Hope you all enjoy this chapter and please leave a review at the end, letting me know what you thought of it!
Disclaimer: I don't own Kung Fu Panda
Po wished he could've stayed with Tigress a bit longer to celebrate her finding inner peace. It'd taken her three years after all! It was a huge accomplishment for the both of them. However, he knew if he had stayed any longer, he would have been late for his chi lesson and Master Shifu would surely make him do fifty laps of The Jade Palace stairs, injured or not. He was already on thin ice with him with his newfound emotions of a certain someone, he didn't need to push his Master more. He arrived at The Dragon Grotto, hopefully on time. He was out of breath.
"Loss track of time hmm?" Master Shifu asked noticing the panda's breathing.
"Sorry Master Shifu," Po apologized.
"No need, you are right on time for once," Master Shifu commented. "Let's get started. Now, do you know what chi is?"
"Uh I've heard of it and read the name in some scrolls, but I don't know what it actually is," Po said.
"Chi is energy. Where there is energy, there is chi, where there is chi there is life. Chi is energy that flows through all living things. To master chi takes discipline, mastery of self, understanding our surroundings," Master Shifu explained. He bent his fingers and held his hands together. He then separated them and brought them outwards. His palms started to have a gold hue to them as the cannons did. He then brought them back together and focused the gold glow on a flower that appeared to be dying. However, the gold energy from Master Shifu's hands raised up the flower and it was alive.
Po's eyes widened with excitement and shock, "Woooahhh! That is aweessome!" Po exclaimed and started to do the movements and tried to get the hands to glow gold like Master Shifu's did, but it wouldn't work.
Master Shifu chuckled, "It will not be as simple as watching me perform and you mastering it. It takes years of discipline and understanding of energy in life. Now, as Lord Zhong is a master, you must be able to at least understand the basics, and maybe we can stop his plans. Now the first step of understanding chi is discovering your own chi in your body. Can you guess what I am about to tell you to practice?"
Po groaned, "I have to meditate, don't I?" Po asked. He has learned that over ten years, Kung Fu isn't always about punching and kicking even though that is his favorite part. It's not that he doesn't mind meditating, but he preferred not to.
"Yes, clear your mind. Focus on your breathing and the energy in your body," Master Shifu told him.
"Ugh, okay," Po complained. Why did Lord Zhong have to be a master something that required meditating Po was thinking. He crossed his legs and closed his eyes. The world around them fell silent. He focused on his breathing. In and out. He focused on the surroundings. The sound of the waterfall, the wind blowing, birds chirping. He felt the wind hit his fur and the sun shining on him as well, warming him up. He could even hear Shifu's breathing pattern.
About an hour or so had passed and he felt something or more recognized something in his body, he was sure it was the energy Master Shifu was talking about. "I feel something, I think it's the chi thing you were talking about."
"Good, now focus on that energy for a few hours. Focus on the flow of the chi in your body. Tomorrow, we'll focus on how to harness it in one place in your body," Master Shifu told Po.
"Wait wait wait, you're just going to leave?" Po asked.
Master Shifu nodded, "You don't need me here to focus your chi. I need to find out more about where Lord Zhong is hiding out. I will check back in on you though, so no sneaking off early. I will allow you to join the celebration later tonight though," Master Shifu told Po.
With that Master Shifu left The Dragon Grotto, leaving Po to his thoughts and breathing. How was he, a panda with no experience in chi going to defeat Lord Zhong who was a master of chi and had cannonball weapons that held chi. This was going to take a lot of focus. Maybe he can skip the celebration tonight even though he told Tigress he could possibly go…
It was nearly dark, Po could tell. The mood of the surrounding changed. Master Shifu had kept his promise about checking in on him. He popped in telling him he could go to the celebration as he felt he was satisfied with his training today. Po told him he'd go, but he could slightly hear the music going on and was still very much focused on the chi in his body. It was hard to break the concentration. He wasn't much in a mood to go to celebrate something that reminded him of a painful event in his life. He would rather stay here and focus on the chi kept him grounded, he'll be better prepared for Lord Zhong if he was here practicing chi rather than partying. Besides, the party was for more for the village. He could just make a quick appearance when it was getting later, and they'd be satisfied.
After a while, he started to hear someone coming up to The Dragon Grotto. He suspected it was Master Shifu checking in on him again. Without opening his eyes, he spoke, "I thought you were done checking in Master Shifu."
"I am not Master Shifu," Tigress spoke. He opened his eyes and saw her standing there with her arms crossed. She looked pretty. She wore her new favorite long-sleeved dark blue robe with gold embroidery on the sides and black pants that she has been fond of lately. It suited her well.
"Oh, hey Tigress," Po said.
"So, I heard a crazy thing," Tigress said sitting down on the grass across from him.
"Yeah, what's that?" Po asked curiously.
"That Master Shifu allowed you to come to the celebration which started an hour ago, but you still haven't shown up. So, what's preventing The Dragon Warrior from celebrating a festivity that he is responsible for?" Tigress asked.
Po shrugged and looked down at the grass, "I'm not in a festive mood. I just learned about chi, like just the basic. Then there's Lord Zhong who is a master at it. It feels weird not to be learning all of it before we go face him. Plus, you know I particularly don't care for this celebration."
"I know we don't care for this, but we are expected to make an experience. Your dad was also wondering where you are," Tigress informed him.
Po groaned, "I forgot about dad," he said. Maybe he'll go in a little bit, so his dad isn't too upset with him, he could help with cleaning up.
The two sat in silence, neither wanting to speak. Po was fiddling with his thumbs while Tigress simply stared at him, "What did you learn about chi?" Tigress asked, changing the subject.
"Oh, it's a super awesome technique. Like I saw Master Shifu bring a nearly dead flower to life! It's energy in living things. You have to have mastery of self though before mastering chi," Po explained to Tigress.
"Hmm, interesting. Have you figured out who you are then?" She asked honestly.
Po shrugged, "I don't know. Like I know I'm The Dragon Warrior and a panda," Po stated. "I'm not sure what else there is to me."
"I believe you a lot more than just a title and your species," Tigress said to him softly.
"Who do you think I am then?" Po asked curiously wanting to know her opinion. Her opinion always mattered to him.
"Well, you are The Dragon Warrior, a panda like you said. I also believe you are a good son, a pretty awesome Kung Fu master, a good teacher and a great friend," Tigress told him.
Po gave a small smile, "Thanks, I'll take those into consideration," he said.
"Come on Dragon Warrior, enough complimenting you and let's get to the celebration," Tigress said standing up. She brushed off the grass on her pants and lent a hand to Po which he took.
"But I like being complimented on," Po pouted as they walked down the path to the valley.
The valley was buzzing with music. It was loud and hard not to miss. People were dancing on the streets, were in gatherings eating and chatting around the dancing villagers. The decorations were just as bright and just as lavish as they were before. The whole valley was lit up with red and gold lanterns, streets where was filled with confetti and the statue of the five with Po in the center was hard to miss.
"Hey everyone, it's The Dragon Warrior!" one of the bunnies announced to the village as he and Tigress were making their way to his dad's shop. Soon a swarm of villagers surrounding both him and Tigress. "Dragon Warrior, tell the story again about how you defeated the cannons!"
"Uh, I'd love to you guys, after I see my dad," Po said, managing to get out of the crowd. He definitely was not telling the story for the billionth time. Meanwhile, Tigress was still surrounded. She simply flipped in the air and got out of their way and landed next to Po.
"Thanks for leaving me there," Tigress said as they walked to his dad's shop.
Po chuckled nervously, "I'd knew you could get yourself out of that."
"Hmm," Tigress said, punching Po in the arm without much force.
The two walked into this dad shopped which was packed. It was buzzing with customers. Some were sitting down and talking while others were coming in and out fast taking out orders.
"Po, Tigress, over here!" Monkey called out and waved to them. They were at the very back of the shop with a large table. The rest of the five were there and Master Shifu. They had all had hot bowls of soup and dumplings around.
"Where were you, Po?" Viper asked.
"Um practicing," Po answered his voice slightly going high.
"But Master Shifu told us you were allowed to come to the celebration," Monkey told him.
Po put an arm behind his neck and then grimaced because he forgot his arm was hurting, but that's what he did when he felt awkward, "Yeah, he did. I was just practicing to defeat Lord Zhong though. I lost track of time."
"Po! You are very late!" his dad yelled as he saw Po from another table. He quickly set down their order, while splattering a little of it on the guest which went unnoticed by his dad. He swatted Po on his good arm.
"Hey! Hey," Po said while swatting his dad's hands away from him, "Sorry dad, how's the rush going, need any help?"
His dad looked like he was going to say yes but then shook his head, "No, no I've got it under control. It would've been helpful to have you here earlier like you were allowed."
Po groaned, "I'll make it up once we come back. I'll help at the next celebration."
Mr. Ping huffed, "Hmph, you better. You want some dumplings or secret noodle soup?"
"Dumplings sound great dad, I'll get them," he told his dad. "Anyone else want anything while I'm back there?"
"Sticky buns!" Mantis asked excitedly, Viper swatted him on the head with her tail, "Ow!"
Po chuckled, "One order of sticky buns and dumplings coming up."
Po went to the kitchen and found the containers holding the sticky buns and dumplings his dad had prepared earlier that day for the celebration. He started to put them in the boiling pot and left them alone to cook for a few minutes.
Within a few minutes, the dumplings and sticky buns were ready. He started to plate them in a bowl and was surprised he was able to carry both of the bowls in one hand. This morning it hurt to even stir.
"Hot buns coming in," Po announced, placing the sticky buns in the center so everyone could grab some. Mantis quickly got a couple on his plate and started to munch on them.
"These are so good man," Mantis said.
"Thanks, they are dad's recipes after all," Po said digging into his dumplings. He hadn't had anything to eat since lunch! After about the twelfth dumpling and four sticky buns later, he was satisfied. He patted his belly, "So, other than being here, what else have you guys been up to?"
"Oh, you know, the same thing as every year. Eat lots of food, signing autographs, retelling the story of how you defeated Shen, oh, and signing you and Tigress up for a dance ceremony," Monkey listed out the activities they had planned. Monkey smirked when he got to the last one, waiting to see Po's and Tigress's reaction.
"Hmm, nice. Glad I didn't miss out- wait you signed me and who now to do what?" Po asked to make sure he heard right.
"What?" Tigress growled out. Monkey regretted mentioning the last activity.
"Well, you know how Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Jun are! They ganged up on me and Crane!" Monkey said trying to defend himself. It was partly true. They really never tried to say no to them though. Besides, Monkey was close to winning the bet against Mantis. Viper already lost a few months ago. Crane was still in the running though.
"You are dead," Tigress said glaring at Monkey, she then turned to Master Shifu, "Master Shifu, Monkey will be my sparring partner tomorrow if that is okay with you," Tigress told the red panda who was in an intense mahjong game with Master Lionel.
"Hmm, oh yes very well," Master Shifu said waving his hand.
Tigress smirked. Monkey gulped, "Hey why just me, Crane was also there," Monkey pointed out, not wanting all the blame and punishment.
"You're the one who brought it up though," Crane pointed out.
A distant gong was heard, and suddenly loud music started to flood the restaurant even louder than before. It was cheerful, uplifting music. Po and Tigress tried to escape but were surrounded and pushed outside the restaurant. Other citizens began dancing to the happy music while Po and Tigress stood still.
"So uh, any idea on how to get out of this?" Po asked Tigress since she is usually the brains in the operation.
Tigress thought for a moment and shook her head, sighing, "Unless we want to fight our way out."
Po held out his hand to her, accepting their faith. She gave him a small smile and rolled her eyes, "I'll make sure to make Monkey pay tomorrow."
"Hmm, I know you will," he said.
The only dancing they knew of was Kung Fu dancing. So, while everyone else was doing traditional dances, the two started the Kung Fu dance they knew. It began as all Kung Fu techniques do, with a respectable bow to each other. Po and Tigress stuck their hands out in front of each other in an upward position with their wrist touching. They circled each other a few seconds, not letting their arms fall. Then they switched arms, but their wrist still touched. Right at a certain beat, they grabbed each other's paw, pulled slightly back from each other, then brought themselves closer to each other. Their legs locked around each other bent down lower to the floor with their paws still intertwined and they separated again.
Tigress ducked and twisted away as Po tried to swipe a kick. As she was turning, she grabbed his paw, which made him bring her closer to him. They pulled apart and Tigress jumped in the air sweeping a kick. Po bent backward avoiding it with ease. As he bent backward, he did a backward handstand and jumped while Tigress did the same. However, since she started her jump later than Po, he landed first and held his paws out. She landed lightly on them and he gave her a boost back in the air. She spun and backflip, landing with her arms separated from her. She turned and Po grabbed her hand, made her spin out, and then into him. The song had ended, and both were breathing heavily. They had not realized during their dance that the entire valley was watching. For a second though it was quiet, then cheers and claps blasted their eardrums.
"Not bad, Dragon Warrior. Your dancing has improved," Tigress commented to Po, who was still holding her.
Po chuckled, "Thanks. I have a great partner- dance partner!" Po corrected himself. Tigress shook her head at his slip and gave a small smile. Po felt his face heat up. He let her go and put his paw around his neck.
"You seem to have healed quite quickly Dragon Warrior. I assume training will not be an issue tomorrow, hmm?" Master Shifu said, appearing out of nowhere.
Po yelped. He was thrown off at Master Shifu's sudden appearance, "I am so gonna be thrown down The Jade Palace Stairs," he groaned.
"Hmm, maybe not just yet. We do need you to defeat Lord Zhong," Tigress reminded him trying to give him hope.
"Dude, you got some moves, who knew!" Mantis said while handing Monkey some gold coins.
"What was that?" Tigress asked her voice low, watching the exchange of money.
"Um for a bet that I lost?" Mantis said who jumped and hide behind Po's neck.
"What was the bet about?" Tigress asked, crossing her arms. Rather than answer Tigress, Mantis and Monkey bolted out of the area.
Po chuckled at his friends' antics. He had gotten used to the teasing over the years, well his who life he'd been teased. However, over ten years of being with The Furious Five, some of them have tended to tease Po about how close he and Tigress have gotten, which he was used to. He was sure he was going to hear many comments about their dancing for the next couple of days.
The party lasted till midnight, at least that's when The Five and The Dragon Warrior were able and allowed to be broken free from the villagers. Po was pretty sure the celebration didn't stop till much later. He was lying on his mat in his room at The Jade Palace reminiscing on the events of today. It was such an eventful day. He learned and mastered chakras, watched Tigress finally gain inner peace, then learned about chi, went to a party and danced with Tigress. It was a pretty good day.
Sleep came easily for Po. He was mentally exhausted from the work he had to put in today. His dreams consisted of Kung Fu. He was in the training hall, sparring against Monkey and Tigress at the same time. He was winning of course as it was his dream. However, the dream changed for a minute as it seemed he was winning, Monkey used his tail to throw Po up in the air, and Tigress used it to her advantage and kick Po in the stomach sending him flying back. Rather than fly further back into the training hall though, he flew back into The Panda Village. This confused Dream Po. Dream Po stood up in agony as he felt the pain from Tigress's kick. He looked around for a minute, remembering when he first landed in the village so many years ago in pain from the cannon which he was shot out of from the factory. Dream Po held his head as he remembered the events. He shook it off.
"Hello panda," a voice spoke out. A voice Po only hears in his nightmares now which he assumed this was now a nightmare. Po turned towards the voice in a fighting position.
"Shen!" Po yelled.
"Yes, panda, that is my name," Shen said uninterested with the introductions.
Po tried to punch him, but Lord Shen only moved out of the way with ease. Po then tried to sweep him off his talons by sweeping under him, but Lord Shen flew back, only for a cannon to be revealed. Lord Shen smirked. Po froze, his eyes widened. He tried to move, use inner peace, do anything, but was stuck.
"That is enough," a voice called out. Po turned towards the voice. It was Master Oogway! He came walking through the village.
"Master Oogway!" Po exclaimed happily. Though his time was brief with Master Oogway, he always respected him greatly. After all, he wouldn't be The Dragon Warrior without him and his support.
"Hello, Po. It has been a long time since we last saw each other. You have done quite well for yourself," Master Oogway said smiling.
"What's going on, why is he here?" Po asked confused.
"I have brought Lord Shen here to deliver a request he would like to ask of you. I have also brought information that is key to help destroy this weapon," Master Oogway told Po. He looked at Lord Shen.
Lord Shen flew off from the cannon, which disappeared, "If it is possible, I would like you to spare my son," Lord Shen told Po.
Po nodded, "Yeah of course. I tried to spare you too remember? I'll spare him if he allows it, I always do."
"Thank you, panda," Lord Shen said, then he turned to Master Oogway, "You were right," he simply said and then was turned into pink petals and was blown away in the wind.
"I knew I chose right when I picked you as The Dragon Warrior. You have done well. Mastering Kung Fu, inner peace, and soon chi," Master Oogway told him, "In order to defeat Lord Zhong, you must master chi as Master Shifu said. However, there is another person who must as well."
"Who?" Po asked.
"Tigress."
"Tigress! Why Tigress? Can't I just learn the chi stuff, why does she have to get involved?" Po asked worriedly.
"Lord Zhong has fueled his cannons with chi that is derived from hatred and anger. It must be neutralized by love and happiness in order for you to be able to deflect it again," Master Oogway told Po.
"But I'm filled with plenty of love and happiness. Why does Tigress have to be physically involved as well?"
Master Oogway smiled, "It must be neutralized by both parties who feel the same love and happiness."
Po's eye's widened, realizing what Master Oogway was implying, "Wait- hold up. So, in order for Lord Zhong's cannon to be defeated, Tigress has to feel the same way I do?" Po asked to make sure he heard right. Master Oogway nodded. Po groaned and sat on the grass, "Welp, we are all doomed. It's impossible that she feels the same way," he said quietly while he picked at some grass.
"Do not fear, nothing is impossible," Master Oogway advised Po. "Love is interesting. It comes in many forms and it is always when it is least expected."
The dream soon disappeared, and Po woke up, sitting straight up. His mind was now racing and unable to fall back to a slumber sleep. It was still dark out and probably too early before morning gong would ring. Po sighed, it started off as such a good dream too.
That is it for this chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it. Let me know in your reviews! Till next time.