Episode Three: The Top Three ( 12 - 16 )


Chapter XIII

Surprising Rivals

I. (XX) Chosen Classes

May 9, 1210

The dawn brisked its crepuscular light across the Guilin Mountains and throughout the two lands of Prosper Valley and the Valley of Peace. At the Shui Palace, shone by a stream of warm light, the Nine practiced Chi Sao in two groups — one for wooden dummies to enhance their limbs and defenses and the other for practice sparring. For the past month, their newest friendship with Masters of Jade Palace had finally improved to their tastes, allowing them to meet one another for such improvements and tips.

Surveying these students with satisfaction near the Fighting Square, sipping her peppermint tea from her cup, Chen Ming anticipated recent news that spread across China, from Huangdi's temple to the rest that took two to five days to deliver the scrolls to the classes. Regarding her expectancy, she sent the Nine's Messenger to fly by the Forbidden City and meet the Emperor, waiting for the buffalo to name those who must linger before the twenty-seven messengers depart with scrolls. Four days passed, and Ming spotted seven geese soar toward the Guilin ridges; Kong's arrival became imminent as the feline master held her pose, concentrating on her students' performances.

Then, at last, the Nine's Messenger was the eighth appearance and flew down to the Shui Palace with incredible beats of sharp wings, landing on the platform. All students gathered around and had their teacher enter Kong's space; the goose held the Emperor's message with a buffalo sigil. Opening the gold dragon scathe from the knob, Chen Ming held an orange scroll and opened it. The list of three classes revealing their names had all their faces exchanging glances.


On the opening field of Jade Palace Arena, Po squared his eyes while drawing closer to Shifu, who carried an orange scroll from the Emperor. "So. What do we know about these guys? Righteous Seven?" he asked interestingly.

"A Tai Chi class," Shifu discovered, indicating to his pupils a list of Tai Chi students, including all seven biographies (eighth for their teacher).

"No wonder those eyes are bobbing, I tell you that," Mantis creaked his wings, snickering before the serpent hissed beside him, stopping his mockery.

"Master Sheep introduces her Tai Chi students of Righteous Seven," Shifu read with his students. "For centuries, after the Desolation of Qing Temple, Liu Bong Shien's legacy and his philosophy were carried by their disciples and their descendants before Master Sheep."

"Leo from Vu City," Tigress read, unveiling the fox. "Master Sheep's first student who masters his deadly forms of striking joints with his iron paws."

Shifu's fruity throat droned in relaxed determination, his fingers stroking his chin's white strands of beard. "Is Leo like the one who used to be in Jade Palace, Master?"

"No. Leo is unrelated to Junjie," the red panda was sure, grinning.

"Whoa! A late Thundering Rhino trained one of his last students named Nam from Kong Su before Master Sheep. Oh, he's interesting!" Po checked the painting of a gray rhino in a voluminous, flowing lime garb with tribal lines that stretched from his back to edges, which showed clouds pouring the rain and the waves crashing. The giant had his horn carved upward, unveiling water spiral outlines.

"He's like Thundering Rhino's son, right?" Monkey brushed his bald top.

"Nope! But I'm sure he has inspired, wielding a cloud hammer and heavy armaments before his water horn," Viper surveyed and looked at the other biography scroll, gasping. "Crane! Look at this one!"

Tapping his hat upward to see clearly, Crane stepped next to Viper and found a brown hawk who soared under the snow, gliding above the fading cloud stream. Sharp black talons and silver chest lines near the bird's neck. "Hmm. This one's fascinating," Crane scratched his chest. "Fei from Willow Fan, two miles near Summit Village."

The panda, Bao, in a brown vest, red trousers, and headband, gasped next to the avian. "AUH, so cool! He's got his talons so sharp!"

"Hey, you guys! Look at this!" Mantis hopped with his insect wings ahead of them. "Huong of Mei Sao, Master Bear's youngest sister."

One of Master Sheep's heavyweight students was the bear in voluminous dark lime hanfu and a light green top, her form rounding her pose as her dress twirled to the side while drawing her claws with a chi vortex. Huong had a round head, her lips lined in silk ebony, and around her eyes were hued in silvery green.

"Oh, my. Huong is so sweet," the serpent stretched her cherry lips gracefully. "Look at her smile."

"Check these guys out!" Lei Lei chirped, presenting her teacher Tigress and Grandmaster Shifu to scrutinize the last three portraits in awe.

The first painting illustrated the impala in dark green garb and dark slate trousers, forming his Tai Chi stance as Shi Dang rounded his body to the left, darting his kick to the other against hyena assailants within the alleyway before the complex hills of Gongmen City and the Tower of the Sacred Flame. Unlike the terrain of China, the second painting depicted the dry meadowlands of Kenya, introducing the furry warrior of an African lion in a tribe outfit with a green loincloth, whose cheeks had the paint of cherry spears. The third and final portrait, displaying Nepal's rime mountains of white powder and charcoal strings under apexes, appeared a black leopardess with a red dot between her brows, robed in ocean-green attire and a crown jewel.

"Master Shujaa, the Mfalme's Prince of the Swahili Tribe, and Lady Kasi of India," Lei Lei read.

Tigress hummed in surprise. "Very interesting."

"I heard Shi Dang before, Master Tigress. One of my friends from the Panda Village used to meet him in Gongmen City, and he seems to be special at inspiring children like me!" Lei Lei chirped in a surprising tone, tapping her feet. "I'd like to meet him!"

"I am sure you will meet Master Shi Dang," the feline patted her student's back.

"Okay, guys! Today, I would like to invite one of the students from the Nine!" Po cheered, gathering the Five as Tigress could see the panda and her companions cheering. "Tonight, we are celebrating this day for being chosen!"

"Master. May I invite Chen Xing?" Tigress asked Shifu, whose head leaned on his master's root pole with kind. "I like to speak with him more often."

The red panda stretched his half grin, chuckling dearly. "You are a Master, Tigress. You can invite him here."

"And Lao and Lotus!" Po included the second guest. "Later this week, I owe Master Ox's son to have a chat with him!"

"So have we," Monkey commented.

Shifu intensified his grunt approval. "Very well."


"The Tournament has invited the top three classes, including the Fellowship, to show the greatest martial arts skills," Chen Ming proclaimed, and the Nine set their cheer softly. Lao remained still with his feathers together inside his sleeve as the peacock's eyes widened.

"Now," Master Ming cleared her tender throat, drawing the Nine's expressions toward her. "The Tai Chi and Kung Fu classes will arrive at the Tournament in two weeks. Master Sheep of the Righteous Seven has officially joined her side, Emperor Huangdi. And the Kung Fu class is the famous martial art many recognize as the Five Masters. I have known Grandmaster Shifu since a young age. Used to work and train with him and our Grandmaster Oogway a long time ago."

The Fellowships listened to their teacher carefully. "Everyone knows the name of the famous Kung Fu masters, and every fan of good people recognizes them all. The Furious Five have officially ranked the top three."

"You mean Master Tigress and the others are on their way to the Tournament, Master?" Hong asked Master Ming.

"And there's one Kung Fu master who will join the Furious Five students," Master Ming gestured to her first digit.

"Master Shifu?" guessed Niu.

"The Grandmaster of Jade Palace is the retired teacher of the Furious Five, Niu," Ming clarified. "In what a prophecy was meant to save China, I can give you an easy hint about a person: The warrior of black and white."

The warrior of black and white. Master Ming echoed Xing's thought.

The Nine's Leader, quickly discovering the known prophecy, resonated his chuff chuckles. "The Dragon Warrior is on his way to the tournament."

"Are you kidding me?" Lotus asked awkwardly. "The panda?!"

"Uh, Lotus," Chen Xing palmed her. "Stunning may create your worst fear of challenging him."

"Impossible," the feminine wolf doubted, swiftly turning her head away from her feline brother.

"It is possible, Lotus," Master Ming calmed Lotus. "The only way you must challenge the Dragon Warrior is to defeat the Righteous Seven and Furious Five. However, only one student in the Fellowship or Righteous will survive the elimination match. If one or any of the Five wins the elimination match, they will not apply to challenge their loyal friend Dragon Warrior."

"That seems convenient," Lao was convinced. The peacock tugged the feathers in his long sleeves together. "Despite how the Nine met Masters of Jade Palace and studied Kung Fu with them, I think my newest competitor will be Master Crane."

"Wings of Justice!" the bunny uttered in jester virtue.

"Oh, she summons the waves of chi wind right up your train, brother!" Xing chuckled while grinning. "Hey, I can go for special attacks like Wings of Chop Suey! Wings of Sandwiches! Wings of Noodles and Rice!"

"Wings of Stupidity," Lao stared at him jokingly.

"Ha!" Hong beamed with a soft chuckle. "When was the last time you brushed your beak?"

"Listen, students," Ming called her students. "Let's not worry about their arrivals to expect. Be alert. The Masters of Jade Palace have extraordinary experiences, their minds flowing like water for years. We must continue our practice within two weeks until the Tournament. In three days, Master Shifu and the Furious Five, including the Dragon Warrior, will invite us to observe their activities. We are still determining who are the students of Righteous Seven. From now on, the Nine will work our training hard and prepare for the competition. The Dragon Warrior will demonstrate Kung Fu forms with the Furious Five.

"I suggest you all study their skills well before the Tournament. And you all must do the same. Before we dismiss, we will greet all the masters to admire with discipline, confidence, and respect. If Masters Sheep and Shifu have their wishes to meet at our palace, we will offer them an invitation for villagers and guests around a week before the Tournament. Food and tea will be served, and I like to bring the Dragon Warrior to cook noodles with his fathers. They deserve to try out my rice."

"Gladly, Nana," Chen Xing approved. "You know I can cook rice with you."

His grandmother simpered, and her chiming chuckles made him smile. "Not this time, my Sunzi. They shall taste my secret ingredient."

Of course, they will.

Intense swirls from the air shifted, emerging the goose in midnight changshan and a cap. "Auh! Greetings, Biyu," Chen Ming praised the goose's presence. "Such a spirit to see you."

"Indeed, Master Ming. I have a message from the Dragon Warrior. He wishes to invite Masters Xing, Lao, and Lotus to the Valley of Peace."

"YES!" the wolf thundered her cheer, rounding her arms around her brothers' arms. She grasped them close. "Us besties will go together!"

Lao chirped his chuckles. "You show your enthusiasm for your good, sister."

"Fetch your set of clothes and bathe yourself before you go, my children," Chen Ming told the three. "Send Masters of Jade Palace my regards. Class dismissed!"

The Nine bowed before the rest led to their chambers, gathering their sets of fresh clothes. The bovine with eyes of red and ocean was ahead of his feline companion, linking his hooves on his waists. "Why can we all go to the Valley of Peace together? We can celebrate being chosen over there," Niu grunted his blunt snout, quite jealous at first.

"I was just thinking the same," Chen Xing said, regarding on the same page with Niu's idea once they walked across the Fighting Square. "But yeah, we all went to Jade Palace and marveled at Masters for weeks. So. . ."

"That's cool. At least the Shui Palace has my muscle," Niu said, fading his temper. "Our home always needs the Nine of Prosper Valley."

"You know you are the best Defender, big brother," Xing patted his brother's bulk arm, which brought Niu's muzzle puff with blessing. "You proved to show your heroic acts, and bandits did shit their pants after they saw you and your dad."

Niu lowered his loud laughs. "Hell yeah, that was the best day I ever experienced, and I'm glad I saw my dad coming by here," he smiled. "Enjoy hanging out with the heroes, Xing. Send my regards to them."

"I will," Xing gestured his head, fisting Niu's hoof. "See you the next day, Niu. Write your letter to Master Ox."

"On it!"


Foams dripped as the cold brushed from feathers. Lao had trained with the Nine earlier before this surprising news from Huangdi. Lao needed to clean himself on an extensive bathroom pool, even as the peacock wanted to be ready to travel. And how did Lao wish to visit the Valley of Peace? Because peacock adores the new interest in meeting Masters of Jade Palace, then Mr. Ping's Dragon Warrior Noodles and Tofu, and curiosity of panda cubs. Not only his new interests but to enjoy a stay at Jade Palace in which Lao thought more about the Furious Five and even the Dragon Warrior.

The three traveled east on a large vessel at the stream-side river with a boatman from Valley of Peace, while the Nine invited travelers to tour the Shui Palace. As Chen Xing preferred to meet with fans, his brother did not mind them. Regarding the observers who could suspect his "legacy," Lao denied his heritage. The three wished to request the Masters of Jade Palace to Chen Ming's dinner invitation this May.

Chen Xing, Lao, and Lotus tipped the boatman once more, allowing him to give warriors a free ride the next time they could meet the boatman next time. Arriving toward the front path of the Valley of Peace, villagers cheered at their neighborhood folks, welcoming them in once the three trekked on before the children. Lao could barely regard these pandas, half-delighted and the other half concerned about him, those who witnessed the reckoning by Lord Shen's raid. With the pandas observing from the apartment complex's balconies, Lao neglected their gaze, arriving three blocks before Mr. Ping's noodle shop.

"Stripey!" The three caught a teenager named Lei Lei in a pink qipao and brown trousers, who scurried beside Pandiva members near the wooden wagon of carrots and radishes. The girl had a tea rose flower on her left ear, carrying a Tigress action figure from her paw.

"Aww, look at her! She's so pretty!" Lotus beamed.

Mei Mei and Tigress walked next to Pandivas before the feline's student joined, cuddling her teacher. Hugged briefly, simpering with Lei Lei, Tigress saw the three warriors strolling, who waved at her. A block away from here, pasta noodles wafted in their senses, knowing the restaurant owner, Mr. Ping, cooked his secret ingredient and fed with his fellow villagers for countless moons. By reaching toward the Restaurant's archway entry, the three peered at the Dragon Warrior and his companions sitting at their table, sharing their laughs despite the panda having his joke about someone's bean buns that shattered and said my tenders.

"Hello, guys!" Chen Xing entered and waved.

"Hey! Welcome, guys!" the panda waved at them first, approaching the three as his emerald eyes beamed.

"Greetings."

"Hi!"

Lao and Lotus smiled before the four of the Furious Five beckoned their waves back at them. "How are you guys doing?" Po shook Chen Xing's claw, Lao's wing, and Lotus's paw.

"Just wondering how lucky we are going to face each other at the Tournament," the tiger simpered, giving warriors to welcome these guests. "I'm so thrilled!"

"We all are," Monkey guzzled his noodles. "We fight, party, throw bananas out in the sky, and pull everyone's trousers!"

"Sure, starting with bandits first!" Lotus laughed.

"Ha! This is unbelievable!" Po was stunned, gripping his head. "I cannot believe us heroes will go against heroes like that!"

"I look forward to competing with you, Dragon Warrior, and to you all," Lao beckoned with his smile at the group. "It appears as heroes will be legends, anyway."

The panda deafened his spiritual laughs, rounding his flabby arm on the three. "Alright, come in! I'll serve you noodles right away!"

The group began their conversations together once Chen Xing sipped his mug of cold water, and Lotus gathered her noodles with her chopsticks, ravenously eating them. Lao was interested in contemplating the histories of several bandits like Fung and his crocodiles attempting to raid the Valley of Peace. Reflecting what Masters of Jade Palace achieved from their attempts, the Nine had the history of their first mission; among their priorities was to prevent the whole army of bovines and boars from ravaging the Hajin Province, similar to Lord Shen's armaments, but appeared catapults that rained with fireballs — The Fire in the Sky, Hajin citizen mentioned the city's endless raid.

The Dragon Warrior and Furious Five discovered what Po mentioned of the "scariest bandits of Hajin Province," recalling the boar leader responsible for the city's destruction, forced citizens into cells for quarters, and demanded the Emperor of China surrender his reign. There were eight members before the ninth was introduced from the eastern sea; the Nine's risks of saving the town were quite challenging, unlike what teens thought other heroes were invincible, but realized how dangerous it was to put their lives in danger. Their first time, stopping the boar leader's reign of terror by bringing the tyrant to justice, was rewarding. What stopped the army's invasion before their imminent surrender? The flash of silver lightning from the sky and several bandits caught a white beast swimming in the air that had terrorized them all.

"Whoa!" Masters of Jade Palace gasped, and Po was the only one leaning forward, crossing his limbs on the table with hype. "I wish I could have seen that!"

Mantis chirped his insect wings ahead of Po. "What did the beast look like?"

"I couldn't say, Master Mantis," Chen Xing reflected. "Somebody summoned a big dragon across the sky and made the army wet their trousers. I'm not sure who did. The boar commander was going to announce his submission and call his army to stop, but that thing from the sky showed up."

"That's quite a mystery there," Viper stretched her lips with novelty.

"Oh, yes, Master Viper," Lao nodded. "I could not stop reflecting on the beast under the clouds, but all we accomplished was keep the city under control after Boar Commander's surrender."

"Until all rhinos and Master Eagle's avians came the next day and arrested them all," Lotus filled her voice in for her brothers. "Everybody hailed us for saving Hajin Province, and that's when all nine of us called ourselves 'The Fellowship.'"

"I'm glad you all achieved your success," Monkey respected them, drinking his water. "Were there any reinforcements — any masters from temples?"

"Nope," Lotus shook her head.

"Really?!" Monkey and Mantis shared their surprised reaction, opening their mouths wide.

"The Nine were only the ones who answered Shi Zhang's distress call, so... No backups. No one else showed up."

"Sheesh! We should have stayed in China, guys!" Mantis flared his limbs at his comrades.

"As I was thinking the same thing," Viper began, leaning her whole front close to the table. "All of us traveled outside the country from Vu City to Volcano Island and dealt with vandals and pirates."

"Pirates?" Lotus amplified her heavenly voice, stretching her grin wide. "Oh! Tell me about those guys! My fluffy bovine was a pirate!"

Their discussion to stop pirate ships from sailing and conquering eastern cities was thrilled when the three heard their tales regarding the realization that the Masters of Jade Palace were absent in Hajin Province. Chen Ming was initially writing her letter to Shifu but discussed with her neighbor, Mrs. Han, that all the masters from the palace had departed to the east. Lao was about to speak freely with the Dragon Warrior and Furious Five but detected light winds soaring from behind. From the archway entry, urging the peacock's presence while the goose was panting his breaths, the Nine's Messenger gestured to him. Lao excused his companions before he sat up and joined the goose's company next to the archway.

"What news, Kong?" Lao asked and saw Tigress and Lei Lei approach from the river bridge.

"My apologies for the interruption, Master Lao," Kong regained his breaths, clearing his throat. "Chen Ming has bad news to share in her report."

"What happened?"

"Your guandao is stolen."


The peacock's crests arched upward to a shock, and his eyes broadened.

"How?" Lao asked, attempting to lower his worried tone. "How is that possible? Did the Nine recognize a person who stole my weapon?"

"I believe your sister Hong is the one who spotted the thief, Master Lao," Kong explained, clasping his feathers. "One of the guests is a strange bird. She could not recognize who the visitor was, but Hong saw silvery-white feathers underneath dark-ocean hanfu sleeves."

There could be thieves like vultures. No, vultures destroy belongings.

"Was the visitor an avian?" Lao guessed.

"Possibly, sir. Hong could not get closer when the thief soared away," Kong answered regretfully. "You still have other guandaos as your replacement, Master Lao."

"Indeed. I'll stick with other weapons I have been practicing with," the peacock said, nodding. "It was just my main guandao I had been used for a decade."

"You are far extraordinary with your dexterities, sir. I will never forget your training every day."

"I am honored," Lao complimented the Nine's Messenger.

"Enjoy your company with your brother and sister, Master Lao. Make sure you three return home the next day," Kong smiled, spreading his wings. "Expectations and big days are ahead of us! Good night."

"Good night, Kong," Lao nodded before the Nine's Messenger embarked to soar away.

"Sometimes, we rarely forgot to place some of our armaments after our training," his feline brother joined him, giving a soft pat on Lao's shoulder.

The peacock buzzed his wearing sigh. "A thief has an attractive look."

"A pretty lady like you?"

"Oh, shut up."

The peacock and tiger snickered, their glances drawing away as their brief guffaws suppressed, not to draw observers nearby. "Come along, my brother," the tiger rounded his arm over his brother's long neck. "Our sustenance is getting — Oh!"

Their insides flooded with rime, and Tigress was ahead of him beside the archway, simpering. How long was she standing behind them? The Dragon Warrior mentioned to the Nine that Tigress was superior in "stealth mode," but not always. "Master Tigress," the two presented their bow to the feline, who did the same with a respective nod.

"Good evening, Xing and Lao," she stretched her slight grin. Beside Tigress, Lei Lei was behind her, shyly peeking at warriors.

"Oh? What do we have here?" the tiger bent his body halfway forward and caught the girl showing herself. "Is this your student, Master?"

"Yes."

"And your name is, sweetheart?"

The teenager's shy expression seemed to fade. "Lei Lei," she introduced.

"Ni hao, Lei Lei," Xing held his paw on his chest. "I am Chen Xing. And my panda brother here, Lao."

The girl tittered as the peacock exchanged his glance of annoyance at Xing, smiling at Lei Lei. "Greetings."

"Lei Lei! Tigress! Your noodles are ready!" Po uttered.

The night settled the gentle wind, and lanterns filled with soft orange kindle fires. Po could see Lao unable to speak, as if the peacock was sipping his noodles with a wooden spoon and drinking green tea afterward.

The whole group continued conversing at the dining table as Mr. Ping cooked noodles for his customers; this night neared the Restaurant's closing, and both Li Shan and Mr. Ping served the last five meals for sows and antelopes from three tables behind the warriors. Filled with friendliness with the Nine, eating a small dumpling, Tigress had sat ahead of Chen Xing, who beckoned his head with his eyes sealed, showing his respect to her. Po and the Five led their next topic on jesting the panda that they remembered the panda being beaten by a bear dummy. Oh, you guys are so mean. . . Viper barricaded her lips from chuckling. Neither of Lao, Xing, and Lotus spoke with them a little but enjoyed listening to their conversation well, reflecting Viper's father, the insect's final encounter with a kind of his who "ate" his head, Grandmaster Shifu's retirement, and Po's leadership.

The avian reached for his cup of tea and unveiled his kind glance in front of the three. "How have you been doing with your meditation, Lao?"

The peacock cleared his throat. "Your query seems to be intriguing, Master Crane. My meditation is improving," Lao grinned, glancing at the bird's runnet eyes before Po's. "So far, I expect a few bitter memories to manifest, but I will repeat my next rumination."

"Like my inner peace is where I will be eating cookies while Nana is sleeping," Lotus jested, tittering.

"Oh? I hear you eat cookies," Monkey broadened his smile.

"I eat my mama's cookies! Her sweets are top-notch!"

"Careful now, Master Monkey," Lao warned before his feline brother presented his suppressed chuckles. "Lotus is likely going to find a cookie jar."

"YES! Where is it?" Lotus snapped her happy glance at Xing.

"How will I know where Monkey's jar is, sister?" the tiger smirked. "Why don't you politely ask him?"

"Remind me, Lotus," Lao pressed Lotus. "Have you promised Nana that you are going to be healthy?"

"HA! I can eat cookies without limitations! You know I won't stop, my birdie brother."

"No way," Chen Xing simpered, shaking his head. "Anyway. I almost forgot to mention Righteous Seven."

"Yeah! We read the Seven Biography after receiving the Tournament's scroll. Those guys are hardcore masters!" Po said, leaning his head close. "Do you guys know who they are?"

"The Nine never heard of the class before, but the Righteous Seven is interesting," Chen Xing answered. "We like to read about them, their origins, and their inceptions."

"Oh, you three can check those out at Jade Palace," Mantis said, hopping toward the middle of the table. "Once Masters of Jade Palace and the Nine study Righteous Seven, I will be the first and shout, 'Fear the bug!'"

"Wings of Silliness," Crane interjected, and the Five burst their chuckles.

"By the way," Lotus leaned her head. "Master Chen Ming wishes to invite you all for dinner about a week before the Tournament."

"Sign me up!" Monkey flickered his palm high.

"And. . . Dragon Warrior," Chen Xing eyed the panda, who bobbed his head, leaning closer. "My grandmother will be cooking rice; she likes to have you, Mr. Ping, and Li Shan cook noodles at my palace. Not only as you guys are honorable warriors. The Nine shall send the invitation to another — The Righteous Seven."

"Invitation? The Righteous Seven approves!"

An exciting voice from afar deafened one's echo, and agile forms swirling above the Restaurant stormed down to the front archway, unveiling three forms in lime tops. The leader was a red fox in tops and silver trousers, carrying a bow, an intricate quiver, and arrows with green fletchings behind him. The second to his right was a brown hawk in sleeveless changshan and trousers. The third member introduced the antelope with black antlers in dark emerald tops and ebony pants.


All three strolled in before the group sat up from their seats.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlefolk," greeted a fox, grasping paws behind his back. "I am Leo of Vu City, the Righteous Seven Leader. You six must be the Dragon Warrior and Furious Five of Jade Palace."

The fox peered at the peacock, the tiger, and the wolf beside Crane. "Auh. Three members of the Nine of Prosper Valley, the greatest neighborhood townsfolk. A pleasure to meet you, Masters Chen Xing, Lao, and Lotus."

"I am Shi Dang of Gongmen City," the antelope presented beside his comrade, tapping his chest twice. "Master Sheep's mastery of presence, and it's my honor to meet you, Masters of Jade Palace and the Nine."

"Your Highness," the hawk stepped forward.

Your Highness?

In slight puzzlement, the Five caught the hawk's comment, just as Lao and his adoptive siblings regarded the stranger's esteem. Neither of these warriors but the Nine regarded the peacock's secret recognition. How did the Righteous know Lao's inheritance? "I am Fei of Summit Village, the Righteous Seven's Bird of Prey," the bird introduced and fluctuated his wing to a respective bow. "Never in my life could I ever meet a majestic peacock, and I am thrilled to see you."

If Lao is a prince, then who are his parents? Tigress thought.

"Forgive me," Lao pardoned. "I believe you have mistaken yourself for introducing a title to me, Master Fei," The peacock kept his pose at the strangers. "I am not one of the honorable nobles, only a villager who exists in the Prosper Valley with my family."

"Your family?" Fei bent his head to the left.

"His family," the tiger stood beside him, and their wolf sister joined; the brother and sister clenched their fists in defense. "Would it be nice to treat each other as adults?"

The fox balanced his silvery chuckles. "Forgive our manners. The Righteous Seven are no mischiefs," Leo worded, glancing at all the warriors when his comrades submitted. "My great companions and I are your newest fans. Masters of Jade Palace and the Nine have our respect. We are here for a truce, greeting you all with admiration."

The panda was beside the encounter. "You are too kind, Master Leo, Master Fei, and Master Shi Dang," Po spoke, presenting his generosity. "You guys seem inspired by our types; your histories are so awesome!"

"Oh? You and the Five are learning about us," Shi Dang was impressed, his hooves bridging his waist to an honorable subject. "The Righteous Seven are into the Nine — the young adults who ended Boar Leader's reign in Hajin Province. What catches our attention first is the peacock. As for me, I like the bovine, the son of Master Storming Ox."

"And the tiger. The boy who lives with his grandmother in Prosper Valley has studied Wing Chun for years," the fox added, his paw patting his chest in deep admiration. "Master Chen Xing, your inspiration suits me and my master. I suppose your class of Wing Chun and my Tai Chi have a history of harmony with the three forms, only known forefather survivors of the Qing Temple."

The tiger bestowed his wheezing chuffs, granting his praise. "And a wolf. Many like you were vandals, plenty of low-lives, and most from Lord Shen's army," Fei glanced at her, whose muzzle showed fading curves.

Careful now.

Lotus deadened her low growl, but his feline brother Xing palmed on her shoulder, silencing her irritation. "But. . . Master Lotus, unlike those wolves, you are such a lovable being. Your history from the Bao Gu Orphanage was heartbreaking compared to another who had experienced the unfortunate. Discovering your ambition to fulfill what is right for your brothers and your sister, you deserve more attention than being forgotten."

"Ahem," the fox cleared his throat. "My companions have great fond of your motivation. The Righteous shall get to know Masters of Jade Palace and the Nine before we compete in the Tournament."

"I see you guys like to hang out," Po gracefully broadened his flabby arms. "Would you like to have tea with me and my friends?"

"Thank you, Dragon Warrior. My brothers and I are departing soon to travel back to Wugu City," the fox asserted, turning to his comrade. "Go on, Shi Dang. Elucidate yourself with our new friends."

The impala stepped forward and introduced himself ahead of the group. "My father used to serve with Lord Feng at the Tower of Sacred Flame. The peacock lord was a noble being," Shi Dang mentioned. "My father witnessed the trial outside of the Tower's Courtyard, and it was regretful to see Lord Feng and Lady Muqin banish their son who was involved in a horrible crime. Knowing their son's prevention to seal his fate from happening, their son Lord Jianyu claimed his defense that he protected himself and his family from those who could harm them."

The Dragon Warrior, reflecting the fierce eyes of Shen with a deep, crooned voice haunting his head, kept his concerned posture when his jade eyes swiftly glanced to his left for Chen Xing's peacock brother. "After Lord Shen's fall, the Righteous Seven thought all the peafowls were no more, no longer to rule Gongmen City," Shi Dang continued. "And now, after the Emperor verifies three classes, there is a peacock from the Nine of Prosper Valley, who I craved to meet the boy, learning his history — I look forward to hearing his story."

"I hear peafowls live in South Asia," Viper mentioned, slithering past Po's feet. "That's all I know where they live."

Indeed.

Shi Dang could beckon his head to a nod regarding the peafowls' whereabouts. "I like to ask the Nine's Brilliance before I yield my curiosity. Suppose I could receive your answer, whether or not you are reminding me of Lord Feng, who my father cherished before his death along with his wife in their bed. May I ask you a question, Lao?"

"Ask your question," the peacock allowed him.

"Are you one of the peafowl nobles, based on their inheritance with legitimacy?"

"We do not know the answer from our new friend, and soon-to-be my contender, unless he confirms," Leo spoke, his cinnamon eyes twitched half of the peep and broad toward the peacock. "Are you, Master Lao?"

The peacock could remember the Laboratory room, filled with chemistry equipment where he was in there. Woods cracking on walls no longer bore their durabilities as the fire scorched and amplified shrieks. Lady Xia carried her son, sprinting through the hall when a husband screamed from behind. Nearly breaking through the window had the ceiling collapse, and both peafowls escaped freely, diving into the icy darkness below the ridges.

"I regret to tell you that my bloodline is not pure from the peafowl nobles," Lao confirmed, straightening his long neck. He still could not remember who the father was but brought three strangers to exchange their unwary glances. "You may have been looking at him, who is exactly like me. That one you will mention — I am not the son of a tyrant nor the grandson of a peacock lord, Shi Dang."

Shi Dang, Leo, and Fei held their faces in understanding. "Considering what you mention of your father, who served with the late Lord Feng, I am honored you shared his story," Lao remarked the antelope.

"Hmm. A fine villager, indeed," the fox Leo described, grinning.

"Seems we are too friendly here," Crane was sure. "You three are welcome to visit Jade Palace if you are all willing to see Kung Fu. Lao, what do you suggest?"

"I suggest the Righteous will learn the Nine's Wing Chun strategies," Lao advised them. "In return, we'll study the Righteous Seven's Tai Chi training."

"Gladly, Master Lao," the hawk approved.

The bass horn blew from the wind, following a single bell's gong.

"We must be going," Leo said, surveying the group of warriors. "The Righteous Seven will reach the Jade Palace and Prosper Valley in the coming weeks before the Tournament. And after contemplating Master Chen Ming's request, the Righteous accept the invitation."

"We look forward to meeting you again, friends! Have a good night!" Shi Dang waved at them, and Leo summoned his smoke bomb from his pocket, blasting a single puff of silvery mist. You heard their feet scurry before Fei broadened his sharp wings, flapping his limbs against the wind before the three vanished.

"Geez!" Po's eyes brightened while being amazed by the peacock beside him. "I never know you are—"

Lao smirked and shook his head when Po immediately changed his thoughts. "Never mind. We'll talk about that next time."

"Yeah. Thanks to them, my dumplings are sweating cold," Xing joked.

And his friends guffawed their giggles.


III. (XXI) There Is No Secret Ingredient

The Hall of Heroes had a marble floor illuminated with emerald hues and dragon columns slithering to the ceiling. Passing by full of architects and ancient armaments that belonged to late masters, Tigress joined with Chen Xing, who was amazed, surveying the blade with a green dragon that was forged into four — the Sword of Heroes. Rightfully impressed to hear Tigress's history lesson about the four brothers (three warriors and one blacksmith), Chen Xing mentioned that Po once heard this sword could be sharper at cutting when not touching or nearing the blade. At this moment, wishing to wield the sword, Xing reached for the Sword of Heroes, broadening his digits, and —

OW!

The tiger flickered his claw back, smirking as he chuckled. The Nine tried touching this sword. How did the four brothers do that? Chen Xing continued shaking his limb in stun, and Tigress only stretched her grin halfway, reminding how Po attempted to skulk and reach the Sword of Heroes. Continuing with entertainment, passing by Grandmaster Oogway's wooden staff with emerald candles, Jin Hu's Iron Fist of Justice, and Lady Wind Song's Fan, Tigress and Xing glanced at the repaired Urn, painted with endless mountain ridges with a horde of wolves sprinting and swinging beyond the clouds.

Each body that burned to dust from the cremation carried Tenzu's spirits — the army of wolves who fought against the minions of darkness. Felled before the last standing to their resurrection, many formed into wraiths and sang whispers as their percussionists played war drums across the sea of mountain clouds, avenging their brothers. Once they achieved vengeance by wiping out the unknown and never again emerged to terrorize the weak, Tenzu's Army of Whispering Warriors set their spirits free and restored their souls; each of them, about nine wolves, sacrificed and sent their ashes to be rested in the Urn. After the horror legends, wolf descendants who were born from their ancestors' bloodline at any age encountered Tenzu, who created demons, and he craved them to be his blessing. Only half stayed being monsters, while the other half escaped from the spirit, thanking shamans who repelled Tenzu from entering every wolf again.

From the next hall, manifesting war histories, Chen Xing gazed at the behemoth paintings with the ocean of a thousand spears. "I like this one. The whole painting of warlord generals in the Great War. It's exactly like the one at my grandmother's Palace."

The tiger recognized the two generals who called themselves Jade Warlords — Generals Oogway and Kai, the Supreme Warlords of China. What caught his eyes beside the tortoise and the yak in battle armor standing on the cliff was the snow leopard, the peacock, the bovine in rose hanfu armor, and two soldiers who stood beside these generals. One was in a green hooded cloak with a tail of stripes, and the other, a yak, held his giant ax.

"You know the Great War, Xing?" Tigress asked him, finding her thoughts rivetting at the tiger's inquisitiveness.

"My grandmother used to tell me night stories about Jade Warlords fighting in battles with. . . other heroes who served with them," Xing answered, his claws clasping behind his back while gazing at the war paintings. "All her words came from the Grandmaster, who experienced the war and brotherhood."

"The Great War is well known in China," Tigress said. "The war was started when Qing Temple was raided, destroyed by a tyrant warlord, who wanted his father's worth of loyalty to destroy the martial arts essentials."

"Qing Temple was supposed to change everything, should have brought thousands, maybe millions of masters and students to bring balance throughout hundreds of temples," Chen Xing regarded. "Now, the country has fifty temples, rebuilding what was destroyed."

"Hmm. You are a chronicler, one who studies histories and war battles."

"Well, I'm not that clever, but my brother does," Chen Xing deadened his light chuckle. "But, I like chronologies because what you read more about them, knowledge comes to you."

"Knowledge is power," Tigress was approved.

"Yeah."

The feline could see Xing's gaze locking on the painting nevertheless, how several painters who had listened to Grandmaster Oogway's description to paint what he witnessed and experienced in battles, deep down, the Masters of Jade Palace liked Oogway's story. Tigress followed his eyes and saw one of the generals in his billowing green cloak. The yak's flowing mane had her speak with Xing.

"You seem to look at General Kai more than the Grandmaster."

The tiger's low chuffs were heard regarding Tigress's voice. "Kai was my inspiration throughout my childhood story until my grandmother told me about him," Xing said, releasing his claws from his back. "He might have committed something horrible."

"Like what?"

The feline's query was thoughtful. "I could not recall what drove General Kai mad, but only I remember what he did to protect his brother from getting killed. One of his reputation titles, among other great names, was bitter. Of his terrible reputation, he was called the Maker of Widows."

Master of Pain, Beast of Vengeance, Maker of Widows! She heard Po's glorious introduction and remembered him impersonating the yak warlord's characterism.

"I think Kai butchered prisoners — his enemies who were married — labeling the rest of their wives as widows," Xing continued, turning to Tigress. "That revelation, Ming told me, was when Kai came to China, and we hid in my grandmother's friend's village from the Beast of Vengeance. We were teenagers when that happened, about five months after Lord Shen's fall."

The tiger looked onward and found several armaments lying on all the displays. General Kai's double halberd was closer to Xing, giving him an examination of the blade and the pole. "That's the replica of what Kai used his weapon?"

"Yes," she answered.

Xing continuously inspected the weapon and discovered the replica's reforged blades. Clean and sharp, but not precisely the one the tiger had seen at his grandmother's Palace. "Ming has a real one, inside the Nine's History Hall. She used to say to me that she was given a double halberd by Grandmaster Oogway, who wanted to move on from remembering the past," he clarified. "Kai used to have two double halberds. He used the main one throughout battles until Oogway shed it in half before he. . . banished him. The second one is what the Grandmaster had here before my grandmother."

"I suppose Po used putting this replica here after he read Oogway's scroll, wanted to have a double halberd in the warfare hall," Tigress said.

"Hmm. Po's not the only one being motivated," Chen Xing smirked at Tigress.

Departing from the Warfare Hall, two warriors walked outside the Jade Palace, wandering down the Garden of Masters as soft breezes fiddled on their furs and cheeks. They passed by giant stones of late masters in moss, those who served and aided Grandmaster Oogway throughout the centuries. Unlike other stones bathed in rich dark emerald moss, the latest one was Master Thundering Rhino — a rational being who had helped his comrades Ox and Croc to stop the Wu Sisters from reigning in China.

I wish I could meet him in person. Nana was the only one who met him before his death. Xing reflected, staring at the stone's head with its majestic clouded horn.

"I'd like to ask you a question, Xing. If you wish to answer," Tigress coped to stand closer to Xing. "What happened to your parents?"

Her question had Xing's face dissipate his smile, unveiling his neutral figure. Xing knew what to expect from Tigress regarding his late parents. She was right to ask, as these felines were the same in that they lost theirs in common. Unrelated to Tigress, whose parents abandoned her at Bao Gu Orphanage, Xing's family was even grieving; the tiger began clasping his claws on his belly, responding.

"There was home, I used to live, with a family of my own, along with. . . tigers, Master Tigress," he closed his silver eyes, his tone altering to earnest. "I was a small cub, witnessed the destruction when the forest was. . ."

Tigress could hear his chuffing rough, and his head shook in dismay, looking down to his feet. "You don't have to speak about your tragedy unless you want to, Xing," she urged.

Tigress has to hear. She must know my history.

Chen Xing walked onward as Tigress followed him, contemplating his tale. "Ming and I were the only survivors. My father and mother were with us on the night but were murdered. Somebody stormed into my old village and brought uninvited guests," he continued, stopping halfway near the ridge stairs, closer to the bamboo hills where the Student Barracks perched. "Every time I looked at the fire, Master Tigress, where my parents were there, I saw those eyes behind flickers and embers. They were crimson — Killer's eyes. That's all I remember."

"My condolences, Xing," Tigress shared her sympathy.

A thunder from the east of seven mountain steeps deadened its claps. The tiger's memories were striking in Xing's thoughts but quickly faded as he remembered arrow fletchings stirring their hisses in shadows, sticks snapping while sprinting. "This night is passing. I can practice Kung Fu with you tomorrow," Xing said, reassuring his tone from discouragement.

"Gladly," she nodded before he saw him walk away. "And Xing."

The tiger turned to her.

"This may be strange for tigers to see each other again. I was like you and your grandmother alone, but the only thing keeping me safe is what I have been living with my whole life. With Po, the Five, and Shifu and Oogway," Tigress elucidated, her eyes looking at his with empathy. She approached him with casual steps. "I can only imagine that you both are not alone with the Nine, your friends. Had it bothered you when you felt the only tiger left?"

Xing arched his brows. "Every single day, Master. Every single day until my peacock brother came, my sisters, and the rest," he answered, giving his long stare at the quiet storm. "Ming and I are not alone anymore. I hope there are any more survivors like us out there, but we keep praying to the heavens until we find them one day."

Everyone, like us. Tigress pondered.

"When I look at my parents' painting, Master Tigress, you—" he studdered, randomly squinting as if hesitating to say. Tigress listened to him when Xing gazed at her. "You look just like my mom."

Sadly, Tigress could not speak when discovering Xing's eyes, reflecting what Lei Lei used to nudge with her after training and their walks across the Valley of Peace. Lei Lei used to remind her that if she wished to have a mother like her own, then Tigress would have been the one to adopt her. Viper was only good at parenting type, but Tigress treated her student well, unlike Shifu, who mistreated his pupil to be worthy.

Tigress caught Xing sweep a small tear from his right eye before he cleared his throat from disheartenment. "I should go. Goodnight, Master Tigress."

She blinked her eyes with a slow nod, allowing Xing to dismiss and walk away toward the ridge path to the Student Barrack.

Goodnight, nephew.


An hour had passed, and the night crawled into puzzling beams of colorful stars above. Lao sat on the emerald rug, meditating with the Dragon Warrior outside Training Hall. Candles surrounding Po and Lao had lit and wafted with scents of peach and lily, the warriors could smell, and soft breezes fiddled on trees. Wanting to discover the peacock's issues, Po had let Lao recover his long-lost memories of what Chen Ming deciphered the misfortune first. Granting the panda's advice, letting the memories flow like a river, Lao commenced aiding his breaths in and out in serenity; Shifu was on the side of the Training Hall's gateway, surveying these warriors.

Keeping their histories from mentioning Lord Shen, the Five desired the panda to support Lao. Not wishing to disturb these warriors during meditation, Shifu strolled away to his chamber, knowing this night summoned deadening claps of thunder from the north, with silver flashes popping under the gray clouds. The Dragon Warrior could feel the storm but continued the peacock's meditation course.

When Po inspected memories closer, his sights were a dear mother. The Dragon Warrior's mother sacrificed her son to save him from Lord Shen and his wolves. As for the other, flowing through the unknown, Lao twitched and squinted his eyes, surveying brief flashes of ocean eyes, white summit, and the wooden Palace.

A two-story palace perched on the bank of the summit's apex slope, and the silver clouds were hued by the bathing yellow light pouring snow. His mother once said their village was prospering with friendly neighbors and fellow avians nearby. A maple tree once stood higher beyond the ridge, with glittering lime foliage branches and a giant trunk. A boy in a dark blue satin robe held his beak open and tasted a flake. The cold water was refreshing, unlike how his peahen mother harvested a chunk of flakes from the upward tile and a waterfall down to three ridges below the Summit Village.

Lao saw a majestic bird scurrying nearby — a swan with a sunlight crown in ocean hanfu, too innocent.

"Huiliang! Your lunch is almost ready!" the girl's mother called.

The ocean? Oogway's blessing. How could he ever forget the swan's name? As a child, sometimes, if you have a good memory remembering a peaceful life, the later years could slowly fade — but a parent remembers every moment to keep your memories nostalgic more. He found a group of avians in expensive garbs strolling on uneven ridges, leading from downhill to other peak routes, and several wore their gems through necklaces.

Nearby from these pedestrians walking by them, wolf guards in dark gray scathe armor with wraps guarded each house, patrolling.

Odd. What are those guards doing here? When did this happen? Lao thought.

Later, filling with perplexity and curiosity, he found a wolf with a left eye patch sauntering with his peahen mother, Lady Xia, at the nearest hillside. A long, forgotten name was called by his mother, which had the wolf smiling and waving at the boy. His name was Dongji. Winter. His brother used to call him that before Chen Xing changed the peacock's name; the brothers wished to upon themselves as family, and his real name, which originated from Mandarin, used to be fitting.

What was this village like? Who was my father?

A languid voice named his son from behind, shifting the peacock's eyes to rapid blinks before he returned to reality.

The bird's gasp heightened with his talons springing. The blink of an eye caught Po's attention, waking the panda from tumbling backward. "Whoa! I think I fell into my dumpling bowls," the panda chuckled. "Oh, are you alright, Lao?"

Po read the peacock's expression just as the peacock's neckline was drenched in sweat. Lao inhaled and blew out his nippy breaths, settling his anxiety. Each concentration of reliving his breaths in and out lessened the bird's intellect, but Lao wished to answer Po about the memory loss that the peacock attempted to reflect. "I. . . think so?" Lao said, stroking his chest. "Nothing's impacting for sure."

"What did you see, buddy?" Po leaned his head.

"I wish I could tell you, but there's a—"

One flash of lightning clapped from the nearest peak, sending Po and Lao leaping in the breeze with their white faces. "OH!" the panda broadened his eyes. "Time to get in the Barracks! Race ya there!"

The peacock could see Po reaching the nearest hill and tumbling his body forward, rolling. Standing from the rug, as two geese began wrapping carpets, Lao sprinted to the path and broadened his train, leaping in the windy breeze.


The wind gushed through the bird's wing strands with vibrations. Spotting Po roll on a hilly ridge before the Barracks, Lao saw gaps in the bamboo and tree columns ahead of him. With inspiration from Master Crane's gift of dodging through traps at his temple, imagining strings of dry fabrics one line and the next, Lao merged through broad gaps and under the log, zipping his quick flight to a vibrant glide.

Sprinting on the stairs, Po merged to the next ridge as he was upon the Barracks close but could not see Lao nearby as specks of droplets hissed in the distance, nearing. "Lao, I'm almost there!" the panda uttered, pacing 30 steps before the door, where two red lanterns perched in between.

Po tapped the shoji side upon his nearing arrival, with his ears catching loud wings with vibrant flows. "Yay! I — What?!"

"Right on time," Lao smirked, standing beside Po.

"How did you—?" Po widened, but the sounds of the rain drumming close were intensified, and they saw the raining wall advancing its growth, washing the Palace and the Garden of Masters. "Nevermind. Get in!"

They entered and shut the door, the roof introducing heavy taps from the shower. The panda and the peacock heightened their panted breaths, exchanging their glances at each other momentarily before the two set their laughs, lowering their guffaws in relief.

"Phew! That was close," the Dragon Warrior laughed.

"Indeed," nodded Lao, dusting off two foliage leaves on his upper right shoulder.

"You can fly faster!" Po cheered. "Did Master Crane teach you how to master your flight?"

"Slowly but surely, Master Po," he stretched his grin, strolling with the panda through the corridor before the kitchen.

"You are a fast learner. I mean, you have a gift!"

"A gift, yes. But not among the stellar people with brilliant minds," Lao commented nonchalantly. Behind these corridor shoji walls introduced harsh winds with hard taps, the shower singing distant thunders. "The storm seems uneven; rather than the harsh environment, a calming storm would be nice to allow me and my adoptive siblings to practice Wing Chun forms under the rain."

"Wait. . . You guys can do that?"

"Absolutely," Lao answered, nearing the kitchen as the candlelight of lime dusk emerged from their left. "You'll see our performances whenever the Tournament en—WHAT in the name?!"

Widening the bird's eyes before him was Lotus sitting on her chair with Master Monkey, eating a dozen almond cookies. "Lotus?! What on Earth?"

The simian burst his suppressing laughs. "Gods. . . Me like Monkey's cookies!" Lotus praised, mouthing with her chunk of sweets. "Brother, you gotta try these!"

"Off to bed, you!" Lao snapped.

"Make me. . ."

"Relax, Lao. I'll get to her bed soon enough," Monkey assured, smiling as Po and Lao continued toward the next corridor, the rooms introducing peaceful snores.

"By the Gods, this is exactly why my sister is addicted to cookies," Lao snapped, lessening his tone from disturbing. "I warned you, Master Po."

"Don't worry, kid. At least Lotus is enjoying her company," the panda said, palming Lao's shoulder. "Would you like to see my Dragon Scroll inside, buddy?"

"Why not?" the peacock simpered.

Entering the Dragon Warrior's chamber had them sighted water splotches pouring behind the shoji walls outside, enticing every warrior to listen to nature's song during comfort. Po lit a match and had the candle on, its hues of peach and cheese brightening the room's surroundings. From the bird's ordinary eyes, with the sounds of muffling rain singing, Lao surveyed posters of the Dragon Warrior and Furious Five, the armaments of halberds and swords, the brown drawer, and his bamboo bed.

From the beginning of these posters, Lao pondered about the panda who met the Masters of Jade Palace, the first time Po could ever survive before engaging the Great Dragon. The middle showed many banners and posters from different towns before Gongmen City's peacock banner (Lord Feng's) and Masters of Gongmen (the three legendary masters), unveiling the map of China's three different landscapes of the Song Dynasty. After scrutinizing the last portraits and historical sceneries, which were during the before and after events of General Kai's arrival, the peacock caught his attention at Po's paw, setting a picture of the panda's mother next to another portrait of his two fathers.

Is that Po's mother? Lao thought, wishing for the best not to ask him dearly, regarding how difficult Po could answer his question about Po's biological mother.

Neglecting the question for the time being, Lao could see Po kneeling and reaching under his bed, rummaging for the scroll. I wonder what he hides from his companions. A small pot of Monkey's cookies?

The simian could soon go wild if Monkey discovered where Po hid more sweets under the bed. The bird's thought of action figures on the other drawer table had him close his beak from mentioning them, although the relations between Po and Xing have in common: they were fond of heroes. But did Po and the Five know of one of Xing's favorite toys standing by the Great Dragon and Master Storming Ox?

"Ah ha. Finally," Po felt his digits on a hard and glossy surface, bringing out the "awesomeness" scroll. The scroll had lime green knots and a crimson cylinder with intricate patterns of reflective gold bronze scathes showing the bearded dragon beast.

The peacock's breath was inaudible. "This is. . . marvelous," Lao stared at the scroll.

"This was given to me by Grandmaster Shifu," Po clarified before handing the scroll to Lao after opening the cap. The panda sat on his bamboo bed. "When Master Oogway envisioned me since I was a normal villager, I changed my life when his prophecy of what I become the Dragon Warrior. I realized within a few years later, when I was chosen as the Dragon Warrior, his evil brother came by long ago, and the prophecy fulfills my destiny to defeat Kai by not just kicking butts and high-fiving bunnies but being confident and a hero to end evils."

Lao brought out a gold parchment with emerald handles from the scroll shell. Once opening it, the brown with gold glass displayed Lao's face. With puzzlement, attempting to open and close the parchment, he could only see himself once again. "It's blank," he drenched his face with wide eyes.

"I know, right?" Po simpered. "The scroll is blank."

"But. . . I don't understand."

"I had the same feeling of telling Grandmaster Shifu, Lao. Just like what you are right now," Po worded, sitting close to Lao. The peacock's spine, drenching with a cold stream, had him maintain his composure. "The scroll, rather than deciphering secrets, shows the meaning of yourself. You see your head on a manuscript by noting how you can describe yourself not just as 'brilliant' but to understand a complicated answer of what you must discover. But to me, I found the solution. Once I realized when I opened the Dragon Scroll for the first time, I thought there would be some mysterious metaphor words or something to discover. But the decryption never lies on there. Only you can see yourself; all of us can.

"But later, when I was going to leave the Valley of Peace, my father spoke his wise words to me that he shared his secret. Something I had not seen coming. He said to me, 'The secret ingredient is… nothing.' "

"Nothing?" Lao gaped, widening his beak.

"Nothing. There is no secret ingredient," Po expressed in his goose father's words. "To make something special, you have to believe it is special. Compared to each born with uniqueness, no matter how hard you throw your feather blades on wooden dummies, achieving difficulties to be stronger, you earned your progression — from the start of your journey as a student to a master. Not only I am the Dragon Warrior, Lao, but once you see yourself on a scroll, you are the Dragon Warrior too — All of us."

The panda's words were admiring, enticing Lao to like Po's conversation. Lao thought more of his beginning to meet brothers and sisters, the unusual beings that each brought their intentions for Kung Fu and Wing Chun. Chen Xing was always his brother and taught him Chi Sao with his grandmother well, mentioning one word that the tiger presented was his prime purpose: family. Lotus sought encouragement for one another, although her heart changed the Nine. As much as Hong was too kind to thrive in aiding the Nine, she pursued love — love for the weak and strong.

Despite all eight having their ambitions to fight for, Lao finally discovered what his dream of becoming a warrior meant to be. With his growth improving and growing up with his family, Lao achieved honesty. Honesty mattered in his heart, and he thrived with confidence, caring, and admiration. Po was right. Always believe in yourself, and keep your head above water. Lao thought of his advancement strategies of Wing Chun, nearly defeated most of the Nine but Chen Xing and Chen Ming.

"I understand who I am and my purpose, Dragon Warrior," Lao said.

"You do?" Po arched his brows, smiling.

"I am. . . I am the Nine's Brilliance, and I believe in honesty. Honesty for us Dragon Warriors who never give up hope," the peacock wrapped the Dragon Scroll and handed it to the panda. "I am glad you became the People's Hero, Master Po. Your story and your words of wisdom truly inspire us all."

Everybody. . .

Po grinned as the shower behind the shoji walls lessened their impacts, lightning claps deadening at a greater distance. "My bedtime has passed," Lao went for the door, bowing to Po. "Goodnight, Dragon Warrior."

Po bowed back to him. "Good night, Lao. I'll see you in the morning."

Appearing the peacock's right side was the feline herself strolling in the corridor, whose small smile appeared to the side. "Master Tigress," Lao greeted, and Tigress nodded, blinking her amber eyes before the peacock entered the guest room next to Po's chamber. They could see an amber light dimming to a sudden dark hue along the rest of the chambers, snores dominating. Po preferred to keep the Nine in the company and stroll through the Palace and beyond the ridges with the Five.

Motioning her head, Tigress invited Po to the kitchen after Monkey escorted Lotus into her guest chamber beside Chen Xing's. The smell of sweet cookies impacted their muzzles, which had Tigress remind Po and Monkey could sneak into the dining room and grab a dozen almond cookies each after their long training sessions.

Tigress put all four candles to silent hisses when pressing her digits in between, the room becoming darker before the last candle remained standing on the table. "Lao seems to be a great kid, don't you agree, Po?"

"He is," the panda approved. Tigress's amber eyes were only more prevailing than the candlelight. "How is your. . . I mean, how did the conversation with Xing go?"

Her throbbing chuffs were introduced. "I'm getting there. Needing to understand that I am their people," she answered, reflecting on Chen Xing's discussion. Pondering long to see the feline's tiring expression, unveiling her brows arched, Po leaned closer to her.

"You okay, Tigress?"

Her stare toward the panda had her answered dearly. "Xing thinks I look like his mother."

"His mom?" he gaped.

"He told me about them — their fatalities. If I could just. . . to keep close company with him, Po, I would," her head lowered to downcasting. "Xing does not know I am his aunt yet. After the Tournament, his grandmother and I will tell him."

Her amber eyes only illuminated when Po's digits blackened the candle, allowing Tigress to reveal her surroundings from daydreaming. The panda held his paw behind her, leading them into the corridor. "Come on, let's head to bed."

Hearing two shoji walls closed, staring at the ceiling long enough while the rain's ambiance had numbed all the warriors, Chen Xing wrapped himself in his bed, crossing his knees to the side in a deadpan. His contemplation on attending to spend his time with Master Tigress freely had him concerned about her identical expression. Closing his eyes from clouding his thoughts, dozing into his subconsciousness before something emerged, a speck of dust swirling into a face of dawn orange and black stripes, he saw his late mother.