Tigress quickly turned her attention from the water to the bandits rushing off of the ship to her friends that were now well into the clearing. Most of them had made their way to the rapidly advancing warriors, and Tigress was quick to follow. She threw a savage elbow at the first crocodile that she met, who fell to the ground in a heap. The master tore her way through the bandits with a ferocity unmatched by any of the other animal styles.
The others were having little trouble dealing with Tai Lung's crew. Monkey was busy keeping two wolves at bay with his staff, landing dangerous strikes whenever the opportunity presented itself. Viper and Crane seemed to be working together in an effort to bring down a larger group of eight. Crane would fly in a circle around the group, ensuring that they were contained, while Viper wreaked havoc from the inside.
A pair of boars were thrashing uncontrollably, which could only be the work of Mantis. Po never ceased to find success in all things unorthodox, currently causing two of his opponents to fight one another as he dodged their attacks. Shifu was making quick work of several of the bandits using his staff as well.
When the dust had settled, several dozen bandits lay spread about the beachhead, and Tigress reunited with her comrades. Their greetings came as a torrent.
"Tigress! Thank the gods you're alive!" Viper managed to coil herself around the feline's leg, in her best attempt at a hug.
Crane's was the next voice she heard. "Thank the gods, you're okay. Where is that spotted son of a-"
Crane was cut off when Po rushed forward, knocking into him and embracing Tigress. "Tigress, are you alright? I was afraid that we'd lost you!"
Monkey managed to find his way into her line of sight after Po...detached himself. "Tigress,
I'm so sorry. I was out of position, I couldn't see what was happening. I take the blame for this, and I can never apologize enough."
Mantis appeared on Monkey's shoulder. "Tigress, I'm glad you're alright. Where did Tai Lung go?"
Shifu spoke only when the commotion had died down slightly. Tigress noted that when he spoke, he sounded...tense. Understandable, I suppose. He did just recently hear of his problem's survival. Still, the feeling that she felt at the sight of her father was different. How, she was unsure.
"Tigress, are you alright?" Seeing her nod, he sighed with relief. However, his face fell almost instantly. "Where is Tai Lung?"
Tigress took a quick breath. You can handle this. You can't afford not to, and neither can Tai. "I don't know. He's not on the ship, I searched it when I saw you all coming." She tried to put on a look of puzzlement. "Actually...we've been here since yesterday morning, but I haven't seen him since then." She was a bit disturbed by how easily the lie came, but she figured that it worked in her favor. Don't forget why you're doing this.
Shifu seemed to believe her story. Based on his reaction, she wasn't sure if that was a terribly good thing. "What? If he's been gone since then, he'll be long gone already! Why didn't you escape if Tai Lung had left?"
Tigress lowered her head. "Forgive me, Master. I was not aware that he was gone. Tai Lung left guards posted. I had no access to the upper deck to see what was occurring outside of the cabin he put me in."
Shifu looked her over, noticing something off about his daughter. She's tense. She was Tai Lung's prisoner, that's to be expected, I suppose. Still, she's been left with only these sub-par bandits for guards, and she didn't realize it?
He sighed, and looked out at the mess of bandits around them. "You're sure that you are alright, Tigress?"
"Yes, Master Shifu."
"Very good. Crane, fly to the nearest town and alert the guard of these bandits. Try and hire a few men to sail this ship to the Valley of Peace. The Jade Palace might have some need of it later." At Crane's bow and departure, Shifu turned back to Tigress. "Tigress, do you have any idea as to where Tai Lung might have gone?"
Where would you not go, Tai? Where can I send us to buy you a few days? The answer hit her, and she feigned horror. "The Valley. The Valley is undefended! He must have gone there, knowing that you would all be away. He has a day's lead on us!"
For two days, the masters of the Jade Palace scrambled to make their way back to the Valley of Peace before Tai Lung would arrive. They breathed a collective sigh of relief when they found everything as they'd left it. They were greeted warmly as they entered the center of the town by nearly everyone there. Not only were the warriors well liked, they were also rather reclusive. A sighting of all of them was a rare treat for many. Shifu led his students quickly to the Jade Palace, in an effort to plan for the presumed attack.
When they finally reached the barracks, Po set out to prepare a meal for the half-starved warriors. Shifu would waste little time. "Tigress, come with me please. We have much to discuss."
She bowed quickly and followed the red panda to the Hall of Warriors. He led her to the Moon Pool, and sat. He nodded at the floor next to him, indicating for Tigress to sit as well. She did, and he spoke. "Tigress, we haven't had a chance to speak since we found you. Are you certain that you are alright?"
Tigress met his concerned gaze. "Yes, Master. I'm fine."
He sighed with relief, and continued. "I am glad to hear you say that. Now, were you able to learn anything from your time there? Anything that might help us find who has been helping Tai Lung to survive?"
She hesitated, knowing the danger that the question held if not answered carefully. "Very little. He mentioned going north of the Valley after Po defeated him, but beyond that he spoke very little of his past."
Shifu nodded, seeming to accept her answer. He thought for a brief moment before speaking again. "Was he able to secure any information about the Palace, or the Valley?"
"No."
"Excellent. We must be prepared for him to arrive at any moment. The citizens must be ready to evacuate again, but they cannot learn of Tai Lung's survival."
Her father's reaction surprised Tigress. "Why wouldn't we alert them of the danger?"
"If they find out, it will cause a mass panic, which we cannot afford. The Valley of Peace is rarely threatened, and if the people of the Valley lose faith that we can protect them, they will leave. If they learn that Tai Lung survived the Dragon Warrior at his full strength, there is little hope for any of them if he comes here."
"If we cannot stop him, wouldn't it be better to warn the citizens?"
Shifu shook his head. "We can stop Tai Lung. The seven of us are stronger than ever before." He nodded at her with what was meant to be assurance. It only made Tigress' stomach turn. "I promise you, if Tai Lung returns, I will personally see to it that he does not survive."
After a moment in silence, Shifu rose. "You may go, I'm sure you're as hungry as the rest."
She bowed and turned to leave before remembering something that Tai had said on the ship. "Master, may I ask you something freely?"
He looked up at her with concern. "Of course, Tigress. What is it?"
She took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. "When Tai Lung was speaking with me, he mentioned that you didn't allow your students to read outside of the Jade Palace's library. He also said that I should ask you why that is."
Shifu's face fell from concerned to shocked, as his eyes grew wider. She noticed that he bit the inside of his lip nervously before he answered. "Well, the Jade Palace holds one of the largest collections in all of China! Besides, Oogway saw to its selection himself." His nerves seemed to fade as he spoke. "I only ask that my students read here because I know that this place holds the truth. Other materials contain falsities that are of little use to us."
Tigress nodded. "Thank you, Master Shifu. I'm not certain why I felt the need to ask." He was more sure of his answer when he was offering to sacrifice himself to Tai. Point snow leopard. But what could Shifu have to hide?
With one confused and the other flustered, they made their way back to the barracks for a hot meal.
He smiled at the prospect of a sparring match. But that would have to wait. They had another eight miles to cover that day, and stopping to fight would do them little good.
By nightfall, the three cats had set up their canvas tents and lit a small fire. After enjoying a light dinner of soup, the tigers took to opposite sides of Tai Lung. He never turned down the chance to take on a challenge, which the, albeit green, warriors on either side of him rarely failed to provide in their training.
When pitted against a master of Leopard Style, a tiger stood little chance. Leopard was designed to best Tiger in a fight between evenly matched fighters. Two tigers made for a more interesting match.
He was about to begin the fight, but Chéng beat him to it. "Ready, Spots?"
Tai smirked. "I'm already going to beat you, Chéng. You don't need to piss me off."
Hēi took the liberty of answering for him. "He's ready. Let's go!"
All three felines set their feet, with Tai Lung preparing to defend against two attackers. The tigers lunged at him simultaneously, but Hēi stumbled. Tai turned his attention to Chéng, before noticing that the other twin had stopped, and was looking past him. Tai Lung turned around to see Hēi stand, only to crumple to the ground.
He sat up, and ran his fingers through his fur. Seriously, twice in a few days? This is just getting cruel. Tai Lung stood, and made his way into the kitchen. It was before dawn, but Jiù was already up. He moved silently next to the cheetah. "I should go, before she wakes up."
The golden pelted feline turned, surprised by his sudden appearance. "Oh, right. You're sure about this Tai?"
"It's what's best for everyone. Besides, it's not like I'm leaving her on the doorstep. She'll have a better life here than I could ever give her. What about you? Are you sure you three want this?"
He nodded. "Absolutely. For you, and for her. Are you sure that I can't do anything to help you out?"
Tai smiled sadly, and grabbed his friend's shoulder. "You've done more for me than I could have ever asked for. I can never repay you for all of it. It would be a crime to ask for more."
The smaller cat returned the smile. "Don't forget, I said the same thing twenty-four years ago. I'm just paying the debt." He seemed to struggle to find his next words. "Am I going to see you again, Tai?"
"Last time you asked me that, I said no, but I spent last night in your guest room. I'm afraid to see what happens if I say yes."
Both men laughed softly, before shaking hands and parting ways. Tai Lung debated going back to see Yú one last time, but decided against it. This is hard enough as it is. No need to make it worse. He started on the dirt path leading south, alone.
After inhaling a second serving of Po's dumplings, Shifu made the announcement that there would be no training that day. He recommended that the students rest, and many did. After Tigress answered endless questions about Tai Lung from the rest of the Five and Po, most of which were less truth than lies, she decided instead to go down into the Valley.
There were only a few people that she had made a point of talking to in the past years. Only one of them would have been around three decades before then. Tigress found herself at Mr. Ping's shop during rush hour, but she managed to make her way to the counter. The goose was rushing about inside his kitchen, preparing dozens of dishes. He came to a halt when he noticed her. "Master Tigress, it's an honor! How can I help you?"
"It's nothing. I just needed to ask a question. Not a pressing matter, you're clearly very busy. Is it alright if I come back later?"
"Nonsense! I'm never too busy for a member of the Jade Palace! Please, come inside."
She was ushered into the kitchen as Ping placed a sign signaling a break. He led her to the back storage room. "So, what might I help you with?"
Tigress was a bit nervous to ask, for fear of the answer. You wanted the truth, and it's standing in front of you. " What do you know about the Zhang brothers?"
Ping raised an eyebrow. "What about them?"
"Anything would be helpful."
"Shifu didn't tell you about them?"
She shook her head.
"Oogway?"
She repeated the gesture.
"Curious. Nevermind, then. The Zhang brothers, let me think. Not very much, I'm afraid. They mostly kept to themselves. They trained under Master Oogway for a few years at the Jade Palace. Beyond that, I don't know very much."
Tigress sighed. She had hoped for a longer answer than that. An idea struck her. "Do you know how they might be related to Tai Lung's life?"
The goose seemed to sadden after her question. "Unfortunately, yes. Tai Lung murdered them."
