A/N: Season's greetings to any and all religious preferences! You know you people all really rock, right? Yeah you! Come on, group hug!... Anyone? Oh well, I'm not lonely... *sniff*

In any case, hello again my fair readers. Thank you as always for the kind words and helpful reviews. They mean a lot to me. Shout outs to Crazy, Lion, Green-Eyed, Anki-Shai, Edger, and Caris August for some of the coolest material out there right now. You all continue to inspire me and keep me writing. So cheers! (lifts bottle of vodka and takes a big swig)

I hope you all dig this chapter. It's a little bit warmhearted, but hey we all need to say "Aw" once in a while, right? Well lets do this thing.

Disclaimer: Stop bowing... I own nothing except my own OC's in Kung Fu Panda.

Chapter 4: Noodle Soup for the Soul

It was high noon in the Valley of Peace. The sun had finally awakened and shown with full brilliance over the valley and its denizens. It's light struck the pinnacle of the Jade Palace, glistening with the luminescence of a thousand more suns.

In the village below, the town's folk were already hard at work, busy with their own day to day routines. The market was bustling, the shops were flooded, and Mr. Ping's Dragon Warrior Noodles Shop was overflowed with customers as usual. As far as anyone knew, it was just another normal day in the valley.

As business continued on as usual in the valley, the masters of the Jade Palace exited from the Hall of Warriors. Shifu had just finished going over the details of his disturbing vision with the Five and Dragon Warrior, and he was about to set them on the path toward their next mission.

Or so he thought...

"Master Shifu. Master Shifu!" The giant panda had been bouncing up and down with his paw raised chanting this for the past 15 seconds. This had been the fifth time which he had done this during the Grand Master's explanation of their current objective outside the valley. Each time the Five would heave heavy sighs. It was more out of familiarity than annoyance, however, since they had grown accustomed to Po's antics since he joined them at the palace a little over two years ago. They each considered him a dear friend, and wouldn't change him for the world. One of them, in particular, could not keep her muzzle from curling up into a small smile as her ember orbs watched the interaction between the aged red panda and his newest pupil.

Shifu pinched the bridge of his nose in agitation, and his left ear twitched involuntarily before he turned once more to face the eager panda. He whirled round, stamping the butt of the ancient peach wood staff on the tiled pathway in front of the hall. His hard gaze ceased any bouncing the panda had been occupied with. "Panda! For the last time, I do not fully understand the meaning behind the vision yet." He turns to the rest of the Five and continues addressing them. "Now, your destination is the merchant village of Lìrùn*. It is about a three day journey on foot, so you will need to leave as soon as possible. Keep in mind that this mission is only basic reconnaissance, so refrain from engaging in combat unless it is completely necessary. You will need to travel lightly and move swiftly. Any information in information in regards as to what we may be dealing with is the crucial. I cannot express enough the importance of this task." He paused looking them all over before nodding in confirmation. "But I know you can do this. Gods keep you all." He looked at each of them as they all bowed in understanding, and made their way back to their quarters to prepare for their mission. Po remained in front of the Grand Master and had once again begun to slowly raise his paw in the air.

A vein pulsed in Shifu's temple as his calm demeanor became slightly dangerous once again, his grip tightening on the staff. "Panda... if you ask me one more time whether demons from the Forgotten Wastes of Chaos are coming to devour the souls of innocents, I will personally make sure you are put on package detail with Zeng everyday for the next year."

Po dropped his paw and timidly poked his two index fingers together in front of him, looking from the ground to Shifu several times. "Could we have time to grab some lunch first?"

"Panda!" Shifu roared, but before he could unleash his wrath upon the Dragon Warrior, Po had already disappeared in a blur of black and white towards the barracks. A trail of dust and kicked up grass were the only clues that he had even stood there.

An hour passed by, and finally The Furious Five and Dragon Warrior had assembled and made their long descent towards the town below. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, already in a light jog fashion, they were greeted by the joyous cries and praises of the citizens of the valley. Where as the Five were used to all the commotion, Po was still greatly overwhelmed. He was overjoyed that he was considered a hero in his own home, but it was still all new to him. He had to often fight the urge to run over and thank every villager for their kindness and support in order to just visit his father during their free time. Despite these thoughts he jogged on at an easy pace acknowledging and ignoring the cheers as they moved through the streets.

Soon they approached Mr. Ping's noodle shop, causing Po's light jog to slow into a walk. He stopped in front of the restaurant, causing the others to follow suit and glance back at him. Po seemed lost in thought as he stared at the entrance of the empty restaurant. His father often took an hour long break after lunch rush to go shopping and restock for dinner time, but he was not there at the moment. For some reason, a nagging feeling in the back of his mind urged Po to find his father before they left.

"What's the matter big guy?" Mantis had jumped from Crane's hat to Po's shoulder slightly startling the distracted bear.

"Gah! Nuh-nothing Mantis. I just... forgot I needed to tell my dad something before we left." He glanced at the insect hoping he didn't seem too suspicious.

Mantis eyed him raising a brow before shrugging his shoulders and jumping to Monkey's own. Monkey copied the expression, but a humorous smile tugged at his lips. "Po, didn't Master Shifu tell you to eat before you left the Jade Palace? If we constantly have to adhere to the demands of your stomach, we would get nothing done." He started chuckling at his own joke.

Mantis smirked and nudged Monkey's neck. "You know what? I bet if Po applied the stubbornness and determination of his stomach to his leadership and Kung Fu skills, he could finally beat Tigress in the ring and be just as bossy."

They both snorted before crying out, "Nah!" At this both masters howled with laughter causing Crane to dip his hat to cover a smile, and Viper to roll her azure eyes. She quickly reprimanded the two cackling fools with her tail, quickly thwacking each of them upside the head ceasing their laughter.

Po had long since turned bright red in the face, he turned away from his comrades twiddling his thumbs mumbling, "No... it's just I wanted to check on my dad before we left that's all." He knew they were only teasing him, but the fact that Master Shifu had told each of them to pack two extra rations of food for his personal use was humiliating enough as it was. Even though the reasons were legitimate (He was a giant panda after all), it didn't make the situation any less awkward for him to deal with.

While staring at the ground for comfort he felt a soft touch on his shoulder. He turned his head to see Tigress smiling reassuringly at him, her kind smile instantly bringing confidence back to his features. She nodded at him and turned to face the others her features cool and collected once more. "I will remain here with the Dragon Warrior while he finishes his preparations, you all keep moving ahead and we will rendezvous at the entrance to the Thread of Hope by nightfall."

Monkey and Mantis glanced at each other. "Doesn't that distance seem a little... long just in one afternoon?" Monkey inquired looking from Tigress to Po gesturing with his eyes.

Tigress's eyes narrowed towards Monkey and Mantis, the light in her fiery orbs shimmering dangerously. It sent chills down their spines. "Well you boys better move swiftly then, shouldn't you?" Her voice was chilled as ice, Po couldn't help but gaze at her, completely awe struck.

"No problem! See you there!" Mantis exclaimed in place of his companion, breaking Monkey from his frightened stare. The two masters ran ahead as if death was on their heels.

Tigress smirked in triumph as they disappeared beyond the borders of the town. Viper and Crane glanced at one another sharing amused expressions before turning to leave. Viper looked back towards Tigress and Po. "We will keep them out of trouble. Don't take too long you two, and we will see you tonight." Tigress and Po both nodded, and with that Crane and Viper took off at a quick pace in order to catch up to their intimidated companions.

Tigress turned to face her friend once more only to see him beaming at her in awe and amusement. She raised her eyebrows, curious as to what warranted the expression. "What?"

Po chuckled, "I am just admiring the master at work. You know you are freaking awesome, right?"

Tigress gave an appreciative smile back, before lightly punching him in the shoulder. "Keep taking notes Dragon Warrior. This master has a lot she could teach you."

"Oh, I bet you could teach my boy quite a few interesting things Master Tigress."

Po and Tigress suddenly froze at the sound of a familiar accented voice coming from behind them. Sure enough, there stood and aged grey goose with a decorated noodle hat adorning his head, arms full of groceries and face glowing with mischief. "It's so nice to see you, Po. And you even brought company home with you." Mr. Ping bowed as best he could with the groceries threatening to leave his grasp. "It is always an honor to have you in my shop, Master Tigress."

Tigress bowed respectfully back towards Po's adoptive father. "It's always a pleasure to see you Mr. Ping. Though I look forward to our next match in Mahjong. I am hoping to beat you one of these days."

Mr. Ping grinned proudly while walking into the restaurant with his supplies. "Believe me my dear, it will take a long time before you can best the master at his own game. But your determination to learn is what always makes you a valuable opponent." Mr. Ping laughed to himself followed by a charming chuckle from Tigress.

Po smiled at the interaction between Tigress and his dad. Ever since they had returned from Gongmen City, Tigress had been paying visits to his dad's shop every few days in order to play him in Mahjong. Though he did not fully understand why this had begun he was not complaining. Having one of his favorite heroes in Kung Fu, as well as his best friend, hanging out with his dad was pretty freaking awesome.

Po quickly broke from his thoughts in order to act the part of a good son. "Here dad let me get those for you." He rushed over and scooped up all of the groceries in his large black arms, relieving his father of the burden.

"Oh, thank you Po. You are such a good son." Mr. Ping and Po continued to walk towards the door to the restaurant kitchen, Tigress trailing slightly behind observing the moment with a small smile. The three entered the kitchen, Po and Mr. Ping making their way towards the pantry cupboards. Tigress watched in amusement as Mr. Ping and Po tag teamed the effort of storing the recently purchased goods. Mr. Ping would lift up each bag as high as he could, and Po would grab each of them, effortlessly placing each in the pantry. The whole process took only a few minutes, but Tigress still looked on the event with amusement and slight envy. Once Po and Mr. Ping had stored the groceries away Mr. Ping took in the form of his son, he gasped in shock and ran over to his son feeling his forehead. "Po! What are they doing to you up there?"

Mr. Ping's outburst and sudden worry surprised Po. "Dad!" Po exclaimed grabbing his father's wings stopping him from performing a full autopsy on his body. "What are you talking about?"

Mr. Ping turned his gaze accusingly toward Master Tigress who looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Sir?" Tigress was rarely ever confused, but this was one of those moments.

Mr. Ping pointed towards his son's stomach sharply looking frantically from it back to her. "You visit here almost everyday, and you don't tell me that my own son is starving to death up in that palace of yours? Is this some kind of sick joke?"

Po heaved a sigh of relief, before kneeling down and placing a paw on his dad's shoulder. "Dad they're not starving me okay? I'm just really enjoying training nowadays, and Tigress has been helping me with my Kung Fu since we returned home. It's slimmed me out some more that's all."

Mr. Ping stared incredulously at his adopted son, then turned his flabbergasted gaze back to Tigress who was trying her best to control a smile which was creeping onto her features. "So this is all your doing, is it? Are you trying to kill my boy?"

At this the master of Tiger style stood tall and erect placing her arms behind her back, a position she adopted in most diplomatic situations. Po saw where this was going and smiled knowingly at her. "Mr. Ping, I can assure you that Po has been receiving all the required rations of food, and then some, necessary for training every day. If anything, you should be proud of your son for working so hard, and accomplishing so much in the amount of time he has been there." She glanced at Po who was smiling at her, while knelt down next to his father. She broke the charade slightly and let a proud smile grace her soft features. "Besides, it has been a great honor helping your son train, and seeing him grow as a master. We wouldn't know what we would do without him now."

Mr. Ping looked from her to Po several times as their eyes and soft smiles never broke from one another. Still seeming unconvinced, Mr. Ping scoffed and headed towards his stove. "Well, the least I can do is cook you something before you head out. I swear, you can always tell whenever the six of you have a mission. The town is in an uproar today."

Po broke his gaze from Tigress and chuckled to himself as he watched his father heat up some broth for the soup. He turned back to Tigress who gave a slight smirk towards Po and his dad. "I'm going to help my dad out a little in the kitchen. We will be right out Tigress."

She responded with a curt nod, "Very well, but remember we have to get back to the mission as soon as possible. The others will be waiting for us." Po nodded back and Tigress left the kitchen to sit at a table outside in the empty restaurant, shaking her head in amusement.

Po's eyes followed her out of the kitchen before he picked himself up to his full height once more and moved to help his father with the cooking. Po grabbed a knife off a near counter and began to cut turnips, carrots, and other vegetables with the grace and skill that came with his upbringing in the old noodle shop.

Well maybe not as old as it used to be. After a careless fight between him and a band of vicious pig warriors over a year ago, the famous noodle shop had been all but destroyed. While Mr. Ping lived and worked in the Jade Palace, Po and the Furious Five had been hard at work rebuilding and repairing the damage which he and Monkey caused that day. It was quite an experience for both himself and his dad.

As if somehow reading his mind Mr. Ping sighed and looked up at the ceiling where the steam from the heated broth was rising like a dragon into the heavens above. "I still think that you all could have used a different coat of paint on the roof."

Po smirked and glanced at his father, paws still cutting and dicing produce at break neck speed. Mr. Ping looked down from the ceiling towards his son and smiled affectionately. For years Po had know the aged goose to be youthful and full of life, but for some reason he could clearly make out the wrinkles of old age that creased his father's brow. His normally youthful eyes also seemed exceedingly tired. In all his life, Po had never seen his father show his age, even in front of him.

Po's eyes now glistened with genuine concern. "Dad...are you alright?"

Mr. Ping's eyes instantly brightened and his face returned to its youthful glow. "Now what kind of a ridiculous question is that?" He looked as though Po had accused him of a crime he did not commit. " 'Are you alright?' Ask me that again when you are walking around with a cane and I am still moving about the kitchen well enough on my own."

Po rolled his eyes and shook his head, happy to see his father again in this light. "Geez dad, I can't show a little concern for you once in a while?" He picked up the cutting board, freshly diced vegetables still laying on top, and brought them over to the pot.

Mr. Ping smiled proudly as Po scraped the contents of the board into the pot, the warm smell of the seasoned broth mixing with the aroma of the fresh produce. "I still don't understand how you manage to keep up with your culinary skills when all you do is practice Kung Fu all day long."

Po chuckled proudly. "Well, being the main chef for the Furious Five and Master Shifu is no easy feat. They have me working every day in order to keep up their bodacity."

Mr. Ping scoffed and placed his wings on his hips. "Well that explains why you look starved to death. They have you making them food everyday instead of you getting your fair share. Your Grand Master is going to hear from me!" Po cocked an eyebrow at his dad, Mr. Ping smiled softly before stirring the soup. "At least you get to practice both Kung Fu and noodles." He lifted a ladle off of the counter dipping it into the steaming brew. He brought the full ladle to his beak gently tasting the broth, savoring the flavor on his tongue. "Hmmm it needs more... garlic?"

Po took the ladle from his dad's wing and tasted the concoction himself, analyzing the taste on his palette. "It's not just garlic." He stated setting down the ladle and tapping his chin. "Maybe some..." They both looked opposite directions cupping their chins in thought. Simultaneously they turned to one another snapping their fingers. 'Barley!' They both exclaimed together, causing them to both burst out laughing tears coming to their eyes. As their laughter slowly died down, Po turned towards the cupboards. "I'll get the barley, dad."

Mr. Ping nodded and smiled. "Thank you, my son."

This continued on for the next five minutes, the two them bantering back and forth about Kung Fu and cooking while they prepared the rest of the soup. While stirring the noodles into the soup, Mr. Ping turned to see Po leaning against the wall gazing out into the restaurant. He followed his line of sight to see Master Tigress outside helping a pig family fix a wagon which had broken its wheel in front of the shop. Po was smiling fondly at the feline master as she returned a respectful bow toward the grateful family before her.

Mr. Ping smiled knowingly, "She is truly something special isn't she, Po?" Po, pulled immediately out of his trance, turned to face his dad. The look of mischief had returned to his eyes.

"Wha- Um yeah she's... uh really awesome, and stuff... yeah." Po was quite inept at hiding his flustered state from his father, causing Mr. Ping's smile to broaden as he too turned his gaze towards the South China Tiger out front. Po looked back to her, a soft smile curling on his maw. "She is an amazing warrior, and I am like so lucky to be friends with her. I never thought someone as hardcore as her could ever like to hang around me, you know?"

Mr. Ping patted his son on the back reassuringly. "Po, you are a wonderful and extremely kind hearted young man. Anyone would be lucky and proud to have you as a friend. Having spent time with the lady myself, I can tell she doesn't open up to others easily. That alone means a great deal as far as how strong you two are in bond. " Po smiled appreciatively at his father, Tigress had finished lifting the last piglet onto the wagon. He smiled warmly as she played with the child in her arms before setting it gently down in the wagon bed. Mr. Ping sighed placing his wings on his hips, he sighed with slight regret. "It is quite a shame though."

Po turned his eyes quizzically toward his father. "What do you mean dad?"

He shrugged nonchalantly, "She is such a lovely young girl, but a Kung Fu warrior isn't something a man wants for a wife. It is a man's profession after all." Po's brow furrowed and his eyes shown with disbelief. "I am afraid she is destined to be a maiden for the rest of her life."

Po grew noticeably angry at this. His fists tightened and his teeth ground together. "What idiot would think that way, dad?" He gestured sharply in her direction. "Anyone who takes one look at Tigress can tell she is freaking amazing!"

Mr. Ping's eyes gazed at his son sadly. "I know my son. Any man would be lucky to even have her consider them as a potential mate. However, tradition is tradition. A woman of her standing isn't socially acceptable these days." He turned back to the stove and continued stirring, leaving his son to ponder his words frustratedly.

Po shook his head and pounded a fist on the serving window's counter. "If that's how most guys think, than she doesn't need anything of them. She is better than that." Mr. Ping allowed a sly smirk to grace his aged youthful features. "She is strong, kind, smart, graceful,..."

"Cute." Mr. Ping added his eyes glowing impishly.

"Gorgeous!-" Po froze immediately and turned to see his dad smirking victoriously at him. His ears lowered as his face burned like a dozen lanterns under his fur. He fiddled with his thumbs mumbling. "I mean... even a friend of hers could she that... right?"

Mr. Ping nodded in approval. "Yes I believe they could, Po." Po sighed heavily, glad that the awkward moment passed by. He realized that his dad must have been trying to get a rise out of him, and he was successful. It didn't matter that he had admired the tiger master since he was a cub, he knew in his heart that he was more than just a fanboy to her now. Hearing that men could turn down such a women for marriage so easily was... infuriating for him to hear.

She deserves so much more than that. Po confirmed in his own mind.

The panda turned to see his father still smiling at him affectionately. Po cleared his throat uncomfortably. "So uh... the soup is probably done by now. I'll check it out for you dad." He walked over to the hot pot and picked up his father's wooden ladle.

Mr. Ping took Po's place by the window, and looked his son up and down. Po was bringing a hot spoonful of soup to his lips. "I know Master Tigress is an amazing woman Po, she is as beautiful as she is intelligent and charming." Po nervously took a sip trying to ignore his father's words. Mr. Ping's face suddenly grew exceedingly devious. "I bet she would be a firecracker in the bridal chamber, too."

Po's eyes widened to the size of soup bowls as he accidentally took the entire helping of soup in his mouth at once. He yelped and dropped the ladle on the counter as he rushed to the water basin out back and plunged his face into the nearest bucket of water.

Steam rose out of Po's mouth as he brought his soaked face out of the water and glared at the clearly amused goose. "Hmm You may be right, Po. I should probably take it off the stove now." He stated in between chortles. "Thank you for checking it for me. Why don't you join Master Tigress in the restaurant and I will bring out the soup momentarily." He turned back into the kitchen laughing under his breath, leaving the giant panda to grumble frustratedly at his father.

Once Po had dried his face, and swallowed his damaged pride, he made his way out to the restaurant where Tigress was seated patiently at a table just to the left of the kitchen entrance. Mr. Ping had already filled two empty bowls on the table with his famous soup and was seated to Tigress's left leaving an open seat, and full bowl, on her right for Po.

As the three proceeded with friendly conversation and discussion, the sun slowly but surely moved passed its apex in the sky. Even though it was the heat of the day, the walls of the noodle shop did well to shelter them from the sun's blistering heat that hot summer day. In fact, if it weren't for the blazing sun, some might have even thought an early autumn had arrived in the valley. All of this was ignored, however, as the panda, tiger, and goose chatted in the shade of the famous noodle shop.

Tigress, for the last five minutes, had been trying in vain to clarify for Po the various political issues behind the cause of the serpent uprising in the Valley of Woe. Unfortunately, discussing politics with this particular panda was as difficult as getting him to concentrate on meditation ten minutes to lunch. Deciding that the current history lesson Master Tigress was giving Po was (for lack of better phrasing) painfully dull, Mr. Ping took it into his own wings to make things a little more interesting. "Master Tigress could I ask you something?"

Tigress broke from her current look of frustration to look quizzically at the old goose, a hint of relief creeping into her voice from the prior conversation. "Mr. Ping, I believe the titles are no longer necessary now that we have gotten have become better acquainted. Please just call me Tigress."

Mr. Ping beamed, almost regretting the bit of mischief he was about to invoke. Almost

"Very well... Tigress. I was just curious whether or not you have taken to anyone recently." Po's eyes widened once more and he began to choke on some noodles that were in his mouth.

Tigress's eyes widened slightly as well, but more out of surprise then embarrassment. "I'm afraid I do not quite understand Mr. Ping. Taken to someone?"

Mr. Ping nodded in confirmation. "Yes, I would have thought by this point Master Shifu would have found for you a respectable suitor to whom you would marry. Have either you or your master found anyone yet?" Mr. Ping's gaze met Po's briefly, and he almost lost it as Po was desperately trying to get him to cease this conversation without tipping Tigress off. However, the gestures he was making weren't helping his case any, and only strengthened Mr. Ping's devious resolve.

Tigress, seemingly taken aback by the question, just sat there her brows lifted high above her eyes. After a few moments, and several of Po's ludicrous gestures, she simply shrugged in response to him. "No... the subject has never really crossed my mind, Mr. Ping. Kung Fu is my life and neither Shifu nor I would want anything that would interfere with my training."

Po nearly collapsed back in chair, relief cascading over his features as if another bucket of water were dumped on his head. Mr. Ping frowned slightly, relatively disappointed with the result of his query. "Surely you must fancy someone as a potential suitor."

Tigress shook her head. "I know my place Mr. Ping. As a Kung Fu master my position for marriage is extremely diminished. I understand female Kung Fu masters are extremely frowned upon in society, but someone has to step up where certain men are inadequate to do so. I have met very few men who have risen above my expectations of them," She paused and looked from Mr. Ping to Po smirking. "present company excluded of course."

Mr. Ping broke into a light laugh briefly interrupting the conversation, causing Tigress's mouth to curl up slightly. "I who heartedly agree my dear, but in there lies my point. You are an extremely charming, lovely, and resourceful young lady. I find it hard that you have ever been overlooked by any man." At this he eyed his son impishly, not catching Tigress's attention. Po shrank a little in his chair, his cheeks flushing a bright pink under his white fur.

Tigress, on the other hand, looked down at her soup smiling sadly into her own reflection in the bowl. She chuckled bitterly, causing Po to raise to his full height once more and look at his feline friend with concern. This didn't last too long, as Tigress looked up from her bowl to Mr. Ping a small mischievous grin appeared on her face. "I sincerely hope you don't actually believe flattery will work on me Mr. Ping. At our next game I am still going to wipe the board with you."

Mr. Ping cackled loudly at the ochre tiger's witty remark. "That my dear Tigress, is why I appreciate you as an opponent."

Tigress nodded appreciatively and again donned the somber look from before. "To answer your question Mr. Ping, it is simply because I am not as attractive as many men would like. As a Kung Fu master I refuse to have my feet bound in any way that would hinder my combat capabilities. I may just have to accept that I may live the rest of my life without companionship. It is a fate that I have readily resigned myself to."

Suddenly, Po slammed his paws down on the table startling both Tigress and Mr. Ping. As they looked at him an untold anger burned in his eyes that they had never seen before. He was seething with rage. "That is complete crap Tigress!"

Tigress stared at her friend in disbelief and astonishment. "Po?" She murmured.

Po shook his head in utter disbelief facing his palms upward like he was proving an obvious point. "You are too amazing a person to not ever find someone who would want to marry you Tigress. I don't know what guys you have met before, but they are complete idiots if they can't see what you have to offer." Mr. Ping was stunned, he did not know if he should stop his son or if he needed to let him continue. "Tigress you are the smartest, funniest, and most kind hearted woman I have ever met. Those guys out there should be lining up to have even a ghost of a chance to be with you. Forget these stupid traditions. Traditions are for idiots, and... well bigger idiots."

Tigress returned to staring at her bowl, her paws cradling it gently. Po's face dropped slightly as soon as he had realized what had just come out of his dumb mouth. He shrank slowly in his chair wishing he could just disappear.

Damn it! He cursed inwardly, Way to go genius. Freak out in front of all of your friends, why don't cha'.

"Thank you, Po." a soft voice murmured next to him. He looked toward Tigress who was still holding her bowl, but a soft and warm smile had crept onto her features. She turned her head toward him and glowed with the most beautiful smile he had ever seen on her. "That... means a lot to me."

Po was too stunned to respond properly. "You're thankful- I mean... ahh... you're welcome Tigress." He stammered, averting his eyes and feeling like a total idiot. Tigress smirked and turned her head back to her bowl. Though they were lidded, her eyes seemed to glimmer and dance as a small smile still lay upon her soft features.

Mr. Ping was now fully beaming at the spectacle in beside him. He observed the too Kung Fu masters to his right. Though they were each silent toward one another, he could feel the bond these two shared with each other. It burned hotter than a volcano, and shown brighter than the stars in the heavens. What they had was special, and he didn't need to be a master to tell that much. He found himself smiling at his son with pure pride.

My little cub has grown up, he mused to himself.

Nodding to himself he rose from his seat catching the attention of both Po and Tigress. He yawned wearily, "Well I must say, all this excitement has gotten the better of me. I think I might have to take a short nap before the dinner crowd shows up. This aged body doesn't run as well as it used to." He patted himself in gesture causing both Tigress and Po to smirk at him. He looked up and wagged at feather at them sternly. "That doesn't mean I couldn't run circles around you young folk, understand? Like I told my boy earlier, it will be quite some time before I ever consider retirement."

Tigress nodded in understanding, Po merely shook his head at his father's antics. Tigress stood and bowed toward the aged goose. "As always, it has been a pleasure to be in your company, Mr. Ping."

Mr. Ping waved her comment away and scoffed. "Bah. Now you try and sweet talk me, Master Tigress? I'm insulted."

Tigress smiled genuinely at Mr. Ping. "Thank you for the meal Mr. Ping, it was delicious." She turned her gaze on Po momentarily and smiled slyly. "Don't worry about your son either. I will personally keep him out of any trouble." At that it was Po's turn to scoff and turn away.

"Oh, I see how it is! You know, a guy makes a few mistakes here and there, and you act like I can't be left alone." He pretended to be offended.

Tigress cocked an eyebrow. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

Po snorted, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. "Whatever."

Tigress chuckled light heartedly and made for the entrance of the restaurant. Po turned to Mr. Ping smiling down at his adoptive father. "We will be back soon dad don't worry." With that he leaned in and hugged Mr. Ping tightly to him, enveloping the goose in black and white fur.

"I know my son. Good luck to you all." He looked up into the smiling green eyes of his little boy turned warrior. He could not have wished for a better son in his whole life.

With that Po stood up and headed toward the entrance where Tigress stood. A kind smile lay on her face as the giant panda approached her. Nodding to each other they turned and started down the road at a pace which Po would never of thought possible for himself a few months ago.

Mr. Ping made his way to the entrance of the shop and watched as the two figures disappeared down the road and out of the village. He heaved a heavy sigh and looked after them, a wishful smile on his beak and the midday sun twinkling in his eyes.

Ancestors, help them keep each other safe, he turned and hung the "Will Return Shortly" sign next to the entrance before turning in.

A/N: Sooooo I really thought about adding in the action stuff into this chapter, but decided it would make this thing waaaaay too damn long hahaha. So look forward to the next chapter, because that is when things get hairy... no pun intended. You know the drill. Review/subscribe, whatever you feel like really. Rock on folks!

Notes:

Lìrùn- profit