Chapter 4: The Message
Tigress sat perched atop a pine tree and looked out over the hill. Though the mission was over, her mind still carried itself back to the historian and Commander Huan. To the battle and the bandits. She shook her head and tried to focus on the present, but it seemed impossible. The thrill of the battle still lingered.
"Hey!" Viper said, slithering through the tree.
"GAH!" Tigress stiffened and leapt to the ground, landing gracefully on all fours. She growled instinctively and looked up at the snake.
"So sorry!" Viper said, hanging from a branch. "Are you resting?"
"I was."
"Another bad night?"
"I don't think I've had a good night since our last battle with Kai."
"Anything I can do?"
Tigress shook her head. "I'm fine." She shrugged the feeling to the sideline and looked around. "Where are the others?"
Almost as if on cue, Crane tore through the clouds far above. Monkey and Mantis, however, were nowhere to be seen. Tigress had entrusted Crane with the map while she scouted the forest ahead. Crane, however, was sick of Mantis and Monkey's usual nonsense and gifted the map to Viper. Viper, realizing it was a lot harder to hold a map when you don't have arms or hands, had to give the map to Monkey and, in turn, Mantis.
Tigress swore that if there was only one road leading to the Valley of Peace, Mantis would somehow manage to go the wrong way while Monkey would get lost off the beaten trail. Dealing with those two was a skill she had not yet mastered.
Monkey eventually pulled himself through a tall hedge and entered the clearing with Tigress and Viper. Mantis sat on his shoulder. Sure enough, the map was in Monkey's hand.
"What kept you?" Viper asked.
"We got lost." Mantis said, glaring at Monkey.
"Again?" Tigress hollered with disbelief. "We've already wasted enough time."
"I was open to suggestions." Monkey glared back at Mantis.
"At least I don't hold the map upside down." Mantis said.
"At least I can actually hold a map."
"Oof. Low blow."
"Enough." Tigress sighed. "Both of your map privileges are on this ice. Now let's not waste any more time. We're close."
Tigress led the Furious Five down the hill and into the village far below. The shops were just beginning to open with the rising sun. It felt good to be home. Tigress knew the others felt the same. The villages of northeastern China weren't too dissimilar from the Valley of Peace, but they lacked the charm and the rolling green hills. In place of all the good came a cold wind and snow. Lots of it. Tigress was just ready to sleep in her cozy cot and hoped it would help with her sleeping problems.
Monkey tossed a copper coin to one of the vendors and got a niupi treat in return. Tigress was quick to notice the enormous smile on the little pig's face.
"Guys!" The vendor called out to the townsfolk. "I just sold candy to Master Monkey!" Immediately, a swarm of paying customers quickly huddled around his small, humble stand.
It was inevitable. Somehow, someway, whenever the Furious Five return from a mission or stroll into town, they always seem to end up at Mr. Ping's Dragon Warrior Noodles and Tofu. Tigress was hoping, for once, they could slide through without Mr. Ping noticing. Not that she wasn't hungry or didn't like Mr. Ping, but she was beginning to feel the drain the mission had taken on her body. The thrill was gone.
They had no such luck, however.
Just as they passed, Mr. Ping stuck his beak out. His eyes immediately lit up.
"Master Tigress! Oh, and the rest of Po's friends." Mr. Ping waddled out to greet them.
"Good morning, Mr. Ping." Tigress said with an instinctual bow.
"It is! Come in. Please, come!" The little goose burst into action, quickly preparing a table. "Take a seat. I will make you all a wonderful breakfast. I'm sure you are starved."
"That's really generous of you, but-"
"We'd love to." Viper cut in. "Just a quick meal, then we can report to Master Shifu."
Tigress kept her mouth shut. She was too tired to argue.
"Yeah!" Mantis leapt onto Crane's hat. "We've earned a good meal. Right?"
"I suppose." Again, Tigress couldn't argue.
She saw the excitement with every move Mr. Ping took. "Sit down. I will be right back." The goose said as he sped into the kitchen.
The Five sat down at the table in the corner of the shop. The smell of Mr. Ping's cooking quickly resonated from the kitchen. Rice. Tofu. Noodles. Vegetables. The good stuff. The master chef was back within a matter of minutes.
One by one the Furious Five was served. Mr. Ping circled around the table, knowing each of their morning orders by heart. Monkey and Mantis got rice. Tigress got her tofu. Mr. Ping finished by setting a bowl of noodles in front of Crane and a plate of steamed vegetables in front of Viper before waddling back to the kitchen.
Viper and Crane were frozen. He had gotten their orders mixed up. Viper was the one with noodles and Crane had the vegetables. Mr. Ping knew this. Tigress observed the brief silence as Mantis and Monkey filled their mouths with rice.
"I think he confused our order." Crane said, diverting eye contact like his life depending on it.
The snake almost laughed, but realized how goofy it would sound. "He did. Unless... did you change to noodles, too?"
"Nope." Crane blurted. "Mind if we…"
"Trade?" Viper said. "Not at all."
Tigress took one glance back at Mr. Ping who was busy clearing off a distant table. She saw the smirk on his face as he glanced their way. Tigress knew, then and there, that Mr. Ping knew more than most. She had to give him credit, though. Not only was he a master cook, but a little devious devil as well.
Crane and Viper successfully traded plates, but the process was a bit more complicated than it would have usually been. Even a stranger could pick up on what the two had. They didn't conceal it very well.
"So, think we'll get called back out again?" Mantis said, finishing his small plate of rice.
"I hope not." Monkey said with a shrug. "I haven't had a good night's rest in weeks! Commander Huan should be able to clean things up, right?"
"Hopefully." Viper said. "But we still don't know how large that bandit operation really was. Is it even possible for a small band of raiders to sneak into the Imperial City and capture the imperial historian without having other connections?"
"Larger operations usually have a more…" Crane thought of the correct word. "Stable hideout? You don't see many of the greatest criminals and bandits hiding in wrecked ships for a reason. They prefer their castles or a nice, large fortress."
Tigress slowly ate her final piece of tofu, then sat her chopsticks down before leaping into the conversation. "Commander Huan isn't helpless, and neither are his soldiers. Even if their operation is larger than it seems, which I think it is, he should be able to handle it. We did our part. We rescued that historian. Now, it's Huan's turn to do his. He isn't one to call for help very often."
Viper laughed. "You've always had a thing for guys who take charge."
"Viper." Tigress glared at the snake.
"What?! You have to admit, you two get along really well."
The tiger's stare did not relent. "We're both professionals. It's what we do."
"And you think that's hot!" Mantis blurted. Immediately, her stare shot towards the bug. In a flash, Mantis slid behind Monkey's shoulder, out of sight from her horrifying glare.
"Not appropriate. We have a mutual respect for one another." She shifted her eyes back towards the snake. "Besides, I'm willing to bet I know more about you than you do about me."
"Point taken." Viper said, shooting a glance towards Crane and quickly dropping the conversation.
The Five finished their food and, for once, politely turned Mr. Ping down as he attempted to give them seconds. They were all tired, but none more so than the tiger. During their hunt for the bandits, their days had been long and their nights were short. Sleep was hard to come by, especially for Tigress. The thought of being so close to the Jade Palace, and to their cots, made her anxious. Monkey set a pile of copper coins on the table for Mr. Ping. He was well aware the goose would not accept them if handed the coins directly.
They thanked Mr. Ping for the food then made their way from his shop, heading straight for the Jade Palace. No detours were planned.
They arrived at the top of the One Thousand Steps just half an hour later. Tigress was the first to crest the steps, stopping for a brief moment to look out at the jade green gates. They were back. Just beyond the doors was their home. Their beds. Friends and family and loved ones.
Tigress led them through as she always did and entered the courtyard. The air was silent, but she didn't expect it to last, especially once they entered the Hall of Warriors. Standing at the far end of the hall was Master Shifu and Po Ping. Tigress allowed herself a deep sigh of relief as the panda turned. A contagious smile grew on his face as he raced down the hall, nearly tripping over himself with delight.
The Dragon Warrior roped the Furious Five in for a massive, panda sized hug.
"Welcome back!" He cried out. Tigress was content with a single arm wrapped around him. The others, however, weren't afraid to use both arms, or wings, or appendages. Or… tail. "How was it? Kick major butt?"
"Darn right!" Mantis hollered.
Tigress gently slid away from Po's grasp and nodded. "Everything went well." She said. "Just some low lives kidnapping one of the imperial historians. We caught them on the beaches north of the Imperial City."
"I'm sure he was glad you guys showed up when you did. What took you guys so long?"
Tigress took a quick glance at Monkey. "Monkey is about to have his map privileges taken away."
"I already apologized!" He cried out.
Tigress turned back towards Po. "How was the Panda Village?" She could see the overwhelming joy flow through Po's body.
"They're still a bit shy revealing the location to the outside world, but they're opening up. Slowly but surely."
"And… how's the kid?"
Po smile grew wider. "Tigress has a soft side." He teased. Tigress was not amused. Po reached into one of the pockets deep within his robes and pulled a pair of wooden figures. They were crude and crafted hastily, but that was only to be expected when made by a child. The two figures were that of a tiger and a small, baby panda. Po handed them over.
"Lei Lei made these?"
"Yup. Just for her stripey-"
Tigress was quick to leg sweep the giant panda, sending him hard to the ground.
"Ouch." Po groaned.
"Sorry. You were saying something?" Tigress mocked.
"Nope." Po was slow to pick himself up.
"Po!" Shifu's voice boomed throughout the hall. "Need I remind you this is urgent."
"Urgent?" Tigress asked.
"Right! Almost forgot. We shouldn't keep Shifu waiting."
Po turned and took off down towards Master Shifu. The Furious Five quickly paced themselves behind the giant panda, stopping beside him and bowing before their master. Shifu did not return the bow. Tigress could tell his mind was racing like a thousand war horses. His eyes squinted as he paced back and forth.
"Is everything all right, Master Shifu?" Tigress asked.
Shifu looked up at her. His eyes held a look of fright she had noticed from far away. Now that she was closer, it was clear as day. "Commander Huan had dropped off an urgent update." Shifu held out the parchment. "He…" Shifu froze. "Where is Mantis?"
"Here." Mantis said. His voice echoing around the room.
Shifu and the others looked around. "Where?"
"Here!" The bug cried out.
Po twisted his head and followed the voice of the little master. With a single step came a loud crunch.
"Ouch!"
"Oh, sorry Mantis." Po turned towards Shifu. "Found him!"
Mantis shrugged off the pain and bounced along the jade green floor, hopping safely onto Monkey's shoulders.
"Good work, Po." Shifu said, almost drawing a smile.
Then, through the shoji doors leading to the kitchen hallway, a figure emerged. It was Commander Huan. He strode with confidence into the Hall of Warriors and stood between Shifu and Po.
"Commander Huan." Tigress bowed. "It is good to see you again."
"Likewise, Master Tigress." Commander Huan bowed in turn.
Po watched helplessly as the two great warriors stood before the other. His lips curled with a hint of jealousy.
"So, how about that urgent update?" Po cut in.
Tigress stepped back in line with the rest of the Furious Five.
"Right." Commander Huan said. "The emperor has just received disturbing reports that a number of villages along the southern coastline have been raided."
"More bandits?" Monkey asked.
Shifu looked on with unusually weary eyes and shook his head. "Doubtful." The elderly master said, stepping forwards, closer to his students. "These attacks have been… unusual. According to the reports, there are no survivors. A number of traders came across the scene. From what they describe, a number of villages were completely eradicated."
"This isn't good." Mantis huffed.
"Indeed." Shifu agreed. "Whoever is responsible has struck many times. One village after the other, and up to six at a time. If we're looking on the bright side, the attacks are usually easy to locate. They tend to attack villages close to the coast and continue in one direction, so they should be easy to head off if we get the jump on them."
"Do you think this has anything to do with the recent kidnapping?" Viper asked, turning towards Tigress.
"I don't know, but we shouldn't waste any time." Tigress said. "We'll head out immediately."
"No." Shifu said.
"No?"
Shifu nodded. "No. Even the greatest warriors need their rest, Master Tigress. Besides, this will not be your mission."
"What do you mean?"
Commander Huan stepped up to the plate. "I am to lead the Imperial Army and deal with the threat. We will do the brunt of the fighting."
Next, it was Shifu. "You are going, Tigress. You, the Five, and the Dragon Warrior, but you will not fight like the rest. You will merely be there for support. Thus, you can rest for the night."
Tigress almost scoffed. It was an act that, in her younger years, would have earned her two hundred laps around the Jade Palace. What was Shifu getting at? She wondered. "We can still help." Tigress pleaded. "The sooner we get there, the better."
Shifu turned towards the Furious Five. "Mantis, when was the last time you slept?"
"Two days ago!" Mantis said without hesitation as if it were like a badge of honor.
Shifu turned towards Monkey. "Monkey? When you last slept, how many hours did you get?"
He shrugged. "An hour." Monkey glanced up at Tigress, who was shooting him a hard stare. His blood ran cold. "Two, maybe?"
"Viper? What about you?"
"Master Shifu, what is the point of this?" Tigress asked. Her question was quickly ignored.
Viper shrugged as shakes do and smiled. "Tigress does her best. If we're barely getting any sleep, you can bet she's not getting any. She works harder than any of us."
"Put together." Crane butted in.
Shifu shook his head. "You are rash, Tigress. Especially now. You will rest and allow Commander Huan to complete his duties and find this threat. You will head out to regroup with him tomorrow. I suspect you can reach the villages by the end of the week."
"Master Shifu, Tigress is a great leader." Viper spoke up.
"I never said she wasn't, but dark times are ahead, and I am not going to risk the safety of this group because of a lack of patience. You will rest for the night and that is an order."
"Shifu, please!" Tigress tried to speak up.
"When was the last time you slept?" Shifu asked. Tigress went silent and retreated. She felt the cold stare of Shifu and knew she could not stay silent for long. "Tigress?"
"Three days."
"And for how long?"
"And hour, but we can still do this. We can rest when we regroup with the army. We're still warriors. Those villages need our help!"
Shifu merely nodded. "Rest. That is an order."
Shifu turned and walked towards the shoji doors, disappearing behind them in a matter of minutes.
Tigress stood, bewildered. She looked around. The Furious Five were silent with disbelief. Po stood with mouth open. An awkward aura filled the air. Commander Huan stood still and silent. His eyes held no judgement, but eye contact was impossible.
Then, Tigress turned towards the exit of the Jade Palace. "Come on, guys. We're going."
"Woah!" Po jolted upright, finding his voice. "Not so fast."
"I'm fine." She said, but Po immediately saw through the lie.
Po's brow lowered and his uneasy grin vanished. In its place came a stoic, firm face. "No."
Tigress stopped dead in her tracks and turned back towards the panda. "Po, I'm fine. We can't wait."
"We can. Commander Huan and the Imperial Army will take care of this one. Take this chance to rest. Please?"
"If you want to stay, then fine. I'm not leaving anything to chance." Tigress spun around and stormed down the hall.
"Maybe… maybe we should stay." Crane said softly. His words fell on deaf ears.
Po rushed to her and, in the blink of an eye, forced himself between her and the jade door. Tigress skidded to a halt before she could run into the panda's belly.
"You're staying here." Po said.
The echoes of her words in the Gongmen City jail echoed through her ears. "Out of my way, panda."
"No. I won't-"
Tigress struck like lightning, catching the Dragon Warrior off guard. Po was sent to the ground as the tiger leapt overhead. She pounced on all fours towards the door. In a flash, Po reached around and gripped the tiger by the tail. Gently, yet with a power Tigress had never felt before, Po pulled her back down the hall.
She was back where she started.
"Po!" Tigress growled.
Again, she charged. This time, she tried to force her way through the panda. All Po had to do was ready his belly. The tiger's paws dug deep into his gut, shooting her back with a force only replicated by Shen's cannons. She landed on all fours and snarled.
"Are we doing this?" Tigress said with a playful grin.
"It's on."
Now, it was Po's turn. He leapt in front of Tigress but threw no punches. He knew, with her aggression, he wouldn't get a hit in. The best he could do is wait for his moment.
Tigress leapt to her feet, and the match began. Tigress struck with a force not matched since Tai Lung, but everything she threw was counteracted by the Dragon Warrior. His fluffy form was the perfect defense. No matter how precise or powerful her punches were, they were nothing Po couldn't handle.
Each failed punch and missed kick brought her closer to the breaking point.
All the while, Po watched and studied. Each detail. Every move. Po took it all in.
Tigress spun, fist clenched and readied a punch so powerful it would've easily hurt any master not named Po Ping. It was just the moment Po was waiting for.
He allowed her paw to sink into his belly, but quickly caught her before his fat could shoot her back yet again. With a steady, yet firm grip, he spun, dragging the tiger across the floor. With a twist and a leap, Po landed atop his best friend. Her growl was quickly silenced.
"Tigress, please stop." Po pleaded.
"Po!" She roared, but her exhaustion had reached its limit. She no longer found the energy to yell. To growl. She spoke softly from then on. "Why won't you let me go?"
"I have to agree with Shifu. I won't risk anyone getting hurt because we rushed into this." Po allowed the tiger to stand. "Please, stay for the night."
"You've gotten better." Tigress said, attempting to steer the focus towards something else and ignoring Po's plea.
Po smiled. "All those sparring matches with you must be paying off."
"Good win, Dragon Warrior." Commander Huan said with a guttural laugh. "Very good win."
Tigress nodded, then stole a glance at Commander Huan. He had seen that. He had seen it all. Beneath her fur, her face ran red. Heat resonated from her cheeks. Tigress bowed as she grit her teeth. Huan saw her lose. "Good win, Master Po. I'll stay, but we leave first thing tomorrow after a good night's rest. For now, I'll take my leave."
"This isn't General Kai. It isn't Shen the Warlord. And it isn't Tai Lung. The Imperial Army can handle it just fine." Po said.
Tigress forced a smile, nodded, then turned away. She held her head low as she hastily walked down towards the shoji doors Master Shifu had vanished behind just minutes ago. Behind, the boys continued to cheer Po on.
"Good win, Po. That's why you're the Dragon Warrior." Monkey said, attempting to break the new sense of unease that filled the room.
"Yeah!" Mantis hollered beside his friend. "I think that puts you ahead of Tigress in sparring wins."
"It does." Crane confirmed.
"Guys, knock it off." Viper hissed.
Her words were followed by the slamming of the shoji doors at the end of the hall. Tigress had left the room.
A/N: Hey! Thanks for reading. It took a little longer than I thought but the group is back together! I hope the pacing is steady so far. I'm trying not to cram too much into a single chapter. I have to tell myself each time I post that I'll have plenty of time to sow the seeds and explain things later. Hope you're enjoying!
