Authors Note:

Well if you made it past the prologue congrats! Don't worry we'll see those five nice youngsters again. Rightnow we'll step back to the Jade Palace and see how Po and the Furious Five are dealing with the daily rigors of being kung fu masters.

Chapter 1

The Dragon Warriors Day Out

Po: "All was quite in the Valley of Peace, except for a couple of noisy street vendors but never mind that. The awesome, bodacious, totally epic Dragon Warrior had just defeated the hordes of Mongolian demons, rescuing the Furious Five and all of China. Everyone was at peace when…."

A duck, managing his apple cart, goes to pick up a fallen apple when several others start to cascade off his cart. The ground started to shake as the Duck looked down the empty street expecting the fat panda to come waltzing by. Then, out of no where, several villagers hurried past the cart without so much as a hello. Mr. Liu came, panting, up to the apple cart. "Yo-you have to go it…it's coming!" "What…. is Master Tigress having another one of her episodes?" "No-no it's…." The Duck began to back away from his cart a look of pure terror plastered on his face. "A giant dumpling?" "Uh yes but how did you know?" The duck simply gestured to Mr. Liu who turned around in response. Liu stood face to face with a huge row of jagged teeth spewing hot dumpling breath. "Oh…well that answers my question." GGGRRRRROOOOOAAAARRRR!The demonic dumpling stood a towering 40ft x12ft wide with accompanying noodle appendages. One of the noodily tentacles snaked its way around Liu's leg hoisting him up to the creatures mouth, a tasty morsel for it's insatiable appetite. "HHHEEELLLPPPP! Please don't eat me I'm all skin and bones." Mr. Liu pleaded with the mindless beast hoping there was some reasoning in that steaming heap of noodles and meat. The creature unhinged it's jaw preparing to scarf down the poor villager. "Hold it right there buddy!"

"It's the Dragon Warrior, we're saved!" The mighty Dragon Warrior, draped in a jade sash and sedge hat, stared down the gnarled al dente beast. Several convenient tumbleweeds rustled between the two foes as a Giorgio Moroder tune played off in the distance. "Nobody eats innocent villagers on my watch. Nobody!" The grizzly beast edged closer to the fearless hero, dropping Mr. Liu without hesitation. "That's right…I'm talking to you ugly." AAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHH! A horrid growl emanated from the creatures gullet lined with columns of twisted fangs. The dumplings demonic howls echoed throughout the village causing the nearby spectators to quake in fear. Po, unfazed, placed one of his paws into the satchel wrapped around his waist. Sigh "I was hoping I wouldn't have to do this but you leave me no choice…" Between his index and forefinger the panda revealed a fresh steamed dumpling. The creatures crimson eyes constricted into slits, visibly entranced by the bold warriors actions. Po lifted the delectable morsel to his muzzle, taking a prolonged lick. The dumpling monster inched ever closer clearly infuriated by this distasteful act. "Mmmm… your mommy is delicious." GRRRRR…A deep growl began to echo from the approaching behemoth.

Mr. Liu looked on puzzled by the events unfolding. "Wait…he's going to beat it with a dumpling?" "Shut up!" Several of the other villagers snickered as they watched their fearless hero taunt the infuriated beast. Po gently placed the dumpling into his mouth, by now the creature was visibly enraged as steam began to rise from it's pasta skin. Chomp! The Dragon Warrior began to slowly chew the dumpling, savoring each bite. Gllllluuuup! "Dude your family tastes great!" GRRRRAAAAAARRRRRRGHHHH! The Dumpling Monster charged at Po, flailing it's noodily appendages into the earth beneath. Only inches from the creatures tentacles the Dragon Warrior vanished causing the dumpling to stop dead in it's tracks. The creature sniffed the air for it's foes scent. "Looking for me?!" Gasp! The crowd and monster looked up at Po, now on a nearby roof. "You like that? It's my new technique called instantrans-uh…location. Yeah that's it instant translocation." The creature swiped it's noodle tentacle into the roof causing it's entire exterior to collapse. "Ha…missed me again noodle breath!" RAAAARRRRR! The monstrous dumpling grew ever more enraged by the pandas taunts. "Now to put an end to your evil pasta ways!"

Po disrobed his sash and sedge hat, revealing an incredibly toned upper body and six pack. "Ahhh!" Several nearby female bystanders collapsed, overwhelmed at the sight of Po's extremely attractive finely toned muscles rippled beneath his black and white fur as the panda assumed his fighting stance. Once more the dumpling monster charged the Dragon Warrior. Po easily dogged the onslaught jumping over the ghastly creature. "Everyone close your eyes!" GRRRRRAAAAUHHHHGGGG! The creature spun around, noodle and meat dripping from it's grotesque mouth. It's crimson orbs opened in terror as it realized what the panda was attempting. "Skadoosh!" Villagers shielded there eye's from the blinding light that enveloped the entire valley. BANG! Heaps of noodle and sautéed' meat showered down on the village blanketing the victorious Dragon Warrior and nearby spectators.

"Son?" Mr. Ping waddled out from amongst the crowd of dumpling covered villagers with barely a shred of the creatures innards on him and a look of absolute glee across his beak. "Oh hey dad." The buff panda tried to act casual amongst the cheers of joyous villagers. "This is fantastic Po!" "But won't you lose business from all this free food scattered everywhere?" "Non-sense we have enough monster parts here to supply us for months! Now help your old man clean this lucrative mess up." "Sure thing dad just lemme' find my sash…" "Panda is everything all right?! We came as soon as we heard the commotion." Master Shifu had arrived with the Furious Five in tow. "Yes Master I had the situation totally under control… I was like kaboom and he was all like raaawwwww, then I did the Golden Lotus Clap and he was like kabloooy!" Shifu and the other masters listened intently to the Dragon Warriors epic recap on his battle with the Dumpling Demon but there was one master oddly missing, Tigress. "Po you surpass even my own skills as a true master." The little Red Panda bowed to the bodacious warrior. "Yea Po, you really showed that creep who was boss." Master Monkey chimed in. "Awesome work Po…Good job…Way to go Po!" Masters Crane, Viper, and Mantis all applauded the victorious panda yet he was still troubled by the absence of the one he sought commendation from the most.

"Drop something?" The pandas ears perked up and his little fuzzy tail began to wag in compliance to the soothing sensual voice. Turning around two exquisite amber eye's looked back at the panda, melting away all the thoughts in his head. They reached into his soul caressing his mind with an unimaginable warmth. "What's wrong my love?" A look of worry spread across the South China Tigers face. Po felt her paws caress his muscled chest, running through his dumpling covered fur. "Uh…uh nothing Ti I was just." "Shhhh." The master placed her index finger over the dumbfounded pandas lips. "It's alright my Dragon Warrior you should rest. That was quite the battle even for you." Tigress draped the emerald sash back over her beloved Dragon Warrior, gently rubbing her muzzle against his neck. "Ppppuuurrrrrrr" "Oh man I think I'm gonna faint!" Po struggled to keep his composure as the tiger slowly wrapped her arms around his muscular frame inching her muzzle closer and closer to his. "I think your girlfriend owes you a kiss after that battle wouldn't you say so my bodacious warrior?" Po clung to every word as if it were a life preserver keeping him from going over the cliff that was quickly approaching. "Po? My beloved Dragon Warrior?- Hello?" The soothing feline voice had some how turned into that of Master Mantis. "Wake Up!" "Po?" "Hello!"

The pandas eye's struggled to adjust to the bright sunlight shining in through the open window above his cot. "Sheesh, finally your awake!" Master Mantis looked down at the groggy panda. "Shifu sent me to get your lazy butt outta of bed." "What- I was just…" "You've already missed the morning practice, Shifu ain't happy! And believe me this is worse than the time with the Mongolian Fist Demon!" Po shot out of his cot. "Oh man! I over slept Shifu is gonna kill me!" "That's what I've been trying to tell you. Now let's go!" "Hey Mantis wait!" The aggravated insect poked his head around the door frame. "What?!" "I had the most awesome, epic, and amazing dream ever!" Po looked up at the ceiling with a grin as thoughts of his wonderful dream returned. "Yea I know! (Laughing) You were going all gaga over Tigress again." "What? No, I was fighting an evil demon and protecting the valley!" "Heh sure…. that's why you kept saying her name over and over again." Po could feel the blood being to rush to his face, luckily his fur concealed it, or so he hoped. "I-" "Forget it Po let's just get to the training hall before old Shifu blows a fuse."

"Yaaaaahhh" Crack, Pop. A crescendo of broken objects and battle cries emanated from training hall. Po cautiously entered through towering double doors, munching down on some of Master Monkey's famous almond cookies. Each master went about their rigorous training regiments paying little mind to the 400lb Panda in the room. "Hey look, Rip Van Winkle finally decided to show up for practice!" Master Monkey jeered from the Jade Tortoise of Wisdom. "Yeah it's about time you showed up Po we were starting to get worried." Master Crane swooped down from Seven Talon Rings. "Leave him alone guy's he deserved the rest after that nasty battle with Temutai yesterday." Master Viper tried her best to speak in Po's defense. Grunt "It wasn't like any of us were there to. But he is the "Dragon Warrior" so it's only right he get's to sleep while we work our fists to the bone." Tigress sneered as she pummeled the Gauntlet of Wooden Warriors.

"It's ok Viper…it was wrong of me to sleep in like that." "Ha, you actually want us to accept that as an apology!" Tigress slowly approached the Panda. "Uh yeah…I said I was sorr-" "How many times are you going to make excuses for your poor actions Po?! You're a master of the Jade Palace, the Dragon Warrior, sleeping in and missing half a day's training is putting all of us in danger." Tigress continued to scold Po for his actions while the Dragon Warrior became visibly uncomfortable with his friends tirade. "But I-" "You what Po? What other poor excuse could you think up in that thick brain of yours?!" "OH YEAH! WELL AT LEAST THERE'S MORE TO MY LIFE THAN TRAINING ALL DAY AND NIGHT!" Po's sudden outburst took the Furious Five by surprise. "You wanna say that again fat boy?" Tigress assumed a fighting stance preparing to strike down the ignorant Panda. "Why don't you make me….kitty." "THAT'S IT!" The enraged Tiger lunged at Po ready to beat him into a black and white pulp. "That is enough!" Shifu's still voice cut through the tension like a soldering iron, planting his staff between the two feuding masters. "Forgive me master!" "I'm sorry master!" "I am greatly disappointed in the both you. Your actions show a lack of communication and gross neglect for teamwork. And just when I had thought you and the Panda had come to accept one another." Whispering "Heh yeah as lovers." Mantis and Monkey shared a brief laugh at the others expense until Tigress shot them a death glare.

"Master, Po treats these training sessions like a joke, I'm fearful for our safety…under her breath… for his." "True, he does not take much of what we do here seriously but time and again he's proven the great Master Oogway right. Dragon Warrior, what explanation do you have for your careless actions?" Po rubbed his portly frame trying his best to compose an adequate answer for the waiting Red Panda. "I-uh, I was trying to-" Tigress stepped in before Po could dig himself any deeper. "Master I'm the one at fault. Po had apologized for his actions but I continued to scold him for his consistent lack of interest in training." "Very well… Tigress you're tasked with cleaning both this training hall and The Sacred Hall by sundown." Bowing "Yes master." Po tried to thank Tigress for taking the heat but she merely brushed past him without a word. Way to go Po! You're a real pal letting her take the blame for something you started. I'll never amount to anything in her eyes. "Panda?" Master Shifu stole the Dragon Warrior away from his mental monologue. "Yes master?" "I have something important to discuss with you." Oh great now he's gonna totally thrash me for missing this mornings training session!" "The rest of you can continue with your training." All: Yes Master!

The two masters wandered out into the empty palace courtyard amidst the shimmering midday sun. "Po, have you ever heard of attaining enlightenment?" "I-n-l-I-g-h-t-enment? Is that like some super secret awesome move that only you know? AWESOME!" Po began to giddily jump around in his usual fan-boy demeanor. "It's called Enlightenment Po. No, it is not a "super secret" move but rather a key to unlocking your full potential as Dragon Warrior." The Panda looked perplexed at his masters vague explanation. "Full potential? Haven't I already become a bodacious kung fu fighting machine?" "Yes you've grown into quite the skilled master shattering even my own expectations Po, but in order to truly gain the power of the Dragon Warrior you must become one with the universe." "One with the universe…wait a sec…doesn't that mean I have to…die?!" The red panda rubbed is temple, struggling to maintain his patience. " No Panda! Becoming one with the universe does not mean you have to die." "But then how do I attain this e-n-l-I-g-h-t-e-n-m-e-n-t thingy?" "That is what I've been trying to explain if you'll just let me finish!" "Oh ok, sorry master!"

Enlightenment is a path only two masters have ever achieved…. Oogway and Master Kai-Shek Fu both attained enlightenment through years of intense meditation. Together they discovered the true nature of the universe and our place in it, creating Kung Fu. They sought a knowledge far beyond that of any mortal creature, beyond normal Kung Fu. Each master chose a different path. Oogway remained in The Valley of Peace protecting it's inhabitants and building the Jade Palace. Kai-Shek journeyed to the Pamir Mountains becoming a hermit and living in solitude. Each master gained exceptional knowledge and power, somehow understanding all event's before they occurred. A power which led Master Oogway to choose you as Dragon Warrior. You are the rightful heir to this knowledge Po. You've been handed the keys to unlocking the nature of Kung Fu, the nature of the universe.

Po's mouth stood agape at his masters incredible explanation. "Whoa, that is seriously epic!" "Epic, indeed." "But how long did you say it took Oogway and Kai-Shek to discover enlightenment?" "Oh, about 150 years or so of meditation." "Huh, 150 years…. 150 YEARS OF MEDITATION! I can't meditate for 150 years! I'm lucky if I can meditate for 150 seconds!" Shifu smirked at Po's horror toward the prospect of meditating for over a century. "Panda you're forgetting how quickly you discovered inner peace. What took me almost 30 years took you several days." "Yea, but I was almost killed by a cannon ball and came to terms with the death of my entire race. Wait…I'm not gonna have to almost die again am I?!" "Pack your things Po, we leave for the Sacred Cave of Sorrows at first light tomorrow." "But I'm not going to have to almost die again right?! Shifu? Shifu?! The red panda had disappeared leaving Po to grapple with the daunting challenge that lay ahead.

Later, Jade Palace Barracks:

The air was filled with the sweet succulent aroma of Po's secret ingredient soup. "Mmmhhh this is…words can't even describe how good this is Po!" Mantis lauded through his noodle filled mouth. "Yeah Po, your cooking just keeps getting better and better! Is there any limit to it?" Monkey spewed, barely able to steal himself away from the mouth watering dish. Slurp"Looks like your Kung Fu isn't the only thing that's improved Po! I'm ready for seconds!" Crane had managed to devour the meal in mere minutes a testament to the Pandas culinary masterwork. "Is everything alright Po?" Viper turned her attention to the normally loquacious Panda. The Dragon Warrior looked across the table, meal untouched, and gaze fixed upon Master Tigress. The tiger had not touched her meal or uttered a single word since the incident in the training hall. "Po you haven't even touched your dinner? Are you feeling alright?" Her turquoise eye's met Po's empty stare snapping him back to reality. "Oh, yeah viper I'm fine." "Po's not eating…Oh no, that could mean only one thing…the worlds coming to end?!" Mantis teased as he continued to enjoy eating his equivalent body size in noodles. Viper shot the insect a look of disdain for his callous remarks.

"What's wrong Po? Something is clearly troubling you. You'd have finished your dinner and have us all hysterically laughing by now." The snake slithered her way over to the troubled Panda. "You know you can tell us anything Po, we're all friends here." Viper tried her best to diagnose the Dragon Warrior's strange behavior. "Po?" Assuming the role of den mother, Viper poked and prodded the depressed panda, checking for any signs of illness. "Why don't you ask Ms. Fortress of Solitude over there." Monkey gestured to the silent tiger staring down at her plate of now cold noodles. "Tigress do you have something to say?" Tigress pushed her dinner aside coldly uttering. "I'll be in the training hall if anyone needs me." "Wow what was that about." Mantis and the other's awkwardly tried their best to change the topic. "So Mantis did your new acupuncture kit come yet?" "Nah, they said it take about 30days to get here. I'm tellin' ya the Kung Fu Express should change their name to the Kung Fu Snail, am I right?" "Yeah, Po here's still waiting on those new nunchucks." Monkey patted the stoic Panda on the shoulder. "Guy's I have to go eh….take care of something." The Dragon Warrior excused himself from the table. "Wait Po you forgot…" Viper extended her tail to the primate about to go after his comrade. "Leave him be Monkey. He's got something he has to take care of." "Oh I get it! He's going to apologize to-" "So that's what's going on." Crane finally caught on to the issue at hand. "Jeez so much drama! Why can't they be up front about anything? Me I'd just get it out there and leave it at that." "Because they know what's inappropriate unlike you Mantis." Viper quipped at the obnoxious insect.

Sigh"Here goes nothing…." Po mustered up what little courage he could to enter the training hall, gently pushing open the massive double doors. Yaaaaaaay! Crack Tigress was busy decimating the gauntlet of wooden warriors, reducing each manikin to splinters with a single hit. This was a horrible idea! What were you thinking Po?! She's going to turn me into a Panda Shish Kabob! "Come to gloat about your victory?" Oh crap she saw me. The glare from those two hellfire amber eye's sent shivers up his spine but were oddly attractive in some way. "Uh hi Tigress I just wanted to-" "What, have you come to unleash further humiliation upon me as you did this morning?"

Tigress struggled to maintain her tough girl persona as she watched the obese panda comically make his way into the gauntlet of wooden warriors. I want to punch that stupid look off his face and yet he still manages to make me laugh. Laugh…that's one thing no one else has ever managed to do. I've always been filled with so much anger and focus yet he always seem to take the edge off of everything. Pant "No I….struggling to catch his breath…I wanted to apologize for earlier." Her cold stare gave way to a look of total surprise. "I'm sorry about what I said…about you not having anything besides training. The truth is I'm jealous of how awesome you manage to be. Making everything look so easy while I can't even make it out of bed at the right time. You do have something besides training… you have Shifu, Monkey, Mantis, Crane, Viper-" "And you Dragon Warrior." Po was struck by the interjection.

"I know I can be a little harsh sometimes…" That's an understatement. "But I do it to ensure you and the others continue to be the best you can be. To never weaken and always be ready for a formidable opponent like Shen or Tai Lung." She placed her paw on the pandas shoulder causing an explosion of emotions he hadn't felt since Gongmen City. "I…care greatly about you Po…and I don't want to ever see you end up in a situation like the fireworks factory again." Oh man is this a dream again? No it can't be a dream… is she gonna? "The truth is… you are like a brother to me Po." All the emotions and romantic fantasy's drained away from the Dragon Warriors mind. "I would never let my brother into harms way if I felt he was not prepared." "I-never knew you felt that way Tigress…" Darn it I'll never find my true love! Way to go Romeo…guess I'm stuck as a big fat single panda for the rest of my life. "Thank you Po. Friends?" The tiger extended her paw to the emotionally confused panda. "Uh, of course Tigress." Po lightheartedly shook her paw. "Heh, I guess I should call you big sis from now on?…" "Don't push it." "Come on let's get back to the others." The tiger placed her paw onto the double doors before Po could reach the handle. "Oh, and one last thing Po." Gulp. The feline glared directly into the Pandas soul. "Call me kitty ever again….and I'll make you whish you stayed back at your noodle shop."