Volume Four: Snow and Fire
Chapter IV
The Grandmaster's Will (Po)
April 7, 1211
The night was his teacher's last day, and the panda did not know. The Dragon Warrior was giving Grandmaster Shifu's wish to gather all the students here and have an invitation for the Nine from the Prosper Valley and Gongmen City to come to the Valley of Peace and have dinner with him. No one didn't perceive the red panda master's prime purpose, but all the students knew to keep him company as Shifu craved for them to be happy.
Gathering most of the noodle bowls from Mr. Ping inside the kitchen before leading himself to the tables, Po handed their food to his companions. All eight tables had assembled and filled with honorable masters — the Nine of Shui Palace and Gongmen City. The young and daring warriors were recognized as heroes after they saved Hajin Province from the horde of bovines and boars. Along with Po's friends were his dearest — the Furious Five and their students of the Jade Palace: Lei Lei, Bao, Tai Lung, and Shen.
The dusk settled with dark tan, brushed with light and dark strokes of rot orange, the star sinking slowly before the night dominated the whole realm, emerging the velvet gray clouds with white dots beside the moon. Lanterns of gold and red hanging above Po illuminated the restaurant and their backs, and most of the honorable subjects presented their discussions, mentioning their perspectives on daily lives and friendly topics.
Most of them had a pleasing time; Po could see his peacock student at the second table left enjoying conversation with his son, Lord Dongji, and his dear wife, Lady Xia. His son's swan, Lady Huiliang, sat beside her husband when sipping her tea. The Nine's Heavyweights at the third table to the right heightened their giggles as they mentioned one restaurant in Vu City where a customer complained to the manager about his overcooked food.
Proceeding to the first table right emerged the old masters: Storming Ox, Croc, Master Boar, Li Shan, Grandma Panda, and Grandmaster Shifu. The elder table was less dominant after reflecting on the old days and their encounter with Grandmaster Oogway. The giant in his council robe gorged his large mug of tea and presented his friendly snout.
"You know my father had always said not to trust a turtle," he said, chuckling. "Not every reptile, but he never mentioned one true friend who greatly encouraged us all, Grandmaster Shifu."
"He truly did, Master Ox," the red panda agreed, his tiny paw grasping a pair of chopsticks and grabbing a small rice dumpling. "All of us. I missed him."
"We all are," Master Croc simpered, crossing his limbs on the table with comfort. "Do your students know, Grandmaster Shifu?"
"Soon enough," he answered.
The Masters of Gongmen exchanged their glances to a realization, though the elders regarded the stars would soon call upon the old. Many shared their sympathies with his reptile teacher after they discovered Oogway's passing more than a decade ago. Interrupted by Grandma Panda's nonsense argument that one of her nephews always forgot to clean their dirty clothes in Panda Village, Master Storming Ox extended his arm and patted Shifu's paw.
"Then we are always here, my old friend," the old bovine smiled, arching his brows. "Everything will be okay."
"Speaking of okay, where are my noodles?" Master Croc asked and swam his head, finally spotting the Dragon Warrior, who handed him a bowl of mixed pasta with spicy flavor and chopped radishes. The smell of the dragon's spicy fire triggered in his muzzle, drooping his tongue to one side with glee.
"Here you go, Master Croc. The noodles you ordered."
"Thank you, Po," the reptile master bobbed his head and grabbed his food. "You are going to be the best chef than your father. I expect nothing less."
"Your words mean a lot, Master Croc," Po cherished. "Enjoy your meal."
Patting his teacher's back, the panda went to the first table left and checked with his feline companions, Chen Xing, Chen Ming, and Tigress eating their chopped vegetables with their students Lei Lei, Bao, Wolf Boss, and Kai. Lei Lei leaned her head close to the yak's round stomach and brushed his fur without stopping her loud sigh, which brought Bao's expression to a brief puzzlement. Bao Panda lost concentration on dominating his thumb against Wolf Boss's digit.
"Aw, man! I almost had you!" Bao Panda grunted, smirking as the old wolf balanced his spiritual chuckles.
"You got this, boy. You get the hang of dominance," Wolf Boss encouraged. "I believe in you."
"Oh, I'm going for it!"
Both laughed as they commenced gripping their paws and wrestling their thumbs. The Dragon Warrior patted Chen Xing's shoulder, their fists nudging. "How's your stomach doing, buddy?"
"Oh, boy," the tiger wheezed his laughs, tapping his belly. "Did you know you fed me the hottest spicy chili in my noodles, Po?"
"Yeah? Is your tongue on fire?"
"The hell is!" Chen Xing answered, his eyes pouring dry red while laughing. "Buddy, I really gotta try that ghost pepper so I'll put the fire in my customers' mouths."
"Oh, they're out there, Xing. You've got to hunt them when you see the chilis," Po chuckled, then checked on his friend's grandmother. "Master Ming. How's the tea?"
"Your tea is sweet, my dear," the old feline simpered. "I love it."
"I'm glad you did. You are getting along with your family, Tigress?"
"Oh yes," Tigress said, blending her pasta with chopsticks. "I am enjoying their company."
"Great. Anything you need, guys, ask me," Po said before he glanced at the Mightiest Warrior, who amplified his snout with gratitude. "General."
"Panda," the yak greeted, and Po pressed on, overseeing most tables ahead of him. The panda waved at the peafowls who held their teacups with appraisal and fortune to him; he returned his respectful posture to the Nobles before he returned to the kitchen and filled his large mug of water for Chen Xing.
The night was long and prospering, wishing for the Dragon Warrior to watch the sky again, but duties were ahead of the group as Shifu gave his students orders. Arriving at the Student Barrack as the last, Po checked through the corridors and peeped on the Furious Five resting in their chambers. The panda peeked at Shen beside his room and gladly in relief that no Masters of Gongmen could harm the peacock. Under the Emperor of China of the Song Dynasty, neither assassins from higher palaces, bounty hunters, or the Forbidden Company would attempt to seize and extinguish him for a reward.
Two rooms to go, Po thought.
The Dragon Warrior began to search for the Great Dragon's chamber, which the shoji door had a small gap opened in between. Peeping into the room, no one else appeared, but the bed itself decorated well. Po thought the leopard sometimes took his stride around the Palace, which gave Tai Lung clear his thoughts from a long day. Tigress's room was empty as the Dragon Warrior noticed a parchment on the bed. The writing, Po scrutinized, had his breath flooded in his lungs.
Meet us near the Sacred Peach Tree, Po. Come alone.
The moon ripped the silver clouds as its beams touched the Guangxi across the terrain, the air from the north swimming the squeaky stream where Po passed through the thick bamboo trees area before he hiked to the last uneven hill. Upon the ridge, when foliage greens rustled beneath his feet, the bottom of his council garb wafting to the left, Po arrived and found three geese servants with red-orange lanterns. Standing ahead of them in a circle were Tai Lung, Tigress, and the Nine's Master, Chen Ming.
With her silky cobalt ao billowing to her right, Ming approached him. "Master Po," she called, reaching her claws to him. "You are right on time. Come."
"What is it, Master Ming?" Po asked, concerning. "Is everything alright?"
"You must go to your teacher, my dear. He is waiting for you."
Bathed his face with confusion, the Dragon Warrior glanced at Tai Lung and Tigress beside him. "What's up, guys?"
Tigress's head was downcast, closing her amber eyes. "Go to him, Po..."
Tai Lung, attempting to stop quivering his lips, held his head straight, crossing his arms behind his back when glancing at the ridge. "It is time."
"Time for what?" the panda's query tone blended into puzzlement with worriedness.
Po kept his sight on the two felines who tried not to look at the panda, and he detected their faces drenched in dismay. The Dragon Warrior's heart dipped under the ice water as he felt what was coming to him: responsibility. Unable to catch any answers from the three, Po went up the ridge stairs, and every step progressed his mind to filling memories of him and his favorite teacher, his breaths shaking. The wind deadened its croak stream before he arrived upon the flat ridge, the tree whining its branches.
Before the panda was Grandmaster Shifu, leaning his head on his teacher's root pole, and Zeng, who held the yellow scroll shell with emerald knobs. "Master?" Po called.
"Po. My dear friend," Shifu simpered.
"What's happening?"
"I am dying."
Po filled his silent breath, unable to ask his teacher further, but the breeze spoke volumes. The red panda read his student's face with dread and shock. "But, Master... I—" Po stammered.
"My time is ending soon, Dragon Warrior," Shifu told him. His silvery tone blended with his raspy throat buzzed. "I am old now. Ever noticed why I invited you all to Mr. Ping's Noodle Restaurant?"
"Was it your birthday?" Po asked, then slapped his paws on his legs. "Aw, man. I should have noticed!"
"It was a farewell party, Po," the red panda said, simpering.
"A farewell party?" Po widened his eyes, broadening his arms. "Are you leaving?"
"I am. . ."
"Master Shifu, I don't want you to go. You can't leave me!"
"Ah, yes," the red panda crooned his raspy sigh. "You have so much more capability in you, Po. No matter how hard you put yourself into leadership, Tigress and Tai Lung are there."
"How will I know how to lead my team?"
"Your heart and bravery do," Shifu replied. "You led your people in the Panda Village, made your ideal to defeat the Jade Slayer, Po. Tigress sought the future of dominance in you; as she became the leader of the Furious Five, the four perceived how she achieved the warrior's code: to defend the weak from the immoralities, to bond her brothers and her sister within the affrays."
"But the kid as well, Master Shifu. Xing has a strong suit of leadership, and I admire him. Truly," Po regarded.
"Remember, he was the teenager who no longer became the child, Po. He became a warrior after the Hajin Province incident," the red panda master said, tapping the root pole against the tree's bulk root before one fruit fell onto Shifu's paw. "Chen Xing has his gift, the potential of binding his companions into one true Fellowship. Each of them has their uniqueness, solving their weakness before becoming stronger. They commonly compared to you and the Furious Five; the Nine have their inspiration to be the heroes."
Handing the peach fruit to Po, Grandmaster Shifu rotated his head and gestured his paw to the messenger. "Hand my Will to Po, Zeng."
Zeng showed his face with remorse and happiness, not preparing to see his old friend be away. As told to do so, the messenger handed the scroll to Po. The reflection on the shell was cast from the moonlight and beamed on his face, and his emerald eyes began to pour one tear and the other. For a moment, the panda waited to brush off his tears before he twisted the green knob. Click. The day that seemed yesterday to remember the first time of attempting to open the scroll was nostalgic; not once ever he could ever pry or clench his teeth against the knob. But the Dragon Warrior had done it; he was no stranger to all the glassy scrolls.
Slipping down the rolled parchment into his other paw, Po handed the outer shell to Zeng as he began to unroll the Will scroll. At last, before his eyes, the writing on the scroll had a fresh ink scent of berries; the calligraphic characters indicated with beautiful handwriting from end to beginning. A red panda sigil was imprinted on the left-hand side before Po began to read the Grandmaster's Will.
"I, Master Po, student of Grandmaster Shifu, the Dragon Warrior..." Po's voice faded, his eyes broadening. "Entitles as the Dragon Master of Jade Palace and becomes the temple's owner."
"Your Will, Dragon Master, is now your responsibility," Shifu spoke.
"Master, can we talk?" Po wished, but the red panda's paw signaled to a halt.
"My time is running out, Po. You will question me one last time."
"What about us?" Po spread his limbs, begging. "What about the Jade Palace's taxation?"
"All students will receive their scrolls in the morning," Shifu answered, walking towards the panda. "My old friend. My son Tai Lung should know the mathematics of handling the taxation, and my daughter Tigress and my student Viper will be helping him. Regarding the future of the unknown, you fear, Po, your destiny lies ahead of you."
The red panda presented his paw, and Po bent his left knee, looking down at his retired teacher. "Listen to me, Dragon Master," Grandmaster Shifu urged. "Now that you have a new title to lead my students, as the defender of the Valley of Peace, you will defend the citizens as they are your children, your brothers and sisters, your friends. Protect them all from all the wicked bandits and unfriendly foes. The Jade Palace is in your hands; my children can continue the tale, the histories of martial arts, and Grandmaster Oogway's legacy."
Po wept his tears. The panda's responsibility of continuing the legacy ahead of him was far more critical in his life now, and still, he was not ready for the mystery. "Master... I need you. I need your help."
"No, Po. The Masters of Jade Palace and the citizens of the Valley of Peace are your family now," Shifu said. "Believe in yourself. Be their guardian, my student. What you need to believe in, Po, is who you are. Promise me you will take care of your fathers. Promise me you will look after the Jade Palace's care. Promise me you will watch over my children."
"I..." Po was slightly hesitant, but he knew there was no other time to revoke or decide another way. Quivering his lips, the panda nodded. "I promise."
The red panda's vibrant grunt of approval deafened. "Good," Shifu smiled. The rustling leaves swirled under their feet and swirled past them. This night was precisely the same time when Grandmaster Oogway was ready to pass on, wanting his student Shifu to continue the journey without the reptile master. And now, the red panda wished for the Dragon Master to keep moving forward.
"Po..." Shifu beamed, stroking his student's paw. "On the day Oogway chose you as his successor, it was—"
"The worst day. I knew you liked me all along," Po chuckled, wavering his digit with perception. "Master. This is all I wanted, but I have too many things to manage everything."
"I am certain you can handle one thing at a time, Po," Shifu notified. "You will not be doing your duties alone."
Yes. My friends. My family.
Before anything to do without a sudden delay, Po held Shifu and embraced him. "Thank you, Master... Thank you for teaching me Kung Fu. For everything. I love you, Shifu."
"I love you too, Po," Shifu stretched his lips dearly. "You brought peace to this Valley, all of China, and... and hope, you showed me. Thank you, Dragon Master."
They held on to their embrace longer. Po looked at the Peach Tree's cherry foliage pour down one and the other. Shifu's time was still intact, but the other three would be ready to see him one last time. Above the starry heaven emerged the cloud, the form shifting the head of a smiling tortoise. Putting Shifu down, Po wept with his tears more, sniffing hard.
"You made me proud," Shifu said. "Goodbye, Po."
"Goodbye, Master Shifu," Po wept. "I wish you have a happy life in the Spirit Realm."
"I wish you the same, my dear friend."
Before looking away, Po watched this teacher's proud face; their friendship was nearing its end.
One last time, just one last time.
The Dragon Master stared at the newest painting of Grandmaster Shifu next to the tortoise. The red panda was on the flat rock platform of the Sacred Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom, standing on Grandmaster Oogway's root pole while sipping his teacup. The painting background of Guilin Mountains standing far and wide was greatly stroked with vibrant ripples and fade in the distance, the April sky of light green and blue beaming across the horizon. Po could see his teacher's smile upon him and those passing by to see Shifu. The reminder of who they were by the time they carried their memories for eternity.
If only we had more time together, Grandmaster. I hope we will see each other among the heavens.
Po was confident that he and his teacher would get a heartfelt reunion. One day... Soft footsteps near the panda neared, emerging the Great Dragon. The snow leopard could see his red panda father in the warming painting and his reptile grandfather.
"Po?" Tai Lung leaned closer to him.
Clearing his throat and wiping off his tears, Po soothed his weary sigh. "Are you guys ready? That quick?"
The leopard chuffed, snickering. "No wonder your head has been dipping in the cloud that long. You have been standing here for — a week."
"Liar," Po chuckled, and the leopard simpered.
"How are you holding up, Po?" he asked.
"Nothing much," the panda answered, lightening jade candles with his incense stick. The emerald scent of rainforest and cottonflower was enchanting. "I miss him. I really hope I can be the next Shifu; if anything, I could do to please the citizens of the Valley and not lose their faith when they need us."
"You will not be the next Shifu, Dragon Master," Tai Lung said, surveying the tree's blooming flowers. "The people count on us. We make sure the citizens count on us as Masters of Jade Palace. The question you must know ahead of yourself is simple yet worth timing to reflect on. Can you be Po?"
The panda's thoughts flooded in with his growth from being a flabby bear as a nobody to a teacher of Kung Fu. He took moments to reflect on the events and his precious time being with their teacher long before Shifu's farewell. Shifu was his friend. Shifu was Tai Lung's father. Shifu was Tigress's father. Shifu was Chen Ming's closest friend, brother, and sister.
"I am," Po said.
Tai Lung deemed what Po thought of his long progression and how he started. Several footsteps approached from behind, and Tigress's group came forth. "It is time, brother," the striped feline notified.
Nodding, Tai Lung nudged his claw on Po's upper shoulder. "We'll meet again when we come back, Po. Look after yourself and both Shen and Crane," the snow leopard said. "Take care."
"You too, Tai," Po said, glancing at Tigress, Monkey, Viper, and Mantis. "All of you."
All of them, in a simultaneous act, hugged the Dragon Master. One and the other, they shared their dismissal words vividly.
"Don't forget to bring me bananas, Po," Monkey said.
"I'll be back for you, buddy. Go kick Jin Dynasty's ass," Mantis encouraged the panda.
"I swear I will return, Po," Viper was certain, rounding her whole body around his neck, her head stroking his face with blessing.
At last, after the three, Tigress met her paw on Po's forearm. "Please... be careful, Po."
"I will," the panda promised her.
The group trekked down the stairs before one warrior took her long glance at the panda, wishing him to be back in one piece. As his close friend, Tigress would not want Po to be traveling alone, but her avian friend Crane could do the honors for her. Her concern was not only a warrior to do the solo mission but one the Dragon Master craved to be with him. Her character growth in understanding the peacock progressed slowly.
Her worry was Li Shan's apprehension, seeing his son stride with his former foe.
Author's Note:
— I like to read what you all think of Grandmaster Shifu's goodbye from Po's perspective. As I have mentioned the drama and angst, this chapter was difficult for me to write a sad scene.
— Tai Lung and Tigress get their chance to see their red panda father in later chapters, and they will have a hard time.
— The feeling of suspicion about Shen became known when I finished the last paragraph. By wondering what am I writing? You'll be surprised to see a character who loathes the peacock ever since. Stay tuned because someone from the pandom strongly wishes to have a one-shot story about the tragedy before and after Shen's death. So, unlike the one-shot tale, I made two chapters. Stay tuned!