Shout outs:

crazy jaky: Finding Nemo rocks! Dori is awesome ^^.

HotdogInAPineappleWorld: As the guy that I am… I tend to agree with you. That is why I plan on having a lot of action in this story. Yet, you got to tug on the heart to make it memorable.

Whitee Foxclaw: Um…Eh… *Scratches the back of his head and looks around nervously* Thank you for the very kind words^^.

As for the others who reviewed: Thank you for taking the time to! It means a lot to me.

Also, make sure to check out RidingtheRoughWaters story: To Lose a Father. Especially if you are a monkey fan… Like me! ^^

A/N: I will have some words and phrases highlighted in bold within the story. Explanations of what those words and phrases are will be explained in the end of the chapter.

I do not own Kung Fu Panda, Dreamworks does.

Hope you enjoy. Let us begin.

Kung Fu Festival

Location Unknown, Xiong Shou Base Camp

Daylight arose over the jagged mountain peaks, shimmering through the dense fog upon the bivouacs. Morning drills were in effect, as the massive army assembled for armor and swords. Lord Johan's plan to rule China was well on its way, with ample new recruits who wanted a piece of glory filling the ranks; their diverse souls sought for blood felines, monkeys, crocodiles and rhinos. Amongst all the commotion, Lady Xia woke up from her slumber. She went ahead and retrieved her clothes and prepared for the day.

Her species was a South China Bengal Tiger, with beautiful orange fur, white underbelly, and intricate black stripes that covered most of her body. Her irises were crimson red, as yellow covered the rest of the oculars. She wore a long red dress, which had alluring black and gold lotus flowers designed on the front. A heart shaped golden locket hung around her neck and sat loosely on her white chest fur.

She walked to the second chamber of her tent, where the wolf guards stood watch over the young lioness overnight. Lady Xia spotted the sitting young feline in a crossed leg position with her eyes closed. The young lioness's chest rose and fell slowly, as her arms lay comfortably on her lap.

"Guards, please leave at once. You are no longer needed," Lady Xia instructed politely.

"But, Lady Xia, Diablo-"

Lady Xia interrupted with a stronger tone; "Excuse me. I know what Diablo instructed you to do. He informed me about this young one. I can handle this myself, now go." Lady Xia waved her hands dismissively, causing the guards to nod in respect.

Abrea's ears perked up instinctively during the interaction. She is either quite idiotic, or very strong. I will behave… for now. Abrea then opened her eyes and gazed upon Lady Xia with an emotionless expression.

"Young one, I know that this is not a pleasant situation and I do not expect us to be friends. Yet, I would like a mutual respect between us. Will this be possible?" Lady Xia inquired, as she sat on a white mat by Abrea.

"Yeah, sure, I have been kidnapped against my will; my babysitter was killed in front of me, and I smell like yesterday's garbage. That is respecting me all right," Abrea growled, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

"Ah, yes, but that is not my doing. Also, do you think it would be wise… to hurt the only chance of you being comfortable this whole ordeal? Because-" Lady Xia sniffed the young lioness's aroma. "-you are correct in the odor your emanating. It is quite unpleasant."

Abrea glared at the aged tigress and accepted with a nod; "My name is Abrea."

"Hello there, I know you already know of mine. I saw your ears move," Lady Xia said with a light giggle; "Now for that bath, follow me please."

Lady Xia is very observant; she reminds me of my mom in a way. But, I also know behind my mom's soft exterior lies a beast that you do not want to cross. She is probably the same, Abrea winced covertly, as she followed the elder tigress.

"If you do not mind, how old are you young one? I am impressed with your resolve. Your mom has raised you well," Lady Xia asked, as she poured the bath water into the metal tub.

She is very polite and respectful; I guess I can let her know certain things about me. But I need to tread lightly. I still don't trust her, but maybe I can gain her trust enough to escape. Time to implement the give and take technique.

"Fourteen, as for the resolve, it is a lion thing…"

"Fourteen? Amazing, I noticed that you looked very unique; I have not seen a feline of your species in this region," Lady Xia replied observantly. She then turned and examined the young lioness; "Lions, huh? Interesting."

I think that is enough for today, I will let her open up to me if she wants. She is a brave little girl, or should I say young woman?

"I will leave you be, I just wanted to inform you that trying to escape is not wise. I will give you this freedom, but if you try to run… I will make sure the wolves are invading every piece of your privacy. I do have one request though," Lady Xia informed, as she waited for the young lioness's response.

Abrea nodded in agreement and responded coolly; "Depends on the request."

"I would like to play Xiangqi once a day. I never really have visitors. Do you know how to play?"

"Yes I do, unfortunately, my mother makes me play all the time; and sure, but like you said, we are not friends. So, please, no more questions."

"I respect your wishes and I look forward to playing you," Lady Xia replied with a small snicker, as she walked out of the bathing quarters. She is something else…

Abrea took off her attire and dipped slowly into the soothing warm bath. She sighed, looking up to the top of the tent with displeasure and fear in a trance-like state.

I hope you are okay, mother. I love you so much and I know you will be coming back for me. You promised me every time you left in the past that you would, and you never let me down. I will never admit it to them, for the pride of our race; we are lions! But, please come back soon; I am terrified. I want your arms around me again. I want to feel safe.

A tear then trickled from her sad, moistened eyes and plummeted discreetly into the pool of water she bathed in, as her mouth quivered in apprehension.

Valley of Peace, Jade Palace

High noon, the sun shined aglow over the valley. The town bustled with life, as the festival in honor of the kung fu legends was under way. Yet, the festival was not complete for it was missing its saviors, the most dignified warriors in all of China.

"Po… wake up, it is time to go," Tigress prodded Po's soft belly as he slept soundly. Abruptly, she began to wonder how it would feel to sleep on that comfortable ball of squishy gelatin.

Po rustled and began to mumble; "Mm… so beautiful…"

Tigress chuckled, but curiosity befell the feline, as she listened in to find out what he was dreaming about. She poked Po's belly one more time.

"I just want… to hug…"

Tigress anxiously leaned in with anticipation. I bet he is talking about me. She began to blush heavily, as she took a scan around the room to make sure nobody watched her girlish antics though embarrassing, she just couldn't help it.

*Poke*

"…makes me feel… warm… my lovely…"

Tigress knew what was about to be said; she confidently waited for her unorthodox interrogation tactics to pull through. Her face inched closer and closer; the dam of excitement was about to burst upon her heart. Here it comes. Po is about to admit he likes me! I am so delighted.

*Poke*

"… bean buns."

What the frick!

Anger and embarrassment befell the feline; blood boiled to a breaking point, as her right eyebrow twitched uncontrollably. Tigress pulled back her paw as far back as she possibly could; she made sure that adequate momentum would be reached. Greatly displeased, she growled and unleashed the wraith of doom upon the unsuspecting panda's head. The force of the hit was so great, that Po tumbled uncontrollably a few feet from her.

"Wake up, you idiot! I can't believe this guy," Tigress bellowed, as she stormed out of the room, yelling blasphemes towards bean buns.

"Ow! Huh? What happened?" Dazed with a blurred vision, Po tried to figure out what transpired. The panda stumbled to his feet, as he balanced carefully with his paw on the wall.

Monkey heard the commotion and walked into Po's room; he cautiously avoided Tigress's death march out of the dormitories. "What the heck happened, Po?"

"I-I have no idea. One second I was dreaming about bean buns and then, suddenly, I felt like I was hit by one of Shen's cannon balls," Po winced in pain, as he rubbed the back of his aching head.

Monkey laughed loudly, smacking Po in the arm playfully; "That was one heck of a love tap, brother!"

"Yeah, whatever, Monkey."

Monkey caught his breath and continued; "Anyways, I got a plan to get you and Tigress alone. I think Viper is going to hang out with Crane at the festival, so that leaves Mantis and I. So, I am going to find a way for us to separate."

Thanks to talking to Viper about Tigress and Po. Now I can team up with her and get these two guys alone, Monkey mischievously contemplated.

"I don't know, Monkey-"

"Make it happen, Po; one life, one chance, no what ifs," Monkey interrupted with a wide smirk, patting Po's large shoulders with his hand.

Po sighed, "You're right. Thanks, buddy."

Po and the Furious Five walked down the heap of stairs and towards the energetic village, excited to finally have some enjoyment. Tigress already forgave Po and was stealing glances at him, as Crane showed off his new hat to everyone. It was a black straw hat with red calligraphy; the characters meant 'pure air'. Finally, they reached the bottom of the steps, gawking in amazement of what they observed.

A booming crowd stood in front of the warriors, as a blustering cheer rang out in celebration of their arrival. Confetti trickled from the heavens, as fireworks masked the afternoon blue skies with beautiful hues of red, purple and orange. Posters, stuffed animals, masks and costumes of the defenders encompassed the streets, so abundantly that the most humbled would shine with pride. Game booths, multiple concessions and other forms of entertainment pleased the villagers during the festival.

Viper scouted within the festival for a distraction. She spotted a calligraphy booth, which caused her grin to instantly widen in victory. She remembered her brilliant plan, as she looked up to Crane with soft eyes.

"Hey, Crane, would you like to go with me to check out that booth?" Viper directed and she slithered next to her target, letting out a slight giggle.

"Heck yes! I want to see if they have any new ink," Crane said enthusiastically.

Viper then walked along him, turning her head to Tigress with a smirk. "Later guys, we will catch up later."

Mantis perched on top of Monkey's shoulder. A look of mischievousness immediately painted across Monkey's face, as the primate was reminded of his deceitful plan. Monkey associated with Mantis very well, and there was one thing he liked more than stuffing his face. "Mantis, I heard rumors that they have these women called belly dancers from unknown lands performing at the Jade Terrace Bar; we have to check that out."

Mantis looked up at Monkey and his jaw collapsed; his mouth began to water profusely. "You serious? That is badass. Po, you coming with us?" Mantis inquired, as he shifted to look back at the panda.

"Uh, No thanks; I'm kind of hungry, actually. I'll pass."

"Okay, your loss, big guy. Let's do this, Monkey."

Monkey nodded eagerly. He then looked back at Po with a huge grin, winked and gave him two thumbs up.

Tigress peered off into the distance nervously, as she began to rub her arm awkwardly. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I need to gain my composure immediately. I am acting like a flustered teenager around her new- Before Tigress finished her thoughts, a soft black paw grabbed her wrist and yanked her into the crowd.

"Follow me, time to have a blast, Tigress! Wahoo!" Po cheered excitedly, as he brought her to the nearest concession stand.

Tigress gave a warm smile while she watched her fluffy friend ask for some Mantou. Never mind, I have a feeling this will be perfect.

After Po and Tigress satisfied themselves with some delicious treats, they walked past a game booth for arm wrestling competitions. Amongst the prizes that could be won, a large fluffy stuffed animal caught Tigress's eyes. A big black and white panda plushy, almost as large as Monkey, slouched against the booth's wall. She smiled warmly and giggled on how Po like it was. The unintentional expressions of the feline did not go unnoticed by Po; he instantly jumped on the opportunity to impress his friend.

"Who do I have to beat to get the panda toy?" Po whispered with confidence in the bunny's ear behind the counter.

"Oh, that prize? You have to beat El Toro Grande."

"Sure, let's go! Bring it on; I'm ready. Oh, holy shi"

Po instantly became silent when he saw the massive beast. The large creature walked out of the tent and sat at the arm wrestling table. Po stood there in shock, as he examined his opponent. It was a beast that looked similar to Master Storming Ox, but slightly larger. He had dark, black fur, with void like, black eyes. His body was enormous especially his bulging arms with two large pale, white horns that curved in above his face. A bulky silver ring in the competition's nostril, it dangled above his lips, moving when the beast breathed. His black slacks seemed tight on his body, as if they would rip if any wrong movements were made.

Tigress gazed upon the creature, bewildered that something could be bigger than the gorillas she has battled in the past.

"Po, you don't hav-"

"You deserve the best, Tigress; I got this," Po interrupted with his signature grin.

I deserve the best? Nobody has ever said that to me. He is such a sweetheart. That grin of his – No point in arguing now. I know his mind is made up; I better motivate him. Tigress gazed at Po earnestly, and then smacked his back to pump him up; "Okay then, take him down!"

"Get ready to feel the thunder!" Po yelled, as he took a seat in front of his rival.

"Pathetic, you have no chance," The beast snorted; he then stuck out his hoof for Po to grab.

The small bunny placed his hand on the opponents' intertwined appendages. "When I lift my hand and say go, the competition begins. The first person to pin the opponent's arm on the table, wins."

A large crowd assembled around the spectacle to watch the epic competition that was about to begin. The adversaries' stares pierced through each other; the bicep and forearm muscles tensed and flexed in anticipation. Sweat began to trickle down Po's forehead, as he prepared for the intense challenge. The bunny's grip on the hands became weaker. It was just a matter of time till-

"Go!"

They grunted with muscle spasms and flexes and the sound of bones crackling. The two opponents battled courageously. Sweat poured from their bodies; they breathed heavily. Po began to lose ground. Sharp pains were sent up his arm, and his cheeks puffed with blood rising to his head, as he tried to survive with every fiber of his being. The crowd cheered Po on, trying to motivate their defender of China.

"Go, Dragon Warrior! You can do it!"

"You the man, Po!"

"Don't give up!"

Po's arm inched closer to the wooden table; his fur almost grazed the surface. The beast grinned, arrogantly thinking he was about to be victorious; "Nice try, tubby."

Oh you shouldn't have said that. Skadoosh, Tigress thought with a minor smirk.

"Who you calling tubby? I'll show you tubby!"

Po shivered with anger and gave a low growl; eyes burning with determination. With tremendous force, Po threw the opponent's arm into the wooden surface, shattering the table in half. He then immediately rose from his seat, staring down at the beast with a triumphant smirk.

The bunny stood there paralyzed, shocked that his prized champion was defeated. He reluctantly grabbed the large prize and dragged it to Po. Tigress grabbed Po's wrist and threw his arm in the air in victory. A large cheer rang across the concourse, as they clapped and whistled for the Dragon Warrior.

"I believe this is yours;" Po handed the large plush panda toy to Tigress with a smile.

Without time to react, Po was embraced with a tenacious hug from her. After the initial shock, he relaxed and hugged her back tightly, as her jasmine scented fur enticed his senses. He couldn't believe it, their first real hug together.

"Thank you, Po, nobody has ever done something like this for me before," Tigress said happily, as her cheek rested on his thick neck.

Tigress enjoyed the warm, soft arms around her, not wanting to let go, but suddenly backed off with a heavy blush of embarrassment. She realized that she hugged Po in front of the crowd. She gathered herself, pulled down Po's shoulder and leaned in to whisper into his ear.

"Let's get out of here."

Po nodded in agreement and pulled Tigress out of the crowd, ignoring the comments from the group about the moment they just witnessed.

Time flew by for the two warriors as the played games, ate more snacks, and laughed hysterically at the costumes people were wearing. Dusk fell and passed, as the lamps and lights illuminated the night sky in a beautiful arrangement of colors. Fireworks continued to be shot into the air, as they brightly flashed alluring designs.

"We have to do one more thing tonight. I want to show you something Tigress," Po said with a smirk.

"Of course, but remember we have to be back before curfew, Po," Tigress reminded.

"Okay, Master Shifu," Po teased, as he grabbed Tigress's wrist gently.

They walked down a winding path in the dense forest. Tigress was not familiar with this location, so she went up to Po and asked, "Where are we going, Po?"

"You'll see; not much farther."

A large field clearing gaped in front of Tigress; her eyes instantly widened in astonishment. She dropped the panda stuffed toy on the ground, mouth opened in shock. She examined the gorgeous scenery in front of her.

An alpine waterfall flowed precipitously between the asperous cliffs, as the water crashed into the rocks below, creating a dense mist. The river sparkled beautifully from the stars and moon in the sky, with lush green grass that surrounded it. The smell of lilies filled her nostrils; patches of them were spread around the field.

"Po, how did you find out about this place? It is phenomenal."

Po chuckled and sat on a flat, long rock that was fastened into the ground. "I came here all the time when I was little. I was made fun of a lot in school. They use to call me stupid and fat when they picked on me. So, when I used to get bummed out, I'd come here and relax. It's like my sanctuary, I guess."

A slight sadness tugged on Tigress's heart; she didn't realize how much Po was ridiculed. She then scolded herself for all the times she called him a big fat panda in the past. She sighed and took a seat by Po, as she kept her gaze upon the brilliant moon.

"I am sorry to hear that, Po."

"No worries; it's all in the past you know?" Po responded with a grin, putting his paw up dismissively.

Tigress gave a small sincere smile. "When I was a little girl. I went to the Bao Gu Orphanage. People use to call me a monster; nobody wanted to adopt me or play with me, so I can relate to the loneliness."

Tigress quickly frowned, as she tried to hold back the affliction that consumed her over the years.

"Yeah, but look at you now! You're, like, the greatest, hardcore master in all of China. You're awesome. You're… beautiful. You hear me, Valley of Peace! Tigress rocks!" Po protested, as he put his arm around Tigress's shoulder playfully and shook his fist in the air. He then plucked one of the lilies off the ground and gently put it in her ear, making her blush slightly.

He examined her and let out an admiring sigh. "Perfect."

How did he know that I liked lilies? Beautiful? He thinks I am beautiful? Tigress smiled warmly, as all that pain she felt melted away.

Tigress looked up at Po. Jade green and crimson red eyes met one another. Their hearts began to beat faster, as the distance between them dwindled. They leaned closer, only inches apart from each other. Suddenly-

"I can't do this! I need to go!" Tigress blurted out nervously; she got up rapidly and ran down the path on all fours, leaving Po alone.

What the heck was that?

Po sat there, confused, and tried to process everything that just happened. He sighed gloomily and kicked the dirt in grievance. After he rose to his feet, Po grabbed the plush panda toy and wistfully walked to the village. Pain swelled in his heart, so he decided to go locate a gift for Master Shifu to get his mind off things. Well there goes a perfect day.

Tigress didn't stop until she arrived at her room, opening the entryway - making a loud noise as it slammed. She panted heavily and her muscles burned. She collapsed on her bed and growled angrily. She couldn't believe it; she abandoned Po. She wanted to kiss him passionately. She wanted to be held in his warm embrace. Everything was perfect, but when she realized her feelings for Po were more than just a crush that she was falling in love she immediately felt fear; something she has not felt in her life since she was a cub, and it caused her to panic and run away.

I am scared. I have never been in love. What if he doesn't love me back? What if I am not good enough for him? What if I hurt him? What if something happens to him? I am pathetic, asking these questions of myself. What happened to the hardcore Tigress? The female who was not afraid of anything! This doesn't make sense. I am so sorry, Po... Tigress rambled endlessly in her mind, as she clenched her fists tightly.

Tigress roared into her pillow, trying to muffle the vexation she was having with her feelings. She apperceived what she had to do. There was one place that she was able to get rid of her frustrations. She rose from her bed and regained her composure. Tigress headed to the training room.

A/N: Thank you for taking your time to read the story! Post a review and let me know what you think.

The give and take technique: A technique taught to Abrea by Sheva. It is an assassin technique used to gain trust in order to get what you want in return.

Xiangqi: Chinese Chess

Mantou: The wonderful CKDrake informed me that this is considered a staple food. You learn something new everyday!

El Toro Grande: The Big Bull (Espanol)