Kung Fu Panda: The Hunt For The Heir (OC x Tigress fanfic)

Chapter 33: Spoiled Princess

In the snowy village of the Valley of Peace that was below the Jade Palace, Po, Shifu, Hunter, Tigress and Mantis were all walking down the main road leading out of the Village. Hunter had his pack on for this, as it was seemingly going to be a long-ish journey. "So, how come you wanted me along for this one, Kitten? What's the mission? Or were you just worried you'd miss me?" he asked her with a slight smirk, although continued looking ahead.

Tigress also didn't turn to face him, continuing to walk. "We are escorting Princess Mei Li on a peace mission. It will be a long and arduous journey through thick jungles and bandit territory. Your expertise in such environments will likely come in handy." she told him matter of factly.

Mantis then chuckled and decided to pipe up. "She also finds your company very enjoyable." he added, but a warning glance from Tigress made him hop to Hunter's shoulder instead... "B-but I'm sure it's mostly your skills... heh." he said nervously, looking at Tigress as she rolled her eyes.

However, she did glance at Hunter after he said that. "Hmm. I will admit, having your company will be a definite boon on this mission." Tigress admitted to him with a slight bit of hesitance while looking to both Po and Mantis a little bit for emphasis.

Hunter was a little surprised by that admission from her, and his heart skipped a beat. Although he didn't show it. "I enjoy your company too, Tigress." He said to her, and she turned her head to him, also surprised... As they looked at one another for a minute or so, they heard Mantis chuckle.

Both looked towards him and noticed him looking to the side at their two other companions. "Looks like Shifu is giving Po the usual talk." Mantis pointed out to the two of them...

Meanwhile, Shifu and Po were talking next to the others, and Mantis seemed to indeed be correct. "Princess Mei Li's peace mission is of the utmost importance. We can't afford any mistakes, Po." he told him pointedly, making sure to emphasise.

Po scowled a little bit at that. "How come you never say, 'We can't afford any mistakes, Tigress,' or..." He cut off as a food cart was being pulled past the group, the sight and smell drawing him in. "Oh, noodle rolls!" he exclaimed in excitement, stopping to look before Shifu grabbed him by the finger to keep him moving along. "Ow, ow, ow, ow..." he complained painfully.

Shifu, as usual, was keeping it deadly serious. "You have to get Princess Mei Li safely to the King of the Qidan. She may only be a child, but she is royalty." he pointed out to Po.

Hunter stopped dead in his tracks then. "The... The Qidan?" he asked, his voice breathy and unsure for once as his eyes widened and his whole attitude took a sharp turn.

Noticing this, Tigress also stopped and turned to him. "Hunter? What's wrong?" she asked him, seemingly concerned about this abrupt change.

Hunter slowly backed up a little. "I... nothing... I... on second thought, I'm not sure I'm quite so suited to this mission, I should... go and..." he then bumped into Po, who had been distracted by some children nearby and was now behind Hunter.

Taking notice of his hesitance, Po was quick to bolster morale. "We'll be fine, Hunter! Four badass warriors?! Pfft, easy street." he scoffed dismissively.

Shifu then looked at Hunter. "Your skillset will be invaluable on this mission, Hunter. And you may just keep Tigress from losing her sanity with Po and Mantis around." he added a little more jovially now.

However, Hunter didn't look so sure about anything either had said, particularly Po. "Yeah... sure... easy." he spoke in a low and quieter voice as the others continued walking on and so did he, albeit more reluctantly. Although knowing Tigress would be on the mission seemed to push him onward a little as he looked a little bit more resolved.