Kung Fu Panda Fanfic - The Rise of a Hero

Epilogue #2

Po opened his eyes, and a strong glow blinded his vision for a few seconds. He was a little dizzy and nauseous. When he could see clearly, he realized that he was in the spiritual world.

Po: - I thought I should go to the heavenly kingdom. - He thought aloud.

Oogway: - Someday, my boy. -

Po turned around and couldn't believe his eyes. Behind him was Master Oogway. To the right of the turtle was Master Shifu, and to his left was his father, Li Shan. And not only them but many others also who had influenced Po's life had come to such a motivating meeting. Behind Oogway were Masters Ox and Crocodile, and right next to them, Kai, Shen, and Tai Lung, who, to Po's surprise, were showing a certain positive attitude towards the panda.

Tai Lung: - I told you I was ready. -

Shen: - Ready? It hardly counts. -

Kai: - Calm down duster. - He was making fun of the peacock.

Shen: - If we weren't dead, I swear I would kill you. -

Po jumped forward and hugged Oogway, Shifu and Li tightly without them being able to react.

Shifu: - Calm down, Po. We are all here. -

Li Shan: - Good to see you, son. -

Po: - I missed you a lot. - In that Kai put a hoof on Po's shoulder.

Kai: - You see it Oogway. This boy surpassed even you. -

Oogway: - I never doubted it, old friend. - Oogway and Kai exchanged smiles like in the old days.

Po: - I see that many things have changed around here. - Referring to the strange positive attitude that his former enemies had.

Shen: - Eh... yes. It turns out that when you get rid of your earthly ties you basically lose many things that corrupt you including greed, hate, and blah... blah... blah... -

Po: - I still see that a bad mood doesn't change. -

Po's comment elicited a few laughs from everyone present, and once the mood settled, Po respectfully greeted Kai, Shen, and Tai Lung and thanked them for helping him accept himself. The three beings responded to the greeting, and instantly, their father and the rest of the teachers joined. But the moment of respect was interrupted by a very particular entity.

????: - He he. Look who we have here. -

Po and the rest looked up and noticed a strange panda of short stature and a round figure that floated happily with its legs crossed.

Panda: - It's a pleasure to meet you, Dragon Warrior. -

Po: - A pleasure, sir... -

Panda: - Oh. Where are my manners? Buddha. At your service. -

The strange panda had a happy face and long ears that stretched down to his chin and wore a golden garment that revealed his rounded belly.

Buddha: - Congratulations, Po. By completing all the requirements, you are able to walk the paths of Nirvana and learn of all the wisdom that the universe awaits for you. -

Buddha stretched out his hand, and to his right a strange portal opened, revealing a strange passage that only Po and Buddha could appreciate. To the rest, it looked like a simple whitish light. Po looked into the portal, but the truth was that he did not feel any interest in what Buddha offered him, and that feeling could be seen reflected in his nostalgic face. Noticing this, Buddha descended and placed his hand on Po's shoulder.

Buddha: - You know? The ways of Nirvana are a gift to those who make the greatest sacrifices, but it is not something you should take yes or yes. -

Po: - What do you mean? -

Buddha: - As a mortal, you are free to choose. Become one with the universe or ground yourself and live with your roots in the underworld. It's your decision. -

Po: - Wait. Can I return to the world of the living? -

Buddha: - Of course you can. After all... You're not dead. Also, let's say I owe you one for defeating Sun Wukong for me. -

Po turned around and looked at the teachers with joy. He could return to his loved ones, and that was something that drew a visible happiness on his face. One by one, Po said goodbye and thanked each of those present. Until he finally came to where Tai Lung was.

Tai Lung: - Po. Can I ask you a favor? -

Po: - Sure, old friend. What do you need? - Tai Lung held in his hands a curious necklace with a crescent moon-shaped pendant.

Tai Lung: - Could you give this to my little Lixue? And tell her how much I love her? -

Po: - Of course, old friend. -

Po took the earring and put it away to then give the snow leopard a big hug, who responded to the hug with great affection. Finally, Po said goodbye to his father Li Shan, to Shifu and to Oogway, and ready, Buddha rested his hand on Po's head and a strong golden light blinded Po for a few seconds. When he opened his eyes again, he could see that he was in the inner courtyard of the Jade Palace, and the voice of a small tigress with white fur with black stripes caught his attention.

Lixue: - Uncle Po! -