Not even gonna make excuses. Laziness towards this story has taken hold of me.
...Still not giving it up though. NEVER!
...Oh, by the way. We have ourselves some guests! Wonder who they are?~
Po was excited, which was a huge understatement.
It took a while, a very long time to be exact. But he and his friends made it to Imperial City, where their supposed tournament was to take place. As he expected, the city was enormous. That was fine by him, that just meant a lot of room for all of them to explore. Shifu and Fenghuang looked awfully serious, while Mei Ling the fox looked a bit nervous. He didn't worry too much about it, though. He was sure that everything would be fine as long as they all stuck together.
Then again...
"Hey guys, ya wanna split up?" Po suggested, turning towards his comrades, father, and master with a rather relaxed expression, which contrasted the possible ramifications of his idea.
"WHAT?" Crane beak-dropped, before shaking his head rapidly. "Okay, no. NO. Po, do you have any idea how risky that is?! I mean, this isn't some regular city we're visiting. No, this is Imperial City. As in the city where the EMPEROR lives! There is no splitting up in a place like this!" He pressured, flapping his wings rapidly. "This place is far too large for us to e splitting up like this! Our best et is to stick together!"
Po raised his paws up playfully. "Easy, easy buddy. Just hear me out for a second." He did his best to placte the avian as he prepared to give his reasoning. "You're right, Imperial City is pretty big. And sticking together doesn't sound like a bad idea. But ya gotta remember that we don't belong to any palace or temple anymore. We're rogues, wanderers. Not only that, but we did a lot of things that wouldn't really shape us as...ideal citizens in these guys eyes. Guys who are into order and all of that stuff." He placed his paws on his hips and tilted his head. "Which makes all of us entering at once even riskier, because no one knows who we are. And if we try to enter all at once, we'll be incredibly suspicious. Especially since there's a lot of us. They'll probably take us in for questioning and even prevent us froom entering the tournament. Maybe Rhino, Ox, Croc, and Yao will get a pass since they're official Masters, but we probably won't be so readily accepted."
Rhino rubbed his chin slightly as he thought about Po's reasoning. "It's rather troublesome for you all to have to sneak in just to enter the city without proper procedure...but considering who you all are, and the fact that we've brought Shen alive with us...I can see his reasons to not want to be seen until it's too late for them to do anything about it. We could try and vouch for you all, ut we can only do so much with a reputation like yours. A reputation that isn't exactly positive."
Song flashed her parasol a bit, holding it over her head with a sly smile. "So we're gonna sneak into the capital of China and force our way into the tournament? I can accept that challenge. After all, they did say that anyone can enter, free of repercussions...so long as they win. Even so, I can understand Po wanting to split up. Not only for our own safety, but for exploration purposes. If we're all bunched together, there isn't a lot of movement available for us. Plus...it'd be much more interesting this way. Probably even fun. Right Po?"
"That may or may not be one of the reasons...but yeah. I wanna explore this city without having to worry about you guys. I know you can take care of yourselves." Po folded his arms and looked out towards the city. "One things for sure, I'm definitely bringing my Dad along."
"I'm going with you. We don't want you to push your prosthetic too hard. You're still getting used to it." Tigress reasoned. "I suppose the rest of the Five, as well as Mei Ling and Mr. Ping will come with us, helping me make sure Po doesn't get into too much trouble." Because preventing Po from getting into trouble altogether, was nothing but an impossibility. "And I suppose Fenghuang and Master Shifu, as well as the other masters, can go straight for the Imperial Palace and get us signed in."
"Exactly. Let's not worry about that whole sneaking in thing, that's just wasting more energy we might need for later." Fenghuang reasoned with a grunt. "Besides, they said anyone can enter. They can complain all they want, but we're completely authorized to be here."
"That is true. Still, being cautious can't hurt."
"Aw. Don't wanna spend time with your big brother, hm?~" Tai Lung went to wrap an arm around Tigress, but she leaned sideways to avoid it.
"As nice as that sounds, it's more because you have a higher chance of getting into trouble than Po. Po will get into trouble because he does what's in his heart regardless of what people think. You however...you'll get into trouble because you'll be bored. This brings your maturity into question."
"What?!"
"The difference between you and Po...I already know he's not very mature. I'm used to that. You however..." She left the statement in the air as she turned towards Po, leaving Tai Lung groaning at his sister's complete disregard for his lack of maturity. Po didn't recognize Tai Lung's distressed, he was far too focused on what he might experience once he officially enters the city alongside his friends. Tigress gently smiled at how giddy he was being, and she tightened her scarf around her neck before nodding. "So Po, shall we proceed? Again, we must be careful. I doubt that the Imperial Guard will be tolerant of us doing something incredibly reckless."
"Bah, I'm not in charge of how they think. Besides, they said that everyone is allowed to participate, no matter who they are!" Po beamed. "Even dramatic edgy warlords like Shen!~"
"Edgy?! Now hold on just-"
"Great, we're all in agreement." Tigress nodded. She then turned towards Tai Lung. "You'd better look out for our nephew. Of course he has his own skills, as well as his friend and girlfriend. But..." Tigress walked over to Peng and pulled him into a hug. "I just can't help but be worried about him. I suppose this is what being an aunt is like, because I've been having this feeling for a while at numerous times."
"It's okay to be concerned, Aunt Tigress. But really, I'll be fine." Peng smiled calmly, seeking to ease Tigress's worries for him. "And like we all keep saying. So long as we all behave ourelves accordingly, we shouldn't have any problems before the tournament starts. Though knowing our luck..I think we should just be careful." Tigress slowly releases him as Peng moved onwards. Lian smiled softly as she held his paw.
"Nothing to worry about. *Yawn* Even if we did get into trouble...it's pretty normal at this point. We'll just do what we usually do...figure something out." Bian Zao yawned. Taotie obviously didn't approve of his son's reckless way of thinking. But since he was also much smarter than he looked, he decided to drop it for now. "Anyway, Dad. Are you gonna be alright, accompanying Shifu to that large building over there?"
"This is something I have to do by his side, son. Don't worry about us. We'll be fine." Taotie said while turning towards Shifu, who's head was still mostly shadowed by his cloak. He sighed as he rubbed his neck. "At least I hope so."
"Enough talk. If we don't move now, we won't move ever." Fenghuang declared as she swung her wing across. "Let's go!"
"Yeah!" Po said cheerfully.
"Remember, don't get that prosthetic messed up! I'll be able to fix it up in no time, but it's still really difficult to put together precisely and in a time-worthy matter." Taotie glared.
"Okay!~!
"BE SERIOUS!"
That's not easy for him to do. The younger ones deadpanned.
The main point was that they were here, and they were somewhat ready. At first they would split up, and then find an opportune time to regroup and discuss further actions. Master Shifu and Fenghuang will have to face major parts of the past, and find a way to enter the ridicule that was to come. It would not be easy, but that's fine. They never expected this to be easy, so they'll gladly keep going. There was no telling how this would go. But that hasn't stopped them yet.
(Emperor's Palace)
The Emperor had a feeling that things were going to get really noisy very soon. He didn't know how, but he did have a pretty decent idea of why. The tournament was going to start soon, likely in a few days so that all of the masters can become situated in the city. Some of the masters have made their way into the city, and were heading closer to the city. A few of them have already made their way inside, and were taking residence within the city. Some of them were already in the Emperor's Palace, gathering for a slight meeting. Nothing too significant, just discussing what they were expecting, as well as why they were expecting it.
He had to admit, the Emperor was nervous. Not every Master was entirely trustworthy. Nor were all of them particularly kind. But he meant what he said, that he needed any Master that would be willing to help teach his son Kung Fu, to figure out who would be most worthy of that honor. Or whatever thye would wish to think of it. It didn't really matter much, he just wished to help his grandson however he could. There is no way he wanted to dishonor his son and abandon him. Though tradition would be forcing him to make a very heartbreaking decision if this doesn't work out. He honestly couldn't care less about the tradition, but he can't afford making exceptions for everyone he cares about. How easily his position could be undermined just for caring, he can't underestimate something like that. It's another reason why he worries for Lu Kang so much.
Lu Kang...he doesn't completely approve of this entire thing, but he agreed for his family's sake. He knows how important this was to them, and he doesn't want to make a mockery of that just because of that fact. This must have been incredibly painful for him, he's terrified of letting his family down. And he was also terrified of disappointing all the Masters that came here because of him. The boy considers himself a lost cause, yet he still tries his best regardless. It was clear that they both wished it didn't have to come to this. So few options. The options that remain were at high risk for failure, especially since so many Masters were gathered here with high expectations. Disappointing any of them, especially the less than trustworthy ones, woul be incrediblky risky all on it's own. To put it simply, very few of the decisions he could make wouldn't really make everyone happy, no matterhow well-meaning he may be.
He once again sighed as he folded his arms, closing his eyes. It was large-scale decisions like this, a decision that can affect everyone's future, that makes it so hard to be Emperor sometimes. It was a really bad year for Oogway to have passed on. He could really use his advice. He thought about the last time he actually saw him face-to-face.
(Flashback...)
"Do you have to eat so loudly, Fenghuang? We're in front of the Emperor! You should show some more manners than this!"
"Don't tell me how to eat, fuzzball! He said the feast for us, and I'm gonna enjoy it however I want to!" Fenghuang grumbled, her cheeks swelled with food that she continued to eat ravenously eat. Her comrades were minding their own business as they calmly eard the two of them go back and forth...again. "Besides, you're eating just as much as I am!"
"At least I'm not being excessively rude about it! Can you please show a bit more tact in front of the Emperor?!"
"He seems to be alright with it, so I don't find the need to change my eating habits just because you say so! I can eat however the hell I want to!" Fenghuang huffed. "I'm a growing girl, and I need to eat as much as I can! Unlike you, who will always remain a pint-sized midget!"
"Why you-!"
Masters Snow Leoprd, Elephant, and Rooster collectively sighed as Shifu and Fenghuang glared at each other with powerful glares and their flaring chi. They each looked much younger, and much livlier back then. Especially Shifu and Fenghuang, who were once again arguing with one another. Oogway was casually speaking with the Emperor, so he wasn't exactly concerned with his student's bickering. He looked more amused about it than anything, which the others tiredly caught onto. These two argue so much, if it wasn't for the fact that Shifu once had a girlfriend, they would have guessed that they liked each other.
Snow Leopard sighed as she held her head up with one paw. "Are you two at it again? Can't you both act civilized in front of the Emperor?"
"I didn't start this! She refuses to show proper food etiquette!"
"Screw etiquette! I don't care about crap like that! I have no use for it!"
"Geez. You two can be so hopeless. Even in front of the pretigious Emperor, you just can't help but argue, can you?" Snow Leopard lowered her eyes while chuckling.
Fenghuang huffed. "You can say what you want, I still couldn't care less."
"That explains your lack of discipline."
"Tch. Lack of discipline. Where I lack discipline, you lack groooowwwttth~" Fenghuang cooed as she shamelessly held out her chest.
Snow Leopard blushed profusely at this, her eyes widening. "W-W-Why would I care about something like that! Stop being so rude!"
"Jealous, aren't you?~"
"SHUT UP YOU DIRTY OWL!"
Rooster and Elephant calmly sipped their tea, before setting them down and sighing. "How long do you think this one will last?" The latter sighed.
"Probably for a while. The smartest thing we can do is simply let them tire themselves out. And I know how ridiculous that sounds, but forcing them to stop isn't possible at this point." The former shook his head, taking another sip of tea. "The only one capable of stopping them is Oogway...and he looks like he's having fun with it."
"Of course...that's our Master for you..."
The Emperor and Master Oogway could hear their bickering from throughout the halls, and the latter was laughing. "Ah...youth. It's always amusing how easily they tend to bicker about the smallest things. But then again, having them channel that passion into their Kung Fu is something to look forward to. Wouldn't you agree?" Oogway closed his eyes as he continued walking alongside the Emperor. "I'm sensing a lot of potential within them, and seeing them put those skills to se and helping others. Hmhm~"
The Emperor didn't respond at first. He just looked along the sides of the hallways with slight curiosity gracing his eyes, and back towards Oogway. "Grand Master Oogway...can you really place your faith in them? A generation capable of looking out for themselves? Over China as a whole? Do you really believe in them?"
"There was a time when I was just like them. Overconfident, headstrong, annoyingly stubborn. Look at me now. I'm now humble, patient...and annoyingly stubborn. Hmhm!~" Oogway chuckled as he opened his eyes for a bit. "Give them time. They'll need much guidance, nurturing, and discipline for sure. But to officially answer your question...yes. I do believe in them, wholeheartedly. They'll become fine warriors for sure. And then they'll serve as inspriation for the generation after them. This cycle has been around for a while. Each one surpasses the last even sooner than before. It's that way for many things."
"Is that so? I find it difficult to believe that anyone has the potential to surpass you."
"It's not as silly as it sounds. You eventually learn that the impossible becomes doable if one is determined enough to surpass their own limitation. Shifu and Fenghuang have shown the most enthusiasm in this regard." Oogway smiled. "So is it really so impossible for someone to surpass this old pile of bones?~" The Emperor couldn't really form a response for that, as Oogway smiled softly in understanding. "I suppose your doubt can be somewhat justified. I've been around for a while and no one after my generation has been able to reach my level of skill. Still, that doesn't exactly make the concept impossible, does it? Just because a worthy successor to me hasn't appeared yet, doesn't mean that it won't ever happen. In fact, I'm waiting patiently for that to happen. I'm even excited!"
The Emperor's eyes widened as he looked towards Oogway with surprise. "You're actually excited for someone to surpass you and take your place?"
"Very much so. Know why? I'm very interested to see how a new successor can shape a new era. Every new era deserves someone who can lead a major change. Mine was the creation of Kung Fu. I wonder what my successor will bring to fruition?" Oogway turned around and tilted his had down, overshadowing his eyes. "Perhaps the one who is worthy...is a warrior with just as much passion and determination as I do...or perhaps even more. My successor will know what is truly important in life, and will strive to protect it at all costs. Maybe their goals and my own won't entirely agree with one another...but that is fine. What I truly desire in my successor is for them to live their life as best as they can, refusing to be restrained by others. And I hope they have a family that accompanies those goals."
"Is that so...?"
Oogway closed his eyes again and sighed. "I do wonder...what would it be like to meet someone with the heart and soul of a dragon? I wonder what you would do when your family becomes graced with the presence of a dragon...?"
The Emperor raised an eyebrow. "You're speaking of dragons now? Why?"
"Oh, don't mind me. Just an old turtle doing his daily ramblings." Oogway smiled, waving his paw. "Now let's return to my students for some tea. I have to make sure that Fenghuang and Shifu aren't doing too much damage to themselves, after all." He slowly began making his way back to where they came, with the Emperor sighed and proceeded to follow him. There were times he really wished that Oogway wouldn't be so mysterious. It was really hard to tell what he's thinking.
He also knew that Oogway doesn't say these things without a reason, even though he implies it.
(Present)
"Oogway...now that something like this is happening...what will happen now?" He said softly while closing his eyes. "You asked me what I would do when I came face-to-face with a dragon...how can I answer a question like that? I really wish you would give me a straight answer most of the time..." There was also a bit of guilt residing inside him when he realizes that he was using Oogway's possessions for his own gain. He really wishes there was some other way. But for the life of him ,he could never come up with one in time.
"My Imperial Majesty. Masters Rhino, Ox, and Croc have just arrived." One of the guards reported to him though he seemed pretty shaken by something. "And...they've brought quite a bit of company with them...company we didn't expect at all."
"That doesn't surprise me. I took a risk and said anyone who was willing could participate."
"Yes, well..it's more than that, sir. You might want to come and see for yourself." He insisted a bit nervously. His superior looked concerned by this behavior, but nevertheless found it important to follow the guard and see what the fuss was about.
As he descended upon the steps and arrived at the first floor of the palace, he would indeed find Masters Rhino, Ox, and Croc bowing before him in greeting. Though what he didn't expect was the company that they brought with them. Two of them were especially familiar to him, and were among the ones not bowing. He knew them all too well.
"It's been a while since our last visit, your Excellency."
"Hey Old Man! Long time no see!"
Shifu and Fenghuang stood before them, wrapped up in tattered robes that really emphasized their 'wanderer' status. And the company they brought with them was strange as well...and absolutely shocking. Mei Ling the Thief, and Shen the Tyrant. Not only that, but Master Yao was among them as well, simply admiring the high-class paintings that decorated the walls. They were among the ones standing before him. No wonder the guards were so nervous.
The Emperor abandoned having a level head for a moment, and simply facepalmed.
Yep. This was definitely the beginning of a seriously bad headache.
(Meanwhile)
"Dad...are you smelling all of this amazing food here...?" Po declared as his nose was in the air, a dreamy look on his face. Mr. Ping shared the same look, smiling goofily.
"Indeed I do, son! It's days and experiences like these that humble me so much! There's so much great food out there that I don't know about, and I make a point to discover!" The goose declared with a beaming smile. "These scents...the potential taste...the long-lasting memory...these things really water our mouths, don't they?!"
"Yeah..."
There was something calming about seeing these two gush over food in a big city like this. Maybe it was the humor factor. They were making their friends laugh with their antics, so everyone's nerves were put off for a good long while. They didn't know whether this was intentional, or thay they really weren't as nervous as they thought.
Though Tigress was still slightly annoyed.
"I meant what I said, Tai Lung."
"Oh come on! Give me some credit! I've been getting better, haven't I?!"
Apparently he and the others decided to tag along after all. Tigress wasn't particularly against Tai Lung accompanying her. But his complaining about her earlier statement was getting on her nerves very quickly. Though her nephews presence seems to lessen this somewhat.
"You two really are siblings. What a drag..." Bian Zao yawned softly. "Can we get to wherever it is we need to go so I can take a nap?"
"Lazy Ass..." Lian pouted quietly.
"Hey, back off. My energy output is just not up to your level, okay?"
"No excuses."
"Whatever."
"Now now everyone, please settle down. Remember that we're not supposed to cause a ruckus...right now." Viper said a bit slowly. "Let's just think positively for a bit. Liiiiike...the new friends we're bound to make! The new adventures we're bound to have! And like Po and Mr. Ping said...the food!"
"GLORIOUS FOOD!" The three of them cheered gleefully.
"There they go again...focusing on filling their stomachs as the tournament slips further and further from their minds." Song shook her head with an amused smile. "I don't suppose there will be anyone that shall give us serious trouble during our stay here, will there?"
"I hope not. Croc will give me another earful if that's the case. And I really don't need his lectures here." Fung sighed.
Lian chuckled at everyone's antics, knowing they were in for a good time. Until she suddenly stopped, her eyes widened. Peng noticed how quickly she tensed up, and held her paw in concern. "Lian? What's wrong? Are you okay?"
This presence...the strength...that killing intent...no way! Lian soon turned around towards one of the structures and waved cheerfully! "Guys! I haven't seen you in so long! I didn't think we'd meet again here of all places!"
Mantis blinked for a second, looking around while atop Crane's hat. "What is she talking abou-"
"Well well...someone's kept up with their training. You noticed our familiar presence."
This time it was Tai Lung's turn to tense up. That voice felt eerily familiar. This...is gonna get awkward for me, isn't it?
"Hey...girls. Check this out." A figure pointed towards Po. "That one right there...is that a panda?"
"That's a panda alright. Looks like the whole 'all pandas are dead' thing was a load of bullshit."
"Huh. He's cute. Really cute. Maybe I can have him...?" Tigress suddenly let out an absolutely savage snarl at that comment, though she didn't know why. "Oops. Never mind. He's taken."
"I'd say he's made quite a catch. She's quite the beauty. And I can feel her strength from here. So much amazing strength...ehehehe...~"
"That so...?" The one in front sits calmly on the edge of the building with her legs crossed, her tail swishing calmly behind her. "You. Panda. Who is your teacher?"
Po blinked curiously, before he gathered up his thoughts and spoke casually. "My teacher? That would be Fenghuang. Why? Are you friends with her?"
I see. So he's the reason why she fell off the radar for fifteen years. He must really be something special if she did that to simply protect him. "Panda. Do you know who we are?"
"Not in super great detail, but Master gave me a rough idea in one of her lectures."
"And yet you speak to me without an ounce of fear?"
"Is there any particular reason I should be afraid of you?" There was a stunned silence between the three figures. Po wasn't speaking arrogantly or with confidence. It was a genuine, honest question, complete with an almost childlike tilt of his head, and blinking jade eyes.
He truly wasn't afraid of them.
...How peculiar.
The female in the center chuckled at Po's statement. "Even with a simple sketch of an idea of who we are, you speak to us so casually. You're a gutsy one." She settled down, placing her paws on her lap. "We do thank you all for taking care of Lian. She's a handful."
Tai Lung suddenly looked towards Lien in shock, while she was still smiling cheerfully. How does this runt know them personally...?!
"Allow me to introduce ourselves. The one on my left is the laid-back yet battle-hungry one, Wing."
"Heya. Nice to meet ya. Thanks for taking care of the brat for us." She grinned honestly, though it sent shivers down everyone's spines but Po's, Lian's, and Tigress's. "We have a history. A pretty straightforward history, but a history nonetheless. We'll be sure to tell you about it before the competition officially starts."
So...they're here for it too. That's definitely bad luck for me. Tai Lung mentally sighed.
"The one on my right is the perverted one, Wan."
"Be cold about it, why don't you?! That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think?" She pouted childishly. She then took and extended gaze towards Tigress, Song, and Mei Ling, particularly their chests. She eagerly raised her paws as she gently opened and closed them, drool running down her muzzle. "Oh my...what a collection of strong and beautiful women you've brought for me, Lian! I'm sure they won't mind a quick and very thorough private test so I can get to know them better...hehehehe~" Against her earlier statement, there was an incredibly perverted grin on her face, her tail swishing excitedly. Wing immediately chopped her on the head. She recoiled, holding her head while pouting again. "Ooowww...that really hurt!"
"Learn some restraint then."
"You're a meanie..."
"Don't mind them. They act idiotic from time to time."
"THAT'S COLD, SIS!"
Crane tilted his hat nervously. "Well. They have...quite an interesting dynamic, don't they?"
"You have no idea..." Tai Lung groaned.
The oldest one smiled as she folded her arms. Her eyes opened and they revealed a yellow eye and a blue eye. Whether it was blind or not, Po didn't know. "As for me...I am the oldest sister, as well as the leader. Su Wu. We are among the most infamous criminals in all of China. We are the Wu Sisters."
Fung has heard of the Wu Sisters. It's one of the many tales that Master Croc told him during his younger days. Rhino, Ox, and Croc were bitter rivals with them...and now they're in the same city...and it's also highly likely that neither has let go of their grudge towards the other...
Darn it all!