Peace and Warrior

The others weren't used to the change. Patrols got more crowded, and the others felt a little lazy at this point; no one would dare fight them here. As a result, Master Shifu decided it would be best for some of the Furious Five to patrol other nearby regions: The Musician Village, the Coal Mine Village, and the Royal Center to the east where Zan stayed with Jiaohua and Lin. Crane, since he could fly, spent time at the Royal Center to train Lin. Additionally, Mr. Ping finally finished teaching Lei Lei the cooking basics, so the panda took up Kung Fu lessons more frequently, though she lamented about seeing Lin less often.

But Tigress and Tai Lung tried their best to keep the teams' standard up. "We're not slacking off," Monkey murmured at the kitchen table, slurping up Po's noodles. "We're just... changing."

"You guys are splitting up, that's what it is," Po smirked.

Tai Lung's eyebrow rose, "I'm surprised you're okay with this."

"I mean, it's not like you guys are across China. You're just around the mountain. Sure it's going to be a little quieter around here, but I'm sure we'll be fine. Besides, gives more room for the striped talkers," Po chuckled.

"Po," Tigress growled, shutting up the panda. "Jin and I aren't dating or a couple. Don't spread silly rumors. Regardless, with our team more... spread out, it doesn't mean that we can simply fall behind. I can feel my skills slipping."

"Why don't you and Jin spar, then? I'm sure he'll give you a new... I'll just stay quiet," Crane whimpered after seeing the tiger's glare.

"I'm going to train," Tigress grumbled as she got up and walked out of the kitchen. Po shook his head with a small smile.

"I have to say, panda. I'm surprised," Tai Lung said, "I thought you would've been a little envious."

"Why?"

"Whether secret crush or friend, people feel a little left out in these situations," Tai Lung frowned, "And you have had that feeling before."

"My friend's happy," Po smiled widely. "And that's what makes me happy."

Meanwhile, Tigress stormed through the back of the barracks and into the Training Hall courtyard. It was morning. Soon the others would be using the Hall for practice. She stopped when she saw Jin swing and slice his swords through the air with glaring precision. Tigress tilted her head. He had an interesting seriousness to his practice. Each slice was measured to almost perfection. And even then, he did it again and again. "Jin?"

"Oh! Master Tigress," The feline stopped and bowed. The tiger's shyness returned. "Uhh, it's good to see you, heh. Is everything alright?"

Tigress smiled again. "Yes, I was just wondering if I could... be truthful with you."

"Of course," Jin said. The tigers walked over to the steps leading up to the Training Hall and sat down. "Is something wrong?"

"Jin. I... I know you like me. And... If I'm being honest, I don't know if I like you too."

"O-Oh, I mean, it's okay. We've only known each other for three months."

"I just... I want you to know that I have a hard time trusting others," Tigress replied. "I've... seen my friends hurt and people have hurt me."

"You mean like Viper?" Jin asked. Tigress turned her head to him. "I had asked her why a kind person like her wasn't in a relationship a few days ago. She told me about General Pantu. I can't imagine Po being that angry though."

"Neither could I."

"But... I get it. You want to take your time and I'm perfectly okay with that," Jin smiled, resting his hand over hers. "Regardless of what kind of relationship we have, I... just want to be by your side."

A warm flush rose from Tigress's heart. She felt her jaw drop and her eyes widen. "D-Di-Did I say something wrong?" Jin asked.

"N-N-No, you didn't. I'm just..." She took a breath and smiled, "I'm just grateful that you're willing to be patient with me."

"Of course," Jin smiled. They said nothing for a while, simply staring at each other.

It wasn't until a loud cough from a stern voice called their attention. "Master Shifu," both tigers stood up and bowed at the red panda standing at the courtyard doors.

"I came to tell you that Zhen needs help near the Northwest plateau. She wanted you, Tai Lung, and Po to help. Jin could you help, please?"

"Of course, Master Shifu, I will do my best," the tiger beamed. Shifu gave a slight chuckle as he walked past the two tigers.

"I can see why Tigress talks with you. You remind me of Po." He strolled into the Hall and shut the door behind him.

Jin turned to a grumbling tiger, bashfully averting her eyes away from Jin. "Is that a compliment or an insult? I don't know if Master Shifu likes Po."

"Don't worry, neither does Po," Tigress smirked. "Come on." The two felines met up with Po down below where the panda held his arms crossed, glaring at the ground. "Is something wrong?"

"Yeah, Tai Lung," Po muttered. He pointed to a spotted feline gracing his presence with the ladies. The snow leopard had become a celebrity as a crowd nearly swallowed him, and the panda pouted at the sight.

Jin chuckled, "Are you jealous?"

"Annoyed. I just can't believe he's this prideful."

"You can't?" Tigress smirked.

The panda paused for a moment and chuckled, "Actually, I can believe that." Tigress walked through the crowd of pigs, geese, and goats and dragged the snow leopard out by the arm.

"What?"

"You're getting side-tracked," Tigress murmured.

"I was just welcoming my adoring fans. Po does it all the time."

"And he lost Lei Lei because of it."

"I knew that was going to come up! One time, Tigress. I lost her, one time," Po grumbled. "Alright, let's get going."

The Northwest Plateau was a long way away from the Jade Palace. Zhen had been sent there on a simple information mission, but of course, nothing is ever simple. Reports from the area had quieted, and Zhen was sent to see what the matter was. She found a large bandit problem that she couldn't take on alone and the one-day mission turned into three. So, she called for help.

After a four-hour trek through grassy plains, they came to the foot of the massive plateau where a village resided. Po sighed as he rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck. "Let's see what Zhen's got herself into."

"I don't know why you sent her on this mission alone," Tai Lung muttered, "She's nowhere near able to do things by herself, yet."

"I figured it was a small enough mission. And if I hover over her, she'd never learn. Yes, I keep her away from you guys because she's the new kid, but still. And she learns best by herself."

The rolling hill sloped down into the village carried them to the center where a slight arid air hung over the slow-moving area. Down the main dirt path of the village, Po saw a group of people talking and shouting over each other. "Found her."

"That might be anyone," Tigress said. Po looked at her with a raised eyebrow and a deadpanned expression. "Never mind." They walked closer and saw the fox atop a platform, trying to calm the crowd.

"Look, guys, I'm trying my best here. I know I'm not the Dragon Warrior you want, but I can't do this alone. I need help."

"The bandits keep attacking from the plateau. We might as well blow up the thing! We have the black powder!" Shouted one of the villagers.

"No! It might cause an avalanche," Zhen protested.

"How does that affect us?"

The fox facepalmed. That's when she spotted Po. She darted across the group atop their heads, saying sorry, and hugged the panda. "I'm so glad you're all here."

"Even Tai Lung?"

"Especially, Tai Lung. Maybe he can scare some sense into these guys."

"Given their intelligence, that's not a bad idea," Tai Lung muttered.

"Focus guys," Po grumbled. "They said that the bandits are coming from the plateau. How many?"

"A lot. It's been me and another girl fighting these guys off."

"Wait, who?"

"The bandits are coming!" The cry came from the far end of the street where the plateau was. A goose flapping its wings came to a crash as he pointed to the faraway horde approaching.

Zhen groaned, "UGH! There's more of them. I need to get Zhanshi!"

"Who?" Po asked.

"It doesn't matter who they are," Jin said seriously, pulling out his swords, "We have to deal with the bandits." Po nodded and the team ran toward the village entrance. Facing the approaching horde, Po grimaced. They were buffalo, not completely native to this terrain, but their stampeding techniques made them especially difficult to deal with. Tai Lung was impressed that Zhen lasted against them for this long.

"Stand aside!" Shouted the front buffalo with a large soldier's helmet that sparkled in the sun. "We're taking over this village."

"Why?" Po asked.

"Because we can. And their land goes right through our territory. If they paid their tribute, we wouldn't have this problem."

"Of course, there's money. Because there's always money," Po murmured. "Well, I'm the Dragon Warrior, and I'm not going to let you stomp your way through here."

"Then it's a fight then," The buffalo snorted.

Then they all heard something. The loud rattling of a fast-moving cart approached them from the back with a wail. Po turned his head back and yelled. "Get out of the way!" He pushed Tai Lung and Zhen out while Jin moved Tigress back. The cart pulled by two buffalos freaking out flew passed them, loaded with something that made a hissing noise.

"Explosives!" Shouted the buffalo, jumping out of the way for their lives.

BOOOOMMM!

The buffalos screamed as the fireworks and explosives sent them scattering.

"Well don't just stand there," said a voice behind the Kung Fu warriors. "Take them out!" Po's head shot over to a large warrior with a club strapped to her back. She wore a breastplate and leather armor while the purple garment underneath was probably her regular clothes. She had deep blue eyes with a surprisingly serious glare to her pudgy face. She took the bat strapped to her chest and charged forward, smashing it right across the leader buffalo's face.

Po's jaw dropped. He had never seen a female panda so fierce. "Who's that?" Jin asked.

"That... is the maniac known as Zhanshi," Zhen groaned.

"Well, she definitely fights like a warrior," Tai Lung muttered; Zhanshi loosely means warrior.

Po shook his head awake. "Help her out." The team got to work. Zhanshi took her club and smashed it against another buffalo before ducking a sword. She blocked the next swing with her club and kicked the assailant back. Two buffalo sliced their swords at her, but she jumped, surprisingly high, and smashed her feet into their faces with a split kick. Another buffalo tried to spear her. He fell forward and saw the panda smirking at the buffalo's whimper.

"Not the club."

"Yes the club," Zhanshi grinned. She bashed it straight into his face, knocking him out. Suddenly two buffalos caught her arms and restrained her, but someone took their heads by the horns and slammed them into sleep land. "Thanks."

"Don't... mention it," Po slowly said, looking the panda up and down. He shook his head again and dodged a dagger jabbed at him. He punched and high-kicked the dagger and bandit away before the next round of fighters came.

As the dust and chaos settled, Po got a better look at the panda. She was a bit shorter than Po. She had no make-up like Mei Mei, but she did have her top fur in a bun. Her cheeks also weren't as pudgy, probably because she worked a lot with the club. Zhanshi picked up one of the buffalos. "Where exactly is your base?"

"O-O-On the plateau, in the very back. Hiding in a hole! Northwest of here."

"Thank you," Zhanshi smiled delightfully. Po chuckled a bit until Zhen stormed up to the large woman and started barking.

"WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?! You nearly killed us!"

"Last time we attacked them, you nearly got killed. There were too many of them, we had to scatter them."

"But you don't use the fireworks to do it!"

"Hey it worked," Zhanshi argued back.

"It's... a bit unorthodox," Tai Lung commented, "But I don't expect anything less from a panda at this point."

Zhen sighed, "Everyone, this is the great and powerful Zhanshi who nearly got us killed. Zhanshi, this is the Dragon Warrior and Master Tigress. The others are the Sharp Jin and infamously old and annoying, Tai Lung."

The snow leopard growled at the fox.

Zhanshi bowed, "It is an honor to meet you. I'm sorry for... nearly blowing everyone up."

"It's okay, we're used to stuff like this," Jin smiled.

"And you're the person who's been helping Zhen with the bandits?" Tigress asked. The panda nodded, taking off the breastplate armor. "I've never seen a true female panda warrior before."

Zhanshi looked at Po, making the Dragon Warrior stiffen. She pointed at him. "What clan are you from?"

"I... what?"

"What's your name?"

"P-P-P-Po?"

"That doesn't sound like a panda name," Zhanshi murmured.

"M-My dad said I was... supposed to be called L-L-L-Lotus."

"Ahh, the Peace Clan," Zhanshi replied, "When Lord Shen attacked the pandas, some of us abandoned all forms of fighting for peace. The others, my Warrior Clan, chose to learn more self-defensive techniques. I didn't expect a Peace Clan panda to be the Dragon Warrior."

"I-I-I-I was an orphan," Po said.

"Ahh that explains it," Zhanshi smiled warmly. Po crossed his arms and stuffed his hands under his armpits. The team collected the bandits and sent them off to prison. Afterward, they entered a small house where Zhen and Zhanshi lived. Two mats and a small kitchen in the back created a minimalist view.

There was, of course, lots of food stored up. "Who's the cook?" Jin asked.

"Well, when the village isn't being ransacked, I usually make the food," Zhen smirked, glancing at a grumpy frowning female panda. "I don't cook as good as Po or Tigress, but-"

"Dibs on the kitchen!" Po shouted and darted to the stove. Tigress grumbled a little. The table in the middle stood as a planning surface. Zhanshi rolled out a map and pointed towards the plateau.

"The plateau is around forty miles to the north. It starts to get into the far west around here. My hunch for their hiding spot is that there's a narrow path to the top that opened up from a recent landslide."

"Which is when the buffalo bandits started appearing?" Tigress guessed. Zhanshi nodded.

"That guy told us it's in a hole in the ground somewhere. So it might be... here," Zhanshi marked an X there. "Some of the messengers mentioned a dangerous fly zone around there. So that might be it."

"Isn't there a military outpost around here, towards the east?" Jin asked.

"Yeah, right here," Zhanshi narrowed her eyes and stared at the tiger. "You sound familiar. You said you were Jin, right?"

The feline tilted his head, then his eyes widened. "Zee-Zee!"

"Oh no," Zhanshi groaned but laughed as she hugged Jin. "I knew you looked familiar, Jin Jin."

"How do you know each other?" Tigress asked.

"I lived near here when my father was a soldier. I vaguely remember meeting a panda girl. Always beat me when I was fighting her," Jin chuckled.

"You two... fought?" Tai Lung asked.

"Wrestled, fought, same thing," Zhanshi said dismissively. The snow leopard turned to Po and Tigress, rubbing his eyes.

"What?" Zhen asked.

"Nothing, just... felt like I was going back in time for a moment." The four of them talked while Po focused on cooking up the meal for everyone. Soon, the plan was set. Zhen and Tai Lung would go to the military outpost and request assistance while the other four would figure out the landscape for the bandits and take care of the village.

Zhanshi sniffed the air. "Mmm, it smells good."

"Oh! Thanks, it's uh... my dad's soup," Po smiled nervously as he gave everyone their bowls. Jin and Zhen gulped the food down, but Jin stopped. "What?"

"Nothing, just... it is missing a... kick."

"Hang on," Tigress pulled out a small vial from her pocket and sprinkled some into his food. Jin sampled it again.

"Mmm much better!"

"Let me guess, spices?" Po grumbled. Tigress only smirked back.

"It does taste good, Dragon Warrior," Zhanshi smiled widely.

"O-Oh please just call me Po," The panda grinned, fidgeting with his hands until he firmly clasped them together and started eating.

Tigress's eyes darted around the table as everyone ate. She finished her bowl and got up. "I think Po and I should make sure there aren't any stray bandits from the fight. Are you coming, Po?"

"Oh! Okay," He got up and followed the tiger outside. Tigress couldn't help but notice the panda left his bowl at the table.

The setting sun slowly cast its orange, pink, and red hues. The plateau's shadow spread across the village as the grassy plains slowly rose for their nighttime music. Soft breezes traveling down the mountainous area sent grass tumbling and bending like waves. The quiet yawning of the village spoke from each villager they saw. Tigress glanced at Po. The panda's hands slowly came out of his armpits. "What is it that you wanted to talk about?" he asked.

"What makes you think I wanted to talk?"

"Because you typically don't call me like that?"

Tigress stopped and looked at him. "Why didn't you bring your bowl?"

"We're supposed to be on patrol?"

"That's never stopped you before."

"What are you getting at Tigress?"

"Do you like Zhanshi?"

"Sh-Sh-She's nice. A-a-a-a good warrior."

Tigress's face turned into something Po thought he would never see in his lifetime. Her eyes widened along with her smile. All 30 teeth showed in her grin as her finger pressed right up to Po's chest. "You have a crush on her."

"WHAT?!"

Continued...