The Panda and the Turtle (Book 2)

Chapter 9: Confession

The wolves started to work at fast-rate on the cannons as outside, a wolf howled a signal. Every single soldier in the city traveled to the factory to help with the preparations. Down below, Po, Vee, and the Five stealthily snuck down the streets.

"This way." Tigress said.

They stopped at the corner that lead to Gongmen Jail. Tigress peered round the corner. The two wolves, who guarded the door, heard the howl and leapt off. The warriors quickly entered the jail, as Po tumbled through. The place was empty, safe for Ox and Croc, who were still in their cell.

"You! What did you do?" Ox asked. "It's chaos up there! What happened to stopping Shen?"

Vee and the Five stared at Po.

"Yeah." Monkey agreed.

"Buddy, what happened?" Vee asked, concerned.

"Hey guys, come on. Give me a little credit!" Po lied. "I meant for him to get away! Because, uh... it was a trick, was a plot... and I thought I might... figure out his plot... more..."

Vee and the Five continued to stare.

"That makes no sense." Mantis said.

"What do you mean... sure it does!" Po stated.

Tigress stepped up to Po, that made him fall backwards on his rear.

"Po, the truth." Tigress said. "You had Shen. What happened?"

"What are you talking about, I don't know what you're talking about?" Po lied. "I mean, okay, he caught me off guard!"

"Po, just tell us what's wrong." Vee stated. "You can always come to us if you're upset."

"I'm not upset." Po lied. "I...I was stunned for a bit..."

Tigress knelt down to face Po eye to eye.

"The truth." Tigress demanded.

Silence as they stared at each other. Po opened his mouth... and closed it again.

"Fine." Tigress said, before she stood up. "They will keep you far from danger."

She gestured to Ox and Croc.

"Real far." Croc chuckled.

Po glanced at them then turned back to Tigress.

"What?" Po asked.

"You're staying here." Tigress said.

She started to walk away. Po got up and chased after her.

"W-w-wait!" Po said. "I have to go ba--."

Tigress whirled round to face Po. A hush fell over the room. Vee and the Five looked on in fear. Po stared at Tigress.

"You're staying here!" Tigress stated.

"I'm going... and you can't stop me!" Po argued.

He tried to walk past Tigress, but she grabbed his arm and twisted him around. He turned back to her, as he was caught off-guard.

"Okay... I wasn't ready that time." Po admitted.

"Guys, don't!" Viper insisted.

Tigress moved into a kung fu stance.

"Ready." Tigress said.

Po pointed to the ceiling as he approached.

"Look!" Po said.

Tigress didn't fell for it- she grabbed Po as he tried to slip past her and tossed him high into the air. He landed on the other side of the room, and spun on his head as he leapt back to his feet, as he faced the wrong way. Yelling in frustration, he rushed back at Tigress. Croc visibly winced as Tigress countered and sent Po sliding back toward his and Ox's cell.