Glad to hear you guys liked Crane's story, I'll be interested to hear about the next one. This chapter is a bit longer because I just couldn't bring myself to stop the flow of the story. Hope you enjoy it and Remember to Review!
Chapter 5
More Bad News and Vipers tale
As the warriors gazed at Master Shifu, waiting for him to tell them what was wrong, Shifu made his way over to the panda's side. Crane stepped to the side giving his master room. As Shifu looked down at his pupil his heart sank and his ears fell, as he watched the panda's chest rise and fall ever so slightly, other than that, the panda hadn't moved at all, and the fear that Po would never wake up was growing with each passing moment. As he reached for the cup of water on the table and began sipping it to the panda he started to say. "I'm afraid that we cannot rely on Mr. Ping to be here anytime soon." His students gasped as Viper asked in a slight panic. "What do you mean Master!?"
As Shifu was helping Po swallow the way Han had showed them, he continued. "According to this note he left for Po on his shop door, Mr. Ping has taken his noodle cart to sell his noodles around the area for the next two weeks. The younger master's gasped again, as Monkey took the note from Shifu and began to read it.
Dear Po, I've decided to share my noodles with the people outside the Valley. I'll be gone for the next two weeks so please don't worry about me son, Oh and on Tuesday I'm expecting a delivery of bean buns so if you could take those down to the store room that would be wonderful! Feel free to open the shop to your friends while I'm gone if you want, but if Mantis wants any dumplings you make sure he pays! I have already taken inventory so I will know if any are missing! Mantis let out a quiet "Awe man…" as Monkey continued. Take care my son and I will be back soon. Love dad…oh and don't forget to wash your clothes this week!
As Monkey finished the note he looked up to his friends with a look of fear in his eyes. "So Po's dad isn't even in the Valley!? That's terrible! He was our best shot at having a chance to wake up Po!" His friends all looked at each other except for Tigress. Her eyes had never left Po. Master Shifu spoke up. "We cannot despair; Po needs us all now more than ever to be strong for him. You must have faith in the Dragon Warrior. I am confident that he will return to us." As Shifu made to leave, he turned with one last glance at his students. "If there is any change I will be in the Hall of Heroes meditating." His students bowed their heads as he took one last look at the panda and closed the door.
After a moment of silence Crane spoke up. "Well that's just great the only person considered to be Po's family, and has the best chance at helping isn't even around, and we have no idea as to where he is!" Viper then slithered forward bringing herself to Po's side as she looked down at him. She almost didn't recognize him. His face was void of any emotion, his genuine smile that always brightened her day was gone and she longed to see it one more time, her brother's smile. Then she spoke. "Mr. Ping may be Po's dad…but he is not Po's only family…"
The others stared at Viper but waited for her to continue. "You all know that I think of each of you as a brother or a sister." At this she turned to Tigress who was still starring at Po, and then she continued. "You guys are my family, and Po is no exception." As she turned to gaze down at the panda "In fact, there was a day when Po truly came to be the baby brother that I never had. I was feeling really homesick and Po did something for me that only Po would ever think of doing…"
Five months ago…
Po was out walking the Palace grounds saying to himself "Maybe I'll go and see if dad needs any help with the shop today." When he noticed Viper was talking with Zhang. As Po neared them, he overheard Viper saying. "Are you sure you can get this to my father on time?" Zhang just nodded saying "Yes Master Viper, your father will have his letter just in time for his birthday! I never miss a deadline." Viper smiled and said "Thank you Zhang." It was then Viper heard Po behind her. "Hey guys!" Viper turned to see the panda walking over towards them, his classic smile on his face. That smile always seemed to brighten her day. Zhang bowed saying "Greetings Dragon Warrior, I'm afraid that I must leave, I have a very important letter to deliver." Po nodded as the goose flew off into the sky. Po then turned to Viper, "Hey, I'm heading on into my dad's restaurant to see if he needs any help today, you wanna come?" Viper smiled saying "Sure Po, I could go for some of your dad's Secret Ingredient Soup! Though I'm still trying to decide who's I like better, his or yours…hmmmm…maybe if I knew the secret ingredient you two use?" as Viper gave Po a questioning look. Po laughed " Ha ha, sorry Viper, can't tell you, family secret and all. Anyway let's get going! I'm sure dad will be happy to see you." And with that the two headed on into the village.
Once Po and Viper made their way into the shop, they were greeted by the citizens all saying "Look it's the Dragon Warrior! And there's Master Viper of the Furious Five!" Mr. Ping came out of the kitchen and embraced his son "Po! Oh it's so good to see you! You came at the perfect time! I'm absolutely swamped with customers!" Po smiled saying "I'm here to help dad! Show me who gets what." Mr. Ping then turned to Viper "Oh Master Viper it's so good to see you too, how about a bowl of my Secret Ingredient Soup? On the house of course." Viper bowed and said "That would be lovely Mr. Ping, thank you." As Po led Viper to an empty table she sat down in the chair as Po said "Be right back with the soup!" as he turned and headed into the kitchen.
As Viper waited at the table she looked around the restaurant. She watched as the families that were gathered around enjoying a meal together, the mothers trying to get their children to eat there noodles while the children just wanted to talk to the Dragon Warrior as he passed by delivering orders. Po would even give a little show showing of his Kung Fu skills for the kids as he would balance five different orders on his arms and head as he would deliver each dish in a fluid motion, once he had the dishes down he then tossed chopsticks to each customer from the kitchen making each pair land right beside each dish. The kids would cheer, and Viper smiled.
Viper could also overhear Po and his dad in the kitchen as Po would talk about his life at the palace and the recent missions they went on, while Mr. Ping would make a joke and the two would laugh. Though it made Viper smile to see the two together it also made her miss he own father deeply. She had not seen her father since coming to the Jade Palace all those years ago. Though they exchanged letters regularly, she still missed him dearly. As a bowl of noodles was set down before her, she looked up to see Po with a worried look on his face. "Everything okay Viper?" Viper forced a smile saying "Of course, I was just thinking is all…" Po then sat down in front of her, his face still concerned. "What about?"
Viper sighed as she looked into Po's jade eyes, full of concern; she was touched by the panda's concern for her, so decided to come clean. "I was just thinking about my father…it's been a long time since I've seen him, and I just miss him a lot." Po's face dropped into a frown as he said "I'm sorry Viper." then he realized something as he looked at his own dad. "Boy do I feel like a jerk. Here you are missing your dad and you've been watching me hang out with mine…" Viper then put her tail on Po's hand saying "Po don't you dare apologies for spending time with your father. You're lucky to be able to spend the time you do with him. I didn't mean to make you feel bad." Po smiled "I'm sorry Viper, you're right. I just wish there was something I could do…" Viper smiled saying "That's sweet of you Po, but there just isn't anything that can be done. My father is too old to travel alone, and with my responsibilities to the Valley and the Five, I can't go and visit him… It's a real shame but there's just nothing that can be done about it. I still have my letters from him so for now that's enough."
As she made to leave she thanked Mr. Ping for the noodles and headed back to the palace leaving Po alone with his thoughts. As she left, an idea began to form in his head. It would require Master Shifu's permission, and his Dad's new Noodle Cart, but he was confident he could make it work. He quickly explained his plan to his dad and after gaining Mr. Pings permission to borrow the cart Po made a Dash to the palace in search of his Master, hoping that Shifu would agree to his request.
The next day the morning gong rang and the masters emerged from their rooms saying "Good Morning Master!" "Good morning my students, today we will be running through the obstacle course this morning, so all of you get breakfast and head straight to the training hall." Before they headed to the kitchen Viper asked "Master shouldn't we wake up Po?" Shifu turned around and said "The Dragon Warrior is not here Viper, I have sent him to acquire a rather special package in a faraway village, I'm afraid he will not return for more than a week." Crane then asked "You sure it was a good idea to send Po alone?" Shifu then eyed the avian "Are you questioning my actions Master Crane?" Crane went wide eyed bowing quickly "N-never Master Shifu, of course not!" Shifu smiled saying "Good, I'd sure hate to have you climb the thousand steps while hauling buckets of water up and down one hundred times." Crane bowed saying "I'm sorry Master." as Monkey and Mantis snickered. The masters then headed to the kitchen while Viper was wondering where it was Po had gone.
A week and a half went by and Viper was heading to her room. Po was due back any day now and Viper was still thinking about where it was he had gone. Shifu refused to reveal where it was he had sent Po, saying that Po had merely been sent to retrieve a special package. Viper had made it to her door when she saw a note wedged into her door. She picked it up and read it. The note was from Crane. Viper, Shifu received a message from Po today saying he'll be arriving in the village tonight. We're all heading down to Mr. Pings restaurant to meet him and surprise him. You should come too. We know you've been missing him lately. Oh and bring your new dance ribbon! See you at the noodle shop! Crane.
Viper smiled at the note, happy that the panda was returning that night. It was true Viper was missing Po, the palace just seemed much too quiet without him around. But she wondered why Crane had asked her to bring her new dance ribbon? Oh well, she decided not to dwell on it any further. The sun was setting so she grabbed her ribbon and left for the Noodle shop.
Once Viper made it to the noodle shop she slithered in with her ribbon in tow. But as she entered, though the lanterns were lit along with a few candles, no one was around. "Hello? Is anyone here? Crane, Monkey, Tigress? Anyone?" Just then Monkey, Crane, Mantis, and Mr. Ping all burst from the kitchen shouting "SURPRISE!" Startled, Viper jumped back and got into her fighting stance when she realized the boys were all laughing. As she saw Master Shifu and Tigress emerge from the kitchen behind the fellas she asked "What's going on? What is this?" Monkey answered "It's a party, duh." Mantis added "For you!" Viper had a confused look on her face "For me? I don't understand." Shifu explained "Well you see, this was just part of Po's plan for you." Viper asked questioningly "Po?" when she heard a voice "Someone call for me?"
As Viper turned around she saw Po standing in the doorway carrying a box of sorts. When Viper approached him Po set the box down on a table and gave her a hug. "It's good to see you Po, is that the package Shifu sent you to get?" unbeknownst to Viper a new figure was emerging from the kitchen making its way towards Viper. Po put Viper down as he said "What this? No this is something else." Then Viper asked "Then what did Shifu send you to get?" When she heard a voice from behind. "Perhaps you should turn around and see for yourself." Viper's eyes widened as Po's smile grew. She turned around and gasped. Their behind her stood her Father, and as realization reached her she said "Daddy?" as the old snake smiled she shouted with pure happiness "DADDY!" as she raced towards the old snake and embraced him.
"Ha ha ha! It is so good to see you my little Viper!" Viper had tears running down her face as she looked up at her father. "Daddy, how did you get here? It's much too far and dangerous for you to travel alone!" Great Master Viper just smiled and said "Your friend the Dragon Warrior was gracious enough to come to me in his fancy cart. When he told me how you had been feeling lately little one, I couldn't get into that cart fast enough. Your mother sends her love sweetie, I'm afraid even by cart the journey would be just too much for her." Viper embraced her father again and said "I'm just so happy to see you. I've missed you so much!" "And I you my little one." As the two snakes finished there embrace, Great Master Viper said "Now, I believe we ARE at a party so Po, would you please do the honors?" Po's face lit up as he said "Would I? LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" with that everyone cheered and the party began. It turned out the box Po was carrying earlier was Great Master Viper's luggage.
Mr. Ping had prepared quite the buffet of his many soups and dumplings for everyone to enjoy. After eating, Master Shifu played his flute while Viper performed a dance to the music with her new ribbon for her father. Po noticed that throughout the entire performance, Great Master Viper watched Viper with a look Po was all too familiar with, the look of a proud father. As Viper finished her performance she bowed to her father who came forward and gave her another hug. Later, while Great Master Viper was telling a story to the other masters, Viper made her way on over to Po who was sitting at a table with Mr. Ping. Viper approached asking "Excuse me Mr. Ping, but could I borrow Po for a minute?" Mr. Ping smiled saying "Of course Master Viper."
So Viper led Po out into the courtyard and Po took a seat on a bench. "What's on your mind Viper?" Viper sat next to Po on the bench and looked up at Po "Did you really do all of this for me?" Po smiled and said "Sure did! I mean I had a little help from the guys for tonight and I asked Master Shifu not to say anything to anyone, but yeah. You're not mad are you?" Viper almost shouted "Goodness no Po! I could never be mad at you for this; I just can't believe you went to so much trouble just for me." Po smiled "Viper it wasn't any trouble at all. When I saw how sad you were that day here at the shop I just had to do something. Then I got the idea to bring your dad here and it all just kinda fell into place."
Viper smiled up at the panda as he smiled back. Viper then said "Po, there's something I want to say to you." Po just nodded and said "Sure Viper, go ahead." Viper inched closer. "Po, you know I think of everyone here like my second family, and that I love you all to death." Po just nodded and said "Yeah I know." Then Viper went on "Well I hope you do, because I've never been more proud to call you my little brother." Po just picked up Viper and gave her a hug as he said "I've always wanted an Awesome sister, Viper." a tear streaming down his face as Viper wiped it away saying "Well, now you got one for life, brother." Po smiled and the two hugged again after a moment Po said "Well we better get back to the party before anyone starts to miss us." Viper smiled and the two went back to the party smiles on their faces, happy to be with the ones they loved the most. Happy for such a thing as Family.
Back with the Five, present day.
"I remember that night! Mantis passed out after losing to Po at a dumpling eating contest." Monkey chided as Mantis mumbled "Worst. Idea. Ever…" But Viper wasn't paying much attention to them. She was looking at Po. All she wanted was to see her little brother's smile again. If she never got to see it again…She didn't know what she was going to do. Monkey walked up to her and placed a hand on her. "You know, you're not the only one who thinks of Po as a real brother." Monkey said. As Viper looked up at him, he continued "You know, Po's been a better brother to me than mine ever was. The day he kept me from being forced to leave the Furious Five, is a day I will never forget." Everyone gasped including Tigress when Mantis asked. "Wait, when were you EVER about to get kicked out of the Furious Five? And how are we just finding out about this NOW!?" Monkey took his place beside Po as he began his tale. "It was around the time Constable Hu had made Kung Fu Illegal, unless you had one of those stupid permits. I had gotten frustrated with it all and made Hu a target for my pranks, and one day I had gone way too far…"
There you go! How was Viper's tale? was this Chapter too long?
Please review.