Chapter Three: The Second Ball

Two days after that royal tiger showed up messengers from the Jade Palace were putting up signs. People flocked to them like moths to light. Po seeing a huge crowd forming decided to see himself what was the big attraction. "Excuse me, pardon me," Po said as he walked into the middle and came to a sign.

Citizens of the Valley of Peace

I, Shifu Grandmaster of the Jade Palace have decided to host another ball. Wear anything nice if you can. All people rich or poor can come. Food and entertainment will be provided. It shall be held next week on a Friday so hope you all can come.

Sincerely,

Grandmaster Shifu

Po was in awe when he read that. Another ball would be happening next week. Maybe he would see that tiger girl from the last time. Growing excited he ran to his dad's noodle shop. "Dad, I need to ask you something," Po said bursting into the restaurant.

"Po, what is the matter son? Is there another noodle shop opening?" Mr. Ping asked in a worried tone.

"What no, Grandmaster Shifu is hosting another ball next week on a Friday. Can I go? Please, please," Po asked. He was 26 years old but he still had to follow his dad's rules.

"Well Po, I don't know Saturday morning is our busiest day and the ball won't end till midnight," Mr. Ping said.

"Please dad, I was back before midnight last time. I really have to go I met someone at the ball," Po said.

"You did that is great news in that case you can go but remember be back before midnight so we can sell more noodles Saturday morning," Mr. Ping said smiling. He was so happy his son met someone at the ball and could not stand in the way of true love.

"Thank you dad, I promise to be back before midnight," Po said and ran into the kitchen to make more soup whistling a happy tune. The week flew on by and Tigress was growing anxious soon the ball had arrived. She decided to wear a dress since her panda friend wore something nice. She wore a gold dress that was pretty simple for she liked simple things. It had short sleeves and she was able to wear her gold sandals.

"What is his name?" Viper asked, a green snake wearing purple flowers on her head.

"I don't know but he is a panda and that is all I know. Please don't say anything to the guys, I know Crane won't say anything but Monkey and Mantis are different and I can't get into trouble for knocking them out again," Tigress said softly.

"Don't worry your secret is safe with me have a good time with your mystery panda," Viper said giggling. The ball took place and Tigress looked all around but did not see her panda. Many men asked her to dance but she declined and soon slipped away to the Peach Tree hoping she would find him there.

"Oh there you are I was hoping I would see you again," said a familiar voice. Tigress turned to see the panda from before wearing a black mask but looked like he was wearing a black tux.

"I was hoping I would find you here too," Tigress admitted.

"Sorry I ran off earlier I had to be home to help my dad later in the morning," he said rubbing the back of his head. Tigress couldn't help but smile he looked so darn cute.

"It is okay my father is pretty demanding too," Tigress said. "Hey I didn't quite catch your name what is it?" she asked stepping closer to him.

"Oh my name is Po," he said smiling his charming smile. "What is your name?" he asked.

Tigress was too afraid to tell him but since Po didn't know much about the Leader of the Five she knew revealing her name would be safe. "My name is Tigress," she said smiling back.

"Tigress, that is a beautiful name," he said.

"Thank you Po, your name sure is cute," Tigress said. He blushed for he wasn't used to having girls call him cute or his name being cute. They sat near the Peach Tree gazing at the stars.

"Oh I forgot to mention that you look beautiful," Po said looking at her dress.

"Thanks a friend of mine picked it out," Tigress said.

"I made my outfit sorry again about the mask I was afraid I would run into one of the Five and this keeps me confident," Po said chuckling.

If you only knew, Tigress thought with a grin. "You mentioned your dad, so do you live in another Valley?" Tigress asked.

"Oh no this may sound silly but I was adopted by a goose named Mr. Ping, he owns a noodle shop," Po said. He felt so calm around Tigress that he could tell her anything it seemed.

"So, you are a Noodle maker how interesting. You can cook as well?" Tigress asked.

"Yeah I can, I mean my dad taught me everything I know but people say I cook well," Po said. "What about you what do you do?" Po asked.

"Oh I uh fish with my dad, "Tigress said feeling bad that she lied to Po.

"Fishing is cool but where do you live I mean I know pretty much everyone in town but I don't remember any tigers in the village other than you," Po said.

"We live very far in the outskirts of town," Tigress said feeling even worse.

"Maybe I can visit you sometime," Po said.

"Sorry my dad is very strict," Tigress said.

"Hey it is fine, we can just hang out here for a while," Po said trying to make Tigress feel better.

"Po, I have a confession I lied to you. I am not the daughter of a fisherman but the daughter of," Tigress began. But before she could say anything Po got up for the bell was striking twelve again.

"I am sorry Tigress but I have to go. You can finish what you wanted to say to me tomorrow I will be at Mr. Ping's Noodle Shop," he said. "And I am not mad for you lying I am sure you have a good reason but I have to go hope to see you tomorrow," Po said and quickly dashed away. Tigress tried to chase after him but he disappeared.

"Okay Po the charade is over tomorrow I am telling you everything," Tigress said and returned to the Palace.

Author's Note: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter I would say one more chapter is in order and I should be done. Please review.