"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, PO?!"
Fenghuang opened her eyes when she heard the shouting. Her feathers ruffled, she let out a soft and quiet yawn, blinked a bit to clear her vision...and came across a troubling sight. Mr. Ping was angrily waddling back and forth with his wings folded, a scowl on his face that represented both fury and concern, and his feathers are much more furiously ruffled than hers. And following him with worried eyes of his own, as well as a look that spells apologies. Speaking of apologies, he was spewing a bunch of them while trying to calm his worked up father. This could only mean one thing.
Oh dear...they're fighting. She actually lowered her eyes in deep and genuine concern. This was Po and Mr. Ping they were talking about. Those two were father and son in anything but blood, not that it's ever mattered to them. They've never even taken into account that they weren't related...it's obvious. Even so, those two get along with one another better than anyone else in this group, and that's saying something, as Po and Tigress were a very, very tight second. She's seen the father-son relationship firsthand for years, and she's grown accustomed to how they interact with one another, how they talk to one another, and how much they deeply loved one another.
So seeing them argue like this, which was extremely rare, was a definite warning sign for Fenghuang that something was very wrong.
"Dad...it won't be for very long. Please don't be mad about this. I don't want to this either." Po pleaded to the goose, his hat behind him and scarf a bit messily wrapped around his neck. He was definitely ready to leave...but not with his father alongside him.
"If you don't want to do this, then don't do it! I can't believe you would even suggest it!" Mr. Ping shouted, turning around and waddling into the other direction so he doesn't look his son in the eye. "How can you just tell me to stay behind?!"
Fenghuang blinked in confusion. So far, Po and Mr. Ping have been everywhere together. Even if there was danger around that Po had to face, Mr. Ping was never too far behind. The panda has never had a problem with his goose father, even if his fighting powers was lower than most here. He's always managed to keep his father safe when she trained him to be strong enough and confident enough to protect him from harm. So hearing Po actually suggest for Mr. Ping to stay behind in Mount Penglai for the time being...it spells wonders. And it means something else.
Po's confidence has dropped a couple levels. There was no way it had nothing to do those repeated nightmares that he keeps having. Though it had to be especially bad if it's making him consider leaving his father behind being his only sure chance at safety. Just what was it with Gongmen that's causing Po such great distress, enough to get a reaction like this?
Monkey was able to wake up, and was the last of the Five to do so. He blinked when he saw the others, and their worried faces. "What's up?"
"Po and his Dad are having a bit of an impasse." Crane explained, not turning his head away from the scene. "Some dream he had last night has put Po in a bit of a panic. Now he doesn't want Mr. Ping to come with us to Gongmen afterall."
"What? Is he worried about his safety? I'm pretty sure the lot of us are more than capable of protecting him if things get dicey."
"Po doesn't want to chance it. He doesn't want to do this, either. It's really hurting the both of them." Viper said, her and Tigress's concerns being the highest of them all. "It hurts because they've always been together no matter what. This is the first time Po is suggesting that they take some time apart, for his own safety. Neither of them like this, especially Mr. Ping."
"I can see that clearly. He's not happy with this at all." Mantis noted.
"Why are you telling me to stay?! There can't possibly be anything dangerous enough to warrant you just leaving me here!" Mr. Ping shouted.
"That's exactly what is going on! I just know that something is off! It has something to do with Gongmen, and I haven't even been to the place yet!" Po strained to say. "The dream I had got me seriously freaked out. It's much more different than all of the others. Something is going to happen. Something dangerous. I don't want you getting caught up in it."
"You think your friends aren't capable enough to protect me if you can't? You don't think you'll be able to protect me?"
"Agh. Daaaaad. Please don't go there." Po groaned, placing both his paws over his face. He was very well aware that this was a case of concern from both sides. However, neither seem willing to consent to the other's wishes. It's proving to be quite difficult for the others to watch. "I just...don't want you to get hurt. I feel like something seriously bad is gonna go down in that city, I don't want you to get caught in it."
"If you feel like it's too dangerous, then just don't go! It's not a place we have to go to! We have plenty of other destinations to choose from!"
"But Dad, Fung really wants to go and show us the place, and he wants to check on Master Croc and his squadmates. He's getting a pretty bad feeling about it too."
"There's something going on in Gongmen, I can feel it." Fung lowered his head in deep thought. "I was never worried about my squadmates being unable to handle themselves, since I was trained alongside them as the leader by Master Croc."
"YOU were personally trained by Master Croc? Huh. He must have had free time." Tai Lung grunted in amusement, tying his cloak around his shoulders.
"You know about Master Croc too?"
"I know a lot of things, Fung. Not on the level of Shifu or Fenghuang...but I know things. I just did a lot of studying, is all." He shrugged.
"He picked Fung specifically because of how similiar they are. There aren't many exact similiarities between them, per se. But the more significant connections are definitely present." Fenghuang added. "Now, back to the more important matter at hand..."
"Ah yes, the quarrel." Tai Lung clapped his paws together a bit dramatically as he saw up and addressed the goose-panda duo. "Now, if I were to take a stand on this issue that was mostly a neutral standpoint...Po should leave his father behind. Under protection of coirse, but him coming along might be a seriously bad idea."
"You're siding with Po?" Tigress asked him. Not out of hostility, but curiosity.
Tai Lung shook his head. "The final choice is entirely up to them. I"m just implementing my little perspective on it in the mix." He said while turning towards Po and Mr. Ping. "Now...it's obviously clear how much the two of you love one another as father and son. And must I say...a couple people here are jealous of you for that." He knew exactly who they were just by looking among them, but those were personal wounds he would rather not intentionally unravel. Now wasn't the time for that. "And it's a truly great relationship, really, it is. But what Po seems to unconsciously realize that this isn't something he should be doing with his parent, especially since cosntsnt visions spells that his life is in danger, and doesn't want it to stick to Mr. Ping. They've been doing pretty well so far, I'll give them that. But for the panda to be the one to cut the cord, even if it's only temporary, spells how worried he is. I don't know him as well as you all because I just got here. But he's really serious about this, that much I can tell."
"I know he's serious about this! I just don't approve of it at all!" Mr. Ping says a bit desperately.
"Mr. Ping. You are concerned. That is fine, as a parent tends to be, no matter how capable the children may seem." Shifu spoke up. "But...Po really seems to think that staying here is what's best for your safety. Given that he's never been this visibly shaken, at least as long as I've seen him in action, convinces me that we should heed his request."
"You too, Shifu?!"
"I...might not be as in-tuned with all of your 'kung-fu senses' and all of that nonsense." Taotie folded his arms. "But I'm going to have to side with Po on this."
"Taotie?! Even you?! But...but what about YOUR son?!"
"Of course I'm worried about Bian Zao. Heck, I'm a bit outright terrified. But...he's still a growing boy. And he has those two great friends of his, Peng and Lian. As well as the rest of these youngsters. It's painful for me to watch and say, but I'm choosing to trust Bian Zao to be wise...or at least capable...of doing things without his dutiful genius father assisting him."
"You don't gotta worry about that, Dad." Bian Zao deadpanned as he casually sips some morning tea, his ears twitching a bit, before he stops for a break and wipes his mouth. "I've always wanted an extended break from you and all of you're craziness, and I'm pretty sure now is the best time to take it." He shrugged. Lian then unceremoniously punches Bian Zao in the arm. His reaction was predictable. "OW! Why?!"
"That's going a bit over the line. Apologize. Now."
Tai Lung immediately turned to Peng with a mischievous eyebrow. He didn't even need to say anything. All Peng could do was blush.
"No no, he's right, Lian." Taotie raised a hoof. "I haven't exactly been 'Father of the Year', and I doubt that it'll change overnight. Not that I'm not working on it, mind you. Maybe...this is just what we both need. Some time apart to build ourselves up. And when we're reunited, we'll have a better relationship than ever, without having to deal with any separation anxiety."
"Pretty sure I'll be just fi-OOF!" This time Lian elbowed him hard in the ribs, forcing him to change his tune. "...I mean, I'll miss you, Dad. It's gonna be a bit lame without you enlightening my day." Oh how much Bian Zao wanted to scoff at his own words. Not out of spite, but amusement. His father was anything BUT enlightening if it has nothing to do with technology. However, he isn't willing to get mauled by Lian for indirectly voicing it.
"I know. At least you somewhat appreciate my genius, son." Taotie nodded.
Mr. Ping was shaking a little. "There has to be a way! If this place is causing Po so much emotional distress without even being there yet, I want to help him through it! Or better yet, let's not have him go at all! This is different than the other times! I just-"
"Mr. Ping." Fenghuang interrupted him calmly but sternly, looking him in the eyes. "We understand your concern. We all do. But if Po insists that you stay in Mount Penglai for your own safety, then I'll trust my student's judgement and keep you safe right here." The goose was about to retort, but she shushes him with a swipe of her wing. "Don't think you're the only one worried. When it came to Master Ding, I was panicking out of my mind for the first time in a while. But with sheer luck, assistance from his comrades, and his own determination, he handled himself fairly well even in a very troublesome situation. So he's definitely earned my trust in being able to operate without the requirement of me watching over him. As should you." This was something Mr. Ping didn't want to hear, because he already knew. But his parental instinct just won't let those reasons win without a fight.
"Mr. Ping." Mrs. Yoon placed a hoof own his shoulder, causing him to turn towards her. "Po is clearly not a defenseless cub anymore. He is more than capable of fending for himself, and he's proved this multiple times so far. It is a rather worrying stage to endure...but you must realize: You cannot hold his paw everywhere he goes. This marks the first time, according to your reaction, that he's ever wanted to go anywhere without you. It is not meant to be taken negatively. It's just a sign that he's growing more independent. It's like he said, it's not going to be forever. Its just how he feels is the just course of action. Whether it proves to be a mistake or not...those are consequences he's willing to face without you paying for it."
"I will be paying for it..." Mr. Ping again tried to retort...but nothing else came out of his beak. He lowered his wings and sighed deeply. "...But you are right."
Po lowered his eyes softly. "Dad..."
"No...no. It's okay, Po. I'm no longer mad." Mr. Ping smiled a bit weakly. "For all intents and purposes, Gongmen City is calling out to you, or some strange stuff like that. You're conscious tells you to heed those calls, but you believe I'll be in more intense danger than ever before, and you want to keep me away from it. I understand." He turned to the side towards his cart, placing a wing on top of it. "I can't stop you from going, just like no one can stop me from worrying about you. They're right...you're not a cub anymore. You can make your own decisions and I'll support you, even if I don't entirely agree with them. But I seriously can't help but see you as one whenever danger strikes and there's the slightest implication that you won't be able to handle it yourself. My first thought is to stay with you, but that can't always happen, can it? This is the first time you've seriously considered leaving me behind for my own safety. It'll also be the first time we'll be separated for much longer than a day, and it most likely won't be the last. It's just...something I'll have to get used to, I reckon."
Po looked at his father with even softer eyes then before. He walked up to him, placed his big, strong, fuzzy arms around the much smaller goose, and pulled him in for a large and loving hug, cushioning him with his soft and jiggly belly. Mr. Ping didn't hug back initially, but he did look up towards Po. "I'll be fine, Dad. I have my friends to back me up if I get in a jam. We're more than capable of handling whatever comes our way." He smiles widely. "As soon as I'm done with whatever needs to be done there, I'll come right back. Then we can cook all day together and earn you some more money."
Mr. Ping scoffed playfully at the offer, it made him appear a bit cheap. Which isn't exactly a lie, but he always considers Po a much higher priority. "Hmmm...that does sound promising. Plenty of father and son time to go around." He then slowly returns the hug that Po gave him, his wings not able to completely wrap around him due to his large belly, but the message was clear. "However, I do expect you to return to me. And when you do, you'd better be in one piece. Or else you'll be in VERY BIG trouble for lying to your father!"
"Pfft! Puh-lease. No lying required. I got this." Po rolled his eyes playfully. But nonetheless, he kneeled down a little and lightly kissed his father's cheek, his jade colored eyes managing to become a bit brighter while looking at him. "I love you, Dad."
Mr. Ping smiled brightly at this, as he gave Po's nose a gentle, affectionate, fatherly nuzzle. "I love you too, Son." They then embraced in another hug. Tight, loving, and also serving as a good luck gesture for Po. One more big hug before he takes off without Mr. Ping, so the latter wanted it to last.
"Awwwww!~" Viper, Song, and Lian couldn't help but squeal at the scene. Such a father-son bond like this one was extremely rare, especially if the child was adopted. But that doesn't seem to matter to them at all, it's not even an issue.
Mr. Ping was now actually able to touch the ground when Po released him from his bear hug. The panda looked towards Fenghuang, smiling. "No." She said curtly. Po then pouted a little bit in disappointment, and she seemed to instantly feel guilty for causing it. She caved in quicker than she liked, and groaned. "Fine." Po smiled widely again, running up to bear hug the owl, lifting her off her feet. It was purely out of affection from student to Master, as they won't be seeing each other for a while, either. "Just don't prove us wrong by getting your ass kicked." She scoffed. As usual, she tried to play it off. But everyone there knew better than that by now.
"I'm not gonna let you down, Master. I'll be fine! Just be sure to keep Dad company for me." Po pulled back, and turned around. "Alrighty guys, forward march!"
"Sir yes sir!" Monkey and Mantis saluted mischievously, the former latching onto his back, the latter hopping onto his head, and he began moving towards the exit to the other side of the city.
Tigress had carefully watched the interaction between Mr. Ping and Po, and how quickly they were able to make up despite the subject the argument was about. Mr. Ping was deeply distressed by the thought of being so far away from his son, but he chose to trust him, and let him go while his concern was made known, and his trust was made clear. They then split up on pretty good terms.
...She took notice that Shifu didn't seem worried about her at all. She's well aware that it had nothing to do with his love for her, which she knows is there. It might be his total confidence in her to fully take care of herself because of how much he's taught her, and might not need words of encouragement. She honestly didn't know whether or not she should find this comforting or not. Nevertheless, she believes she should at least provide her own farewells. She made her way over to Shifu, kneeling down and pulling him into a hug.
"Goodbye for now, Father. I'll be sure to take care of the others. And be sure to protect Mr. Ping and the others, in our absence. He'll definitely need the company if Po isn't going to be with him."
Shifu was a bit surprised by the suddenness of her gestures. But nonetheless, he returned her hug and closed his eyes for a moment. "Of course, Tigress. I've sensed something amiss in regards to the mentions of Gongmen as well. So I do implore you and the others to be careful." She pulled back a bit after this, though her paws were still on his sides since he was so small. He took the time to lightly caress her cheek, and lean upwards to kiss her forehead. She closed her eyes for a couple moments during this, and opened them when he pulled back. It was all she needed to know that he was definitely as concerned for her as Mr. Ping was for Po. "I wish you luck, Tigress. This might be your first test at complete independence from my instructions. I trust that you'll do well."
"Of course." Tigress nodded as she stood up, tightened her scarf, and ran off to follow Po.
Tai Lung watched her pass by, then turned back to Shifu. But it was Fenghuang who got his attention. "Heya, big guy. You wanna be a part of our one big happy family? Be sure that the little ones don't get slaughtered. We acknowledge you as the strongest among them...but be a team player more than anything else."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Best of luck, Fuzzy Kitty!" Master Yao waved.
"You can leave 'Daddy' in my capable paws." Mei Ling purred, sneaking up from behind and lightly nuzzling into his neck. He blushed heavily in embarassment. Tai Lung chuckled.
"Ah...um...excuse me, Tai Lung? If I could...um...say something?" Mr. Ping raised a wing as he waddled over to him. "Um...you're trying to make amends for the things you did in the past...right?"
"Yeah?"
"Good to know, good to know." He twiddled his wings, lightly kicking at the dirt beneath his feet. "So...since you're undoubtedly the strongest amongst them. You'll be able to...um...keep them safe?"
"Pfft. I'm more than capable. I might even get them to toughen up a little in the process."
"Oh! Good, very good." Mr. Ping nodded politely. "I'll just need to be sure that my son is in safe hands under your watch, as well as the others. As you saw and heard, I think very highly of my son. While I realize I can't go everywhere he goes, that doesn't prevent me from worrying."
"Of course. You have my word, Mr. Ping. Even if we do run into something...unsavory...the panda will be back to you, completely safe and sound. I plan to do the same for my sister. I'm well aware she has the power and skill to handle herself, and the comrades to back her up. Buuuuut..." He shrugged. "Can't be too careful. Besides, I'm interested in seeing what they can do."
Mr. Ping smiled happily. "Oh thank you! Its such a relief to know that my son and his friends are in capable paws! However..." Mr. Ping waddled closer to Tai Lung...leapt up and pulled on his cloak to bring him down to his level, and he glared intensely into his eyes. "If you come to break your word...if for any reason at all, my son is unable to return to my wings for a comforting hug and a bowl of noodles...it won't matter if you're some powerful Kung-Fu Master. I promise you, you will NOT like what I turn into. Fenghuang will be unable to restrain me. Not even Shifu will have the power to keep you safe from me. Let me repeat incase you misunderstand. If Po was right about the danger ahead, and he doesn't come back from it, I'm holding YOU responsible. Do you hear me? NO ONE will be able to save you. I will Tear. You. APART." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Are we clear?"
Tai Lung has faced a multitude of death glares over his journey when he runs into someone who antagonizes him. He brushes them all off without a second thought. However...looking into this goose's eyes, seeing the deep concern and love he has for his son, and that there will be hell to pay if he doesn't come back to him on his watch...Tai Lung couldn't help but fearfully gulp, and wiped the sweat forming on his head. "Y-Yes sir. We're clear. We are SO clear."
And just like a flipped coin, the waiting hellstorm within Mr. Ping's eyes was swapped with bright sunshine and happiness. "Excellent!" He let go of the snow leopard's cloak, lightly dusted it off, and clapped his wings. "Well! I'd better go get lunch ready. Farewell! Lalala~" He then waddled off with such a cheerful tune that it brightened up the moods of the civilians he passed by.
Fenghuang chuckled. "Don't feel ashamed. Protective Father Mode Ping terrifies me too."
Tai Lung pawed his forehead, lightly gasping. "I...I don't know what happened. I had some witty confident remark ready...and then instinct told me to just obey or face severe consequences." He then looked at Fenghuang. "You're not going to threaten me like he did?"
"Sweetie, Mr. Ping is trusting you with his son's life, and is threatening you if you somehow screw it up." She shrugged. "Whatever he plans to do, it'll trump what I have in mind. Easily. But of course...you still don't want to try me, either. Be sure they all get back."
"Of course." Tai Lung nodded as he turned around and bounded for following the others.
Shifu was tiredly rubbing his forehead. "Now I'm worried for my son's life ending at the hands of two angry fowls...the universe definitely has a sadistic and strange sense of humor sometimes..."
Meanwhile, Mr. Ping pulled something out of his robes and opens it. One of the things that survived the Valley's raid, a portrait of himself and younger Po, when they were almost the same height. He sighed. He really didn't want Po to go...but he had to.
Fenghuang noticed his concern, and tried to cheer him up, placing a wing on his shoulder. "He'll be fine, Ping. Po's strong. I know, I trained him myself. But we'll be able to sense if he'll be in trouble, then I'll rush to help...and then I'll kick Tai Lung's ass for breaking a promise." She laughed heartily. "Bah! Who knows? He might even be back before you can say 'Noodles!'"
Mr. Ping looks at the portrait, then up towards the retreating Po and friends. To the portrait, and back. This repeated a couple more times, until he stuck to watching Po's back. He was deeply missing him already, his parental concern was powerfully evident. His eyes lowered, and the cheer he had earlier when he finished speaking to Tai Lung was now gone. When they were all far out of sight, Mr. Ping uttered so softly, so quietly, and so sadly that everyone still there could literally hear his heart aching with worry, and not even Fenghuang could find anything else to say that could immediately comfort him:
"...…Noodles..."