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Description
Fandom: Kung Fu Panda
Title:The Tournament of the Gods p.3
Disclaimer:I don't own Kung Fu Panda. It belongs to Dreamworks. I'm just doing this as a way of amusement.
Pairing:Po/Tigress

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Chapter 3

The Imperial City

The trip became a complicate one as the beginning of winter caught up with them. They've been traveling for two days when cold winds and small snowflakes made their appearances in the middle of the trip. They were at two days of travel from the Imperial City and decided to stop at a small village hidden between a chain of mountains.

"I'm so cold." Mumbled Monkey hugging himself as he watched the snow fall outside the window. "Master, do you think we will make it on time?"

Master Shifu had a thoughtful expression while enjoying a bowl of hot soup, beside him Po and Mantis were fighting over the last rice cake. Tigress was watching with amusement along with Crane and Viper who were eating each of them their own respective rice cakes.

"I think we'll make it on time." Said Master Shifu putting the bowl down and grabbing the rice cake leaving Po and Mantis open mouth, frozen in place with their hands still stretched out.

"Winter is only beginning and the tournament doesn't start until the end of the week." Shifu turned his eyes to Po and Mantis who seemed to be glaring at him. "I think we should be fine."

The red panda looked out of the window and straighten himself up he turned to Po and the rest of his students. "You should rest, we'll be leaving early in the morning."

"Yes, Master." Tigress and Viper stood up to occupy the room next door while Po stood up to go over his bed.

"Po, come with me." Said Shifu walking down the door, the Dragon Warrior opened his mouth to protest when Shifu looked back at him. "Now!"

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The cold breeze of the late night hit Po directly in his face making him scrunched up his nose and wrapped his arms around himself. The night was dark, there wasn't a moon in the sky and the only source of light was coming from two lanterns hanging from the threshold of the Inn.

Master Shifu followed Po outside the Inn, the both of them stood in front of each other with Po tried to stop his teeth for chattering.

"S-so….Ma-master?" Shifu lowered his left ear while standing up on his staff.

"Show me what you had learnt from the first scroll I gave you." Po looked at Shifu a little agitated before giving a hesitant nod.

Po closed his eyes, picturing the different stances and lessons about the breathing and right form. He put his arms to his sides and started with slow, standard movements meant for the breathing and the flow of the chi to start making its way to the body of the fighter.

Suddenly, in the middle of the starting of the exercise Po stopped. He opened one eye to see Shifu's reaction. The red panda had his left eyebrow raised and was looking at him with serious expression.

"Really? Only half of the first combo?"

"What? No, no I…" Po watched the expression on Shifu's face; he lowered his eyes and sighed. "Yeah, only the first combo."

The silence that followed his statement was scary. At least for Po who could see Master Shifu wasn't really pleased to hear he hadn't learnt anything. On the other hand Shifu was watching meticulously at the panda in front of him. Ever since Gongmen City, Po has grown way beyond his expectations in his path to learn the arts of Kung Fu. To have mastered Inner Peace in such a ridiculously short time was just another proof that Master Oogway didn't make a mistake.

It was obvious Po wasn't taking this matter seriously and Shifu couldn't blame him. To normal people, those who had never gone down the warrior's path knew nothing about this kind of contests. For them it was a mere spectacle, something to amuse themselves and to watch the ability others show in their own arts.

It didn't mean Po was such an idiot, Shifu had to admit and he even admired the respect Po showed to Kung Fu and the different Masters. But Po didn't understand how important or how corrupted this event could get. He didn't understand the kind of masters usually attended.

"Very well," said Master Shifu jumping down the staff and standing in front of Po. "You're not going to bed until you have mastered the first three combos in the scroll. Go bring it and we'll start."

Po opened his mouth to protest but thought better of it as he felt the sharp pain of the staff hitting his shin.

"Okay, okay, I'm going…there is no need to be so violent." He mumbled turning around and entering the Inn. Shifu merely snorted amused and prepare himself for a long, long night.

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The Imperial City was a magnificent palce located on the northern tip of China. It was one of the largest cities and thus the busiest of them all.

The main door was facing Taihang Mountains and was protected by two platoons of ten rhinos. Merchants, visitors and, in this case, Kung Fu fighters and Masters were entering the city each one of them presenting the right scroll that allowed them entrance.

Po was certainly impressed. This wasn't like his visit to Gongmen City, this place was huge! He could only see far, far away from the main gate the red of the Imperial Palace while the inner gates to access the Forbidden City were barely visible.

The city was buzzing with activity, left and right Po could see all kind of people talking, laughing, and arguing. His eyes opened really wide, his feet moved exited as he saw for the very first time two legends of Kung Fu. Master Eagle and Master Roni, a middle-size fox, were speaking to each other while making their way up the street.

"Well, we're here." Said Mantis looking around from up Monkey's shoulder. "This is just as busy and…laden as it was eight years ago."

Tigress nodded her head frowning as some passersby's looked at them whispering to themselves. "Yes, and I see our presence is still a matter for rumors."

"We better keep moving." Said Master Shifu. "We'll be staying at the same place we stayed last time. We can rest before presenting ourselves formally in the Forbidden City."

"Yes, Master." Replied the others, Master Shifu nodded satisfied turning pretty slowly to look at his students.

"Now Po, I want yo…Where's Po?" Master Shifu was looking apprehensively form one place to the other noticing the panda wasn't anywhere closer to where they were.

Tigress, Viper and Crane all looked around before Tigress blinked perplexed, "where are Monkey and Mantis?"

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Po was running from one stand to the other, running with a happy smile on his face as he watched the different kind of food it was offered or the different Kung Fu articles some of the merchants were selling.

He grabbed one action figure that was supposed to resemble Master Thundering Rhino. Po felt a tinged of sadness as he remembered how the Master had died. But, watching the work on the action figure, he noticed none of them looked the same as the ones he made.

"Ah, hello there young man!" said an old sheep looking at Po up and down with some surprise in his eyes. "I see you're looking at some of my products."

"Eh, yes, these are good." Said Po smiling politely at the sheep.

"The best I would say. Modesty apart, of course." Said the sheep chuckling.

"What are you doing?" the sheep's eyes moved from the panda to the golden Monkey and the Mantis that had jumped to Po's shoulder.

"Just watching. This place is amazing, guys." Po put the figure back on the stand before moving away, neither of them noticed the sheep's eyes following their every move.

"I know. This place has changed over the years, of course." Said Mantis. "It is still as busy and noisy as always."

"Though the food is really good." Commented Monkey.

"Now we're talking." Said Po grinning widely. "I'm really hungry. What should we try first?"

"How about some dragon fruit? The ones you can get from Mr Li are said to be the best."

The three male turned to the source of the voice. Po looked at her slightly impressed while Monkey and Mantis glanced at each other before smiling hesitantly at the newcomer.

"Oh, Master Monkey, Master Mantis." Said the female cheetah bowing at them. "If you two are here that means you…" this time she turned her hazel eyes to Po her lips quirk upwards as the panda waved at her. "You must be the famous Dragon Warrior we all have heard around here."

"Oh, no. I'm not famous." Said Po shyly, he didn't notice Mantis and Monkey rolling their eyes.

The cheetah chuckled stretching out her hand purring softly as Po took it. "It's always a pleasure to meet such a legend. My name is Xiang Ju. It's an honor to finally meet the legendary Dragon Warrior."

"Eh, thanks…it's…it's a pleasure to meet you." Said Po nervously. Never before he had a female this close or looking at him that way. It was certainly disconcerting to see the interest gleaming in those enticing eyes.

"So, what do you say, Dragon Warrior?"

"Uh, say about…?" replied Po confused making the cheetah giggled amusedly.

"About that dragon fruit. I promise you won't regret it." Po's eyes lit up, he nodded his head.

"Okay, and please call me Po."

Ju smirked bowing her head. "Po it is, then."

Before Monkey or Mantis could interfere two beautiful bunnies intercepted their movements. "Oh, sorry, we were just looking at Ju. She always forgets to introduce us to powerful, handsome Kung Fu Masters."

"Yes, she always forgets about us once she founds someone that interests her." Said the other one.

Monkey opened his mouth to apologize and go after his friend before something bad happened but Mantis had another thing in mind.

"So, you want to meet a Kung Fu Master?" said Mantis. "Because Monkey and I…well, we're the best there are around here."

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"How did we lose them?" asked Crane to Viper who could only shake her head just as confused as the others.

Master Shifu massaged his temple feeling a growing headache, he turned his eyes to Tigress who nodded swiftly before turning around and left in search for Po and the others.

"Come, we will wait for them at the Inn." Said Master Shifu to Crane and Viper who followed their master with relief sighs. They would have the opportunity to take a shower and rest while the others walked around the city before getting chastised by Master Shifu.

"I still can't believe we lost Po. Again." Said Viper shaking her head with Crane nodding in agreement. Both Masters almost ran into Master Shifu who stopped his walk and turned his head to his students.

"What do you mean you lost Po again?" Asked Master Shifu making Crane and Viper looked at each other warily. "When did you lose Po?"

Again Viper and Crane glanced at each other before, with some hesitation, Crane started speaking.

"Well, Master, you see…" Crane took a deep breath and started telling Master Shifu the story. "Back in Gongmen City…"

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"Yes, I'm a Kung Fu Master." Mantis was giving the two female bunnies in front of him a charming smile.

"Oh, aren't you…too small to be one?" Monkey started laughing really hard behind Mantis whose eyes twitched in annoyance.

"No, not really. You see, Kung Fu is an art not everyone can mastered." Said Mantis who turned to glare to a still laughing Monkey. "It depends more on your abilities than your physical appearance otherwise the idiot behind me would be nothing but a stupid monkey."

"Say whatever you want, little guy." Said Monkey smirking, Mantis turned around while the two female bunnies shared an amused giggle.

"So, you two are really Kung Fu Masters? You have come to the Tournament?" asked a bunny with white and blue clothes.

"Yes, yes we came here to the Tournament." Said Monkey giving the female his own version of a charming smile.

"We…"

"…are dead." Both Monkey and Mantis winced, gulping as they turned around. Behind them was Tigress, arms crossed and her left brow raised glaring at her two fellow masters.

"Tigress, what a surprise." Said Mantis opening his eyes really big while trying to nod at the two females who were watching with curiosity at the newcomer.

"Master Shifu is waiting for us." Said Tigress rolling her eyes, she then turned to Monkey and Mantis before frowning deeply. "Where is Po?"

Tigress was ready to kick the answers out of Monkey and Mantis when the both of them merely glanced at each other in, what Tigress could only describe, as fear. She was getting desperate, massaging the bridge of her nose she tried to repeat her question when a known, annoying and disgusting giggle reached her ears.

"Oh, please, you must be kidding me!"

Tigress opened her mouth to say something when another familiar voice reached her, this time something cold and unpleasant settle in her stomach. "No, really. I'm not kidding at all. I still have some troubles with the stairs."

"Po?"

"Oh, boy." Mumbled Monkey when Tigress forgot all about Mantis and Monkey moving towards the source of the voices.

Tigress blood ran cold when she saw what was happening. In front of her was Po, he was scratching the back of his head in an embarrassed and nervous gesture, he was smiling shyly at the female in front of him. Said female was a beautiful cheetah, with shining yellow and black fur and big enticing hazel eyes. She was smiling broadly at the panda in front of her; the distance between them was getting from a normal one to a non-existent one.

"Po!" her mere exclamation of the panda's name made Po jump startled and turned around looking like a deer-caught-in-the-headlights. He knew that tone of voice, specially coming from Tigress. It only showed him the female tiger was mad.

"Tigress!"

The female cheetah turned her head to the side, looking Tigress up and down with a sneer on her face.

"Master Tigress." The title sound mocking in the cheetah's mouth and it only served to intensify Tigress glare to the other female. "It's been so long, Master."

"It's never too long to see you again, Xiang Ju."

"Uh? You two know each other?" asked Po a little confused. He was ignoring completely the dead glares shared between both felines. Tigress moved closer and purposely placed herself in front of Po, her eyes never leaving Ju.

"Unfortunately." Said Tigress who growled lowly at the cheetah's smile.

"Oh, please, Master Tigress." Said Ju trying to appear offend. "I'm always happy to see such a role model as yourself."

Po opened his mouth to say something when two hands placed themselves on his mouth, surprised he looked sideways to see Monkey and Mantis shaking their heads at him. Tigress and Ju kept on glaring at each other but while Tigress expression was one of obvious animosity, Ju was wearing a pretty calm almost amused one.

"Too bad our time together was cut short, Dragon Warrior." Said Ju finally breaking the silence. She bowed deeply to Po and winked at him, licking her lips pretty slowly as her tail caressed the fur of Po's stomach. "I would have loved to deepen our little encounter. Find out what else we have in common. What else the famous Dragon Warrior can do. See you in the tournament, Master Tigress."

Po, Mantis and Monkey stood there, flustered and dumbstruck while Ju turned around and left. Tigress from her part was growling with her fists closed tightly and her eyes gleaming dangerously.

She turned around making the three males jumped at the intensity of her glare. "Move! Now! Master Shifu is waiting for us."

The three males nodded their heads and went to follow Tigress who seemed to be pretty mad. Po frowned worried, not really understanding what had happened and why Tigress seemed so mad. Taking a deep breath of courage he stepped forward and placed a hand on Tigress shoulder.

It was a mistake.

The female tiger turned around and flinched away at the contact. "D-don't touch me."

"Tigress, what…" started Po but something rolling down Tigress eyes made Po kept silent. He watched more than a little shocked at what he thought was tears.

"I said don't touch me." Said Tigress lowly. "Let's go. Master Shifu isn't please with you, Dragon Warrior."

Po didn't object nor did he try to speak or touch Tigress anymore. He merely followed, his mind a turmoil of thoughts concerning what had just happened. Was Tigress really crying?

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"Master Shifu! By the heavens I never thought I'll see you again!"

Master Shifu cringed when the arms of the boar wrapped around him. The boar put Shifu at arm's length and watched him with his only eye. Master Shifu observed with some amusement and confusion the yellow, smiling sun that was drawn over the patch in his right eye.

"It's nice seeing you again, Zhong." Said Master Shifu bowing in a dignify way. This only brought a half smirk and a snort from the boar. "You do know you have a sun on your patch, right?"said Shifu questioning.

It was always best to make sure. Zhong chuckled waving his hand dismissively. "A gift from my grandson, he thought my eye-patch was looking sad."

Master Shifu, Crane and Viper smiled softly at this revelation but Zhong wasn't over with the greetings.

"Always with the formalities, old friend." The boar shook his head while patting Shifu on the back. His black eyes turned to Crane and Viper that were watching with some amusement the scene.

"Master Crane! Master Viper." For them Zhong did have a small bow that they returned. "And where are Masters Mantis, Monkey and Tigress? You didn't dare to come to this event without them, did you Master Shifu?"

"Of course not, Mr Zhong." The old boar winced at Crane's way to address him. "They have been delayed for a moment."

"But will be joining us with another fellow Master."

Zhong's eyes gleamed curiously making Shifu narrowed his own eyes at this reaction.

"Oh, that's right. The Dragon Warrior, right?" Viper, Crane and Shifu looked at each other before nodding their heads.

"I guess by now everyone knows Master Oogway chose the Dragon Warrior before his dead." Zhong turned his only eye to glance at Shifu with a blank expression.

"Oh, my friend, you have no idea."

Shifu went to open his mouth and ask what exactly Zhong meant by that but decided against it. In all the years he had known Zhong he knew this wasn't something he should discuss in front of his students. Shifu watched as Zhong called some of his workers to direct Crane and Viper to their rooms.

"I bet you all are tired." Said Zhong calling a pair of gooses. "Get the baths ready for the Masters. And go to the kitchen to announce we have distinguished visitors."

"Right away, Master." Both gooses bow and left. Zhong turned to Shifu but whatever he was going to say was interrupted by the newcomers.

"Master Tigress!" exclaimed Zhong as soon as he saw her entered the main hall. Tigress looked at the boar with open eyes and a wary expression on her face. "Damn, look at you! All grown up already!"

"Please, No…" Too late, Zhong had already hugged her tightly making her growled annoyed.

"I see you still pout every time I hug you."

"I do not pout, Mister Zhong." Said Tigress through gritted teeth.

"You always have the ability to make her pout." Commented Mantis smiling, bowing at Zhong. "Zhong is good to see you again."

"Ah, finally a Master that knows how to address me. Thank you, Master Mantis. Master Monkey. It is a pleasure to see you again."

"The pleasure is all ours, believe me. We have missed your thermal baths." Said Monkey.

"Everyone misses my thermal baths. That's why I'm famous around here."

Po entered the room still thoughtful; he was so distracted he didn't notice the old boar until he crashed into him. "Uh, oh, sorry I didn't see you there."

Zhong's eyes went wide open. He turned from Po to Shifu and then back to Po. Shifu was fidgeting uncomfortably as the boar moved around Po and then focused his eyes on the Panda.

"You're a panda." Said Zhong to which Po blinked confused nodding his head.

"Eh, yeah, I'm a panda." Zhong turned to Shifu and then back at Po.

Zhong chuckled shaking his head amusedly, "My apologizes, Dragon Warrior." Zhong bowed deeply before Po. "I never thought I would be honored to meet you,"

Po looked really embarrassed by now; he waved his hand and bowed back awkwardly. "No, please is…I mean is nothing really. Thank you for letting us stay here."

"It is a real honor. Believe me." Said Zhong eying strangely at Po.

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Master Shifu had been really tempted to punish Mantis, Monkey and Po for leaving without his consent. However, it would be pretty rude from his part to not let everyone participate in the feast Zhong had prepared for them.

Some other people inside the house were with them, some kids, among them Zhong grandchildren, were playing and making the Masters do some demonstration of their abilities. Po along with Monkey and Mantis were laughing and enjoying their time. Crane was just watching with amusement while taking some of the kids on his back and flying above the ground.

Viper was sitting beside Tigress who seemed to be rather annoyed. Shifu watched his protégée carefully, ever since she arrived with Po and the others she seemed pretty upset and reluctant to speak to anyone.

"They look pretty happy, as if nothing of great importance is happening." Shifu looked sideways to Zhong who sit beside him extending a cup of tea to the red panda.

"Apart from the Tournament, I don't know why they shouldn't enjoy this." Zhong took a sip from his drink before speaking again.

"So, you don't really know?"

Shifu scowled at his drink turning his head to Zhong, "What do you mean?"

Zhong sat up straight making sure there wasn't anyone near them to listen to their conversation. Leaning to his left he made sure to speak in a whisper.

"Last time you weren't here, Shifu." Master Shifu's expression changed from one of sorrow and Zhong lifted his hand to stop any interruption. "I know and I'm sorry I couldn't go there and pay my respects to Master Oogway. I still feel in my soul his lost."

"There were several things, actually." Said Shifu. "It wasn't only that Master Oogway passed away but he had just chosen the Dragon Warrior and Tai Lung escaped from jail."

"I know and I don't blame you." Commented Zhong. "But the fact you weren't here means that you didn't find out of the changes. Don't ask me how but the first one to find out of what was happening at the Valley of Peace was Jian."

At hearing this Master Shifu almost dropped the cup in his hand he turned his eyes to his students who were ignorant of the conversation between both adults. Zhong sighed while pouring some more tea in his cup.

"He changed the rules of the Tournament."

"How? What changes did he make?"

Zhong frowned making the scar on his eyes more pronounced, the bright sun drawn on his patch only made it look strange. "You can claim the title of your opponent. But to do so you have to kill him in a public battle. It had to be a complete humiliation. Last time a lot of excellent Masters lose not only their tittles as Masters but also their lives."

Shifu tilted his head thoughtfully at this, "What could he possible gain out of this? He doesn't even compete in the tournament."

"He didn't before. He does now." Shifu almost spitted the tea inside his mouth. "Things are a lot stranger than they seem, Shifu. I try to find as much as I could about this whole matter but the secrets inside the Forbidden City are well kept."

"You knew we were coming." It was a statement not a question, Zhong shrugged.

"Yes, I did. Half China knew you and your students along with the Dragon Warrior were coming." Zhong watched Po with a wishful smile. "I promise Master Oogway after he saved my life I will do anything to pay him back."

Shifu lowered his eyes to the table, "Master Oogway is no longer…"

"I know, but you and your students are his legacy. And I'll always keep my promises." Zhong went to grab a dumpling playing with it before biting it. "I'll try to see what else I can find. But please Shifu, be careful. Because half China only came to try and take away what Master Oogway gave to the panda."

"I knew there was something strange in that invitation."

Zhong nodded his head when suddenly he remembered something, "By the way, did you tell the Dragon Warrior?"

Shifu blinked confused, "tell him what?"

"What do you mean what? Didn't you tell him about the other pandas?"

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"So, are you going to tell me what's wrong with you?" asked Viper after she gave up on her attempts to make conversation.

Tigress shrugged ignoring her friend completely, "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Oh, please you've been sulking since you arrived here with Po and the others." Said Viper. "You usually sulk this way for two reasons. One: either you didn't have a good night sleep or two: it has something to do with Po."

Tigress tensed up looking down at the table, "I don't know what are you talking about, Viper. I just didn't have a good night sleep."

"Ah, so it's Po, then." Said Viper with a cheeky smile. "Let me see, he didn't notice how hard were you trying to impress him? Or maybe he made another 'you're like a sister to me that I didn't have because that would be weird'? Or…"

Viper watched with amusement as Tigress winced and flinched at each one of those stupid moments in which Po always made her turned around and sulk alone.

"Or maybe he was flirting with another female, probably without even realizing what he was doing?"

"Ugh, that's it." Tigress stood turning around and leaving the feast. She knew Viper was behind her and her friends and Master were watching her leave.

But really? She didn't care, she just couldn't sit there and let her emotions overwhelmed her with an audience there.

"Tigress! Wait!" Viper caught up with her friend placing herself in front of Tigress. "So, he was flirting, eh?"

"Ugh, cut it out, Viper." Viper hid her smile trying to placate Tigress.

"Okay, okay, sorry. So if you weren't jealous what was it that put you in such a mood?"

"I wasn't jeal…" Tigress sighed massaging the bridge of her nose, it was not used. For some reason Viper had gotten inside her head the idea Tigress like Po.

Well, she did like him. But, she didn't like like him. Sure, the panda was cute and funny and…Tigress stopped all her thoughts long enough to glare at Viper. Her friend always got her thinking in circles about Po.

"Tigress, are you really okay? I mean what I say, this morning you were all smile…well, you were in a better mood than the one you're now."

"I met with Xiang Ju." Viper's eyes went wide open in realization as to why Tigress was so strange. "Actually, I met her talking to Po."

This time realization hit Viper with some understating. Xiang Ju and Tigress had been enemies since Tigress was a little cub under the tutelage of Master Shifu. The cheetah had always tried to make Tigress look bad and to steal away her position at the Jade Palace. Their enmity went as far as some challenges propose by Ju in the tournament and even outside of it to Tigress. The first time the Furious Five had gone to the Imperial City as a group, Ju had tried to keep all of them away from Tigress. Telling them things about Tigress past neither of them knew.

Besides, Ju was well known to be a total flirt. She did try to get to the boys that way. Of course neither of the boys kept falling for that after Viper had a serious talk with each one of them.

But the most important thing about this was that Po had met Ju and the both of them seemed to be in a pretty nice conversation before Tigress arrived.

"I see." Said lamely Viper. "And you are…"

"I'm fine." Said Tigress this time the feline lowered her face with a sorrowful expression on her face. "I just need some rest."

"Of course, Tigress. I'll be in the room in a minute."

Tigress nodded her head before leaving Viper to her own thoughts. The snake bit her lower lip and turned to Po who was laughing as Zhong grandson painted something yellowish on his black fur.

I need to speak to Po. Thought Viper before she slithered back to the feast.

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Description
Fandom: Kung Fu Panda
Title:The Tournament of the Gods p.3
Disclaimer:I don't own Kung Fu Panda. It belongs to Dreamworks. I'm just doing this as a way of amusement.
Pairing:Po/Tigress

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Chapter 3

The Imperial City

The trip became a complicate one as the beginning of winter caught up with them. They've been traveling for two days when cold winds and small snowflakes made their appearances in the middle of the trip. They were at two days of travel from the Imperial City and decided to stop at a small village hidden between a chain of mountains.

"I'm so cold." Mumbled Monkey hugging himself as he watched the snow fall outside the window. "Master, do you think we will make it on time?"

Master Shifu had a thoughtful expression while enjoying a bowl of hot soup, beside him Po and Mantis were fighting over the last rice cake. Tigress was watching with amusement along with Crane and Viper who were eating each of them their own respective rice cakes.

"I think we'll make it on time." Said Master Shifu putting the bowl down and grabbing the rice cake leaving Po and Mantis open mouth, frozen in place with their hands still stretched out.

"Winter is only beginning and the tournament doesn't start until the end of the week." Shifu turned his eyes to Po and Mantis who seemed to be glaring at him. "I think we should be fine."

The red panda looked out of the window and straighten himself up he turned to Po and the rest of his students. "You should rest, we'll be leaving early in the morning."

"Yes, Master." Tigress and Viper stood up to occupy the room next door while Po stood up to go over his bed.

"Po, come with me." Said Shifu walking down the door, the Dragon Warrior opened his mouth to protest when Shifu looked back at him. "Now!"

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The cold breeze of the late night hit Po directly in his face making him scrunched up his nose and wrapped his arms around himself. The night was dark, there wasn't a moon in the sky and the only source of light was coming from two lanterns hanging from the threshold of the Inn.

Master Shifu followed Po outside the Inn, the both of them stood in front of each other with Po tried to stop his teeth for chattering.

"S-so….Ma-master?" Shifu lowered his left ear while standing up on his staff.

"Show me what you had learnt from the first scroll I gave you." Po looked at Shifu a little agitated before giving a hesitant nod.

Po closed his eyes, picturing the different stances and lessons about the breathing and right form. He put his arms to his sides and started with slow, standard movements meant for the breathing and the flow of the chi to start making its way to the body of the fighter.

Suddenly, in the middle of the starting of the exercise Po stopped. He opened one eye to see Shifu's reaction. The red panda had his left eyebrow raised and was looking at him with serious expression.

"Really? Only half of the first combo?"

"What? No, no I…" Po watched the expression on Shifu's face; he lowered his eyes and sighed. "Yeah, only the first combo."

The silence that followed his statement was scary. At least for Po who could see Master Shifu wasn't really pleased to hear he hadn't learnt anything. On the other hand Shifu was watching meticulously at the panda in front of him. Ever since Gongmen City, Po has grown way beyond his expectations in his path to learn the arts of Kung Fu. To have mastered Inner Peace in such a ridiculously short time was just another proof that Master Oogway didn't make a mistake.

It was obvious Po wasn't taking this matter seriously and Shifu couldn't blame him. To normal people, those who had never gone down the warrior's path knew nothing about this kind of contests. For them it was a mere spectacle, something to amuse themselves and to watch the ability others show in their own arts.

It didn't mean Po was such an idiot, Shifu had to admit and he even admired the respect Po showed to Kung Fu and the different Masters. But Po didn't understand how important or how corrupted this event could get. He didn't understand the kind of masters usually attended.

"Very well," said Master Shifu jumping down the staff and standing in front of Po. "You're not going to bed until you have mastered the first three combos in the scroll. Go bring it and we'll start."

Po opened his mouth to protest but thought better of it as he felt the sharp pain of the staff hitting his shin.

"Okay, okay, I'm going…there is no need to be so violent." He mumbled turning around and entering the Inn. Shifu merely snorted amused and prepare himself for a long, long night.

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The Imperial City was a magnificent palce located on the northern tip of China. It was one of the largest cities and thus the busiest of them all.

The main door was facing Taihang Mountains and was protected by two platoons of ten rhinos. Merchants, visitors and, in this case, Kung Fu fighters and Masters were entering the city each one of them presenting the right scroll that allowed them entrance.

Po was certainly impressed. This wasn't like his visit to Gongmen City, this place was huge! He could only see far, far away from the main gate the red of the Imperial Palace while the inner gates to access the Forbidden City were barely visible.

The city was buzzing with activity, left and right Po could see all kind of people talking, laughing, and arguing. His eyes opened really wide, his feet moved exited as he saw for the very first time two legends of Kung Fu. Master Eagle and Master Roni, a middle-size fox, were speaking to each other while making their way up the street.

"Well, we're here." Said Mantis looking around from up Monkey's shoulder. "This is just as busy and…laden as it was eight years ago."

Tigress nodded her head frowning as some passersby's looked at them whispering to themselves. "Yes, and I see our presence is still a matter for rumors."

"We better keep moving." Said Master Shifu. "We'll be staying at the same place we stayed last time. We can rest before presenting ourselves formally in the Forbidden City."

"Yes, Master." Replied the others, Master Shifu nodded satisfied turning pretty slowly to look at his students.

"Now Po, I want yo…Where's Po?" Master Shifu was looking apprehensively form one place to the other noticing the panda wasn't anywhere closer to where they were.

Tigress, Viper and Crane all looked around before Tigress blinked perplexed, "where are Monkey and Mantis?"

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Po was running from one stand to the other, running with a happy smile on his face as he watched the different kind of food it was offered or the different Kung Fu articles some of the merchants were selling.

He grabbed one action figure that was supposed to resemble Master Thundering Rhino. Po felt a tinged of sadness as he remembered how the Master had died. But, watching the work on the action figure, he noticed none of them looked the same as the ones he made.

"Ah, hello there young man!" said an old sheep looking at Po up and down with some surprise in his eyes. "I see you're looking at some of my products."

"Eh, yes, these are good." Said Po smiling politely at the sheep.

"The best I would say. Modesty apart, of course." Said the sheep chuckling.

"What are you doing?" the sheep's eyes moved from the panda to the golden Monkey and the Mantis that had jumped to Po's shoulder.

"Just watching. This place is amazing, guys." Po put the figure back on the stand before moving away, neither of them noticed the sheep's eyes following their every move.

"I know. This place has changed over the years, of course." Said Mantis. "It is still as busy and noisy as always."

"Though the food is really good." Commented Monkey.

"Now we're talking." Said Po grinning widely. "I'm really hungry. What should we try first?"

"How about some dragon fruit? The ones you can get from Mr Li are said to be the best."

The three male turned to the source of the voice. Po looked at her slightly impressed while Monkey and Mantis glanced at each other before smiling hesitantly at the newcomer.

"Oh, Master Monkey, Master Mantis." Said the female cheetah bowing at them. "If you two are here that means you…" this time she turned her hazel eyes to Po her lips quirk upwards as the panda waved at her. "You must be the famous Dragon Warrior we all have heard around here."

"Oh, no. I'm not famous." Said Po shyly, he didn't notice Mantis and Monkey rolling their eyes.

The cheetah chuckled stretching out her hand purring softly as Po took it. "It's always a pleasure to meet such a legend. My name is Xiang Ju. It's an honor to finally meet the legendary Dragon Warrior."

"Eh, thanks…it's…it's a pleasure to meet you." Said Po nervously. Never before he had a female this close or looking at him that way. It was certainly disconcerting to see the interest gleaming in those enticing eyes.

"So, what do you say, Dragon Warrior?"

"Uh, say about…?" replied Po confused making the cheetah giggled amusedly.

"About that dragon fruit. I promise you won't regret it." Po's eyes lit up, he nodded his head.

"Okay, and please call me Po."

Ju smirked bowing her head. "Po it is, then."

Before Monkey or Mantis could interfere two beautiful bunnies intercepted their movements. "Oh, sorry, we were just looking at Ju. She always forgets to introduce us to powerful, handsome Kung Fu Masters."

"Yes, she always forgets about us once she founds someone that interests her." Said the other one.

Monkey opened his mouth to apologize and go after his friend before something bad happened but Mantis had another thing in mind.

"So, you want to meet a Kung Fu Master?" said Mantis. "Because Monkey and I…well, we're the best there are around here."

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"How did we lose them?" asked Crane to Viper who could only shake her head just as confused as the others.

Master Shifu massaged his temple feeling a growing headache, he turned his eyes to Tigress who nodded swiftly before turning around and left in search for Po and the others.

"Come, we will wait for them at the Inn." Said Master Shifu to Crane and Viper who followed their master with relief sighs. They would have the opportunity to take a shower and rest while the others walked around the city before getting chastised by Master Shifu.

"I still can't believe we lost Po. Again." Said Viper shaking her head with Crane nodding in agreement. Both Masters almost ran into Master Shifu who stopped his walk and turned his head to his students.

"What do you mean you lost Po again?" Asked Master Shifu making Crane and Viper looked at each other warily. "When did you lose Po?"

Again Viper and Crane glanced at each other before, with some hesitation, Crane started speaking.

"Well, Master, you see…" Crane took a deep breath and started telling Master Shifu the story. "Back in Gongmen City…"

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"Yes, I'm a Kung Fu Master." Mantis was giving the two female bunnies in front of him a charming smile.

"Oh, aren't you…too small to be one?" Monkey started laughing really hard behind Mantis whose eyes twitched in annoyance.

"No, not really. You see, Kung Fu is an art not everyone can mastered." Said Mantis who turned to glare to a still laughing Monkey. "It depends more on your abilities than your physical appearance otherwise the idiot behind me would be nothing but a stupid monkey."

"Say whatever you want, little guy." Said Monkey smirking, Mantis turned around while the two female bunnies shared an amused giggle.

"So, you two are really Kung Fu Masters? You have come to the Tournament?" asked a bunny with white and blue clothes.

"Yes, yes we came here to the Tournament." Said Monkey giving the female his own version of a charming smile.

"We…"

"…are dead." Both Monkey and Mantis winced, gulping as they turned around. Behind them was Tigress, arms crossed and her left brow raised glaring at her two fellow masters.

"Tigress, what a surprise." Said Mantis opening his eyes really big while trying to nod at the two females who were watching with curiosity at the newcomer.

"Master Shifu is waiting for us." Said Tigress rolling her eyes, she then turned to Monkey and Mantis before frowning deeply. "Where is Po?"

Tigress was ready to kick the answers out of Monkey and Mantis when the both of them merely glanced at each other in, what Tigress could only describe, as fear. She was getting desperate, massaging the bridge of her nose she tried to repeat her question when a known, annoying and disgusting giggle reached her ears.

"Oh, please, you must be kidding me!"

Tigress opened her mouth to say something when another familiar voice reached her, this time something cold and unpleasant settle in her stomach. "No, really. I'm not kidding at all. I still have some troubles with the stairs."

"Po?"

"Oh, boy." Mumbled Monkey when Tigress forgot all about Mantis and Monkey moving towards the source of the voices.

Tigress blood ran cold when she saw what was happening. In front of her was Po, he was scratching the back of his head in an embarrassed and nervous gesture, he was smiling shyly at the female in front of him. Said female was a beautiful cheetah, with shining yellow and black fur and big enticing hazel eyes. She was smiling broadly at the panda in front of her; the distance between them was getting from a normal one to a non-existent one.

"Po!" her mere exclamation of the panda's name made Po jump startled and turned around looking like a deer-caught-in-the-headlights. He knew that tone of voice, specially coming from Tigress. It only showed him the female tiger was mad.

"Tigress!"

The female cheetah turned her head to the side, looking Tigress up and down with a sneer on her face.

"Master Tigress." The title sound mocking in the cheetah's mouth and it only served to intensify Tigress glare to the other female. "It's been so long, Master."

"It's never too long to see you again, Xiang Ju."

"Uh? You two know each other?" asked Po a little confused. He was ignoring completely the dead glares shared between both felines. Tigress moved closer and purposely placed herself in front of Po, her eyes never leaving Ju.

"Unfortunately." Said Tigress who growled lowly at the cheetah's smile.

"Oh, please, Master Tigress." Said Ju trying to appear offend. "I'm always happy to see such a role model as yourself."

Po opened his mouth to say something when two hands placed themselves on his mouth, surprised he looked sideways to see Monkey and Mantis shaking their heads at him. Tigress and Ju kept on glaring at each other but while Tigress expression was one of obvious animosity, Ju was wearing a pretty calm almost amused one.

"Too bad our time together was cut short, Dragon Warrior." Said Ju finally breaking the silence. She bowed deeply to Po and winked at him, licking her lips pretty slowly as her tail caressed the fur of Po's stomach. "I would have loved to deepen our little encounter. Find out what else we have in common. What else the famous Dragon Warrior can do. See you in the tournament, Master Tigress."

Po, Mantis and Monkey stood there, flustered and dumbstruck while Ju turned around and left. Tigress from her part was growling with her fists closed tightly and her eyes gleaming dangerously.

She turned around making the three males jumped at the intensity of her glare. "Move! Now! Master Shifu is waiting for us."

The three males nodded their heads and went to follow Tigress who seemed to be pretty mad. Po frowned worried, not really understanding what had happened and why Tigress seemed so mad. Taking a deep breath of courage he stepped forward and placed a hand on Tigress shoulder.

It was a mistake.

The female tiger turned around and flinched away at the contact. "D-don't touch me."

"Tigress, what…" started Po but something rolling down Tigress eyes made Po kept silent. He watched more than a little shocked at what he thought was tears.

"I said don't touch me." Said Tigress lowly. "Let's go. Master Shifu isn't please with you, Dragon Warrior."

Po didn't object nor did he try to speak or touch Tigress anymore. He merely followed, his mind a turmoil of thoughts concerning what had just happened. Was Tigress really crying?

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"Master Shifu! By the heavens I never thought I'll see you again!"

Master Shifu cringed when the arms of the boar wrapped around him. The boar put Shifu at arm's length and watched him with his only eye. Master Shifu observed with some amusement and confusion the yellow, smiling sun that was drawn over the patch in his right eye.

"It's nice seeing you again, Zhong." Said Master Shifu bowing in a dignify way. This only brought a half smirk and a snort from the boar. "You do know you have a sun on your patch, right?"said Shifu questioning.

It was always best to make sure. Zhong chuckled waving his hand dismissively. "A gift from my grandson, he thought my eye-patch was looking sad."

Master Shifu, Crane and Viper smiled softly at this revelation but Zhong wasn't over with the greetings.

"Always with the formalities, old friend." The boar shook his head while patting Shifu on the back. His black eyes turned to Crane and Viper that were watching with some amusement the scene.

"Master Crane! Master Viper." For them Zhong did have a small bow that they returned. "And where are Masters Mantis, Monkey and Tigress? You didn't dare to come to this event without them, did you Master Shifu?"

"Of course not, Mr Zhong." The old boar winced at Crane's way to address him. "They have been delayed for a moment."

"But will be joining us with another fellow Master."

Zhong's eyes gleamed curiously making Shifu narrowed his own eyes at this reaction.

"Oh, that's right. The Dragon Warrior, right?" Viper, Crane and Shifu looked at each other before nodding their heads.

"I guess by now everyone knows Master Oogway chose the Dragon Warrior before his dead." Zhong turned his only eye to glance at Shifu with a blank expression.

"Oh, my friend, you have no idea."

Shifu went to open his mouth and ask what exactly Zhong meant by that but decided against it. In all the years he had known Zhong he knew this wasn't something he should discuss in front of his students. Shifu watched as Zhong called some of his workers to direct Crane and Viper to their rooms.

"I bet you all are tired." Said Zhong calling a pair of gooses. "Get the baths ready for the Masters. And go to the kitchen to announce we have distinguished visitors."

"Right away, Master." Both gooses bow and left. Zhong turned to Shifu but whatever he was going to say was interrupted by the newcomers.

"Master Tigress!" exclaimed Zhong as soon as he saw her entered the main hall. Tigress looked at the boar with open eyes and a wary expression on her face. "Damn, look at you! All grown up already!"

"Please, No…" Too late, Zhong had already hugged her tightly making her growled annoyed.

"I see you still pout every time I hug you."

"I do not pout, Mister Zhong." Said Tigress through gritted teeth.

"You always have the ability to make her pout." Commented Mantis smiling, bowing at Zhong. "Zhong is good to see you again."

"Ah, finally a Master that knows how to address me. Thank you, Master Mantis. Master Monkey. It is a pleasure to see you again."

"The pleasure is all ours, believe me. We have missed your thermal baths." Said Monkey.

"Everyone misses my thermal baths. That's why I'm famous around here."

Po entered the room still thoughtful; he was so distracted he didn't notice the old boar until he crashed into him. "Uh, oh, sorry I didn't see you there."

Zhong's eyes went wide open. He turned from Po to Shifu and then back to Po. Shifu was fidgeting uncomfortably as the boar moved around Po and then focused his eyes on the Panda.

"You're a panda." Said Zhong to which Po blinked confused nodding his head.

"Eh, yeah, I'm a panda." Zhong turned to Shifu and then back at Po.

Zhong chuckled shaking his head amusedly, "My apologizes, Dragon Warrior." Zhong bowed deeply before Po. "I never thought I would be honored to meet you,"

Po looked really embarrassed by now; he waved his hand and bowed back awkwardly. "No, please is…I mean is nothing really. Thank you for letting us stay here."

"It is a real honor. Believe me." Said Zhong eying strangely at Po.

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Master Shifu had been really tempted to punish Mantis, Monkey and Po for leaving without his consent. However, it would be pretty rude from his part to not let everyone participate in the feast Zhong had prepared for them.

Some other people inside the house were with them, some kids, among them Zhong grandchildren, were playing and making the Masters do some demonstration of their abilities. Po along with Monkey and Mantis were laughing and enjoying their time. Crane was just watching with amusement while taking some of the kids on his back and flying above the ground.

Viper was sitting beside Tigress who seemed to be rather annoyed. Shifu watched his protégée carefully, ever since she arrived with Po and the others she seemed pretty upset and reluctant to speak to anyone.

"They look pretty happy, as if nothing of great importance is happening." Shifu looked sideways to Zhong who sit beside him extending a cup of tea to the red panda.

"Apart from the Tournament, I don't know why they shouldn't enjoy this." Zhong took a sip from his drink before speaking again.

"So, you don't really know?"

Shifu scowled at his drink turning his head to Zhong, "What do you mean?"

Zhong sat up straight making sure there wasn't anyone near them to listen to their conversation. Leaning to his left he made sure to speak in a whisper.

"Last time you weren't here, Shifu." Master Shifu's expression changed from one of sorrow and Zhong lifted his hand to stop any interruption. "I know and I'm sorry I couldn't go there and pay my respects to Master Oogway. I still feel in my soul his lost."

"There were several things, actually." Said Shifu. "It wasn't only that Master Oogway passed away but he had just chosen the Dragon Warrior and Tai Lung escaped from jail."

"I know and I don't blame you." Commented Zhong. "But the fact you weren't here means that you didn't find out of the changes. Don't ask me how but the first one to find out of what was happening at the Valley of Peace was Jian."

At hearing this Master Shifu almost dropped the cup in his hand he turned his eyes to his students who were ignorant of the conversation between both adults. Zhong sighed while pouring some more tea in his cup.

"He changed the rules of the Tournament."

"How? What changes did he make?"

Zhong frowned making the scar on his eyes more pronounced, the bright sun drawn on his patch only made it look strange. "You can claim the title of your opponent. But to do so you have to kill him in a public battle. It had to be a complete humiliation. Last time a lot of excellent Masters lose not only their tittles as Masters but also their lives."

Shifu tilted his head thoughtfully at this, "What could he possible gain out of this? He doesn't even compete in the tournament."

"He didn't before. He does now." Shifu almost spitted the tea inside his mouth. "Things are a lot stranger than they seem, Shifu. I try to find as much as I could about this whole matter but the secrets inside the Forbidden City are well kept."

"You knew we were coming." It was a statement not a question, Zhong shrugged.

"Yes, I did. Half China knew you and your students along with the Dragon Warrior were coming." Zhong watched Po with a wishful smile. "I promise Master Oogway after he saved my life I will do anything to pay him back."

Shifu lowered his eyes to the table, "Master Oogway is no longer…"

"I know, but you and your students are his legacy. And I'll always keep my promises." Zhong went to grab a dumpling playing with it before biting it. "I'll try to see what else I can find. But please Shifu, be careful. Because half China only came to try and take away what Master Oogway gave to the panda."

"I knew there was something strange in that invitation."

Zhong nodded his head when suddenly he remembered something, "By the way, did you tell the Dragon Warrior?"

Shifu blinked confused, "tell him what?"

"What do you mean what? Didn't you tell him about the other pandas?"

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"So, are you going to tell me what's wrong with you?" asked Viper after she gave up on her attempts to make conversation.

Tigress shrugged ignoring her friend completely, "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Oh, please you've been sulking since you arrived here with Po and the others." Said Viper. "You usually sulk this way for two reasons. One: either you didn't have a good night sleep or two: it has something to do with Po."

Tigress tensed up looking down at the table, "I don't know what are you talking about, Viper. I just didn't have a good night sleep."

"Ah, so it's Po, then." Said Viper with a cheeky smile. "Let me see, he didn't notice how hard were you trying to impress him? Or maybe he made another 'you're like a sister to me that I didn't have because that would be weird'? Or…"

Viper watched with amusement as Tigress winced and flinched at each one of those stupid moments in which Po always made her turned around and sulk alone.

"Or maybe he was flirting with another female, probably without even realizing what he was doing?"

"Ugh, that's it." Tigress stood turning around and leaving the feast. She knew Viper was behind her and her friends and Master were watching her leave.

But really? She didn't care, she just couldn't sit there and let her emotions overwhelmed her with an audience there.

"Tigress! Wait!" Viper caught up with her friend placing herself in front of Tigress. "So, he was flirting, eh?"

"Ugh, cut it out, Viper." Viper hid her smile trying to placate Tigress.

"Okay, okay, sorry. So if you weren't jealous what was it that put you in such a mood?"

"I wasn't jeal…" Tigress sighed massaging the bridge of her nose, it was not used. For some reason Viper had gotten inside her head the idea Tigress like Po.

Well, she did like him. But, she didn't like like him. Sure, the panda was cute and funny and…Tigress stopped all her thoughts long enough to glare at Viper. Her friend always got her thinking in circles about Po.

"Tigress, are you really okay? I mean what I say, this morning you were all smile…well, you were in a better mood than the one you're now."

"I met with Xiang Ju." Viper's eyes went wide open in realization as to why Tigress was so strange. "Actually, I met her talking to Po."

This time realization hit Viper with some understating. Xiang Ju and Tigress had been enemies since Tigress was a little cub under the tutelage of Master Shifu. The cheetah had always tried to make Tigress look bad and to steal away her position at the Jade Palace. Their enmity went as far as some challenges propose by Ju in the tournament and even outside of it to Tigress. The first time the Furious Five had gone to the Imperial City as a group, Ju had tried to keep all of them away from Tigress. Telling them things about Tigress past neither of them knew.

Besides, Ju was well known to be a total flirt. She did try to get to the boys that way. Of course neither of the boys kept falling for that after Viper had a serious talk with each one of them.

But the most important thing about this was that Po had met Ju and the both of them seemed to be in a pretty nice conversation before Tigress arrived.

"I see." Said lamely Viper. "And you are…"

"I'm fine." Said Tigress this time the feline lowered her face with a sorrowful expression on her face. "I just need some rest."

"Of course, Tigress. I'll be in the room in a minute."

Tigress nodded her head before leaving Viper to her own thoughts. The snake bit her lower lip and turned to Po who was laughing as Zhong grandson painted something yellowish on his black fur.

I need to speak to Po. Thought Viper before she slithered back to the feast.

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