Chapter Text
It felt like the world tipped over his vision grew blurry his fur sticking up the only thing he could make out was his..Father..no Shifu's face the look of disappointment that he believed was towards him. his ears went back as he desperately stared at Master shifu wanting him to say something anything but no he only turned following after the person who dared say he wasn't worthy of being the dragon warrior.
All those years of training working until his bones collapsed ended up being for nothing? He looked around the room rapidly before clenching his paws claws digging into his fur he needed move it felt like the room was closing in on him. With a low growl crawling up his throat Tai lung pushed over a nearby table with a moment of anger before fleeing to overwhelmed to think straight.
He ran without looking back first on two legs then down on four kicking up dirt and mud without how fast he ran staining his now wet silver fur as rain started to slowly pour.
He kept going weaving between building once he reached the main village he climbed up onto the roofs as he jumped between different roofs in his overwhelmed state he stepped down on a roof covered in moss making him slip and lose his balance.
Hitting the ground he fell onto his back knocking the air out of him he turned onto his side curling up on the floor his claws digging into the earth as he tried to breath. Then he felt something wet on his cheek a tear he quickly scrubbed his eyes in disbelief he never cried he wasn't some weakling.
Slowly sitting up he stared down at the ground tears still slipping free from his eyes before a gasp tore him from his thoughts. It was a goose dressed in a food service outfit with a little noodle bowl hat stood there watching Tai lung with concern before he spoke with a nervous tone. "Are you okay young man..?"
No he wasn't okay is what he should say but he couldn't bring himself to say it out loud especially not to some stranger. Not saying a word he stood up shaking off the splattered mud on his tail and rubbing his now puffy eyes ready to leave and forget all about the weird goose.
He turned only to freeze when a feathered hand grabbed his arm the grip was weak though it wasn't stopping him from pulling away..but he didn't. Turning around he looked at the other man a miserable look on his face which soon turned to confusion as the bird started to lead him towards a little noodle shack.
"sit down please." The bird smiled before scrambling off to the kitchen leaving a few feathers on the ground when he did. Tai lung stared at the little wooden table for a moment before sitting down in the tiny chair his tail curling up to rest in his lap. His ear twitched as he listened to the sound of fallen pots and loud noises from the kitchen a small amused grin appearing on his face when he heard the sound of the goose squawking about noodle bowls.
Chuckling he rested his cheek in his palm looking down at the table carving a little dragon symbol into it with his claw as he waited. he traced the small carving with his paw narrowing his eyes. he felt more than worthy to be the dragon warrior how could that old turtle even decide such a thing? Even Shifu knew it was his destiny its been told to him all his life even carved into his bones at this point.
If he wasn't the dragon warrior then what was he? What was his worth…would Shifu even care for him anymore? It felt like he had failed his entire life just a few hours ago now he didn't know where to start or what to even do now things would never go back to normal.
nose twitching he glanced up from the table watching the goose stumble towards the table a fresh hot bowl of noodles in hand. Placing it in front of Tai lung and sitting on the opposite chair with a small smile the other gestured for him to eat.
It smelled..okay nothing really crazy he leaned down sniffing it cautiously before picking up the chopsticks and taking his first bite. It tasted good better then other noodles hes had before placing his noodles to the side he used his paws digging into the food without caring for making a mess. Eating at least half of the noodles he glanced up and noticed the other still staring at him.
Clearing his throat Tai lung pushed the half eaten bowl away. "why did you do that..?" He murmured looking at the man trying to understand his motives. The goose startled and exclaimed loudly. "show some respect! I didn't have to give you free food ya know!!" The goose continued to squawk for a bit making Tai lung grin again his teeth showing.
"Sorry..thank you.." He muttered before pausing and titling his head eyeing the other curiously. "I never got your name.."
"its Ping..but you should call me Mr. Ping.." The goose now Mr. Ping explained treating Tai Lung like a cub which was a first for him having an adult treat him his age..it was strange to say the least.
"I would tell you my name..but I'm sure you know me." He grinned puffing out his chest a bit with pride assuming the other knew all about him well most people did know him as Shifu's most talented student. It was quiet for a moment and he glanced at Mr. Ping noting that the other barely reacted so he continued. "Master Shifu's best student.."
Mr. Ping stared for a moment before smiling nervously and finally responding. "Sorry I'm not that into those type of things I don't recognize you.." He didn't recognize him? Tai lung startled confused he was so used to people knowing him that he was honestly surprised he frowned a low half growl escaping his throat as he grumbled. "What do you mean your not into those type of things..?"
The man sighed and picked up the half eaten bowl and standing up off the seat. "I'm more focused on my noodle shop I don't care for kung fu or anything like that…" He smiled and patted Tai Lung's arm. "Im sure your a great student though.." He turned and went to go put the bowl away leaving the other to his own thoughts.
He felt warm his fur was sticking up again even his tail was puffed up as he watched Mr. Ping leave. He was confused hes never been given praise like that so..intimately by someone who didn't even know his accomplishments. Suddenly feeling nervous for the first time in awhile he stood up following where the bird had gone into the shop.
Stepping into the kitchen he watched Mr. Ping clean the bowl from his noodles as well as other left over bowls. Tail lung stood there staring for quite awhile then slowly he made his way over to the sink and glanced down at the sink then at Ping. "Can..I help you clean up?"
He winced with how pathetic he sounded but honestly he would rather help clean bowls then be stuck with his own pathetic thoughts at the moment that was the only reason he offered..totally. Mr. Ping nodded and scooted over making room for Tai lung near the sink which he scooted closer and started on one of the dishes.
It was nice..well maybe not getting his fur soaked but the quite sound of Mr. Ping humming while he cleaned dishes soothed his mind. He helped dry dishes when they were handed to him and helped clean counters watching Mr. Ping most of the time as he did so making sure he did everything perfect wanting his approval for some strange reason.
As they finished up cleaning the kitchen Tai lung felt drained mainly emotionally but also physically which he was used to but this time it felt different. His rough training session earlier that day mixed in with Master Oogway's words hurt alot more then he was willing to admit.
He huffed yawing and curling his tail around his paws to keep them warm. He felt a tap on his arm and he glanced down Mr. Ping gave a small smile and spoke gently. "Are you tired?.." Tai Lung titled his head and looked away nodding slightly.
Mr. Ping sighed and patted his arm. "You can stay here for the night if you would like if not that's okay.." Thinking about it for a moment Tai lung didn't actually want to go back "home" at the moment especially not to Master Shifu he nodded again to tired to speak. Mr. Ping nodded and pointed to the corner of the kitchen. "Stay there Ill be back with some blankets for you."
Settling in the corner he pulled his tail close to his body hugging it for warmth he felt like a little cub again waiting to be tucked in by Shifu. He eventually laid on his side his cheek pressed against the cold floor he didn't move when Mr. Ping came back into the room the only response he gave was the twitch of his tail. A few blankets were laid on top of him and he closed his eyes a low chuffing noise leaving him which he hardly noticed as he felt himself slip away into a restful sleep.
If he had still been awake he would have felt the feathered hand running across his head petting him gently before pulling away and the soft murmur of "goodnight" could be heard in the silent kitchen.