Chapter 3: Lunch, More Good News, and Bacon
Noon has befell for the guests of Moon Lily Lake as the sun reached the middle of the sky. Yun decided it was a good time to have lunch. The only problem is that while everyone was swimming, he forgot to pay attention to his fish cooking over a fire. Thus, the fried delicacy is burnt to ash.
"Aw man." Yun moaned as he stared at his hard work went up in smoke, literally.
"Hey man no worries. We can catch another one." Po said in comfort to his wolf friend.
'Thanks Po. And these things are not hard to find. While I go fish, why don't you guys set up the table?" Yun asked.
Po and the Furious Five nodded in agreement as Yun ran off to get another cod for lunch. Setting up the table wasn't hard at all for Po and the Five, especially when they have Kung Fu in their arsenal. In mere seconds, Po led the Five to set up the table and chairs, each fitted with a few bowls, chopsticks, and any other utensil. As Po started to prepare the rice and vegetables, The Furious Five anxiously wait for Yun's return, eager to try his style of cooking, not like Po's was bad or anything.
"Where's Yun? I'm starving!" Mantis whined. Truth be told, Yun has been out for awhile.
"Its just a fish, how hard can it be?" Tigress stated, also agitated by Yun's absence.
Po and the Furious Five heard Yun screaming from where he's fishing.
"I guess that answers it!" Po yelled. He quickly ran from his chopping board toward the lake, with the Furious Five right behind.
Po and the Five frantically search for Yun and the possible attacker, if Yun was attacked. The warriors heard Yun scream again from an area away from they swam earlier. Po and the Five quickly dashed and jumped onto the shore where Yun screamed, in their battle stances and ready to dish out any pain to the bad guys. What they didn't expect is the fact that Yun wasn't attacked, but he's struggling with reeling in the cod he promised to get for lunch.
"Cripes! Just give up will ya!" Yun screamed as he struggled to reel in the large flounder. Po and the Five looked into the water and found the rope from the Yun's fishing rod being pulled by a large shadow in the water. What surprised the warriors was the fish's strength as they saw Yun being dragged into the water.
"Help!" Yun yelped as he gets dragged toward the water. Po dove and grabbed Yun by his ankles while The Furious Five pulled Po by his feet.
"Pull!" Po ordered. The Five struggled to pull Po and Yun toward shore as the fish slowly started to drag Yun, Po, and the Five closer the water.
"This fish must been well fed!" Monkey yelled sarcastically.
"Less talking, more pulling!" Viper yelled.
"Whoa!"
Yun quickly unleashed all his strength as he reeled in the flounder. What he didn't realize is that the fish is about the same size as Po. The large cod soared into the air and landed on Crane and Monkey as the fish struggled to let go of the hook. Yun quickly dove on top of the fish, Crane, and Monkey, wrestling it down to stop it from moving. Po quickly hopped to his feet and helped Yun pin the fish down. Tigress and Viper started attacking the fishes gills to stun while Mantis helped pin the monstrous fish down. Monkey and Crane, still trapped under the fish, struggled and screamed as the fish's skin kept touching them, almost making them vomit from the scaly feeling.
"Stop it! Stop it!"
"Quick moving! You're going down one way or another!"
"Get it off me!"
"I feel so violated!"
"Pin it down!"
Po, Yun, and the Furious Five continued their savage attack and shouts on the fish to cease its futile attempt of escape. But the fish is a fighter as it continued flopping madly. Tigress strike the fish into its right gill, finally stunning the fish for good. The group stopped and gasped for air as they stared at the mother of all fish.
"Didn't know these things can grow this big." Po stated as he continued gasping for air.
"Lets clean up and eat. I want this thing in my stomach so badly." Yun said bitterly. Everyone agreed with him as Po and Tigress carried the fish back to their eating area. Yun didn't realize it now, but he really hates fish now, not by eating them, but catching them can be a pain.
After the group cleaned up and settled around the table, the Furious Five watched in astonishment as Po and Yun tag team their way on preparing the giant fish. Seasonings and spices flew in the air while knives chop and propel other ingredients into plates of food. In minutes, Po and Yun prepared a wonderful, steaming feast of fish, rice, and vegetables.
"Dig in!" Po exclaimed.
In seconds, all the boys started scarfing down the delicious delicacies while Viper and Tigress ate like normally and properly. After a few minutes, the table is clean to shining plates, not a crumb in sight.
"That was great guys!" Mantis commented, and burping at the same time.
"Now I have a bad case of food coma." Crane moaned as he rubbed his stomach in satisfaction.
"Lucky for you guys, this is only the beginning of this day off." Yun said.
"Beginning?" Everyone gasped.
"Check it out!" Yun revealed a scroll under his shirt. The scroll had a seal from the Jade Palace, meaning it must be from Shifu.
"Your Grandmaster has extended your trip, don't question it." Yun sneered.
Po and the Five were dumbstruck by their master's generosity.
"So that means you six will be spending a night under the stars. Be prepared to be even more in awe." Yun smiled as he carried everyone's dishes to a sink.
After cleaning up, Po and Yun thought that teaching the Furious Five about Steal the Bacon, a great game that may turn painful in Yun's mind, but Po reassured him that they're all Kung Fu Masters, pain is in the head. Po skipped on ahead to get his friends while Yun stayed to set up the game.
"Hey guys! Guys!" Po yelled as his comrades soared out of no where to greet their Dragon Warrior.
'What is it Po?' Tigress asked.
"Yun and I came up a with a game that we can al play." Po responded eagerly.
"A game?" Crane groaned in disbelief.
"If I said if involves using Kung Fu, would you come?" Po tempted.
"Lead the way." Tigress said, falling in to Po's temptation.
Po led the Five deeper into the woods off the lake until they reached a clearing. There, Yun stood with his arms folded, a devilish smirk hung on his muzzle.
"This could get ugly…" Monkey whispered to everyone.
"So, what is this 'game' you speak of?" Viper asked.
"The game is called Steal the Bacon. Don't ask why its bacon, but moving on." Po explained as he walked toward the middle of the ring Yun created.
"We'll divide everyone into two teams while Yun is the official. Rules are simple, you steal the bacon here." Po pointed at a piece of wood in the middle of the circle. "And bring it back on your side. Here's what makes it interesting. Each of you will be given a number. When Yun calls out your number, get the bacon before another player does."
"And how does Kung Fu tie into this Po?" Tigress asked.
"Thank you for asking Tigress. You see, you can get the bacon using any kind of move you want. Another bonus to add, if the opposing player has the bacon, you can force them to drop the bacon whatever measures necessary and take it yourself!" Po said with a smug.
The Five now have taken this game under consideration, Tigress seemed disappointed, but willing to try out this game Po and Yun created. Crane, Monkey, Viper, and Mantis were more eager than ever to try the game out.
Yun decided the teams for game, team one will be Po, Monkey, and Viper while team two while be Tigress, Crane, and Mantis.
"So here are your numbers." Yun announced. "Po and Tigress are number one, Viper and Crane are number two, and Monkey and Crane will be number three. Questions?" Yun asked. Po and the Five shook their heads and readied themselves to steal the bacon.
"Alright, first team to three-" Yun was immediately cut off when Monkey and Mantis made a dash for the bacon, fighting over the piece of wood. Yun quickly stepped in and separated the two masters.
"You morons! I didn't say go yet!" Yun yelled.
"But you said three." Monkey said in defense.
Yun face palmed himself as he cursed under his breath for his choice of words.
'To clarify, the first team to get THREE points wins, clear!" Yun growled. Everyone nodded as the wolf walked back to his official's chair.
"Ready? Number two!" Yun yelled.
Viper slithered quickly to the bacon while Crane dashed toward the bacon, using his wings to propel himself forward. Crane snatched the bacon before Viper could reach and started to fly back to his team's side. Viper used her tail to spring herself up to Crane and coiled herself around Crane's body. She started to wrestle the bacon out of Crane until the avian used a talon strike to shake Viper off. Crane flew down and crossed his team's line.
"One point for Team 2!" Yun announced.
Team 2 seemed pleased and high five each other while team one tried their best to comfort the disappointed Viper.
"Don't worry Viper, you'll get him next time." Po whispered.
"Thanks Po." Viper responded kindly.
"Ready? Number one!" Yun yelled.
The instant the number was called, Po and Tigress sprinted for the bacon. Before Po could get his hands on the wood, he gets a swift kick across his face by Tigress. Tigress taunted Po as she grabbed the bacon and ran off toward her team's side. Po got to his feet and ran after Tigress. A smirk slid on Po's face as he saw a golden opportunity to get the bacon. Po lunged forward, and grabbed Tigress by her tail. She fell back and loses the bacon. Po jumped up using Tigress as a step and grabbed the bacon. Po made a mad dash to his side since he probably made Tigress furious beyond boiling point. Tigress gets up and ran after Po on all fours. She tackles Po to the ground and knocks the bacon out of his grasp. Po was stunned for a couple seconds, but gave enough time for Tigress to get the bacon and back to her side.
"Another point for Team 2!' Yun announced. "What's wrong Team One?"
"Ouch." Po moaned as he limped his way back to his team side. Viper and Monkey are starting to get worried. But their rage started to build up as team one watched team two taunt them. Tigress add insult to injury when she waved the piece of wood, and a smirk wore her lips.
"Okay guys, number 3!" Yun yelled.
Monkey dashed for the bacon with a bamboo staff in hand while Mantis skittered across the field with incredible speed. Both warriors reached the bacon at the same time, narrowing their eyes to each other and readying themselves for whoever makes the first move. Both teams kept cheering for their respected player, eager to see how this will end. Monkey was the first to snatch the bacon, but Mantis used his strength to swipe Monkey's paw away and trips him. Mantis grabs the bacon and sprints back toward his side. Monkey quickly got up and threw his bamboo staff like a spear toward Mantis. The staff impaled into the earth in front of Mantis, and unfortunately Mantis slammed face first into the staff.
Both teams were surprised by their fellow comrades. Although they can be rather obnoxious, they are defiantly talented in their kung fu.
Monkey grabbed the bacon from the confused Mantis and made a dash toward his side. Mantis quickly got up and searched frantically for a way to get Monkey. Bingo. Mantis grabbed a vine and used it as a lasso. He hurled the green rope with ease despite his size, and caught Monkey's right foot. Mantis reeled in Monkey as the primate tried desperately to pull forward to his side. It was futile as Mantis pulled Monkey towards him and delivers a hard kick across his face. Mantis snags the bacon and runs off while taunting Monkey on the process. The infuriated primate grabbed the rope Mantis used on him and ran after the insect. Monkey also grabbed his staff as he began calculating his cunning plan. Mantis was merely a few feet to victory, until Monkey jumped in front of him. Monkey snatched the bacon from the startled Mantis and leaped over him. Monkey used his staff to defend against Mantis. Mantis broke Monkey's staff into two, but it was all according to the primate's plan. Monkey quickly placed the two staffs into the ground about a yard from each other and started to tie the rope on each pole while dodging Mantis's attacks. Yun was surprised to see Monkey recreate a smaller model of their human slingshot he created earlier. Monkey used his makeshift slingshot and propelled himself toward his side.
"One point for Team One!" Yun announced.
Mantis, Crane, and Tigress were dumbstruck by Monkey's plan, while Po and Viper celebrated with Monkey for his amazing performance.
"Way a go Monkey!" Po said and hugged his fellow comrade.
"What gave you the idea to make the slingshot?" Viper asked.
"Don't know. Instincts?" Monkey responded, still dangling off his feet from Po's hug.
"What happened?" Crane asked, obviously disappointed to Mantis.
"I didn't see it coming!" Mantis retorted.
"Don't worry you two. We will win this game." Tigress stepped in between the fuming boys, more determined to win.
"Alrighty then, numbers 1 and 2!" Yun yelled.
Po and Viper made a mad dash for the bacon while Tigress went on all fours for the goal. Crane soared toward the sky and swooped down for a chance to get the bacon. The four masters struggled to get the bacon as they threw punches, kicks, holds, and any other kind of force to grab the prized piece of wood. Viper dodged an attack from Tigress and quickly regrouped with Po.
"Po! I've an idea!" Viper quickly whispered into Po's ear, weary for any attempt to grab the bacon by Crane or Tigress.
"What is it!" Po asked. The master started to whisper into the panda's ear, an a evil smug grew on Po's face. "I like the way you think."
Po and Viper continued there attempts to get the bacon while Tigress held them both off. Crane swooped down and snatched the bacon. Po quickly leaped and grabbed Crane's feet to pull him down. Normally Crane can lift Po, but the sudden weight gain on his feet caught him off guard. As Crane kicked off Po, he quickly turned toward his destination, only to run into Viper. What he didn't expect is the green apple snake to kiss him on the beck. Crane fell into some kind of trance as he started to mumble gibberish and giggle.
Both Monkey and Mantis were awestruck by such a display. Yun started laughing from his chair to see Crane's reaction.
Viper snagged the bacon and started slithering back towards Team One's side. Tigress jumped in front of Viper and was about to strike her, until she was forcefully spun around by Po. Another shocking moment for Monkey, Mantis, and Yun is Po kissing Tigress. Tigress was about to punch Po, but also fell into a similar trance like Crane, but stood completely still, frozen. Viper took this opportunity and scored another point for Team One.
"Another point for Team One! Its tied!" Yun yelled.
Tigress and Crane quickly broke out from their trance and grew furious by the underhand tactics by Po and Viper.
"That's not fair!" Crane complained.
"Hey. It's not me who got kissed." Yun argued back.
"I find this unacceptable!" Tigress said in an attempt to back up her avian comrade. "How is a kiss legal when it was completely unintentional, dirty, soft…,lovely…"
"Beautiful…" Crane added. Once again, the two masters were in the same trance, day dreaming and drooling.
Po and Viper looked over to the dazed Tigress and Crane, almost giggling like little girls to see their fellow masters act in an unusual way, but a weird thought occurred in Po and Viper. They both enjoyed the kiss. Another thought occurred that what if Tigress and Crane enjoyed it as well?
"Ah love. Such a sweet thing. But its going to crumble cause this is the winning point!" Yun announced.
Both teams regrouped and readied themselves for their number to be called as Yun raised his hand.
"Numbers 1,2,and 3!" Yun yelled.
All six masters made dashed for the final point, while tearing at each throats. Yun watched in awe as power, speed, romance, and humor played across the battlefield.
A/N: Sorry for the ending, but my files got corrupted. This will continue on in Chapter 4 once I fix my computer. With that said, enjoyed this chapter? (Yeah, kinda long in my opinion.) Your feedback is what gives me the motivation to continue writing. R&R and don't forget to read my other story, Shadow of Woe!