Hey there! Thanks again to all those who took their time to read and review! This chapter is a bit longer than the others, so...
It Already Started
Disclaimer: I don't own Kung Fu Panda
Silence filled the room as the two masters just stared at each other. The feline's infuriated expression slowly faded away, her features softening. The panda kept his resolute gaze on her, his face firmly set.
The genuine sadness shining from his eyes.
His mind was raging, heavy with the words he knew he should have said months ago. They were on his lips now, stinging on his tongue, ready to be finally uttered. A wave of relief was hitting the dam of his heart, bringing along the regret of taking so long.
Written clearly in those jade green orbs of his, Tigress could read it all.
„I'm sorry," he finally spoke, keeping his head high, scanning her face for reactions. She continued to stare at him unmoving, stuck between the will to accept his apology and the urge to press on with apologizing herself.
„But I-"
„Tigress," he interrupted her, fully determined to solve it there and then. „I already told you back then that I was not mad at you for the things you said. Sure, the words hurt, but I would have gotten over it. I forgave you, I knew you didn't want to say it..."
„Then why..." she started when he paused, recieving a sigh as a reply from him as the bear hung his head down, looking sideways. „Then why did you decide to... end it?"
„That's something I've been asking myself for almost the whole time since then," he admitted, still keeping his eyes hidden. „I guess you could say I was a coward."
Another moment of silence. He stole a quick glance at her, nervosity finding him as he noticed her deadpan expression.
„I... got overwhelmed by it all and... gave in to despair in that moment," the panda continued, his struggling with the words obvious. „I truly believed the things I said back then, but later I realized I was just running away. Taking what I thought to be the easy way out... and regretted it soon after."
„But it were my words that drove you to it," the feline countered after a few moments. „So I should still-"
She stopped when he shook his head, fully facing her once again. „There's no need for that, you already did."
„But I called myself your friend," she pressed, the measured tone of her voice faltering slightly. „And what I did is not what a friend does..."
„That's exactly it," he replied as her voice trailed off, recieving a confused look from her. „What a friend is supposed to do, that's where I failed. They hold together despite the bad. They forgive," he let out a long sigh, lowering his voice a little. „You came to apologize, to try to fix it. And you did so right after... and what did I do?"
Tigress watched silently as he inhaled a large amount of air, then slowly exhaled. A simple attempt at keeping his composure. After waiting for a while he refocused his gaze on her, gracing her with a sad smile.
„So, long story short... I'm sorry... for messing it up."
Tigress watched him with an emotionless expression for a whole minute, her tail the only thing moving in the stillness of the moment. Her ear suddenly twitched in reaction to Po's increasing heartbeat. The panda was nervous... afraid, even. Afraid of her reaction, but not because he was lying.
But because he was honest.
Tigress slowly nodded her head as a sincere smile appeared on her face, letting him know that she accepted his words. Po responded with a smile smile of his own. A smile of happiness and relief. The feline's peace wavered, however, as another thought crossed her mind.
„Does this also mean that you accept my words from back then as true? That you no longer think me honest only when angry?" she asked softly, only to grow immediately uncertain at his reaction. He remained mostly unmoving, frozen in space. But his eyes darted away in hesitance. Apparently, he was not prepared for that question.
A slight pang was what she felt as she watched him delay his answer. His brow was furrowed in thought. He was considering it; the very thought soon started to rouse anger within the tiger. But just as it was about to flare, he locked his eyes on hers again, resolutely nodding his head, his eyes showing he meant it.
Although his heartbeat was still off.
„I'm all for giving it another try, if you are."
Both the tone and the characteristic grin of his that spread on his face convinced the feline enough to respond with a grin of her own. Green met crimson in a joyful gaze, the two friends happy to be over with the feud between them. The Dragon Warrior's smile was to falter once more that evening, however, as Tigress broke the silence, speaking softly, but loud enough for Po to hear.
„Mei-Lien."
„Wha-" Po began, but got no further.
„That's my name. My... birth name," Tigress explained, pausing to look at the ground before continuing, smiling at how she actually owed him for knowing it. „Granted, I hadn't known about it until recently, but considering that we are 'starting anew', so to speak, I thought we should be introduced... properly."
The panda continued to stare at her blankly for a few more second before taking his eyes off her, gazing at nothing in particular as he quietly repeated the words.
„Mei-Lien."
A smile found its way back to Po's face as he rose to his feet, bringing his right fist to meet with his left palm, bowing to the feline.
„Po Ping."
Tigress returned the gesture, her smile widening even more. Her gaze turned downwards as she spoke again, in a rather timid tone. „Po, I-"
Whatever thoughts she was going to voice were cut short, however, by a rather loud rumbling sound coming from the panda's belly.
„Heh, sorry," Po said sheepishly.
„It's alright," Tigress assured him after a short chuckle, putting her hands on her hips. „I suppose it's to be expected. After all, it's dinner time and you haven't eaten since lunch."
„True," sniggered Po. „You said something about the others having dinner, right?" She nodded in response. „I guess it wouldn't hurt if I joined them for a little something to eat. You want to come along or did you already-"
„I'll join you," the stripped master interupted, gesturing for them to head toward the kitchen.
„So, who cooked anyway?" the panda asked as he closed to door to his room after they left it.
„Chun, actually," Tigress answered, smiling at the panda's surprised reaction.
„Really?"
„Yes. She was helping out at a restaurant in the village where you found her and Jia," she paused to look at him, then continued in a teasing tone. „And while cooking she scraped through the whole kitchen, searching for the secret ingredient of yours. You might want to consider the safety of your hiding place."
„I wouldn't worry about that," Po replied confidently. „It's hidden well enough."
„Certainly better than Monkey's almond cookies, right?"
„Uh..." the panda turned his face away, hiding his blush. „Let's not talk about that one. At least not in front of Monkey."
Tigress allowed herself another short chuckle, bringing Po to further amazement at the day's outcome. I swear, if I wake up tomorrow and find out it was all a dream...
Then, as if reminded of her pride, the tiger stopped abruptly, turning to face the panda, her face and tone serious. „One more thing, though."
„Yeah?"
„I'm truly glad we're back to being friends, but just so you know, this doesn't mean that I'll be going easy on you during the training. Is that clear?"
Aw, crud, the panda thought, nodding wordlessly. I suppose poeple simply don't change. As they resumed walking, he grinned wide, glancing at the stars appearing in the sky. Maybe it's better that way...
Half empty glass, heart half full
The law of the universe, the unwritten rule
„Hey, Tigress?" Po asked the feline quietly, avoiding using her birth name still. „Would you be up for some late training?"
Tigress raised her brow, surprised by the idea. They were cleaning the table after the dinner, the others already gone, leaving the two warriors alone in the kitchen.
„Interesting. And here I thought you'd want to preserve your energy for what is to come tomorrow."
The bear laughed in response, putting the bowls into the sink. „Are you serious? I slept through almost the whole afternoon. I think I can afford a round or two before turning in." He then turned to face her, putting on his usual smile. The smile she missed. „Maybe even a rematch, since the spar today ended the way it did."
Crossing her arms over her chest, the tiger grinned. „You're on, panda."
Two wide smiles, two pair of eyes shining with content. One soul that believed everything would be back to normal, back to being alright. The other one for once brave enough to feel certain that there would be no nightmares that night.
With yesterday hidden behind clouds
And a thick fog concealing tomorrow
All you can see is now
„So, the Dragon Warrior, what is he like?"
The question took Song aback, making her just stare blankly at the female pandas gathered around her for a moment. A smile crept its way onto her face as she found herself thinking back to the day she met Po for the first time. All her attempts at seducing him in order to get him to let her and the others into the Jade Palace failing miserably, instead ending up with a few rather embarrassing moments and an unusually enjoyable day she would never forget.
„He's one to... leave quite the impression," she finally answered diplomatically, excusing herself when she spotted Heng close by.
„Lord Heng! May I have a few moments of your time?"
„Certainly, but drop the formalities, for goodness' sake," the large bear chuckled. „After all, we're celebrating. I hope you and the other ladies are enjoying themselves?"
„Yes, your hospitality is greatly appreciated," the feline said with a nod, smiling apologetically when she noticed his frown at her still apparently too formal reply. „And also thank you for letting us stay at your place during our time here."
„Ah, come on, that was the least I could do," the panda waved his hand dismissively. „After all, you brought us message of new hopes and freedom."
Song's eyes glistened with happiness, as she found herself glad that she decided to carry out Po's request, bringing joy to these kind people. In that moment, there were no doubts about her decisions whatsoever.
„Speaking of delivering messages... I'd like to send out one of my comrades to the rest of our group. To let them know that everything is alright. And also... there's your son."
„Of course," nodded the chief. „But this goes without question."
„Well, I..." the leopardess hesitated. „I know Shen is gone, but I'm afraid some of your people may still be wary about the whole issue, so I thought I'd rather ask for permission..."
Heng nodded in understanding, turning his head to look in the direction of his brother, who was standing alone among the trees, staring at the sky.
„Don't worry, I'll deal with it."
With another nod, Song returned to the celebrations, leaving Heng to speak with his sibling. He slowly approached him, his green cloak swaying slightly in the evening wind.
„Isn't it past your watch duty already?"
„Someone has to remain vigilant, when others become lenient," the younger sibling retorted in even voice, not taking his eyes from the moon.
„Oh for the-," Heng started, then cut himself off with a tired sigh. „You're staring into the bloody skies! Can't you give it a rest for once? We have a reason to celebrate!"
„You sure do."
The elder bear's features visibly softened, as did his voice. „You miss her, don't you..."
„Of course I do," Guo replied without missing a beat.
„I understand. I miss Yun, too, but-," he paused, locking eyes with his brother as Guo ceased gazing at the sky. „I'm not telling you to forget about them. I know I don't ever want to forget them... but you must learn to live on. If not for your own sake, then at least for mine."
„And what good would that do?" the younger of the two pandas asked, looking back upwards.
„Guo-"
„You know I'm not one for celebrations," he interrupted, trying to evade the subject. The result was his older brother stiffling a chuckle.
„That's rather hard to believe. Do you remember what we... what you did on our father's fifthieth birthday?"
„Of course I do," Guo replied once again, although this time with more hesitation. „And I also remember what happened afterwards."
„All I ask is that you give yourself a break and unwind for a change," Heng pressed, almost pleadingly.
„I will, eventually," the sentry said, offering his brother a sort of a reassuring smile before turning his gaze back towards the sky, deeming the conversation to be over.
And it's too easy to see nothing
But sorrow
Nothing but sorrow
The smile that graced the panda's face on the start of each day was genuine. The training grew harder due to the preparations for confronting the gorillas, but he remained unfazed. Three mornings without any nightmares whatsoever, Po thought happily as he emerged from his room, bowing to his master along with his comrades. Back to being awesome...
The sound comes around, making you blind
As all you see are the rays scattering the darkness
„Po?"
„Yes?" the bear answered, getting out of his stance and turning toward the feline. „What is it, Tigress?"
„I hope I'm not interrupting, but I wanted to ask you if you could assist me in mastering the nerve attacks."
Hearing that, Po's eyes visibly widened, his face almost seeming paler. „Wha- how- I mean, already? I thought you had to master the previous scroll first. And even then I thought you'd spend some time practicing on yourself, learning the basics before I would be included."
„I already did," she stated simply, making the panda wince. „Shall we? Or did you have something more important to do?"
„Well, actually, you see, I, er, I..." he stuttered, then proceeded to curse in his mind as he found himself losing under her stern gaze.
„Shall we, then?" she asked again, her tone showing that she did not really mean it as a question.
„Alright, just... just be gentle."
If the grin that spread over her face was supposed to be reassuring, it severely failed.
Blind to see the shadows cast
The shadows in which they hide
„I'm not really sure I want to go in there," Mantis muttered, recieving silent agreements from Viper and Crane, as the three stood in front of the traning hall's gate, listening to the hysterical laughter accompanied by occasional growls of frustration.
„What's happening in there?" inquired Monkey while chuckling at the sounds, joining his friends at the door.
„Tigress is trying to paralyze Po with nerve attacks," Crane answered to the primate, then turned his head back toward the door. „And failing, apparently."
„Well, it's nice to see things are getting back to normal, right?" Viper tried to cheer up, rather awkwardly.
„Yes, nice," Mantis chimed in. „Nice and disturbing."
„Definetly unnerving," added Monkey. Crane could only nod, then he took an involuntary step back as another, rather loud wave of hysterics echoed. It was starting to sound almost scary, as the panda was slowly getting out of breath.
„Are you sure this is better than how things were before her return? I mean, it sounds like he's about to die there!"
Viper turned her head in the insect's direction, ready to hiss at him, when another flood of Po's unanswered callings for help came, periodically interrupted by the bear's guffaws.
„Don't! Please! Stop! STOP IT! It's not working! Just STOP! I'm gonna pee! Ah! Not there! Not THERE!"
„Well...," the snake trailed off, unable to find the correct words, her urge to scold Mantis now forgotten.
„Time out! Time out! Tigress, cut it out, it's clear that you can't- NO! Don't! Help! Get off! Help! I can't breathe!"
„Yeah, that pretty much does it. I'm leavin' before the mental images this produces become forever etched into my memory."
The bug's words were followed by three annoyed groans, but for once, no one could really disagree with him.
Doubts are their weapon, their greatest tool
And dazzled by hope, you end up the fool
He seemed to be his old himself for the most part, but the formal facade of his still kept appearing from time to time. They assumed it was because he decided to hold onto it, not wanting the time invested in becoming a more representative warrior to become wasted, despite their insisting on that he was perfectly fine the way he was. For a part, they could not blame him. But some of them remained worried.
After few days a certain pattern could be seen. Crane was the first to notice; the bear kept hiding behind the mask when he was upset about something. It became especially obvious everytime a happy family moment between Tigress and Jia and Chun occured. The panda would turn silent, then respond only in formal ways.
When asked about it, he switched to hide behind his usual mask: the innocent look and carefree smile.
One thing that bothered the avian about the whole matter was that the bear was getting good at it.
Another was the fact that he realized he was not the only one to notice; the elder feline's knowing look when she studied the bear said as much.
Your are eyes open
Yet you can't see
He was sitting in his bed, clasping his paws over his mouth and holding his breath, hoping he hadn't woken anyone up. After waiting long enough, his body relaxed, but his mind was nowhere near calm.
It happened again, just as strong as before, if not more.
He was afraid to leave his room, certain that the creaking boards would give him away. He was too afraid to even light the candle in his room, and looking out from his window he discovered that the moon was hidden behind the clouds that night.
He remained sitting there, in a place he called home, in his room, surrounded by his friends, people he considered family... and it made him feel caged, trapped...
Your eyes are closed
It's all the same
„Oh, Po! I'm so glad to see you, son!"
„Hey dad," the panda returned the greetings, fondly hugging his father.
„What brings you here? Don't take it the wrong way, I'm overjoyed that you came to visit, but you've been coming by only on Thursdays and Sundays recently. Nothing bad happened I hope?"
Po's smile faltered for a second. „Well, that's it. I felt like I haven't been visiting you often enough, is all."
The goose studied his son for a while, before a wide smile spread over his beak. „I've been telling you so all the time, haven't I? Well, come! Come! There are many customers today and the noodles won't serve themselves!"
Po took the apron, and proceeded to serve the bowls to their destined tables, the routine so natural to him as the training at the palace, if not more.
„So, we've heard down here that Master Tigress has finally returned. Is that true?"
Po looked up at his father, stirring the soup after finishing the orders. „Who told you she was gone in the first place?"
„Oh, please. You may try to hide the truth from us citizens, trying to keep us from panicking, but rumors do get through, my son," Mr. Ping spoke sagely, waving his ladle. „And I can tell when my boy is worried about something. Or someone, for that matter."
The bear sighed, shaking his head in amusement. His dad was not to be underestimated, it seemed.
„Yeah, she's back."
„Oh, good. So everything is fine I now I assume?"
„Yeah," Po answered, glad that the goose had his back to him. He was sure that the smile did not touch his eyes. „Everything is fine now."
So clear is the truth
From which you flee
It felt somewhat embarrassing, but that was the last of his worries now. Once again reading through the scroll, he picked up the leaves, sniffing to them. The smell wasn't terrible, but it certainly didn't comfort him. Still, he wasn't about to argue, deciding to trust the words of the first of the Thousand Scrolls. The one that taught about tea herbs...
It felt just as boring as the first time he read it, but he really needed to come up with something that would help him get some decent sleep...
You refuse to accept it
„Uh, Master Shifu?" his voice echoed through the Dragon Grotto.
„Yes, Dragon Warrior?" the red panda responded from his meditating position, his eyes remaining closed.
„I was wondering... I know that we are to remain on alert now, due to the gorilla issue," the black and white bear spoke, the traces of nervosity in the tone easily picked up by the Grandmaster's sensitive ears.
„Yes?"
„But I wanted to ask whether it would be... acceptable... for one of us to leave the palace to deal with... other matters... for some time."
„That would depend," Shifu answered gently, still in his meditation pose on top of Master Oogway's staff. „How long would this 'some time' be?"
„Well, I don't know, maybe one or two..."
„Days?"
„Weeks." Po said in a squeaky tone, causing his teacher to finally open his eyes and jump down to the ground.
„One or two weeks? What matters are those, panda?" Shifu asked now fully facing the bear, still keeping from sounding harsh.
„My... dad... was considering making a rather long trip, you see, and I wouldn't want him to travel alone, especially now with gorilla bandits possibly roaming the lands."
Shifu studied him for a moment, as if analyzing the words.
„I'm afraid I could not allow that, Po. I understand your concerns, but we must abide our duty," he finally said, not missing the sadness that crossed the larger warrior's eyes. „But If your father insists on making this journey of his, I could arrange for someone else to escort him, if you wished."
„Thanks, master," Po replied with a smile. „He's still just considering it, though. I'll let you know when he decides."
„Very well. Now, was there something else you wished to talk about?"
When Po shook his head, Shifu jumped back onto the top of the staff, resuming his meditation, not noticing his student clutching the scroll in his robe through the fabric.
And all seems in vain
It wasn't long until Tigress started to notice the signs as well. There was one that bothered her in particular. She was finally able to get through with her attacks, successfully rendering the bear helpless, much to her satisfaction, although she wasn't sure that the same could be said for the panda.
He certainly didn't laugh so much now during the training...
What made her both worried and curious, however, was the change that went through him whenever she decided to attack him from his left. Her predatorial nature allowed her to sense his fear suddenly grow everytime she came at him from that side.
She attempted a few attacks to confirm her theory. After a moment she was sure; the reaction came always she came near to his left arm. The remaining question was why.
The results of the investigations were highly unsatisfactory, however, as she only managed to irritate him. And rather lot at that.
„Tigress, I told you, it's nothi-"
„Po," she cut him off, growing rather frustrated herself. „You may slow your heartbeat, learn to sound convincing enough, hide your true self behind a mask," her tone grew colder with each word as she walked toward him, stopping right in front of him as he sat on the floor, rubbing his arm. „But don't think you can hide fear from a tiger."
Her fangs were showing, her eye narrowed into slits, only to widen as he yelled back.
„I said I'm fine!"
One side of her wanted to grab him by his neck and slam him to the wall.
The other side of her, the one that was concerned about him, that was the side that won, her anger dissipating at the sight of his apologetic expression that came right after his outburst.
„Sorry... I think it's strained or something," the bear said quietly, looking at the limb in question. „I guess it might have to do with the recent clash with the gorillas."
„You could ask Mantis to look at it for you," she offered gently, letting go of the fury she felt just moments ago.
„That's not a bad idea. We could use a break anyway."
A new day comes
And brings a new dawn
Tigress sighed in frustration, looking at the bug, wishing she'd never asked.
„Sorry, but like I said," Mantis said with a shrug. „The arm was fine. There was nothing wrong with it."
You wake up ready
Ready to fight
„Something's definitely wrong, but he simply won't let us know what it is," the feline spoke, sounding just as frustrated as she felt. „And as much as I hate to admit it, I can't get him to tell the truth. He's no longer that afraid of me."
„Now that's something I thought I wouldn't live to see."
The avian's eyes went wide as he stopped abruptly, staring into the bottom of his hat. „How long have you been there?"
„What do you mean?" asked the bug, sounding confused. „I've been here the whole time!"
Crane shook his head lightly, then resumed walking. The three of them were on their way from the training hall, heading toward the kitchen where the others were most likely already having dinner.
„I thought you said that you two have settled things between you."
„We did," Tigress countered, her sureness wavering just ever so slightly. „I'm beginning to think that you were right in your assumptions. That there is something else behind it all."
„But what, though?" Mantis wondered.
„I'm not sure..."
„You've been here watching over him the whole time I was gone," Tigress said, more sternly than she intended. „Do you really have no clue whatsoever?"
The avian narrowed his eyes in thought. „Maybe I do... I'll need to speak with Zeng."
„That could be a problem," said the insect, rubbing his chin. „He left for Gongmen City this morning. And Shifu said he wants to oversee our training tomorrow, meaning we can't chase after him without our dear master noticing."
„So we're left with nothing?"
„Pretty much, yeah."
Again, the feline wished she hadn't asked.
But you're too late
His shoulders were rising in tune with his heavy breathing as he sat on the fallen trunk, staring at the six trees in front of him, all of them having numerous imprints of his paws on them. From the first tree to the fourth, the imprints seemed random in size. On the last two, however, they seemed to be slowly getting same, one like the other. The last few of them seemed practically identical.
The panda rose to his feet and walked toward the sixth trunk, raising his trembling paw and bringing it to the imprints, gently touching them, examining them.
„Finally got it right," he muttered, turning around and resting his back against one of the many trees in the ironwood forest. He brought his paws up to look at them. They seemed unscathed, the nature of the technique allowing him to avoid the direct physical damage. Still, his muscles were visibly upset, seeing as the whole limbs continued to shake violently despite his attempts to stop it.
And not to mention his chi...
His face grimaced as a rather unpleasant thought crossed his mind, making him groan in frustration and slam the back of his head against the trunk. How am I supposed to cook dinner like this?
They had been on the move
His back impacted with the trunk of the peach tree as he sat down unceremoniously with much more force than he intended. He wasn't really keen on the idea of disrespecting the sacred tree in such a way. Nor did he wish for the pain in his back that followed.
He lifted the bowl in his left paw, grimacing at the still present shaking. It was getting better, but all too slowly, which was the reason why he excused himself from the kitchen, grabbing a bowl of bean buns for dinner.
A sigh escaped him as he gazed into the treetop, remembering the first time he came to the place. I could really use your advice right now...
The sound of a twig breaking snapped him out of his thoughts, making him turn his head in the direction of the sound. There, he saw five figures approaching. Once close enough, he recognized them as Monkey, Viper, Tigress, Chun and Mantis.
„Hey, buddy! What's the deal? We thought you were going to your room!"
The panda winced inwardly at the primate's words, caught red-handed as he was. „Uh, sorry."
„Ah, don't worry 'bout him, bug guy," Mantis said from atop Monkey's head. „He's just grumpy because someone has been eating his cookies again."
„Wonder who that was," Tigress said amusedly, taking notice of how the bear's expression suddenly turned stony.
„My money still says it's Shifu."
„Mantis, please," came Viper's annoyed voice as she shook his head. Then she turned his attention to Po, the kind smile on her face. „Are you here to watch the shooting stars, too?"
If he was supposed to know about them, he couldn't remember, but he took the pass and nodded.
A peaceful moment followed as all of them made themselves comfortable, some sitting, some lying on the ground, just gazing at the stars, talking, smiling, thinking...
Not all were enjoying the peace, however. Tigress kept subtly glancing at the panda, studying him. He seemed to be deep in thought, gazing unmoving at the night sky. Unmoving, save for the slight trembling of his arm.
He was brought out of his reverie when he felt a soft touch on his left shoulder, followed by a quiet, and almost uncharacteristically gentle voice.
„Are you alright?"
He turned to her, his expression saying surprise at first, before he put on his usual smile.
„Yeah, everything's cool."
At this point, the feline wasn't sure if the use of his usual way of speaking meant a good thing, or whether he switched to it in order to fool her. She berated mentally, cursing him for making her become paranoid.
„I'm just concerned. I'm..." a short pause followed as she reconsidered her next words, trying a different approach this time. „I'm sorry if I upset you somehow back during out training."
His smile was gone for a moment, before returning, but she could see the slight change in his eyes.
„Don't worry about that. I was just a bit peeved, I guess. I was completely paralyzed on the floor about five times... and there was this one time you could not get me back to normal."
Tigress winced, finding that excuse viable enough. She could indeed remember the panda lying unmoving on the floor with her suddenly unable to release him from the effects of the technique. Needless to say, she did not enjoy that moment.
„Also, there was my arm that also got me irritated. It really had nothing to do with you, so... sorry for yelling at you like that."
She nodded with a smile, letting him know she accepted the apology, but inside, she was raging. He used the arm as an excuse again. Arm, that, according to Mantis, was perfectly fine.
Just what is it you're hiding, panda?
„What about you, Po?"
Both Tigress and Po turned their heads in direction of the green bug, snapped out of their thoughts.
„You weren't listening at all, were you?"
„Uhm, listening to what exactly?" the panda asked sheepishly.
„We were talkin' about the wishing upon a star thing," Mantis explained, his tone making it hard to tell what his opinion on the whole thing was. „And we were discussing what we'd wish for. I said I'd-"
„Please, don't," Viper interrupted, her tone a mixture of pleading and annoyance. „I don't want to hear it twice!"
„Ugh, whatever," Mantis muttered, then turned his attention back to Po. „So, what about you, big guy?"
If the question alone wasn't enough to make him unconfortable, then the fact that everyone present was now looking at him was. For some reason, the bear found himself hesitating.
„I, uh..."
„Oh, come on!" Monkey teased. „Don't tell me that the big dreamer doesn't know what his wish is?"
It was easy to notice the wince, the hard part was telling whether it was caused by the question or the way the primate put the emphasis on the word 'big'.
„Maybe he's just afraid to say it?" offered Chun, although her tone said she meant it more as another teasing rather than help.
„Well, it can't possibly be more embarrassing than what Mantis said."
„Hey!" the bug shot back at the serpent. „I don't remember denouncing your dreams!"
After a short exchange of glares the two turned back toward the bear, still apparently expecting an answer.
„Well?" Tigress urged, curious and at the same time hoping it could shed some light on what had the panda so troubled.
„I dunno, I mean," he finally started, smiling shyly. „I've been living my dream since coming here, to the Jade Palace." He turned to look at each on of them, as if in awe, as if seeing them for the first time again. „I'm living with my heroes, fighting beside them, being friends with them," he paused, recieving knowing looks and happy smiles... and one guilty flinch. „I've got my wish fulfilled."
No one dared to accuse him of lying then. Either knowing him well enough to know those words to be true, remembering all those fanboy moments of his... or feeling a pang of regret at remembering their treatment of the panda when he first stepped into their lives.
Deciding it was time to turn in, they all stood up and headed toward their dorms. All but Po, who chose to stay a little longer, not trusting himself to be able to hide the still present weakness of his arms. Tigress was treading slowly, staying slightly behind the group, the wind blowing gently from behind her, carrying the sound of the rustling leaves... and one single line that caused her legs to stop and her eyes to widen.
„I wish I was not a panda..."
The whole night...
„On the move whole night? You know that being a blackbuck, you're not nocturnal. And neither am I, for that matter."
A long, annoyed sigh escaped him as he stood staring at the map of China spread over his desk, his hands placed behind his back. He did not bother to turn around to face the antelope, the only other person beside him present in the room.
„Should I even bother explaining what figurative means?" came the question, the voice hinting on a rather advanced age.
„No need," the antelope answered somewhat amusedly, casually looking around himself. The room was rather dusky, the windows covered by curtains, the only light provided by few candles. Maybe there was something to his friend's view of the day and night cycle. „So... do you intend to sing this on the day of your great victory?"
„Oh, no, no, no, no, no," the blackbuck replied, shaking his head, one turn for each word. „I have something much more grand prepared for that." He refocused on the map, gazing at one spot in particular. „You said the village is located somewhere beyond the Rocky Spikes Trail?"
„So our contact said," the other replied with an unneeded nod. „It's just a little further beyond the borders of the charted territory there. It's a good hiding place. Few people wander that way due to the rumors about the area."
„I see..." the blackbuck uttered quietly, his gaze moving to a few rolled up scrolls next to the map. „It would seem our dear Lord Shen wasn't thorough. He went to such lenghts that he managed to have records of them erased from the Great Library, yet enough pandas to build a village escape him."
„The Great Library?"
„Indeed. If you go there in search of information about pandas, you'll find little to nothing. The Dragon Warrior learnt as much himself recently, as I discovered."
„The Dragon Warrior?"
„Yes, of course!" came the blackbuck's enthusiastic reply. „Don't tell me you don't know that he is a panda."
„I do know that, but," the antelope defended, sounding confused. „Why are we talking about him? I thought you intended to aim for the gorillas."
„Indeed I do! And everything is going perfectly!"
„Is it? But the Earth Shaker has managed to take control again! Our scouts say that the situation is calming down there!" the antelope countered heatedly, his confusion not leaving him.
„My dear, naive friend," the blackbuck answered, picking up one of the scrolls from the desk and unrolling it. „The conflicts I helped to stirr there were not meant to cause the old ape's downfall, but to provide a sufficient distraction and gain us the strenght needed for the labour."
„I... I'm afraid I don't..."
„No, of course you don't," the blackbuck said in a sad tone. „I spared you some of the details so you could better concentrate on your part in this. The troubles there served to sidetrack the attention of the geat Masters' Council as well as that of our dear colleagues. And it worked marvelously, or so you assured me."
„I... it did. It was the main subject of every session lately."
„And no one noticed a few gorillas doing my biddings and gathering all the needed materials," a hearty chuckle escaped him as he put the scroll back, once again gazing at the map. „And the constructions are already well underway. It won't be long now..."
„Constructions?" the antelope asked increduously.
„Yes, it's rather poetic, is it not? The legacy of a fallen lord picked up from the ashes and used to bring the glory its creator failed to reach."
The zealous tone the words were uttered with sent cold shivers down the antelope's spine. Surely he must have heard wrong...
„You said the Dragon Warrior still refrained from traveling to the village?"
„Y-yes," came the nervous stuttering.
„Certainly due to the tension we created in the Misty Peaks Forest... good... good!" his voice raised, his eyes glistening with thrill. „We'll have to make sure they don't learn about the situation calming down too soon. According to the latest reports, their messanger is now at Gongmen City... yes... We'll have to delay his return, then."
A short, queit pause followed. Too quiet for the antelope, as he stared at the back of his friend, desperately trying to put all the pieces together in his mind.
„We'll make use of our dear general. He'll be perfect for the task."
„The general?" the startled antelope asked, trying sound more composed than he felt. „Are you certain that it's wise? He's the emperor's nephew."
„Exactly."
Another moment of silence ensued after the simple answer.
„A spark will be needed to ignite the fire that will spread over the whole country. And from the fire a new age will be born," he gazed dreamily into the ceiling for a moment before continuing. „We'll use the general to stirr some trouble near the village, luring the Dragon Warrior out. He's a naive child... and if he's as distressed as I believe, he may even be foolish enough to come alone."
„But he's still the Dragon Warrior. The one that saved China and defeated Tai Lung," the antelope countered, sounding slightly worried. „Don't you think he may be too strong to toy with?"
„Your view of strenght disappoinst me, my friend," the blackbuck said with a chuckle. „It's just so primitive. So... barbaric," he rested his arms on the desk, leaning forward to take a closer look at the map. „I'll just let the 'strong' ones fight among themselves. The real strenght is in winning a fight without having to actually fight at all."
The antelope supressed the urge to retort by pointing out his shorter and elder friend's shortcomings when it came to physical strenght. The elderly animal was certainly not a warrior.
„And once the China's symbol of hope and savior becomes the symbol of loss and betrayal, I will finally get that which I deserve... and be rid off the damnable art."
„You're talking about a war."
„Of course I'm talking about a war!" the blackbuck shot back, sounding irritated.
„I thought you only wanted revenge, Min," the antelope spoke in a deep voice, filled with concern. He was finally beginning to understand. „Revenge on the gorillas for causing the downfall of your father."
„I'm afraid you misunderstood it all, my friend," Min replied, trying to sound calmer than he was. „It's not about revenge. It's about justice! My father was murdered by nobodies that don't even belong to this land. They stole that which was rightfully his. Unjustly, unforgivably! And I'll do everything to get it back!"
„Even if it means paving the path to it with the bodies of innocent?"
„INNOCENT!" the blackbuck yelled furiously, finally turning to face his friend. The dim light of the room, provided by a few candles, gave him a rather mysterious and frightening appearance. The ornamented golden rings that decorated his horns and beard flickered in tune with the candlelight.
And so did his eyes, gleaming with rage.
„Don't even dare to utter the word! Innocent! No one is innocent in this whole country. No one! All of them, each and every one of them is guilty! Everyone who accepts that pathetic bird and son of a thief as the rightful ruler! Everyone who acknowledges the fool as the emperor!"
The loud breathing following the outburst was the only thing breaking the silence as the old blackbuck tried to calm himself, leaning with one arm on the table. The antelope just stared at him with fear and concern mixed together.
„Although the look on your face is rather priceless," Min spoke after steadying his breathing enough. „I can't help but think I shouldn't have told you all this."
„You're... not questioning my loyalty now, are you?" asked the younger of the two, sounding resolute despite the little hesitation.
„No," Min answered calmly, turning back to the map. „I believe you wise enough not to try to betray me. You alone know how much I went through to acquire the position of the emperor's high advisor and right hand, and I started with nothing." He glanced back over his shoulder, his voice lowering. „You know well that I won't allow myself to be stopped, Zan."
Zan just nodded wordlessly, his face becoming firm. Min continued to stare back at him for a few more moments before nodding to himself and turning back to the map.
„Thank you for the good news you brought me. You may go, now."
After he was left alone, he went to the only window in the room, reaching for the curtains. Pushing them out of the way, he gazed at the last traces of the setting sun, slowly disappearing under the dark veil of the coming night.
„Soon," he said in a raspy whisper, wincing when he noticed his reflection in the glass, wrinkly and grey. „Soon."
A/N: Considering this is my longest chapter so far, I think I should thank you extra this time. It certainly did leave me tired. I didn't really think it would be this long, but I hardly ever estimate anything correctly. Funny (or sad) thing is that when I started with this story, I expected the events of this chapter to come somewhere around chapter THREE... yeah, alot.
Another thing I'd like to mention here is the unusual form this chapter is written in... PLEASE let me know what you think. Truth be told, I expect some criticism here. I was rather timid when writting it, but I kinda liked the idea... and it felt like the right way to speed things up a little. I hope I did not take the wrong turn... well, you be the judge.
Oh, and there's one more reason for this chapter being so long... if I don't manage to come up with another chapter until Friday night (which I most likely won't, sorry), then it's possible I won't update for up to two weeks (Perhaps even a bit more than that). I'll be out of town with little to no acces to internet... or computer, for that matter.
So, please bear with me, let me know what you think, get properly excited for chapter eleven, enjoy the summer to its fullest, be well and see you next time!