Helping a Tiger

The others were eating their breakfast. It had been two weeks since Tai-Lung and Tigress met Lion. Finally, Lion gave the two permission to tell the others. So when the group was eating in the kitchen, Zeng came in and Tai-Lung stood up. "Zeng, we've found the servant." Everyone looked at him.

"You did," Zeng said not believing that he actually did. "So what is he like."

"He is a giant mouse, and his name is Lion," Tigress said. Zeng was truly shocked that they found out.

"That's right. Lion!" He called. Soon, through the doorway of the kitchen was the mysterious mouse. Po and the others stood up amazed at the height of him. "Everyone this is-"

"Lion," Po said thoughtfully. Lion turned his head towards the panda and smiled.

"Po. It's great to see you," He said hugging him. The others were completely confused.

"You know each other?" Tigress asked. Po waved his hand so-so

"We know each other through a heavenly connection. It's so nice to see you," Po said.

"Good to be seen," Lion replied.

"So this is the friend that you wanted help from? It's nice to finally meet you," Master Shifu said.

"Thank you, master for having me," Lion said bowing, "Now, I'll take the time now to hear any questions that you guys have for me." Then he was overloaded with questions about how he was able to do all the stuff he did. Meanwhile, Po, Tigress, and Tai-Lung snuck out to the Training Hall. There Tigress and Tai-Lung were sparring as Po was meditating again.

"So you never answered my question," Tai-Lung said.

"What's that?" Tigress asked as she hit a little harder.

"Tigress, you know what I mean," Tai-Lung replied tired of her evasiveness. Tigress and Tai-Lung stopped fighting.

"Tai," She said calling him by his nickname, "It's really not your fault. You've been away for a long time and things have changed. So, this is how I usually am."

"Baloney," Tai-Lung muttered.

"Nothing gets pass you," Po put in.

"You mind staying out of this?" Tai-Lung growled at his brother. Po went back to his meditation.

"Look, I know you're trying to be helpful, but I-"

"I'm not just trying to be helpful. You were my first actual friend before I came here as Tai-gee, and you were my best friend when we were kids in the Jade Palace. So it's kind of my job to help you," Tai-Lung explained. This just made it more difficult for Tigress.

"It's hard to explain," Tigress said leaving the hall. Tai-Lung threw his hands up in frustration.

"UGH! WHAT DID I DO?! I'd give anything to help her!" he exclaimed.

"You like her," Po said cheekily.

"Yes...I mean no...I mean, not in the way that you think," Tai-Lung said defensively. Po sighed.

"It's not really about you. It's what she didn't have." Po explained patting his brother on the shoulder.

"What was it? I'll try to give it to her," Tai-Lung said sadly.

"I know. Relax. Excuse me for a moment. I need to see something," Po said exiting the hall. They didn't know that Tigress had overheard their conversation. She wanted someone to finally tell her story to but she was unsure. It...touched her that Tai-Lung cared so much about her.

Po went over to the Hall of Heroes where Lion was cleaning. "Lion, you know the job you're suppose to do, right?" he asked.

"Yes, ease the tension here. I know what to do. But you must understand that it isn't a free guarantee. Just because I tell them what I need to tell them, doesn't mean they'll necessarily listen. Or if they do, they might not do anything about it. Let's just see how things play out. Now I want you to do something for me," Lion said.

"What's that?" Po asked.

"Hide and don't make a sound, because Tigress is coming," Lion said and Po did just that. He jumped up onto one of the supports for the roof and listened to the conversation. "Master Tigress. It is good to see you," Lion said bowing.

"Good morning, Lion. Um... can I ask you something?" Tigress said awkwardly.

"Of course," Lion said.

"That won't be said to the others," Tigress said confidentially. Lion nodded, then Tigress sighed, "I...think that...I'm confused."

"About Tai-Lung?" Tigress snapped up.

"How did you know?" She asked.

"Because you like him."

"No I don't."

"So you hate him?" Lion said speeding up the back and forth conversation.

"Well, not really."

"So you think he's a good guy."

"Yes."

"And you see him as a good friend."

"Ultimately."

"So you love him."

"No!"

"Do you like him as a friend?"

"Yes!"

"And you think that all his actions that he did to the village, Shifu, and to you are okay."

"No!"

"So you hate him?"

"No!"

"So you love him?"

"LION! STOP THAT!" Tigress yelled in flustered frustration. Lion laughed.

"I think I know why you are like this. Because you can't forget what he did to you and Shifu," Lion said.

"What do you mean?" Tigress asked still holding her head from the previous confusion.

"Because when Tai-Lung went to prison, he unfortunately took Shifu's love away from you," Lion said bluntly. Tigress composed herself.

"Love and warmth are for the-"

"DON'T GIVE ME THAT!" Lion shouted at the female tiger. Tigress was shocked. He never raised his voice above talking level. "Love is the one thing that make dead men alive, bring lost sons to their fathers, and make brothers out of enemies! Why do you try to fool yourself? If you really think that Love and Care is for the weak, then why do you practice Kung Fu? Is it really so that you can be the strongest you can be, or is it so that you can fill the hole in your heart? You CRAVE for love and you don't even know it! Now the source of your problems comes and offers to help you fix it and you are hesitant? Let me tell you this. Forget the past. Your past reminds you who you are, but your future reminds you who you can STILL be! Don't be stupid. Don't let this opportunity slip past you." Tigress looked at the mouse for a long time. Then she closed her eyes as she nearly cried. They were silent for a moment then Tigress said.

"Thank you, Lion," Tigress said bowing, then she walked out. When she was out of sight, Po came down and said.

"You didn't have to be that hard on her," Po said.

"I know her kind. I've been living with cats and tigers for a long time. They are very stubborn," Lion said walking out of the hall. He stopped and said over his shoulder, "Po, I did my part. Now it's time for you to do yours." Po nodded as Lion left. Po stayed in the Hall of heroes for about five hours meditating until Master Shifu came in.

"Oh, Dragon Warrior, I didn't mean to disturb you," he said.

"Actually, I was waiting to talk to you honestly Master Shifu," Po said as he stood up.