Rest in the Arms of a Warrior

V. A Warrior's Respite

The next day, Po made sure to wake up in time yet again. Succeeding to wake up around Tigress' time. He quickly rose up and yawned, stretching in the process. He figured he had no time to waste so he made his way down to the kitchen where the tiger already sat down, enjoying some breakfast for herself.

"Hey Tigress." Po greeted as he entered the kitchen, causing the feline to lift her eyes and make eye contact with him. "Good morning, Po." She said as she continued slurping on her favorite tea, jasmine tea.

"Anything left?" Po asked as he walked to the counter.

"No, you'll have to make some." she answered.

"Oh, okay." Po replied as he quickly gathered the ingredients for some bean buns and placed them in order at the counter. He used oil, sugar, and of course, the beans to gently transform it to a paste which in it's turn is quite easy to form into a bean bun. 

A few minutes later, Po finished making the bean buns and placed them in a bowl on the kitchen table. Tigress was quick to bring out an arm to test one.

"This is quite good." She said, enjoying the taste of the freshly made bean buns.

"Thanks, Ti."

Soon, a figure emerged around the kitchen entry, a figure with a straw hat and wings. Master Crane, the famous avian kung fu master of the Jade Palace.

"Morning." Crane said as he entered the kitchen.

"Morning." Po and Tigress replied simultaneously. 

"Are these freshly made?" Crane asked and pointed at the bean buns in the bowl on the table.

"Yes" Po muffled, still chewing on a bean bun.

"Alright." Crane said as he picked a few up to start his day with.

Crane stood by the counter and poured a cup of tea when he suddenly got reminded of Viper's failed plan yesterday. It was time for him to take his plan into action. 

"Hey, Po?" he started, earning him the panda's attention.

"Yes?"

"I was thinking that we-" "You will try your plan, yes, sure. I'm in." Po cut off, yawning shortly after.

"Oh, great." Crane replied, a smile growing on his face. Tigress also smiled at the panda, he was actually willing to do something for once?

"So what will we do?" Po asked.

"I was thinking that maybe a day by the lake will help clear your mind, Po. Sometimes being in nature can do wonders." Crane explained whilst sipping on his tea.

"When do we head out then?"

"When you'd like, really." Crane replied.

"Ok, how about in half an hour." Po proposed.

"That works."

"Great, then I will head up and make myself ready." Po said and headed out of the kitchen, leaving the avian and feline alone. "What's gotten into him today?" Crane asked.

"I don't know." Tigress started. "I'm just happy to see he's willing to join in on our plans."

"Same."

Crane finally finished his breakfast and decided to head out of the kitchen as well. "Good luck, Crane. You will need it." Tigress said before the avian disappeared out of her sight. "Thanks Tigress."

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____

Half an hour later, Po and Crane stood outside of the barracks, ready to start their day by the lake beside the valley. "Should we walk down or do you want me to fly you there?" Crane asked the panda. "I don't know. I'm fine with either option."