The Lion and The Tigress
2 hours passed before Leo finally started to regain consciousness in the cave he dragged himself and Tigress to.
While his eyes were still shut, Leo: I feel like crap. What happened? Oh right I jumped off the cliff with Tigress. I'm never doing that again. Oh no Tigress, where is she, is she alright? I need to make sure…. As Leo tried to sit up and he felt a soft paw on his chest pushing him back down before opening his eyes to find Tigress sitting beside him.
Softly, Tigress: Relax Leo. You were able to drag us to a safe place so you should rest while you can. I don't know how long they come after us.
Lying back down, Leo: That Yak probably thinks we died when I jumped off that cliff. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees us live.
Leo chuckles before noticing bandages covering his body and a pile of 10 bloody arrows.
Shocked, Leo: You treated my wounds? Thanks. Noticing Tigress spaced out expression, So even after taking multiple arrows, cuts and falling from a cliff they still couldn't kill us. They are insanely terrible at being bandits.
In a low tone, Tigress: Why did you protect me? It was my fault for being distracted during the battle so why? You could've defeated all of them with ease but instead you protected me and almost got yourself killed? You should've…
Leaning up to place a paw on Tigress's shoulder, Leo: It's going to take much more than that to kill me so don't worry about it. I protected you because I wanted to. I wasn't going to leave you unprotected just so I could beat up a bunch of weaklings. I've been through worst training with my brothers, and you bandaged me up so we're even. All that matters is that we're both alive. Seeing Tigress is still upset, Beside you couldn't help but get distracted when someone like me is on the battlefield. I'm a true sight to behold.
Shaking her head as a small grin formed on her face, Tigress: I can't believe I might be developing feeling for this idiot. With the tension gone Tigress punched Leo in the chest sending a wave pain through his body.
Falling down tossing and turning Leo: Oh my god! What the hell! That hurt way worse than the arrows and swords.
Concerned about Leo's wounds, Tigress leaned over to check on him only to be grabbed by Leo. When the two finally stopped rolling around Tigress had once again pinned Leo to the ground. As they stared into each other's eyes Leo and Tigress begun to draw closer to one another until their lips finally met.
As they lied beside each other, Tigress: Can I ask you something?
Leo: Sure anything?
Tigress: Where did you learn kung fu? I've met a lot you masters over the years but never anyone like you or with your style.
Looking up at the cave ceiling, Leo: I grew up on the eastern coastal region of China with my elder brothers and we all developed our fighting styles. I never knew my parents and grew up an orphaned on the street surviving anyway I could. My eldest brother found me when I was trying to fight off some cros trying to kill me and brought me to a house where I met my 2 other brothers. He said I had potential like them and I started training. It wasn't long before I started developing my own kung fu style. After staying with us for short period of time he had to return to his temple but left us with plenty of scroll to learn from and help us with our training. I don't remember much about my eldest brother but I remember training with him and his words of encouragement.
Tigress: Your brother sounds a great guy. He must be an amazing fighter if you were able to develop this well. I would love to meet and spar against him.
Lean up as with anger starting to fill his eyes Leo: I would too but I will never get a chance to see him again or show him how far I have progressed. He was killed a few months ago somewhere in the western region of China. As soon as I heard the news I left my home in order to track down his killer and avenge my brother but I shouldn't have left so quickly. I never actually knew where my brother came from and in my rage I forgot to ask.
Placing her paw on Leo's shoulder, Tigress: I'm sorry for your lost. I live in the western region of China so after we defeat these bandits I can help you take down your brothers killer. We can visit my home and see if my master has any leads that can help us. Fair warning, my master might try to stop you from seeking revenge.
With his anger subsiding, Leo: Sounds like a plan but let's just keep the avenging my brother a secret from your master than. What about you? What are you doing out here and who taught you how to fight?
Tigress: Similar to you I was an orphan. When I was a young cub I lived in an orphanage but being the only tiger in the region and stronger than everyone the other children and adults feared me. Eventually I met my master who he taught me how to control my strength and instincts so I wouldn't hurt anyone. He soon believed I had potential and adopted me. I've been training ever since.
Chuckling, Leo: Well that explains why you're so stiff when you fight and that uptight attitude of yours.
Pressing down on one of Leo's wounds, Tigress: What was that?
In pain, Leo: I'm sorry! I was just kidding.
Smiling, Tigress: As for being out here, I was told by my master that there was a group of bandits attacking the villages in this region and I needed to stop them. He also felt it was a good opportunity for me to improve my solo combat skills since fighting in a unit for so long has dulled my skills and after fighting you he was definitely right.
Nuzzling against Tigress causing her to purr, Leo: I guess I should thank these bandits then because not only do I get to let off some steam and help to take down my brother's killer but I was able to meet you.
Leo and Tigress share another kiss before falling asleep exhausted from fighting all night and nearly dying.
As the moon illuminated the forest Leo was awoken by the sounds of a small group of bandits searching for him and Tigress. Quietly waking up Tigress, the pair prepared to capture and interrogate the group. With the stealth predators are known for, Leo and Tigress silently and swiftly knocked out all of the bandits leaving only one conscious. The lone bandit trembled in terror as he watched a pair of glowing red and amber eyes slowly approaching him growling in the darkness.
Grabbing the bandit by the neck, Leo: Now where is your base?
Scared for his life the bandit gave Tigress and Leo the location of the base before being knockout by Leo. Upon reaching the hideout Tigress noticed that security was weak possible due to the fact they were believed to be dead.
Stopping Leo from charging in, Tigress: You should sit this out. You're still hurt and I can handle this alone.
Laughing, Leo: Please, I'm definitely going in. I owe those bandits a lot of payback for shooting arrows at me and for all these wounds.
Sighing, Tigress: Well the Yak is mines then. At least agree to that.
Leo: What! No fair but fine he's all yours. That leaves the henchmen for me. Looking toward the bandit's base, Time to have a little fun Tigress.
As Tigress looked away for a slight second, Leo grabbed her by the chin, kissing her and bolting off toward the hideout.
Releasing a loud roar while breaking into the hideout, Leo: Come out and fight you cowards.
All Tigress could do was shake her head and smile as she charged in behind Leo. As Leo laid waste to all the bandits and destroyed the hideout the Boss hearing things weren't going well tried to escape. Turning down the wrong hallway The Boss ran right into Tigress and Leo finishing off the last of the bandits.
Taking her stance, Tigress: I told you before, you're going to jail. Now prepare yourself.
Smiling, Leo: Oh this is going to be fun to watch.
No longer holding back and letting her instincts take over Tigress effortlessly battered The Boss. As if fighting a cub, Tigress easily dodged all of the Boss's attacks while landing every kick and strike she threw. Knocking off one of his horns Tigress kicked The Boss across his face and sent flying across the room.
Bloody and beaten, Boss: Please stop, I give…I give up….. Please have mercy.
Stopping her assault, Tigress: You're pitiful.
As Tigress turned to walk away, The Boss pulled out a dagger hoping to stab Tigress while her back was turned but Tigress turned prepared to counter. Angered at the cowardly attack, Leo blew pass Tigress striking The Boss in the chest, sending him flying into the wall and knocking off his other horn. Completely dazed by the impact The Boss watched as a dark figure with unsheathed claws approached him filled with bloodlust.
Grabbing The Boss by the neck, Leo: Did you really think that would work?
Crying, The Boss: Please have mercy.
Growling, Leo: Sorry but I'm not as merciful as she is but allow me to put you out of your misery.
Terrified at the idea of Leo ending his life The Boss passed out as Leo's arm swung toward him.
Running over and grabbing Leo's paws, Tigress: Leo enough, he isn't worth it.
Dropping The Boss on the ground and looking at Tigress, Leo: Fine.
Folding her arms, Tigress: You know I could have stopped him.
Chuckling, Leo: I know but I remember saying I was going to knock one of his horns off so I had to keep my word. Besides it would've been wrong of me to leave him looking weird with just one horn after you knocked the other one off.
Tigress smiled as Leo walked away to start tying up the bandits.
Before following Leo, Tigress: I have never sensed so much bloodlust in my life, not even from Tai Lung. Was he just reacting to the situation or was he really going to kill him?
Although worried about what just occurred Tigress decided to brush off the situation believing Leo was just trying to intimidated The Boss.
Having accomplished her mission and all the bandits on their way to prison Tigress and Leo headed back to the Valley of Peace. While walking and thinking of Leo's fighting ability Tigress suddenly remembered something. Pulling Leo in close as if to kiss him, Tigress used the act as a distraction and punched Leo hard in his side.
Bent over in pain, Leo: Again with the side! What was that for?
Smiling, Tigress: That was for letting me win during our sparring session.
Chuckling, Leo: So you figured out I let you win? I guess I deserve that but you better run because I'm definitely going to get you back for that.
Leo chased Tigress for a while before catching her and pinning her down. Leo nuzzles against her causing Tigress to purr before sharing a kiss.
On the mountain summit Panther and Cheetah overlook the Valley of Peace and the Jade Palace.
Cheetah: So that's the famous Jade Palace where Tai Lung grew up and mastered kung fu?
Panther: Yeah and this is also the place where he died. The same place that took him in, ended his life. In a low growl, Let's go say hello and hear what they have to say.
Panther and Cheetah displayed a menacing grin before they made their way down the mountain and into the Valley of Peace.