-Disclaimer: I still do not own Kung Fu Panda or any of its characters-

New Feelings, New Ambitions

Part Two

Dawn broke over the Jade Palace. The Furious Five and the Dragon Warrior all slept soundly as the soft golden light crept through the halls. One by one, their eyes opened. Yawns were heard, as were the cracks and groans of stretching. But then nothing made a sound. Odd. The gong was usually stuck by now.

Unbeknownst to the others, Tigress still lay on her mat. Sound sleep. A soft purr was coming from her mouth, shaped in a gentle smile. She was oblivious to the morning light and heat that slowly flooded her room. She made no motion as the other masters of Kung Fu cracked their doors and looked about, curious as to why Shifu hadn't sounded the gong.

Po was the last to poke his head through his door, still groggy, he glanced at his friends and shared looks of confusion between them. Then his eyes fell on Tigress' room. Her door was still closed.

Tigress rolled in her sleep as Po slowly opened her door. While he stepped closer, she continued to purr. He knelt to wake her. "Tigress..." With that Tigress' eyes shot open, she leapt up and palmed Po straight in the chest. Knocking him into the hall. He lay there for a moment, then let out a pitiful "Owwww..."

Tigress was still standing there, arm stretched out and confused. Why had she slept in? Gong or not, she was always up before the sunrise. She had been dreaming about being wrapped in something soft and warm... She looked down and saw Po, on his back and groaning. Without thinking she rushed beside him. "Are you alright? I'm so sorry." She went down to help him up, but as soon as she got her arms around him she took notice of the rest of the Five watching her. Embarrassed by her action, she quickly resumed her master demeanor and dropped Po. She watched as he got up on his own, swaying as he did so.

"Hehe..." he chuckled dizzily, "Remind me not... to wake you... ever again.." He took a step forward and nearly fell, were it not for Monkey steadying him.

"You startled me." Tigress stated, avoiding eye contact with everyone. She heard Viper and Crane giggle and felt her blush burn hotter.

"I see that my plan to let you rest for today was well placed." Viper and Crane whirled around to find Master Shifu standing there. No one had heard him enter the hallway.

"Master." said the Five and Po placed there hands together and bowed to the Red Panda.

Shifu began to slowly walk between his students down the hall. "In light of our recent travels, I have decided that today will not be spent training your bodies. You all suffered major injuries at the hands of Shen and his weapons. And it is obvious that you are still feeling the stress of your journey." He looked at Tigress, who quickly averted her gaze." You must let your bodies heal before you begin to strain them. So, today, you will train your mind." Shifu turned around and walked back down the aisle of his disciples. "The day will be spent meditating. All of you. After breakfast, I will expect total silence throughout the palace until this evening. Sooth your mind. Seek balance. Find inner peace."

"Uhh..." Po began to speak, but Shifu quickly aimed his staff at his nose.

"Yes Panda, I am well aware you have achieved inner peace. But, your mind is like a muscle. If it is not properly exercised, it will lose its strength and potency. So you too will be meditating. And so will I." With that he lowered his staff and started to stroll away. "So, all of you eat. Then, as I said, meditate. Silently please. And unless some emergency comes up. I will see you all this evening."

Tigress watched her master turn the corner of the hall. After he was out of sight she looked at Po. He had obviously recovered from her strike. For he now had his paw over his large gut, which she could hear growling. She then looked at his face, which held a look of disappointment. She knew he wasn't very inclined to the more... subtle arts of Kung Fu, and he was about to spend all day training in them. suddenly Po's eyes lifted to meet hers. For a brief moment she looked at his eyes, and her stomach twisted. She quickly looked away and contributed the feeling to hunger.

She ate her meal quietly. She observed her friends idly chatting about this and that, from bean bun records, to new fighting moves. She chuckled when Po made a joke about Shifu's "ghost style". And could feel herself blush when Po smiled at her when he heard her laugh.

After they ate. They masters separated and dispersed throughout the palace grounds. Tigress began to make her way the the Sacred Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom. She had always found that to be the most peaceful place on the grounds. Though she rarely meditated, focusing more on her physical training, the Peach Tree was her favorite place to do so.

She sat cross legged beneath the branches. Letting the breeze caress her fur, feeling the blossoms swirl around her. Tigress closed her eyes and exhaled. Peace. Inner peace. Seek balance within yourself. Find peace. Like Po did. Po found inner peace and saved us all. Saved me. He saved me. He is the Dragon Warrior, a great master whose skill is only matched by his heart.

Tigress opened her eyes abruptly. Her cheeks burned and her breathing had intensified. Why was she thinking about Po? She was supposed to be meditating, not thinking about Po.

Focus. Breath. She thought. She closed her eyes again and straightened her back. The wind swirled around her as she attempted to find balance. Inner peace. Inner peace. Seek balance... he saved me... Peace... he hugged me... Inner peace... he was so warm... Balance within... I felt so safe...

She opened her eyes again. She blinked over and over. What was this feeling?! It was enveloping her. Filling her stomach with knots and butterflies. She felt a yearning to be close to Po again. Why? The panda was a fat, lazy, loud... caring... happy... comforting...

Tigress sat there pondering her thoughts on Po. Why was he always so nice to her? Even when she hurt him, both with words and her fists, he still smiled at her, still called her his friend. She lowered her head and regretted all the mean things she had ever said to him. Yes, she had been kinder to him recently, but that didn't change what she had said and done before.

Po... I'm sorry... She envisioned Po's face, his smile, his eyes, his deep jade eyes that were holding a secret. What was it? What was he thinking when he looked at her? She realized she was smiling. She looked up at the peach tree and let the breeze cool her cheeks.

I need to talk to him. Ask him what he is thinking. Maybe that will help me figure out what I am feeling to. With that, she stood up and walked down the steps.

-Alright! Part Two! Thanks for the comments on the last one, I'm really glad people like my story. So, once again, please give criticism. I'm gonna try to write as much as I can. I know how frustrating it is when a story takes forever to put out chapters. Please comment and continue reading!-