(Gets on knees and bows head, making it touch the ground) I have no excuse for not updating. I am sorry and I beg your forgiveness!
alienvspredator5, Shadow Thief X, Animation Universe 2005, Dark Dragon yyy, WOLF thank you for your reviews, I do not deserve them.
I DO NOT OWN KUNG FU PANDA!
Let's see… pathetic graveling and request for apology, check. Thank the wonderful readers for reviews, check. Disclaimer, check. Ok looks good, on with the story!
Chapter 10: Ren's First Day
"GONG", "Good morning Master Shifu." The students of the Jade Palace said in unison.
"Good morning Master Shifu." Po said running out of his room right after the others.
"Good morning students." Master Shifu said then turned to Po "Po, I'm glad to see that you have decided to start joining us in the morning." Shifu said before speaking to everyone. "The Emperor has asked me to come to the capital city for a diplomatic meeting so I will be gone for a few days. During that that time you my do as you please, but I expect some training to be done. Tigress, you and Gin are the most responsible so the two of you will be in charge while I'm gone."
"Thank you master." Tigress and Gin said with a bow.
"Now that, that's settled. I will see you all when I return." Shifu said as he walked out.
"Alright we've got a few days off!" Po said pumping his fist in the air.
"Not so fast Po. Master Shifu wants us to do some training while he's away." Tigress said crossing her arms.
"Aw come on Tigress!" Po said before looking at Gin hopefully.
"Sorry Po, she's right. And besides its Ren's first day of training." Gin told his brother with a shrug. "Speaking of which. Hey Ren, timed to wake up." Gin said knocking on Ren's door, only to be answered with a sleepy groan. "You don't want to be late for training, do you?"
"I'm coming." Ren called. There was some rustling of clothes and then Ren opened the door. "Ok, I'm ready for training! We're going to train and train and train! Let's go!" Ren said jumping up and down impatiently.
Oh no, she's turning into Tigress. I don't think the world can handle another one." Mantis said sarcastically, earning him a death glare from Tigress and making everyone else laugh.
"He's kind of right Tigress. If I didn't know better I'd say you two were mother and daughter." Viper said through her laughter.
"If Tigress was my mom that would be so cool!" Ren said before turning to Gin. "Gin, I mean dad, can you marry Tigress so she can be my mom?" she asked naively making everyone go silent, then everyone but Tigress and Gin started laughing a hundred times harder as they watched the two tigers stare at Ren with dumbstruck looks until Gin finally found his voice.
"R-Ren you don't marry someone for something like that. You marry them because you love them." Gin stammered.
"Tha-That's right Ren." Tigress said as her mind started to work again. "And as much as I love your dad, we're only friends, nothing more. Ok?" Tigress asked
"Ok, but what about me, am I your friend?" Ren asked. Tigress smiled and scooped Ren up in her arms.
"Of course you are! In fact you're my favorite." Tigress said smiling at her.
"Ok if we're training today what's the plan?" Mei Ling asked
"I say we train until lunch, and then get ready for tonight." Gin said
"What's tonight?" Crane asked
Gin raised an eyebrow. "Did you guys forget what today is?"
"I know, I know!" Ren said waving her hand in the air, still in Tigress's arms. "It's the Lunar Festival!"
"Oh my gosh I totally forgot! The Lunar Festival is tonight!" Viper said as everyone got excited as well.
"Oh man I love the Lunar Festival!" Po said "With all the people, and food!"
"The fireworks and dancing." Mei Ling added
"And all those fun games and prizes." Gin said looking at Ren and watching her eyes lit up in excitement.
"But now it's time for training." Tigress said as she put Ren down, bringing everyone back to reality. "So let's eat breakfast then get started." She said as she, Ren and Gin walked out of the barracks with the others following behind.
Po was about to follow the others out when Mei Ling grabbed his hand.
"I'm impressed Po, you've woken up on time every day this week. You should be rewarded." Mei Ling said giving him a sly smile and putting a hand on his chest.
"Oh? And what do you think I should get as a reward?" Po asked wrapping his arms around her waist, returning her smile.
"Hmm." Mei Ling said looking away pretending to think about it. "I can't think of anything. But I hope this will be good enough." She said as she kissed him on the lips. Po grinned into the kiss before pulling her closer and deepening the kiss.
"I think we should tell the others about us." Po said as they broke the kiss.
"We'll tell them at lunch, after training. That way we can spend the festival together." Mei Ling said giving him another kiss.
"Good. I'm looking forward to being with you tonight." Po said as they walked out of the barracks.
"Me too." Mei Ling said with a purr before they ran to catch up with the others.
Gin followed Tigress out of the barracks with Ren. He looked back to see that the others were right behind them, but that Po and Mei Ling weren't with them. Gin just smiled and turned back around. He already knew about the two of them, had known for a while now. He wasn't going to say anything, if they wanted to keep their relationship a secret then that was their choice. They would tell him and the others when they were ready. Gin glanced back again as they reached the kitchen and saw Po and Mei Ling running to catch up.
"Dad, Daaad." Ren said jumping up and waving her hand in Gin's face.
"Oh sorry Ren, lost in thought. What were you saying?" Gin asked looking down at Ren.
"I was asking you what are we going to do today." Ren said looking up at Gin as they walked in to the kitchen.
"You'll see, but right now you need to eat. We have a busy day today so you'll need all your strength." Gin said as he and Po started making breakfast for everyone.
At the table everyone talked about the festival. What they were looking forward too, what their plans were, and telling each other stories of past festivals. Before quickly eating breakfast and heading to the Training Hall.
"Ok, first we need to see how good you are, so we know where to start." Gin said as he picked up a five foot long wooden pole. "We'll start with something easy, balance. Now all you have to do is balance on top of this piece of wood for as long as you can, ok?" Gin said as he stood the pole up.
"Ok." Ren said as Gin helped her on to the wood, and holding it steady.
"Now when I let go try to keep your balance for as long as you can, no matter what. You ready?" Gin asked
"I think so." Ren said as she balanced on top of the pole.
"Ok I'm letting go… now." Gin said releasing the wood and watched as Ren tried to keep her balance. "Good, but remember to breath. Take slow, deep, steady breathes. Find your center and focus on it. Focus. There you go, you're doing great Ren. Now stay like that while I talk to Tigress alright. I'll be right back." Gin said before walking over to where Tigress was training. "Tigress, can I talk to you?"
"Sure Gin, what is it?" Tigress asked as she blocked an attack from a wooden warrior before punching it, turning it into splinters.
"I was wondering if you would help me with something." Gin said watching as Tigress destroyed two more dummies.
"Of course I'll help." Tigress said breaking the last warrior's head off with a spin kick. "Just tell me the problem and I'll do everything I can." She said as they walked over to the side of the training area.
"There's no problem, I just wanted to know if you would help me train Ren." Gin said leaning against the wall.
"Why? You look like you're doing a great job." Tigress asked folding her arms across her chest.
Gin just laughed and shook his head. "To tell you the truth I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm just doing what feels right, like I always do."
"And how has that worked out for you so far?" Tigress asked
"Pretty well if you can believe it." replied Gin with a smile.
"Then I say keep doing that. And if you still think you need my help or advice then I'll be right here, ready and willing." Tigress said
"Thanks Tigress." Gin said before looking at Ren and continuing with a smile. "So what do you think of Ren so far?"
"Well, she's very energetic, and from talking with her I can tell she's extremely smart." Tigress said as she leaned against the wall next to Gin and watched Ren balance on the pole. She was a little shaky and stiff but was staying in there. "She's cute and very nice, so I'm going to feel sorry for you when she gets interested in boys." Tigress said giving Gin a teasing smile.
"When that time comes I think I'm going to lock her in her room till she's thirty." Gin groaned before smiling and looking at Tigress. "Or I could just send her to you."
"Nooo thank you, I'm going to stay as far away from that as possible." Tigress said shaking her head and waving her hands.
"Well whatever, what about her potential as a warrior?" Gin asked
"She has great potential." Tigress said looking back at Ren "One day she could be the best in China."
"Maybe, but until then she has a long way to go." Gin said pulling out a throwing knife and sending it sailing through the air, where it hit the middle of the pole Ren was balancing on and making it shake, breaking Ren's concentration. She tried her best but fell off the pole, landing on her back hard. Gin walked calmly over to Ren and looked down at her with a playful look.
"Didn't I say to keep your balance no matter what?" Gin asked in a teasing tone only to be answered with a groan from Ren. "Well I guess we'll have to work on that. But for now let's test your stamina." He said helping her up.
For the next few hours Gin had Ren go through several different tests that tested her agility, speed, reflexes, strength, and many other things. At noon Ren was laying on the floor more tired than she ever felt in her life.
"Just so you know it's only going to get harder." Gin said with a warm smile as he looked down at her. "Last chance to back out."
"No." Ren said shaking her head as she stood up with her back strait and looked up at Gin "I won't quit." She said with determination. Gin knelt down and placed a hand on top of Ren's head.
"That's my girl. I knew you'd say that you're a Ping now, and Pings don't quit." Gin said making Ren smile. "Now come on," he said picking her up and carrying her out the door. "It's time for lunch."
(Line break)
"So Ren how did you like your first day of training?" Viper asked with a smile as they sat at the table waiting on Po and Gin to finish fixing lunch. "You look pretty worn-out."
"It was hard but I thought it was kind of fun too." Ren answered "And yeah I'm kind of tired, but not enough to not go to the festival." She added quickly, as Po and Gin sat everyone's food on the table.
"Of course not," Crane said with a small smile. "But you might want to take a nap after lunch, just in case." He suggested with a wink.
"You might be right." Ren said sheepishly before eating some of Po's noodle soup. "Mmmm, this is so good." She said before digging in.
While Ren was busy eating Tigress leaned close to Gin and whispered with a sly smile, "You insisted on training this morning so that Ren won't be as hyper and energetic tonight, and to make her easier to handle. Didn't you?"
"Caught me red handed, didn't you Kitten." Gin said, smiling at the irritated look that appeared on Tigress's face. But before she could say anything Mei Ling spoke.
"Um guys" Mei Ling said getting everyone's attention. "Po and I have something we'd like to tell you." She said grabbing Po's hand and exchanged a look with him as he sat down beside her, giving her a reassuring smile before turning to the others and saying.
"Guys, Mei Ling and I have been spending a lot of time together recently and it's starting to get serious so we've decided to make it official. We're together." Po said
"And we would like to know that we have your support." Mei Ling finished, gaining different reactions from her friends. Mantis and Monkey both had a small frown on their faces as they dug out a few coins and handed them to Gin and Crane before turning back to the new couple with smiles on their faces. Viper had the best reaction of all. She squealed with joy before giving her friend a hug saying how happy she was for her. Gin and Crane wished them luck, though nether look surprised. While Tigress told Po that she was happy for them but if he hurt her friend in any way she would personally throw him down the palace steps. After everyone had congratulated the new couple they started making plans for the festival.
"I can't wait!" Ren said as they finished eating. "So dad what should we do first?"
"First, you are taking a nap, and I don't want to hear any argument." Gin said as he saw Ren about to protest.
"Yes sir." Ren sighed
"As for the festival, we can do whatever you want." Gin said before turning to the others. "I think we should all meet up at Mr. Pings for dinner and then watch the fireworks together." He said "And besides dad hasn't seen Ren yet, I can't wait to see his reaction. What do think Po, how will dad reacted when he finds out he's a grandfather?" Gin said looking at Po.
"Oh man I have no idea but I want to be there when it happens." Po said smiling at the thought.
"What about you Tigress, Do you want to stay with me and dad when we're at the festival?" Ren asked
"I don't think I'm going to the festival Ren. I have a lot a training I need to do." Tigress told the young fox.
"Awwww, please Tigress." Ren asked
"I don't usually go to festivals Ren; they're not really my thing." Tigress said trying not to give in to Ren's puppy dog eyes.
"Really? Then you need to come! Gin says that all work and no play make for a dull mind. You need to come so that doesn't happen to you." Ren said
"Sorry Ren but I think you're too late." Mantis said laughing only to get a smack in the back of the head, courtesy of Viper.
"Thank you Viper." Tigress said then turning to Ren. "I don't know Ren. When I'm by myself is when I get most of my training done."
"I'll make you a deal Tigress." Gin said who up till now had silently watched the two girls talk. "We'll spar, and if you win you can stay here. But if I win you have to come to the festival. Deal?" he asked
"Deal." Tigress said after some thought. As they got up and headed to the Training Hall with everyone following, no one wanted to miss this.
"Ok for this spar there will be some rules. We don't want to hurt each other and not be able to go to the festival. So there are two ways you can win, One is by making the other give up and the other is by pinning the other with their back to the floor." Gin said as he explained the rules.
"Sounds good this way it's almost pointless to constantly strike the opponent." Tigress said nodding
"Correct, so do you agree?" Gin asked
"Of course." Tigress said as they walked to opposite sides of the sparing mat. "Po on your call."
"Ok ready… go!" Po said starting the match.
"Both tigers charged. Gin dropped low and tried to sweep Tigress's legs but she jumped over him and did the same to him. Gin flipped away to gain some distance before running at her and throwing a punch. Tigress grabbed the punch, turned her back to him and used Gin's momentum throw him over her shoulder. Gin landed on his feet and tried the same move on her. Just like Gin, Tigress landed on her feet but then crouched down and swept Gin's feet out from under him, giving him a smirk as he landed on his back. Tigress then lunged at him, intent on pining him down. Gin saw this and caught her with his feet and flipped her over him before jumping back to his feet. Tigress flipped back to her feet before running to Gin and trying to grab him for another throw. Gin blocked and avoided each attempt to grab him before going for another leg sweep. Tigress jumped back to avoid the sweep and then lunged at Gin as he was coming back up, intent on tackling him to the ground. They fell back but instead of crashing to the ground like Tigress thought they would. Gin used the fall to roll both of them on the ground and pin Tigress. Gin held both her hands by the wrist as he stood on his knees, straddling her.
"I win." Gin said in between breaths. Both he and Tigress were breathing heavy after their little spar.
"I guess you did." Tigress said then thought 'we're so close, he smells so good. WAIT WHAT? THAT'S GIN MY BEST FRIEND! I CAN'T THINK THINGS LIKE THAT ABOUT HIM!' she mentally battered herself.
"Are you two going to get up or do we need to leave you alone for a while." Mantis joked. Making the two tigers jump up and glare at him.
"Mantis quit making dirty jock like that." Viper said smacking him on the back of the head.
"Jeez it was just a joke." Mantis said rubbing the back of his head.
"Well we should all get ready the festival starts in a few hours. Ren bed." Gin said as he led Ren to her room for a nap. Everyone else went to get ready as well.
"I guess I'll go get washed up." Tigress said before starting for the bath house.
"So what are you going to wear?" Viper asked as she and Mei Ling appeared on either side of Tigress.
"What?" Tigress asked
"We asked what were you going to wear to the festival." Mei Ling said "I already know what I'm going to wear."
"Um this?" Tigress said gesturing to her training clothes. Both girls smiled and shook their heads, making Tigress gulp. 'Why do I have the feeling that I'm not going to like this?' She thought.
Sorry if Tigress was a little OOC in this chapter it must be the fact that she's around Gin and Po, they must be rubbing off on her. Thought the gang deserved a little peace before stuff happens.
As always please review. Suggestions, comments, or what have you, they are all very much appreciated. Even if it's that I messed up on or could do better. I can't fix a problem if I don't know about it. Next chapter Lunar Festival time! Till next time!