If you think the last chapter was hearteflt, this will definitely make it more sweet. A father and son connection.
Chapter 16: Heartfelt Meeting
A few hours later, Po walked across town and headed to Mr. Ping's noodle shop, where there were paper lanterns around. He came in slowly and saw them shining towards him. As one paper lantern was shining behind him, he saw that the one holding it was Mr. Ping.
Mr. Ping turned around saw his son standing there and became really joyful to see him again. He came over to him and gave him a hug and then, Po hugged him back also.
"How's it going, dad?" asked Po.
"It's going just fine. Just put up some more lanterns just to show some light around the restaurant." Mr. Ping answered.
"That's cool. It'll probably bring new light to this place."
"It most definitely will be."
Po wasn't exactly sure how to ask his dad about what he was gonna say, but thought that it would easy to ask him about why he came into his life. He looked at him nervously, sighed softly and told him, "Hey, dad. I have to tell you something."
Mr. Ping suddenly paused for a sec and turned to Po and asked him, "What was it?"
He sighed anxiously as they sat down and asked, "When I was adopted, did you ever want.... a son?"
That question really put him in ease and then, there was a long pause on that and then, suddenly, he sighed and answered, "Yes, I did. I wanted a son of my own very much."
"So, w-why did you have me?"
Mr. Ping realized that it was time to explain how Po changed his life forever and answered, "Well, where do I start? It all started when you were just a baby cub. Someone left you in the cold, rainy night and I thought someone showed up and asked me about you. I looked around and there was no one here and as I uncovered the blanket, I saw a magnificent creature-- a baby panda with green eyes and so big. To be honest, it was my first time raising a panda and you were a lot more difficult than I thought, but as the months went by, I started wondering if I ever was a good father. But when I looked into those emerald eyes of yours, I soon realized that it wasn't about me anymore and it was something more than that. It's like I was holding a percious gem with thoughts, feelings and a heart to match. And as you grew older, I wanted to teach you everything about the noodle business that you would be great at it. Every year, I taught you everything you need to know about it and you've done pretty well and sometimes, not so well, but you always try it again, just to make me happy. But, as the years go by, you have always made me happy and you had this thing about eating so much. As you grew older, you were being bigger and so did your stomach--no offense there--, but you're always happy with yourself most of the time and sometimes you're kinda sad about it. But who am I to judge my own son about who he is? You're a full grown panda and I always get to keep an eye on you all the time."
"Did you like having me around?" Po asked.
"Are you kidding? I LOVE having you around all the time. It's like when I first saw you, you were a little baby panda, but by the minute I closed my eyes, you grew so quickly. It just seems like so long ago when I hold you in my arms and I would always tuck you in at night, rock you to sleep and everything. It just made me realize how important and rewarding being a father is. And you have shown that to me and look at you now. You're grown up and I just have to respect that, but I still want you to know that--"
He paused for a sec, because there were tears falling from his eyes and he was so emotional to see Po grown up and changed his life for the better and that he went from little baby cub to full-grown panda. Po could see the tears falling down his eyes, knowing that he really loves him so much.
He turned around and looked at his son in the eye, with a few tears and sniffled a little and told him, with his voice breaking, "I just want to let you know, even though you're growing up, you will always be my little boythat I know and love so much and I'm really proud to be your father and I will always be here for you, whenever you need me. My life has changed completely when you came in and I will always cherish these moments I have with you and I just-- love you so much."
Po got misty-eyed and his eyes were welling up with tears as he wiped them away slowly and said, "I love you too, dad. Even though I'm fulfilling my destiny and all, I will always be your son and I thank you for giving me so much joy and happiness in my life. And I will always be proud of you every step of the way. If it wasn't for you taking me in, I wouldn't be where I am right now."
A few choked sobs came in both of them and Po stood up and went in front of his adopted father and he reached in for a big hug. Mr. Ping cried on his son's arms and Po cried softly, leaving a few tears all over them. He closed his eyes and feels really lucky that he has a father in his life that has been by his side since day one.
"I'm just really proud to be your son." whispered Po, tearfully.
Mr. Ping let a few tears fall on his face and replied, "And I am very proud to be your father."
Po smiled a little and Mr. Ping smiled also and they hugged each other and Po lets out one tear falling down his eye and into the ground.
"Your real parents really love you and they have sacrificed every spare minute of their lives protecting you. And it's because of them that they had made the right choice for me to raise you. I never actually thought I would have a son like you, but I did. I really did." Mr. Ping said.
"I'm glad I did. And I will always be here for you, whenever you need me."
They both smiled at each other and then, they turned around and saw Shifu standing there, looking a bit emotional also. Po could see a few tears falling down his blue eyes and wiped it away to prevent it from seeing his eyes welling up.
"How long have you been standing there?" asked Po.
Shifu quickly wiped his eyes and answered, "Um... not too long."
"You were crying, weren't you?"
"No, panda! Absoultely not! I-- I-I was just on my way here to find where you were and-- and here you are."
Po gave Shifu a glare look like, 'be honest.' When Shifu looked at the glare, he was embarassed to show his emotions in front of everyone, because he's like a stone refused to be moved, but Shifu sighed and told him, "Okay, I admit it. I was a little teary-eyed when I heard the conversation that you two had and it really touched my heart completely."
"Well, you have been a father figure for my son and for that I thank you for it." Mr. Ping said.
"Thank you very much. Is there room for this heartfelt moment?"
"For you, there's always room."
Shifu came in the restaurant where Po and Mr. Ping were standing in and told him, "Well, what can I say, Po? You have really changed my life and the Five's lives completely when you were signed to be the Dragon Warrior. At first, we didn't get off to a good start because Oogway picked you, but he promised me that I would believe in you for defeating Tai Lung and for that moment, I really did believe you. When I did your training, it was like you're unstoppable and invincible, always ready to take on new challenges and you never give up. I guess you were right. A true warrior never quits, and I will always live by the code. After you defeated Tai Lung, you have brought peace to this valley and also to me and have bonded with the Five more and now with Musaki on board, I have to say you're everyone's hero and I will always stand by that."
Po came in with more tears coming from his face and he was touched by those comments and he said, "Thank you guys so much. Whenever I feel alone, you're always here for me no matter what."
"Just like we always have been." said Mr. Ping
"Just like we'll always will be." Shifu said, with a smile.
All three of them came together and gave each other a group hug and at that moment, Po felt like he has the two luckiest dads on earth--or three--, his adopted father, his master and his spiritual bio dad. As of this point, he could always feel the spirit, comfort and guidance that Po needs, a real father figure and he'll be forever grateful to have that in his life.
An emotional moment and having some father figures in Po's life makes it all the more special. However, this fic isn't over yet. I'm almost at the end of this story and it's gonna be awesome!