Zaber
Don't own Kung Fu Panda
The kicks and groans echoed from the Training Hall, and all of them sounded male, young, and panda in nature.
Po's training mess-up landed him face first, rear up into the ground. The pain on his cheek felt like tiny needle pricks. The old red panda looked at the downed bear and shook his head with a sigh, "That's enough. I think we can retire for today." Po rubbed his head as Monkey helped him up.
"What's the matter, Po? You seem like you're off your edge, more than usual. I'll be honest, there are times I wonder if you're actually trying," Tigress smirked.
"Tigress," Viper scolded, "He just tripped. A simple mistake. No need to beat him over the head with it."
"Oh, he already did that himself," Monkey snickered.
"Ha ha, Monkey," Crane remarked.
"It's okay guys. I...guess... I was just distracted by," Po slowly said. He looked out the doors, looking east, to the blue sky as if he were gazing at the sunrise. It was about 4:00 p.m., but his stare never wavered from that eastward look. Then his belly growled. "Well, I'm starving!" The others groaned. In the kitchen, Po gulped down his bean buns without breaking for air.
"Do you ever get tired of eating that much?" Mantis asked.
"Not really," Po replied.
"I guess you had some practice when you were a child. You'd definitely fit the title of a 'growing boy'." Tigress added. Everyone laughed as Po chuckled... sadly. "What's wrong, Po? You're quiet."
"It's... I was just wondering if I can get some sticky tofu! Yeah, I hear it tastes good. Hehe." Tigress's stern eye slowly left him alone.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ping attended the noodle shop when a sudden scream made him look up from his onion chopping. Wolf bandits stomped into the shop, curved swords out, and horribly grinned as they ordered civilians about. Mr. Ping sighed. Just another Tuesday. Cleaning his steak knife, Mr. Ping calmly walked over. One of the wolves grabbed his collar, saying, "Give us your loot."
"All the money is in the right drawer underneath the stove," Mr. Ping said placidly. Most of the money was already in the bank, but this was his 'in case thieves came' money. Po would get the money back anyway. Two of the wolves went into the kitchen. One of them stumbled upon a loose stone in the floor. He picked it up and pulled out a unique, well-wrapped katana. Its case was black and white with a weird inscription. The wolf tilted his head. Wasn't that Japanese?
"Hey boss, look what we found," He said. Mr. Ping saw the katana. His eyes widened, and he breathed heavy pants as he quaked loudly,
"PUT THAT DOWN!" Mr. Ping jumped out of the boss wolf's grip. He threw his steak knife at the wolf holding the katana. Knocking and pinning the wolf back to the wall, Mr. Ping got to the kitchen where he opened his knife cabinet. He flipped over the cooking counter, threw the knives, and pinned all the wolves to the walls. All the customers ran for cover. No one had seen the goose like this. Carefully, Mr. Ping picked up the katana and dusted the dirt off. Then he walked to the pinned wolves and pulled the knives out of the wall. "Never come here again. Got it?!" The wolves nodded and scampered out of the shop. Sitting down, Mr. Ping twirled around a knife in his hand, waiting for Po to come. He glanced a the katana, sighing, "I really hope he doesn't get upset about this."
Zeng came rushing into the barracks' kitchen, out of breath as usual. "Dragon Warrior, your father was just robbed by wolf bandits," he panted.
"What's new?" Tigress grumbled.
"Tigress, don't you think that's enough?" Crane said, "This is his father we're talking about."
"Considering that Mr. Ping gets robbed so oftenn, I think he needs to reconsider making food, or, at least, being related to the Dragon Warrior."
"How am I supposed to fix that?" Po asked.
"Hmm, I can think of one way, and I'm generously willing to accept," Tigress's low eyed grin made the panda roll his eyes.
"The bandits left when your father went into a knife-wielding frenzy," Zeng said. Everyone looked at each other.
"Why would he do that?" Po asked.
"One of the wolves tried to take a katana they found at the shop-" Po shot up like a cannon, grabbed Zeng by the collar, and lifted him up, shouting,
"Where is he?!" Zeng trembled in the panda's hands. Po's loving calm eyes narrowed into dark green circles. His slight growl unnerved the duck, and everyone else, further.
"H-H-H-He's at the shop waiting for you," Zeng stuttered. Po dropped him and stormed out the door. The others exchanged nervous glances and frowns. "Did...did I do something wrong?"
"No, no, Zeng. This isn't your fault," Viper soothed.
"But someone has some explaining to do," Tigress grumbled. Wordlessly agreeing, they went after Po. When Po got to the shop, Mr. Ping was still twirling the knife through his fingers.
"Dad," Po ran up to hug him. The goose stopped him.
"Here," Mr. Ping presented the sword just as the Furious Five came into the store. "They only touched it." Po grabbed the sword and gently caressed it.
"Good," Then the panda laughed a little, "You know, you didn't have to do your old knife throwing thing at the bandits."
"Did you want them to steal it?" Mr. Ping asked rhetorically. Then he noticed the Furious Five. "Why did you bring them here?"
Po turned around. "What are you doing here?"
"We thought you could use some help," Tigress said innocently.
Po glared, "Thanks, but I think I can take care of myself. But I guess I haven't been a worthy warrior lately, have I?" Tigress's ears drooped.
"You shouldn't have taunted him," Viper whispered to her.
"Anyways, what is the fuss about the sword?" Monkey said about to touch it. Po pulled the sword out of his reach and glowered at his simian friend. Monkey shivered and slowly retreated behind Crane.
Po sighed, dropping his shoulders. "It's a personal family heirloom. It's from Japan. That's all you need to know."
"Isn't that a samurai sword? What was your family doing with that?" Tigress asked.
Silent air hugged the panda's lungs. The tension in his face didn't change. The Furious Five awkwardly glanced at each other as Po quietly thought of something to say. Everyone began silently fidgeting until Po finally said,
"It's a... family secret. Look, guys, there are some personal things that I... don't like talking about. Could you just... drop it, please." Whether out of fear or love for him, the team nodded. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go somewhere." He went out with the katana in hand. A sulky air sank on the Five.
"I don't understand. What's with the sword, Mr. Ping?" Mantis asked.
The goose shook his head. "Don't expect me to spill the beans. Like Po said, it's personal."
"So, how did you defeat the bandits?" Tigress asked.
"I use to be a knife thrower when I was young, and I ran away with the circus for a while," Mr. Ping said. "In any case, that sword is the reason why he's so out of sorts. In fact, today is the day he," He stopped and looked at the others. Silence didn't fit Po and Mr. Ping well. It was too... unsettling, like a kind loving child suddenly growing cold. He suddenly chortled in a quacky way. "I'm sorry. I was rabbling. Well, you probably have more important business to do. Good-bye." Then he went back to work. The Furious Five stood there gazing at each other with frowns and wide eyes. Tigress looked out the rounded entryway to the shop. Something was up with Po, and they were going to find out.
About a couple of years ago in Japan
The outside square courtyard lined with Japanese Cherry Blossoms showered the stony pathway with pink petals. Up the path stood great stone steps with gazelle soldiers lining the edges. The Grand Palace sat with pristine white walls and golden dragon column markings reflecting the rising sun. The red roof sharply punctured the high air, rising 100 feet tall. A massive door engraved with iron wolves barred the way in and was guarded by a hundred armored boar men. A large airy chamber stood behind the door. Sunlight poured in through blue, green, and red silk panels as beautiful paintings shone in their light. Down the chamber stood another wooden door, white with only two round loop for door knockers. This led to the throne room. Inside, four white pillars held the roof, and on the opposite end was a bright red seat with two golden dragons wrapping around the headrest.
On that throng sat the very emperor of Japan, Emperor Bao-Ai. The throne room was packed with his subjects to celebrate his 45th jubilee. Bao-Ai was a big Japanese Gray Wolf with silky dark orange-brown fur and gray beady eyes adorned in majestic robes. Sitting right beside him was his adopted princess, Mei, a dark orangish small cat about 16 years old. Her yellow eyes sparkled when she smiled, and, though sitting, she stood at about 5'5" with her beautiful blue dress. Then a duck with a green vest on came into the throne room. Clearing his throat, he spoke,
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I present to you the powerful and mighty Emperor Bao-Ai himself. His power stands to no one and-"
"Old windbag." The Emperor whispered to Mei. The cat chuckled as the announcer duck went on.
"And now I present to you the sons of the mighty Emperor Bao-Ai. First, Prince Lee, who has just finished conquering the western rival side of our beautiful island and has established the new treasure city. He has-"
"Alright, we get it," Lee barked as the room clapped and cheered. Lee, the smaller replica of his father, stood at about 5'9". His crisp blue eyes were friendly and inviting compared to his father's. His father is kind, but his big muscular frame does intimidate. Lee's Karuta had brown and gray colors covering the sides of his kabuto and breastplate. Two long katana cases, decorated with gray-brown lacquer, rested on each side of his waist. Lee bowed before his father's throne.
"Ah, Lee, my blood son," Bao-Ai smiled widely, "What have you brought for your old man?"
"Good Morning, Abba. Hi, Mei," Lee shakily smiled. Mei blushed. "It is with great pride that I give to you a new samurai sword from West Japan, a symbol of their surrender. They have incredible use in fine materials and metals. Now Abba, we have completely united the Japanese island." Bao-Ai's lips curled up at his son, resting his hand on his shoulder.
"I'm more glad that you're safe, my son. You've made me incredibly proud, Lee," he said. "Come by my side. Let's see what your brother has brought for me." Lee bowed as he stood beside his father. He glanced at his father, who drummed on the armrest.
"Is something wrong, Abba?"
"I just hope that your brother hasn't gotten a... crazy gift like last time," Bao-Ai murmured. Mei and Lee made a noise, quickly covering their mouths. "It's not funny you two. I had to pick muskmelon out of my fur for a week."
"But you laughed that time, Abba," Mei sweetly said. The big wolf to a glimpse at the small cat and sighed, chuckling a bit.
"I guess it was funny."
"And now, the second son of the all-powerful mighty, his royal excellence, Emperor Bao-Ai, please welcome the adopted and cherished son of the Emperor, brother of Prince Lee, prince of Japan, defender of the Emperor, friend to-"
"JUST GET ON WITH IT!" the entire room shouted. The old windbag recovered.
"Please welcome, the legendary Prince Po," He finished. A roaring round of applause exploded as a 15-year-old panda strode through with a yellow robe on and a brown katana case by his side. He bowed before the emperor.
"Po, my son. What have you brought for an old man?" Bao-Ai asked cheerfully.
"Probably better than my gift as usual," Lee smirked at the panda. Smiling, Po shook his head.
"Other than my recent battle with the Jin-Min, I only have one gift," He said as he presented a sword to the emperor. "I made it in the blacksmith shop myself." Pulling out the katana, Bao-Ai let it shine beautifully in the light. The markings in the sword said, "to the Great Emperor Bao-Ai". Emperor Bao-Ai smiled, sheathing the blade as Lee rolled his eyes.
"Told you. Better than mine," He said.
"Nonsense Lee, both of your gifts are beautiful. It is a marvelous samurai sword, my son. I will cherish it always," Bao-Ai said. Then he looked at both Lee and Mei. The three's eyes darted each way at each other, smiling.
Po rose his eyebrow. "Um...am I missing something here?"
"Well, give it to him," The Emperor said.
"Give me what?"
"Well, today, It's been three years since you ran away from home and came here on Abba's birthday. So, to show our appreciation and love, we give you this," Lee said presenting a newly made katana. Its case was decorated black and white like Po's fur. Po pulled out the sword and read the inscriptions on it.
"The legendary Zaber," Po smiled and bowed before Lee and Mei surprised him with a hug. The crowd did a collective 'aw'.
"Children please, not in the throne room," Bao-Ai said, wiping a tear from his eye.
"Thank you so much, you guys. I don't know what else to say," Po said in awe. "Thanks."
"You are welcome my brother," Lee smiled, "It's just a shame that we can't test that katana on the Jin-Min yet."
"Lee, you know the Jin-Min are just like you and me."
"Neither of us are felines, Po."
"You know what I mean," Po sighed.
"Those awful, hateful tigers," Mei bitterly muttered.
Po corrected her sweetly, "Mei, not all of them are like that. They are much like you, stubborn in every way," He smirked. Mei's bottom lip stuck out, crossing her arms with a great huff. She was so childish sometimes. "Then again, I'd prefer dealing with you than fighting General Wong-Hu. That tiger is relentless."
"How is your arm healing?" Mei asked.
"Oh, you mean my little gift from our kind general? It's fine, good as new actually. If it weren't for Lee, I would have been smashed against that rock," Po grunted, moving his arm around.
"Jin-Min, Jin-Min, it's all I ever hear about," Emperor Bao-Ai growled, "This fighting wouldn't happen if they weren't so territorial."
"More like if they didn't want our land. But it's hard to do that when they're swinging swords at us, and they're very ambitious." Lee sighed, "Of course, this new legend may pose a threat to us."
"What legend?" Po asked.
"The spies say that a warrior will rise up and bring glory and honor to the Jin-Min and end the war," Lee explained.
"Well, that may mean that they will stop their fighting," Po suggested.
"It's highly unlikely. In any case, the Jin-Min don't seem very hopeful about it or believe it," Lee replied, sighing and glancing at his father, and suggested, "Maybe it would be best if Po and I helped defend the borderlines tomorrow. Po's mentioned something about some new spies that could help us. We'll need to be close to them to limit any problems."
"No, No," Mei whispered and pled to Bao-Ai. "They might get hurt, or worse."
"Like the other times," Bao-Ai shook his head, smiling, "Your affection for Lee is bizarre to me. I love my son but you seem like you shouldn't be interested in him." Mei only blushed. Bao-Ai cleared his booming voice and declared, "That won't be necessary, boys. We have a strong enough defense line. Anyways, let the celebration begin."
After the party, Mei, Lee, and Po sat in Abba's luxury chamber room. It had a huge red bed with white silk panels pouring the setting sun in and a spacious floor for the kids to play on. The three sat on Abba's big bed; Lee slapped his hand on his chest, burping a bit, "That was a good party."
"Has it really been three years since I ran away?" Po asked.
"Yep, it's amazing how we met. You snuck away on a boat going to Japan, wandered around Tokyo, bumped into me, became my friend, and came with me to the palace," Lee replayed.
Po sighed woefully, "I'll have to be going soon then. I need to make sure that my dad's alright."
"Po, don't speak about that," Mei begged, "The idea of you leaving is like ripping my heart out."
Po gave her an assuring smile. "Nonetheless Milady, I have to go back. One day, I will have to go." The cat hugged him.
"I understand. It is your home," Mei said.
"But you are and will always be the best brother a guy could have," Lee said, patting Po on the back. Then Bao-Ai came in.
"Enough about leaving. It's time to have some fun," The big wolf smiled. The others laughed into the twilight night.
Continued...
A/N: The reason why authors redo, I believe, is not because they don't have any new ideas. It's because when they wrote the first one, they did not have the tools to rise it to its full potential. As the author grows, so does the toolbox, and now they are able to go back to that story and make it how it really should be. We don't simply expand but deepen that story.
