Sorry I haven't been updating lately. This summer has been crazy for me. Thank you for the comments!

Chapter 4

During free play, Po sat all alone while the others all practiced their kung fu moves. Po had set up a table out of boards and mats that were used for kung fu. He had a bunch of bowls from lunch on the table and chopsticks. He had taken the bear punching bag and put it in front of the table.

Viper and Crane, feeling kind of sorry for the poor fellow, came over to him.

Viper: What cha' playin'?

Po: I'm playing noodle shop. Wanna play with me? We can all be chefs and take turns being the customers.

Crane and Viper looked at each other.

Crane: Uh… That's okay. We're just going to go practice some more. Bye.

Viper: Talk to you later, Po.

Po frowned and just decided to play by himself. He went up to the punching bag.

Po: Hello, sir. What can I get for you today?

The others watched from afar.

Viper: I feel kind of bad for Po.

Monkey: Me too.

Mantis: Me three.

Tigress: It's kind of pathetic if you ask me.

Tai Lung: Who is he kidding? A panda can't be a kung fu warrior. He should know that. I'll bet you a million-gazillion dollars that he doesn't come back tomorrow.

Monkey: I don't know, Tai Lung. He seems pretty contident to me. Er- con-fi-dent.

Tai Lung: Monkey! Just look at him! Warriors don't play!

Tigress looked down looking kind of guilty. Tai Lung noticed and swiftly turned over to her.

Tai Lung: What, Tigress? You want to play with toys too?

Tigress shot back at him.

Tigress: NO! You're right. Warriors don't play.

The next day, Po excitedly raced to the school.

Mr. Ping: Po! Are you really sure you want to go to the class again? I thought you said the other kids weren't treating you nice.

Po: Yeah, Daddy, but I thought that if I got there real early, then I would have time to practice before the others get here.

Po rushed in and saw Tai Lung hanging upside down from one of the ropes.

Tai Lung: You're here early. Sheesh. Everyone seems to be showing up at weird times today. For once I beat Tigress. She's usually the first one to get here. I don't know why she always has this thing where she has to get here before me. That's why I finally decided to show up super duper early! She's also always the last one to leave.

Po: I wonder why Tigress always wants to show up before you.

Tai Lung: Isn't that what I just said?

Po was sure wishing that Tai Lung wasn't there. There went his chance to practice. Of all the students, it had to be Tai Lung. He knew that Tai Lung would be the one that would laugh at him the most if he had practiced.

After awhile, Tigress showed up. While Tai Lung was busy doing flips and kicks, Po sat there quietly when he noticed Tigress holding something. It looked like a stuffed animal tiger. A really cute and cuddly- looking one at that. She had turned to face the wall, but Po could tell she was hugging it really tight. He watched as she slipped it into her locker and turned around.

Tigress' eyes widened as she noticed the panda sitting there. She knew Tai Lung was there and knew his back was turned, but she hadn't noticed Po quietly sitting in the corner, watching her.

Po: Tigress, is that why you always want to show up early and leave late? Just so you can hide that you like to play with dolls?

Tigress: How did you know when I come and go?

Po: Tai Lung told me.

Tigress: Well, it's none of your beeswax!

Po: But I thought you said warriors don't play with-

Tigress slapped her paw over his mouth.

Tigress: Yeah? So what! Just swear not to tell anyone, or else you'll be very sorry.

Po nodded.

Tigress put her paw down.

Po: Just tell me this. Why?

Tigress sighed.

Tigress: I can't believe I'm telling you- of all people. Okay. I love that doll. Her name is Tigerlilly. I take her everywhere with me, but in a backpack or bag, never anywhere you can see it. I bring her to school and hide her in my locker for good luck. I can't tell anyone, especially Tai Lung because you know, warriors don't play. That answer your question.

Po: Mm-hmm.

Tigress: Good. Remember, don't tell a single soul!