwards on his chair. The room was filled with silence… that silence was soon broken by the sounds of feet marching nearby the cave.
"Seems like we may have company," Chief Shuli announced, a few of the hunters drew their weapons.
"This is why these precautions are in place, Po and Lynqi! Sometimes, unwanted attention is drawn to places like these, either intentionally or on purpose!" Chief Taoci followed up his friend's point.
"Great, turns out that idiot can't cover his tracks after all!" Hunter Wuxi grunted as he flipped behind a table with his steel blade in hand.
"It might not be him… the marching outside sounds more like imperial armour- oh no," Chief Shuli facepalmed. "Turns out your idea of Shifu disobeying Oogway's honour is less absurd than you thought it was-" The water buffalo was caught off guard when heavy knocking blew into the cave.
"ATTENTION! WE HAVE COME TO THIS LOCATION TO SEIZE A CRIMINAL KNOWN AS PO PING, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE WARRIOR OF BLACK AND WHITE. YOU HAVE 5 SECONDS TO OPEN THIS DOOR OR WE WILL BLOW IT OPEN BY FORCE!" The commanding rhino general shouted as Chief Shuli gently opened the door. "WHERE IS HE?"
"Allow me to retort!" Po greeted the rhino guard alongside his comrades by delivering a strike to his tenders.
A few trees away – Bamboo Forest – With the Furious Five…
"Tigress! We're not going to make it, they're already storming the cave!" Monkey advised as he began slowing his pace.
"NO! We can and will make it!" Tigress huffed as she began picking up speed. Her speed was so great that upon striking the first rhino she saw, it launched him into a group consisting of his comrades.
Tigress was awestruck when she saw Po throwing around the rhino's as if they were made of nothing as he blew out of the cave alongside the numerous bounty hunters that followed him. Po was frozen to his core when a familiar and silky voice graced his ears.
"Po?"
"Tigress?"
To be continued…
[A/N]
You're going to get bored of these cliffhangers eventually… right?
Thank you all for reading this chapter of Bounty Hunter! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it!
Also, yes, I know this was mainly a lore chapter. I promise things will pick up from here!
Okay, I think I've rambled enough, I'll catch you all again once I release the next chapter!