Hello everyone, it's been a while. I honestly want to say that I am sorry I have not been able to update my stories for a while. Unfortunately, due to a series of incidents in my personal life, I've been forced into basically dropping any sense of a personal life in order to take up a second job. With working 14 hour days now for the next few weeks, I've just been too physically and mentally exhausted to write more than perhaps half an hour a night. I apologize again, but there is nothing I can do. Unfortunately… I am out of options. I need to work in order to help those I care about in my personal life.
I also care about you my readers too. After all, you guys are the reason I write publicly. Honestly, If I could turn writing KFP fanfics into a paying job, then I would spend all day, everyday, writing for you guys. But somehow, I doubt that's in the cards. Oh well, wishful least I have one free day a week to focus on writing.
I will not stop writing. I can't. So I hope you can understand, truly. I'll post this Author's note on my other stories as I update them.
Again, thank you for your patience, it really means a lot to me. Enjoy the read.
Chapter 3
Chao Fa
A few hours later, Po found himself exiting the Bath house after taking a quick and relaxing bath. Fortunately for Po, the Panda managed to come out on top during his sparing match with the Snow Leopard that morning. Unfortunately, that meant that Tai Lung had then pushed the Panda so hard in their training afterwards that morning that the Snow Leopard absolutely insisted on the Panda washing up, before they ventured down into this Chao Fa's shop in the Village.
It wasn't like Po wouldn't have cleaned up before heading down to see his Father anyway. After all, his Father was very insistent when it came to his food and personal hygiene. But the fact that Tai Lung felt the need to even suggest it at all was what really bothered Po, if only a little.
It still didn't change the fact that Po REALLY enjoyed taking a hot bath though. After growing up with only ever being allowed to wash himself in a cold river or stream for the most part, being able to actually sit in a nice hot tub for as long as he wished, was right up there with some of his favorite things to do. Right up there with spending time with his Dad, or carving out wooden figurines to pass the time.
As Po opened the door leading out of the bath house, the steam that had accumulated inside rushed past him and into the late winter air and Po released a pleasant sigh. Although there wasn't any snow on the ground right now the weather was still a bit chilly and breezy out, but it was obvious that spring was on the way.
As Po lifted his ruck sack over his shoulder filled with his dirty clothes, he made a mental note of having to wash them later that evening, while he began making his way down the path leading from the bathhouse.
As the Panda crossed through one of the palace Gardens and headed over towards the sleeping barracks, his mind was swirling with thoughts of anticipation at seeing his Father again, but more importantly, just being able to spend some time with the goose. Sure they would no doubt be working the entire time, but Po didn't care. As long as he got to be with the goose for a little while, then he was okay with a little work. Maybe if he was lucky, Ming might be at the shop today too!
About a month after Po agreed to being this Dragon Warrior, Ming finally decided to pack up her and her child's belongings and move into the Village so that they could be closer to Po. Ming sold her little cottage on the edge of the Valley boundary and together with Xiao Po, moved into the Village. The only problem initially was that Ming had to find a house for the two right away. Thankfully, Mr. Ping had offered to put the two Clouded leopards up in his spare room for as long as they needed, much to Po's pleasure.
He even offered Ming a job in his restaurant as a waitress and assistant chef once he learned she had experience in a kitchen, to which after learning a bit about Ming's past from the leopardess, Mr. Ping did not pry for details and a few weeks afterwards, Ming was able to actually purchase a small house not too far from the noodle shop with the money she managed to get from her previous home.
Everything was going great for Po these days. Sure he didn't get to spend as much time with the ones he cherished as much as he wanted, but he still got to see them and Tai Lung truly did try to make that happen as often as possible. But what was more was that he was finally able to be close to his family. His Father, his Sister and now he even had a little nephew in Xiao Po. The only person that was missing was…
It was in that moment when Po stopped dead in his tracks as he looked down at the ground and sighed before he whispered, "Dun." How long had it been since Po had last seen the Rhino? It must have been going on around 9 years now and odds that the older Rhino was even still alive were slim at best, if not nonexistent. The only indication that Po had that Dun was even possibly alive still was Ming's word back when he had first reunited with her a few months back. But the last time she had even seen the Rhino was somewhere around 5 maybe 6 years ago. A lot can happen in 6 years and Po knew that first hand.
As Po was reminiscing about this Friend and former teacher, he almost never even heard the voice calling out to him from behind, "Dragon Warrior?" jerking his head up from his thoughts and releasing an annoyed sigh at the title yet again, Po turned around to see Tigress was now standing a few feet behind him in front the barracks entrance. It was only then did Po realize he had indeed wandered over in front of the sleeping quarters unknowingly, having been so caught up in his own thoughts.
"Huh?" the Panda asked as he focused on the Tiger who was looking at him carefully before saying, "I said, are you ready to go? Tai Lung and I are ready to depart as soon as you are ready. Are you alright?" Po just turned away as he replied briefly, "Fine, just thinking. Let me just take these to my room." but as soon as Po uttered the words the Panda thought, "My room!? I really have been up here too long."
It was only once he entered the barracks then did Po notice Tigress was now also following him down the hall, but he never said anything and just kept walking. Once Po reached his room, he slid open the door and stepped inside to place his bag down in the corner before he turned and saw Tigress was now standing in his doorway asking, "There is one thing I need to know before we depart." At this Po raised an eyebrow before saying, "Uh huh?"
Tigress then placed her arms behind her back and asked, "I just need to know whether or not you need any money to purchase these new clothes of yours. If you require some, I'm sure the Jade Palace will be more than willing to accommodate you, but I was instructed by Master Shifu to ask regardless."
Tigress watched as the Panda stared at her briefly and processed what she had asked him. After a moment, Po then proceeded to walk over to the Chest up against the far side of the room and opened it up as he began digging down to the bottom of the chest searching for something. After a few seconds of waiting for a response, Tigress was about to repeat herself, when Po finally stood up, turned around and held out a second sack that Tigress's ears could easily hear the sound of many coins jingling about inside while the sack swayed as Po asked, "Will this be enough?" before he walked over and placed the sack onto his workstation and Tigress was able to see inside the bag just enough to know that it was full of golden coins.
Tigress's eyes snapped wide open upon seeing the Panda possessing so much Yuan! "By the gods…He probably has more money than all of the Furious Five put together! Where in the world did he get so much of it!?" Tigress then noticed the Panda was staring at her and she quickly shook her head briefly before saying, "Um…yes, that will be… more than enough actually. Po, I hope you don't mind me asking, but how is it you have so much money? I mean…you only came to the Valley not even 6 months ago."
Po just shrugged his shoulders and said simply, "My Dad gives me some after every time I work with him in his shop. I keep telling him I don't want any of it, but he just keeps telling me to take it, so I do because it seems to make him happy. I don't know why, all I ever do with it is put it in that bag."
Tigress blinked her eyes a few times in pure bewilderment although her face hardly showed her true expression, it was still a bit awkward in the room thanks to the following silence. Thinking the conversation was over, Po picked up his bag of coins and was about to leave the room when Tigress stopped him at the door asking, "What are you doing?" Po just looked at the Tiger crossly for a moment before he answered, "Going to the Village. The sooner I can go to that Chao Fa guy's shop, the sooner I can go to my Dad's. Why?"
Tigress then pointed out, "Po, I know I said you needed money for the clothes but you certainly don't need THAT much. Wait here." and with that Tigress left the Panda standing in his doorway with an annoyed look on his face, while Tigress walked across the Hall and entered her own room. While she had the door open, Po couldn't help himself but to peek in a bit and he immediately noticed the Tiger's desk on the one side of the room with the small wall nailed to the back of the desk covered in the Tiger's notes along with images of the Mark they discovered on the back of his neck.
Without even realizing what he was doing, with his free paw, Po reached up and brushed the area at the base of his neck where the mark was present. Why couldn't he remember how he got it? Po just couldn't wrap his mind around the idea of not being able to remember having something burned into his flesh in such a spot and not recalling how, or by whom.
As Po was drifting in his own thoughts, he almost never noticed Tigress had returned until she slid her door shut and turned around to face the Panda, which was when he dropped his paw to his side. Tigress then presented Po with something and said simply, "Try using this instead."
Looking down, Po noticed it was a dark red pouch of sorts with a draw string stitched inside that was perhaps maybe less than half the size of his own sack. Po then heard Tigress say, "Just fill that up with some of your money and it should be more than enough for your purposes."
Po just nodded before he took the pouch and retreated back into his room and sat his sack of coins down on his Workstation and proceeded to fill the smaller pouch with some of the coins. After a few seconds, Po twisted the larger of the two bags up and placed it back into the wooden chest in his room, while also grabbing a brown sash and tied it around his waist so that he could tie the money pouch to his waist.
Once he was finished, he turned back to Tigress and asked, "Okay, can we please go now?" Tigress stared at the Panda briefly before she nodded and allowed the Panda to exit the barracks first, after he closed his door and together the two began making their way over towards the Thousand Steps.
In no time, Po and Tigress both found themselves walking down the Thousand Steps along with Tai Lung who had waited for the two over by the Palace gates. As they walked, Po managed to keep a decent distance of maybe 20 or more steps ahead of the two felines, while neither one truly made any real effort to catch up. At some point, after a somewhat long silence, Tai Lung looked over and said to his Foster sister, "I think someone's a bit excited to get out of the Palace, don't you?"
Tigress briefly cast a glance over at the snow leopard before returning her attention on the Panda before them and said in a voice that actually sounded somewhat disappointed, "He usually is." Tai Lung raised an eyebrow at Tigress's tone before saying, "Sister…I do hope you aren't taking his behavior to heart? Try to understand, he only wishes to make up for the lost time with his father that he had taken away from him as a child. Surely he is more than entitled to look forward to such moments?"
Tigress then hissed at the Snow leopard in a voice that she prayed the Panda did not hear, as she slowed her pace a bit to create some more distance between the two Felines and the Panda without him noticing, to which Tai Lung matched her pace, "Do you think I am so incapable of understanding such things!? It's more than that."
Tai Lung then gestured with his paw for Tigress to continue on and so after releasing an annoyed sigh, Tigress explained quietly, "It's just…ever since Po has been officially named the Dragon Warrior; I feel that little has changed in the big scheme of things. Yes, he has agreed to live at the Jade Palace full time. Yes, he has agreed to train and learn how to become a Warrior worthy of such a title. But throughout this entire time, although Po has been with us for the majority of it, I cannot help but feel that very little has actually… changed."
Tai Lung then turned to watch the Panda as they made it halfway down the steps and the Red Gateway at the bottom was now coming into view, while he listened to Tigress go on, "It still seems like he doesn't personally want anything to do with us. At least that's the impression I get from him some of the time. There are times where I simply just don't understand what it is we're doing wrong here. If we cannot learn to trust one another completely here in our own home, then how are we supposed to trust each other in battle, or on a mission?"
After Tigress finished, Tai Lung remained incredibly silent as he allowed her words to sink in. after a moment though, the Snow leopard finally asked in a tone that showed he was trying to hide some of his disappointment, "You said you want to understand what it is you all are doing wrong?" Tigress looked over at the Snow Leopard and saw his vibrant yellow eyes were now focused on her as he lightly snarled, "You could start by being a little less selfish, dear sister."
The words literally struck Tigress like a smack to the face, as she stopped and stared at Tai Lung in absolute bewilderment. After allowing Po, who appeared to still not have heard the conversation, to walk away a few more yards, Tigress hissed at Tai Lung in a voice filled with both disbelief and a significant amount of anger, "Selfish!? How, in the name of China have any of us been SELFISH!? We have done nothing but try to help that Panda ever since we…" But Tigress failed to finish her sentence as she realized exactly what it was she was about to say and how foolish it would have sounded.
Tai Lung then took a step back up the steps towards Tigress and asked, "Ever since what, Tigress? Ever since you learned about Po's past? Ever since you learned just the smallest bit of his life's story? Ever since you were finally given the slightest glimpse into what that Panda was forced to endure when his former Slaver attacked the Valley while looking for him?...Or was it when he placed himself in front of you…and took that Whip for you?"
Upon hearing this, Tigress's eyes widened as she was forced to recall that horrific day and for a few seconds, all Tigress could remember was the look on Po's face when he shielded her from that Boar's deadly weapon. How much fear and pain he subjected himself to, just so that she wouldn't have to experience it. And she recalled that when he did…how he instantly became a prisoner of his own fears; unable to move, unable to defend himself…he wasn't even able to speak. All he could do that day for the longest time… was scream.
While Tigress was stuck remembering that horrific moment, Tai Lung then whispered, "I learned about it from Master Monkey…Tigress…you must understand something. I've seen more of what the Panda has experienced than any of you and yet I am still convinced I know next to nothing of the true horrors of such a Life. But I do know this. Po was forced to grow up in a living Hell because of my failure-"
At this Tigress was about to deny what Tai Lung had just said. She was about to say that he had tried his best to find the Panda all those years ago. Yet the Snow leopard simply held up his paw silencing his Sister before she could even speak as he continued, "-And as a result, Po has experienced what we can only assume to be some of the World's lowest of the low. You are asking someone to trust you just because you may have been a little nice to them, after they went through more than 20 years of…THAT…being beaten…tortured…and worse, by almost every person they may have upset or just simply looked at the wrong way. Asking someone who has seen such terrible things and has probably experienced worse to trust you…it's a lot to ask of anyone Tigress."
Tai Lung then turned around to see that Po had managed to now create a rather sizable distance between them, yet he had stopped once he realized that the two Felines were no longer near him and was now watching the two Kung Fu Masters impatiently. Without turning back to face her, Tai Lung then whispered, "All any of us can do is continue to help him the same way we have been and maybe…some day he might actually call us his friends." With that Tai Lung then began to resume his descent upon the steps with Tigress following close behind as she whispered, "It just seems like a ridiculous amount of effort just to make friends with someone. There have been days when I often wonder if it's a task worth undertaking."
Tai Lung just smirked as he stated, "And yet you are still sneaking off into the Palace archives almost every night." Tigress nearly stopped once Tai Lung mentioned that but before she could demand how he knew about her little excursions, Tai Lung stated as he looked back at her, "I may not know exactly why you are spending so much time down there Tigress, but I have a fairly certain idea that it involves Po in some way."
Tigress didn't respond to the leopards claim and just continued to stare forward. Tai Lung also looked ahead as the two continued to move closer to where the Panda was waiting for them and went back to the previous subject, "It's funny, I've come to learn that many of the things we all take for granted, say Friendship for example-" at this Tai Lung cast a glance over at Tigress who was once again walking beside him and their eyes briefly met before he continued, "-are things that Po treasures above all else. He doesn't call just anybody his friend. In fact, I believe I've only ever heard him mention maybe 2 others that he's ever referred to as his friends, one of whom he also values so much that he even calls her his family."
Tai Lung then finished as Tigress was now looking away from him and down at the Panda they were nearing. Once they got close enough, Po turned around again and started walking once more, taking the steps 2 at a time. Tai Lung then said to Tigress, "Do not abandon the desire to form a connection with someone, Tigress. Believe it or not, I believe you and the others might be closer than you think in terms of Po accepting you all." Tigress wasn't entirely certain of that, but this did prompt her to ask Tai Lung, "And you Tai Lung? How is it that you view … us, after your return to the Jade Palace?"
Tai Lung smirked again as he looked up and said, "I personally feel like if it came down to it, that there isn't a Warrior among the Furious Five that I wouldn't entrust my life to, Po as well. And…-" as Tai Lung was about to finish, he stopped and turned to Tigress once more before he reached up and grabbed her shoulder before saying, "And I hope that one day….you and I might both be able to truly be brother and Sister. I know I wasn't around while you grew up, but I would like to try and make that right now, if you'll let me."
Tigress smiled only slightly at this before she brushed the Snow Leopard's paw off her shoulder and said simply, "Maybe." But Tai Lung could still hear the measure of possibility in her voice and nodded at the Tiger. They were about to resume walking once more, when the atmosphere changed completely as Tigress asked, "And Shifu? Do you think one day the two of you can be in a place like you used to be?"
Tai Lung scoffed as he kicked a stray piece of rubble off of one of the steps, while Tigress continued, "Because personally…from what I've seen, it seems highly unlikely. From a distance, it appears like you are holding Shifu in contempt." Tai Lung was silent for a brief moment before looked Tigress in the eye and said after a long moment, "And you believe I shouldn't? Tigress… everything Shifu did during Po's first month here. Everything he did to try and get rid of him, he did it all in my name, Tigress... he did it because of me."
Upon hearing this Tigress's eyes narrowed in confusion while Tai Lung explained, "The Night I came back, after you told me what had been happening here at the Palace, I confronted Shifu about his treatment towards Po…and he admitted it. He blamed Po's kind for my leaving, and he took 20 years of bottled up anger and rage out on the very Panda that I was sent to recover…and he did so in my name."
Tigress had no idea what to say as she watched Tai Lung begin walking after the Panda once more. After a few seconds, Tigress began to jog lightly before catching up to the snow leopard and said, "I…didn't know." Tai Lung nodded as he spoke while focusing all of his attention on the Panda, "I know that. But you know what? I can forgive him for it. All of the mistreatment, the unfairness and the blame he targeted towards that Panda. I can forgive him of all that, if he would just swallow his insufferable pride and apologize."
Tigress just raised an eyebrow as she asked, "You mean he hasn't done so already? I thought he would have done so your first night here." But Tai Lung simply shook his head no as he clarified and said, "I never said I wanted him to apologize to me, Tigress." It was then that Tigress understood what Tai Lung meant. He wanted Shifu to apologize to Po for his mistreatment without Tai Lung needing to push the issue.
As they approached the bottom of the steps with Po now waiting for the two at the red Gateway, his face clearly showing his displeasure at the two Felines for lagging behind so much, Tigress only said, "You might be about as old as Shifu is before that happens." At this Tai Lung actually released short laugh as they finally came to stand before the Panda who was looking at the pair sourly with his arms crossed as he said, "Finally…I thought your two would never get down those stairs. Can we please get going?"
Tai Lung nodded at the Panda as he said, "Apologies Po, we got a bit caught up in our own conversation. Come; allow me to lead us to Chao Fa's shop. This way." And with that, Tai Lung walked past the Panda who sighed quietly before following the snow leopard, with Tigress now walking by his side. But as they turned down the left street, Tigress looked up just in time to see Po was staring off towards the Center of town towards the direction that his Father's noodle shop was in, as they continued to walk further and further away from it.
As much as Po loved getting out of the palace and being able to visit his Father and sister, he also wasn't too keen on walking around the Village any more. Ever since Shifu announced to the Valley that Po had officially accepted the Dragon Warrior Title, everything changed. Sure, he was used to catching the villagers staring at him from time to time back whenever Po first came back to the Valley, but back then, he was able to chalk it all up to being the only Panda in the entire village. Now…things were far worse.
Everywhere he went, no matter who he passed by in the street, every single person would stop whatever it was they were doing, and they would greet him with, "Greetings Dragon Warrior," or "It's nice to see you Dragon Warrior." And the worst part of it all, was that each and every time, everyone would bow to him as he neared them.
He hated it.
These people were treating him like he was better than they were. Like his formers Masters demanded him and others like him to address them or behave around them. It was all Po was ever able to compare the Villagers behavior towards him to and it made him sick to his stomach every time he was forced to witness it.
Viper had tried to assure the Panda that the people were only trying to show him their respect, but the thing was, Po didn't want anyone's respect. He didn't want to be treated better than anyone else just because of some stupid Title. In truth, Po didn't even want the thing to begin with…and yet here he was, officially claiming it and hating almost every second of it. But what could he do? Besides, it wasn't all bad. For one…he still had Ming.
The day Ming had ventured to the Village to surprise Po with a visit 3 months ago, she had witnessed the absolute worst part of him when he tried to seriously hurt Shifu after the Red Panda had mistakenly struck the Clouded Leopardess…and it terrified her. The last thing Po ever wanted to do was push Ming away. He even had come to care for her child in the short time of getting to know the small leopard boy and the kid even started referring Po as his uncle.
That day, Po swore never to lose himself the way he did when he saw Ming get hurt. That he would try to do better by his sister, so that she never had to see that side of him ever again. And if that meant becoming this Dragon Warrior, then that's what he decided on doing.
But even Po was a bit worried about whether or not he would be able to follow through with such a goal. After all, his anger was what almost drove Ming away, but it was also his anger that had kept him alive for so long. He knew now that he didn't need to hold onto his anger anymore in order to survive. But after holding such pain and hatred for so many different individuals close to his heart…Po wasn't entirely sure he would be capable of letting it go entirely. But he would try for the ones he cared for.
Tai Lung was another reason. If Po hadn't chosen to accept the title, then Tai Lung wouldn't even be here to be his teacher, and Tigress's family would still be torn apart. If there was one idea Po didn't care for at all…it was being the cause of a family being torn asunder…especially since his own had been torn apart before as well.
And so here Po was walking down the street, with Tai Lung in the lead a few paces ahead of him, while Tigress continued to walk by his side. As they passed many of the villagers roaming the streets, one by one the People would greet the warriors and bow to them all. Tai Lung and Tigress would just nod towards every other Villager they passed in acknowledgement, while Po just sighed heavily and tried to just look away.
Tigress saw this and immediately stepped closer towards the Panda and whispered, "Po, the People are only trying to show there respect for you. As the Dragon Warrior, you are one of the Valley's great protectors and heroes. These people are only trying to show you their gratitude for bearing such a responsibility, the least you can do in return is acknowledge them."
Po just looked at Tigress crossly before he mumbled. "I never asked for anyone's gratitude. " Tigress nodded before she sighed and said, "I'm aware, but trust me when I say that it will get easier to accept with time." But Po just growled lightly so that perhaps only Tigress could have heard him, "That's what I'm afraid of." causing Tigress to stop briefly as she allowed Po to pass her while she watched him follow Tai Lung. After sighing a bit if frustration, Tigress quickly picked up her pace once more and together, the 3 resumed their journey towards the tailor's shop.
It didn't take long for Tai Lung to lead Po and Tigress to Chao Fa's shop over on the west side of the Village, much to Po's pleasure, and fortunately the crowds around them had died down significantly unlike when they first entered the village, so there weren't so many people around to greet the 3 warriors which also played a significant factor in improving Po's attitude.
As Tai Lung entered the shop first, a small bell hanging from above was struck with the door, causing a somewhat loud *ding* to reverberate throughout the shop, alerting whoever was inside that more customers had entered. Once Po and Tigress had entered the shop, Tai Lung then called out, "Chao Fa!" while Po began busying himself with observing his new surroundings.
This was his first time ever stepping foot into this particular shop. Heck he had only ever been in this part of the Village a hand full of times to begin with, yet Po was definitely impressed with what he was seeing. The walls were lined with so many clothes that Po couldn't actually tell for certain what color the walls were. There were so many different types of clothes on display all around him; from various robes, to tunics, pants, shoes, dresses, shawls and more. And even though he was standing in front of it all, Po felt like the selection simply went on forever.
"Wow." Was all Po could say at first before he managed to add, "Mrs. Yu definitely doesn't have THIS many clothes in her store." Tigress nodded as she began walking over towards a display of red training vests similar to her own while saying, "Crane did warn you that Chao Fa tends to go a tad overboard with his work."
Po just nodded as he continued turning his head and looking all around the shop, yet he refused to move from where he was currently standing. That was until Tai Lung shouted once more, causing Po to turn and look over at the Snow Leopard who was standing in front of the counter, "CHAO FA! Where in the name of China are you!?"
It was here where Po spoke up and asked "I know I'm the one who usually doesn't like waiting around… but wasn't that a bit…loud?" Tai Lung just crossed his arms as he turned and leaned up against the counter and pointed out, "First of all, he's the one who told us when we should bring you here in the first place and second, he has no business calling us out here and then making us wait, especially…" but Tai Lung stopped himself realizing what it was he was about to say and out Chao Fa making the Dragon Warrior wait.
Po was just looking at the Leopard clearly confused much to Tai Lung's relief and was about to ask what the snow leopard meant when Tigress came to Tai Lung's rescue and said, "Don't worry about it. He's on his way out, I can hear him moving in the back. Just be patient and Po?" at this Po turned around and raised a questioning eyebrow at the female tiger before Tigress finished, "I mean it. You must be patient and let Chao Fa do his job. He won't sell you anything that he thinks won't look appropriate for the Dragon Warrior. The sooner we get out of here, the sooner you can visit your Father."
Hearing this, Po took a deep breath before releasing it and nodded his head in understanding. If he could just get through this visit, he could finally get out of this shop and over to his Dad's. Just then, the 3 warriors all heard an older voice calling out from the back, "Yes, yes, I 'm coming! Please be patient, I am on my way! Please forgive me!"
Turning to face the back of the shop where the older voice was coming from; Po, Tigress and Tai Lung soon saw a familiar older Goat man, wearing a bright Jade green robe with silver trims, walking out from behind a red curtain that was blocking a doorway to a back room. Immediately Po recognized the goat as the very man who came up to the Palace 2 months back and the large Panda almost failed to keep himself from releasing an agitated groan. He just hoped that this time the goat didn't need that tape measure that Viper was talking about before.
The goat quickly made his way to stand before the Warriors as he bowed deeply in respect to each of them while saying, "My deepest and most sincere apologies Masters! Forgive me, but I was in the back working on a new piece and I failed to hear my bell ring."
Tai Lung uncrossed his arms as he looked down at the Goat and said, "Calm yourself Chao Fa, the point is that you are here now and as requested we have come to retrieve your latest works." At this, Chao immediately turned to face the Giant Panda and looked up to say, "The Dragon Warrior… in my shop! Oh, people will come from all over China once word spreads that the Dragon Warrior is now wearing my designs!"
Po's brow furrowed slightly before he looked over at Tigress and asked, "I thought we were here for clothes?" Tigress and Tai Lung just stared at the Panda briefly before realizing Po actually didn't understand Chao Fa actually meant his clothes when he said his designs. Fortunately, the old goat seemed to take it as a joke and started to laugh jubilantly while saying, "Ha ha haaa! Very amusing Dragon Warrior. If you don't mind me saying, I was a bit concerned after I first met you a few months back, but now I see that you do indeed possess a sense of humor."
Po was now staring at the goat like he was nuts, clearly confused about what was going on when Tai Lung cleared his throat and pointed out, "Excuse me Chao Fa, but I'm afraid we are on a bit of a schedule. Perhaps you could bring us what we have come for?"
The goat turned to face Tai Lung briefly while agreeing, "Of course, Master Tai Lung. I shall go and fetch everything I have prepared for the Dragon Warrior at once, but first…" at this Chao Fa turned back to look at Po and said while taking a good look at the tattered pants and torn vest Po was wearinig, "We simply must get you into one of my new arrangements for you, Dragon Warrior and I know just the perfect thing!"
And with that, the older goat stepped forward and began pushing Po towards the back of the shop, with Po blurting out several protests, "Wait, what? No please, I have somewhere to be!" but Chao Fa wasn't taking no for an answer as he countered, "Nonsense Dragon Warrior, we simply can't have you leaving my shop in the same rags that you came in with! Honestly what would the people think?"
Meanwhile, all Tigress and Tai Lung could do was watch as the Massive Panda unwillingly allowed himself to be pushed towards the back of the shop by a creature less than one fourth his size, as they listened to the Panda protest, "Please mister, my name is Po…and what rags!?" Once they watched Po disappear behind a blue curtain, Tai Lung and Tigress both turned to look at each other before Tai Lung stated, "I don't care how strong Po is…I've never seen anyone win in a battle of wills against Chao Fa." Tigress simply nodded before adding, "We might actually be here for a while."
For a few minutes later, both felines listened to almost near constant bickering between the Panda and the goat, as Chao Fa fussed over which of his fine works he thought the Dragon Warrior should wear, while Po was simply agreeing to wear the first thing he saw if it meant he could just get out of there as soon as possible. But throughout it all, Tigress and Tai Lung simply tried to ignore the arguing going on in the back, that is until both felines heard the Panda nearly shout, "-I can get dressed myself!"
Instantly both Tigress and Tai Lung looked up and over towards the back of the shop before exchanging worried glances with each other, both thinking the exact same thing. Chao Fa could then be heard saying, "Nonsense Dragon Warrior. Besides, I need to be certain that it all fits properly. Now if you would kindly remove your vest." Tai Lung then took a step towards the changing area while calling out, "Chao Fa, perhaps you should allow the Dragon Warrior his privacy?" It was more of demand than a suggestion, yet the old goat still refused as he shouted back, "Forgive me Master, but you do not see me advising you on how to defend the Valley of Peace. Now Dragon Warrior, if you would be so kind?"
Tai Lung waited for a few seconds watching the back of the store before he heard a heavy sigh coming from the Panda before he could hear the slightest whisper, "Fine." And Tai Lung knew Po had resigned himself to his fate. For perhaps the longest seconds of their lives, Tigress and Tai Lung had their eyes glued to the back of the shop, as they waited for something to happen. In no time, after what Tigress could assume to be the duration of Po unwillingly removing his tattered vest, Tigress and Tai Lung both heard a barely audible gasp coming from Chao Fa, as he had no doubt just got his first look at all of the Scars Po kept covered up under his clothes, both on his chest, and his back.
After another moment, Tigress and Tai Lung both could hear the old goat man whisper, "Forgive me Dragon Warrior…I…I shall give you your space…Forgive me…please." There was no reply that came from the Giant Panda as the two Masters watched while Chao Fa pulled the curtain back to exit the private changing room and Tigress was just able to catch a glimpse of the Panda standing in the room beyond with his back turned to the room behind him as he was staring at the wall at the back. but judging by the bear's posture, he was on the verge of losing his temper with the goat. Then the curtain blocked her view of him once more.
As Chao Fa made his way over to the two Masters, he came to stand before Tai Lung and the Snow Leopard began, "Chao…about Po-" but before the Leopard could finish, Chao Fa spoke while staring out the window into the bustling street outside his shop, "I have been preparing clothes for Kung Fu Warriors, be it for training or special occasions for a very, VERY, long time Master Tai Lung. Even long since before the day you first stepped foot in my shop with Master Shifu and the Late Grandmaster Oogway perhaps more than 35 years ago. I have seen the consequences of what sort of life you warriors lead…the wounds that never fade away completely…but…Never…Never have I witnessed so much…pain…on one individual before in all my years. Never. I saw he had some scars on his upper arms when I first measured him…but I… I never knew about the others."
Chao Fa then proceeded to walk behind his counter while Tai Lung said nothing, only turned his head and sighed as he looked out the window into the village. Tigress however had started walking towards the back of the shop towards the changing area. As she moved, Chao Fa watched her make her way towards the back of the shop yet never said a word while Tai Lung moved across the shop to lean up against the opposite wall.
As Tigress came to stand outside the curtain, she could easily hear the Panda on the other side of the hanging fabric. Po was taking several deep breaths trying to calm himself down and for a moment Tigress never said a word, she simply turned and leaned up against the nearby wall and waited before speaking. After listening to the Panda shuffle around in the back for a few moments, Tigress then called out "Po…are…are you alright?"
There was a pause as the movement behind the curtain stopped and Tigress figured Po was now staring at the curtain in the direction her voice had come from. After a few seconds, Tigress moved to stand in front of the Curtain and started, "Po, is there something that we can-" but before Tigress could finish, the curtain was pushed aside and the Giant Panda stepped through, only to come to stand face to face with the Tiger Master who was waiting for him, as she finished, "-do?"
As Tigress laid eyes on the Panda, her eyes widened slightly as she got a good look at him in his new attire. There Po was now standing in a Pair of clean, freshly fashioned black training pants, made from what Tigress noticed to be a similar material to her own as well as Tai Lung's. Po's arms were still indeed wrapped up with the same wrappings he walked in with, from the base of his wrists to just below his elbows to hide the 9 rings that had been burned into his flesh over the past 20 years.
And instead of the cheap black fabric vest he came in with, Po was now wearing a sharp Silver training vest that he had strapped up the front of to conceal his chest, with a large Yin-Yang symbol on the upper back of the vest which was being wrapped around by a Jade green Dragon, much like the golden one hanging above the Sacred Moon Pool within the Hall of Heroes.
Tigress was so caught up in admiring the Dragon Warrior's attire that she almost never even heard the Panda mutter, "I said I can get dressed myself." Tigress then snapped back to reality, as she briefly shook her head and straightened up before saying, "Of course. So…what is your opinion?" Po then stepped around the Tiger as he began to test the durability of his vest by bringing his arms around and crossing them in front of him, stretching the material around his back. Mush to his surprise, the fabric seemed to stretch along with him, not tearing even once and then retracted back into place once he relaxed his arms.
Looking up, Po saw Tai Lung walking over towards him as he turned to Tigress and said simply, "It fits." Once Tai Lung came to a stop, he briefly gave Po a once over before nodding his head in approval and said, "You look good, Po. Now you're starting to look like a real Kung Fu warrior." Po just huffed slightly but nodded in acceptance all the same. Tai Lung then turned to face Chao Fa and said, "A fine job once again Chao Fa."
The Goat looked over and began walking back around from the counter now that he had managed to compose himself a bit and said, "Yes… Yes I believe it is. The material in these clothes will not fade or weaken as fast as your previous…attire, Dragon Warrior and will be able to stand up to the stresses of your future training with greater ease. There are of course more clothes that I have prepared for you of course, but seeing that you are on a schedule I can, just package those up for you in the back and you can inspect them at your earliest convenience."
Po just nodded at the goat briefly but refused to make eye contact which was fine since Chao Fa was also having difficulty looking up at the Giant Panda. Tai Lung then said, "That would be appreciated Chao Fa." And with that the Goat bowed to the three warriors, forcing Po to look away slightly before retreating towards the back room behind the counter. As he walked away, Po had retreated back into the changing room to retrieve his older clothes. Maybe Mrs. Yu could fix them for him again. Even though he now had newer clothes, his Father had bought him these ones 6 months ago and they were special to the Giant Panda.
In no time at all, Chao Fa returned with two crates filled with what Po assumed to be his new training clothes along with a smaller wooden rectangular box which Chao Fa explained was the Dragon Warrior's special attire for the upcoming spring Festival in a few weeks. Once everything was brought up, Po and Tigress walked up to the counter as the goat then said, "Now, although these clothes are indeed for the Dragon Warrior, I do still run a business and must charge you for the clothes. "
Po nodded quickly that he understood and said, "Of course." He wouldn't have had someone spend so much time making something just for him and not compensate them for their trouble. Chao Fa smiled as he said, "Excellent! So, since I have been given the honor of crafting some of the first clothes for the Dragon Warrior himself-" at this point Tigress noticed Po's face fall slightly while the Goat continued, "- I could not possibly accept anything above 700 Yuan. That will be enough to cover the expenses for the materials needed to craft the clothes."
Tai Lung and Tigress's eyes shot wide open in surprise. Based on everything Chao Fa had made for Po, including perhaps a dozen complete sets of training clothes in addition to the Spring Festival piece, Chao Fa should have been charging Po at least twice as much. Tigress then asked uncertainly, "Are you certain, Chao Fa?" but the goat simply nodded and said, "Quite certain, Master Tigress."
It was here where Tigress looked over at Tai Lung and nodded her head briefly, sending Tai Lung a quick signal. The snow leopard nodded before he stepped off to the side and said, "Chao Fa, there is one other thing I would wish to discuss with you." As the goat walked around the counter and over to the Leopard Master to talk, Tigress then turned to Po and whispered, "Alright, now for that Lesson I mentioned this morning." causing Po to look over at the Tiger Master attentively as he began to pay attention.
Tigress then said, "I know you don't have much experience with money, so while Tai Lung distracts Chao Fa, you and I are going to count out the payment." Po just stared at Tigress for a brief moment. It was true, although he could now count higher than he ever could in his life before, thanks to the Warriors at the Jade Palace spending time with him on improving his education, Po still had very little experience with money. In the shop, he just cooked in the back while his Father handled all the money stuff and Ming would work out front in the dining area.
After giving Tigress a brief nod, Po reached for the pouch she had given him a while ago and began to dump its contents onto the counter while Tigress quietly began to assist him in counting it all out, moving coins across the counter with him and stacking them into small piles, while Tai Lung kept Chao Fa busy talking about some sort of new Jade green robe for the Grandmaster.
As Tigress continued to help Po count out the money, Po was only paying half attention to it as he continued to look up from the counter and over towards the Feline's face, more specifically her eyes, as he noticed the bags that were now formed underneath. As he listened to the Tiger continue to quietly explain how the money worked, Po found himself worrying less about the coins, and more about what Tigress had been up to that was keeping her from getting enough sleep.
Once Po and Tigress had set aside the appropriate amount, Tigress looked back over at Tai Lung who was occasionally looking over in her direction and gave him a slight nod, to which Tai Lung's face relaxed and he ended his conversation abruptly.
Once Tai Lung and Chao Fa returned to the counter, the goat saw that the Dragon Warrior had set aside the payment already and the goat looked up and smiled gratefully to the Panda and proceeded to place the money in his cashbox. "Are you sure that's going to be enough?" Chao Fa looked up to see the Dragon Warrior who had asked the question frowning down at him, to which the old goat just waved the issue aside and said, "Absolutely… and I must say it was an honor to do business with you all today. Should I fetch a cart for you Masters to haul these in?"
Tai Lung just shook his head as Po quickly walked over and picked up one of the larger crates under his massive arms like it was nothing, with the slightly smaller box holding the spring festival outfit sitting on top, directly underneath the Panda's arm. As Tai Lung lifted the second Crate he said to Chao Fa as he began heading over towards the door, "I think we can manage. I shall give the Grandmaster your regards." Chao Fa nodded as he called back, "Please do, Masters!"
And with that, Chao Fa watched as Tai Lung followed The Dragon Warrior and Master Tigress out of the shop and turn right towards the center of the Village. Once the 3 warriors disappeared from view, Chao Fa was about to retreat back into his workshop when a slight glimmer caught his eye. Turning towards the end of the counter, Chao Fa gasped as he saw a second pile of coins piled up just sitting there. The old goat couldn't believe it; did the Dragon Warrior leave all that money for him? Or was it one of the other Masters? Chao Fa quickly walked over and counted the money to see there was about 300 Yuan altogether.
Chao Fa then turned and ran outside his shop just in time to see the 3 warriors turning down the left street with the Dragon Warrior now walking towards the back of the group carrying his crate and box. Chao Fa watched as Po turned back one last time to see the goat staring at him with a face covered in surprise and disbelief, as the Panda only smirked and waved goodbye with his free paw and continued on his way until he was out of the old goat's sight.
Chao Fa just stood there in the middle of the street in wonder for a long moment as many of the Valley's citizens continued to walk around him, before he looked up into the sky and smiled as he whispered, "A fine choice you have made in naming the Dragon Warrior Master Oogway…a fine choice indeed." before the old goat turned back and re-entered his shop, ready to get back to work on the many orders he had to catch up on.
Sorry to stop it here, but this chapter actually came out longer than I anticipated. Hate it when that happens.
Thanks for reading you guys and for the incredible support. only 2 Chapters before this and already over 50 reviews!?
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