Chapter 10: Getting Closer

Dai awoke with a start. "Well… that was unexpected…" She had one dream during her sleep and it hadn't been a dream she had been expecting. "I need some air." She went down the stairs and walked into the main street. She heaved a sigh and ran her fingers across her scalp.

As she stood there, leaning against the wall, she held the necklace in her hand. Her magical singing ability had been put into it. She then considered where she would put it and, if needed, how to get it out again. She didn't need this overpowered ability. She just wanted to be, for once in her life.

"Like that would happen," she said with a sigh. She decided, though, that there was only one good place to keep it. The Jade Palace housed a collection of forbidden and sacred objects. It would be the perfect place for it. Having decided this, she made the climb up the mountain.

When she had sufficiently hidden it, she began making her way back, but stopped when she glanced at the barracks. It had been early afternoon the last time she had seen Po, yet she missed him. "I don't need anyone," she reasoned. But I want someone. She made her way to the kitchen and started brainstorming some ideas.

The following morning, Po and the rest of the masters awoke to the smell of food. Allured by the aroma, they went to the kitchen where Dai was putting the finishing touches on the meal. "Good morning," she greeted.

"Morning," they greeted.

They had a pleasant breakfast, with everyone talking and carrying on like they normally would. Dai felt appreciated to be accepted. Po nudged her and said, "I'm glad to see you're okay. You looked pretty drained yesterday."

"Yeah, well, a good bit of sleep was all I needed," she said.

"You should stay up here with us," said Po.

Everyone went quiet and Dai's ears went down, sensing the statement was not a mutual agreement. "She may stay," said Shifu, breaking the silence. Everyone else seemed on board with it and Dai sighed in relief.

"Thank you, masters, you have been so gracious to me. I am undeserving," said Dai, bowing.

"You've proven yourself to be honest and trustworthy. That seems deserving to me," said Tigress. Everyone else looked at her, surprised. It was rare for her to be vocally positive about something, even if it was true.

Later that day, Dai went back to the kitchen to cook dinner. Po found her and said, "You don't have to do that every time, you know. You're gonna make them forget what an awesome cook I am."

"I want to share in the responsibilities. I will, however, offer my ladle to you, mighty Dragon Warrior," said Dai.

"Was that sarcasm?"

"Maybe." Her eyes were playful and Po put an arm around her. She jumped at the unexpected contact.

Po pulled back. "Sorry to startle you. Have you never had anyone do that before?"

"It's just… been a while since someone thought about getting that close to me." Her face got hot as she remembered her dream. She shook her head to get it out of her mind.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, totally."

It was silent for a moment before Po said, "We could take turns making meals."

"That'd be cool."

"For now, is there anything I can do to help?"

"Sure."

Weeks passed by and it seemed as if any prejudice against Dai was nothing but a distant memory. She got along well and learned about everyone in the village. She had found a family bond that she had long since forgotten could exist among a people. More importantly, she trained with the other masters and helped out on some missions. She was never sent on a mission without Po though. She vaguely wondered if ill feelings persisted or if he just liked her that much.

Dai had begun thinking about Po more and more and dreamt about him to the point she'd get flustered when she saw him. She didn't like how awkward the first few minutes back with Po always were. It wasn't helping that they shared a room, (two separate beds, but still).

She'd watch him when she thought he wasn't looking. His fighting was so impeccable, as if the universe really did give him the power and he was merely a vessel for those skills. Then, other times, he would be so clumsy, she'd wonder if he really was a different person fighting than just going around town. Yet, he was always Po. He always had some awesome one-liner before going into a fight. Quips to either increase his fame or annoy the bad guy or boost his ego always occurred.

One day, they got sent on a mission together, just the two of them. Dai couldn't help being nervous or awkward. He'd tell her he'd protect her. He'd hold her back with his paw. Just being near him, she could feel his aura of strength and confidence and then he'd look at her with those eyes and that smile.

He was talking to her now, of that she was aware. Something about a dude with a really long name and the danger of being here uninvited, but he was a bad guy and a smug slow clapper. "You ready?" She made out those words the best since he had finished talking.

"What? I'm so sorry. I was spacing out, I, uh…" she spluttered for words.

He grabbed her cheeks and looked into her eyes, making it worse. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

"No, I-"

"Are you hungry?"

"No."

"Thirsty?"

"No."

"Did you get enough sleep?"

"Too much."

"Well, maybe for you. I never feel like I've had enough sleep." He pulled away to look around the rock they were hiding behind.

"Stress?"

"That was gonna be my next question." He turned his attention back to her, his green eyes searching. "You can tell me what's wrong… can't you?"

She felt her face heat up and she looked away. "Well, I…" She brought her tail around, fluffing it absentmindedly.

"Is it me?"

She started and looked at him. He looked just about crushed when they made eye contact. "Po, I like you, really. It's not your fault, you did nothing wrong. I'm just not comfortable with talking about it yet."

"So… we're still friends?"

Ah. That's right. That's how he sees me. Of course, that's what I've been and I'm not going to force the issue otherwise. "If that's what you want." My big mouth. She internally scolded herself.

"What do you mean?"

"Po, I-" She could not continue, for she had been shot with a knockout dart from behind. Before Po could do anything, he also got one in the neck. Their hunted had become the hunter.

That's all for now. I apologize for the huge hiatus. I haven't been feeling inspired lately. I do intend to finish this and hopefully it won't take too long. Please keep reading and reviewing, thanks :)