32Hey guys! Here's the name of the story! It's the continuation of Undying Love with new adventures and yes there will still be Ti/Po. I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has read my story so far and reviewed or favorited and followed! I appreciate it! Anyway without further a due the rest of the story!
A little over ten years later:
*In The Jade Palace courtyard*
Ten years seemed to go by in what seemed like no time at all. The three cubs - Hannah, Jade, and Zhan - were now teenagers and the youngest one, Kara was only ten and a half. The young tiger quite enjoyed her life and she was becoming a good cook as well.
It was in the middle of winter again and snow was fresh on the ground as well as falling from the sky. The air was cold and crisp and when the wind blew it seemed even colder than it was. Po wore his long green shawl with white fur border draped around his shoulders, and fastened around his neck. His wife Tigress, was warming herself by the fireplace and although they hated being away from each other, Po had to teach, and Tigress had to stay warm. Po insisted.
All the students were ready to train and after they received their instructions from grand master Po, they began. Some worked in pairs doing light sparring and others worked on various equipment that was placed in the courtyard from The training hall. The four (Crane, Viper, Mantis, and Monkey) taught separate groups kung fu, passing down their secrets as masters. Today however, was different.
There was a new student, a young, burly snow leopard, who bore a striking resemblance to Tai Lung. His name was Rongyu and he was accepted three days ago and was learning quickly and advancing to the levels of the other students. Po accepted him because of his dedication and love of kung fu and also because he showed great potential.
However, three days in Po began to see something in him and it wasn't good. While he worked on a wooden warrior, and the others on their training, Po supervised them with jade green yin-yang staff in one hand, and the other placed casually behind his back. His wife Tigress was getting concerned about this new student for she saw darkness trying to creep in him. Tigress walked up behind him in her new white and red flowered sleeveless tunic and white pants and wrapped her arms around him and purred into his back. Po was startled a bit but knew who it was, he turned around to face her and embraced her back warmly.
"Hey my beautiful kitten how are you?" Po asked more cheerfully giving the top of her head a warm kiss. His gentle, deep voice kissed her ears and warmed her heart.
Po's voice deepened and matured a little over the past ten years, but he was still the same goofy panda he always was. And Tigress was happy he didn't change his personality a bit. Po and Tigress were now middle-aged but they were still youthful and their fur didn't even fade yet. Although, Po's black fur was starting to get a few grey ticks, he didn't mind that much. The two were still deeply and passionately in love and their love never faded, but it grew as it should. Their souls and hearts were truly joined together forever that day they married, and they have lived a happy, peaceful life so far. And the two still never even fought with each other or yelled or had a single argument but if they had a disagreement, they lovingly and gently talked it out not wanting to hurt the other.
Tigress blushed and laughed softly and looked up at him. "I'm doing ok dumpling thanks for asking and you still call me 'kitten' after almost a decade?" Tigress said with a smirk and rosy cheeks. She and Po still called each other the same cute nicknames even after almost ten years of marriage. It was something they would never stop doing.
"That's awesome and of course! Because no matter how many years go by you will always be my sweet kitten! And even now you are still sooo beautiful and gorgeous to me." Po stated lovingly eyeing her from head to toe as a blush formed on his white furry cheeks. To him, she was always a sight to behold and no one could hold a candle to her beauty except their own panger kids of course.
Tigress blushed a deep scarlet as blood rushed to her cheeks. "Aww thanks, Po. And you will always be my adorable cuddly panda!" Tigress stated with a rosy smile and then gave his cheek a warm lick making him giggle and blush a little.
Tigress then locked her arm with his and affectionately rested her head on his shoulders and they both watched the burly snow leopard hit the spinning arms. Po was watching him from some distance away as well as the other students in the courtyard. Snow was falling lightly on the ground and a breeze swirled the white snow that remained on the ground.
He then did something to really give Tigress a frightening flash back; the leopard then tornado spin kicked the wooden warriors arms in a fit of rage with a roar, and tore it a part while doing so. Tigress then shuddered as she remembered Tai Lung and all the evil things he did to the valley, herself, and the four and not to mention Shifu. Po felt her shake and gave a look that asked what's wrong.
"Hey Po, are you aware that new student over there looks just like my rogue foster brother Tai Lung?" Tigress asked wondering if he saw what she did.
"Oh yeah I'm totally aware of it. There's something different about him than when he first got here. He's changed and there was a war within him and now I see darkness has crept into his once pure heart. The other students are afraid of him. Stay behind me in case anything happens ok? I don't know what I'd do if you got hurt." Po told her softly and Tigress nodded in agreement. She then got behind him fully trusting him like she always did.
A few seconds later Zhan, Jade, Hannah, and little Kara came behind their mother to ask what was wrong because they heard a roar that scared them a bit Tigress explained to them to not be afraid and to stay close to her.
The leopard smirked evilly and turned to Po who held the jade green yin-yang staff in his left hand, preparing for whatever he may do. Now Rongyu was ready to reveal his true intentions of learning kung fu.
"Dragon warrior, it's time I reveal who I am." The leopard said with a cold stare as he looked at his master coldly. He then glanced over to his wife and teenage panger cubs that she had a protective embrace around.
"I am Rongyu, the brother of Tai Lung, and I came here to learn kung fu. But I've also come to take my revenge on the dragon warrior for killing my brother!..." Rongyu said angrily and Po cut him off.
"Calm down! I understand Rongyu, if you're hurt or angry but your brother Tai Lung was a monster. He needed to be stopped for he hurt the people of this valley, and nearly killed our Master Shifu." Po said calmly trying to find a way to end this peacefully.
No! No you don't understand! I had to grow up without knowing or seeing my own brother!" Rongyu stated angrily with a growl before continuing. "He used to be good you know! And I will avenge him..." The leopard said clenching his fists getting in a stance.
Po was surprised at his audacity to challenge his master. Po gently nudged Tigress to step back a little and she did.
"Don't do this, Rongyu! Don't challenge me, it will only end badly!" Po said sternly and moved his hand from behind his back.
"... by killing your family as you did mine!" Rongyu continued with a cold growl.
Po's rage burned hearing this and he glared at him. Po would do anything to protect his family and now he knew there was no turning back with his student who he took pride in and saw greatness in. But as kind as Po was, he would still try.
"You will do no such thing!" Po told him angrily as he held the staff tightly. "You can still turn back; you don't have to follow the path your brother did!"
"We'll see about that! And I doubt that..." The leopard said with a growl.
Rongyu then got down on all fours and charged right towards Po and then half way there, he lunged straight into the air to get to Po and Tigress's panger children. Po, knowing what to do, ran quickly towards him, jumped up and met him in the air and with the top of the yin-yang staff, he hit a pressure point on his neck freezing him. Po then hit five more points on his chest that glowed yellow as he hit them with his finger tips, and finally he sent a palm thrust to his chest sending him back to the ground, out cold and temporarily paralyzed. Po then gracefully landed in front of him with the staff in hand and his arm casually behind his back as he looked at his former student with sadness and pity knowing this was not his destiny.
Po's students then surrounded the leopard in their stances waiting for him to get up. Po turned to them and kindly spoke.
"It's alright students, he's won't harm anyone. Go back to your drills and then later, we'll spar!" Po said with a smile and they bowed fist-in-palm to him respectfully.
"Yes, Master Po!" They all said in unison.
Tigress at this point came up next to Po and he lovingly wrapped an arm around her.
"Hey kitten you ok? Did he scare you?" Po asked with concern in his voice looking at her and the four behind her.
Tigress smiled warmly at his concern for her and she kissed his cheek.
"No, I'm fine dumpling and so are the others! And thank you for protecting us, love." Tigress said nuzzling his shoulder affectionately.
"That's good to hear and no problem I'll always protect you and the four with my life. I don't think I could live if something bad happened to any of you." Po said lovingly as his gentle voice kissed her ears. Tigress always felt safe with Po sometimes he was overprotective of her and the other four, but that just made her love him even more.
Po then turned to Zeng and called for him. He was going to let him retire from his duties for he had worked faithfully at the Jade Palace for many years. But this time he had one last job before Po could free him.
"Zeng! Please come here, I have a job for you." Po requested kindly and the goose flew over and bowed to him.
"Yes, Master Po? What do you need it would be an honor to serve you!" Zeng said respectfully bowing.
"Please alert the rhinos in the valley that I have a new prisoner for them to take to Chor gom." Po stated and Tigress whispered something in his ear and he nodded in agreement. "And... tell them to double the guards and defenses. To put a more secure acupressure shell on him along with heavier weights to shackle to his wrists. He must not escape!" Po stated but knew the destiny he saw could not be avoided so he thought to drag it out for as long as he could.
Zeng nodded "Yes, Master Po I will at once!" And with that he flew off to the valley below to alert the rhinos.
Po then turned to Tigress and noticed she was shivering from the cold so he wrapped part of the green shawl around her and pulled her close. Tigress smiled happily as she nuzzled her head into his chest feeling somewhat warmer but she was still shivering. Tigress didn't wear anything on her feet and the snow made them extremely cold.
Po noticed this and scooped her up in his arms bride style and she happily clung to his neck. Po let the shawl cover her freezing orange feet and her body up to her neck. Tigress began to purr softly enjoying his warmth.
"Thanks, Po!" Tigress purred. "My feet were freezing!" Tigress said as she curled her white, fuzzy toes feeling them slowly warm up as the snow melted off. She then buried her face into his chest and Po chuckled warmly.
"You're quite welcome my queen and I could tell; I couldn't let my lovely beautiful wife freeze." Po said softly and Tigress's cheeks warmed up and her heart raced.
Po then carried his purring lovely wife back into the palace with the other four by the fire place where the fire was roaring and warm. The panda then gently sat her down by the fire and sat down next to her. Tigress thanked him again and she turned sideways and placed her feet into his lap where he rubbed and massaged them to further warm them up. Tigress loved it when he did this it seemed to relax her and put her in a good mood. After a few more minutes of this and then almost ten minutes of Po just holding her in his arms, talking and several sweet kisses, he had to get up and check on his students.
Po was known for his kindness and he always had extra clothes for the students to stay warm in. Po brewed some hot tea and brought it out to them along with some extra blankets for those that needed it. They all thanked him, drank their tea and Po let all of them have a break before splitting them up into groups of two to spar. After sparing was over, he congratulated them on their progress, pointed out what needed improvement, and gave them some tips on breathing to not run out of breath so easily. The small crowd of students thanked them and Po dismissed them. Everyone then went back down the thousand steps to their homes with new knowledge and skills taught from the best in China. After they all left, Po ran back inside to Tigress with the staff in hand. When he arrived, Tigress just finished pouring their panger children Hannah, Jade, Zhan, and Kara some hot tea to warm up with.
Tigress handed Po a cup which he gladly accepted and he took a sip. The tea tasted good and he kissed her cheek.
"My compliments to the brewer." Po said cheekily and Tigress just giggled.
"So how was teaching, dumpling? Did everyone learn what they were supposed to?" Tigress asked with a smirk knowing she heard him saying his catch phrases a few times.
Po chuckled heartily and grinned. "It went well, kitten! And yeah I also taught them the importance of using your own catch phrases to add to your awesomeness!" Po said dramatically and Tigress just laughed and giggled thinking he was so adorable.
"Of course you did. After all these years you haven't changed a bit... I love you so much, Po. Please... don't ever change." Tigress said amused with a smile as she threw her arms around his neck.
"I love you so much too, Tigress... and I won't!" Po said happily as he placed his paws at her waist and pulled her closer.
Po and Tigress then began to dance by the fire in an impressive display of swift yet precise moves. The two lovers were excellent dancers and quite enjoyed it and they even won first place in the valley at a festival last year. This is just one of the many ways they expressed their love for each other and it brought them closer together.
After a few minutes of this with the four teenage pangers watching, the two stopped and then went to the kitchen to make dinner. The four followed being very hungry, and after they ate their fill, everyone went to the barracks to sleep. The four climbed in bed and quickly fell asleep next to each other under the warm blankets. Po and Tigress gave each one a loving kiss making them smile in their sleep. Po and Tigress then crawled into their bed and Tigress snuggled into Po's chest feeling the warmth and softness of his fur. Po pulled the extra layered blankets over them and encased them into a warm cocoon as their body heat mingled under the covers making them both drowsy instantly.
"Good night, Ti sleep good. I love you my queen with all my heart." Po said rubbing her back causing her to purr louder in his arms.
"Good night, Po you too. And I love you too my sweet panda." Tigress said with a slurr as she was getting sleepier by the second. Po was always so cuddly and soft she never had trouble sleeping with him and she's done it for over a decade.
The two then shared one last warm sweet kiss before sleep quickly overtook them.
Everyone was sleeping peacefully in the barracks with all danger now gone with Rongyu now in chains in Chor gom prison with the requirements that Po ordered in place. He was now unparalyzed and was secured in chains and the acupressure shell.
At Chor Gom Prison the day after Po stopped Rongyu*
The leopard woke up from being paralyzed and groaned and then he remembered all that happened the day before. His attempt to harm the dragon warrior failed miserably and Po put him down easily without breaking a sweat. Rongyu blinked a few times to clear his vision and he looked around to see stone candle lit walls and then he realized he couldn't move! He jerked a few times but to no avail as he turned to see his wrists were shackled to heavy bolders that hung off the side of the stone platform he was kneeling on. Panick set in as he desperately tried to lift the boulderd that were heavier than his brother's and he felt something on his back. It was an upgraded acupuncture turtle shell that only let him move but so much. A worried expression came over his face and he started to jerk violently trying to escape but it was no use he was in Chor Gom and escape seemed out of sight. He knew why he was put there and a look of anger came over his face as he growled. The leopard swore revenge to the dragon warrior and his family for what he did to him. He began to plan his escape as his heart began to harden more and more as he kneeled in the same spot his brother was chained many years ago. As he was grumbling angrily to himself, a young rhino stepped from behind him.
The leopard turned to him with an evil look in his eye and he growled, "Who are you!? What do you want?"
"Easy pal, You're OUR prisoner and you won't escape as easily as your brother did!" The rhino laughed heartily and the leopard just growled in his throat. "And I'm the son of the rhino who kept guard over Tai Lung. You were sent here not only for threatening the dragon warrior, his wife, and family but also for time to think and sort your heart out." The rhino said sincerely and Rongyus face dropped to a calmer expression. "You've let darkness slip into your heart and you've avoided your true destiny." He said calmly and the leopards face was deep in thought until anger came over his face again.
"Destiny? DESTINY!? DON'T YOU TELL ME ABOUT DESTINY! MINE IS TO AVENGE MY BROTHER! YOU HAVE NO IDEA THE PAIN I WENT THROUGH WITHOUT HIM!" He shouted angrily as ge jerked his chains.
The rhino sighed and turned to leave for the elevator. "No, it isn't. And aparently you will find that out the hard way. You think I haven't lost someone? Tell me leopard, do you ever consider anyone else's pain but your own?" The rhino said getting on and the leopard relaxed and looked to the ground. "Now think and listen to your heart. Your brother wouldn't want this. Also the dragon warrior and your sister requested you be treated fairly while you're in here too so in a few hours we'll release your chains for breakfast." He said as he was zipped up on the elevator and Rongyu was baffled that the dragon warrior would be so kind to him. The leopard stood up and shouted, "My heart says he will pay for what he did! Mark my words I won't stay here forever!" He said and the rhino sighed and was soon at the top with the rest of the guards and their extra crossbows. The guards vowed to not make the same mistake with him as they did Tai Lung. It seemed all danger was gone, and peace remained in the valley of peace. At least for now...