Ailurophile

Author note: Thanks for reading.

Dangerous Politics

He stalked down the dimly lit corridors leading to Raja's study. In this area of the palace, late at night, only the ceiling lamps provided fluorescence. This would have equated to a frightening sight were anyone to come by Tai Lung in the current atmosphere. He balled his bandaged fists gently, then opened them. Until his paws had fully healed he was forced into constantly being mindful of his handicap. It was a familiar and unwanted sensation, the pain wasn't so bad, but if he overdid it then his wounds would open and bleed. No, that wasn't the unwanted part, it was the fact that he was weaker because of it. He hadn't sustained anything as bad as this for quite a long time, and any show of weakness to him was both humiliating and caused diffidence, especially to someone as proud as himself.

She helped him. The thought of accepting aid was also humiliating. As soon as he realised what he had done he sought escape from it, but Tigress followed. When she attempted to carry out the task of cleaning the wounds he became angry, more at himself than her. He didn't want her help; it would be accepting that he was weak to accept her help. But she refused to back down and Tai Lung actually allowed her to clean and wrap his wounds. But why did she help?

He had treated her quite illy on her first day as his captive, and initially, he was indifferent about treating her in such a way. He didn't recall the exact point of when, but he had begun feeling empathetic towards her. Look at it from her point of view he wouldn't have liked doing forced labour either. He had soon taken pity on her then, but also began to feel something- No, he had only felt pity for her. Perhaps It began when she cried. Her feelings were understandable, even though he had brought them out; but she had told him she needed the outlet... so he just let it be. He would usually try to avoid something so awkward, so seeing her in that state, and not having a clue on how to react wasn't a comfortable place to be.

He wanted her, certainly, he did. Yet, he tried to convince himself that he could hurt her, do whatever he pleased to her, and do so without any guilt as he could upon any other enemy. But when it came down to it, attacking her wasn't what he wanted, because just thinking of it now... disgusted him.

He had taken his fair share of flames in the past, they had all been fleeting and purely physical, and after taking an interest in her, he followed his instincts. But when he advanced upon her, she turned him down with her insecurity. It was out of fear. Such a fierce and defiant soul revealing to be petrified at the touch of another- No, not another's just his, and it was his fault for making her afraid when he had pushed himself on her... He had fully intended to take her then and there. He wouldn't have stopped if they hadn't been interrupted; he lost total control for the moment. It wasn't new... he had let his emotions guide him many times in the past. It served as fuel, it made him stronger, but he could never lose control around her... he realised that now. She was different. On the subject of discipline, a Kung Fu warrior of his calibre had to master his emotions. He couldn't allow them to master him. The last time he lost control of his anger he was put in prison for half his life for what he'd done.

He was not a senseless brute with no concept of control, he could bottle up his anger, but that was the problem. All that rage had to come out at some point and grew until it unhinged. It was Shifu's fault... his former master had brought him so far up only to send him crashing down, and who could handle such a hail of bad emotion? Him? When he was younger the concept of being hurt by anything but the most deadly foe seemed impossible. He now scoffed at the thought.

Every promise made by Shifu had been broken, all his proclamations of how Tai Lung would become the dragon warrior had turned out to be false... and he learnt that the very worst wounds were never physical. Oogway had said it, even before he'd laid waste to the valley. Tai Lung's heart was dark. Shifu kept filling his head with visions of how spectacular he would become. The darkness was fed and Tai Lung and spent all his life striving toward the goal. To earn what his Master could not, the Dragon scroll. So much effort was sacrificed that he had nothing left to fall back on if he failed. But... Shifu had convinced him that he could not fail.

Tai Lung shook head and looked for something more appealing to think about.

He has made a promise that he wouldn't kiss her. No matter how much he wished to. He did phrase it that he would not do so without her permission, and he had meant it. A ting of anxiousness hit him. He may have made that promise in haste... he humourous thought. But he could find ways to bend the rules... He was going to have to be more gentle with her. Her innocence in these matters was clear to see. Her surprised scent gave it away. Unlike the female company, he was more accustomed to she was virginal; he found the thought endearing; it made him almost gleeful.

His wondering came to an end when he turned the corner and had finally reached Raja's quarters. He sighed. His friend had been keeping things from him... If he was in danger then Raja should have told him; it could only mean that the snake had something to hide.

He didn't even knock and simply walked in. As he entered, he saw raja sat in front of a desk, eyes glued a scroll, various documents and piece of parchment surrounding it.

Raja looked up at Tai Lung. The two stared at each for a moment, Raja looked tired... he seemed to have missed out on sleep recently. "The marauders we were fighting today were a portion of the militia sent from Kuala Lumpur, which you may know... but the reason they are here-" he took one the document and motioned for him to take it "-Is this."

Tai Lung eyes flicked towards the letter pushed towards him, he took it and started reading. At first, the more he read the more his frown grew and soon turned into a scowl he snapped his head towards Raja "This is about marriage?" he asked.

Raja nodded grimly.

"So you declined their offer? -Obviously."

"Obviously," Raja repeated with a sarcasm.

The Malaysian dynasty had proposed unification with Singapore, it wasn't unheard of to make such a deal to gain more power or secure peace. To be sure, it would bring many benefits to the people of the city. And Raja said no. His reasons were a mystery. The benefits were vast, anyone would have thought he could only gain from this. But Tai Lung could tell that there was more yet to be told. "So why not?"

"I've heard stories about the proposed groom, done my research... not encouraging. Not for my daughter," he proclaimed. Raja suddenly looked exhausted like everything had suddenly weighed down on him. It seemed like he'd gone through a lot of trouble to keep this problem a bay and keep it concealed from Nisa. The cobra leaned back in his seat. "Nisa is just the object to seal the deal, as it were. I always told then no... It was quite recently that they came to my home with this final offer and with force. I imagined a more drawn-out process before reaching this point." He looked back at Tai Lung with deep anger. "I cannot let them take her, who knows how she would fare. She knows nothing of the world."

Tai Lung didn't reply straight away and took a moment to process all this. He'd left China to avoid this kind of thing, but it seemed wherever he travelled the conflict followed. He didn't know what to do about it... This wasn't his fight and nor did he desire to be apart of it; but could he leave Raja alone in this? He made it no secret that he was disinclined to act out if was in self-interest but that didn't mean he was without honour... Honour among friends, for the few that he had. He was in a difficult position here. Raja looked like he was hanging on his reaction. "I should say 'tough luck, my friend, for your stubbornness...' but today, I'd like to know how soon you expect their next attack?"

Raja blinked. He would have put his money on the former all things considered, but he couldn't help the smile on his face. "I'm not sure, they will be expecting word from the soldiers we defeated today soon enough, so not long I imagine."

"They must have an encampment outside the city, yes?"

His smile grew. "They do, an island to the north, it would take a day or two depending on the speed."

Tai Lung nodded and sneered at grateful look Raja was giving him. "Enough with the face! We go tomorrow at first light, and settle this my way... since that's what you want."

Raja stared at him oddly. The snake's eyes flicked towards his hands. "Maybe we should wait, until..."

Tai Lung knew exactly where Raja's eyes wandered. "Until what?" He asked darkly.

The snake sighed, he knew it wasn't worth it. "Nothing. I'll see you in the morning."

Tai Lung nodded and left his snake to his reading, or whatever he was doing before. He could still fight, he would just have to avoid using his fists. It was the smallest concern on the list. The only problem he could think of was what he was going to do with his captive; she would have to be secured but how could he leave her without her running off?

The arrangement had her baffled, to begin with, it was no doubt for a specific reason though didn't know what... It was explained that there was business to be taken care of outside the city and that they would all be coming along. Tigress could tell how happy the news made Nisa. It just seemed so out of the blue. It had been first thing in the morning when the girl's father came into her room and announced that they were going make a short journey on Tai Lung's ship of all places, to which her reaction was to make noises of glee and shower him with compliments of how great a father he was; on another day she might have found annoying but honestly, Tigress found the display of affection endearing. It caused her to feel a hint of jealousy seeing how strong a bond they had, one she wished she might have had with Shifu once upon a time. It had her mostly suspicious though- they were to leave this place so soon? It was right after a battle too... Her hunch was that it was related to that. Tai Lung didn't say anything about this. Not that she expected him too.

Hopefully, the snow leopard would be forthcoming when she questioned him about it.

When they had just boarded the ship and were ready depart Tai Lung had everyone work at twice the pace she usually observed. Tigress watched it play out as they did their jobs, she had noticed that some of the crew members were absent, notably, the one's Tai Lung had shown hostility to. She wouldn't pretend to know what went on in his head but he was clearly angered when they had insulted her. It made her wonder what they had said. Tai Lung hadn't told her and he probably wasn't going to either.

As she saw him, Nisa grabbed poor unfortunate Xiaodan into a great big hold and called him the 'cutest' baby she had ever seen, to which he protested, and vehemently denied yelling out that he wasn't a baby and didn't want to be treated like one. He tried to push himself away but it was in vain so he merely crossed his arms and pouted as she cooed and smothered him, Tigress smiled at them as it played out. She walked towards the ship's railing and leaned against it, looking it out she observed that the weather hadn't changed much.

"This fog isn't helping much," Tigress muttered to herself.

"It's perfect for where we're going," spoke a voice from behind her. She didn't need to look who it was; Tai Lung's voice was now permanently scorched into her mind.

She turned to him curiously, perhaps he would tell her what this was for. "Why is that?"

He didn't seem surprised by her question but regarded her a level stare. "The attack yesterday, won't be the last."

Then it hit her "So you're going to take the fight to... those people?" She began to realise that this outing was not any kind of vacation... as if Tai Lung would agree to something like that. Raja likely only brought Nisa because he wanted to keep nearby for her safety. She could tell the girl was oblivious to this. She didn't approve of lying; especially to those close to you, but then he would probably use some sarcastic excuse like 'Not telling isn't the same as lying'. She'd find out about it one way or another.

Tai Lung gave a nod. "Correct."

She knitted her brow. "What is it that started all of this, anyway?"

Tai Lung gave her a small smile. "The less you know the more I can take amusement from your frustration. You shouldn't expect anything."

Tigress frowned. Yes, she had almost forgotten. She was his prisoner, but instead of trying to argue she decided to leave it be and changed the subject. "So you'll be going to fight on your own?"

"Raja will be joining me," he stated carelessly.

Yes of course he would be, it was his problem to deal with after all. But that didn't change the fact that Tai Lung wasn't able to fight at his best. With what happened yesterday, what if he was injured again? For no reason she could explain she was put off by the idea... then again, there was a solution. She decided. "Let me come with you."

Tai Lung snickered as if she had just said something funny. "Sorry Kitten, but I don't need any help with this."

She knew if she tried to argue directly it would get her nowhere, so she tried a different tactic. "I wasn't offering to help you, Raja might need help." It wasn't the best she could come with, but it... wasn't terrible.

For some reason, he looked annoyed. "He can more than handle himself, though a little rough around the edges. If you remember yesterday he fought as well."

She shook her head. "I also believe you know this 'secret errand' could be done much quicker if I help." She knew she was right, and so did he.

"And I've told you I don't need any help," he intoned.

She glowered at his refusal but still continued to persist. "You're being unreasonable," she said mimicking his tone.

"The plan won't changing I'm afraid," he replied smoothly.

Tigress was ready to huff in agitation, he was being damn stubborn. She wasn't going flee, not with the current problem. Helping out a friend in circumstances like these was mandatory in her book and she liked Nisa, in doing this she would be helping protect the girl and her home. Tigress had left it in the back of her mind but felt that if she was there she'd prevent something possibly terrible from happening.

"I say let her come," a new voice added. Tigress looked past Tai Lung to Raja behind, who had probably heard most of what was said. She noticed some of the crewmen around pretending not to hear but failing miserably.

Tai Lung looked over his shoulder in disappointment. He had also noticed the not so subtle audience at that moment. "(We are on MY ship. Here I'm the one in charge, and I've no need for troublesome heroes getting in the way... or flee should she see the opportunity.)"

Raja gave him a look but didn't bother asking. "(Come now, as she said we could get this done quicker if she came along; you need not keep her in the dark and if she's with you then she can't possibly make enough space to escape, as you said.)"

Then Raja's expression seemed to change. An unreadable smile appeared on in his face, which made Tai Lung wary. "(You don't want her running off, but do you have any reason that you can't trust her?)"

Tigress looked between the two of them in confusion at the sudden use of another language. Was that Malaysian? Why were they speaking Malaysian? Suddenly Tai Lung snapped his gaze on her- and out of sheer will, she stopped herself from flinching. His eyes were livid- as if he was breaking through her to find something. Tigress responded in the only way she could, which was to meet his stare. She did so without any show of emotion; it was very hard. He seemed to have the balance of power tipped in his favour. It was as if... the vulnerability he'd shown her hadn't existed at all since she had helped him wrap his hands, and yet again his cold stare had her raw with the strange uncultivated feeling she was experiencing more and more each time his eyes were on her.

He finally opened his mouth. "Come with me then," It was directed at her alone. Then he turned to go into the ship's interior, Tigress spared Raja a glance before following behind.

They entered the outer cabin to see it filled with crewmen lounging. Tai Lung narrowed his eyes at all of them. "Everyone, get out!"

They all quickly turned their eyes on him in annoyance, but then saw who had shouted- and they promptly fled the room. Tigress watched them leave then turned her attention to Tai Lung, suddenly her instincts told to keep her guard up.

Shifu was never one to openly express any emotions, besides passive grouchiness or frustration, in the eyes of his students. But the for some unknown reason- especially to himself -he felt the longer it took to get Tigress back with them the more he felt that they would lose her forever. It made him feel hopeless, but he chose to ignore the feeling because it was probably nothing. Oogway likely would have tried convincing him otherwise if he were here now, but Shifu was never one to act purely on a feeling. He knew Tigress was strong and if any new dangers crossed her path, that she would be able to survive it... Only- the danger wasn't anything new, at least not to Shifu. Tai Lung was in a whole different category of danger. The best he could do was only hope that Tigress wouldn't let him break her with violence before he and the others got to her.

He sighed. He could see how Tigress' absence had taken its toll on the others. They were all anxious to have her back and the newly acquired ship was working at double time. But then he turned his sights on Po who was sitting alone at the far end of sun deck looking glum. He was aware that the Dragon warrior was more out of his element than anyone else. It appeared that her being gone had been harder for him than Shifu had originally taken notice to... The reason was clear. Po blamed himself for this.

A deep voice toned at his side. "I ain't one for being sentimental, I think it's waste, to be honest, but looks like your star pupil bein' gone has him real shaken."

"You think so? The Dragon warrior will be fine. He is just a little... lost without Tigress being here to guide him." Shifu turned to the man next to him. He was still slightly awed by the sight. The Rhino looked like half his body had been set alight and the scaring... The red scars went from his face all the way down his torso and left arm.

The rhino scoffed. "Right..." He sounded like he didn't believe for a moment that was the problem, the only problem at least... but he wasn't that well known for his remorse. Though their encounters had been brief he had enough of an idea into the rhino's mentality to know that they had different very views. Shifu doubted that Vachir knew much about empathy or sensitivity. But who could say, the Rhino was probably a far harsher a character after what he'd been through anyway.

Because Vachir had joined him, he had more resources in preparation for... the battle to come, such things as the crew consisting solely of Rhinoceros, beside him and the five of course.

This rhino's face suddenly contorted into a merciless scowl that could only be described as ugly. "I hope when the time comes you'll be ready to face whoever gets in our way to killing Tai Lung."

Shifu narrowed his eyes and the rhino and grit his teeth. "You just concentrate on your part Vachir, do you understand?"

Vachir chuckled as if he found some kind of humour in what he had just said. "Yeah, sure! I'll handle what I go'd a do. I'm a professional. But just remember whose the enemy Shifu." And with that said, he walked away. Shifu suddenly drained of energy... Giving Po a final glance, he made his way inside. Hopefully, Vachir, being professional, could run things smoothly until they arrived.

Shifu . He hoped that wherever Tigress was now, she was safe.

Tigress' back slammed into the wall and she let out a stunned gasp. Tai Lung pinned her against it and was pressing the length of his body against her own creating sensitive friction between them. Her eyes went wide as his mouth covered hers, eagerly taking what he wanted. But then he slowed down his advance and his eagerness changed into something staidly.

How did this happen? Her mind was foggy at the moment. She could remember him revealing some kind of plot in which someone wanted to take over Singapore or something along those lines but that was it; the rest was blurred for some reason. After he finished telling her she didn't know why she did it but when he came so close to her, looking her in the eyes the way he did, and asked. As soon as the word left her mouth, he was on her. How could she let him? She failed to understand why she had let her guard down but for some reason when he came close, she had forgot about everything prior and just couldn't bring herself to say no to him. And now here the two of them were kissing again.

Suddenly his actions didn't have nearly as much demand as they had the last time. He was... tender with his movements. His bandaged hands were behind her head and pulling her waist bringing them together, not strongly as he had before but the purpose to it was tangible and the hold was still tight. He still managed to seem possessive despite the lack of force. His lips were pressing softly across hers and were not showing any sign of him ready to force her, but was pressing gently and slow with an affection only a lover could have mustered; it had her practically thawing.

He pulled away slowly, and she found herself leaning into him as he moved back. Opening their eyes they stared at each other. She looked quite dazed. He wondered to himself how he'd found the will power to hold off, but he was also glad she hadn't tried to force him away. It was inwardly surprising for him that she agreed, but he wouldn't gloat. She looked like she had enjoyed it as much as he did, it must have been a few minutes before he moved off her completely.

He sighed "Very well, I'll allow it," he muttered to her.

She gave him a confused look "You'll... what?" she asked dreamily.

"Let you come. That's what you want, isn't it?"

Then everything rushed back at her. She had agreed to this... He had said that if she wanted to help out then she would have to give him a kiss and that just moments ago; her kiss... to give to him. What a blur... She prepared for the inevitable regret to hit her, but oddly see didn't feel any. She'd admit to herself that she liked it, but... as she waited for the regret, none came.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Tigress startled at the door in alarm.

Tai Lung knew by the look on her face that it was time to let her go or risk having her recoil at his proximity all over again. He huffed and turned his eyes to the door in annoyance, yet again they had been interrupted. He stepped away from her and walked to the door not seeing the conflicted disappointment on her face when he pulled away. Behind it was Raja and Hong; the two of them wore dead-serious expressions.

"We have arrived."

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