-Disclaimer: I do not own Kung Fu Panda or any of it's characters-

New Feelings, New Ambitions

Part 7

It was hot. Stifling. The whole building was filled with the odor of molten metal and ash. A horrendous explosion filled the air. Tigress heard an awful cackling echo in her ears. She heard Po yell.

"NOOOO!" She cried out running to catch him, but she was too late. He was gone.

Vaulting from her sleeping mat. Tigress woke up in a sweat. She had had the nightmare again. A memory that terrified her. She realized that she was holding her breath and let out an exhale.

It was still dark, dawn was far off. The Palace was silent except for her own breathing. Tigress felt a chill brush past her in her room, and she sat down, wrapping her arms around her legs. Her mat was moist from sweat. The nightmare had truly taken its toll on her. She sat there, in the dark. She could feel the breeze sweeping throughout the hall. Her night wraps were all she had on, and she felt almost chilled to the bone. She reached for her trunk and pulled out her vest and pants. After slipping her vest on over her arms, she caught scent of something... something comforting... She put her nose to her shoulder and sniffed.

Po... She could still smell him on her clothes after they had hugged earlier that day. It helped ease her tense body and mind. She closed her eyes and lightly hugged herself, slowing her breathing and calming her mind. Why do I keep having this dream? This awful memory keeps haunting me. Po could have died... Thinking again about the panda, she listened for his tell tale snore.

Silence. Tigress felt her chest immediately tighten. Where was Po? The dream had frightened her enough and now this? She stood up quickly. She jumped to her door, and taking heed of the other masters still asleep, quietly opened it and crossed the hallway. She put her ear against the door and listened. Nothing. Her eyes widened in fear. She opened the door. The room was empty.

Tigress' breathing became shallow. She began thinking of far to many awful things that could've happened to Po. Has this all been a dream? Did Shen's weapon actually... The thought was to much. Tigress set out and began searching the palace for Po. She silently crept from place to place. He was nowhere to be found. Her heart was beating a tempo to fast to count. Po, where are you?

Suddenly a breeze blew across her and she caught wind of his comforting scent. She moved upwind and saw Po a top the crest of hill where the Sacred Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom was perched. He was just standing there looking up to the stars. The only motion present around him was the waves pulsing through his fur as the breeze caressed his fur.

Tigress stared at him. He was the Dragon Warrior, who had defeated Tai Lung, stopped Lord Shen, and continually surprised her at every turn. He was so powerful, yet so humble. This great warrior was one who enjoyed sitting around the dinner table with his friends more than searching for glory. He only cared for those around him, and was he panda he was because of it. Suddenly aware of a warmth on her body, Tigress broke her stare and found herself wondering. What are you doing up there Po?

The ground was cold beneath her bare feet as Tigress walked up the steps leading to the peach tree. She heard Po sigh above her as she made her way to the top. When she reached the peak, Po's back was to her. He was still staring up at the stars. She took a step and saw Po's ear twitch.

"Hyah!" Po's strike was easily blocked by Tigress. "OH! Tigress! Oh I'm so sorry! I heard something and I thought croc bandits were... or assassin bunny... I just acted out of reflex.

Tigress smirked at his stutters, they were... charming. 'No need to apologize Dragon Warrior," she said waving her paw. "I probably would've done the same." She looked up at him, his expression had relaxed more, but she saw something was troubling him. "Po? Why are you out here this time of night?"

The panda shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. "Huh? Nothing... just... taking a walk... clearing the ol'... awesome noggin." He turned and faced away, Tigress caught glimpse of something in his hand.

Reaching out, Tigress placed her hand on Po's shoulder, "Po, what's wrong? Remember, the hardcore do understand." With that she felt him exhale. She moved her hand away as he faced her again. In his hand was a small stuffed Panda.

Po sighed. "I just am still trying to completely wrap my head around the fact that I've figured out where I came from. I'm grateful for the life I am living, like it's totally awesome, but... but..." He knelt down. Choking back tears, he said, "I just can't believe they're all gone." He clutched the panda doll.

Seeing Po this way made Tigress' heart tear. He was hurting, badly. She got down her knees next to him and placed her paw back on his shoulder. "Po... I am so sorry." She could see the sparkles of tears running down his face. "You know, I was an orphan too." Po's eyes opened and he gazed at her, as though she had just said something surprising. She knew that he was aware of her time at Bao Gu, he must've been surprised at the fact that she was talking about it. And so was she for a matter of fact. She had never told anyone about her time at the orphanage, but she felt as though she could tell Po.

"I know what it's like to feel so alone, so lost. For years I felt like there was no one like me, that I was some sort of monster." She could feel her throat tighten a bit at the memory, but she continued. "But then Shifu came, he showed me that I wasn't a monster, that I was special. He took me in when no one else would. And then the other four masters came in, and I felt like I belonged. I felt... home."

Po had a look on his face like he was just told that he could have a buffet all to himself. He looked at her as she continued to speak. "I know being alone is scary, terrifying. But Po, you're not alone. You have Shifu, you have the Five, and... you have me." She could feel a blush creep its way over her cheeks as she said those final words.

"Tigress..." Po's face held such quiet joy that Tigress could feel her spirits lift again. He spoke quietly. "I... I... thank you so much." He opened his arms and leaned forward.

Feeling more comfortable than with anyone ever before, Tigress leaned forward and embraced Po. He held her close and he could feel his sighs of relief. Her eyes closed as she happily nuzzled into his collar. The whole world was gone. It as just hime and her, holding one another with a humble joy that she could not even begin describe. Never before had she felt so happy and comfortable with someone. Po made her feel safe and at peace. They eventually broke apart, much to Tigress' disdain.

They smiled at one another and walked back to the bedrooms. They walked silently, enjoying one another's company. When they reached their rooms, they mouthed a silent "goodnight" to one another and closed the doors.

Tigress disrobed, and as she did, she realized that her vest now smelled even more like Po. She clutched it close, savoring the sense of comfort it gave her. She laid down with it in her paws and drifted off to sleep.

-And there we have Part 7. This chapter was by far one of my favorites so far. It just flowed from my fingertips. I hope everyone else likes it. This is so much fun. I would like to thank all of you for taking time to read this story, and thank you all so much for the comments. I would love to see more and please review :) Please give your honest opinion on what you think of this story. Anyways, thanks again for reading!-