"Other partners?" Peter was puzzled.
"It's mice, cats, dogs, raccoons, squirrels. Just tell me where the person disappeared, and I'll ask around," Big White explained, gesturing with his paw.
"When I escaped, I had help from a baby elephant companion. Otherwise, you'd have to drive to Washington to see me."
"Really?" Peter was skeptical.
"You should gather some supplies. I can't ask for help empty-handed," Big White suggested, tapping the table and pointing to the computer. "Order some cat food, dog food, and rat food online. That should cover it."
"Oh my God, you're just like a human," Peter remarked, surprised by Big White's behavior.
"It's not that animals lack awareness; they just aren't as smart as humans. A bit of human savvy goes a long way among animals," Big White said, urging him to order the food.
"Okay, but online shopping is slow. We can get it from the mall tomorrow," Peter replied, eager to track down the robber who killed his Uncle Ben but aware it was too late tonight.
"So, hurry up with the coat, or I'll roam the city and cause chaos," Big White warned.
"I get it," Peter replied, imagining the consequences of a giant panda on the loose, especially one as unique as Big White. Even the Eastern Land might intervene if necessary.
Peter got to work on designing a coat for Big White, finding a sense of purpose in the task. His spirits lifted as he focused on the design.
He took the task seriously, even adding features to the hat.
"The hat is fine, but the pants need to be strong. I don't want them tearing during a fight," Big White reminded. Being underage and furry, it wasn't noticeable now, but as he grew, the pants needed to be durable.
"I doubt anyone would dare hit you," Peter teased, pausing his drawing to look at Big White.
"This place is chaotic. There was a hijacking on my first day out. I might get caught in something," Big White replied, scratching an itch behind his ear.
"I'm going to follow Sheriff George to be a police officer, earn my keep, and face criminals. There will be fights," Big White continued.
"Even if I'm a precious panda, my safety isn't guaranteed," he added.
"Since you know it's dangerous, why are you running around?" Peter asked, reaching out to pet him.
"I want to be a hero like the Eastern Knights. I can't be confined to a zoo," Big White replied, swatting Peter's hand away.
"Eastern Knights? Like in stories?" Peter inquired.
"Just focus on my clothes and send me off," Big White insisted, pointing at the drawing.
"Once your coat is ready, I'll help you find someone," Peter promised, feeling inspired by a new idea.
He began searching online for Eastern dragon and hero imagery.
"Wow, these dragon designs are amazing," Peter marveled, browsing images of five-clawed golden dragons and mythical palaces.
---
With Big White's input, they finalized a generous costume design.
"Wow, you're a talented artist," Big White praised, examining the design under the light.
The drawing depicted a gray-gold outfit with a wide-brimmed hat featuring a dragon motif.
The coat was gray with golden silk lines forming a dragon pattern.
Gray-gold wrist guards replaced the web shooters on Big White's arms.
The pants were gray with a grid pattern, durable and understated.
The ensemble was elegant yet mysterious, with a touch of ancient charm.
"How's it look?" Peter asked, proud of his work.
"Fantastic! I love it!" Big White exclaimed, admiring the design and imagining wearing it.
"Can I pet you now?" Peter asked with a grin.
"No!" Big White refused, reluctantly handing the drawing back.
"I hope it turns out as good as it looks on paper."
"Come on, I just want to feel your fur. I worked hard on this," Peter protested.
"Not a chance! I'm not a pet," Big White declared, hopping off the desk and heading to the window.
"Let's go. We might find you a girlfriend," he joked, opening the window with a paw. The windows in American homes tended to slide up, and Peter's was no exception.
Peter grabbed his red hood and sunglasses, placing an empty backpack on the ground.
"Earlier, you didn't mind Aunt May petting you," Peter noted, preparing to carry Big White.
"She made me a great dinner. It was my way of making amends," Big White replied, stepping into the backpack.
Peter extended the straps, securing Big White behind him like a bundle.
"I cooked and cleaned for you. Where's my compensation?"
"You're too ugly!"
"What? You, a panda, have human standards? I happen to be handsome, thank you very much," Peter retorted, donning his sunglasses and leaping from the window with Big White, ready for their adventure.