Sticks and Stones

The two felines glared at each other. Crossing their arms, they frowned while a bored panda rolled his eyes watching on. The snow leopard started, "Monster."

"Traitor," Tigress replied.

"Shifu's pet."

"Wash-up."

"Little... punk?"

Tigress smirked, "Not your best one."

"Blanked out for a moment," Tai Lung grumbled, "Give me a moment."

"This feels so dumb. Is this really necessary?" Po muttered. The two felines nodded. The panda huffed as a small bug hopped into the kitchen, jumping onto the panda's shoulder.

"What's going on with the brooding cats?" Mantis asked.

"They're trying to come up with insults and names for each other," Po replied.

Mantis lifted an antenna while making a slight cricket noise. "Why?"

"Guarding our emotional states against enemies will give us a tactical advantage," Tigress said. Po and Mantis looked over to Tai Lung.

"Because it's fun and we like having an excuse to take some catharsis out on each other."

"Ahhhh," Po and Mantis muttered. Tigress rolled her eyes while she wrote some of the names down on a nearby scroll.

"Okay, I think Shifu's pet is better than punk."

"It wasn't my best work," Tai Lung protested.

"Hmm. Let's go again."

Tai Lung stared at the ceiling for a bit, bouncing his foot up and down. "Ahhh striped kitten?"

"Again, not the best, but I'll let it pass. Spotted plague."

"Ooooh, creative," Tai Lung smirked with a sense of pride.

"I don't know what's scarier," Mantis said, "You two calmly insulting each other or complimenting each others' roast."

"It doesn't matter. We're doing this for a reason," Tigress explained.

Tai Lung spoke next. "Striped terror?"

"Destruction toy."

"Shifu's pet monster?"

"That's a combination of two, but effective. Uh...Shifu's first mistake."

"Shifu's second mistake. Yeah, both of those are effective," Tai Lung squirmed a bit. Tigress's eyebrows slightly rose.

"We can stop if-"

"I'm fine," The snow leopard smirked, "It's going to take a lot more than words to get me upset."

"How about these? Oogway said you can't be the Dragon Warrior," Po said calmly. Tai Lung glared and growled at the smug grinning panda, but recognizing his reaction, the feline grunted out a small defeat.

"That... that'll do it. I think we should stop there."

"Really?" Tigress and Mantis exclaimed.

"I... didn't expect the panda to cut so deep. And if I'm being honest, the whole situation is still... I'm still working on that." Tai Lung stared at Po. "Of course, I didn't think that you would go for something like that, Panda."

The Dragon Warrior shrugged, "I've been called a lot of names. After a while, I've learned stuff that can get to people."

"But you never intentionally insult people," Tigress pointed out.

"Because I'm nice? Just because I know how to hurt people doesn't mean I want to. I only do it when it's necessary. And yes, I know fighting with Kung Fu hurts people, but it's... different. Less emotional damage."

"Okay. What about me?" Tigress smirked, propping her head on her hand.

"Uhhh no."

"I agree, Tigress. I don't think you want Po of all people to do this. He's probably the only one that could hurt us deeper than most bandits and villains," Tai Lung added.

"For a panda, he cuts deep," Mantis said.

Tigress rose an eyebrow. "Well then, I'm only more curious. And if it's coming from Po, it'll be much better than if it came from our enemy. So Po. Give me your best insult."

Her mischievous smile worried the panda. He only had to think for a moment to come up with something. Po took a deep breath and looked Tigress straight in the eye, saying, "Shifu will never be proud of a monster orphan like you."

The tiger nearly lurched at him but the table prevented her. Tigress, finding herself growling, calmed herself and sat back down. "A-A-A-Are you okay?" Po stuttered. "I only did what you-"

"I'm okay. I... maybe I should've listened to you," Tigress sighed, staring at the table.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"

"No, I asked. I'm fully responsible for my... actions. I apologize."

"I must say, panda," Tai Lung spoke. "I wouldn't expect a kind-hearted person like you to know how to cut people down like that."

Po smiled sadly, "When you've been called almost every name in the book, you learn what works and what doesn't. Most guys don't call people names anymore. They use insecurities that punch into someone's self-esteem."

"And... you've been through this?"

"Oh, plenty of times, from family, friends, bandits. Half of them weren't even intentional. You've got to work on your insecurities. That way when a person uses them, they can't hurt you," Po explained. Mantis jumped from the panda's shoulder to the table.

"That doesn't explain why you're so vicious with it," The bug said, "I mean, if it weren't for this table, Tigress would've torn you to shreds!"

"You have to cut your enemy deep and leave no trace," Po said unusually cheerfully. Tai Lung and Mantis shared a worried glance. "Guys, it's okay. I'm not a tyrannical nut crack. Besides, I would never use this on you guys if I can help it."

"And... when can't you help it?" Tai Lung asked.

"When I'm really really angry with someone or probably need to distract you guys when you're mind-controlled."

"I... hadn't thought about that."

"It comes in handy," Po smirked though it disappeared when his eyes fell on Tigress's sad frown.

"Well, thank you for teaching us your... unconventional ways, Po. I think I'll go train with Master Mantis. Right?" Tai Lung urged.

"Uhhhh I guess?" The bug muttered. He hopped onto the snow leopard's shoulder and the two left. Mantis waited until they were out of earshot to talk. "What was that about?"

"Give the panda space to apologize to her."

"And miss Po get hit? Who wouldn't want to see that?" Mantis laughed. The snow leopard glared. "Kidding, Kidding. Don't worry about those two. I'm sure Tigress won't hold it over him."

Meanwhile, Po sighed and placed his hand on the tiger's hand. "Tigress, I didn't mean to-"

"No, you're right. I didn't... I shouldn't have gotten angry at you."

"I don't care about you getting angry with me. Well, not like that. I shouldn't have taunted you. I should've used the less hurtful stuff."

"You have various degrees of painful insults?" Tigress asked with wide eyes.

"Oh, plenty. You'd be surprised what people think I can and can't hear," Po smiled sadly. Tigress squeezed his hand gently, offering a small smile. "I'm really sorry about what I said, Tigress. I know that Shifu is proud of you. I know he's not the most talkative about it, but... he is proud of you. I can tell."

"How?"

"You didn't end up like Tai Lung."

Tigress's face fell. "That's not comforting, Po."

"And you're probably the best student he's ever had. You listen, you're determined, and you try your best no matter what."

"I don't know if I would say all of that."

"Don't be so humble. You know you're awesome."

Tigress smiled, "No, you think I am."

"And am I wrong?"

The tiger chuckled lightly, "I wouldn't say that." Po's smile reassured her, though one question still stood on her lips. "But... with all the things people have said about you, doesn't it hurt you?"

Po's smile disappeared. His eyes turned to the window on the far right side. The one looking at the Peach Tree in the distance. He sighed and gave a smile that Tigress could only describe as brave yet scared. "More than you think, Tigress. More than you think. But... I have friends like you... and Tai Lung to get me through them."

Tigress smiled, "I'm glad we're there to help." Po stood up, asking if she was okay one last time. With one final nod, the panda left the kitchen. Tigress glanced at the window Po had just stared at. She found that he had been staring outside a lot, particularly at the Peach Tree. She tried to piece together all the reasons why, but none gave a conclusive answer.

She would have to ask him some time.

Continued...