A/N: Yeah… This is my 'get-rid-of-writer's-block-story. I'll only update it when I feel like it. But… Yeah… You know, when I come up with something, I just have to do it.

And I want to thank my number one fan NJ7009! Seriously, she helped me with all the words that I am going to use and they have now been decided! All the way from A to Å (Danish letter; the last one)! Thanks!

I do not own Kung Fu Panda.

Stripes of a Tiger
Adventure

"This is the Jade Palace," Shifu said as they finally reached the top of the stairs. Tigress was quietly following him; the many steps had made her tired.

But her golden eyes widened when she saw what was lying in front of her. A palace… In the last years she had not even dared to believe that she would live in a house. That she would get out of the orphanage…

And now she was here.

Either she was just incredible lucky… Or maybe she truly deserved this happiness.

Little Tigress was pulled out of her thought as she suddenly saw the old turtle that was standing at the entrance, waiting for them. Her mouth dropped as she realized who it was.

Master Oogway was smiling gently to her, but then turned his eyes to Shifu. "I see you have brought a new face with you home."

Shifu nodded. "Yes, I…" He then noticed how Tigress was standing some steps behind her, obviously a bit scared of meeting the Grandmaster. With a light scowl, the red panda quickly shoved her forward with his staff. "This is Tigress."

Remembering her manners, Tigress quickly bowed and remained in that position.

Oogway leaned closer to her. "Hello, little one."

Tigress blushed slightly but remained quiet. Shifu looked from her to Oogway, then sighed. "Tigress, please try and explore the palace. I will join you soon, but first I have to discuss something very important with Master Oogway."

Tigress nodded, though, she was still a bit unsure about entering those mighty halls alone.

But Shifu's hand told her to go. "But do not touch anything," he suddenly said. "We have a lot of fragile things."

"Yes, Shifu," she said, before walking closer to the buildings, leaving the two masters alone. She knew that Shifu had not meant it on that way; they both knew that her training had helped her a lot. But still, she could not help but wonder if the comment truly was directed towards her mistakes.

But as she opened the doors that led into a big hall, she understood that the comment was meant for everyone. When she looked around, she could see vases, all kind of weapon, paintings… All important and precious things, all having something to do with Kung Fu and the masters that were using it.

"Wow…" the cub said, not being able to be quiet about how impressed she was. In the end of the room was a little pool and Tigress, curious as she was, could not help but touch the surface with her paw.

Another tiger cub was smiling to her, and Tigress stared back at it. That was when she saw the dragon in the reflection. Looking up, she saw the same dragon, and also the scroll was there.

What did it mean? Was did the scroll say?

And most important; why was the scroll in the ceiling?

Tigress, who had used most of her life in the orphanage, did not know much about Kung Fu's history. But understanding that she would never be able to reach it, Tigress decided to leave the room. Right now, she was sure she would have much time to spend here in the future.

The next hall was… different. No expensive vases… But there were weapons. "The training hall…" she said softly, as she realized it.

But when she understood the sight, her stomach suddenly twisted. What she saw in front of her was not dominoes. There were clubs with spikes, dummies with spikes, rings with spikes…

Tigress gulped. Going from dominoes to such things that were was not easy.

When would she ever be able to do any of this?

Eyes setting on what she recognized as a big turtle-formed bowl, Tigress walked forward. What was this? Remembering one of the few tricks Shifu had taught her, the cub quickly jumped up to land on the bowl's edge.

Looking down, she started to scowl as realized that nothing was inside. And she had been so excited…

"Tigress?"

Not expecting someone to call her name, Tigress body tensed up in shock and after a second she fell forwards, losing her balance. "Whoah!" She landed heavily, but quickly got up on knees and elbows.

"Tigress?" the voice called again, closer this time.

Tigress now recognized it, and exclaimed happily, "Shifu!" As she tried to jump out of the bowl, she only lost her balance again, and her face kissed the bottom of it again.

Hearing her angry hiss, Shifu chuckled for himself. "I see you have found the Jade Tortoise of Wisdom."

Scowling, Tigress walked backwards, her body crouching down. She then ran forwards, pushing her body against the round wall of jade. It worked. The big bowl became unbalanced and as it tipped over, Tigress came stumbling out.

She stopped rolling exactly in front of Shifu's feet and she looked up from the ground to meet his eyes. "I'm sorry…" she muttered quickly, before rolling over to get up on her feet.

Shifu held up a hand to stop her apologies. "You came out; that's the important."

Tigress looked back to the big bowl. "I hope there exists another way to get out of it…" she muttered, not wanting to do what she just had done again. One time was enough.

"This is the training hall," Shifu said, and Tigress looked around for the second time. "But," the red panda said, "We will first start your training tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Tigress asked breathless. "But, Shifu, I-"

Once again, he held up a hand to stop her. "You will manage it. And we will of course start with something on your level."

"Something without spikes?"

"Probably."

Taking in a deep breath, Tigress said, "Okay." She could do that. The start was always the worst, right?

"And from now on, Tigress, you will call me 'Master' as you are now my student."

"Yes, Shi… Master Shifu," she quickly corrected herself.

He nodded and then started to walk out of the hall. Tigress followed him, unsure of what else she could do. "What now?" she asked him quietly. "Master," she quickly added.

"I will show you your room," he answered her as they walked towards the barracks.

"My room?" she asked, surprised. Was she really going to…? Yes, of course she was. But the thought of having a whole new room still surprised her a bit.

Shifu nodded again and led her further into the hallway. To both of her sides were many paper doors, and she started to wonder which of them belonged to the room that would be hers.

Her master stopped and she did the same. He then pushed one of the doors open, and stepped back so she could look.

With mouth agape, Tigress walked closer. This was not like the orphanage at all. This room was lighter, clean.

Not broken.

There were only a bed and a little dresser, but Tigress could not be more amazed.

She looked back at Shifu to see if it was truly real, and he nodded, wearing a small smile. "And I can stay?" she asked, as if she could not believe it.

"Yes, the Jade Palace will now be your home, and I am sure that you will bring it honor."

She stared at him, until her face changed into one big grin. "Thank you," she said.

Shifu looked surprised, mildly shocked, as he had not expected that reaction. "Uhm… I…" He cleared his throat. "I believe dinner will soon be ready. Let's go to the kitchen."

She murmured a 'yes' and walked with him out of the barracks. Seeing how he had placed his hands behind his back, she did the same.

"And if you have any questions, then remember to ask them," her master said.

"Okay."

There was silence in a while until,

"Shifu? I mean; Master?"

"Yes."

"Where's the bathroom?"

A/N: And here is the first chapter of this collection. I hope you like it, because you will soon get more.

Next letter; B. Word; Battle.