Lillia's Presence

Po was still trying to figure out Lillia. It was obvious that she didn't like the situation of having to stay here until the masters came, but what confused Po more was that Lillia and Tigress seemed to get along very well. It seemed they were sparring non-stop. Lillia definitely presented a challenge to Tigress. Being small yet able to pack the same punch as Po's "Booty Bust" (Don't ask what that is), she was really interesting. Tigress's lack of personal questions and her need for solitary was also something that attracted Lillia. They were alike in many ways. However, there was a difference between them. Tigress was at least a bit more open than Lillia and Lillia didn't really get angry. She would just huff and sigh if something annoyed her, like Monkey's jokes. Tigress was also a lot less blunt than Lillia and Lillia didn't like being a leader nor a follower. She liked to do her own thing. It was amazing how Po was able to gather all of this from just two days.

That was another thing that the others were trying to understand. Po was more and more distant ever since Lillia came. He started to sit by himself or with Master Shifu in meditation, and neither of them would say a word. It was very different from Po's open character and clumsy goofy way. It was starting to worry the others, especially Tigress. Po was in the Training Hall while the others were doing important business in the village. He had the duty of sweeping the floors. He usually grumbled about it but he didn't make a big fuss because he was still trying to get the fact out of his head that he had dreamt of Lillia's past in detail and accuracy. Po absentmindedly started to swing around the broom around with fluid movements. "That's the most activity I've seen you do all day," Said Lillia. Po's initial shock of when Lillia would sneak up on him had faded away because he just assumed she was near. That's why he was quiet most of the time.

"I thought you went with the others," Po said.

"I do my own thing," Lillia simply stated. Po went back to sweeping. "Po," Lillia said after a long pause. "Is there something about me that bothers you?"

"A little bit, but it's not your fault. I'm just still spooked that I saw your past."

"Get over it," Lillia said, "So you had a vision. It shouldn't worry you that much."

"Yes, but usually I try to figure out how to prevent the bad things in stuff. I'm the Dragon Warrior, I'm supposed to help people," Po paused. "And I don't know how to help you."

"Don't," Lillia said. "Not everyone needs help, especially not me. I can take care of myself."

"I know that," Po replied, "but I can still help," Lillia smirked at Po. She gave him some dirty clothes.

"You can help me by cleaning my stuff," Lillia said.

"This isn't what I meant," Po argued as she went away. "Oh come on! Lillia!"

"Make sure they're ready for me, Po," Lillia mischievously smiled. Po groaned as he went to wash the clothes. Suddenly, Master Shifu came in.

"Po, have you seen the Gong-Go Warrior," He asked.

"You can just call her Lillia, Master Shifu," Po replied. "And yes, she just went out."

"Okay, I need to talk to her. The masters have been delayed due to...unforeseen circumstances," Shifu grimaced. Po stopped what he was doing and looked at the red panda.

"Unforeseen circumstances? What happened? Are they alright?" Po asked.

"The masters are fine. However, the reason as to why they are coming...has greatly changed," Shifu said, pondering the situation a bit. He shook his head and started again, "That is all, Po." With that, he left.

A while later, it was suppertime. Po was in his room eating by himself, another thing that happened when Lillia had come. Then he noticed someone at the door. "I decided to give you some company," Tigress said. Po smiled as she sat down next to him.

"Thanks," Po replied, "But why didn't you eat alone?"

"Po, solitary is Lillia's thing and my thing. When you start doing it, it makes me worried," Tigress said.

"Sorry about that. I just don't feel like dining with everyone lately. I just feel a little sick spot in my stomach, I guess," Po nervously laughed. Tigress offered a small understanding smile. They heard a knock.

"Mind if I interrupt?" Lillia asked. The lamb sat next to them. Po slowly seemed to feel a bit better and smiled. Tigress knew the panda's character was coming back when he asked.

"What was it that Master Shifu wanted to tell you?" Po asked. Lillia was surprised.

"How did you know?"

"He was looking for you when you had me wash your clothes," Po grumbled. Lillia's false smile only made Po grumble more.

"Oh, did you make sure that you cleaned out the poop I fell into?" Lillia asked.

"AHHH EWWW! UGH!" Po exclaimed as he wiped his hands on the floor and on his pants. "I'll never be clean again," Po sobbed. Tigress and Lillia chuckled at the sight.

"I'm just kidding, Po," Lillia replied.

"Ugh, but what was the thing that Master Shifu talked to you about?" Po asked again. Lillia's face became more serious.

"He said that the masters were going to be late."

"Good, more time for us to settle our score. What is it? 15-14," Tigress smirked.

"Only if you mean I have 15 and you have 14," Lillia replied competitively.

"Okay, okay, let's cool down for a minute," Po spoke up. Lillia yawned.

"Well, I'm going to bed. I have some things to get in the morning. Extra time means extra preparation," Lillia wisely said. While she walked out the door, Tigress looked at Po.

"What?"

"You seem better. You've been distancing yourself from us. Is it because of Lillia?" Tigress asked.

"I don't know. I'm sorry if I've been doing that. I guess I've been trying to figure out a way to help her, but I can't," Po said sadly. Tigress was always touched when he was compassionate about others. She rested her hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll figure it out," She said giving a small smile. "Good night, Po."

"Good night."

Continued...