Cost of A War

KFP owned by Dreamworks.

Prepare some tissue paper :-) This going to be a ride!

Everyone were sitting, rather distressfully around the kitchen table, in front of them, laid an important looking scroll bearing the Emperor's seal, sprawled its content for everyone to see.

Coinciding the current critical situation, and protecting national interest, hereby, the Emperor requiring every Man who had Sons capable of bearing arms, that are between age 15 to 50 years, to send all of them immediately into the Emperor and gave them leave to enter into Imperial Army, to assist the country on the conflict at hand. Please understand the urgency of such message, and for the respective, potential soldier to make their leave promptly to each closest Imperial Army post - The Emperor would like to extend his voice of gratitude for such selfless action.

Everyone had a forlorn, afflicted stare. Each of their mind enslaved by the daunting possibility, the worst of expense the war might have demanded.

"Master Shifu, what's the meaning of this?"

"Tomorrow, Po, you... Monkey, Mantis and Crane would be leaving to Chang'an to join the Imperial Army, as requested. The country is at war, and your service as kung fu Master, as a soldier, and as defender of China are much needed. Tigress and Viper would fend the Valley as usual."

"I would like four of you to write to your respective parents, as soon as possible. Also, write, one more set of letters - as your final letters to anyone you wish, should the worst happened to you at war. I shall be responsible for the save-keeping of the second letters, and would only be disposed discreetly to the intended recipient upon confirmation of your death. Now, all four of you are dismissed, take heed of what you are going to write... In my own selfish hope that each one of you returned, unharmed,... just take this as a mere precautions."

"Be a warrior, and not a worrier. I bid four of you the very best, the greatest pleasure in life is to do, accomplish, and to win what people say you can not do."

Po looked at the letter in disbelief. Was this a prophecy of the future? Suddenly, prospect of tomorrow had become uncertain as liken to the rain that threatened to fall. Would he live to see another day? When he would return? Would they succeed stopping their adversary? Who would take care of his goose dad should he die in the battle? And... would he see Tigress again? As the voice inside his head harkened, he landed his worried glance to the striped warrior sitting opposite him. Her eyes were gleaming with tears, her heart was heavy, her countenance was stricken. But this was no time for comfort and ease, it's time to dare and endure, for this was a chance that every man would stood for their dignity and proofing the love to their country. And there was no love with no sacrifice.

Before this, Po had never given too much thought about dying. To certain extent he was much aware, in his line of job, there was always certain element of risk... to be killed. But nothing would outwit the feeling of demise to be part of a war.

The next day, Po and three other male warriors were bidding their final farewell to their family. There was a lot of teary exchange, as the warriors readying to leave. He cradled his dad light feathery form, let himself once again soaked in the sentiment, the man that incessantly took care of him day in and out, showered him with his unconditional love, and had transformed him physically and mentally from a cub to a man. He stood and curtsy respectfully to his Master, thanking him for all the valuable parting wisdom and guidance he had bestowed. Lastly, he stood in front of the striped feline, his idol, his rock and his comfort. He started at her glassy amber eyes, gleamed with loads of emotion threatening to fall. He reached her paw, and he tugged her firmly in his arms, as if he did not want to let her go. Both of them intertwined in melancholic embrace, as their souls silently lamented their farewell. Her voice dropped along with her eyes, as she loosened up her grip.