When's the nxt update, it's almost a year.

Dear Author, are you still alive?

"And aggravating others was one of Lin's greatest skills." Truer words have never been spoken.

OMG...I knew the scene of Lin drawing Po would be comedy gold, but the fact it segued right into Tai and Gia joining them made it even better. And while I did not miss the fact Tai hanging around outside the Hall of Heroes is more of him trying to protect Lin from the Wu Sisters (won't he be surprised when they show up, trying instead to protect her and the Valley from the guy who hired them!), I was on the floor laughing from the whole exchange about evil laughs. :D Though the road trip games (and the fact Tai and Po were united in hating them) was also fun.

Also, I had forgotten about the 'new' house. :P In the words of Timon, talk about your fixer-upper. I wonder how that friend of Ping's got it, since it's clearly based on the original design for Oogway's house, right? But I guess as with my version of it, in your story it was never the turtle's either? (Although the odd affinity Lin has for it is certainly suggestive...but since Shifu didn't recognize it I guess it's just an echo.)

In any event, with the condition it's in, no wonder the guy was willing to gamble with it...though I suspect it may not be worth as much as would be necessary to be stake in the game. :P I foresee much fun in her getting that crew to fix it up with her. Construction building character, hmm. *grins*

As annoying as Shifu showing up was, he managed to be more civil to Lin for a change, and I agree that him showing concern for her over the condition of the place was nice. (Also, maybe it's just me, but despite his lack of experience with the world, I think if she explained about never owning anything and the way women are treated, he'd understand.) He really is trying...maybe there's hope for him yet.

*rubs his chin* I am starting to wonder if Tai getting to see the visions of Lin's memories isn't just a byproduct of Lin refusing to see them anymore. Not only might Tai learn some lessons from them about life (like, that other people can have it as hard as him or worse), but he will likely come to understand Lin more. (The fact they have a lot in common, such as in this vision the desire to be alone, will certainly help.) And from that comes sympathy, which in turn will help him change to be less selfish. If that's the case, then very smart of Oogway (or the leviathan, if that's who's sending them now).

The fact he saw the weapons from his last fight with Shifu in the Hall of Warriors definitely suggests this is more geared for him now than for Lin, despite using her memories as the vehicle. Which makes me think that (*looks ahead*) Tai's surmise that the multiple figures were supposed to be of her may not necessarily be true. Because while the things she's been through (and refused to deal with) mean she needs balance, Tai needs it a hell of a lot more than she does. Still, nothing to say it can't be for both of them, another thing to bring them together. Not sure about who the woman was, though...but yeah, that final part of the vision was quite creepy and effective, and I love how you are bringing back the sense of isolation and despair Tai felt in Chorh-Gom.

...and we have the instant switch to humor again, with Po and Tai. Though there's the underlying heartwarming aspects as well-even in your story where Tai is resisting as much as possible, he can't help getting closer to the panda. And not just physically. :P Them hugging (and doing so to stay warm) never gets old. Though I am a bit surprised (and pleased) that Tai didn't act more nasty when he denied being into men. Not that I expected otherwise, it was just nice. And him giving advice about women to Po is as disturbing as it is hilarious-really hope the panda doesn't listen to him. Unless he turns 'aggressive' into 'assertive'. Still, this is all part of him seeing Po as a person, not just his enemy (as emphasized by his thoughts at breakfast), so it may just have a positive result.

Here's hoping the etiquette lessons do too, though. *winces* Because while they went as badly as I was afraid they would, he clearly does need them, if no other reason than to keep his nastier bits of snark to himself. Let's just say I wanted to smack him just as much as Gia did, especially for that crack about orphans. (Between that and his thoughts about delusions and "truth of [their] pathetic existence", he's clearly projecting again. I'd feel sorry for him if not for, again, his assholishness.) But how awesome of Gia, I am totally with Tigress there!

"...each showing off with their silly kung fu flips." *snorts* Once again, Po and Tai are Not So Different.

Um...while I agree that all the arguing and inability to work together would get on one's nerves, I can't exactly say Lin didn't bring this on herself. Yes, there weren't exactly a large number of people in the Valley she could draw on to help her (either in terms of skills or desire to do so), but by picking people who she knew for sure a) didn't know how to do repair work and b) had some issues getting along, she pretty much set herself up for trouble. Which is another reason I wanted to smack her for yelling at them (especially Gia) and rather enjoyed the door falling on her. Besides, since it's pretty hard to get Po genuinely angry, you know you're in the wrong if you manage to do it. (And in any event, I don't blame him for being so.)

That said, good on Tai for standing up to her, and while he has his issues with Gia, it makes sense he'd be better equipped to work with her than with Po (for obvious reasons), or than Po would with Gia since he'd be too submissive and kind-hearted to assertively tell her what needed doing. And it can't be denied Po's size and balance issues probably contributed to the door mishap. So, at least the work got done.

And the scene after that where Lin kind of makes up with Gia is actually rather funny and sweet. Plus it's good that even if she has missed the memo on why the jealousy thing is going on (i.e. however much he denies it, Tai still sees her as a mother, and so having Lin's actual daughter show up makes him possessive, despite the fact Lin wants nothing to do with Gia for the most part and has treated her pretty shabbily), Lin is trying to nip it in the bud in some way. She's also quite right about Tai's traits, both bad and good.

As for her and Shifu...I rather thought their little scene was about the best place they can be at right now. Yes, they're still combative, but Shifu impressed upon her that he's not giving up on her (and not just for the sex), and whatever she says or thinks that has to mean something to her. And while he stayed when she told him to go, he did eventually leave and respect her wishes. It was wistful, but maybe there's still some hope for them.

That said, seeing Lin win the argument about her house was quite satisfying, and I'm with Tai on wanting to have something to scarf down while watching. :P

Poor Lin though, once again having to deal with her awful past...but while she can't seem to understand why it's important for her to do so, she can incisively and insightfully see what Tai's problems are. Not to mention just plain understand him. And I love that, just as she noted he was a hard worker when he actually tried, he's now pursuing the visions (and the redemption that will come from them) as much as he did the thousand scrolls, whether he wants to or not.

How sad that Tai still refuses to be weak...or rather, that he thinks caring about others and thus not wanting to be alone *is* weakness. He understands why isolation was bad in Chorh-Gom, but he still finds a way to turn it around, that it was only because it was necessary to say sane(-ish), not because he was actually lonely or anything. *rolls eyes* Still, he does admit it...the first step to dealing with a problem, etc. And while he no longer is aiming his anger at Po and the scroll (thank goodness), if he can aim it at something, the right thing...

Also, as hilarious as it was seeing Tai mock Lin's pretentious overdramatic nature, it was great to see a heart-to-heart between them. It's strange, but I really feel that if they just keep at it, they'll both be good for each other and become better people. No matter how much they might be disgusted by the prospect. (They really *are* alike...) And the proof of it, really, is how her telling Tai he was a good person caused him to react, and how she comforted him through it. *sniffles*

It's amazing how you can make my feelings for him turn on a dime...well maybe not, since he is indeed a complicated person, and it's probably more amazing how you keep making me change my mind on Lin and Shifu. But despite how nasty he was to Gia, Po, and Tigress, I *still* feel sorry for him here. Once again it's true that hurt people hurt people. Doesn't justify it, or change the fact he needs to act differently...but it's at least understandable, and induces sympathy.

Huh...so Lin *did* figure out why Tai and Gia were acting that way. I underestimated her ability to stop being self-absorbed and insightfully observe others.

Not a lot may have happened in this chapter, but I think a number of emotional moments happened that will be critical for the future. Most notably Tai realizing he doesn't really want to get revenge on Po or Shifu anymore, and how the visions and his talks with Lin are helping both of them, but also Lin and Shifu reaching a somewhat more manageable stage of their relationship. I know there will be more arguments in the future, but at least they all have taken steps, however small, that can be built upon to make things better. It'll likely take big events/outside forces to bring further and deeper change, but this is a good intermediate stage until then. And a great way to end the year!

Great chapter as always :) I was looking forward to seeing the etiquette lessons with Gia and Tigress, that did not disappoint. Also, I loved the last moment with Lin and Tai Lung. I hope to read more of this beautiful story soon!

Absolutely loved this chapter! Super pumped for the upcoming battle, and this really made some of the secondary characters shine. So excited for the next chapter, this story continues to be my favorite on here!

Well!

For once I really don't have a lot to say about your chapter. Partly this is because there weren't as many lines or moments I felt needed to be called out, but also because this whole chapter is not only a rarity for you (focusing on a bunch of your OCs, and without any cuts to Lin, Shifu, Tai, or anyone in the Valley at all), it's an amazing and fascinating coming together of plot lines-some I expected and some I certainly did not. Or if I did think they'd come together, I was more expecting "Guotin/the Wu Sisters/Rahim would run afoul of each other, interfere with each other, or end up in a free-for-all at the Valley". Not that they'd all end up teaming up together! But the fact two of them care deeply for Lin, while one of them and the Wu Sisters also care about protecting the Valley/the empire, and all of them have good reasons to be against both the invasion and Captain Zhengsheng, and...it all comes together so neatly you had to have plotted this out well in advance. Either way though, I salute you!

So that said, let me just say the reason I don't feel a need to go into great detail is that almost every section of this chapter is an example of amazing characterization and character interaction, that was by turns funny, heartfelt, sad, insightful, or just plain absorbing so that it went by very quickly and didn't make me feel a need to stop and dissect it the way I normally do. Maybe that's also because the Valley characters have so much depth and baggage to them already that all their dialogue and interactions just have this automatic weight and meaning to them, while your OCs are being introduced to us in pieces along the way so they seem relatively lighter and their stories go by fast in comparison.

I would be remiss, though, if I didn't note how grateful I am that you at last filled in the hole in Rahim and Lin's backstory-not just their relationship, but how they met and the way their lives and Al's intersected. It was extremely moving, I teared up a number of times...if I wasn't already distressed by Al's death, reading about how it affected Rahim and Lin would have done it for me. I also thought their talk on the docks in Bombay was one of the more realistic and cathartic Lin has been involved in; it's nice to see someone else who can handle her without everything turning into a huge dramafest like with Shifu-because Rahim understands her. Such a good man, the tiger is.

Speaking of good men though, I have to slather the praise on for Guotin. Again I already loved him, both for him being based off the Wolf Boss and for how you've written him as a character in his own right. But I am so pleased that despite being such a lewd rake, and willing to ransack the Jade Palace, he still shows how much a heart of gold he really has. I never expected he'd actually want to defend China from the British (and not just out of self-preservation, I mean), and while of course I knew he'd want to keep Lin safe (and see Gia again), the way he stood up to Zhengsheng and was willing to turn down all that money was so damn admirable.

And I also love Boqin! Not just because you made him gay, or for his competency, but because he too shows he has goodness in him (if way less altruistic than Guotin's), and because of course I can't help loving his relationship with Guotin. (And OMG that scene with Enlai-whose name by the way means "Favor coming"...extremely fitting, hee! Was that a shoutout to Avatar and the scene where Sokka was waiting for Suki?)

But really, this whole chapter was about relationships. Guotin and Rahim make great buddies however much the latter may not see it yet, and of course the Wu Sisters were a gas as always, particularly in how they related to Rahim. Though I also loved how deep and poignant Zhin's talk with Guotin in the last section was. And I find myself saddened that in KFP2, the Wolf Boss refused to let Shen kill his men, and died for his trouble...while here, his men were so willing to turn on him just for money. :(

You also did an excellent job with the fight scene! Short as it was, it was rather breathtaking and action-packed, there were a number of points my heart was in my throat, and others where I was just grinning and clapping. Wonderful work. (Including in the subtle hints that the Wu Sisters were helping them escape.)

I admit I am rather worried about what the future has in store for these characters. While I already loved Rahim and Guotin, and the Wu Sisters were of course great, I am really taking a shine to Boqin as well. I don't want to lose any of them, but with the battles to come it's not realistic to think everyone will make it through unscathed. Guess I'd better start preparing myself.

I also have to admit I'm a bit startled and concerned by you noting that your story is getting close to finishing. Not that I don't want to see how it ends, or that I want it to take even longer before it's done (not that you don't have very good reasons for the time it's taken!). I am just wondering how you can possibly resolve everything so soon. I mean, by bringing all these plots together you do get to tie up Rahim and the British, Guotin, the Wu Sisters, and the captain and his desire for revenge against Lin. (I am wondering if he's going with the British to the Valley just to get Lin, after which he'll betray them; if he really will aid in the attack, so as to become part of the opium trade; or if his treachery means he has his sights set on taking the Emperor's throne.) And as part of this battle, we can obviously get to see Tai Lung prove he's changed and redeem himself, as well as resolve the subplot with Tigress learning the nerve strike.

But...seeing as Shifu and Lin are nowhere near any kind of reconciliation, Tigress and Po just had their first kiss, I don't think Tai is really close to redeeming himself internally (as much as he has changed so far), and of course there's still the visions plus whatever's going to happen in Shanghai...I think that "approaching the end" must be a very relative turn of phrase here. Like, finally seeing the end of the Great Wall but still being miles away from it. ;) Again, not that I'm complaining!

I'll end this with just one comment you had to know was coming-that I do not at *all* blame Bai and Boqin for pursuing and admiring Rahim, respectively!-and to quote two bits I did have to laugh at: "This was at least a little bit better than bodily mutilation. Sort of." (How appropriate, that Rahim would think this in relation to being quizzed about his relationship with Lin, considering he'd also thought about how much she liked to torture him and get on his nerves; I know for a fact Shifu would consider being involved with her to be much like bodily mutilation. :P ) And: "This is how I die."

Okay, so this did end up fairly long again, but just as an overview and general emotions, thoughts, and reactions, rather than delving in with line-and-paragraph detail. :P More, more!

GOD GUOTIN IS FUCKING AWESOME. I love him. I would read VOLUMES about him. And I gotta say since Im kinda dumb that this is the FIRST time I actually understood that whole drug war thing.

So I kept putting off reviewing this, mostly because I have been so damn busy and tired much of the time, but also because it’s such a long chapter! :P However, it was worth the wait and every word.

While Shifu has a point that he shouldn’t use Tai to try and earn points with Lin, he still stubbornly thinks that there’s no way they could be friends or be good for each other. Yes, Lin sets a bad example a lot of the time, but even he has to admit Tai is acting differently than before…and he can’t know whether they have a real and good relationship without witnessing it or giving them a chance.

That said, “Too late you’re already here” was great.

It’s amazing how quickly I can go from feeling sorry for Shifu to being pissed at him. On the other hand, Lin isn’t doing any better, since she continues to refuse to understand that as bad as it was for Shifu to throw her out, and as much as he wasn’t caring about her feelings in the matter, he *was* doing it on Gia’s behalf because he cares about her feelings too.

Part of me wonders if that’s part of the problem, that because of how she feels about Gia, seeing Shifu defend her so strongly makes Lin resentful. The rest of me just, once again, rests my head on my desk. These two make my brain hurt. In some ways they deserve each other, but sometimes I wonder if it’s really worth it in the end, or if they’re an example of what happens if you take a slap-slap-kiss, love/hate relationship too far.

Thank goodness for Viper then, eh? And she’s quite right, if there’s any hope for Shifu and Lin at this point it lies in real, actual romance to show her he really does care and doesn’t dismiss her feelings or value.

LOL though at the demon queen analogy (though “aww” at Shifu finally acknowledging again that she’s vulnerable, emotionally injured, and deserves amends).

Shifu was born in the Year of the Dog? *looks at Lin, laughs his a$$ off* Also the banter drinking session was flat-out hilarious.

It really seems to be Shifu and Lin would get along a lot better, and she’d be more willing to forgive him, if he could just learn to loosen up. Yes, Grand Master of kung fu, dignity, yadda yadda. But really, Oogway was hardly a paragon of dignity, and nobody lacked respect for him! He seemed able to shift from wise and honorable to silly and ridiculous quite seamlessly…if Shifu could follow his example, things would be a lot better. At the very least, it’d keep his blood pressure down. :P

Great job describing the details of the festival decorations too, you went into it even more than I did. :)

While I understand why Lin rubs Tigress the wrong way (and she does me too on many occasions), I’m actually on Lin’s side here. It helps that she was right in chastising Shifu for how he treats Tigress, but also, it isn’t Tigress’s business whom Shifu is involved with, and if anything she’s more judgmental of Lin’s flaws than he is! Basically, she needs to lighten up and have some empathy for more than just Po and Gia.

The irony is, if not for Lin’s crass vulgarity, I think Tigress could find a lot to admire in her. Certainly the way she won’t take guff from anyone and stands up for her own rights as well as those of women and the oppressed. Even so, it would indeed take a miracle for these two to ever get along…

And wow…the whole scene with Lin and Gia is just so sweet, and funny, and heartwarming, and sad by turns. Definitely made me tear up a few times. This is what I hoped for with them…I guess I just should have realized the circumstances behind her conception and birth would make Lin react badly at first, but that once she calmed down and could approach it more rationally, they’d be able to get along and connect. I also didn’t even think of Gia looking like Lin’s sister…one more reason indeed for her presence to upset her.

*giggles* I love that you keep doing the shout-outs to me with Ning Guo. That said, I have to think he might actually be one of those who was “already into” having the woman in charge. ;)

ROTFL…the whole exchange with Monkey calling Gia a hero for her drinking skill, Mantis suggesting she was drunk enough to kiss him, her telling him to get bent, and Crane’s deadpan reaction… May I also take the time to observe that not only is this another of the rare times you have all of the Five onscreen together, but that there are a lot of characters in this scene, and you balance it beautifully.

Also, as hilarious as the whole exchange between Shifu and the guys was, don’t think I missed Monkey saying the female members of the Five weren’t “real girls”, or Shifu’s disapproval of Tai and Yan-Yan. So yeah, overall I’m back to wanting to strangle Shifu again. Yan-Yan’s one of the best things to happen to Tai, especially recently, and she herself just doesn’t deserve the suspicion and disparagement he’s throwing at her. And his determination to *force* Lin to be the Jade Palace artist again (and disparaging her working at the noodle shop, which she actually enjoys) has me giving him the stinkeye too.

That said, Po’s idea is a good one. Not so sure about the etiquette lessons though. Tigress may be calmer and nicer around Gia, but she resents Tai greatly (with good reason), and as much as they have a lot in common, I just know he’ll say and do the wrong thing to keep grating on her. As for Gia, Tai’s treatment of her was pretty bad so I can’t see that going well either…

LOL! I love how you acknowledge Ping’s skill at mahjong, Shifu being bad at it, and say that Tai is as well because he learned from him. Nice reference to the shot from the montage at the end of the first movie, with a horrified Shifu losing badly to a smug Ping.

Nice how you keep doling out the tidbits on the visions. Of course the fact this Kraken saved Lin’s life, and now Tai is seeing it, was making my significance senses tingle already. But while any Tai redemption story has to deal with how exactly he can be saved, the question is exactly how it happens and why…which as Tai so aggrievedly points out, is not at all answered by either Lin or the vision. But it’s still good to have the question posed and the concept in mind.

The moment where Tai saw the Kraken’s eye in the stream was wonderfully surreal—actually made my hair stand on end!—but I also enjoyed him reflecting on his childhood with Lin, Shifu, and Oogway at the fireworks display. However much he disparages him, those little tinges of regret regarding the turtle keep showing through those chinks in his armor

LOL at the idea of Lin wearing the noodle hat (and she agrees, natch!)

*cracks up at Lin flirting with Viper and Po* The poor, poor panda… And OMG, the scene after with him and Shifu…drunk Lin is best Lin.

Damnit…you are too good at making me feel sorry for Lin again. And when she’s sitting there, not believing Shifu’s apologies, but trying to think like Oogway and wanting Shifu to keep trying anyway… gah. *wipes eyes*

*collapses in laughter at “I’m not that kind of girl”*

Oof, man. Not only are you continuing to do a wonderful job of having Po and Tigress grow gradually closer, but when the talk about Lin finally led them to spill out their resentments and anger and hurt…wow. This has been building up a long time, and it needed to be said, but damn if a lot of those things didn’t hurt. I can only hope Tigress will realize the truths behind Po’s lashing out, and listen to him when it comes to Lin (for Gia’s sake, if nothing else). At the same time she did have some points, so hopefully Po can help with that.

Still…ow, my heart. At least they had their first kiss to help make up for it somewhat. Not that it went at all smoothly—and I completely agree with the other reviewers that their reactions afterward were perfectly in character—but it was still sweet, if a bit desperately so. Poor Tigress, not knowing how to handle these feelings she’d never had to before, and poor Po, confessing his feelings only to be left in the lurch like that. That final shot with her running off and him leaning on the moon bridge was so well done, by the way, I could totally see that onscreen.

…Hah, getting drunk actually *was* good for Shifu and Lin! It certainly did loosen their tongues so they came out and said things they needed to for some time. It didn’t resolve everything, or much of anything really, because sex of course doesn’t solve anything most of the time. But it at least left Lin still wanting to be friends with benefits (or, I guess, dominatrix with benefits *snickers*), while Shifu finally did the right thing in declaring his love and his intention to win her back. It doesn’t change anything either of them did and said wrong, but it’s a start. (Her apologizing was also of course a key moment, as was that bit when he reflected on why she was often so violent, and her scars.) If he’s serious about winning her back, that means he’ll need to understand her better, and her relationship with Gia, which is good all around. So…there’s hope. But man do these two exhaust me. (And each other!)

Of course this vow of his will be tested by far more than Lin, Tai, or even Tigress, considering the British are still invading and that guy who hired the Wu Sisters is still after Lin. He’s not kidding about this being his bad luck year! But at least dealing with those threats will seem relatively simple to him…and if they can help Tai redeem himself, they may just help Shifu win Lin back, too.

And hah, what a way to end things! I love Ping, and your version of him is particularly fun and unique, I think. His relationship with Lin is certainly different than most. (The last line made me snort out loud.) But wow, Lin wagered the noodle restaurant?! And hmm…this house she won sounds vaguely familiar. I also have the feeling she and Po are about to have the Wu Sisters (or Guotin?) in their future…

As a Chinese myself, I am very impressed by the accuracy of details involving any Chinese culture. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to the next chapter! :)

This story is so dang good, it feels like torture having to wait for you to finish the next chapter! Shifu becoming more self aware and finally (finally!) understanding that he needs to try his damnedest to win Lin back was a huge step for him. It seems like he is finally getting his ego in check.

I love that you devoted a bit more time to Po, and the way you've handled him had been spot on. His interactions with Tigress were perfect, I think the way they both reacted to the kiss was exactly how it should happen. Tigress twisting up inside because she is unsure of herself and she doesn't know how to deal with the way she is feeling. The forcefulness of the kiss, running away at the end, it was so in character. And Po being totally confused was both hilarious and exactly how he would react (well, either that or passing out, haha).

I love to see Gia's progress, with her finally loosening up a bit, and her improving relationship with Lin. Lin, who is letting some walls come down and opening up to others, but still remaining "Lin" at her core.

Tai Lung is finally starting to fit in a little better, and I'm interested to see how Po's idea of Tai Lung's education is going to go. I was ever so slightly sad to hear Tai Lung flat out say that he and Yan-Yan were officially over, but it shows that he is finally growing up a bit, and while I haven't seen any hint towards it, I would kind of love to see he and Gia get together (it would totally freak out Shifu, which is just too excellent to think about).

Speaking of Gia's relationships, the thing with Tigress seemed a little out of left field, since it seemed like their bond was very sisterly, so we will have to see how that turns out. Though, I think seeing where Gia goes in general will be really interesting to read.

I appreciate that you focused more on the Valley of Peace, and hope to see that continue. I feel like you've left Shanghai and everyone in it in a pretty good spot, and Lin has made so much progress since then (she has her own house now! She is setting down roots!), it just feels like the natural progression.

I am waiting on the edge of my seat for when Po had to get naked for Lin. The jokes, the awkwardness, it is going to be awesome. And I would leave to see Tigress (and maybe Shifu) walk in on that, I mean, talk about hilarity and drama!

As always, your characterizations are perfect representations of the characters we've come to love throughout the Kung Fu Panda trilogy, and their character progression is so natural, it's truly amazing. You have written another incredible chapter, and I will sit here in tremendous torture until the next one. Please keep up the awesome work, you have truly crafted something special here, and I can't wait for it to continue!

I'd been your silent reader for a while, and today, I can't resist on commenting when Tigress get upset over Po and ended up kissing him. Well done on the character dialogue, it was spot on as usual :-)

...Shifu was involved with another woman besides Lin? Is this a reference to that old flame of his from the TV series, or someone else? *very curious*

Ping can be a bit grating at times, when he lets his traditional ways or his absolute focus on business/noodlemaking get in the way, but I'm glad to see him standing up to Lin. I think Shifu should look to him for an example on how to handle her; he's able to contest her points without dissolving into shouting and insults, and he seems to listen to her and understand where she's coming from. Which is amazing considering how...limited the goose's intellect seems at times. If he can manage that, surely Shifu can too, particularly since he loves Lin.

That said, Lin is getting on my bad side again. For once (and I rarely ever say this), I think she *is* letting her status as a woman in that time and place unfairly color her thinking. While some things Shifu has said (especially when he threw her out of the palace) were sexist, I don't think this is one of them. He didn't say she owed it to Gia to nurture her because she's a woman, he said it because she's a parent. However poor a job he may have done at it, he clearly thinks nurturing Tai Lung is/was important despite them both being men, and I expect he'd want Gia's father to treat her the same way he's asking of Lin. And since we know very well that Shifu has come to care about Gia, then I also think her accusation that this is about him and not Gia is not credible except in the most indirect way. And as badly as Shifu may have treated Tigress when raising her, Lin bringing that up was totally uncalled for and just a way for her to lash out and hurt him because she couldn't answer his real argument.

However, I do think Lin made some very good points and said things which needed to be said. Everything else being equal, it was still Lin's choice to have a child or not, to give Gia up or not, and yes also how to treat her now that she's met her. Shifu's mistake (aside from throwing Lin out) was in how combative he was regarding Gia. Instead of simply telling Lin what to do or how horrible her actions were, he should have started off with supporting her (as Lin said), acknowledging she had the right to make her choices...then go on to say that this doesn't change the fact Gia is here, now, and is hurt by what she has learned about Lin. Most of all, of course, he should have waited until after she had recovered from the shock of meeting Gia and calmed down.

It was a very key moment that Lin admitted what upset her was not just being faced with Gia but how Shifu didn't stand by or protect her...and Shifu's reaction to that is important, as was him telling her he was wrong (hence her sudden silence and hanging jaw). The fact he finally realized that, for all her ill treatment of Gia, Lin never told her to go away or refuse to get to know her, is also critical. And even if they were still fighting, it's a very encouraging sign that this time Lin listened to him, and not only did he listen to her (as noted in how he admitted to himself, however grudgingly and equivocatingly, that she was right), he apologized. I also agree with Shifu: the fact she had to think about it before saying she didn’t forgive him shows there is hope. And as much as she wants to say coming on to Shifu was about wanting sex, I think she does still love him, but was just so badly hurt she can't admit it. I think maybe, just maybe, they can make a better, new relationship in time.

Also: I loved the bit when Shifu had to grab a chair to keep from falling over when he learned Tai had learned to cook.

The scene between Tai and Lin was so sweet, in admittedly a very weird way. My favorite part of course was when they were talking about their New Year's experiences...it was nice to know that Shifu did try to protect Tai from the teenage girls (though I'd expect nothing less), and it was good hearing Tai admit this, as well as that he was awkward, sheltered, and loved romance stories all his life. Also, very interesting point, that even before Chorh-Gom he was a prisoner of sorts...I've never seen it put quite that way.

ROTFL at the next morning! So now Shifu has joined Wei-Shan in thinking Tai and Lin are involved with each other. At least he has physical evidence to mislead him into it. Tai's reaction was hilarious, and OMG Lin talking about what the idea of her and Tai together would do to her, and what she thought of Tai's equipment, was just gut-bustingly funny. I'd feel sorry for Tai, if he hadn't been such an ass to Gia. :P

As for Shifu...eh, he's overreacting, but this is hardly on a level with his past mistakes. Although him daring to say she is nothing to Tai Lung, when from their "slumber party" of the last chapter we know that couldn't be farther from the truth, was rather upsetting. Not to mention how wrong he is about her relationship with Tai being unhealthy, mistaken assumptions about sex notwithstanding. Though that doesn't justify her slapping him, I don't think. (And that apparently violence like that is foreplay to her is just...) Sigh. Still a long way to go...

Interesting though, I didn't even think about how what Oogway's visions were doing to Lin contributed to all this. The obvious one being the pregnancy and birth, which put her in the worst possible mindset for meeting Gia, but also the one about Al which couldn't have contrasted more with Shifu. But she's the one who cut off the visions, so if there's anyone to blame...

Also, the bit about whether she and Shifu hate each other "changes from moment to moment" couldn't be more accurate.

I loved the part where Lin reminisced about Anna, the invite to New Year's, Gia's reaction to that, and Lin being amused. The way she treated her before that...still made me want to smack her, but it's way better than her initial treatment. So other than making note of her hypocrisy in claiming Gia was wrong to accuse her of making no effort (because she barely was), all I can do is just sigh and gently rest my head on my desk.

I repeat: it's amazing what a breath of fresh air the Shanghai scenes are now; despite what's happening there with Yiliang, I'm starting to think we should rename it the Valley of Drama. :P But anyway, woo-hoo, Yan-Yan finally got some, and with Li Peng no less. *fans self* But really, I am so proud of Yan-Yan, and she remains my favorite character you've created. I'm also so happy for her, finally having at least one of her children back. :D

Although the last section is also hilarious (but how could it not be, when it involves Po?). Especially Lin continuing to tease Po about the two of them as an item. Contrary to what Po thinks, he probably won't have that much difficulty getting Shifu to put her back on the payroll, considering Shifu *wants* there to be a reason for Lin to come back and stay at the palace. The only issue will be having to pay money-though for Lin I think he would, now-and wanting to know why Po wants this. Maybe claim he wants her to do Dragon Warrior art?

On that note, I wonder what figure she would ask for...Wei-Shan? Chen? Or could it be time to make the Tai Lung figure official? (Assuming this isn't after KFP2, I forget where you placed your stories in the timeline.) Regardless, it was really awesome of her to praise Po's action figure talent. And relatedly I have to ask, was Lin getting angry about Po wanting art for free because they're friends a reference to the perennial problem with artists online having the same problem, or people wanting to pay them in 'exposure'?

Speaking of, ending things with the reveal (hah) that Po would need to pose naked for the pressure point charts, and his reaction, was the perfect, final, hysterical note to go out on. Particularly with Lin having noted she would be doing a "view from underneath"...

Though I can't stop without saying again: *reaches in and shakes Po* Show...Lin...the letter! (Also, we haven't yet seen Yan-Yan's letter to Tai!)

Tai trolling Po with the staff-classic!

The bit with the Jade Tortoise was a great callback! And hah, Shifu having to goggle at himself for actually saying Tai didn't have an interest in kung fu any more. (And in a way he doesn't; all he's interested in is either getting revenge on Po or protecting Lin, neither of which requires him to train other than to stay in shape/keep his skills sharp.)

Heh, while it's very true much of the way Tai turned out came from what Lin taught him, I think Shifu is discounting far too much what the rebellious teenage years can do. ;) Anyway, love that of course Tai reacts badly to being compared to Lin.

Also, I have to agree: as much as I love Tai's sarcasm, and he has a point about Po eating food in the baths and getting them crusted with it (ugh), his whining is starting to come off as extremely petulant. But then he is in many ways still a spoiled cub. That said, good luck on Shifu teaching him etiquette and manners-not just because of Tai's stubbornness and nastiness, but because I don't consider Shifu much better. This will most likely be a disaster, but hopefully an entertaining one!

Also also: even though I still think the way Lin treated Gia was horrible, Shifu's an idiot. I mean on some level yes Lin probably misses him and cares about him, but after what happened, there's no way she'd ever apologize, forgive him, or take him back any time soon. Certainly not with his current attitude.

Damnit Tai. Okay, clearly he’s lashing out at Gia out of his own sense of abandonment (that bit about "never seeking out someone who clearly didn't want you" is really sad and painful in relation to his past), but damn if he wasn't cruel to her! That really should be expected, considering not just his past but how much like Lin he is. Still, the hypocrisy in him going on about *her* ego, and about her "laying claim to someone who didn't want her" when *he* did the same thing with the Dragon Scroll…well, let's just say you did a marvelous job of oblivious narcissism on Tai's part here, and he's not exactly my favorite character at the moment. Which...I never thought I'd say, so good job on that as well. And this after I thought he might sympathize with her!

That said, I loved the reaction of the village to him walking the streets alone. Seems familiar. ;) And I love how Lin disarmed his looming entrance completely by calling him a nerd.

As usual, Lin is right on the nose when it comes to Tai ("entitled asswipe with a God complex"), and it's nice to see him finally admit aloud, let alone to her, that he cares about her. (And his moment of panic when he thought the Wu Sisters might get her was sweet.) Also, good on her for calling him on his attitude and comparing it to Shifu's. As much as I agree that Tai shouldn't do what Shifu wants (at least, if we're talking about learning kung fu or seeking the Dragon Scroll), to not care what he wants is just being selfish again. (Lin may have been right that there are times you need to be selfish, but I don't think this is one of them.) And missing out on what good things he may still be able to impart. Sadly, as always, it'll be rough getting anywhere good out of that relationship...

At least things are better with Lin and Tai in the next scene. Guess booze really can do wonders after all! (It's certainly a tried and true method of plot development in fiction. And you used it well before, when he made those heartfelt confessions to Lin.) Tai realizing he has no other friends, and has done things wrong in his life probably helped with that. But really, his insisting he was still Lin's student is so heartwarming it made me tear up a bit. Same thing when he told her he would protect her... *sniffles* Also, LOL at her calling Tai out for telling her to stop brooding.

I'm liking Tai again, and feeling sorry for both him and Lin. Some of it is their own fault (especially Tai) but they really are pretty pathetic, in the original meaning of the word. They make me sad, and I wish Shifu could have seen them like this-able to watch, but not speak or interfere, just see what they're like when he's not around, when they're alone, and realize how wrong about them he is, or that there is more to them which he is blind to. And God, both Yan-Yan's letter and Meihui's painting had me crying...especially the painful irony of her saying not to waste time on fighting with Shifu and thinking Lin is right most of the time (I have to think she would be furious at how Lin treated Gia as well)... And then Meihui's painting being so beautiful, simple, and heartfelt. I'm a mess...

"She wanted to write that she was sorry for being such a liar all the time. If she didn't lie about herself, then other people would get to know her too much. When people knew too much about her, they stopped liking her. No one would want her if they really knew her." This...this just broke my heart. So much painful truth at the heart of who Lin is. It explains so much. And really, after all she's been through, after all she's lost and had done to her...I can't blame her for feeling this way.

Which just makes the whole next scene with Shifu even more painful. (The mood whiplash in this chapter, and the careening views of the characters, is insane...) I mean yes, Shifu said some jerkish things-he's quite right about Lin having problems with commitment, but not only is that hypocritical of him to say, as she points out he doesn't know *why* she does. The sad thing is, if she ever told him, I think he would understand. And yes, seeing this right after Lin was so upset and pitiful is a punch in the gut.

At the same time, actually grabbing his ear and threatening him with a cleaver, is *way* over the line. So...I'm afraid you'll have to be disappointed, as I didn't enjoy or like Lin's behavior here. I know why she reacted as she did, and I'm sure once I see in her head I'll feel sorry for her again, but that scene was just...painful to watch. :( Although I will admit, the fact she cut off part of his mustache (and Gia's reaction to this) was funny. :P

By contrast the scene with Gia was so much more of a relief, with the honesty being expressed. And oddly, I can't say I am mad at Lin for what she told Gia this time. I am getting some very distressed and sinking feelings about the father though, why Lin won't talk about him, and why she would even sleep with someone so much larger than her if there was a chance she could get pregnant...

All that said, it was so good to clear the air, have Shifu find out the false assumptions which led Gia to think he was her father (and nice, that it came from Anna simply assuming Shifu had to be the father because of the way Lin talked about him), and to learn the truth (or at least part of it, if my surmise above is correct). At the very least, now he knows what Lin went through, how she almost died, etc.

After all that, I can't believe how good it felt to switch over to Chen and Yan-Yan. It's so clear by contrast now that all the sniping and carping at each other is totally based on love and affection, it's amazing I couldn't see it sooner. But yeah...it's sweet, and funny, and heartwarming. And even if the scene which followed with her poor little granddaughter was upsetting (great cultural and medical details here), it was also wonderful seeing Yan-Yan take charge so easily, Chen instantly running for help, Meihui assisting...

And it was great to see how it ended, and Chen really showed his good side in spades, from letting Yiliang and her children stay (yay at Yan-Yan getting to have at least one daughter back!), to offering to punch her son-in-law, to offering dim sum, to opening up about his family. And it was a hoot seeing Li Peng again (and Yan-Yan's descriptions of him!), his hilarious lame flirting, and the reaction of the neighborhood when she yelled out that she'd go on the date with him. (I am suddenly getting flashes of Zhuang and Xiulan's first meeting.) All in all, a wonderful way to end the chapter.

I haven't been checking my email much recently, but then I unearthed the notification about this chapter out of the hundreds of worthless newsletters (that I for some reason am still subscribed to) and had to do a little quiet screaming into the pillow before I calmed down enough to read it. It's excellent as always, heartbreaking and funny in turns and all at once. I love the complexities of the emotions and it makes me cry every time. Thank you so much for this story, and for continuing it. It's genuinely better than a lot of published stuff I've read and I'm so grateful for your time and effort.

Excellent chapter. I liked that there was some introspection from Shifu, and I find myself feeling differently from one moment to the next as their complex relationship develops. I was a huge fan of Tai Lung and Yan-Yan from the start, but I am happy with how her story is going and I have really enjoyed Yan-Yan's growth. It's nice to see her feeling fully confident and independent. As always, great job on the humor, and I look forward to seeing how Po's modeling goes, haha. I could use some more Po and Tigress moments, but I have always enjoyed that pairing and you have been developing their relationship perfectly thus far. Great job, and I can't wait until the next chapter!