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

New Feelings, New Ambitions

Part Three

As Master Shifu had sternly requested, all of the Jade Palace was silent. The only sound to be heard was the gentle mountain wind softly whistling through the grounds.

Tigress slowly made her way across the main yard. She looked all around her, searching for Po. She took notice of Crane atop the training hall, his beak hidden under a wing. She also saw Monkey was high in a tree, perched on his tail giving the illusion that he was levitating. Mantis and Viper were both motionless under iron wood trees with their eyes closed.

Taking heed of their presence, Tigress walked across the grass without making a sound. Her footfalls made no noise. She had trained for so many years in the art of stealth that it had now become second nature to her. She continued to search the grounds but found no sign of Po. She wondered where he might be. She had checked the kitchen, the garden, and Monkey's new hiding spot for his almond cookies, but Po was nowhere to be found.

She thought hard about where she might be. Where would he meditate? Where would he find peace? She knew where he was. She strode off towards the gate.

After a bit of a hike along the mountain side, Tigress arrived at her destination. The cave where Shifu had first told Po of inner peace. Her hunch had been correct, for in the center of the cavern stood Po.

A drop of water fell from the ceiling hit the floor beside the panda. He slid his foot over the drop over the wet spot and assumed the ready position. With his eyes closed, he caught a second drop of water that had fallen and let it roll down his arm. Tigress watched him with admiration. Before she had met him, she never would have believed a panda capable of such movement.

As she watched she felt her heart beat quicken, her lungs tighten, and her face grow warm. He was so graceful, so gentle... She turned and left. Leaping from rock to rock, Tigress made her way back to the palace. She could not face him like this. She was a member of the Furious Five and a fierce warrior. How dare she let herself lose composure in front of him.

What is wrong with me? Am I ill? Tigress entered her room and sat down. She needed to think, not to meditate. What was happening to her? Why was she no longer able to stay calm and collected no matter what? And now, just thinking about Po made her lose her composure. Why? She thought over and over Never before had she been so lost. Not even at the orphanage, even then she knew what was happening, but now, she was caught in a fog. She felt her forehead begin to throb. I am an elite warrior, trained to endure all manner of hardships. I will overcome this, I will overcome. Creasing her brow, she forced Po out of her mind. She would not allow herself to lose her edge, to lose focus.

Standing up, Tigress took a deep breath, exhaled, and then exited her room. She returned to the peach tree and attempted to meditate again. Not allowing Po to penetrate her thoughts. I am a master. I am in control. Peace. Inner Peace.

Hours passed and Tigress didn't move. Her breathing remained steady and her eyes stayed shut. When the gong rang to signal dinner, she stood slowly but with pride. She had conquered her inner turmoil. She felt the wind tickle her neck as she turned to make way for the dining hall.

Dinner was already on the table when Tigress arrived. She bowed to Master Shifu before taking her seat and saying hello to Mantis and Crane, who had made it to the hall just before her. Viper and Monkey entered not shortly after, and soon took their seats. They all sat and talked for a moment, stating their gratefulness for a day of peace.

Tigress heard the door slide open and Po soon stood before them all. He was in a good mood, but Tigress saw that the secret in his eye was more prevalent. After bowing to Shifu, he sat down and joined the conversation. Just before they were about to eat, Tigress caught Po's eyes. Without warning, Tigress felt her stomach flip and her cheeks turn to embers. She broke the contact and stared at her plate.

No... I thought I... She couldn't even think. Her mind was still replaying the look in his eye, the soft, gentle jade masking something he wouldn't say. No... I have to... no...

"Excuse me." Tigress said as she stood up. "I'm not feeling well."

Everyone turned and gave her concerned looks. "Are you alright?" asked Viper

"Yes." Tigress lied, "My stomach is just not feeling well. I'm going to bed early. See you all tomorrow."

In the quiet of her room again, she lay on her mat with arms outstretched. Staring at the ceiling, Tigress wondered How? How could I lose all that I had strove for today? In one look it was stripped away? Why? Now more lost and confused than ever, she struggled to sleep. She tossed and turned, rolled, and still sleep wouldn't come. It was not long before she heard the others enter their rooms and bid goodnights. She lay there in the dark.

From her door came a slight rustle, the sound of sliding paper, and another small noise. She lifted herself up to find that a note had been slipped under her door. She leaned forward and picked it up.

"Feel better soon, I hate to see you feeling bad. -Po"

Tigress gazed at the words, and felt a rush of warmth flood over her. She lay back down on her mat. Well, I can worry about it in the morning. She thought placing the note next to her. Sleep found her almost instantly.

-Part Three down! Ok so I'm getting great reviews from everyone! I'm so excited people are enjoying this! If you have and critiques I am more than open to them! Thanks so much for reading and get ready for more :)-