Chapter 21 : Mother

As Tigress just reached the palace, she noticed the empress along with her maids were waiting for her in the main hall.

"Oh, Tigress dear," she rushed toward her happily. "You're back."

Tigress bowed respectfully. "Your Highness. I got something I should report to the emperor."

The empress stopped, frowning. "Something important?"

"Yes. It's about the prisoners that escaped last night. Someone just informed me that they were heading here in this palace."

The empress was shocked, recalling the memory when those two mountain cats almost slashed her throat two weeks ago. "This is absolutely a horrible news."

"I know, Your Highness," said Tigress. "We must spread more soldiers to everywhere to keep this palace safe."

The empress nodded in understand. "Alright, dear. You should talk about this to my husband." She took Tigress' wrist gently and escorted her to the emperor.

TLoTDaTT

The prince had left the prison, leaving Po and the four the worst news. They would be beheaded if they could not manage to escape before the next morning came.

Monkey panicked. "What?! You don't know how to get us out of here?!"

"Uh…. well…" Po said unsurely.

"Oh, Man!" the primate placed hands on his head, groaning. "We're gonna die."

"Our heads will be cut off," added Crane.

Mantis shuddered. "And our bodies will be chopped."

"Or even worse, perhaps those predators will eat us too."

Within minutes, the situation turned from bad to worse. The warriors could not be quiet but restless.

Viper rolled her eyes, seeing the boys' annoying act. "You guys just calm down."

Monkey glanced at Viper. "Calm down?" and then turned to the others. "Calm down, she said?"

"How could you ask us to calm down while the death will pick us up tomorrow?" Mantis mumbled.

"Because panick will bring us only to nowhere," Viper answered. "Why don't you just sit here, settle down and think to find a way out."

"This is Po's fault," Monkey grumbled.

The panda was upset. "You're blaming me?"

"Yes. It was your idea about disguising as a grocer and walloping some innocent villagers. We drew too much attention!"

"Hey! You can't just blame me," the panda protested. "You are part of that plan."

"I never agreed with your plan."

"Oh yeah? Why didn't you just say it to me in the first place?"

"Because I did not know it would end bad until we wind up here. Since you came to our group we always get captured easily on our mission."

"Then it's your fault too because you didn't warn me about—"

"Will you two shut up!" Viper yelled. Her voice was big enough, echoing throughout the room.

Both Po and Monkey stopped their little squabbling. It was their first time hearing their friendly snake friend yell. Not like her as usual.

"I can't believe it. We're in critical situation and you're acting like children."

The panda and the primate stayed silent, bowing their heads in regret.

"Listen to me," Viper's voice returned to normal. "I know we're distracted, tired and threatened but at least we still can try to find a way out of this problem."

"Talking is easy," Mantis said sarcastically. "Taking action is difficult."

"Don't be like a loser. We just must try."

There was a state of silence for a few seconds. No one talked among them.

Po flopped down to floor by the butt, trying to find a way out with brooding eyes. He looked out through the bars. Tens soldiers were still standing guard around the cell with their weapons. The panda groaned, giving up.

If only Tigress had been with them, she would have broken the bars only with a punch.

But she was not with them now.

Did the prince say the truth about Tigress? Had his favorite tiger friend changed? What if Tigress really didn't need to be rescued?

But Po had promised Shifu to bring Tigress back to The Valley of Peace at any cost. And no matter how, as The Dragon Warrior, he must keep his promise. Though if it was true that Tigress didn't want to see them, he would find a way to drag her back to their valley.

Including by fighting her, if it was needed.

TLoTDaTT

Tigress knocked the door before entering the throne hall.

The emperor was not alone in that hall. General Luo and Yuan Sheng were with him, whispering to the emperor secretly. Tigress wonder what they were talking about. She could see the prince muttered something but then he was argued by the general. The emperor only watched and listened.

"Your Majesty," Tigress addressed him.

Soon, the emperor, the prince and the general stopped their conversation as they realized Tigress' arrival.

The emperor sprang to his feet, smilling brightly. "Oh, Tigress. You're back."

Tigress took some steps forward before bowing. For seconds, she noticed at the general and the prince. Both showed her two different expressions on their faces. Yuan Sheng gave a smile while General Luo gave a sharp look. Tigress did not know why but she sensed that this general did not like her.

Tigress cleared her throat. "Your Majesty. I brought you a report."

"Oh, really?" the emperor pretended to look happy. "Then report it."

Before Tigress could speak, General Luo had preceded her with a question. "Is this about our escaped prisoners?"

"Yes, General," Tigress replied and then she turned back to the emperor. "And I got an information from a villager that these prisoners had robbed a fireworks store last night. He saw them running away towards here, to our palace, Your Majesty."

Silence for a moment hung up in the air. Tigress waited for a respond from the emperor.

"I knew it. I knew it!" Someone suddenly exclaimed. It was not the emperor but the general. "See what I told you, Your Majesty? She is capable of nothing."

Tigress was shocked hearing that sudden statement. What's wrong with this general?

"Shut your mouth up, General!" Yuan Sheng exclaimed, gazing him sharply. "You have no right to judge the reincarnation of my ancestor!"

"Hah! The reincarnation of your ancestor?!" the general laughed dryly. "She even does not wanna be that ; useless. I'm strongly doubt she is able to fulfill her destiny!"

"My ancestor would not choose her without any reason!" The prince's voice was threatening. "And if you respect your first emperor, you will respect her as you respect Khan!"

"I won't give my respect to someone who will only disappoint our people."

"You—"

"Silent!" The emperor shouted angrily. "How dare you quarrel in front of me. I am the emperor. I'm in charge here!"

Quickly, both the prince and the general put their fists into palm and bowed.

"Forgive me for my bad behaviour, Your Majesty." General Luo apologized.

The emperor inhaled deeply, getting himself composed. He sat down back on his throne. The awkward silence returned.

Tigress gazed at the general furiously. She clenched her fist as if she was ready to punch him right in the face. But she had to hold her anger back.

"Tigress," the emperor addressed without looking at her.

Tigress turned to the emperor. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"You're dismissed."

Tigress gawked.

She was dismissed? As if her coming was not expected ; totally rejected by anyone.

"But Your Majesty," Tigress said rapidly. "If you're just listening, I may give you some suggestions to trap these prisoners. We should—"

"Didn't you hear him?!" the general cut off sharply. "You are dismissed."

Tigress snorted indignantly, absolutely peevish with the general. But she went on.

"May I continue my suggestion? If we have some soldiers spread around palace, then it would be easy to us to—"

The emperor suddenly raised his hand up, gesturing Tigress to stop.

"Enough,Tigress," the emperor said in a tone of despair. "Your mission is over now. Capturing these prisoners is not our main priority anymore. Now if you'll excuse us, I have to discuss something important with my general in private."

Tigress sighed and stopped by peforce, annoyed to herself. "Yes, Your Majesty."

She turned around, walking out of the room slowly. But after closing the door, she stayed there, listening to what the males would talk about inside.

"Your Majesty, you have to make a decision as soon as possible." She heard the general whispered. "If Tigress is not able to do this, then allow me to lead our army to ambush The Great Valley."

"You know what you're talking about, General?" the emperor said coldly. "This attack we're talking about is not a trivial. I need someone who is really competent to lead this war. And my ancestor had chosen Tigress as the leader."

"I'm just afraid she cannot, Your Majesty."

"How dare you!" the emperor sounded angry. "Khan would not choose her by mistake."

"I am really sorry if I sound arrogant, Your Majesty. But she has failed on her mission. It proves that she obviously cannot lead a war."

Tigress closed her eyes as she leaned her back on the door. Those words hurted her, piercing her to the marrow.

Crestfallen. That's what she was feeling. The general exactly was right about herself.

She decided to get to her room. But on the way to her room, she met the empress walking toward her.

"How did it go, dear?" the empress asked. But when she saw Tigress' expression, she squinted. "Is something wrong?"

Tigress could not look at the empress for shame. She started to go past her without answering, but at the last moment stopped short. "It was fine."

Useless

"You have talked to my husband?"

"Yes, I have, Your Highness."

She has failed

"Are you sure you're alright? You look so… not good."

She is capable of nothing

"Yes. Thank you, Your Highness. I'll go to my room."

TLoTDaTT

With slow, steady tread, Tigress made her way to her room. As she reached there, she laid herself on her bed and sank her head under the pillow.

Why? She thought. Why couldn't I complete this mission?

She wondered. This was the first time she failed on a mission that was assigned to her.

She sat up, hugging her knees.

The emperor and his family had been kind enough to her even since the first time she came to this palace. They gave her everything ; home, love, warmth and family. They always saw Tigress as one of them. Of course it was because she was the reincarnation of the emperor's ancestor itself. And they, sure enough, did not want more from her than she to fulfill the destiny that was written on her fate.

But she refused it. And though she knew they were disappointed, but they, especially the emperor, didn't show it to her… until now.

She admitted she really felt guilty. And useless. Or… she might be only a parasite in that palace. Living in someone else's home, taking kindness from the homeowners but never gave any feedback to them.

Part of her heart, she blamed her destiny.

Why should it be her? Why would she be born as the reincarnation of Khan?

If only there was a way out to avoid her fate.

But how?

The door was opened. The empress came in without accompanied by her maids this time.

"Tigress, dear. You're okay?"

Tigress tilted her head to see the empress. "Your Highness?"

The empress smiled softly. She walked slowly toward the bed and sat down beside Tigress.

"I see you're not feeling well," she said worriedly. "Something's bothering you?"

Tigress set a fake smile. "No, Your Highness."

But the empress knew that Tigress was forcing herself to smile. "Oh, come on dear" she placed a hand on Tigress' shoulder, caressing her softly. "Tell me what's bothering your mind."

Tigress bit her lip. She was indeed needing a friend to talk to at the moment.

"Well…" the empress waited Tigress to respond.

Tigress smiled wryly. "Your Highness… It's just…" she took a deep breath before continuing. "Why me?"

The empress raised an eyebrow. "You?"

"I mean—I am not the only reincarnation of Khan, right? There must be some before me. But… why am I the one destined to continue his goal?"

The empress nodded, smilling. "I completely understand."

"Why isn't someone else. Why me? I am not able to fulfill my destiny."

"Oh, Tigress." The empress caressed Tiggress' head. "You are the chosen one, dear. Shouldn't you be proud of yourself?"

Tigress shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry, Your Highness but I am not. That destiny has changed my master and comrades turned against me."

"That's okay," the empress replied. "I would feel the same if I were you. But look at the bright side ; you have found your new family here."

"I am just confused."

The empress put her arm around Tigress and hugged her . "Oh. Poor you."

To be honest, Tigress felt very comfortable being around a woman like the empress. She was like a parent and always there for her.

Shifu was never there for her.

"I may not help to solve your problem," the empress continued. "But this may make you happy."

She broke the hug and pulled something out from her robe.

A little box.

"What is this?"

The empress opened the box, revealing very beautiful jade necklace.

"It's…beautiful, Your Highness," Tigress commented, fascinated.

"It is," the empress smiled as she kept staring at it, "this necklace has passed down from generation to generation in my family. I got this from my mother before of her death. I wish that someday, if I have a daughter, I will give it to her."

Tigress noticed the empress presenting the necklace to her. She frowned.

"Your Highness?"

"Take this, dear," she said. "This is for you."

"Me… me?" Tigress asked in disbelief. "Oh, no. I can't, Your Highness. This belongs to your family. I… I am not your daughter."

"Well. Don't you wanna be?"

Tigress was silent.

The empress wanted Tigress to be her daughter. Wait a second! Was she planning to…

"You want me marry Yuan Sheng?!" Tigress gasped, taken aback. "Your Highness! I am very really sorry, but I cannot—"

The empress laughed. "Oh, Tigress. I am not planning that. No. you're not going to marry my son." She stopped laughing. "I was thinking about adopting you."

Oh

Tigress felt embarrassed, cursing herself for taking a conclusion so fast.

"Tigress," the empress spoke again. "Do you wish to be my second born child?"

For a second, Tigress just scrutinized at the empress.

Having parents. It was a dream she had been craving even since she was in Bao Gu Orphanage, when none of adults wanted to adopt her since they saw her as a monster until a Kung Fu master named Shifu trained her, proving that she entirely was not a monster but only a little girl.

But Shifu could never be a real parent for her. He was trying to banish her when he found out about her true identity. If he had ever cared for her, he would have been sending Po and the four on a mission to look for her.

"Your Highness. I… I…," Tigress tried to talk. "I don't know what to say. I mean—I'd love being your daughter. But… isn't it too much for me?"

"Don't say like that, dear. You deserve to be part of my family. You were born at this palace and your parents were my friend." She said as handed the necklace to Tigress.

Tigress smiled. "I…" she held the necklace. "I only can say thank you, Your Highness."

"A daughter is not supposed to call her mother by that name," said the empress, smilling. "You can call me mother from now on."

"Yes," Tigress said as she smiled excitedly. "Thank you... Mother."

The empress smiled back before standing up. "Well then. Seems like you're feeling better now. You must be tired after searching for the prisoners."

Tigress cackled briefly. "I guess so."

"Take a rest, My daughter. You're really needing it by now."

Tigress found more happiness when the empress called her daughter. Never before had she been called that by someone. Even not from Shifu.

The empress gave her a soft look before turning and leaving the room ; attempting to get back to her own room. She walked out after closing the door.

As she walked through a dark and empty corridors heading to her room, she did not realized that two mysterious dark figures were watching over her in the shadow. And they had knives in their grips.

Three seconds later, the empress felt something cold and sharp pressed her neck strongly.