A/N: Hello! It appears I have forgotten one rather important aspect of my Fanfic, giving credit for the world of Kung Fu Panda. So, Ladies and Gentlemen, please give it up for the creators at DreamWorks Animation SKG! I am not affiliated at all with them nor do I own Kung Fu Panda. I am merely a random person with an idea and a computer and a story to tell. I'm sure you are wondering when they will be introduced into my fanfic, well look no further because they are here in this chapter. Thanks for reading.
Aleksey had never laughed so hard in his life. The snow fox rolled on the floor, tears streaming down. A flabbergasted tiger and his wife just stared at him. The gloomy Timoteo had his back to the scene, muttering unintelligible phrases about Rome. Kun's face was full of shame and he had a pounding headache.
"Why do you laugh so?" he asked weakly. Anything above a whisper hurt Kun's head, so he tried desperately to keep the noise level down.
"Because," wheezed Aleksey between fits of laughter, "it just tickles my funny bone. Don't ask why. But oh…..oh how I would have loved to see those murderous wolves' faces! It sure as hell gave them a shock!"
Aleksey suddenly went from joyous to cold as stone.
"It serves 'em right. Comrade, I don't know why you feel shame. These animals are bastards!"
"They are misguided," Kun shot back. "I am shamed, fox, because I lost control. Have you ever heard of the stories of our first ancestors?"
"You mean the Drevnii, the first ones of our kind?"
"If that is what you call them, yes."
"Bah, it's rubbish. I did hear about your people's idea of dragons and stuff like that, I don't believe it. My ancestors were like we are today. Well, they are different in one way."
"That they were wild, uncivilized."
"No. They are dead, we aren't!"
Aleksey cackled.
"You gave them a serving of righteous anger, comrade. You should be proud. Small rebellions can bring down even the mightiest empires."
Kun gave up on explaining to Aleksey his troubles. Few people knew about it and those who did were under penalty of death if word leaked out. Kun feared with his own life that his son too would have is troubles – or curse. No, Tai was dead.
As the snow fox came back to normal, Kun sidled up as close as he could to Sun.
"I should have spent more time with him," said Kun.
Sun looked up sharply.
"Who, the fox?"
"No, Tai. I look back on the past and realize how many times I missed him. How I miss him, Sun. To think that I will never see him again until the Heavens pains me greatly."
Sun's face softened. Kun was confused at times and now was a time he needed the most help.
"I know, yet Tai was a fine tiger. He loved peace and wanted knowledge. I think he was our greatest success. Our son pleases the dragons, no doubt. In the Heavens, I'm sure he is showered with gifts. Do not quicken your time, then you leave me to suffer in this world."
Kun looked up.
"Leave you? I would never."
A rustle of chains was heard. Kun turned his head to look at the Northern snow fox. In his eyes he saw grief.
"I know this is personal, but can you tell me of your son?"
Kun sighed.
"Why do you ask this, Aleksey?"
"You share much devotion over this and you act as if he is dead."
"He is though."
Aleksey looked down.
"Forgive me, comrade. I should have known there was more to your sorrow than what you told me."
Silence followed the gruff foxes' voice. Suddenly, Aleksey snapped his claws.
"Do you play chess?"
Kun stifled the memories that rushed to his surface. They broke free. All Kun could see was a young Tai holding up his first chess board and asking how to play.
"I do, but I am not good at it. My son, Tai was good."
"In my tribe, we honored our dead by doing what he or she would have enjoyed. If you truly think that your son is in the Heavens with the dragons, then what joy would it bring him to see his father playing the hobby he liked."
Kun could almost see the smile on Tai's face as he first beat Kun in a match of chess. The jubilation on the young tigers face would forever stand in his mind.
Aleksey went back to the place he slept and pulled a square piece of wood with a checkered pattern on it. He pulled out thirty-two pieces from another place. Kun stared at the odd set up before him.
"I thought you said that you were going to play chess."
"You have not seen this before?"
"No, I have not."
"I guess games can have the same names and two different meanings. Let me show you how this version of chess is played."
Across the span of an hour Aleksey showed Kun how to play this new game. Kun was a slower learner, but relished the challenge. Soon, Kun knew where each piece went and what the rules were.
"I am ready," he said to Aleksey, challenging him to a duel.
"As you wish, Lord Kun," Aleksey said with his teeth showing in a wide grin.
Sun watched form the sidelines, thinking of her son looking down on them with a smile. How Tai would have loved this, she thought.
The wolves' army had got up from the night and continued to move on. The sound of drums sounding out the beat harmonized with the thrum of the boots. The red standards were raised on pikes and the army moved like an invincible force. The birds flew above like a dark omen. Nature seemed to shrink away in fear from the army. A cry went up from the scouts and it traveled back to Canku and Xisong.
"Sir," said Kar, "a large town has been spotted. The people live within houses in the rocks. They do have an advantage. Also they have watch animals upon the cliffs."
Canku waved a paw dismissively.
"Send a company of soldiers and archers to rid us of the threat. Go!"
The snow leopard bowed and left.
"Are you sure that is such a good idea? Again, you rush into battle," admonished Xisong. "Take time before you attack. Let your enemy not know who you are but you will now everything about them."
Canku huffed.
"What can a group of mountain dwellers do against a company of our army? They will fall like leaves in the fall."
Xisong looked forward.
"When they come back with their tails between their legs, what are you going to do then?"
"If those cannot defeat the town, they deserve to die. If they do though, we will leave nothing of the town in our wake."
The sun traveled in its path until it reached past its zenith. A group of tattered, black ragged soldiers came stumbling back. A halt was called up. They made their way to the back and bowed low before Canku and Xisong.
"Please don't tell me you lost," he hissed venomously. Xisong growled slightly.
The captain gulped loudly.
"They caught us in the open, milord. Arrows rained from above like death from Heaven! We threw up our shields to stop the attack. A charge was led by the townsfolk. We expected little skill from these people. They cut us down like wheat! I called a retreat to save us and report back to you."
Canku walked menacingly forward. The captain cowered before the enraged wolf. Canku kicked the captain. As he fell to the ground Canku looked upward at the rest of the survivors.
"I am feeling generous today. I understand why you ran – self preservation. The want to live is such a powerful thing. I want you to forget it. Fight to your last. Let your enemies run in fear of your name. Since you failed so miserably, I am putting you on leave of my army; go help the cooks! Get out of my sight before I change my mind!"
They fled back into the ranks of the army as it started back on its march forward.
"Don't say that damn phrase that I know you are going to say," said Canku, defeated.
"What? Oh, you mean I told you so?" teased Xisong. "You have to learn that, my dear."
"Fine. I will. Tonight we attack again. They know not of our numbers. We shall even let the Northern fox join in the battle. I want the town obliterated."
"Better. But, we can do more."
Canku turned to his mate, confused.
"How so?"
"They rule from the ground. Let us use the birds first. With their attention on the sky, we send in the rest of the troops. You should join the battle also. I would, but as you know, I have our pups. You can unleash your own vengeance on them. Besides, you need the exercise."
Canku nodded, smiling murderously, impatient for the slaughter to begin.
"Kar," he snapped.
The snow leopard appeared next to him and bowed.
"Yes, sir?"
"Tell the troops we attack at night. I don't want anything left of the town. The birds shall attack them first from the sky. After they are occupied with the aviators, we shall surprise them from both below and above. No prisoners, no survivors. All of them killed. I want their blood to flow like water. Oh, and the Northern fox shall join the fight."
Kar bowed low again, his icy eyes unchanging, his expression the same even as Canku gave orders for the massacre.
"The troops will do as you command, sir."
"As they should."
"A question, sir."
Canku said nothing and Kar continued.
"Shall we resume the march? We are close to the town. I think it would be best for us to stay put."
"We shall stay here," commanded Xisong. She shot Canku a glare. "It would be best not to warn the enemy."
As Kar left, the wolves' had their tent arranged. An indefinite halt was called out to the army. Audible sounds of relief could be heard as tents began to pop up. Sitting in the wooden chairs outside their pavilion, Canku looked at Xisong. It troubled him that Xisong had backed away from a fight. When had she ever done that?
"Why did you back away from a fight?" he said, waving his paws wildly in the air. "My mate never backs from a fight. We fight together and together we win, if I remember correctly you telling me those exact words."
Xisong rubbed her stomach.
"I care for our children more than a battle right now. Do not worry. I am not going soft; I still long for the thrill of battle and the feeling of driving steel through your opponent."
Canku didn't relax.
"You say you care for our pups, yet you okay the slaughter of however many wet-behind-the-ears babes are in that damn town!"
"Are they ours? No? Then there is your answer. I protect my family. Even someone like you should know that."
"I guess," he huffed. "Let the night fall already, I am hungry for battle."
"It shall come."
Aleksey sat at the back of the tent, resting. He wished to get Kun and Sun out to freedom. They were his comrades now and he had a connection with them. Both had a feeling of loss. He rolled over; his heavy body making the cot bow in the middle a little. He detected no light coming in between the seams, it must be nightfall. He heard a howl break the monotonous drone of the camp. The hiss of fires went out. A guard burst in followed by another.
"You, fox. C'mere!"
Not again! Aleksey dreaded. They were going to use him as a weapon - again.
Aleksey bared his teeth. Kun had risen to watch the spectacle. The look in Kun's eyes told the snow fox he knew exactly what was happening. A curse could be heard far off. Something about the tent falling on a foot paw. The guards advanced, keeping their weapons aimed at Aleksey's chest.
"Time for a drink, fox!"
The gorilla guard lunged forward and grasped Aleksey's arms. The hulking ape pinned them against his back. He fought back. Twisting his head, he bit the gorilla. The gorilla instinctively pulled back. The other guard took the opportunity of Aleksey's distraction to grab his snout. Struggling against the bit that was being forced on him, Aleksey kicked with his feet. Ignoring the fox's weak attempts against the brute strength of the gorilla, they pinned him down and drug him out of the tent, Kun's eyes still boring into the back of Aleksey. Pulling along the squirming fox was no easy task, but these two had done it for sometime before. Upon arriving to a brown tent, they brought the immobilized fox in and placed him roughly on a wooden table. Strapping him down using thick strips of twine, the two brought a tube and ran it into Aleksey's mouth. The fox started breathing heavily through his nose. This was just another game they played. A bottle of strong alcohol was connected to the tube. The other guard, a leopard, plugged Aleksey's nose to force him to drink the potent liquid. As the clear alcohol poured into Aleksey's mouth, he tried to spit it back out to breathe, but still it came. He held in the precious oxygen still within his lungs, but the stored amount ran out soon. As much as he hated it, he had to breathe. He took massive swigs of the alcohol that already filled his mouth. As the torrent of intoxicating fluid ran down his throat, he took quick gasps of air in between. Already, he could feel his mind getting fuzzy. He fought against it.
Perhaps this is what comrade Kun was talking about. Loosing a war against yourself…
His ability to think straight was lost soon. The leopard guard undid his ties and the now drunk snow fox got up.
"Howsh it going, comradesh?" he staggered about. The leopard handed Aleksey two knives.
"We are going to battle," he said in a commanding tone. "Kill all who oppose us."
Aleksey threw up a salute,
"Will do, shpotted one!"
The horn blew and the army moved out, Aleksey in their midst, the prisoners at the back guarded by a group of twenty boars and pigs guarding them. Canku lead up in front, he licked his chops. Battle was glorious, he concluded. You prove whether you are a coward or a true warrior.
A bird shrieked and dive bombed the unsuspecting townsfolk below. Shouts of surprise and scream of pain ricocheted off the stone walls, giving the sound an unnatural echo. A minute passed. A wolf scout howled. Canku and others roared, howled, or yelled out their response and charged. Up above, more soldiers commanded by Kar attacked from above on the unsuspecting townsfolk. The militia of the mountain town was better than they expected, yet the superior strength and might of the wolves' Army in Black could be seen as the bloodthirsty killers massacred with ease. Canku was a terror, committing the most ghastly kills. A knife to the stomach was good enough to incapacitate and later end their life, but Canku wanted to hear the scream of anguish. He pushed upward, the knife cutting through innards like a hot knife. He stopped right before he hit the heart and pulled it out in search of his next victim. Using a powerful kick to the knee, he broke the pig's leg. The pig collapsed tears of pain and squeals of terror escaping its mouth.
"Shut up," Canku muttered, and snapped its neck.
A rhino charged him.
"Finally, a challenge."
The rhino moved with such speed, Canku had to think faster than before. Yet the rhino was also moving so fast that he couldn't change directions fast. Canku merely side stepped out of the way, running a sword through a goose's side for good measure. As the enraged rhino bulled past him, Canku did an almost graceful twirl and let the rhino's momentum to the swords cutting. A deep, narrow gash seeping out red blood was stark against its grey skin. The rhino took a different approach this time. He shuffled forward and pulled out a massive broadsword. He took a swing at the evasive wolf. It missed.
"Still so slow?" taunted Canku. The rhino just snorted and got back into an on guard position. Again the rhino swung at Canku. The wolf smoothly bent back, avoiding the hungry edge of the blade. As the rhino recovered from the blow, Canku saw the opportunity to run the rhino through. He sprinted forward and bounded up. The rhino's eyes burned with hatred. Suddenly, the massive beast dropped the broadsword and pulled out a knife. Like a blur, the knife left the rhino's hand and flew at Canku. Just in time, Canku deflected the whirling blade. The simple maneuvered knocked him off of his balance though and as he landed, he wavered. The rhino took this his advantage and crush the wolf. As the rhino raised his fists to smash Canku's windpipe, a blade blossomed out of his eye. The heavy corpse toppled over. A staggering white fox tumbled onto the ground next to Canku. It was a drunken Aleksey, still under the effects of the alcohol.
"Good day, comrade! And good fight!" the intoxicated fox roared, his voice hoarse.
"I agree fully," said Canku, snarling good naturedly. If the fox wasn't against him, maybe he could be a general.
The fox stumbled off, still displaying his sword like a dervish.
The ambush on the town lasted for a prolonged, heart wrenching half an hour. Within that time span though, the only thing surviving in the town were the wolves' soldiers. Blood painted the walls and floor, still wet. Corpses littered the streets. Some leaned against the wall, arrows protruding from their body. Other corpses had had their eyes scratched out by the birds and were left to battle blind. An appendage could be seen here and there, the bone sticking out and the red muscle tissue visible. A stench began to fill the air. Canku grinned with twisted satisfaction. This was the time for the wolves' to show who they really were. The whole of China was to falter before them, the Imperial government would tremble at their name, the Emperor was the bow before them.
"We move on, gentlemen," he called out to the masses. The guards left behind to watch the prisoners appeared at the rear with Xisong. "China is ours and we shall live off the cream of the land. Shall we move on?"
The whole of the army bellowed out as one, "YES!"
Canku raised his sword above his head.
"Then lead on!"
Sergeants bawled out commands to for into ranks. The army formed into their battalions, companies, and squads with precise execution. Canku turned to the snow leopard, Kar, which had moved beside him.
"Burn the town, nothing but ashes shall remain."
Kar bowed low to Canku.
"And the ashes shall blow away and be forgotten, my Lord."
Xisong moved up next to Canku.
"The Northern fox is back into containment with Kun and Sun. Did you enjoy the battle?"
"More than you could have imagined," said Canku, moving slowly behind Xisong. He moved his paws to wrap around her waist and he nipped at her ears playfully. "I missed you though."
Xisong growled deep in her throat. The couple watched as the army marched before them to continue their dastardly wishes. A figure suddenly stood beside them, panting hard. It was one of their foreign soldiers, a 'cheetah' as he called his species.
"What is it? Why didn't you go through your superior commanders?" asked Canku menacingly, annoyed that this creature were to break him away from his mate.
The cheetah held up a short paw and bowed. Struggling to catch its breath, it was barely able to wheeze out words that made Canku and Xisong's fur stand up with excitement.
"The monkey…has sent…a letter…the bird has..."
"Yes?" encouraged Xisong.
"…left the nest," finished the cheetah.
Canku turned to the direction he knew the Valley of Peace was.
"Say your last words," he whispered to those who inhabited the Valley. Turning away from the breathless cheetah, he went back to his mate. The army was still marching forward past them.
"We will march for an hour. Then we will rest. After that, we continue."
"Yes," cooed Xisong. "But don't forget the pups that you will be fathering."
Canku made a sour face.
"I won't."
Xisong faced Canku, a challenging look in her eye.
"You will do the best you can for your pups. If you don't, it won't be the pups that will be biting at your throat."
Canku took his mate's threat serious. She truly did care for her children – cruel and kind at the same time, such a wonderful personality his mate had.
The monkey hopped over to the postal station. In one hand, two scroll cases were grasped by her fingers; in the other hand, a silver coin was warmed against her palm. Placing the scroll cases on the clerks counter, she said in the most innocent voice she could think of,
"The one on the right is for the Jade Palace. The other one is to be sent to Yaoling village."
The sheep clerk took the scrolls to the back room with a bored expression. The one to be sent to the Jade Palace felt much heavier than the monkey had carried it. He shrugged. Probably some fan sending this to Po or one of the Furious Five, perhaps even Shifu. So much of the stuff circulated this station, it wasn't funny. Animals had to really get a hold of themselves. Dropping each one into its specified bag, the sheep went back to the monkey.
"That'll be a silver for postage."
The monkey handed the silver coin wordlessly to the sheep. The sheep picked it up. After studying it closely, he licked it and bit it. It didn't cave in or show any signs of fraudulence so he plopped it down into the cash register.
"Well off you go," said the sheep. "You're lucky you caught me now, I was going to close up shop. Good paths before you, ma'am."
The monkey blushed and walked out. Immediately her face went stoic. She looked around. Scaling the wall with ease, she moved along the roof to the back of the station. There were few buildings around, as this was the station before the Valley of Peace. She began to lower herself down, but paused as the door swung open. The sheep walked out and headed to a building further away. A soft golden glow came from the windows in the twilight. The door swung back to close, but the female monkey put her tail in the doorframe to keep it from shutting all the way. The sheep didn't seem to notice the absence of the sound of the door hitting the building. Dropping to the ground, landing with an audible thump, she edged her way into the building. The candles had been blown out except for one in the back window. It signaled that mail is here for pick up. She rummaged around in the bags for her scroll case. It was vital that she put a certain wax insignia on it. Eureka, she found it. Taking it out, she placed the wax seal on it. As she did so, she grumbled to herself about such silly needs for this damn secrecy. The wolves' had wanted her to do so, they told her that the clerk might notice the emblem and it would give away the plan. She thought the thing rubbish. A dose of paranoia gone too far. Still, there was nothing as too much caution. No, there was, she admonished herself. And this was it. A bird could have done this much quicker and faster. The seal could have been…
The beat of wings and feet touching grass reached her ears. She checked to make sure the wax symbol was on firmly and she left, placing the case exactly as before. Using the front door as her way out, she hurried into the darkness and back to the camp of the wolves. They said she would meet them in a certain spot and there she would go. The other scroll would reach Yaolin village first and travel to the wolves' faster. When she arrived, they would know.
The messenger goose, garbed in a yellow robe with green fringe, took out his key to the postal station. Unlocking the door, he stepping into the dim room and took hold of the bag. He stared curiously into the bag. He took a few out to see what was from who and other things. This was against Imperial rule, but he liked to peek into the lives of other animals, hopefully more exciting than his. A case caught his attention. The case was bamboo would in the middle with oak dyed red surrounding it. He reached for it and tried to pull it out. It was heavy. A package within most likely was in it. He hefted the case out and examined it. A red seal was noticeable at on of the circular ends. He peered at it. It was authentic. He put the case back and blew out the candle.
The mail had come.
The sun shone above Po's head as he cheerfully walked through the streets. His heroes, the Furious Five walked before him. A passing noodle cart called his name.
"Snack time," he said to himself as he rubbed his paws together. The rotund panda slowed his pace and moved back to the noodle cart. He looked back. Where had the others gone….
"Po," stated Tigress flatly. "You just had a snack."
Po looked at his stomach and looked around at the other four.
"What snack?"
"I think Tigress means all the almond cookies you took from me," said Monkey.
"Oh," said Po, his eyes widened. "That snack. Sorry, Monkey, but they were good. Did you make them?"
Monkey groaned and Tigress rolled her eyes.
"Master Shifu is waiting for us, we should get going," Tigress said, turning back. Po's face dropped. No noodles. As the other four continued on their walk back through the village to the Jade Palace, Tigress looked over her shoulder.
"One bowl wouldn't hurt though, Po."
Po didn't have to be told twice. Gulping down the noodles in record time, he caught up with the Five. His innards were peaceful now along with his mind. Inner peace – just a week ago had he faced Shen in Gongmen City. Not but a week before had he discovered his true identity and gained peace of soul. Yes, a week had passed since Tigress had shown that she wasn't just a steel warrior. No, she was a steel warrior, just with a soft inside. Po was like that, only a little bit less steely and more jelly filled. Now that he thought about it, he was soft on the outside and inside. He gazed at houses in front of him. Rabbit children played in the street. A goat passed by and bowed in respect. Po bowed back and waved him goodbye.
Yet the hurts of the past still followed Po. Learning his past had brought memories of pain. His mother, the one who he had never known fully, was dead; his father, most likely gone, passed and gone to the Heavens with his mother. Yet the wounds weren't just on the inside. Tigress had taken a cannonball for Po, unable to see her friend hurt again. The four had fought alongside them as the Shen's cannon blew through the boats. The shrapnel had hurt the other four. Po's face, usually smiling, turned into a frown at the thought of his friend laying on the debris, hurt. He saw Crane laugh at a joke from Mantis. It was better now. Wounds heal and the scars of the past fade into oblivion.
"Hey, Po," called Mantis. "You still don't like stairs right?"
Po shook his head.
"No way! I hate 'em. Why do you ask…oh."
Po bent his head back to stare at the Jade Palace – and the steps that led up to it. He could face some of the most notorious villains in China, yet stairs still were his number one foe.
"I'm bringing you to justice, stairs!"
Po started up the staircase. Less than fifty steps later and he already felt a burn in his legs. The Five passed him.
"C'mon guys," Po wheezed. He continued upward. He saw Shifu standing at the entrance of the Jade Palace. In the red panda's hand held Oogway's staff, the ring of gold around the upper portion where it had snapped in the fight against Tai Lung. It was not good to keep the Master waiting. Po resumed his struggle up.
Shifu sighed as he watched Po try and walk up the flight of steps. He rolled his eyes. No matter what he did, Po couldn't climb stairs.
I should get myself some tea, he thought to himself. Shifu chuckled. It felt good to smile and laugh again. Po had brought Shifu inner peace, something that still amazed him. The Five reached the top, Po still thirty steps below, gasping for air. Grasping the top, Po finally pulled himself up.
"Yeah!"
Po punched the air with both fists.
"A record time," said Shifu dryly. "Now, how did your fight go with the crocodile bandits? I assume the items they stole have been returned?"
"Yes, Master," said Tigress.
"Good," said Shifu. "Training calls. Follow me."
Shifu led the Five and Po to the Training Hall and stopped. He turned around to face them.
"Today, we will not train in the Hall. Instead, I have something else planned."
Forgoing the Training Hall, the group of six followed Shifu outside the Palace walls and to an area beyond it. The Dragon Cave. The carving of the dragon staring with judging eyes at them, the steady dripping sound of water hitting water, and the calmness that permeated the air met Po. This was where only the Master's came to meditate.
"Physically, you are strong. Mentally, you are strong. We have done many physical training exercises, so here is one of physical and mental control. It is simple, yet effective."
Shifu motioned toward six poles with a leaf of a lotus flower at its tip.
"Using the staffs, balance yourself on the top of the staff with the lotus flower bottom on the ground. When dinner is ready and I come back, the leaf shall have no hole in it and you shall be still balanced on top. Control, balance, and patience is key to this."
The Five wordlessly got their staffs and began to get up in their preferred poses.
Po just stared wide-eyed at his staff.
"Panda, are you afraid of the staff?" asked Shifu.
Po snorted.
"No – but it may be scared of my, uh, stomach."
"No need to worry, Po. That stick could support Master Rhino."
Nodding, yet still a bit worried, Po grabbed the pole and did like Shifu asked.
Po got into a position with one foot resting on the pole, his other foot pressing against his inner thigh and his arms outstretched. The rotund panda wobbled a bit before getting himself balanced. Shifu looked at his students; each one had their eyes closed and were perfectly still, except Po. He was still wobbling a bit. Nodding in satisfaction, the Grand Master limped off. This was a tough way to relax, the way Oogway would have told him to do so. Shifu smiled slightly as he headed toward the Hall of Warriors. The massive doors opened effortlessly as Shifu's thin hands pushed on them. The candles had been set up, each on lit and the room was illuminated by a soft, golden glow. The scent of lilac wafted over to the red panda's sensitive nose. The jade pillars passed by him on his way to the Dragon Pool. Along his way, the weapons of legend seemed to jump out at him. He looked this way and that; he had memories of the sage tortoise telling him the tale behind each one. Fond memories surfaced. He pushed them out and emptied his mind. Sitting on the stone floor, Shifu assumed the lotus position. Now was his time to relax.
"Inner peace," he mused to himself.
"Hey, guys, how are you doing that?" Po whispered loudly. Balance while standing still was something he needed to work on. Viper uncoiled herself a bit and opened one eye.
"It's hard to explain. You just have to find out what makes you become even."
Mantis chuckled,
"Even with that weigh in front of you."
"What weight? Oh, not cool," said Po, glancing at his stomach. Mantis just chuckled again, Monkey bit back laughter. "Now, to find out how to become even."
Po shifted his position. He immediately felt a bit more stability. He moved an arm down a bit. Moew stability seemed to come to him. Finally, Po bent his right arm so that his right paw was facing left. Po felt rock steady. He sighed. Inner peace and balance, what more could you ask for? Dumplings, he thought to himself.
"How long do we have to stay here?" asked Po, fiddling with his thumbs.
"However long Shifu says so," replied Tigress without opening her eyes.
Po's mouth formed an o. Shifu could be gone for a while. He might as well get comfy. He took a deep breathe and closed his eyes.
Tigress's eyes snapped open as a thunderous sound echoed throughout the Dragon Cave. Keeping herself steady, she looked around. Nothing was out of the ordinary. The water continued dripping methodically, giving no second thought to the tiger. The motionless dragon statue stood there, an unmoving beast of old. Another sound rocked the Cave. Tigress rolled her eyes as she realized it was Po. The monochromatic bear had fallen asleep. The panda continued to astound her – in a different way. First, he had been able to down twenty bowls of dumplings and still have room for dessert. Then, not just two days before Gongmen City, he had fit forty bean buns into his gaping mouth. Now he had fallen asleep and still kept his balance on the flower petal. As she studied the panda, she felt a warm, fuzzy sensation go over her. She shook it off. Ever since that conversation on the boat with Po, she had been overcome with emotions for Po. Her lithe body kept rigid still even as she fought with herself. Love? No, her training was more important and such a relationship would cause distractions to everybody in the Palace. But, never before had someone captured her attention like him. Never before had she been in a romantic relationship. She had felt alienated from most and very few ever talked to her like a friend besides the Five and Shifu. Then, the bumbling black and white bear came crashing from the sky down in front of her. The Dragon Warrior, Oogway had said. Tigress remembered her disgust for him at first. It changed from hatred to respect – now it had changed once again, something close to love yet not quite. A voice in the back of her head cautioned love. Po wasn't the right guy for her. He was just a friend. A close friend. Tigress shook her ochre head violently as she pushed those thoughts from her mind. Focus on what lay beforehand. Love couldn't, wouldn't, interfere with training. Po was just a good friend.
A gong sounded. As one, the kung fu Masters snapped their eyes open. After six and a half hours had Shifu now called them. Tigress leaned over and tapped Po.
"It wasn't me," he said woozily.
"You're right," said Tigress. "It wasn't. But you will be late for dinner if you don't hurry."
As Tigress bounded away with the speed of her species, Po kept his gazed locked onto her. Such a wonderful woman. Po laughed a bit as he jogged off. The word dinner still rang in his head. Dinner and Tigress, and maybe the rest of the Five to accompany them – that would have been the best combination ever! Po laughed silently as realized he got it every day.
Now, what's for dinner?
As Po passed the entrance gates into the grounds, he spotted Zeng, the messenger goose.
"Hey, Zeng!" Po called. "Anything for me?"
Zeng looked up for the source of the voice. He spotted Po.
"Oh, no," he stammered. "Just a letter from Master Ox concerning the rebuilding of the Tower of Sacred Flame in Gongmen City, but nothing else really."
Po nodded his head.
"Gotcha, see you round!"
Po stepped sneakily around the student barracks. Maybe he could get to the dinning area before Shifu could. The table had been set, with the noodle soup already laid out before them. The clatter of silverware and dishes colliding met his ears. The Five were already eating. The tick of chopsticks could also be heard. Tigress was having tofu. The only thing he couldn't hear was the Grand Master's voice.
"Would you like to join them?" came Shifu's voice from behind him.
Po whirled and bowed at the same time, something he had gotten good at.
"Master Shifu," he said.
"Well go on, you're not late yet," said Shifu, gesturing the door frame.
"Thank you."
The red panda nodded as Po shuffled into the room. Pulling out his wooden chair, recently smoothed, he sat down heavily. Ignoring the spoon, Po went straight for the bowl. Slurping loudly, Po downed the noodles with ease. His stomach gurgled for more. Getting up, he poured himself a second helping.
"You know, panda, spoons are a novel idea. Try using one, I insist," said Shifu.
Po picked up the spoon on the table and took a massive serving from his dish and gobbled it down.
"Sorry Master," Po apologized. "Just sitting up there made me hungry."
"Ah, speaking of that, how did the exercise go? I trust that you brought back the petal."
Reaching into their pockets, they pulled out the petals. Other than being slightly crumpled, each one was perfect. Shifu cleared his throat.
"Good work, each of you."
"Thank you, Master," was the immediate response.
"After dinner, you may retire for the night. I would like that each of you to be in bed by midnight though, tomorrow we begin training again."
The Grand Master pushed back his seat and walked out of the room. Crane pulled out wooden board.
"Anyone up for a game of mahjong?" he asked.
Everyone shook their head.
"I'm not playing you again, Crane," said Monkey. "It's like you cheat!"
Crane feigned a shocked expression.
"Excuse me, when have I ever cheated?"
"Nobody wants to play?"
"I'll play you!" said Po. "I don't think I've ever played a game of mahjong with you. You ready for awesomeness?"
"I'm sure he is, Po," said Mantis.
"I'll play to," said Tigress. "I'll be on Po's team."
Po was elated. Master Tigress was going to sit next to him and actually play a game on his team! Best game ever! As Tigress sat next to the panda, Po could feel his ears get hot. Never too good with girls, Po rarely spent much time around them. Now to have the first girl he truly cared about sitting next to him was almost more than he could handle. The next hours or so were going to be heaven.
Crane looked at Tigress. He squinted at her.
"Two heads are said to be better than one," he mused.
Monkey leapt to Crane's side of the board.
"I'm going to win a mahjong match at least once, so I'll be on your team Crane."
Viper and Mantis were left on the far side of the table, watching the two team's battle in mahjong. Occasionally, they gave advice, but other than that, they just watched. It seemed that having Tigress and Po together were more than a match for Crane. Yet it was only with Monkey's help that Crane managed to win.
"C'mon!" Po exclaimed. "And we were so close too!"
Tigress felt just a little bit defeated at loosing the game.
"Yes we were."
And more than just close in the game too, she thought. During the game, she had noticed how Po scooted closer to her till they were touching. If he did it on purpose or accident, Tigress didn't ask him. Crane put to the game away and after quick goodnights, they retired to their chambers. Candlelight went out from each room except Crane's. He preferred to stay up later and practice calligraphy. As Po sank into his cot, with the covers just big enough to cover his large body, he thought back on the game. The fur of Tigress brushing up against his, slight as it was. The steady up and down movement of her chest as she breathed. Her warm, fierce golden eyes staring intently at the game and Po. Her black and orange fur taking on a glisten in the red glow of stove with the softer glow of candles and fading moonlight peeping in through the windows. Po smiled as he remembered when Tigress scrunched up her face just a bit after Crane had done a particular sly move. Love plagued him like no disease could. It followed him around and let his imagination run free. A nagging doubt seemed to lodge itself in Po's mind though. As much as he liked Tigress, was it really a good romance to follow. It could be, or it could not be. With thoughts of Tigress, Po drifted to sleep.
Darkness blanketed the Valley of Peace. The pacifist villagers blew out the fires and lanterns that gave artificial brightness during night time. The indoor fires still blazed to give heat during the cool of the night. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees, caressing them goodnight. The babbling streams let their lullabies reach the moon, trying to lull it to sleep. The village was asleep from the daily bustle of life. No longer did the clamor of voices mix with the beat of feet on the cobblestone roads. The sun had hidden itself and had taken away its heat with them. From the mountain above them, the Jade Palace towered above them, watching the village from its lofty peak. Finally, the last lights were extinguished – all but one. Within the farthest corners of his house, Zeng held the heavy case that he had picked up in his stops on his mail route. In the dark of the house on that run, he hadn't noticed the writing in dark blue ink that ran around the bamboo casing. He read it meticulously, not daring to miss a single character. The instructions were clear. A group of three needed to be found. They were to be dressed in a certain way. This called for a short trip to the village of Guanghao – a short day's travel for round trip. After that, his master's bidding would be fulfilled. Gathering a few of his possessions for the journey, he locked the door and flapped off. Shifu and the rest of the inhabitants of the Jade Palace could wait for the mail.
The familiar gong sounded in Po's ear. Time to wake up. Yawning widely, he flopped onto the floor and got up. The second gong rang. He had to be out the door now! Flinging the door open, he faced Tigress, who was standing there, with her paws behind her back. He glanced up the hallway to where Master Shifu was standing. The other four were standing to attention. Po had been just a fraction late.
"Sorry Master, I promise I'll be on time tomorrow," apologized Po.
"I will be waiting for you tomorrow right at that door," said Shifu. "I hope you are there, otherwise no second helpings for breakfast."
Po nodded rapidly. There was no way on this earth that he would miss second helpings of breakfast. That was the worst punishment ever he could think of.
The kung fu Master's had a quick warm up in the Training Hall before breakfast. Shifu watched with silent admiration for his students. They worked hard each day and they were always improving. He was extra careful to not make the same mistakes he had with Tai Lung or least one become like him, though the Grand Master doubted it. His students were the best anyone could ask for, each of them individuals yet together at once. Nothing escaped the Grand Master's ever watching gaze. He noticed the longing glances Po cast at Tigress and vice versa. Not that there was anything wrong with love. No, he was just worried how it might affect them. He didn't want something to happen to them or if the relationship when awry that a rift would separate them from working as a team if they were in danger. He prayed to the Heaven's for the best to come out of it. With the eye of a Master cognoscente, the red panda noted how Tigress's form didn't waver as she moved with ease from one of the twisted, moving ropes. A loud, "Haaaah" was heard. Monkey acrobatically flew through the air in the rungs hanging above from the ceilings. Mantis and Crane were sparring on the jade bowl. Viper dodged around the flames that jetted up from the floor beneath, leaping as high as the flames sometimes. His attention turned to Po. The panda knocked aside one of the appendages from the wooden column. It spun around, moving others around it. The large panda moved with surprising agility, weaving in and out of the deadly limbs. Po punched out, breaking the top off one. He continued without notice. The panda was getting much better too, Shifu reflect on. He truly was the Dragon Warrior.
"Good work, students!" called out Shifu. "Po, it is your time to make breakfast. Let us go."
The aging red panda waved his hand at the six. Stopping from their current activities, they walked out of the Hall and off to the dinning hall. Po got the water up to a boil and poured in the rice. As he stirred he hummed to himself. He started swaying his rear end in beat with his imaginary music. He felt his butt bump into someone. A clatter of dishes followed. Lifting the spoon from the rice, he turned to see Tigress on the floor surrounded by bowls.
"Po, watch your rear," she said, with irritation.
"Sorry," said Po, sneaking a bit of rice. "Mmmm, this is good. You'll like it."
It turned out that Tigress did like the breakfast of rice. Po had experimented and put a dash of lemon and pepper in it. Surprisingly, it was a very good meal. After breakfast, the six kung fu masters headed to the Training Hall again. Master Shifu on the other paw walked up to the Sacred Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom. It was there he had said his last goodbyes to Oogway, the sage tortoise. Oogway had been his close friend and almost like a second father. Oogway had helped him through the dark days after Tai Lung and had helped him make what he hoped to be good decisions with training the others. Even through all this, he still felt troubled inside. It wasn't until Po came along and Shifu trusted in Po that he had realized how chaotic his mind was. With Tai Lung gone, he had found peace. Now, he felt it a duty to visit Oogway's favorite spot to pay homage to him – or maybe it was that he still missed the tortoise. Shifu reached the overhang where the Tree was located. He looked at the other, smaller peach tree growing beside the old one. He smiled sadly as he remembered that night. That night, he had inadvertently planted the peach seed and Oogway had covered it with soil, telling Shifu that maybe a peach tree could defeat Tai Lung. If you are to nurture it, to believe in it, the tortoise had said. Shifu looked out at the Valley below him. The mist had risen from the ground and his impeccable hearing could already pick out the noise from the city. A rustle in the branches caused one of his ears to flick backwards. Still the winds blew, peach leaves rushing around him. He twisted his torso around to face the steps behind him. Po stood their, huffing and puffing.
"Sorry, stairs again."
"What do you want Po?" he asked, though not harshly.
"Just comin' up for no reason," said Po absently, plopping down next to Shifu. The red panda gave the giant panda some room.
"There is always a cause for something, Po."
Po looked at Shifu.
"Yeah, ok, there is a reason."
The Grand Master looked away from Po, straining his eyes to reach past the farthest mountains.
"What is it?"
"I dunno," said Po truthfully.
Shifu looked at Po peculiarly.
"How about I try and help you with it? Perhaps it is about your training?"
Po shook his head – no.
"One of the Furious Five?"
Po pursed his lips. He suddenly felt very self-conscious asking this. His courage faltered. Later, he promised himself.
"No," he lied.
The Grand Master just nodded.
"Then what is it?"
Po's mind rushed at a million miles per hour. He stared at the sun, then at the mountains.
"Hey, here's a question, what lies east of here? Like, way past those mountains?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering."
"Since you asked, I will tell you. There are many villages and rivers past this. You headed west to Gongmen City, right? Well, other than lots of villages, there are two major cities that have made a real name for themselves. One is the Imperial City, as I'm sure you know of."
"Who doesn't?" snorted Po.
Shifu continued,
"Another one is Mengyou City."
Po sat up.
"I've read about that one. Isn't it the city split in two? A river splitting into two also runs in the middle? They have a lord and lady there ruling over them, right? What are they again, I always forget their names."
"The Lord Kun Zhu and Lady Sun Nushi are the rulers there. And yes, you are right with the description. I have been there but once on a journey with Oogway. It is a marvelous place, though I prefer the Valley of Peace."
Po looked past the mountains.
"Could we go there?"
Shifu sighed, such excitement and energy. Why couldn't he have more of that?
"Maybe later, but for now, you have to get back to your training. You aren't even supposed to be here. Tell the Five I will be down for lunch."
As the lively panda jogged down the stairs, Shifu positioned himself in the lotus form. The world went dark as he closed his eyes. He felt the energy of the universe flow around him. He could feel the vibes of the peach tree. The dirt teemed with life. Everything seemed at peace. Even though the stars were not visible in the daytime, Shifu could see the light coming from the sky above. Time had no meaning to him as he sat there. A Grand Master in this state could stay like this for ages. Only the gong telling him it was lunchtime made him get up. Inner peace was the perfect harmony. Nothing could get better than that. With inner peace, nothing is impossible. The Furious Five were constantly working on receiving inner peace and they were close. Po already had inner peace. The simplest thing had granted him this – but he was one to like the simplest aspects of life. Shifu smiled. After such a long time of not smiling during the incarceration of Tai Lung, it felt new and fresh to show such emotions again. As Shifu entered the mess hall, he could already smell the mouthwatering aromas coming from it. The panda was cooking again and his was the best the Jade Palace had ever come by. He sat himself at the table and wordlessly took the bowl handed to him. Conversation started up again. It was times like these everyone treasured.