Before Sunrise

Act I - Chapter VIII - Heartening Home

A quiet night brought forth a peaceful dusk as our group of adventurers returned to the entrance of their beloved valley, at least if we're talking about Po and Tigress. Mr. & Ms. Mian parted ways with Po and Tigress before taking a bridge eastward, the evening sunset illuminating the colour of their sandy fur amidst its haze as they entrusted the lynx who had rescued them with delivering both Po and Tigress to their homestead.

Yet, one question still weighed on Po's mind and that happened to be the origin of the mysterious lynx that was brought forth upon them. Sure, she had a name, Yuka; yet that didn't alleviate any of the mystery that concealed the rest of her seemingly mysterious identity. The only thing Po and Tigress could make out beyond the purple cloak was an equally as deep purple fur complexion, almost as if she didn't need the cloak to begin with considering she blended in with the night so wonderfully.

With silence fast encroaching upon them and with their eyes being dazzled by red and gold streamers followed by lanterns gently floating into the air, Tigress cleared her throat before speaking up, not only wishing to ask questions about the ongoing festival that was apparently taking place within the valley but to also ask more questions about the lynx who had been shadowing them this whole time, refusing to speak much other than letting off the occasional chuckle amidst the sea of jokes Mr. Mian cracked on their way home.

"Oh, there seems to be a festival tonight! I was not expecting to return to this, perhaps this would be a good opportunity to unwind a little bit upon returning home, hm?" Tigress' admittedly exhausted orange eyes darted into Po's jade orbs as he let off a reassuring smile which comforted her amidst her unsettled tone. "I hope we're not missing out on much," It's almost as if Tigress forgot about what news was going to be coming her way this night, especially when some of the floating lanterns appeared to originate from Mr. Ping & Family... Yep, Mr. Ping had successfully changed the name of his noodle shop within the same day his children went out on their adventure.

"Hey, these sort of things happen all the time, right? It's not like we've got much to worry about missing. Probably some form of homecoming party for a family member or something! You'd be surprised how many people spend money on these sorts of events. Sorry that you haven't had a chance to witness most of them, being locked in and all," Po hung his head low as Tigress lifted her paw to pat his shoulder.

"Hey, it's okay! I prefer being locked inside for the most part, but I think that legend about me being some monster is starting to evaporate. I think that's how you use that word, at least, you've been teaching me more ways to say things as sometimes I can come off sounding a little dull," Po let off a little giggle in response to Tigress' comment about herself whilst Yuka curiously listened on.

"Hey! You don't sound dull! You're the one who came to me as you wanted some more advice with your calligraphy and you've started using those words when speaking! I'm actually kind of proud of you for being able to listen and learn things so well, it goes to show that you're the one with all of the knowledge, not me!"

"Ah, so these are the conversations you two have. For children this young, you are quite smart. I see your father is quite a competent parental figure, who would've thought! I remember the days where Mr. Ping would joke about how having children would be the end of his business but apparently having children was the best thing that could've happened as his business is doing far better than I could be... I wonder who the mother could be, though," Yuka's tone sounded somewhat heartbroken considering she was expecting to hear of some mysterious spouse, she also remained weary about her word choices around the children in front of her considering she didn't want to give away too much information. "Ah, apologies," The lynx deduced from the confused stare from Po and Tigress that they hadn't been raised by any form of mother figure.