Edited this chapter on 11/18/2021
Episode 2: Brothers for Life (6 - 11)
Chapter VI
Huangdi's Arrival
I. (VI) Kung Fu Demonstration
The sunlight gazed all green and farms near the Valley of Peace. The villagers acted much more positively, and no such anger in every soul. The morning was the only nature of all students and masters, embarking them to prompt their schedule for six days of practice and the seventh day for relaxation. Children desired a fortune story from the Dragon Warrior of how he defeated many such warriors like Tai Lung, including terrors. Peach Tree whispered the blossom, soaring in the overhead of a massive waterfall through Jade Palace and a Student Barrack.
A peach blossom descended on the barrack's platform, the iron bell chiming the morning cheese sunlight. The barrack's door unlatched rapidly from the kick. "Justice is about to be served!" Po announced. The Dragon Warrior bounded, and the Furious Five followed him.
They all dove into the Arena, where Po first met Furious Five, as he wanted to see which Oogway chose a student to become a Dragon Warrior. The old turtle's prophecy was based on which he picked Po. Oogway curiously intrigued creatures where they healed him in a Village of Pandas more than five hundred years ago, a sacred place of healing.
Po and the Five reached for the Training Hall as they had eaten their breakfast before the morning bell; their master advised them to prepare a greeting from the Emperor. The red panda observed his students doing their prep to themselves as Shifu allowed the Five and Dragon Warrior to participate in Tai Chi flows of energy. The Jade Palace Masters had attention on something to partake the Emperor a brilliant contribution that could astonish him.
Crane soared continuously through rings penetrating a hole when the panda commanded the bird and ordered Monkey to avoid Crane's glide ability near aside. Monkey swung through ropes that attached large rings for Crane to infiltrate and speed, dodging interference in battles. Tigress thrust a single crocodile dummy, walloping any strong opponents besides cowardice. Po arranged for Tigress to do a tornado backflip as he pounded flying opponents trying to attack her. She landed movable logs for her preferred fighting stance and struck many wooden spikes. Viper slithered near the inferno flames, avoiding many fires with greater agility. Mantis welted all surrounding wooden enemies.
Within an hour, their prep had finished, and the Dragon Warrior and Furious Five were ready for their demonstrations. Master Shifu intended to share with audiences and the Emperor commune about the philosophy of Kung Fu and creation by Master Oogway himself. Shifu's students immediately formed their horizontal line in front of the doorway of Jade Palace Arena. Their teacher waited, and the rest joined their master's timing until the arrival of the Emperor. The audience ascended through the stairs as the Emperor and much as politicians joined aside. Geese unlocked a doorway as Shifu ordered them.
Many villagers entering the Arena with joy strolled through seats in both galleries as they observed artistic designs of Kung Fu banners. After training years and preparation, all weapons and dummies were adequately secured and ready for combat for the Five and Po to enhance their Kung Fu skills. A moment on, the gold garments of the elder and Gentle Dragon's buffalo guards arrived. Several protectors with a dragon sigil of the Song Dynasty formed their lines one way, and the other; the Emperor of China emerged from the Arena's door — the water buffalo, grayish beard, golden dragon robe, and yellow eyes.
The Jade Palace Masters bowed to the Gentle Dragon. "My Emperor Huangdi," the red panda greeted. "I am Master Shifu. These are my best students of Jade Palace, and it is an honor to welcome you and commemorate your presence."
"Greetings, Master Shifu," the Emperor nodded with closed eyes within a second, accepting the red panda's bow. "I am honored to meet you and the Dragon Warrior and Furious Five students."
"The honor is mine, my Emperor," Shifu pleased the Gentle Dragon. "By a half-hour, we will begin our demonstration, and by then, I can clarify a story of how Master Oogway once created Kung Fu."
"Brilliant," the Emperor smiled, clasping his hooves under his belly. "You are one of Oogway's worthy students of Kung Fu and the owner of Jade Palace. I remember Grandmaster Oogway, who trekked into my Temple long ago and mentioned you are one of his most trustworthy students on your master's side. Your teacher would appreciate your carriage and preference to look after your students for Oogway's promise."
"Thank you, my Emperor," Shifu brought Emperor's compliment with a nod. "And my Emperor, if I may. I have a large chair for you to sit on immediately with your followers and guards. In that case, we can converse ourselves and let my students prepare their presentation."
"Of course," the Emperor accepted, proceeding forward with Shifu. "I shall await your timing until your presentation begins."
The Emperor sauntered with Shifu on the stairway platform as his people followed behind them as they viewed the Arena with joy. Po and the Furious Five separated to gather weapons and dummies with geese servants wherever the Masters preferred to encounter models.
After twenty minutes of completing the decorations and most of the Valley of Peace citizens coming into the galleries, the Five communed with each other as Po listened when perching to the center of the Arena. The panda bent his knees together and closed his emerald eyes in meditation. "So many people here," the bug commented, pointing people to both galleries of the Arena. He stood on Monkey's right shoulder when golden snub surveyed the children chirping within. "I wonder how many of Emperor's followers were invited here."
"Party guests," Monkey figured. "They come and have a party here for more wine and saké with bananas. We should hang out with them."
The snake peered at villagers and Emperor's followers in the gallery platforms. "Maybe they come for Po's dumplings?" Viper guessed.
The bug snorted. "If you can eat a hundred and three dumplings on your sinus, I'll tell you that," Mantis teased her as Viper hissed to bug softly.
The alpha of the Furious Five intervened. "Let's not make any more jokes this time," Tigress advised. "We do Kung Fu for Emperor, so let's show him unique to us."
Many seats filled with the pack of civilians, and many pandas gazed at the Arena, communing in amazement. Po thought his two fathers, Mr. Ping and Li Shan, could arrive at Jade Palace. They had to travel south to bring radishes and veggies before returning home at sunset. Dads would have loved to come here and commemorate the Emperor here. I'll share my fancy story with them later!
Po only took the time himself meditating before the demonstration as Furious Five communed. The Five did not bother the panda as they parted to greet fellow villagers and children. Little by little, they only conversed about their presentation as they must make visitors and Emperor entertained as possible during combat and indication of Kung Fu. The panda comprehended and immediately realized what to do for the Five, including him, during peaceful thoughts.
The giant's voice called the panda. Po's green eyes brightened after awakening, turning from behind. Po recognized the gentle giant who saved China from the Wu Sisters along with legendary masters. What was even more hardcore glancing at the honorable guest was a bovine master in a council robe. He wore a pale garment with a yellow sash belt around his waist and a long gray robe with flared-up patch shoulders detailed with water waves and intricate lines.
"No way! Master Storming Ox!" Po gasped after a geese servant shut the Arena's door behind the old bovine. Po sauntered to Ox, who was smirking. "Wow! It's amazing to see you again!"
"Greetings, Dragon Warrior," Storming Ox chuckled, blended with fruity tones as he shook Po's paw.
"You're working with the Emperor now?" Po pointed a water bull up front beside Shifu and the guards. The Ox nodded. "That is cool! I thought you've stayed with Master Croc in Gongmen City."
"I was elected five years ago," Master Ox conversed. "The Emperor strongly urged someone who will need a bodyguard as protection, and support proposals for lords and senators for any suggestions, including votes about delivery food and vegetables."
"That is awesome!" Po beamed, jumping lightly. "Is Master Croc here? Is he coming?"
"Not today, kid," Storming Ox replied, considering his closest friend he knew him in ages that he could not go to Jade Palace for a reason. "Croc has his routine to maintain his shipping business for delivering crops and food from Japan." The Dragon Warrior listened to Master Storming Ox. Po would have been amazed if Croc were with Ox. "Masters Croc and Boar were in charge of Gongmen City after their promotion before I began to work with Huangdi as my next generation of bodyguards. The great news is that the Kung Fu Council, now titled the Tower of the Holy Flame, was rebuilt six years after Lord Shen's defeat. The purpose of peacocks initially ruled there for centuries.
"The Tower always belongs to peafowls. According to Lord Feng's oath, a residence that the Emperor and plenty of senators decided not to vend. They left a rebuilt Tower of Sacred Flame as the museum for the people to detour, see all the peafowls bloodline, including Lord Shen."
That will be a badass hardcore if Master Croc shows up today.
Po grinned. "I'm glad everything else worked out so well. Anyway, how's everything you've been doing, Master Ox?"
The gentle giant hummed. "I've been sturdy for a while," Ox palmed on his waist sides, glancing at both galleries with audiences around them. "Taking care of Huangdi and watching the Tower for ages before being elected with my companion. In every aspect, I must allow manners to discipline after all these years. My time for this week is when I will see my son. I have not seen him in years."
"You have a son?" Po gasped, and Storming Ox nodded with a slight grin. "Wow! I never notice you have a son before!"
"It was a secret," Ox clarified, chuckling. "When you, Shifu, and Furious Five left Gongmen City, my son arrived home after my old friend's funeral ended at Kung Fu Council. He showed up near Shen's Firework Factory when I guided Soothsayer to pick up her belongings. My wife, whom I've known, wanted my son to learn Kung Fu when she traveled to Japan for friendship and family purposes. So I taught him."
"That. . . is incredible!" Po beamed. "I would love to meet your son one day! Where is he now?"
"Somewhere in the west. After a second trip, I will be there seeing my son again. . . after all seven years."
The Ox had terrible days long ago. He felt a loss of a great friend Thundering Rhino, since Gongmen. Po wondered how Storming Ox had not seen his son for seven years, and sometimes, later on, the panda would like to spend more time with Ox. Although, the Dragon Warrior watched the Ox Master's tender smile as if not experienced his heart flowing slowly. As Po was about to speak, Tigress strolled behind the panda and palmed him. "Po. It is time."
"Alright."
The demonstration was about to begin as Po would not want to reflect Storming Ox's struggle. Instead, he patted the old bovine's hoof with pleasure. "It's so wonderful for you to be here, Master Ox! You can sit with Master Shifu, and I hope you enjoy the show!
"Thank you, kid," Master Ox sauntered away from Arena. "Good luck to you as well as the Five."
The drums rolled, and basses rumbled by pigs and geese musicians. Furious Five and Dragon Warrior formed their horizontal line as they bowed to the Emperor, including their master. At first, all students embarked on their first form of Kung Fu, by every aspect of each unique characteristic of balance for Crane, tiger style for Tigress, palm strikes for Monkey, speed and ferocious for Viper, and Mantis for thingies. Po did all aspects of the panda's fighting style: kicking, flowing arms, and fast and lethal punches.
All students ignored every distraction everywhere as the crowd applauded in joy. They quickly improvised their fighting techniques while Shifu inspired every villager and politician. In every move of Kung Fu, for example, of Lou Loong Mong Yut and the other five random forms, Furious Five and Dragon Warrior began their sparring with each other once at a time. Crane fought Monkey in balance versus palm strikes. Viper and Mantis in speed and acupuncture, later Tigress and Po with strength and power. Hundreds of blows and kicks deflected, ending the battle.
Next, one of the Five indicated all people of deflection. Crane sent one of the firework machines called "The Thousand Tons of Fire." A giant device in the dragon's mouth contained a volley of rocket fireworks. The pig servant sparked the rope above its head, and Crane soared above the sky, advancing all eyes on the avian. They witnessed the art of balance as Crane remained in the wind, deflecting over a hundred shrieking infernos. Crane had made flawless attempts to protect himself from weapons and deflection of throwing knives and arrows, including fireworks. Po never saw how Crane could eradicate all fireworks using his wings since the beginning of Oogway's choice of a Dragon Warrior.
Finally! That's so cool! Po's mouth went open, and his pupils grew wide.
As Crane continued showing the art balance of Kung Fu while remaining in the breeze that spears launched toward the avian, Po cooked noodles near to the audience for the Emperor. Pasta butter and hot chili flavors wafted across two galleries, thrilling the people as plenty were in line to eat. The panda remained the mastery focus of cooking. His goose father made him learn this expert level, which took annuals to fill the people's spirits. Spice flavor among noodle sauce and a dragon warrior size dumpling delivered food to the Emperor. Po strolled to the stairs platform and urged the Emperor to try his noodles; one of the guards tasted the pasta first as an experienced defender who was willing to risk saving the Emperor from poisoning. As always protective from the buffalo guard, there were no signs of poison when the guard sparkled his eyes. The buffalo guard approved and let Po give Emperor his noodle food.
The Emperor recognized that the famous Dragon Warrior Noodles and Tofu Restaurant was exceptional for everyone to eat. He relished a sign of joyous and chewed much of the secret ingredient Po created with Mr. Ping. The hot and juicy pasta flavor melted Huangdi's mouth, absorbing his tongue. He swallowed with peppercorn, butter, and chopped radishes river under his enormous throat. The Emperor's yellow eyes glimmered as his heart thumped louder. The sunlight from the sky beamed him down, and pupils extended, facing down to his plate, giving the next surprise the Buffalo tasted again. Po watched the Emperor's astonishment with a grin, and yellow eyes dazzled while Crane finished his art of balance presentation.
Viper, a reptile snake, slithered upcoming arrows from gooses. She-reptile avoided shootings through the sides, sliding her longing body through bandit dummies that attacked her aggressively. She bashed her tail on each model attacker while hastily mounting them. A volley of fire arrows stormed from the gallery roofs, and Viper intercepted, maneuvering her lengthy body. Her agility and lethal strikes were part of her ideal; her father's echoes smoothed her inner mentality, which made her concentrate on difficulties.
Mantis. A small, lethal insect student who became intelligent against all bandits made any enemy blind to see a bug anywhere. Mantis delivered pounding strikes all over the battle. He bounded across the Arena, hitting thirty wooden crocodile dummies with moving arms, legs, and tails. The audience surveyed the streak of green trailing with zigzags, fast attacks battering the woods into fragments as the Emperor of China intrigued the bug. Dozens of acupuncture, he imagined; Mantis pounced away from throwing knives. "Fear the bug!" Mantis shouted thunderously, devastating dummies everywhere.
Monkey, a street-smart and humorous student of eagerness, towered his long tail, bearing his whole body while meditating. He focused on every model's footsteps, waiting for his surprise. Palm strikes and kicks damaged wooden weapons. He snatched a Shaolin Bo stick, studying Yin Shou Gun with defensive flows as he could infiltrate enemies attempting to slay Monkey in a surrounding position. Monkey, however, could handle and play a rule of enemies not to challenge him.
Tigress, the leader of Furious Five and Shifu's adopted daughter tested her might against the Iron-Ox. The war machine dummy was grasping with multiple moving lethal axes; many students learned to avoid and intercept its weakness to defeat the giant. This mighty model was helpful to all masters when any bandit could mount in a machine, swaying sharp blows with its blades. Tigress glanced at axes that shove side by side while driving her tiger stance. One shaft stabbed the ground, making Tigress ascend one of the giant shaft axes, embracing its arms. Tigress found a red circle mark on the Iron Ox's head once the other limb swayed in the air. She climbed onto the neck and jumped in the air with a spin, hammering a kick toward a temple. She continued repeating her strategy, her limbs bashing and deflecting several of the giant machine's arms.
Tigress maneuvered one from its left ax swinging on her, bounded toward its neck and into the air, hammering her powerful sparrow kick. Iron Ox tumbled backward, and crowds thundered their applause.
The Dragon Warrior. The People's Hero, persisting his panda stance amidst the Arena square, surveyed geese servants nocking fire arrows on both gallery roofs. The next was crocodile models, which spun limbs and tails toward him. The final introduction was for Po to embark on one of the last teachings of Kung Fu, which passed on to his red panda teacher at the Dragon Grotto and before Shifu. The combination flows of mind and water that soothed angry ripples, concentrating what you search for the clear answer.
The string sprang with its shrieking fire, and Po deflected the bolt with his palm. Six fire arrows launched at him, making him bowl around the Arena, advancing his limbs against wooden dummies. Each time while deflecting and attacking simultaneously, the Dragon Warrior propelled his quick fists and elbows on one crocodile and the next while dodging fire arrows; one almost stormed on his right ear as he deflected the second swerving his foot on the model's tail, which —
Not my tenders!
Gladly, Po prevented the spike ball while smirking, not wanting to experience the part that could suffer him briefly. His belly unleashed his chi, the streak of sparkling yellow fragmenting all models and crossbows over him, one by one. A few remaining attackers stormed on him. There, beside Po, he wielded Oogway's Yin Yang Staff. The tortoise offered the Dragon Warrior in the Spirit Realm a gift for being worthy, ending the Jade Slayer's madness of power-hungry. Po's staff remained swinging, countering enemies' axes and curved swords. Sometimes Po trained with Monkey to grasp Bo staffs polls as tactics against deadly weapons in a threatening situation.
The two crocodile models shook into fragments after Po revolved his jade staff on them, his chi blending with sharp slices. Puffs of gray smoke behind Po above heaved from its metal snout, the moving wheels underneath the new giant machine reeling on him. Iron-Ox the Second merged with metal horns and sturdy wood. The boss wielded three massive axes, two spike iron spheres, and fireworks in its mouth.
Let's dance!
He sharpened his intellect, searching for a red target mark that might be the weakness below its upper chest. The panda launched his lethal attack from Iron, deflecting other fast assaults as two spheres were hammering Po as he evaded using a panda roll. Once the machine started to leisure for a short time, the red mark brightened, and Po propelled his front kicks in the air, hitting the target.
A spinning spike tail sphere swung to one side and the other when Po began to roll to where he could avoid sharp spikes, which the Iron Ox the Second burst its roaring snout. Distinguishing this latest machinery for masters to perform their dangerous tasks, the Dragon Warrior and Furious Five had previously trekked through lethal missions. They were born to be extreme. Po continued to force back from heavy axes slaying him. Two tail spheres rapidly swung, and Po battered his strong sidekicks, rupturing both. Crowds within both galleries cried with intensity.
The fire arrows and rockets from the Iron Ox's mouth launched toward him, and Po deflected several. While spinning, he snatched one rocket and furled a projectile, wrecking Iron Ox's upper chest with critical damages. Only one enormous ax remained when the machine shrieked with tangling ropes and mechanical links, stumbling the Arena. The Dragon Warrior mounted on its arm, embracing a swing. The Iron was about to collapse while disorienting, and Po sprung himself into the highest air over Arena.
"SKADOOSH!"
Po delivered a strong sparrow kick to the upper head of Iron Ox, tumbling the giant machine to the ground. The whole Arena filled more shouts with entertainment with the result of the final round's demonstration. The presentation of Masters of Jade Palace's Kung Fu was completed, finally inspiring the Emperor and his people. Since the Gentle Dragon picked which monasteries were the best before the worst, he could choose only three martial arts classes to challenge in his Tournament — twenty-nine temples to go.
Shifu clarified his announcement to many about the true meaning of Kung Fu. In such a legacy of Oogway's life, he found harmony. Oogway once told young Shifu during years of peace living in Jade Palace that living beings formed tranquility, bravery, and kindness. The war was built on power and possible to conclude. In martial arts, Wung Chun has different qualities as eternal springtime. Kung Fu, for work achievement or other words, consists of two parts: Above is a symbol of capacity, and lower is prevention.
These results exist in many martial arts that can deliver a force of being mindful and unflustered. The Masters of Jade Palace assembled next to their red panda teacher; they bowed together before the Emperor. The Gentle Dragon praised them all, leading citizens of the Valley of Peace to thrill once more.
Awesome. Oogway grinned happily at the Spirit Realm's peach tree during meditation.
The ocean-green peacock in cobalt robes beamed his little grin. "Now the Gentle Dragon has chi knowledge before the people, you, and panda generations. The Dragon Warrior's father and his people never abandon their ancestors' gift."
"Yes. . . More will go on when the Gentle Dragon meets young disciples, Lord Feng," Oogway broke his smile. The spirit warriors contemplated the vibration of cheers under the gold ripples, the people applauding their hands at the Masters of Jade Palace, giving them to bow and raise their limbs. The wave of yellow on the Arena fluttered Guilin Mountains onward to the farthest terrain and near the Valley of Peace's neighborhood village.
II. (VII) Noodles and Dumplings
Po strolled down the stairway from Jade Palace. This long day behind Kung Fu demonstration during the Emperor's arrival was remarkable to the panda. The Five were left as they all rested within the Student Barrack after their presentations, which pleased the Emperor well. The panda gazed at all children, who giggled while they sprinted through pathways nearby, and villagers danced to each other. The lanterns spread across the trails, seeking how stunning this village was better than everywhere else in China as the Dragon Warrior reminisced of the panda village and countless festivals.
Po spotted a pandiva in red-pink robes with a blue sash. She covered half her face with her fan, unveiling her ocean eyes. As his father Li Shan elaborated on her style, which became the most ribbon dancer in China, the pandiva won her titles across the boundaries. Brought with more than fifteen pandivas to participate with Mei Mei for the past few years, she obtained her clothing store with a yin-yang brand of their clan title. Her store was two blocks ahead of the Valley of Peace beside the Dragon Warrior Noodles and Tofu. Mei Mei flirted with Po, snatching his belly with her ribbon.
"Hi, Po," she greeted him as their eyes met closer to their noses and touched each other.
"Oh, hi!" Po awkwardly greeted a female panda. "How are you been doing, Mei Mei?"
"Lovely, honey," Mei Mei attracted to him. "I saw you and the Five at the Arena earlier with my Pandiva sisters. That was marvelous, Po! You have performed your goals on Kung Fu skills for the Emperor."
"I appreciate," Po agreed to her imposing taste. The Dragon Warrior sighed. "It's been a long day for me."
"I believe you all are," Mei Mei stroked Po's paw; they sauntered near the stream bridge. "How's Tigress?"
"She's been doing great. Tigress is always training herself every day she does. That's just part of her goals."
"Is she coming?" asked Mei Mei.
"Not sure," he couldn't reply about Tigress instead. He only noticed that a female tiger remained at home. His and her heads turned to Jade Palace. "She's with Master Shifu and the others at Jade Palace by now."
One of her Pandiva sisters called Mei Mei by the time the two reached the bridge. Mei Mei gave Po's cheek some kisses and led her away to her Pandiva apartment.
Po continued strolling across the river bridge when the colossal panda hugged villagers of a pig and three geese. Big Fun stood by him after releasing four people. "Let me give you some of that!" The fat panda's hug grasped Po, and Dragon Warrior felt thousands of crunches on his back to the neck from Big Fun. The giant bear always embraced everyone for love and being a friend. And Po admitted to that kind of him and needed more crunches from his back.
Po wandered through the streaming bridge after he greeted Big Fun. The panda recalled from his mind as Po approached a fully covered crater beside his adoptive father's restaurant in the upper left corner. He remembered a former Jade Palace student, a snow leopard who craved a Dragon Scroll to become a Dragon Warrior. Still, the title was refused to him because Master Oogway foresaw his heart as evil and the power of the darkness within him.
There is no secret ingredient. Po had tried to convince Tai Lung that the scroll was always blank, appearing as the reflection himself, including Po at first. Panda banished Tai Lung instead vanished a snow leopard.
Po arrived near his father's restaurant near the entrance as Mei Mei reminded Dragon Warrior that two of his fathers had returned. The boxes of radishes and fruits were placed through tables and delivered from both noodle folks themselves after a return. Po's emerald eyes caught a radish icon on a wooden box that reminded his childhood life of meeting a great goose who adopted a panda for thirty years. He missed his mother so much; the panda mother adored his son more than her husband and everyone else.
Two fathers were a sign of affection parenthood to encourage their son. A family to these unique creatures was always in their hearts. Po understood how deeply Mr. Ping was now closer to his father, Li Shan.
His dads placed their radishes boxes when they saw their son entering the front entrance. "Hey, Dads!" the Dragon Warrior introduced, waving his flabby limb at Li Shan and Mr. Ping.
"Hey, son!" Both fathers greeted him back.
"How's the training been going?" Li Shan asked his son, hugging Po.
"Going so well," Po grinned, embracing Li and Mr. Ping. "The Emperor is here, and the Five and I entertained him well!"
"Really?" Mr. Ping and Li Shan both asked their son, surprisingly.
"Oh yeah!" Po beamed, nodding. "You guys should have seen him entertained! We demonstrated Kung Fu to him earlier, and everyone showed up around daylight!"
"I'm glad the Emperor loves your Kung Fu style." Li Shan approved.
"Did you give him your noodles, son?" Mr. Ping inquired his adoptive son dearly, pointing at the Dragon Warrior.
"Of course, I did, Dad!" Po beamed. "He's very hooked on my noodles!"
"I'm so proud of you, son!" the goose patted his son's moving belly. "The Emperor loves your noodles. He hasn't tried my noodles."
"We'll see," Li Shan believed, peering his left eye at Mr. Ping. The elder panda cleared his throat as if scanning his son's tired eyes and sweat around his fur. "So, your friends are coming? Are they hungry?"
"No," Po wobbled his head, perceiving the Furious Five in a long day of a hard workout and demonstrations. "They're taking a huge break after a long day of training. I guess I'm ready to eat anyway."
"Great!" When strolling near the front door, Mr. Ping smiled, patting his son's belly again. "Let me cook noodles for you!"
"What? No way! I'll cook," Po jokingly refused.
"No, it is my turn to cook."
"Then let us cook together," Li Shan reasoned them both desirably.
All three gathered food supplies inside a restaurant. They all placed each ingredient on cooking noodles, tofu, and dumplings. They picked bags of pasta and boiled water in a large bowl pan. Chopping carrots, chopping garlic, special seasonings, and sometimes a chili powder flavor for any daring, or most of these villagers used to burn their mouths before. For nearly a half-hour or more, the noodles finished cooking.
Po, Li Shan, and Mr. Ping brought their bowls to their dining table and sat beside each other. Po adored his father's dumplings and had been dying of eating them. He could fill many dumplings in his mouth; however, he could like Li Shan's world record of a hundred and three dumplings. Perhaps someday, in Po's consideration, he would challenge his panda dad.
At the restaurant's archway, the Ox peered two pandas and a goose sitting on a table, eating as they communed. His ruby eyes read a title above the entrance sign, "Dragon Warrior Noodles and Tofu." The Ox had used to eat different noodles and grains of rice in Gongmen City. He regarded trying something new for him to eat at everyone's favorite restaurant of all time. Li Shan and Mr. Ping widened their views at him.
"Oh, we got a new customer," Po's biological father grinned.
Po looked back, and Storming Ox strolled into the entrance. "Master Ox!" Po rose after waving.
"Dragon Warrior!" Master Ox praised. He revolved his colossal head over the restaurant as if hundreds of Dragon Warrior posters were mounted on both walls and orange lanterns hung on black strings across the Noodle Restaurant above. "What a marvelous restaurant you have there, kid."
"This restaurant is so valuable to this village, Master," Po pointed to every painting of Dragon Warrior and Chinese aesthetic design. "And here. Master Ox. I like to introduce you to both of my fathers."
Po guided Ox, showing both of his dads. "This is Mr. Ping," the panda named his adoptive father goose. "My goose father owned Noodle Restaurant and raised me thirty years ago." And Po guides Ox to his panda dad beside Mr. Ping. "And this is my real dad right here, who we had separated long lost since I was around one or two years old back to my old village, and he found me ten years ago. These are both dads."
"It's such a great honor to meet you both." Storming Ox respectfully shook their hands. "Your son is a worthy warrior to all Kung Fu. Po saved Gongmen City from Lord Shen's incursion."
Mr. Ping raised his long neck and inspected the bovine, the grandmaster of Gongmen City. "What an enormous being! My son Po once said to me about you after Gongmen City."
"One of the three legend street fighters you supported Oogway to cease Wu Sisters from building a war," Li Shan added, grasping his large brown mug of green tea. "You, Master Rhino, and Master Croc have an incredible story."
"So that had been for decades," Master Ox chuckled.
Mr. Ping clasped his wings. "My son mentioned to one who was a fan of his, murdered by the bird using this weapon. Li Shan and I deeply share our sympathies for Thundering Rhino's death, Master Ox. I am sure he and you were dear friends."
"Rhino was a great fellow who I had known him," the Ox clarified to them three honestly.
Master Ox's stomach groaned, letting Po flicker his ears after gaping. "Looks like Master Ox is super hungry!" Po palmed the old bovine's back of his long gray robe. "Have you been eaten, Master?"
Storming Ox shook his head. "Not today, kid," he palmed his big belly. "I haven't been eaten since broad daylight."
"Then join us!" Po supplicated to Master Ox. "My dad's noodles are super delicious!"
Ox apprehended why Po requested, needing for the bovine him to eat something for dinner instead. His belly continued to growl little by little, allowing Storming Ox a second thought. He sat with the two pandas as the goose chef went into his kitchen and cooked noodles for his new customer — an honorable customer of the Dragon Warrior. Not for long, Mr. Ping gave a large bowl to Master Ox filled with pasta, combined with vegetables and dumplings on the side. Blends of vegetable soup puffed in the bovine's ink muzzle and over the restaurant, his stomach suppressing from groaning. Mr. Ping desired everyone's joyous and eagerly enjoyed their noodles with many positive critics.
Storming Ox caught a large portion of noodles with chopped radishes with his chopsticks and devoured them in his mouth. Each chew was swimmingly engulfed with spicy peppercorn flavor, swelling his crimson eyes to two yellow stars. By the Gods! Mr. Ping's noodles are. . . how do I describe it? Marvelous!
Storming Ox tasted a pasta noodle, and his mind journeyed a mind blown after adjusting his red eyes. A taste of delicious pasta from noodles, and his stomach thrived the hotness and freshness of a spicy flavor of pasta that melted his mouth while chewing.
Storming Ox ate his noodles that melted in his mouth again, smirking. Yes! He loves my dad's food! Po wished to express, but the food in his mouth swelled both cheeks with three Dragon Warrior size dumplings and voluminous pasta.
"What's the story about the Tournament, Po?" Li Shan inquired Po before his son swallowed a whole, then drank his green tea.
"A message from the Emperor's script that arrived yesterday, he wrote about his interests in all thirty temples around China. Next month, Huangdi will choose any top three classes for that to challenge in a Tournament."
"That sounds amazing," Li Shan astounded, nodding at his son while eating a dumpling.
Watching his son eat noodle dumplings, Mr. Ping wondered. "Which classes will be on a top-three list, son?"
"Not quite sure yet. I wonder if the Emperor will choose any of the top three who are the best and only the active ones, like the Furious Five and me.
Li Shan buzzed his throat. "At least he envisions in any martial arts like Kung Fu."
"And there's one where I do not know," Po added, moving his noodle bowl to the left. "Shifu brought some 'ancient' dummy that this concept has been around for a long time."
The elder panda wielded his chopsticks as he grabbed the pasta before guzzling it. "Like what, son?"
"You tell your dads all about your expressive feeling," Mr. Ping worried, patting the panda's shoulder softly. "What is it, Po?"
"Shifu said that some ancient art is one of the greatest concepts that can use some grappling within close-range combat. Some like using attack and defense," Po explicated when the giant bovine sipped his tea, having Storming Ox flicker his short floppy ears. "He's described that name in which Shifu used some form at an early age."
Storming Ox cleansed his mouth with white napkins. "What's the name of the concept?" Storming Ox inquired Po with curiosity.
"I think it's called. . ." Po reviewed carefully. He examined Shifu's thoughts about the strange dummy inside Training Hall. "I think…" Po nearly forgot, but blowing his mind after his revelation like a spark ignited his mind. "Oh, now I got it! It's called 'Wing Chun.'"
"Wing Chun?" Mr. Ping repeated these words surprisingly.
"I remember the awesome concept before." Li Shan recalled, believing his rumor to be legit, while his jade eyes rested on his son. "Your great-great-uncle once told my father about the incredible martial arts skill. Your great-great-uncle used to be the greatest grandmaster of Wing Chun before. I thought Wing Chun martial art classes were long gone."
"There is only one class I mentioned," Storming Ox noticed when guzzling. He clarified all three around the table as all three heads revolved around him. "Before Master Oogway went to Jade Palace long ago, he used to have one of his excellent students — a student-master of Wing Chun. I met her rarely once before, whenever Rhino, Croc, and I decided to return to Gongmen City to take full charge of the Masters' Council after Shen's parents passed away. After training my son for three years after Gongmen, he wanted to be more confident as my life crumbled after Rhino's death."
Po, Li, and Mr. Ping overheard Ox's explanation. Ox's ending verse caught the Dragon Warrior's attention about Storming Ox's son as he remembered his conversation at the Jade Palace Arena. "What happened to him?" Po was the first to question him with care.
The Dragon Warrior sensed the old bovine's hesitation thoughts as Master Storming Ox would not wish to speak. The giant felt his upper chest pushing his throat. "My years of pain went through the unfortunate habit I should not rage my son's failure," Storming Ox began. "My son knew the anger, and he cannot become impatient as I used to. After three years of Kung Fu training went ill and sudden loss of interest, I was disappointed because of my friend's death and anger issues."
Po, Li, and Mr. Ping attended to Ox's struggling life. The Dragon Warrior grasped his fingers together on the table. "On a month after," the Ox added. "Croc and I handled a threat that stormed after my son in Gongmen. The bandits who were once my son's bullies from his school, Croc, and I found my boy, storming many packs of nemesis. In solo fighting, my son defeated hundreds of bandits without even a blink of distraction, and he showed them no mercy.
"I ceased my son's rage after the battle was over. Within a few days, my son wanted to venture anywhere best what harmony means to him. He decided not to be part of my ferocity instead."
Storming Ox ended his elucidation. Po, Li, and Mr. Ping wished to know about the bovine's son that happened to Ox's son. The Ox massaged his neck.
"I suppose to clarify you three after I wanted to know about my son. One of my former guards from Gongmen discovered one monastery where a student-master trained Wing Chun," Ox believed. "Somewhere near a half town and half village entitled 'The Prosper Valley' is where my son trekked to the west alone. Before my son left, I yearned for him to be safe and love him as always. He's a great kid."
"I'm sorry, Master," Po apologized heartily. "You're not the only one who was furious. Whenever I went into the Barrack Factory to face Shen, I wanted his answers about my parents, noticing how my emotions boiled. Later on, after months of Gongmen, I found my real dad, who guided me to Secret Panda village. He nearly lost everything, but not even close. Kung Fu chose me as I earned the gift after seeing the Furious Five beat Boar; I have been a fan of them ever since. Shifu taught me what presents a life of tranquility, including inner peace, which guided me to flow memories I barely forgot about my childhood life. I restored my past to see my parents in the old village where I was born.
"What your son did see you part of yourself got angered issues, doesn't mean he lost his interest in Kung Fu. Whatever he has found a class of Wing Chun, he could see calmness, greatness, and prosperity to all he can control his anger instead. He desires supplements and discipline instead. His teacher, like you, taught him about inner peace. Confidence is his role." Storming Ox apprehended the Dragon Warrior's clarification, discerning how necessary emotions interfered with education and fighting. Martial arts bear unique skills at different levels. Students must grasp their patience on challenging tasks — the years of struggle to Storming Ox kept him incapable of reflecting on the loss of his dear companion and the city under siege by the peacock lord's wolf army.
"The Prosper Valley, huh?" the goose was inquisitive, stroking his beak's jaw while pointing west. "That village is not that far enough. It is our Valley's neighborhood, townsfolk, I remember. My dear friend, who I used to know, had once traveled there. He mentioned some of his friends who met a striped feline master before."
Po spat his green tea to the floor accidentally, coughing. A stripped feline master? Po stunned. The note that a panda remembered from Training Hall in Jade Palace that Shifu's Sister-In-Arm came from Tiger Village.
"Whoa, son. You're okay?"
Po cleared his throat after Li Shan gave hard pats behind his son's back. "A tiger master is over there, Dad?"
"I am certain, son," Mr. Ping confirmed.
Now Tigress is no longer the only tiger left. . .
"Since your friend Tigress is no longer alone, son," the goose determined, "many tigers could be anywhere. Lurking somewhere, as your dad here said about secret panda village?" He pointed his feather at the old panda, making Li Shan rotate his eyes out of glance.
"Oh, boy."
"Dads!" Po called them two. "I'm sure there is a village where they are repopulating again."
"Okay," Both dads agreed to their son's ponder.
For over many discussions about a half-hour, they conversed about the Noodle Restaurant's inception — a pig who formerly owned a noodle shop before awarding his dear companion to Mr. Ping's grandfather. Storming Ox was thrilled about Mr. Ping's lifetime of being a chef's legacy of cooking noodles. The Company desired everyone's favorite noodles that could not break through a family tree of noodles by Mr. Ping's bloodline of the goose family.
Master Ox finished devouring a large portion of his pasta noodles, swallowing a whole by making every last bit of flavor. He complimented Mr. Ping's secret ingredient that a possible food was much tasteful of such blends. As the large bovine filled the goose's latest critique, he strolled through the archway with the Dragon Warrior when Li Shan and Mr. Ping started cleaning one table. "Po," Master Ox patted Po's shoulder. "I thank you for eating your father's noodles. Give Mr. Ping his tip for me. He deserves these yuans."
Ox handed the Dragon Warrior twenty-one yuans.
"Cool!" Po gasped, tapping his feet. "My dad's gonna love your tips, Master!"
"Mr. Ping's a good goose, kid," Master Ox grinned. "You are fortunate to live with him, including your father, as always."
Po embraced the Giant Ox as the bovine didn't see him coming. The giant hugged him back, chuckling. "Thank you so much!" Po appreciated.
You are welcome, Dragon Warrior. Ox grinned in his unflustered thought.
"Anyway, you're going back to the Emperor, right?" Po asked.
"Of course," The Ox nodded, and both peered streets filled with hundreds of villagers strolling to their homes and apartment across the roads and alleyways. "By tomorrow morning, I'll be traveling to the west and around China until all twenty-nine classes. Remind Emperor Huangdi about my son's last whereabouts in the Prosper Valley."
"Alright, Master Ox," the panda shook Ox's right hoof with manner. "It's been a pleasure to meet you again. Good luck, and I hope you'll find your son."
"Thank you, Po," Ox admired the panda, blinking his right eye. "And I hope you'll be in a Tournament someday."
Po watched the Ox master stroll on a complex pathway, returning to his buffalo colleagues as they followed the Emperor. Po hoped Ox's son would reunite with the neighborhood townsfolk at the west. A dark blue goose soaring from the northwest landed ahead of the Dragon Warrior. Zeng handed a lime scroll to Po, informing him about an old companion of Jade Palace from the Kung Fu club who wrote this letter. The panda opened the script and read.
To one of my best friends from Jade Palace, Po
I know we have not been around for such a long time; Lian and I miss you so much more, and the rest of my Kung Fu club members are very desirable to greet you sooner, one day. By tomorrow, once I arrive at Jade Palace or in the Valley of Peace, you will not believe to see a better shape for myself to be a lot tougher!
I once heard about the Emperor's interests in martial arts last time. And my club, which spreads all over China, is on a list of thirty classes. And I wondered by which of the three categories will be above to accept this challenge. My guess is that you and Furious Five will be number one! I'm still determining which of the two will come forth to stand and face a challenge to the Tournament.
It has been a long time, buddy. We should like to have a discussion. I had a long trek around China peacefully with Lian. We made various club members of the Kung Fu class and two of my children I raised. I'll see you later, Po.
From Kung Fu Club Founder
Peng
"I'm so proud to hear from you, Peng!" Po beamed, punching the air. "I'll be waiting for you at my dad's noodle shop if possible. Time to get back to Jade Pala—!"
As he turned with his limbs heaving intense achievement, an orange-striped creature emerged out of nowhere ahead of Po. He trembled his body after twitching. "Oh, hey, Tigress! I was wondering about you," Po addressed her, not noticing she was behind Po every time. He focused on a goose aside from him. "Anyway, Zeng, go ahead to Jade Palace, and I'll write a letter to Peng later."
Zeng soared away above the Valley before Tigress started. "Master Storming Ox joined your side with Mr. Ping and your father today."
"I know, right?! Master Ox loves my dad's noodles, and the Emperor loves mine! Ox and my dads spoke ourselves, and he has a son we have not noticed for years!"
"Hmm. I overheard," Tigress grinned.
Oh! His mouth went shrunk open. "How do you know?" Po asked Tigress.
"I walked along with Mei Mei after I came from the stairs, and we led here," Tigress informed Po. "Then passed onto that panda who hugged thousands of villagers every day, and over the blocks of Valley Mei Mei and I have been talking for minutes. We led here near the restaurant's archway and heard Master Storming Ox's story about his son, his anger issues, everything."
"You really are sneaky, Tigress," Po suspected the feline.
Tigress chuckled with a half-grin. "I think not unless I hunt my meal."
Po burst his laugh. "You're not serious, right?"
"No," she jested.
The panda beckoned his relieving sigh after chuckling. "Oh, Tigress. I praised Master Ox for him coming here. Man, I wish that I help his son right now," he craved. The Dragon Warrior thrilled several passions on encouraging those in need of guidance, which direction on good advice he was born in. Aside from encouragement after sensing Tigress's soft hums, the panda fathomed her expression; reading the feline well made Po regard. Her amber eyes drifted onward to her feet before Po's.
"Are you alright, Tigress?" You wanna talk?" Po asked her with care.
"Let's take a walk," the feline pleased him.
The two warriors ambled on the river bridge, which the water ripples underneath tapped, the way you motioned your palm hand in a cooling surface. They were only on the platform as one pondered her panda friend's acquaintance. "What does Mr. Ping know about the village? The Prosper Valley."
Po lay his flabby arm on the bridge's deck while glimpsing at the water that mirrored the velvet navy blue heaven with blinding stars. "Dad regarded that an old friend of his used to live there mentioned some of his friends that they met. . . I don't know that you may be surprised."
"Surprise me," she flattened her tone with curiosity.
"They found a tiger master, Tigress."
Her expression loosened her glance, unable to close her lips halfway, as Po recognized his feline companion's posture. Tigress faced the mirror's surface and the current's stream, loading countless questions that tapped her once more.
"Is he right?"
"Dad confirms," Po said. "Tigress, if I remember well, you and Master Shifu have been wondering where your family is discovered. And maybe a tiger master can be related to you. You're not alone anymore!" his fist wobbled, tapping his feet.
Tigress nodded. "After all this time, I wondered if there were any tigers in China out there. I wanted to reveal my parents and learn the truth about them and where they had gone. What I only remember Po was when I went to Bao Gu Orphanage. I had always expected to see someone who could come — someone who looked like me. They were never coming back."
Masters of Jade Palace recognized the recognition of Tigress's beginning. Bao Gu Orphanage was her brief priority to remain in hospitality under the sheep caretaker's care. Those with nurses manifested the girl as something exquisite and extreme. What meant to them was that they were not like peasants as the feline was capable. Each orphan reminisced about the showering storm that hid many under blankets, a sudden growl creeping on structures farther and closed to their rooms. Only one of their own appeared innocent, and neither children nor caretakers reached her. Day by day, caretakers did observe issues of having the girl reside, frightening to survey her fierce teeth and claws that could maul on anywhere. Haunting yells followed in Tigress's head.
She's a monster! Mohhonster!
One visitor came to the nurse who investigated the caretaker's disturbing news, which made the nurse fear. By ceasing to spread apprehension, the visitant maintained his appointments with the girl, allowing her to do what he demonstrated the essence of discipline. And by control, the girl adjusted her strength while grabbing rolls of dominos, her limbs swimming with Tai Chi flows. After practicing each day, her intensity adapting from the uncontrollable intellect changed everything to Tigress.
The orphans knew her and became friendly as Tigress learned as a beginner of Kung Fu rank that she gathered dark and bright dominoes, shaped a yin-yang icon.
After contemplating Tigress's inception, which the Five and Dragon Warrior knew her tale enough, Po pondered one who could clarify to her. The day that Shifu received a Wing Chun model gift with a pardon letter. "I know someone who will fill your answers, Tigress," he patted the striped feline's back, letting Tigress turn her amber eyes to him. "Let's go see Shifu."
Hopefully, everyone loves this chapter! Do you like presentations? Master Storming Ox's return made you smile?
Your favorite supporting character Emperor Huangdi is my OC! He will lead the way into the story as the water buffalo encourages people!
Don't you all think we love to see the Nine, where our peafowl friend is on the hunt to refresh plenty of his memories? Let us watch Lord Shen's son meditating in the next chapter, shall we?
