Chapter 9: Dinner Travesty


Shifu looked up at the towering golden gates that stood before him. It had been a long journey, but he had done it. He was standing beneath the Golden Palace. The home of Emperor Hongwu. He waited for the doors to slowly open, revealing the palace. It was not the first time Shifu had laid eyes upon the Golden Palace, but the sight never ceased to amaze.

Its roof was completely gold, with pillars of white stone, embroidered with every color, gem, and precious mineral available. Yellow flags hung with the Imperial banner on full display. Shifu walked cautiously up the steps, knowing one false foot placement would be an insult. The two guards that stood watch at the door had immediately recognized the elderly master and slid aside. They had already been informed of his arrival by the thousands of avian scouts that surrounded the hills around the Imperial City.

Shifu walked, now even more cautiously, up towards the throne. There, sitting on a throne of pure gold, was Emperor Hongwu. He was a majestic eagle with robes that acted as feathers. He looked down at Shifu with a frown. Shifu knelt before the eagle, unsure of what was to come next.

"Master Shifu, of the Jade Palace. I was hoping we'd get the chance to speak."

"Nothing would honor me more, your majesty."

Emperor Hongwu began his slow walk down the pearly steps. Right towards Shifu. The elderly master, with head low and knees pressing the ground, felt the beads of sweat litter his forehead. It took all of his inner peace and concentration to not flutter his ears. He swallowed the knot in his throat as the seconds passed. He listened as each step the majestic eagle took came closer.

"Tell me, and tell me honestly, do you think I have reliable informants?"

The question threw Shifu through a loop, but he dared not hesitate. "I do, your majesty."

"Stand up. Face me." Emperor Hongwu ordered.

Shifu was upright in a flash. "Of course."

For the first time, Shifu got the privilege to look into the eyes of the majestic emperor. He stood taller than Shifu could ever hope, but deep within his eyes, he saw anger. Frustration. "Then, Master Shifu, of the Jade Palace, do you suspect I know of your mission to protect those villages along the coast?"

"I would suspect nothing less. I'm sure you know all, your majesty."

"Then tell me, in your own words, WHERE IS MY ARMY?!"

The roof shook. Shifu did his best to stand straight, but even he faltered, if only for a moment. The eagle began to pace circles around the red panda. Shifu dared not move.

"My army, three thousand strong, are gone. Wiped off the face of China. And those villages? Burnt to rubble. Commander Huan? Dead? Missing? Captured? What happened?"

Shifu wanted to remain silent. He had never felt such a chill run up his spine, but he remained calm and firm, then took a deep breath. Inner peace, he thought. With regained composure, he looked Emperor Hongwu in the eye, which was a sight that would have a lesser man put to death. Shifu was not lesser.

"I sent my top students to aid Commander Huan and your army. To my knowledge, they arrived too late."

"Top students?" Emperor Hongwu scoffed. "You trained the Dragon Warrior, correct?"

"Indeed, your majesty."

"I assume he is to blame for this tragedy. He has failed as a leader. I am most disappointed."

Shifu clutched his staff like a child's doll and sighed. "He did not lead, your majesty. He was not in charge of the Furious Five."

The eagle stopped and turned back towards Shifu. His eyes were like that of fire. A fire that could rival the energy of the sun. "Who was?" Emperor Hongwu's voice was soft. Quiet. Like a bomb ready to go off. Like a cannon ready to roar. "Tell me, Shifu. Who was responsible for your students' failure? Who was the leader?"

Shifu cleared his throat. His heart weighed heavy with the knowledge of what he had to do. He had to answer his question. All of it. Any excuse he could come up with would see his head on a plate. There was no time for them. He wanted to throw himself before Emperor Hongwu and plead for mercy. He wanted to take the fall. It was his fault, after all. He ordered them to stay the night. He did. It was his fault, but that was not the emperor's question. "I put Master Tigress in charge of leading the expedition." He wanted to say more. He wanted to sing her praise, but Emperor Hongwu would hear none of it. This he knew.

The eagle nodded with appreciation of the truth, but his eyes were still locked onto Shifu like a predator seeking prey. "It was foolish to choose her as leader, Shifu. The strong must lead the weak. Tigress is weak, and the Dragon Warrior is strong. I will not waste time on failures such as this… Tigress while my precious China and its people are slaughtered, and its soil tarnished by the feet of our enemies!"

"I understand, your majesty."

"Good. Anything else?" The impatient eagle asked.

Shifu nodded. "Yes." He pulled out the pendant, bowed, and held it out for Emperor Hongwu. The eagle snatched it from Shifu's paws.

"What is this?"

"I don't know, but Master Tigress found it at one of the villages. With your permission, your majesty, I would like to remain in the Imperial City and investigate further. I have already sent the Furious Five and the Dragon Warrior to follow a trail I believe could lead us to the masked enemy. Now, it is my time to help where I can."

Emperor Hongwu gave it some serious thought, then nodded. "Very well, Master Shifu. Stay. Study. Do whatever you must. This conversation is over." He dropped the pendant on the floor.

Emperor Hongwu ended by quickly spinning around and walking back towards his throne of gold. Immediately, two large boars stepped in between Shifu and the eagle. Shifu knew it was his time to leave. He bent down and picked up the pendant before placing it in his pocket. Silently, he walked out.


Crane had followed the underwater beast far into the ocean, yet there was no sign of land on the horizon. Nothing was ahead but blue water for miles in every direction. Despite all odds against him, Crane continued to trail the monster. One worry that plagued his mind was that this whale had no allegiances. Perhaps it was just a wandering whale who would soon plunge deep into the water, never to be seen again and taking his family with him.

Despite his fears, the whale continued to shoot through the water like a steady arrow just mere feet below the water's surface. It had not once wavered from its course. Crane figured that the ocean dwellers were like the avians. Unless a particular destination was in mind, most birds would veer left and right, enjoying the freedom of maneuverability and rarely sticking to a perfectly straight course. Crane hoped it was the same with this whale, and that he had a home base somewhere across the vast sea.

After many more miles, a dense fog began to roll in. Crane dipped lower, closer towards the water. With his eyesight a fraction of what it once was, Crane relied on the wake the enormous creature made to follow. His close proximity to the water brought a new set of dangers. It was his distance from the water that had saved him the first time. He did not want to push his luck, so he remained extra vigilant as he flew over the blue water.

Suddenly, through the thickening fog, came a row of lights. Crane was quick to pull up, distancing himself from the water. He rose high above the fog and saw it. Stretching from one end of the horizon to the other was land. One long, majestic strip of it.

He quickly lowered and once again found the wake the whale had made. Though land was near, it was not his goal. The black and white mass zipping through the water had his friends. His family. It had not killed them. It couldn't have. Not Po. Not Tigress. Not Viper.

The closer he got to land, the lighter the fog became. Crane decided it was best to slow down and watch the whale as it neared the shore. He made a mental note of where it was heading in relation to the shore. The location was not hard to miss. There, on a cliff, sat a tower. One with white walls that tore through the sky. Millions of lights lit up that one area alone.

After taking in as much information as he could, he turned and flew back into the thickest part of the fog.

Crane circled around a time or two until he found a small island barely within view of the shoreline. Luckily, the fog made the island nearly invisible. It was an island of sponge, or so it seemed, with a few trees and low shrubs to hide his daily activities and presence. Crane didn't like the island, but it was all he had. It would have to suffice while he planned his rescue.


Po was surrounded by darkness. It was all he had known for the past three hours. Perhaps it was more. Time seemed to stand still in the belly of the whale. Or throat. Mouth? He didn't know. For all he suspected, it could have been a day. He tried to move but found that even the slightest wiggle from his fingers was nearly impossible.

"Hello? Guys?"

"What?"

"Oh, hi, Tigress! How are you?"

"Not the time. Any thoughts?"

"Nope. Not gonna lie, guys. I'm pretty stumped. Being stuck inside a sea panda is the last thing I expected."

Ahead came a brief glimpse of light. A spit second. Like a flash. In an instant, however, came a shadow of a figure. Po didn't have time for anything. There was a thump, then more darkness.

Po opened his eyes. Shocker, he thought. Darkness. This time, he could move, but his head rang like he had been witness to the ringing of a thousand gongs. Think, Po. You're the Dragon Warrior. The most feared kung fu master in China! An unstoppable force! The master of the unexpected. He tested his maneuverability and found that, unlike before, he could wriggle his toes and fingers, but his paws were wrapped behind him with a hefty weight around both wrists. He knew the feeling immediately. Cuffs.

The bags were swiftly yanked from his head. It had been hours, perhaps days, since he was last able to see. Heavy chains tied his body together, wrapping together his legs and arms and everything in between. Surrounding him was the Furious Five, save Crane. Tigress stood beside him, with Viper, Mantis, and Monkey opposite her. A mighty force pushed them from behind.

Po spun around. "Buddy, please. You don't want to-" He froze. Standing there, twice his height and perhaps triple his weight, were two large oxen. Han and Qin. Po obediently turned back around. "Never mind. Continue."

"Po?" Tigress hissed. "Plans?"

"Nope. Nothing yet. I'll let you know when I think of one."

Inside the gate reminded Po of the Jade Palace. It had, at the very least, just as many sacred artifacts littered throughout. Mighty pillars stood like titans and were embroidered with priceless jewels. Silk tapestry hung from each and every wall. Po was unsure if this was supposed to be a palace, temple, or prison. He hoped for anything but the last option.

Ahead came a small figure. A rabbit. He bowed politely but timidly. "Evening." Said the rabbit. "I am Liang."

"Evening." Po mumbled, unsure of what to do now. After a moment of silence, Po thought he should continue. "I'm Po. This is-"

"Not the time." Tigress snapped.

"I'm just being polite."

"Again… Not the time." She turned her head towards Liang. "Take us to your master." She commanded.

Liang's eyes glanced towards each of the warriors, though he spent most of his gaze between the panda and the tiger. "She is expecting you. If you would be so kind as to follow me." He spoke softly. "Madame Fang is waiting."

As Liang began hopping way, Po couldn't help but notice he was making his way towards a towering staircase that sat in the middle of the room. His eyes slowly followed them up, but they seemed to go on forever. He felt exhausted just by looking at them. A sudden fear nipped the tip of his tail, and he crossed his fingers. Don't go up the stairs. Please, for the love of kung fu, do NOT go up-

Liang began hopping up the stairs.

Po dropped to his knees. "NO!"

His roar shook the entire room, nearly knocking ancient plates and artifacts from their pedestals. He caught himself, stood up, and zipped his mouth. Tigress silently shook her head, while Viper, Mantis, and Monkey looked on as if nothing had happened.

The two oxen behind began to push. Po, naturally, fell behind as the Furious Five, save Crane, pushed on ahead. Step by step, the Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five made their way up the treacherous stairs. Step. Then step. Then step. The monotony was beginning to get to him. Just when Po thought there couldn't be more, the turned the corner. Lo and behold, more. Lots more.

Po managed to brush against Tigress. He glanced around, making sure Liang and the two monsters behind him weren't within earshot.

"I think we'll get some answers soon." Po said as if Tigress would relay his words with some sort of pleasantry. It was clear from the fire in her eye that she was not.

She shook her head. "If you see a chance to escape, take it." She whispered.

"If they wanted to kill us, they would've done so already." Po responded, preferring to look on the bright side.

"We have no idea what Madame Fang is capable of." Tigress nearly blurted. "There are things worse than death."

Viper snuck beside Po. "But if we play our cards right, we can be out of here in no time. We should some answers."

Po nodded. "If things go south, I'll be there to show them what the Dragon Warrior is capable of."

Tigress couldn't argue, so she nodded in turn. Of course you will, she thought. Of course. She only hoped that for all his talk and confidence, he was in the right mindset to follow up on the hefty promises.

Tigress was first to reach the top of the stairs with the Furious Five hot on her tail. Po was, as usual, somewhere far behind. So far, in fact, that the second ox, Han, had decided to tag behind and help Po.

Tigress immediately caught sight of the large table that sat in the dead center of the room. A fireplace was lit, casting a yellow hue across the walls. Liang scurried into the adjacent room. Through the shin, shoji wall, she heard the rabbit speak.

"Madame Fang? The visitors have arrived." His voice was weak, and even more timid than before.

Visitors? The tiger snarled as Liang returned to the main room. Quietly, and without a single word or peep, the rabbit hurried to the corner of the room, out of sight, but not out of mind. Tigress knew, in times like these, the ones you least suspect will leave the biggest wounds. Suddenly, the floor began to shake.

BOOM.

BOOM.

BOOM.

Then the shoji door slid open.

Out she stepped. A panda. Large and round. Perhaps the same size as Po, if not a tad thinner. She wore silk garments of blue and yellow, freshly pressed.

She's a panda?! Tigress recoiled with disgust.

Fang walked brisky towards Tigress and towered above her as the rest of the Furious Five gathered. Po was still far behind. The other warriors failed to hold the female panda's attention. Her icy stare was dead set on Tigress.

"Greetings." Her pink lips split, revealing a set of pasty white teeth. "My servants told me I would be having guests over. I'm Lu Fang. The mistress of this humble island." She looked up at the ox that stood behind them. "Han?"

"I'm Qin." The ox replied.

Immediately, Lu Fang's smile turned to a frown, but it didn't last long. Once again, her teeth were on full display. "Would you mind showing the snake, monkey, and little bug to their seats?" She motioned towards the table. "I wish to ask the tiger a few questions." Her smile grew, and she placed a cold paw on the shoulder of the tiger. "What does your species say? Curiosity killed the cat?"

Tigress wanted to hurl. "Never heard that expression before." Her attempts at sarcasm were misplaced.

Tigress had never met Lu Fang before. She didn't know her backstory. Her parents. What she did on her night out on the town. Her husband. All Tigress knew was she was no friend of theirs.

"Aren't you a tough little tiger." Lu Fang's smile became sickening.

"You and I have a lot to talk about." Tigress hissed.

"Why waste the words?" Lu Fang whispered. Her grip on the tiger tightened. Tigress, in a moment of weakness, winced. Lu Fang's eyes, for only a moment, broke from Tigress and rose to meet whatever was behind her. Tigress was correct in assuming it was Po. Suddenly, Lu Fang's lifeless, glasslike eyes were filled with color. Her icy stare melted and her grip on Tigress' shoulder became nothing more than a gentle touch. "Oh…"

In the blink of an eye, Lu Fang pushed Tigress aside and rushed towards the panda, gasping for breath at the top of the stairs. Po was not ready for what was to come. There she was, arms wide with pure delight. Po had never seen Lu Fang before, but her approach was that of an old friend. As if, in a past life, they knew each other. Confused, Po accepted the hug. He would have wrapped his arms around her just as tight had his wrists not been chained. Po smiled awkwardly. Another panda! Po thought. So cuddly. So… soft. Po wondered if she was related to Big Fun, the hugging panda from the Panda Village.

"Hi." Po smiled.

"I can't believe it." Lu Fang cried, whirling Po around like a plaything. "I thought I was the last one!"

"Last what?" Po asked, gasping for air. Her hugs were that of an iron coffin three sizes too small for Po's body.

"The last panda!" She roared. She finally let Po go and stepped back. Her colorful eyes became solemn. "Ever…" She looked down at one of her many necklaces. A blue orb wrapped in golden chains. Her voice softened and her eyes became mirrors due to the tears. "Ever since Shen." Po watched her recoil with disgust at the name being spoken.

Po's mind was quick to race back to his time in Gongmen City. He was past that now, but it was clear she wasn't. Po immediately had so many stories to tell. His adventures against Shen, and his time at the Panda Village, but he held his tongue. Po knew her pain, but she could not know the truth.

Suddenly, the female panda shot upright. "I'm Lu Fang." Her voice had become giddily. "Please, come and sit down. I'm sure you have many questions."

With a sudden movement and a mighty pull, Lu Fang broke the shackles from Po's wrists. They dropped to the floor with a hefty CLANK, then she pulled Po by the hand and towards the wooden table. She sat Po down beside her chair of embroidered diamonds and gold. Almost too close, Tigress thought. Tigress remained standing towards the stairs.

"Your tiger friend is more than welcome to sit down and join the civilized." Lu Fang spoke softly to Po. Almost as if they heard, Qin and Han pushed Tigress along, nearly forcing her to sit across from Po and Lu Fang. The air in the room took on a thick form. So thick, Tigress was sure she would be able to cut it with her claws. For what seemed like a minute too long, only glances were exchanged.

It was, of course, Po who spoke first.

"Not going to lie, but this is not the kind of welcome we were expecting." Po said, following it up with a nervous laugh. He shared a quick look at Tigress and Lu Fang, hoping to judge each of their facial expressions with care.

Lu Fang looked on at Po with wonder and awe in her eyes.

Tigress… Po couldn't tell. Angry? Upset? Annoyed? Happy? Definitely not happy.

"And what were you expecting?" Lu Fang asked.

"I guess we expected more kicks. A few punches. You know? Kung fu stuff."

"Kung fu?" She looked around at the Furious Five. "Is that what you do?"

"We're masters." Monkey blurted, immediately feeling the cold stare of Tigress. The tiger bit her lip, and finished Monkey's words.

"And we aren't ones to mess with." She looked across the table at Lu Fang. The female panda wore an amused smile, but her eyes were like glass. Cold and lifeless.

"Adorable." Lu Fang whispered, as if to herself. "Now, if we are to start off on the right foot, I believe names are in order. I've already been generous enough to give you mine." She turned towards Po.

"Right." Po huffed. His mind raced for a moment, weighing the pros and cons of the enemy knowing their names. "Well, I'm Po. This is Master Mantis, Monkey, Viper, and Tigress."

"Lovely to meet you all. I hope this meeting is productive and that you enjoy your visit."

Visit? Tigress snarled. They weren't visitors and this isn't a visit.

"Han? Qin? Unshackle the visitors, please?" The pair of oxen did as they were told, but when they got to Tigress, they hesitated and looked up at Lu Fang. Tigress watched the female panda nod, and with that, her cuffs were off.

Odd hesitation, Tigress thought, but made an attempt to smile politely. Tigress rubbed her free paws and loosened her fingers. They ached, but she shoved the thought aside and once again focused on the conversation at hand. Her gaze rarely left Lu Fang.

"So, onto business, then?" Lu Fang smiled. Her polite smile was more convincing that Tigress'.

"Business? Is that what you call it?" Tigress was first to snap. "What do you know of the villages being destroyed?"

"Villages being destroyed?" She held her paw to her mouth. "That's terrible, but please don't think I had anything to do with it. You come here thinking I'm an enemy. Some… villain. Yet I have done nothing."

"You brought in a whale to eat us." Monkey replied.

"As a band of kung fu warriors were on their way to my front door, yes. Would you not do the same?"

"Look, we're not saying you're bad." Po joined, hoping to ease the tension. "There was an attack at the Jade Palace, and Tigress tracked him or her to the southern shore. That's why we're here. Do you know who we're talking about?"

Lu Fang's eyes narrowed. "Did you not see the figure?"

Po shook his head. "I was asleep, but they nearly killed Tigress. I guess the assassin got away before anyone got a good look."

Lu Fang shook her head. "Then let's eat. We can talk later." With the clap of her paws, out came the food. Servants rushed left and right, hot pots and pans full of food. Dumplings. Rice. Tofu. Everything scattered on separate plates and laid gently in the middle of the table. Each person at the table was also served a small, premade dish. An appetizer. Po, as usual, was quick to dig in. Tigress, as usual, was not.

There was one that caught her eye, however. Most of the servants were ducks or geese or pigs. One was a vulture and was the last of the servants in the room. He served Tigress her premade meal. Their eyes only met once, but she couldn't help but feel like they've met before. He smiled sweetly at the tiger, then lowered his head and raced around the table to sit beside Lu Fang.

"Glad you could join us." Lu Fang said to the vulture, then turned her attention to the Furious Five. "Po? Tigress? Viper? Mantis? Monkey? This is Tai Tzu. A longtime friend of mine."

"Glad to make your acquaintance." His voice was soft.

Lu Fang laughed. "Stop being so polite." Her eyes quickly lost their sparkle, but her smile remained. "I wish I'd have known we had a panda and a tiger join us for supper, but I do love surprises."

Tai Tzu quickly became uncomfortable but looked at Tigress and continued to smile. "Fascinating. Absolutely fascinating."

Lu Fang finished her meal and pushed her plate aside. "Once again, I'm terribly sorry if you think I had anything to do with that botched assassination attempt or those poor villages, but this is a simple mix-up. I, too, have had attempts on my life. Perhaps we could work together sometime in the future."

"Mmmhhhmmmmhmh!" Po said, looking up from his bowl and with a mouth full of noodles.

Lu Fang let out a guttural laugh. "Po, dear! You're too funny."

Dear? Tigress felt a cold shiver run down her spine. It followed her tail to the tip, causing it to violently thrash. It caught the attention of Lu Fang.

"Master Tigress, there is no need for such aggressive behavior at the table. Please, I know you have little reason to trust me, but I have tried to be a gracious host. Would you at least try to be a gracious guest in turn? All I desire is peace. True peace. Everlasting peace, and I have been nothing but cordial with you. Would you please try the food? Our cooks spent hours preparing everything you see before you."

The anger began to swell within her. If it wasn't for the soothing tail of Viper rubbing her leg below the table and her warm smile, Tigress was sure she would have lost it. Still, seeing no other way out, she complied and began to eat. Nibble was a better term.

"You said you've had attempts on your life?" Viper asked.

Lu Fang nodded. "Lots." She looked at Tigress. "Usually from the more… aggressive animals."

"I'm sorry?" Tigress let out a soft growl.

"Speaking of predatory animals, actually…" Lu Fang continued, ignoring Tigress completely. "…Po? Didn't you say you were warriors? How can a big, fun panda such as yourself become such a mighty warrior?"

Po chuckled. "Long story short, I fell from a ball of fire and was chosen as the Dragon Warrior. So, along with the Furious Five, we defend China from evil."

Lu Fang squealed. "That is wonderful!" She looked across the table at the other masters and counted each of them. "You must be the Furious Five." She raised a brow. "The Furious Five, right? Such a title would have to be earned, right? How long have the citizens of China known you as such?"

"A long time ago." Mantis said.

"Before Po joined?" She asked.

"Long before."

Lu Fang continued to switch her gaze on the masters that sat across the table. Her face twisted with a smug smile. She massaged her knuckles, popping them over and over again. The sound was grating to the ears.

"May I ask why there are four of you, then?"

Viper felt the knot in her throat. She shot a quick glance at Tigress. For once, the tiger seemed concerned. Her eyes were wide, and she shared the look with Viper and the rest of the Furious Five. Po too.

"There was another one." Monkey said without hesitation.

Monkey, I swear… Tigress lowered her head, winced, and cursed in her mind. If you give her any more information to use against us

"What happened?" Lu Fang asked, leaning in closer.

Mantis was quick to hop in. "He died." A sudden silence.

Viper felt her heart tear in two, not knowing if Mantis was speaking the truth or not. Nobody knew. Viper nodded. The thought weighed heavy on her. "Not too long ago." She whispered.

Then, Tigress felt it. A sudden surge of pain in her chest. She let out a growl. Her claws dug into the chair and tore into the expensive wooden table. Her heart raced faster.

"Tigress?" Po was quick to her side.

"What is it?" Lu Fang asked.

Tigress roared and dropped to her knees. "Tigress? Speak to us."

Tigress clenched her heart as the pain spread around. Her shoulders. Her arms. Her gut. Her throat. It was a burning feeling. As if fire or lava was coursing through her body.

"Mantis? Help her." Po ordered.

Mantis was quick to hop atop her head, but no matter how hard he tried and looked, his experience was useless.

Lu Fang leapt to her feet after a moment too long of pretending to care. "Tai? Help her!"

Tai Tzu pushed himself beside Tigress.

Her muscles weakened and her heart raced faster with each passing second.

"Po?" She uttered. "Help."

"I'm here, Tigress. Talk to me. Tell me what's wrong?"

"A broken heart?" Lu Fang asked. "I'm sorry we brought up your dead friend. You must've really loved him."

"No." Tigress whispered. "Poi-"

"Madame Fang!" Tai Tzu called out. "I think I know what's wrong. Something in the food had a negative reaction with her body. It's a simple fix, but I have to act quick. Han? Qin? Help me escort her to the medical chamber, please?"

In a flash the two oxen were up and in full spring towards Tigress. Out of pure instinct, Po, Viper, Mantis, and Monkey stood between them.

"Hold on!" Po said, readying his fists.

Lu Fang screamed. "Po! Please let them do their jobs! I beg you."

"This is a little weird." Po called back.

"Panda!" Tai Tzu roared louder than all. "I know you don't trust us, but I assure you, I can help her. I can save her."

Tigress tried to lift herself but fell to the floor and roared. Po pushed Tai Tzu aside like he was a speck of dust. "Tigress? Please, talk to me."

Tigress nodded. "Po? I'll be fine. If anything happens, get the Five out of here." She whispered soft, hoping to avoid the ears of Tai Tzu and Lu Fang.

Po nodded and was pushed aside as Han and Qin made their way to her side. They helped her to her feet. She tried to growl. She tried to roar. There was nothing left in her lungs. All she could do is wait.

Tai Tzu stood beside Po. "I promise, your friend will not be harmed. Come visit in an hour. She will be ready and feeling better than ever."

Po felt horrible but watched as Han and Qin helped carry Tigress across the floor. Tai Tzu followed, and they were gone with the slamming of the shoji door. Po stood silent as Lu Fang brushed up against him.

"She's a fighter." Lu Fang said with a laugh.

Po nodded but couldn't laugh as Lu Fang did. "She is."

The female panda's eyes went soft. "You like her, don't you?"

Po smiled. "I do." He said softly. "More than she realizes."

"Love is something I haven't been able to find." She whispered.

Po turned to face Lu Fang. He felt her minty breath across his nose and cheeks. Her face was marked red, whether from blushing or makeup. Po made sure to look her in the eyes as he spoke. "Master Oogway gave me the title of Dragon Warrior, and that title carries with it the destiny of bringing peace and enlightenment to China. But if I find out that you or your vulture friend placed an unwanted finger or feather on Tigress, I will rain down a force so destructive the spirit world will shake. You and all your dreams and aspirations will be erased from the records."

"Wonderful." Lu Fang smiled. "I'm glad we have a working relationship."


A/N: Yay! It's official! Po and the Furious Five(aside from Crane) have met Lu Fang! Not a whole lot of action this chapter, but it's coming! I can already see my outline and future written chapters becoming obsolete. I change one thing, and it snowballs, forcing me to make larger changes down the road. Oh, well... The backbone of the story is the same.

Hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. It was so much fun to write. Oh, and thank you for the reviews and interactions! They've been absolutely wonderful, and never ceases to put me in a good mood.