(DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE KUNG FU PANDA FRANCHISE/SERIES OR POKÉMON. KUNG FU PANDA (FRANCHISE/SERIES) BELONGS TO DREAMWORKS ANIMATION. POKÉMON BELONGS TO GAMEFREAK/NINTENDO).
Chapter 3: The Dragon Warrior
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(The Next Morning, the Villagers were Cheering as the auditions for the Next Dragon Warrior Have Begun. With Snorlax and Urshifu (Rapid Strike) watching the auditions. For the First Audition, a group of Pignite thrusted a Bunch of Fruit from a Basket into the air before the current Auditioner, an Iron Valiant leapt into the air and used its large Magenta Blades for a Very Powerful Leaf Blade attack that allowed it to slice and dice to the brunch of fruits of perfection as its way of showing its strength. Snorlax was very much impressed by the Skills that Iron Valiant just showed off).
Snorlax: Impressive! (For the Next Audition, the Auditioner, a Sandaconda used its Sand Tomb attack to create a bunch of Rings made from sand, before using its Rock-Slide attack on itself. Once the Rocks started falling towards Sandaconda it leaped into the air, and instead of letting the rocks hurt it, it used them to leap towards the Sand Rings it made, gliding through them, and landing perfectly on the ground. Then the Sandaconda finished its Audition with a Powerful Hurricane attack that blew everyone, and the sand away. Snorlax was in amazement of the Power and Skills that the Sandaconda had). No way! (The Next Auditioner was a Farfetch'd (Kanto) who had a table with Wood and various other Pieces on it. Farfetch'd used its Stalk for a Powerful Night Slash attack The Nigh Slash attack that destroyed the wood and chopped everything into pieces, causing them all to fall to the ground as Snorlax watched in awe). Wow! (The Next one to Audition was a Sentret, wearing a cape, and did not do anything other then Pose like Snorlax would and say one thing).
Sentret: Skadoosh. (Snorlax was extremely pleased by how precise Sentret's portrayal of him was. Especially with its recitation of his Catchphrase, "Skadoosh". And if the Sentret said his famous Battle Cry, "GET READY TO FEEL THE THUNDER!" that would be so cool. Snorlax then leaned into whisper to Urshifu who was watching the auditions with him).
Snorlax: Fantastic pose. (Urshifu (Rapid Strike) nodded in agreement with Snorlax as he did think the Sentret's pose was just like what Snorlax would do. The Last Audition was by a single Hakamo-o. For its Audition, the Hakamo-o showed its strength by breaking a large rock with its Dragon Tail Attack, screaming during it. It then broke another one by unleashing its Powerful Dragon Breath attack on it. For the last one the Hakamo-o tossed the Large Rock Straight up into the air and let it come back for him. Only to give the Falling Rock its Focus Punch attack while letting off another scream. This incredible feat of strength from the Small, yet enormously powerful Hakamo-o had Snorlax feeling excited as the viewing Audience began applauding those were Brave enough to audition for the Title of Dragon Warrior).
Snorlax: Whoo-hoo! Nice. (Then one of the Pignite Workers hit a small handheld Gong with a mallet, getting everyone's attention. Before Urshifu (Rapid Strike) rose from his seat to say to all those who could hear him).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): Master Snorlax will now choose the next Dragon Warrior. (Hearing this caused Snorlax to become worried at how in a matter of minutes he would lose his Dragon Warrior title forever as the audience began chanting loudly).
Villagers: Dragon Warrior! Dragon Warrior! (All the Auditioners, Iron Valiant, Sentret, Hakamo-o, Farfetch'd, and Sandaconda, all stood side by side with each other. The Pressure to choose a New Dragon Warrior was great and proving for Snorlax to bear as the audience continued chanting as he shot a nervous glare at Urshifu who just closed his eyes and smiled knowing that Snorlax was about to pick his successor). Dragon Warrior! Dragon Warrior! (Finally, the Audience's cheering died down, as Snorlax tried to decide, by the choice was proving to be quite hard for him to make).
Snorlax: So many great candidates, I am gonna let the finger decide. (Then Snorlax had an idea of who to make the next Dragon Warrior). Wait. Whoa. Whoa. What is happening? (Urshifu (Rapid Strike) looked at Snorlax wondering just what he was doing. At least he was until Snorlax said aloud for everyone to hear). The Dragon Warrior. It is me! (Everyone begins cheering in excitement for Snorlax, while Urshifu (Rapid Strike) just groans in frustration and annoyance of Snorlax's antics here. While those who auditioned were all terribly upset about this, including the Hakamo-o who Screams in despair and anguish).
(Not long after Snorlax's little "Stunt" at the Auditions, Urshifu (Rapid Strike) was leading Snorlax to the Root Core Tree of the Mystic Force to further discuss what he did. Snorlax remembered the special moments he had here under this Mystic Tree, such as after defeating the Evil Urshifu (Single Strike) he and his teacher had shared their dumplings next to the sprouting peach tree that Zacian planted before leaving. And how while the two were enjoying their Dumpling's, Urshifu had also told him about a Story he heard from Master Zacian about someone named "D.W.E.B.B.L.E.". But of course, he never forgot about his short yet meaningful with the Legendary Zacian that took place under this very tree. It was after Blaziken gave him a very harsh talking to, telling him that he did not deserve being in the Snowpoint Temple and that he was a disgrace to Kung Fu. He had come to (as Zacian would deduce) "eat when he was upset", and how he feels mortified by eating Pizzas from such a sacred tree and quickly spitting them out when Zacian caught him in the act and apologized for doing so. Zacian then calmed him down telling him that it was all right, and then asked him why he was upset. Realizing that there was no use lying to Zacian, he then spilled his heart out to the Old Master, revealing how the Animarium Wild Force hated him, that not even he believes he was The Dragon warrior and wondering if he should run back to his old life. Zacian then gave him a bit of inspirational advice about not letting the pain of the past or fear of the future affect him, punctuating it with what was a downright beautiful proverb, "Quit, don't quit. Noodles, don't noodles. You are too concerned with what was and what will be. There's a saying: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present". Then Zacian turned around and left, but not before marking his leave with a tap on the tree, knocking a Slice of Pizza into his hand. It was a small and simple act of compassion, but it was enough to convince him that his dream of being a Kung Fu Master was worth fighting for. Plus, Master Zacian was completely confident that when he landed in front of him during the ceremony it was no accident. For Snorlax, it was up until that interaction with Zacian to give up on his Heroic Self-Deprecation of thinking of himself as a fat loser and could not change because of the constant verbal abuse he received from Urshifu (Rapid Strike) and the Animarium Wild Force to stop. All because Zacian encouraged him to keep going because "tomorrow" is a mystery. Then Urshifu (Rapid Strike) said to Snorlax).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): Like it or not, Snorlax, you need to choose a successor. (As Snorlax followed Urshifu he chewed on a Slice of Pizza).
Snorlax: (Chewing). Eh. Nothing about them says "Dragon" or "Warrior".
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): You will know when you know. (Snorlax has trouble understanding what Urshifu means by that).
Snorlax: How do I know when I know? You know? (This question from Snorlax causes Urshifu to sigh as he tells him).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): When I am conflicted, I come here to ask the universe for answers. Just as Zacian did before me.
Snorlax: But I am not conflicted. And I am just not ready for the next step.
(Snorlax did not want to disrespect Urshifu nor Zacian, but he just was not ready to pass on the Dragon Warrior title to someone else yet, like how Zacian was the Precursor Hero to him, having been Michina Town's guardian before him and was now perfectly content with staying in the Spirit Realm. And he was not sure if he could choose a New Dragon Warrior like how Zacian had chosen him because of being a Snorlax, whose species had strong instinctive affinity for Chi which is how he managed to defeat Marshadow before. While Urshifu was not expecting Snorlax to pick a New Dragon Warrior like Zacian had with the way that he passionately believes in fate and had instructed him to train Snorlax over his objections. And it Turned out he was right. He even told him that "there are no accidents." Thrice. And now Snorlax knew it was time to conclude The Hero's Journey that he had been on since he became the Dragon Warrior. Starting with how he went from believing that he was a loser who ended up doomed to a humdrum life and could not change himself. But it was thanks to Zacian's encouragement and a bit of growth on Urshifu's part, that he gained the confidence and proper training he needs, and gradually has the inhabitants of the Snowpoint Temple warm up to him. Then he had to discover what happened to his biological family, which had caused him to struggle with finding inner peace. Eventually he had learned to let go by going to the ruins of his childhood home and confronting his memories, achieving forgiveness and the inner peace he looked for. Next, he had to struggle with his self-identity, and the expectations others have of him. Soon though, he accepted that he is on all sides of his identity, and that he will always be Snorlax. He just hoped that the incredibly wise and old Master Zacian could understand why he was not ready to take his place yet. Then Urshifu snapped him out of his thoughts by asking him).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): What are you holding? (Since Urshifu had asked him that question before, he quickly responded to the question).
Snorlax: The Behemoth Blade Sword of Wisdom? (Only for Urshifu to direct Snorlax's question to something else).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): Other hand. (Snorlax then looked in his other paw answering him).
Snorlax: A chewed-up peach pit?
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): Exactly. Every pit holds the promise of a mighty tree. (Snorlax does not know what Urshifu means by that, asking him).
Snorlax: Uh, how is this gonna help me find the answers? (Urshifu does not answer Snorlax's question telling him).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): Do not ask me. Ask the universe. (Urshifu then began walking away from the Root Core Tree as he told Snorlax). Be the pit, Snorlax. Be the pit. (As Urshifu (Rapid Strike) left, he took notice of a much smaller tree growing beneath the tree as a seedling. He smiled as he remembered that it was from the seed that he planted during his last talk with Zacian, and how during said talk, Zacian directly compared the seed to Snorlax, and now the tiny seedling has grown and thrived. Once Urshifu was gone, Snorlax stared at the Peach Pit in his paw, trying to decipher what Urshifu meant just now. Snorlax decided to try what Urshifu told him, of asking the Universe for Answers. Snorlax struggles to sit down, straining as he tries to sit in a cross-legged position as he sets his Sword down on the ground beside him).
Snorlax: There we go. (Grunts). All right, universe. Give me a bit of guidance. (Snorlax then begins saying to himself mentally). Inner peace. Inner peace. Inner peace. (But then he suddenly started having random thoughts). Dinner, please. Dinner with peas. Snow peas? In a sesame soy glaze. (Snorlax Grunts, annoyed with letting himself have random thoughts like that. Before he tried again). Inner peace. Inner peace. (Inhales deeply before giving up for good). This is not working at all. (Snorlax could not believe that this was not working. He was able to learn the movements for the raindrop move after only seeing Urshifu do it once. But granted, he needed to obtain inner peace before he could use it, but still. But then suddenly, another version of himself appeared as a floating head beside him. The Second Snorlax then suggested to himself).
Snorlax #2: May be focus on your breathing? (Then Snorlax said to his other version of himself).
Snorlax: Well, I am trying, but it is kinda hard when you keep talking to me. (Then the Second Snorlax replied to himself saying to him).
Snorlax #2: Technically, you are talking to you if you think about it. (As Snorlax tries to make sense of that explanation, a third Snorlax appears and says to both real Snorlax and the illusionary form of himself).
Snorlax #3: Hey, will you two be quiet? Because I am trying to concentrate here. (But then the second Snorlax asked the third Snorlax here).
Snorlax #2: Wait, if here I am Snorlax's inner voice, then who are you? (The Third Snorlax answers the Second Snorlax's question telling him sarcastically).
Snorlax #3: Uh, I am Snorlax's inner, inner voice. (This raises a Question in Real Snorlax's mind as he asks aloud).
Snorlax: What is the number of voices that I have in there? (Then out of nowhere a fourth Snorlax appears answering Real Snorlax's question).
Snorlax #4: You do not want to know. (And then, a fifth Snorlax appears to Snorlax saying randomly).
Snorlax #5: This dirt is itchy. (Suddenly, a Sixth Snorlax appears to Snorlax saying randomly).
Snorlax #6: I just love Kung Fu. (After that, a Seventh Snorlax appears to Snorlax saying randomly).
Snorlax #7: What am I gonna be? (Next an Eighth Snorlax appears to Snorlax saying randomly).
Snorlax #8: Are we alone in the universe? (But then a nineth Snorlax appears to Snorlax saying randomly).
Snorlax #9: You all thought it was impressive, right? (As all the Snorlax inner voices begin talking over each other, real Snorlax gets annoyed with their overlapping Voices. Eventually it gets to be too much for Real Snorlax to manage as he just begins yelling and screaming in Frustration. This causes all the Snorlax inner voices to disappear one by one, but not before the fifth Snorlax inner voice to ask).
Snorlax #5: Does anyone want a cookie? (Once all the Snorlax inner voices were gone, he calmed down a bit and relaxed. Especially when he heard the Wind whistling, and saw Petals Flowing from the Root Core Tree, and into the air. Snorlax wondered if this was the universe's way of answering him, or just some kind of signal from the universe for him as he stood up and asked).
Snorlax: Universe? Is that you? (Snorlax watched in awe and wonder as he saw all the Peach Blossoms begin swirling through the air in a spiral vortex motion. As he kept watching, he ended up caught up in the beauty of it all to see or notice that as he breathed in a breathing in a ton of cherry blossom petals, causing him to gag and cough on them. Luckily, he was able to cough them up before anything worse could happen because of the inhaled Cherry Blossom Petals. But then Snorlax looked and saw that sitting on the roof of the Nearby Snowpoint Temple was something or someone that should not be there. But he could not figure who or what it was that he saw due to it wearing a Cloak that completely encased it, preventing Snorlax from noticing any distinguishing characteristics it had. Then he saw the individual run across the roof and enter the Temple, leaving Snorlax wondering who or what that Cloaked Individual was. And what were they doing here at the Snowpoint temple?).
[A/N #1: Here is a bit of Fun Trivia about Kung Fu Panda 1: In a case of Actor-Inspired Heroism: In an early version of the script for the first movie, Po ends up intended to be something of a Parody Sue, expecting the Furious Five to love him and adore him as much as he liked them. Obviously, Jack Black intervened because he realized how unlikable this made the character and urged the writers to change Po to being insecure and aware of his own flaws].
[A/N #2: Here is something about Kung Fu Panda 4 you might find funny: When watching for potential candidates to succeed Po as The Dragon Warrior, one of them is a Pig who ends up dressed up like Po, even having black and white make-up on to look more like a Panda. He even uses Po's catchphrase of "Skadoosh". The kicker? This Pig ends up voiced by Mr. Beast who had truly rehearsed this one word with Jack Black himself. If you have not heard of Mr. Beast before, here is a quick description of him: MrBeast (Whose Real name is James Stephen "Jimmy" Donaldson) is an American YouTuber, internet personality, and businessperson. He is known for his fast-paced and high-production videos featuring elaborate challenges and lucrative giveaways. Personally, I have never seen any of his videos, but I have heard a ton about the YouTuber].
Replies to my reviewers:
Ashpoke55: Good, I am glad to hear that you saw the "Kung Fu Panda" Movies, but I forgot to mention something. Now this surely goes without saying, but I would also recommend reading the first three "Master Fighter Battles" Stories too, as they are adaptations of the Movies as well. And while just knowing what happens in the "Kung Fu Panda" Movies is helpful in terms of context in this story, reading the first three "Master Fighter Battles" Stories too will help letting you know which Pokémon play which "Kung Fu Panda" character. (And a couple of other things, but nothing I can specifically think of at this moment). Again, it is not mandatory that you read the first three "Master Fighter Battles" Stories, but I do strongly encourage it. Either way, you will be good to go for what I will have happening in this story.
Please Review
-To Be Continued-
Next time on... MASTER FIGHTER BATTLES 4:
A Foxy Foe inside The Snowpoint Temple