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

New Feelings, New Ambitions

Part 4

GOOOOONG!

"Good morning, Master!" 6 voices came together in unison to address Master Shifu. Tigress' voice was among them. She had awoken just before the gong was struck, just in time to stash Po's note under a floorboard.

Shifu let his eyes rest on Tigress. "Ah, I see you have made a recovery. How are you feeling this morning?"

Shifting her eyes uncomfortably, Tigress responded, "Yes, Master. I apologize for my absence last night." She lifted her eyes to see Po looking at her, a concerned look on his face. He realized that she had met his gaze and quickly looked away, puzzling Tigress.

Master Shifu cleared his throat. "Do not apologize Tigress, I am happy to see you feeling better. Today we resume our typical training routine. You will be sparring in the training hall in ten minutes. Do not be late.

"Yes, Master!"

After his students bowed, Shifu walked back down the hallway and out of sight. The Furious Five all retreated to their respective rooms to get ready for training.

As Tigress did her stretches, she heard Monkey in the hall. "Po? You ok?"

Po sounded suddenly befuddled. "Huh? Oh! Yea, I'm good, just kinda went all 'Dragon Warrior Focus' you know?" He had adopted the voice he used when he tried to sound tough, and it made Tigress smirk.

"You were staring at the wall..." Monkey's voice sounded confused and joking at the same time.

Po, continuing with his tough guy tone, stated "Yea, you know, just...trying... to get focused... for the sparring." His voice trailed off, something Tigress had recognized it often did when he felt cornered.

Monkey realized that Po was feeling uncomfortable and let things be. "Alright man, but you better get ready, you know Shifu hates when you're late."

Tigress heard Po shuffle to his room and slide his door closed. I hope he's ok. She thought to herself as she stretched her quads. I hate to see him upse... wait! Suddenly aware of her thoughts, Tigress stopped them short. I cannot let Po cloud my thoughts! I must be prepared both physically and mentally for training. Master Shifu would be so disappointed in me if my thoughts strayed and my performance suffered because of it. I cannot let myself get distracted. She finished her stretches and made her way to the training hall.

"As I said earlier. Today will be spent sparring. I will be observing your techniques for weakness." Master Shifu's words echoed throughout the training hall as he paced in front of his students, back and forth, as he spoke. "This recent incident with Lord Shen has brought to my sight how important defense can be when going up against something unfamiliar." He had stopped and faced Now, lets begin. Viper, Crane, you are first up. Please begin."

Tigress watched as Viper and Crane began to spar. They exchanged blows rapidly. Striking, dodging, blocking, striking, over and over. They covered the room with their movement. Tigress took notice of an opening Crane had unknowingly made under his left wing, and so did Viper. Extending her tail as fast as lighting, she hit Crane in the side, and he was soon wrapped in her grip.

"Cease!" Shifu commanded. He took a few steps forward as he spoke. "Well done Viper, well done." He turned his head to Crane. "Crane, you need to remember just because and opening is there for only a moment, it is still there, and an enemy will exploit it. And Viper, don't get too excited, I counted exactly four instances where a well timed attacked would have left you in defeat. Both of you, take heed and continue to spar outside. Learn from your mistakes and teach one another." Shifu turned and faced the others. "Mantis, Monkey, you're next."

Much like before, the fight ranged all over the room. Mantis was commonly on the offensive, using his small size to great advantage, but he soon got cocky and Monkey pinned him. Shifu lectured them as he did the others and sent them away.

"Tigress, Po, you're last."

Tigress walked a few feet from her master and face Po. Their eyes met and it took all she had to not let the jade of his eyes affect her. As he bowed, she mirrored his action, then took her ready stance.

"Begin."

In an instant, Tigress was exchanging blows with Po. She searched viciously for a weakness in the Panda's form, scanning for and opening to take him down. No such luck, but she would also not give him the satisfaction of finding an opportunity for victory either. The fought, and fought, and fought. They moved effortlessly over the obstacles of the hall, each attempting to best the other. Tigress could feel that this was lasting far longer than the other matches that had come before.

Blocking a blow from Po's arm, she swept it aside, revealing his face. He was staring at her, with an intensity she did not recognize. She had no idea what this was. And suddenly, Po had her pinned.

"Cease." Shifu was walking toward them. Po allowed her to stand and they both faced him.

"Both of you, that was extremely well done. Neither of you exhibited any openings. I am very proud of you. However," he looked up at Tigress, "I don't quite understand what happened Tigress. One moment you are fighting beautifully, the next you are on the ground. What happened?"

Tigress' cheeks were on fire. "I... I was... I'm sorry master." She bowed and stood at firm attention. "I let my my guard down. I was too focused on my opponents actions that I forgot my own." She could feel her throat clench at those words, at admitting a mistake.

Shifu nodded. "I see, very well. You both fought well and for longer than the others. Go get some rest." Shifu walked away.

Tigress did not hear any disappointment in Master Shifu's voice when he said the words. He almost sounded as though he expected this. Was she deteriorating? Was her skill diminishing? The thought terrified her.

"I thought you did well." Po's sudden compliment startled Tigress a bit. She looked at him and saw his smile.

"Thank you, Po." She allowed herself a quick smile and quickly exited the training hall. She made her way to her room as quickly as she could. She passed both of the spar pairs in silence, not wanting to speak to anyone.

When her door finally slid shut, Tigress sat down and grabbed her knees. Why had Shifu not scolded her? Why was he so compliant with her mistake? What was he thinking about her performance? How was her performance really? "I thought you did well" Po's words suddenly played in her head. The genuine softness of his remark made her feel a bit at ease. She moved her floor board and took out his note, and held it close.

-Woo! Hot damn! Part Four! So sorry it took longer than usual! I was out camping! Hopefully I should be able to update every other day if not every day. (I love writing this!) Anywho, thanks for the comments! I love reading 'em! And I would love to see more! Please give any thoughts you have and don't be afraid to give criticism!Thanks so much for reading and get ready for more!-