I hope you enjoy this next chapter! Enjoy and please leave a review at the end.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kung Fu Panda
Master Shifu had always been an early riser. Ever since he was in his youth till now, he found no desire to waste the day sleeping. He always got eight hours of sleep if he could. He would sleep at eight at night and would wake up at four in the morning. At four in the morning, he'd use an hour of his day for some morning meditation before the sun started to rise. Then, he would have a small breakfast and from time to time check on his students in the student barracks. Today was no different. He did get less sleep due to events of last night and having to prepare for Po's lesson, but he still meditated on the hills that The Sacred Peach Tree grew on, including today. He breathed in and out. Eyes closed and focused his body on inner peace as well. He needed it after seeing one of his students in such a shape yesterday, nearing the brink of death. To nearly lose, Po again brought back that familiar feeling he felt ten years ago. He couldn't focus on that today though. He was going to teach Po chi and chakras if the panda was up for it and he himself would need to be at peace.
The red panda ears flickered. He heard the birds chirping that flew around the palace. He knew the sun was out. His meditation time was over. Shame. It was his favorite time of the day. No one was awake, well except probably for Master Tigress as she picked up on his early meditation to help her inner peace. Otherwise, the palace was completely quiet. He liked the peace and quiet.
He ate his breakfast quickly. It was always chamomile tea with some steam buns. He felt energized and ready for what today will bring. Since he had some time before the morning gong rang, he felt the need to check on his students after what happened to his students last night. To make sure they were all alive and breathing.
He first checked on Master Monkey who was asleep on his mat, arms over his eyes like always. Next was Viper who usually sleeps with herself wrapped around herself in a circular motion, the end of her tail covering her eyes. Next was Mantis who was hard to find at first but was asleep on the darkest corner of the floor. Crane was next, who slept with his hat on his face, standing straight up. Master Tigress's room was at the end of the hall across from Po. He crept the door open, not surprised, it was vacant. She had been waking up early in the morning to go to The Ironwood Forest to meditate and would arrive before morning gong. She'll be back. He closed her door and his ears started to pick up something. Po's snores. That was a conformation for him that he's fine. Shifu chuckled internally. Just as he was about to leave though, he heard another noise not so familiar and not so common. Purring. In between the snores was a slight purr was heard. This confused Master Shifu and piqued his curiosity. He slowly opened the door and the sight made him frozen in place. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He rubbed his eyes to make sure he just wasn't tired.
He saw The Dragon Warrior first, which was normal as it was his room. Shifu saw the panda's ears twitch slightly, indicating he might've heard him come in. Po was sleeping on his side, but his bandaged arm was wrapped around something or in this case someone. Tigress. They were in each other's arms, sleeping! He could barely even see Tigress as Po held her tight in his arms and Tigress, well she was curled up next to his chest. He closed the door as quietly and quickly as he could before they saw him. He walked out and was taking deep breaths. His adopted daughter, cuddling with, with The Dragon Warrior! His brain couldn't process it. He knew they'd gotten close over the years, but he didn't know this close! Today had started off so well. He was going to need more chamomile tea if he was going to avoid killing the panda today.
Po over the years has had to learn to wake up early before the morning gong. Even earlier if Tigress or he had needed comfort and would have to sneak back in their respective room, so no one raised suspicion. It took years of practice as his natural instinct was to wake up in the middle of the afternoon. He woke up early though today, not because of his internal clock, but he swore he heard his door open, but it could've been anyone's door though he concluded as his door was closed. He looked down and saw Tigress snuggled in his arms, slightly purring, face relaxed. He smiled; he had no nightmares which he was positive was due to Tigress's presence. Had it not been for her, he would have had horrific nightmares he was sure. He gently tried to wake her up.
"Tigress," Po whispered, being in such close proximity, she heard him. He saw her eyes flutter open and up at him.
"Morning Po," Tigress greeted him quietly.
"Morning, any nightmares?" Po asked curiously. Tigress shook her head.
"Thankfully none," Tigress whispered as to not wake up anyone. The walls were thin.
"Good, me either," Po told her. The two were in complete silence for a minute, not moving or speaking. Until Tigress spoke up.
"Um, Po?"
"Hmm?" Po asked, somewhat zoned out as he was rather content.
"Could you um, let go of me?" Tigress asked awkwardly and regretfully, she was rather comfortable and warm. However, she needed to get back to her room before the morning gong rang.
Po felt his face heat up, "Oh, uh he yeah you, um sorry," Po said awkwardly releasing his hold on her. Tigress slowly got up from the mat and stretched her back out. Po got up. He was surprised that his pain was reduced a lot compared to last night. He still got up slowly though so he would not pull any muscles. He went to the door to make sure the coast was clear. He poked his head out and no one was out the hallways yet. He gave Tigress a thumbs up and she started to walk out of his room.
"I'm glad you are okay, Po," Tigress told him as she left.
"You too," Po told her. She gave a very small smile at him before returning to her room quietly. He closed his door and let out a breath. He still had some time before the morning gong, or so he thought. He heard it ring just as he was going to sit back on his bed and think about last night and his fight with Lord Zhong. He was lucky he woke up when he did, or he and Tigress would have been in some serious trouble. They must've been really out of it to be so close to the morning gong.
"Good morning Master Shifu," The Furious Five and The Dragon Warrior announced simultaneously, standing tall and ready for a day of training and education.
"Good morning students," Master Shifu said. "Immediately after breakfast, the five of you will train together in the training hall until four in the afternoon. The Dragon Warrior and I will be gone for most of the day. Po meet me out in The Dragon Grotto after breakfast, I'll be waiting," he instructed them.
"Yes Master," they all said. They followed him to the kitchen where Po served them breakfast. Shifu insisted they bring in their chef, but Po insisted he was fine. Master Shifu, unable to sway Po, had left to prepare for his and Po's day.
Master Fa was an incredible healer Po realized as he was able to still use his knife and stir without much pain. He had to take some breaks though. It'd not been but five minutes and he needed to take a minute.
"Would you like some help?" Tigress offered, noticing the grimaces on the panda's face.
"Yes please," Po said, appreciating the assistance. "Could you stir the porridge? It'll be done in five minutes or so, just don't stop stirring, or it'll burn on the bottom and no one likes burnt porridge."
"Of course," Tigress said. Po got to work on the Soy-Bean Milk which was almost ready. He just needed to scrape some vanilla in, and he was good.
"How are you feeling Po, from last night?" Viper asked.
"Better. Master Fa is definitely an awesome healer!" Po needed to thank her later.
"So, to get the elephant out of the room, what happened with Lord Zhong Po? We saw the cannon in the forest after, it looked the same," Crane asked awkwardly. "Why could you not rebound the cannon?" They were all wondering about it yesterday but wanted their friend to rest yesterday after the fight.
Po nearly sliced off his finger, not ready for that question so soon or so early, "Um, I-I don't know really. We went into the forest. Lord Zhong was all avenge my father this and that, yada yada. Um yeah the cannon looked similar, but-," Tigress cut him off.
"Po is this ready?" She asked, Po, looked up at her and smiled. He was glad for her interruption; he didn't want to mention how his inner peace didn't work. That would be embarrassing.
"Hmm, yes it's perfect! You know Tigress if you keep this up, you could be my assistance in the kitchen," Po said as he finished putting the vanilla in the soybean milk. Tigress started plating the porridges and handing them off.
"Tempting, but I'll stick to Kung Fu though. The kitchen is more your thing," Tigress told him as she handed the last plate of porridge to Monkey before she sat hers and Po's down on the table. Po came and sat at the end of the table.
"True, you got quite a talent though," Po told her. Tigress smiled as she ate her porridge.
It'd been about five minutes after breakfast was served. The rest were still eating as Po finished first like usual. However, he finished quicker to avoid any talk of last night. He took the last sip of milk before putting his dishes in the sink. "Alright guys, I'm going to meet up with Master Shifu, see you all at dinner, hopefully," Po said hoping he'll get to eat dinner today as he missed dinner yesterday.
"Good luck," his friends told him.
Po started the walk to The Dragon Grotto. It wasn't too far of a walk, but from the battle yesterday, it took a toll on his body just getting out from the dining hall to the outside of the palace. What was a usual ten-minute walk turned into a twenty-minute walk. By the time he got there, he collapsed on the grass, huffing, and puffing. Master Shifu walked towards him.
"Sorry for- taking- so- long," Po wheezed.
"It is okay for today panda as you are injured," Master Shifu said.
After a minute on lying on the cooling grass, Po got up in a sitting position. He'll stand in a minute. Master Shifu took note and sat down on the grass as well and decided to start lecturing now.
"After what you told me when I saw you last night and what he did to Tigress' arm, I believe Lord Zhong is a master of Chi," Master Shifu stated.
"Wait, what happened to Tigress' arm?" Po asked worriedly.
Master Shifu gave him a slightly annoyed look, but changed it to a neutral one, "The five fought Lord Zhong after you were injured, during their fight he used a chi blocking technique on Tigress which I was able to undo."
"Oh."
"Now the first technique I will teach you is a very emotional process. Have you ever heard of chakras?" Master Shifu asked.
"Cha what now?" Po asked confused, trying to understand this new foreign word.
Master Shifu sighed, "Chakras. Master Oogway in his youth loved to travel around, learning new ways to improve Kung Fu or simply learn new techniques. He once visited a country not far from here called India. There, he learned about a way to enhance inner peace. You can achieve inner peace without chakras, but if someone like Lord Zhong who is a master at chi, then having your chakras opened will allow your inner peace to be continuously flowing through your body and it won't be able to be blocked."
Po's eyes widened, "That is severally awesome."
Master Shifu looked thoughtful, "Hmm I suppose it is. Like I said Po it is a very emotional journey to opening your chakras. Here, we do not keep secrets from each other understood?"
"So, I can tell you anything during this and you won't throw me down The Jade Palace stairs?" Po asked, worried about what this emotional technique can reveal. He kept many things from Shifu, not because they weren't close, but because he liked his limbs intact.
"Yes, you will be able to tell me anything," Master Shifu promised. "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Good, now, the first chakra is called the earth chakra. It is located at the base of your spine. This deals with survival. It is blocked by fear. What are your fears, Po?" Master Shifu asked eyes closed in a meditative position as was Po.
"Wow, getting right down to it okay. Um fear. I-," Po was trying to think. His nightmares. All of them came flooding at once attacking him. When Lord Shen fired the cannon at his friends, when Lord Zhong held the blade to Tigress's neck, losing his friends and family, him failing at saving China, "Arrrg!" Po yelled, clutching his head.
"Po talk to me, what are your fears?" Master Shifu demanded.
"My- my friends and family getting hurt because I am not fast enough. You remember when Shen shot the cannon at all of us right before I faced him? That scares me it'll happen again. Lord Zhong nearly killing Tigress yesterday. Also, I- I guess I am afraid that I won't be able to save China," Po admitted, breathing heavily.
"Po, you were able to save us though that day. Yes, we got hurt, but we recovered. Pain is a part of life. People will get hurt, but you were able to save China then, you will save China now. I know that because you won't stop until China is saved. It is that part of you that makes you The Dragon Warrior. Let the fears flow throughout your body, do not let it overtake you," Master Shifu told him. He realized he was right. He was willing to die fighting for China, he rather not, but he knows that he can win. He has won under worse circumstances and will fight to the death if it comes to it. He won't let the villain win. He can't defeat fear if fear is what prevents him from saving lives. He took a deep breath and told himself this.
"That's it? That's how you open chakras?" Po asked to make sure.
Master Shifu nodded. "Yes, it is a meditative type of technique. Your first chakra is opened. Now for the second chakra which is the water chakra. It is located at the navel. It deals with pleasure, blocked by guilt. What are you guilty of Po?"
Po thought about it for a minute, his eyes closed. "I feel guilty of being The Dragon Warrior."
"What?" Master Shifu asked shocked. "Explain."
"I- don't know. There are some days well a lot that I still don't get why Master Oogway chose me. Like if he chose Tigress as he planned, you wouldn't have had to waste so much time teaching me Kung Fu and all the other stuff. She was already trained," Po told him.
"Po, when Master Oogway chose you like I said it was the worse day of my life. All my pride and teaching wasted. I criticized Master Oogway. I told him it was an accident that you were The Dragon Warrior. You know what he told me?"
Po shook his head.
"That there are no accidents. He chose you for a reason. The universe chose you for a reason. I didn't see at first. Over the years though, I have. You do not follow rules, you learn quickly, your will power is untouched, you take risks and your forgiveness and kindness are uncanny. That is what makes you The Dragon Warrior"
"My forgiveness?"
Master Shifu, "That is what I believe sets you apart from let say any of the five. Yes, they were trained well before you. You however when facing the villains try to give them hope, a second chance. You show them off their path of destruction."
Po took his Master Shifu's words into consideration. Even after ten years of fighting side by side with the five, he agreed with Shifu. He was still different than them, but it wasn't a bad difference. He took a deep breath and felt his second chakra open. "Wow, hey Master Shifu, I'm starting to like this, I never received so many compliments."
Master Shifu sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Moving on. The third chakra. It is the fire chakra. It deals with will power and is blocked by shame. What are you ashamed of Po?"
Po wasn't sure. He never really got embarrassed or ashamed much. He has learned over the years to love who he was. He thought about it. His actions though. "I ran when I learned about me facing Tai Lung and I guess I am also ashamed about what happened yesterday, not being able to stop Lord Zhong's cannon. I couldn't even tell Crane that this morning when he asked."
"You ran because you were afraid. Fear is natural like we discussed. You came back though. You were willing to learn to be trained and Tai Lung was stopped. As for yesterday, you couldn't have known about him using chi in the cannon itself. You cannot and should not be ashamed of your past or what you cannot control, understand?" Master Shifu told him. He understood. He can't help what villains do but he can control his actions towards them. He took a deep breath.
"I'm ready for the fourth chakra," Po said.
"This one is one of the most emotional chakras in my opinion. This is the heart chakra. It deals with love and it is blocked by grief. Think and lay all that you have lost," Master Shifu told Po.
Po immediately thought of his mom. "Mama," he whispered involuntarily, his chest hurt remembering her. He remembers when he learned inner peace, the memory of her being murdered by Shen's crew blocked his inner peace because of how painful it was. Next, he thought of his dad protecting the village and his mom. Then the other pandas. "My- my family," Po whispered.
"You have lost more than anyone should in a lifetime and at such a young age. However, they are always with you though Po, your family will always be with you. Think of what you have gained though, your new family."
"My-my dad. The five and well you Master Shifu," Po told him honestly.
Master Shifu nodded, "Yes, you have gained a new family."
Po opened his eyes; he was crying without realizing. He wiped his tears away, "Sorry."
"Do not apologize for crying Po. Grief is a sad emotion and shouldn't be suppressed," Master Shifu told him, "The next chakra is the fifth one, which is sound. It is located in the throat. This one deals with truth and is blocked by lies. What do you lie to yourself, Po?"
Po thought about it. He was a pretty honest guy. At least when asked anything other than emotion, "I lie about my emotions. I tell myself and others I'm fine when some days I'm not."
"Emotions shouldn't be lied about. Especially with yourself. If you are scared, you're scared. If your hurt, you are hurt. If you are happy, you are happy. If you are not comfortable sharing those emotions with others that is fine, but you should always be honest with yourself," Master Shifu told him.
Po nodded and took a deep breath. He was afraid of what was to come, but he'll face it like everything else. "What's the next chakra?"
"The next chakra is light. It is located. At the forehead, It deals with insight and is blocked by illusion. Think, in our world what is an illusion?"
Po eyebrow furrowed, "Okay this one is confusing."
"It's supposed to be. Illusions are confusing. You do not think of them as illusions at time. One of the greatest illusions is separation."
"Separation?" Po questioned. He thought about it. "Like different species separation? How we are each are different?"
"Exactly. We all are different species. Red pandas, pandas, tigers, snakes, bunnies, goats. However, we all live together though in harmony."
"Well most of us," Po commented thinking of Lord Zhong.
"There will always be those trying to disrupt the harmony. Do you understand the illusion in the species though?"
Po nodded, he felt the chakra open, "Yes."
"Alright Po, you are doing great. We got one last chakra and your inner peace will be even harder to block than before. The seventh and final chakra is thought. It is located at the crown. It deals with cosmetic energy and it is blocked by earthly attachments. What holds you to earth?"
Po thought about it. His dad for sure. However, the picture in his head from his dad changed to someone else he has been caring and thinking about more lately though and it threw him off, "Tigress?" Po asked himself out loud without realizing it.
Master Shifu was surprised as well, "Tigress?" he asked, making sure he heard right.
Po snapped himself back into reality after being deep in his thoughts. His eyes widened and gulped nervously, "I am so going to be thrown off the stairs in my sleep."
Master Shifu sighed, "As I said in the beginning, you will not. So, Tigress holds you to earth?"
"I- I think so. I mean, these-ugh," Po took a deep breath. Be honest with emotions Master Shifu told him, "I believe so yes. We've become close over the years. I just- I guess even for me it's a surprise, but yes. I think- no I know I have feelings for Tigress," Po let out and covered his face with his arms just for precaution. After making sure Master Shifu wasn't going to hurt him, he slowly dropped his arms.
"In order to unblock your last chakra, you must let go of your earthly attachments."
"What, let Tigress go, but I- how?" Po asked. He just realized what his feelings are for her and he doesn't want to let go now.
"Letting go doesn't mean giving up Po. It simply means that in a time of you facing any enemy, not just Lord Zhong, but him and others to come after, you have let go of Tigress. She cannot keep you from fighting villains. You can still be together with her in this life if you both so choose, but you cannot risk the world for one soul. Do you understand?"
Po unfortunately did, "I have to put my duties as The Dragon Warrior before her correct?"
"Yes."
Po sat in silence. Master Shifu let him. He just realized his emotions for Tigress. It should be easier to let go now since it was all new correct? It was harder though because deep down, he knew these feelings had been building up. Slowly over the last ten years and starting then too. Their journey together defeating Lord Shen opened their relationship so differently, then it was before. She was more open with him, she sought him out for comfort for guidance and he the same. To let go of someone who he connected to so well? To whom he was starting to love? He had to though. He could still be with her. He just couldn't give the world up for her though and she wouldn't let him anyways.
"Okay, I- I'll let go of my earthly attachments," Po whispered, shocking himself. He closed his eyes, took a breath. "I'm sorry Tigress, I know you'll understand," he whispered to himself. He let her go. The minute he did, he felt his inner peace come flowing back. He caught a water drop from the waterfall and began to feel the inner peace swirl in his body, one solid fluid motion. Nothing stopping him. He let the waterfall on a leaf.
"Good job Po. Lord Zhong will not be able to block your inner peace. Now for the next technique we will be learning chi," Master Shifu started to lecture, but Po raised a hand. "Yes, Po?"
"Look I know this is super serious and needs to be taught soon, but I'm kind of emotionally wore out at the moment and tired. Can I get an hour break please?" Po begged. He could do it if he had to, but his mind was so drained at the moment.
Master Shifu nodded, surprising Po, "Of course my apologies. We can meet at The Sacred Peace Tree Hill. You can have a two-hour break, you've earnt it. And like everything else you learn; we are far ahead of schedule."
"Thank you," Po grinned.
"Oh, and Po," Master Shifu added.
"Yes?"
"When you tell Tigress your feelings, if you ever hurt Tigress emotionally, just know after she is through with you, I'll be next in line, along with many others, understood?"
Po gulped, "Yes, Master Shifu. I have to actually tell her my feelings though, who knows when that'll happen. I'll never hurt her though, I swear."
"I know you won't. Also, I believe she will reciprocate the feelings whenever you tell her," Master Shifu said as he flipped on the top of his staff, preparing to meditate for a bit.
"Really? How do you know?" Po asked.
"Because I have never heard Tigress purr in quite some time until this morning," Master Shifu said.
It took Po a minute to think back about what happened this morning and then he gasped, "It was you who came in my room! Oh, frig you totally are going to kill me one day."
"I'll give you a head start," Master Shifu told him jokingly, but Po took it seriously and ran far away from Master Shifu as he could.
Po, once he realized Master Shifu wasn't going to chastise him decided a quick noodle break in the kitchen and then to The Ironwood Forest to relax. No meditation or work just relax. He was surprised that Master Shifu let him have a break, he must've been really beaten up yesterday if Master Shifu was showing sympathy for him during training. He'll take it though; he didn't realize how exhausting opening chakras were. He has continuous energy of inner peace now, but going through all that emotions at once, well it would take a toll on anyone. He found his favorite place in the forest. The floor of the cave right below the waterfall. He could see the waterfall on the right side of him and the rock formation wall on his left. Above as he laid down, he saw the waterfall flowing into the lake. It was truly peaceful.
He wasn't sure how far time had passed. He was deep in his mind, relaxed one with nature. He listened to the animals in the forest, mostly small chirpy birds. Over time, he has come to appreciate nature and meditation. It wasn't his favorite activity, but over the years it's become his source relaxation. That and the hot springs as well. His eyes were closed, listening to nature around when he heard footsteps. He opened his eyes and saw Tigress walking. He got up slowly.
"Oh, sorry Po. I didn't think you'd be here. Aren't you supposed to be training with Master Shifu?" Tigress asked.
Po nodded, standing up, "I am. He allowed a break though since I did master the first technique," Po told her. It was weird seeing Tigress after learning what he did when he was opening the chakras.
"Mastering a new technique and it's not even noon yet. Congratulations Dragon Warrior," Tigress complimented him.
Po grinned, "Thanks," Po realized he's got about forty minutes or so left before he has to be back, including the walk.
"Perhaps if you finish learning the second technique by tonight, you'll get to come to the celebration tonight," Tigress told him.
"What celebration?" Po asked.
"Apparently for the defeat of Lord Shen. You know the celebration that is supposed to be in four days, well since we will more than likely be dealing with Lord Zhong by then, so the valley moved up the date. Apparently, rumor has it, there'll be another one after Zhong is defeated," Tigress told him.
Po chuckled, "The valley sure love their parties don't they?"
Tigress nodded, "They sure do."
"So, what are you doing over here? Aren't you supposed to be training with everyone else?" Po asked.
"We still are, but we get an hour break, and they wanted to eat," Tigress told him.
"Ah and you were going to skip lunch again and practice inner peace," Po figured.
Tigress shrugged, "I tend not to get hungry often."
"Hehe, wish I could say the same," Po commented, patting his stomach lightly. Tigress chuckled.
"So, what did Master Shifu teach you, if you are allowed to talk about it that is?" Tigress asked curiously.
"Oh, it was super cool. So apparently in India, Master Oogway learned something called chakras. They're pools of energy in your body. They are blocked by certain emotions or human needs, so when you open them, your inner peace flows throw your body that way and once it's fully opened, nothing can block it!" Po told her excitedly.
"Wow, that seems, intense," Tigress told him.
"Oh, it was, that's why I have the break," Po told her. Po in his head though, his mind was racing. As he was explaining what chakras were to Tigress, something in his mind opened up. "Hey Tigress, you want to work with me on your inner peace today?" Po asked her.
Tigress nodded, "Sure, what do you want me to do."
"Meditate for a minute, I'll let you know when I figure it out," Po told her. Tigress sat on the ground and started to meditate.
Po was running through what he had learned in the chakra's session. Every emotion, every blockage. He remembered all of Tigress's struggles and pain that she has told him over the years. All of them she had come to terms with though she told him, and he believed her. Something else was blocking her inner peace and they both weren't sure what it was. Then, a thought came to him.
"Hey, Tigress!" Po exclaimed. He cringed when he saw that he startled her, "Sorry."
"No need to apologize. So, what do you want me to do?" Tigress asked him eagerly.
"Okay, I know you've told me everything. About your past, your emotions. You have told me everything. However, I think when we achieve our inner peace, it depends on personality, mentality, and experiences. For me, it was needing to accept my family's past. For you though, I think it's something you need to face."
"Okay, and what is it you think I need to face?"
"You tell me Tigress. You're fearless, strong, brave. You've conquered abandonment, disappointment. What gives you nightmares at night then?" Po asked.
Tigress's eyes widened. She wasn't expecting that question. Sure, they've talked about their nightmare's countless times, but in-depth, to find the root? They avoided it, "I- well they used to be about the cannon's going off and injuring, well you. Me not being able to save you and watch you die."
"Had we not slept together last night; do you think you'd had the same nightmare? This time of Lord Zhong firing the cannon at me or even old ones reemerging?"
Tigress hesitated for a minute, "Maybe. What do nightmares have to do with inner peace though?"
Po gave her a small smile, "The root of your nightmares is what blocks you from achieving inner peace. They are the demons you don't want to face. They prevent you from feeling at peace within yourself. Your demons are me getting hurt or dying."
"I- how do I fix that? How can I accept you getting hurt? It sounds cruel," Tigress told him.
"You have to let go," Po told her.
"Let go?"
"Of the notion that you have to protect me, so I don't get hurt. You have to know that as The Dragon Warrior, I will be put in situations that I could get killed. I can get injured and I can get killed. You though, it stresses you out whenever we are in a fight. That is what blocking your inner peace. Accept my death and you will achieve inner peace," Po told her.
"But you're not dead yet! How am I supposed to not protect you in battle, you're my friend, we protect each other in combat!"
"You don't have to stop protecting me nor I. You have to accept that when I get hurt or if I ever get killed by a villain, it was destiny and it was not your fault. You cannot always protect everyone from injury or death. Position yourself, get ready to achieve inner peace Tigress," Po told her. It was going to work.
Tigress took a deep breath. She listened to the water drops from above them fall on the floor. She eventually caught one in her paw. She thought of Po, first being hurt by Lord Shen's first cannon in the factory. He was dead then. He should have been. He is alive though. She felt the water drop flowing on her. It was still holding form. She thought of when she had to push him out of the way when Lord Shen fired the cannon at him a second time at the harbor. She was able to save him. She didn't let her friend get hurt. The water drop continued to flow. She remembered five years ago when they fought General Xiao and he nearly killed Po; he was inches from doing so before her intervention. She saved him too. Had she not, he would have died. Accept his death, he told her. Accept that he could die. The last memory flashed in her mind. Po was nearly dead at the foot of The Jade Palace stairs. Accept he could die she told herself, she didn't cause it. She took a deep breath; she could tell her face wet from tears or the waterfall or both. She will always try to save him, but if she couldn't it wasn't nor would it be her fault. She let the water drop fall on a small flower nearby the rocks and watched it. It held its shape!
Tigress grinned, "Po, it-it worked," she couldn't believe it. She turned around to face him. He was grinning just as wide as she was. Three years of trying to achieve inner peace and she finally did. Her heart was racing, "It worked!" Tigress exclaimed happily. Tigress threw her arms around Po's neck, embracing him, Po spun her around slightly as he was caught off guard from the embrace, "I did it," Tigress whispered in his chest.
Po was smiling, "You did. I knew you could."
"I had a great teacher," Tigress told him, lifting her head from his shoulder, but still held him in an embrace. "Po, I don't know how I could ever thank you."
"You don't have to, I'm just happy you finally achieved inner peace," Po told her. He was staring into her eyes and for a moment, he felt the same as when he was opening the chakra and his emotions about Tigress came flooding through. He wanted to be even closer than they were already, but he knew if he pushed that line, there was no going back. He couldn't risk their friendship, "Oh crap, I got to go. Master Shifu will kill me if I am late. He already wants to murder me," Po suddenly remembered about them having to learn chi. He let go of Tigress.
Tigress chuckled, "Go, don't be late."
"Thanks, I'm really happy you found inner peace, by the way, I'll see you at the celebration!"
That is all for this chapter! Yes, I did get some inspiration from Avatar: The Last Airbender for the chakras, but it will not be the focal point of the story. I wanted Po to learn chakras to help his inner peace. Chi could have done that, but I wanted it to be different.
Leave a review and tell me what you thought of this chapter!