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Description
Fandom: Kung Fu Panda
Tittle:The Tournament of the Gods p.4
Pairing:Po/Tigress
Disclaimer:I don't own Kung Fu Panda. It belongs to Dreamworks. I'm just doing
this as a way of amusement.

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Chapter 5

The First Fight

The loud of the metallic sound of a gong being hit called all the presents' attention.

It wasn't long before the people occupying the stands all went down to their knees and the Masters and other contestants bow down in the traditional greeting of Kung Fu.

Po, who had been staring around him, felt a small nudged on his side, turning he saw Monkey making faces at him. Looking around and noticing he was the only one still standing he smiled sheepishly.

"Right, sorry." As he bow, Po couldn't help but peek at the newcomers.

A group of not less than twenty zebras made their appearance. All of them with heavy armors on their bodies and a single sword on their hips; thee positioned themselves around the balcony before a red fox made his appearance.

Po watched with amazement as the figure walked in slowly and majestically, he had a serious look on him but his eyes had a content twinkle in them. He had a knee-length tunic; the tunic was yellow with long sleeves and a black waistband. The tunic had embroidered a red dragon that extended around the robe itself with its head just above the heart. Above his head, the fox had a cylinder-shape hat also decorated with yellow and black colors.

Behind the Emperor appeared a bored-looking deer, wearing blue robes without any hat. He bowed respectfully to the fox who merely nod his head. Taking a step forward the deer placed himself at the very edge of the balcony.

"His Imperial Majesty, Dangjin Huangshang*." Po would have clap if it wasn't by Viper's opportune intervention.

The deer then made a deep bow and moved backwards while the Emperor stepped forward. "This is a day of celebration!"

The first moment the Emperor spoke he did so with a firm and resonant voice. He spread his arms, a gently smile drawing on his face.

"Please, stand up and let the Kung Fu Tournament begin!"

"Can we rise now?" Asked Po in a whisper, Viper giggled nodding her head.

"Yes, Po, now we can stand up." The place was soon filled with the sound of people all around them talking again, the Masters discussing; while the main balcony in which the Emperor was now sitting was buzzing with movement.

"So, that was the Emperor?" Said Po nodding towards the balcony, Monkey nodded while looking around.

"Yep, pretty cool, eh?"

"Oh, yes, he was so…" The Dragon Warrior trailed off thinking how exactly he could describe the fox.

"Imposing?"

"Well, yes, you could say he was but I was trying to go with serious." Po crossed his arms in a thoughtful manner. "That without saying he wasn't a great speaker."

"Only you would dare to say such a thing about someone who can get execute you in a second." Mantis had joined the conversation while moving up to Po's shoulder.

Po looked to Mantis shrugging, "I just…well, I imagine a huge speech from his part."

"No, the speech is usually reserve for Master Jian."

"Oh, I see." Po frowned hearing this; he then let his eyes go back to the balcony and for the first time noticed the Black Jaguar there. "You know? I didn't like Master Jian too much ."

"You and half of the real masters participating in this tournament." Said a voice behind them, Po's eyes lit up as he saw Master Croc and Master Ox approaching them.

"Master Croc! Master Ox!"

"Hello, Po. How have you been?" Greeted Master Croc while the rest of the Furious Five joined them.

"Oh, guys, I didn't know you were here as well!" said Po clearly excited by the prospect. "This is going to be awesome!"

"Of course we were invited." Said Ox rolling his eyes.

"Apparently there isn't a single Master in all of China who wasn't." Said Master Shifu.

"Master Shifu is good to see you again."

Another sound of a gong and the whole stadium went silent, all the presents turned to the main arena in which Master Jian stood proudly looking over at the Masters with his arms wide spread and a half smirk on his face.

"My fellow Masters, my dear fighters, welcome to the fiftieth version of the Kung Fu Tournament." There was a general ovation and some clapping, Master Jian waited until the stadium was once again in deep silence.

"My heart is with those who can't be with us today." Here Jian lowered his face showing what looked like a sorrowful expression. "Master Oogway would be certainly missed but greatly remembered as one of the founders of the noble arts of Kung Fu."

Po heard Master Ox snorted at the comment, some of the other Masters were looking at one and other while some others were directing curious looks towards Shifu.

"Master Oogway made sure his legend and his arts were well kept and throughout this tournament we shall see if the hands his legacy fell upon are worthy of this."

"How dare he?" Growled Tigress who was trembling in rage, the rest of them were frowning and just as annoyed while Shifu only showed a blank expression.

The whispers around them increased and Po could notice some of the masters were frowning as well, while some others looked curious. There were also animosity and mocking in the rest of the competitors.

Jian smiled shaking his head before continuing, "But do not mistake yourselves my dear competitor because the Masters are masters for a reason."

"Just as we remembered Master Oogway who died a natural death, I have to mention a hero that seemed to be forgotten not a year later after his dead." Here Jian stopped directing his eyes to the audience, his face a complete mask of sadness. "Master Rhino died an honorable death protecting his city, protecting his believes. He, of course, would be remembered as well."

For the ones around the Furious Five and Master Croc and Ox the tension and annoyance was quite impossible to not notice. And some of them didn't blame them; Jian had been saying things that under the lines were hitting some still fresh wounds. Jian's words were challenging in themselves and were mocking the pride of the arts Master Oogway and Master Rhino represented.

"Finally, we shall honor the Masters and the fighters that gave their lives in the last tournament. They too would be remembered with honor." Master Jian lowered his arms before directing his red eyes to the competitors. "And we shall honor each one of them by giving our best in this tournament. Just as his Majesty expressed it earlier: Let the Kung Fu Tournament begin!"

"Isn't he going to do a preliminary contest first?" Asked Crane slightly confused as the deer Po saw earlier moved to the arena.

"No, apparently the preliminaries were done several weeks ago." Said Master Shifu approaching his students and indicating with his head to come closer. "We, and in general the rest of the Masters, were invited to attend to the main event."

"So, we were too good to participate on a preliminary or there was another reason to invite us later?" Asked Po who was starting to understand why Shifu had been so reluctant at first.

Shifu gave Po a half smiled nodding his head, "Indeed, there is a deeper reason and after Jian's speech I'm starting to formulate my own conjectures. However, this isn't the place or the time to speak of this."

"Master, are you going to participate?" Tigress seemed really tensed; she was looking directly at her Master.

"I'm not sure yet, if I am challenged certainly I would have to fight. But…" Here Shifu trailed off as the deer had finally place himself in front of the audience. "Let's see what happens today, for now I want you all to give everything you have in each of the fights. Losing or giving up, apparently, isn't an option anymore."

"Welcome contestants." Po watched amused as the deer gave a quick glance to all of them. "In a few seconds the tournament would began, however I have to tell you the rules so, if you don't want to fight and give up before the fight starts you can do so now."

By now the deer have everyone's attention and Po was leaning forward to try and hear clearly.

"The tournament would be open by the winner of the preliminaries that took place at the Imperial City." The deer continued dragging the words while tilting his head. "The rules are simple, the tournament would continue until only one of you stands up as the final and complete victor. While the first fighter is decided prior the tournament the rest of the fights would be issued in the form of a challenge."

The deer narrowed his eyes before rolling them slowly when he noticed the expression of pure confusion on some of the presents.

"Don't worry, as the tournament goes you will understand what I mean." There was a general sigh of relief before the deer continued. "You will be declared the winner the moment you throw your opponent out of the arena, knock unconscious your opponent, you incapacitated them or just kill them."

By now Po appeared to be slightly shocked while some of the contestants were just nodding in agreement. Tigress took a deep breath and lifted her paw; she was just a few inches away from Po's shoulder but at the last moment decided to lower it shaking her head while going back to her initial position.

"This is pretty important so pay attention: if you are incapacitated, knock unconscious or kill you would be stripped down of your title. Whatever title you possess, it would no longer be yours along with the style, or the school or even the teachings that belong to you."

"What do you mean by that?" Everyone turned their faces to Po who had voiced his question quite loudly. The panda felt flustered but tried to keep it cool while looking at the deer.

The deer gave him a long glance, his lips twitching upwards before he started speaking again, "You will no longer be allowed to practice Kung Fu, to teach it or to hold your title and mastery of your style of preferences. In other words, you become a nobody."

"Oh, I see." Some of the presents chuckled while shooting Po amused and mocking glances. Some others were frowning as in deep in thought while a few of them looked really worried about the consequences of the fights.

"What if someone gives up?" Asked another contestant near the place where the deer was standing up.

"Well, if you give up you will dishonor yourself. But other than that…I don't think there is anything else." Said the deer scratching his chin. "Of course your reputation would be destroyed and probably no one would want to learn from you or have anything to do with what you do…but, yeah, other than those things…you can always give up."

"Wow, this is like…you don't have an option at all. Either you lose or you win." Said Viper with a worried tone.

"Well, then I guess we better not lose." Said Mantis. "I don't know about you but…I'm starting to feel coming to this place was a bad idea."

Master Jian cleared his throat and the deer nodded lazily. "Okay, then let's begin."

The sounds of the war drum filled the stadium, there was excitement evident in the audiences faces, the tempo started increasing as the pigs in charge of the drums hit them over and over then the metallic sound of the gong replaced the drums and a large figure was in the middle of the arena.

"I am Wei, student of Grand Master Jian and winner of the Imperial City's preliminaries." The fighter took off the hood covering her head and Po along with the Furious Five all gasped as they recognized the fighter. She was one of the Wu sisters! Po looked over at Crane, Monkey and Tigress looking the same expression of worry and disbelief.

"As the winner of those fights and future winner of this fight," By now Wei was wearing a smirk showing of her fangs. "I challenge the one who calls himself the Dragon Warrior."

That declaration was followed by a long silence while Po felt the eyes of his friends on him. He knew he wasn't moving and was kind of trying to make himself invisible, Tigress put a hand on his shoulder pushing him softly.

"Po, you have to go."

Po looked over at her the moment the stadium as a whole broke in loud whispers and exclamations. The masters near them would, once in a while, look their way.

"Okay, I…I'm going." Po stood up gulping as this time all the presents direct their eyes to him. Wei was focusing her yellow eyes at him; she was showing of her fangs while closing her fists.

"Po," Po looked over his shoulder to see Tigress giving him a half smile. "I know you don't need it but…good luck."

Smiling back at Tigress, Po nodded his head and started walking towards the main arena.

"That's the Dragon Warrior? A panda?"

"It must be a joke, a really big and fat joke."

"I heard he fell of the sky"

"I heard Master Oogway was almost dead when he chose the panda by accident"

"I bet you Wei is going to kill the panda with a single hit"

This and many other comments of the same nature followed Po while he approached the fighting stage. Ignoring the comments he jumped up to the stage almost tripping on his feet and making some of the presents laugh.

"Way to go!" Screamed someone from the audience making others laugh loudly.

Wei glanced over at Po her eyes were gleaming with malice and hatred. "I see you're still as clumsy and stupid as I remembered."

Po scowled taking a fighting stance, "Yeah, well, I see you're still as mean and as evil as I remember."

Wei narrowed her eyes while taking her own fighting stance, "Today I will show the presents you are just a big, fat panda. Today I will avenge Master Tai Lung."

"Okay, girls, if you stop fighting verbally," Said the deer approaching the middle of the arena. "Let's begin the first fight. Wei versus the Legendary Dragon Warrior!"

Po was slightly startled by the ovation and the screams of enthusiasm coming from the stands he almost got hit by the fast movements of Wei.

The female snow leopard turned around sending a side-kick to Po's stomach, the panda blocked it with his arm as he tilted his head to evade another punch. The style Wei was using was certainly a little different from the one Po was used to. He took advantage of an opening to punch Wei on her back making her staggered forward and giving Po a minute to take a few steps backwards.

Wei turned to face the Dragon Warrior growling in anger, rolling forward she sent a kick to Po hitting him straight on his stomach and taking the air out of him. Not wasting any time Wei went to give a combo of punches and scratches.

The audience was going crazy, they were screaming supporting Wei while the contestants were divided. Some seemed to be pretty worried about Po while others seemed disappointed for not being able to challenge the panda. Some others were just amused and wishing to see the supposedly Dragon Warrior bleed on the fighting stage.

"Is this all you got?" Said Wei while hitting Po. "Finally, I will take the title you took from my Master."

Opening his jade eyes, Po stopped one of Wei's hands by the wrist turning it hard to the side and making the snow leopard wince in pain. The panda hit Wei in the face sending her backwards.

"I didn't take anything away from Tai Lung." Said Po who was evidently upset. "He wasn't meant to be Dragon Warrior. And I won't let you have this title, you don't deserve it."

"Try to stop me then, because I've come here only to kill you in front of an audience." As soon as Wei said this she put from her back a chakram-like weapon.

The Dragon Warrior's eyes opened in surprise turning to the side to prevent the weapon hitting his right arm.

"Hey! That's cheating!" Exclaimed Po while he moved left and right, crouching down or jumping to the side."

Shika, the deer that apparently was also acting as a referee, shrugged, "No, she is not. I forgot to tell you can use weapons on this fight."

Po sent him a glare while evading another attack from the weapon.

"Would you stay still so I can hit you?" Exclaimed Wewi as she tried another hit a couple of times.

"Not if I can help it." Replied Po who decided on a direct attack.

Wei went to her knees, her chakram on her right arm with her head slightly lifted. Her yellow eyes were following Po who was running slowly in circles and zigzag. While the panda looked ridiculous doing such idiotic movements, it was enough to make her long-range attack useless. Wei smirked as Po was getting closer and closer.

Finally, just as Po was a few feet away from her Wei slid forward throwing the chakram towards Po. The Dragon Warrior couldn't evade the weapon completely, gasping as he felt his left arm being slice by the weapon.

"That was close." Said Po watching the cut that wasn't bleeding that much. The female snow leopard, however, was chuckling amused. Po blinked a couple of times, frowning at her reaction.

"What's with you?"

"I will win this fight." Po frowned while watching Wei play with her weapon.

"Why are you so sure?" Without answering, Wei launched herself to another attack. Po went to lift his left arm to parry the leg but was startled as his arms didn't respond.

"What…?" Po opened his eyes as the leg hit him straight on his side.

"Do you see?" Wei started playing again with the weapon, licking her lips as she put her claws out ready for her final attack." The blade on my weapon has a poison, the good thing about this poison is that affects your nerve system making it useful but sensible enough to still make you suffer while I do whatever I want to you."

Po stared at his left arm while trying to make it respond but it was of not use. Wei smirked while approaching Po slowly, leaning forward she whispered so the panda was the only one who could hear her.

"After I'm done with you, I'm gonna rip apart each and every one of your friends…I would make them suffered before ripping their throats apart."

What happened next not only surprised Wei but also the ones watching the fight and that didn't know Po. The Panda gave her his best right hook, followed by a kick to the female's side only to grab her by her left arm. Po lifted Wei to his eye level making the snow leopard struggled against his firm hold.

"I don't care that you don't like me or that you want to kill me." Said Po in a pretty serious voice. "I can deal with that, but you threatening my friends is something I won't take lightly."

Wei opened her eyes as Po smirked at her, "Super Combo: Belly of doom!"

The snow leopard felt the harsh contact of Po's stomach a couple of times before he gave her one last hit, this time letting go of her arm which in turn sent her flying away crashing roughly against one of the columns of the main balcony thus sending her unconscious out of the fighting stage.

Shika stood up giving Po an almost invisible smile, "Winner, the Dragon Warrior!"

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"Well done, Dragon Warrior." Po lifted his head to see Xiang Ju approaching him while closing the door behind her.

"Thanks!" Said Po smiling at Ju while letting the doctor tended to his left arm. "I was really afraid I wouldn't be able to do much after I found out the blade was poisoned."

Ju frowned opening her mouth to say something when the door opened behind her and the Furious Five along with Master Shifu entered the room.

As soon as Tigress entered the place she and Ju locked eye with one another. Taking her eyes from the Tigress Ju bowed to Master Shifu

"Master Shifu, Masters."

"Ju, it's been a while." Was all Master Shifu said as a greeting, Ju felt her lips twitched upwards while standing up.

"Po, how are you?" Asked Viper while trying to relief some of the tension.

"Man, you're fight was like…awesome!" said Monkey moving towards Po.

"Everyone is talking about you out there." Continued Mantis.

"Wow, really?" Po looked a little embarrassed but proud of himself.

"Of course, everyone knows just how good of a fighter Wei was ." This time all the attention turned to Ju. "Even more so after she used her weapon. Everyone knows she always puts some kind of poison on it."

"Talking about that, how is your arm feeling?" Asked Master Shifu while approaching Po.

"Well, is still numb and I think the poison hasn't left my system yet."

"And it won't." Po turned towards Ju who was putting a small vial out of her pocket. "That's one of the reasons I'm here. As it turns out, I have a special antidote for that poison."

"Really? How did you get it?" asked Po taking the vial from Ju. The cheetah shrugged evading the panda's eyes.

"I just did."

"And what was your other reason, Xiang Ju?" Then cheetah turned to Master Shifu.

"Well, since all of you are here, I guess I can do the invitation more formally."

"What invitation?"

"Oh, I just wish you could join me and my Master tonight." Ju smiled at Master Shifu who merely raised his eyebrows. "I already invited Master Po and he said yes, I thought it would be corrected to extend my invitation to all of you."

"And we will be there, of course. Tell Master Scorpio me and my students would be there tonight." Shifu observed the cheetah's body language when he named Master Scorpio, holding back his frown Master Shifu couldn't help but wondered what had happened between Ju and her Master to make her react on such an obvious way.

"Of course, Master Shifu. And now, I must go. Please, Master Po used the antidote as soon as you can. The next fight is about to start."

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Xiang Ju left the infirmary; she hadn't walked that far away when she turned around with a big smirk on her face. She and Tigress were alone in the long hall leading to the stadium.

"What's the matter, Master Tigress?" Tigress frowned but said nothing at first; she took a step forward and allowed herself a half smirk as Ju took a step backwards. The cheetah growled lowly while shooting Tigress a glare.

"How convenient you have the correct antidote for the poison Wei used on Po." Commented Tigress while facing Ju both of them had started surrounding the other without looking aside.

"What can I say? I seem to know what the Dragon Warrior needs." Ju's eyes gleam with amusement as she continued. "And I'm ready to give him everything he needs…and apparently, for his reactions…everything he wants."

The suggestive comment was followed by Ju's licking her lips, chuckling as Tigress glared at her.

"Stay away from him."

Ju scowled at Tigress, "You're very wrong if you think I'm gonna stay away from him. Not even your stinking smell on him would stop me. Besides…you should know it would take more than your smell to claim him as yours."

"What are you planning this time, Ju?" Tigress stopped pacing and stood facing the cheetah. "I warn you, I won't let you hurt him only to get to me."

Ju grinned then started laughing, "Oh, gods…are you nervous, Tigress?" Tigress growled menacingly to Ju but the cheetah's smile only grew.

"Or maybe you're afraid?" Ju tilted her head in contemplation. "What would the Dragon Warrior said if he ever finds out what kind of monster are you. What kind of horrible and despicable monster you can become…"

Tigress was now trembling in pure rage, Ju just smiled. "Maybe, you aren't nervous, Tigress…Maybe you're afraid the Dragon Warrior discovers the true about you."

"I'm not afraid." Said Tigress through gritted teeth . "I would never be afraid of a weakling like you."

Ju's eyes narrowed, twinkling dangerously as the cheetah moved forward. "Oh, you will be, Tigress. Don't worry; soon you will realize you are the weakling and that I surpassed you a long time ago."

There was a moment of silence only interrupted by Shika announcing another challenged. Ju straightened up, shooting a smile at Tigress.

"A long time ago I told you I will have what is rightfully mine." Tigress lifted a single eyebrow while Ju continued. "Now, I reiterated my promise. I will take from you what you stole from me, but you want to know the better part of this?"

"What is it?" Ju smirked walking forward and turning her back to Tigress.

"This time around I won't stop until I have smashed to pieces your body, your spirit…and your heart." Ju chuckled while walking way. "See you tonight, Master Tigress."

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Description
Fandom: Kung Fu Panda
Tittle:The Tournament of the Gods p.4
Pairing:Po/Tigress
Disclaimer:I don't own Kung Fu Panda. It belongs to Dreamworks. I'm just doing
this as a way of amusement.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5

The First Fight

The loud of the metallic sound of a gong being hit called all the presents' attention.

It wasn't long before the people occupying the stands all went down to their knees and the Masters and other contestants bow down in the traditional greeting of Kung Fu.

Po, who had been staring around him, felt a small nudged on his side, turning he saw Monkey making faces at him. Looking around and noticing he was the only one still standing he smiled sheepishly.

"Right, sorry." As he bow, Po couldn't help but peek at the newcomers.

A group of not less than twenty zebras made their appearance. All of them with heavy armors on their bodies and a single sword on their hips; thee positioned themselves around the balcony before a red fox made his appearance.

Po watched with amazement as the figure walked in slowly and majestically, he had a serious look on him but his eyes had a content twinkle in them. He had a knee-length tunic; the tunic was yellow with long sleeves and a black waistband. The tunic had embroidered a red dragon that extended around the robe itself with its head just above the heart. Above his head, the fox had a cylinder-shape hat also decorated with yellow and black colors.

Behind the Emperor appeared a bored-looking deer, wearing blue robes without any hat. He bowed respectfully to the fox who merely nod his head. Taking a step forward the deer placed himself at the very edge of the balcony.

"His Imperial Majesty, Dangjin Huangshang*." Po would have clap if it wasn't by Viper's opportune intervention.

The deer then made a deep bow and moved backwards while the Emperor stepped forward. "This is a day of celebration!"

The first moment the Emperor spoke he did so with a firm and resonant voice. He spread his arms, a gently smile drawing on his face.

"Please, stand up and let the Kung Fu Tournament begin!"

"Can we rise now?" Asked Po in a whisper, Viper giggled nodding her head.

"Yes, Po, now we can stand up." The place was soon filled with the sound of people all around them talking again, the Masters discussing; while the main balcony in which the Emperor was now sitting was buzzing with movement.

"So, that was the Emperor?" Said Po nodding towards the balcony, Monkey nodded while looking around.

"Yep, pretty cool, eh?"

"Oh, yes, he was so…" The Dragon Warrior trailed off thinking how exactly he could describe the fox.

"Imposing?"

"Well, yes, you could say he was but I was trying to go with serious." Po crossed his arms in a thoughtful manner. "That without saying he wasn't a great speaker."

"Only you would dare to say such a thing about someone who can get execute you in a second." Mantis had joined the conversation while moving up to Po's shoulder.

Po looked to Mantis shrugging, "I just…well, I imagine a huge speech from his part."

"No, the speech is usually reserve for Master Jian."

"Oh, I see." Po frowned hearing this; he then let his eyes go back to the balcony and for the first time noticed the Black Jaguar there. "You know? I didn't like Master Jian too much ."

"You and half of the real masters participating in this tournament." Said a voice behind them, Po's eyes lit up as he saw Master Croc and Master Ox approaching them.

"Master Croc! Master Ox!"

"Hello, Po. How have you been?" Greeted Master Croc while the rest of the Furious Five joined them.

"Oh, guys, I didn't know you were here as well!" said Po clearly excited by the prospect. "This is going to be awesome!"

"Of course we were invited." Said Ox rolling his eyes.

"Apparently there isn't a single Master in all of China who wasn't." Said Master Shifu.

"Master Shifu is good to see you again."

Another sound of a gong and the whole stadium went silent, all the presents turned to the main arena in which Master Jian stood proudly looking over at the Masters with his arms wide spread and a half smirk on his face.

"My fellow Masters, my dear fighters, welcome to the fiftieth version of the Kung Fu Tournament." There was a general ovation and some clapping, Master Jian waited until the stadium was once again in deep silence.

"My heart is with those who can't be with us today." Here Jian lowered his face showing what looked like a sorrowful expression. "Master Oogway would be certainly missed but greatly remembered as one of the founders of the noble arts of Kung Fu."

Po heard Master Ox snorted at the comment, some of the other Masters were looking at one and other while some others were directing curious looks towards Shifu.

"Master Oogway made sure his legend and his arts were well kept and throughout this tournament we shall see if the hands his legacy fell upon are worthy of this."

"How dare he?" Growled Tigress who was trembling in rage, the rest of them were frowning and just as annoyed while Shifu only showed a blank expression.

The whispers around them increased and Po could notice some of the masters were frowning as well, while some others looked curious. There were also animosity and mocking in the rest of the competitors.

Jian smiled shaking his head before continuing, "But do not mistake yourselves my dear competitor because the Masters are masters for a reason."

"Just as we remembered Master Oogway who died a natural death, I have to mention a hero that seemed to be forgotten not a year later after his dead." Here Jian stopped directing his eyes to the audience, his face a complete mask of sadness. "Master Rhino died an honorable death protecting his city, protecting his believes. He, of course, would be remembered as well."

For the ones around the Furious Five and Master Croc and Ox the tension and annoyance was quite impossible to not notice. And some of them didn't blame them; Jian had been saying things that under the lines were hitting some still fresh wounds. Jian's words were challenging in themselves and were mocking the pride of the arts Master Oogway and Master Rhino represented.

"Finally, we shall honor the Masters and the fighters that gave their lives in the last tournament. They too would be remembered with honor." Master Jian lowered his arms before directing his red eyes to the competitors. "And we shall honor each one of them by giving our best in this tournament. Just as his Majesty expressed it earlier: Let the Kung Fu Tournament begin!"

"Isn't he going to do a preliminary contest first?" Asked Crane slightly confused as the deer Po saw earlier moved to the arena.

"No, apparently the preliminaries were done several weeks ago." Said Master Shifu approaching his students and indicating with his head to come closer. "We, and in general the rest of the Masters, were invited to attend to the main event."

"So, we were too good to participate on a preliminary or there was another reason to invite us later?" Asked Po who was starting to understand why Shifu had been so reluctant at first.

Shifu gave Po a half smiled nodding his head, "Indeed, there is a deeper reason and after Jian's speech I'm starting to formulate my own conjectures. However, this isn't the place or the time to speak of this."

"Master, are you going to participate?" Tigress seemed really tensed; she was looking directly at her Master.

"I'm not sure yet, if I am challenged certainly I would have to fight. But…" Here Shifu trailed off as the deer had finally place himself in front of the audience. "Let's see what happens today, for now I want you all to give everything you have in each of the fights. Losing or giving up, apparently, isn't an option anymore."

"Welcome contestants." Po watched amused as the deer gave a quick glance to all of them. "In a few seconds the tournament would began, however I have to tell you the rules so, if you don't want to fight and give up before the fight starts you can do so now."

By now the deer have everyone's attention and Po was leaning forward to try and hear clearly.

"The tournament would be open by the winner of the preliminaries that took place at the Imperial City." The deer continued dragging the words while tilting his head. "The rules are simple, the tournament would continue until only one of you stands up as the final and complete victor. While the first fighter is decided prior the tournament the rest of the fights would be issued in the form of a challenge."

The deer narrowed his eyes before rolling them slowly when he noticed the expression of pure confusion on some of the presents.

"Don't worry, as the tournament goes you will understand what I mean." There was a general sigh of relief before the deer continued. "You will be declared the winner the moment you throw your opponent out of the arena, knock unconscious your opponent, you incapacitated them or just kill them."

By now Po appeared to be slightly shocked while some of the contestants were just nodding in agreement. Tigress took a deep breath and lifted her paw; she was just a few inches away from Po's shoulder but at the last moment decided to lower it shaking her head while going back to her initial position.

"This is pretty important so pay attention: if you are incapacitated, knock unconscious or kill you would be stripped down of your title. Whatever title you possess, it would no longer be yours along with the style, or the school or even the teachings that belong to you."

"What do you mean by that?" Everyone turned their faces to Po who had voiced his question quite loudly. The panda felt flustered but tried to keep it cool while looking at the deer.

The deer gave him a long glance, his lips twitching upwards before he started speaking again, "You will no longer be allowed to practice Kung Fu, to teach it or to hold your title and mastery of your style of preferences. In other words, you become a nobody."

"Oh, I see." Some of the presents chuckled while shooting Po amused and mocking glances. Some others were frowning as in deep in thought while a few of them looked really worried about the consequences of the fights.

"What if someone gives up?" Asked another contestant near the place where the deer was standing up.

"Well, if you give up you will dishonor yourself. But other than that…I don't think there is anything else." Said the deer scratching his chin. "Of course your reputation would be destroyed and probably no one would want to learn from you or have anything to do with what you do…but, yeah, other than those things…you can always give up."

"Wow, this is like…you don't have an option at all. Either you lose or you win." Said Viper with a worried tone.

"Well, then I guess we better not lose." Said Mantis. "I don't know about you but…I'm starting to feel coming to this place was a bad idea."

Master Jian cleared his throat and the deer nodded lazily. "Okay, then let's begin."

The sounds of the war drum filled the stadium, there was excitement evident in the audiences faces, the tempo started increasing as the pigs in charge of the drums hit them over and over then the metallic sound of the gong replaced the drums and a large figure was in the middle of the arena.

"I am Wei, student of Grand Master Jian and winner of the Imperial City's preliminaries." The fighter took off the hood covering her head and Po along with the Furious Five all gasped as they recognized the fighter. She was one of the Wu sisters! Po looked over at Crane, Monkey and Tigress looking the same expression of worry and disbelief.

"As the winner of those fights and future winner of this fight," By now Wei was wearing a smirk showing of her fangs. "I challenge the one who calls himself the Dragon Warrior."

That declaration was followed by a long silence while Po felt the eyes of his friends on him. He knew he wasn't moving and was kind of trying to make himself invisible, Tigress put a hand on his shoulder pushing him softly.

"Po, you have to go."

Po looked over at her the moment the stadium as a whole broke in loud whispers and exclamations. The masters near them would, once in a while, look their way.

"Okay, I…I'm going." Po stood up gulping as this time all the presents direct their eyes to him. Wei was focusing her yellow eyes at him; she was showing of her fangs while closing her fists.

"Po," Po looked over his shoulder to see Tigress giving him a half smile. "I know you don't need it but…good luck."

Smiling back at Tigress, Po nodded his head and started walking towards the main arena.

"That's the Dragon Warrior? A panda?"

"It must be a joke, a really big and fat joke."

"I heard he fell of the sky"

"I heard Master Oogway was almost dead when he chose the panda by accident"

"I bet you Wei is going to kill the panda with a single hit"

This and many other comments of the same nature followed Po while he approached the fighting stage. Ignoring the comments he jumped up to the stage almost tripping on his feet and making some of the presents laugh.

"Way to go!" Screamed someone from the audience making others laugh loudly.

Wei glanced over at Po her eyes were gleaming with malice and hatred. "I see you're still as clumsy and stupid as I remembered."

Po scowled taking a fighting stance, "Yeah, well, I see you're still as mean and as evil as I remember."

Wei narrowed her eyes while taking her own fighting stance, "Today I will show the presents you are just a big, fat panda. Today I will avenge Master Tai Lung."

"Okay, girls, if you stop fighting verbally," Said the deer approaching the middle of the arena. "Let's begin the first fight. Wei versus the Legendary Dragon Warrior!"

Po was slightly startled by the ovation and the screams of enthusiasm coming from the stands he almost got hit by the fast movements of Wei.

The female snow leopard turned around sending a side-kick to Po's stomach, the panda blocked it with his arm as he tilted his head to evade another punch. The style Wei was using was certainly a little different from the one Po was used to. He took advantage of an opening to punch Wei on her back making her staggered forward and giving Po a minute to take a few steps backwards.

Wei turned to face the Dragon Warrior growling in anger, rolling forward she sent a kick to Po hitting him straight on his stomach and taking the air out of him. Not wasting any time Wei went to give a combo of punches and scratches.

The audience was going crazy, they were screaming supporting Wei while the contestants were divided. Some seemed to be pretty worried about Po while others seemed disappointed for not being able to challenge the panda. Some others were just amused and wishing to see the supposedly Dragon Warrior bleed on the fighting stage.

"Is this all you got?" Said Wei while hitting Po. "Finally, I will take the title you took from my Master."

Opening his jade eyes, Po stopped one of Wei's hands by the wrist turning it hard to the side and making the snow leopard wince in pain. The panda hit Wei in the face sending her backwards.

"I didn't take anything away from Tai Lung." Said Po who was evidently upset. "He wasn't meant to be Dragon Warrior. And I won't let you have this title, you don't deserve it."

"Try to stop me then, because I've come here only to kill you in front of an audience." As soon as Wei said this she put from her back a chakram-like weapon.

The Dragon Warrior's eyes opened in surprise turning to the side to prevent the weapon hitting his right arm.

"Hey! That's cheating!" Exclaimed Po while he moved left and right, crouching down or jumping to the side."

Shika, the deer that apparently was also acting as a referee, shrugged, "No, she is not. I forgot to tell you can use weapons on this fight."

Po sent him a glare while evading another attack from the weapon.

"Would you stay still so I can hit you?" Exclaimed Wewi as she tried another hit a couple of times.

"Not if I can help it." Replied Po who decided on a direct attack.

Wei went to her knees, her chakram on her right arm with her head slightly lifted. Her yellow eyes were following Po who was running slowly in circles and zigzag. While the panda looked ridiculous doing such idiotic movements, it was enough to make her long-range attack useless. Wei smirked as Po was getting closer and closer.

Finally, just as Po was a few feet away from her Wei slid forward throwing the chakram towards Po. The Dragon Warrior couldn't evade the weapon completely, gasping as he felt his left arm being slice by the weapon.

"That was close." Said Po watching the cut that wasn't bleeding that much. The female snow leopard, however, was chuckling amused. Po blinked a couple of times, frowning at her reaction.

"What's with you?"

"I will win this fight." Po frowned while watching Wei play with her weapon.

"Why are you so sure?" Without answering, Wei launched herself to another attack. Po went to lift his left arm to parry the leg but was startled as his arms didn't respond.

"What…?" Po opened his eyes as the leg hit him straight on his side.

"Do you see?" Wei started playing again with the weapon, licking her lips as she put her claws out ready for her final attack." The blade on my weapon has a poison, the good thing about this poison is that affects your nerve system making it useful but sensible enough to still make you suffer while I do whatever I want to you."

Po stared at his left arm while trying to make it respond but it was of not use. Wei smirked while approaching Po slowly, leaning forward she whispered so the panda was the only one who could hear her.

"After I'm done with you, I'm gonna rip apart each and every one of your friends…I would make them suffered before ripping their throats apart."

What happened next not only surprised Wei but also the ones watching the fight and that didn't know Po. The Panda gave her his best right hook, followed by a kick to the female's side only to grab her by her left arm. Po lifted Wei to his eye level making the snow leopard struggled against his firm hold.

"I don't care that you don't like me or that you want to kill me." Said Po in a pretty serious voice. "I can deal with that, but you threatening my friends is something I won't take lightly."

Wei opened her eyes as Po smirked at her, "Super Combo: Belly of doom!"

The snow leopard felt the harsh contact of Po's stomach a couple of times before he gave her one last hit, this time letting go of her arm which in turn sent her flying away crashing roughly against one of the columns of the main balcony thus sending her unconscious out of the fighting stage.

Shika stood up giving Po an almost invisible smile, "Winner, the Dragon Warrior!"

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"Well done, Dragon Warrior." Po lifted his head to see Xiang Ju approaching him while closing the door behind her.

"Thanks!" Said Po smiling at Ju while letting the doctor tended to his left arm. "I was really afraid I wouldn't be able to do much after I found out the blade was poisoned."

Ju frowned opening her mouth to say something when the door opened behind her and the Furious Five along with Master Shifu entered the room.

As soon as Tigress entered the place she and Ju locked eye with one another. Taking her eyes from the Tigress Ju bowed to Master Shifu

"Master Shifu, Masters."

"Ju, it's been a while." Was all Master Shifu said as a greeting, Ju felt her lips twitched upwards while standing up.

"Po, how are you?" Asked Viper while trying to relief some of the tension.

"Man, you're fight was like…awesome!" said Monkey moving towards Po.

"Everyone is talking about you out there." Continued Mantis.

"Wow, really?" Po looked a little embarrassed but proud of himself.

"Of course, everyone knows just how good of a fighter Wei was ." This time all the attention turned to Ju. "Even more so after she used her weapon. Everyone knows she always puts some kind of poison on it."

"Talking about that, how is your arm feeling?" Asked Master Shifu while approaching Po.

"Well, is still numb and I think the poison hasn't left my system yet."

"And it won't." Po turned towards Ju who was putting a small vial out of her pocket. "That's one of the reasons I'm here. As it turns out, I have a special antidote for that poison."

"Really? How did you get it?" asked Po taking the vial from Ju. The cheetah shrugged evading the panda's eyes.

"I just did."

"And what was your other reason, Xiang Ju?" Then cheetah turned to Master Shifu.

"Well, since all of you are here, I guess I can do the invitation more formally."

"What invitation?"

"Oh, I just wish you could join me and my Master tonight." Ju smiled at Master Shifu who merely raised his eyebrows. "I already invited Master Po and he said yes, I thought it would be corrected to extend my invitation to all of you."

"And we will be there, of course. Tell Master Scorpio me and my students would be there tonight." Shifu observed the cheetah's body language when he named Master Scorpio, holding back his frown Master Shifu couldn't help but wondered what had happened between Ju and her Master to make her react on such an obvious way.

"Of course, Master Shifu. And now, I must go. Please, Master Po used the antidote as soon as you can. The next fight is about to start."

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Xiang Ju left the infirmary; she hadn't walked that far away when she turned around with a big smirk on her face. She and Tigress were alone in the long hall leading to the stadium.

"What's the matter, Master Tigress?" Tigress frowned but said nothing at first; she took a step forward and allowed herself a half smirk as Ju took a step backwards. The cheetah growled lowly while shooting Tigress a glare.

"How convenient you have the correct antidote for the poison Wei used on Po." Commented Tigress while facing Ju both of them had started surrounding the other without looking aside.

"What can I say? I seem to know what the Dragon Warrior needs." Ju's eyes gleam with amusement as she continued. "And I'm ready to give him everything he needs…and apparently, for his reactions…everything he wants."

The suggestive comment was followed by Ju's licking her lips, chuckling as Tigress glared at her.

"Stay away from him."

Ju scowled at Tigress, "You're very wrong if you think I'm gonna stay away from him. Not even your stinking smell on him would stop me. Besides…you should know it would take more than your smell to claim him as yours."

"What are you planning this time, Ju?" Tigress stopped pacing and stood facing the cheetah. "I warn you, I won't let you hurt him only to get to me."

Ju grinned then started laughing, "Oh, gods…are you nervous, Tigress?" Tigress growled menacingly to Ju but the cheetah's smile only grew.

"Or maybe you're afraid?" Ju tilted her head in contemplation. "What would the Dragon Warrior said if he ever finds out what kind of monster are you. What kind of horrible and despicable monster you can become…"

Tigress was now trembling in pure rage, Ju just smiled. "Maybe, you aren't nervous, Tigress…Maybe you're afraid the Dragon Warrior discovers the true about you."

"I'm not afraid." Said Tigress through gritted teeth . "I would never be afraid of a weakling like you."

Ju's eyes narrowed, twinkling dangerously as the cheetah moved forward. "Oh, you will be, Tigress. Don't worry; soon you will realize you are the weakling and that I surpassed you a long time ago."

There was a moment of silence only interrupted by Shika announcing another challenged. Ju straightened up, shooting a smile at Tigress.

"A long time ago I told you I will have what is rightfully mine." Tigress lifted a single eyebrow while Ju continued. "Now, I reiterated my promise. I will take from you what you stole from me, but you want to know the better part of this?"

"What is it?" Ju smirked walking forward and turning her back to Tigress.

"This time around I won't stop until I have smashed to pieces your body, your spirit…and your heart." Ju chuckled while walking way. "See you tonight, Master Tigress."

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