One Of The Five Have Gone all Wrong

Chapter 17 ~ What'd ya' know

Three days pass, bringing the festival closer. Though today, the people are throwing a parade. With the afternoon sun shining brightly above. Children ran about with their little devices, venders already setting up shop and selling.

Tigress was told by her beloved that she should enjoy the festivities without him. He claims to have work to see to, to make sure their honeymoon isn't interrupted. She sighs but agrees to it, saying that she'll bring him back something.

The breeze is soothing. It's not too hot nor too cold out this day. Quite perfect weather if she said so.

A vender or two talked with her about their little set up. A child that was running and tripped and fallen, scrapping their knee. She took pity on the little boy and patched him right up.

"Thank you madam!" He smiled. She waved and smiled, watching him catching up with his friends. Somehow, she can feel a gaping whole in her heart. She doesn't understand where it came from but thinks nothing of it once she hears the music beginning to play. She rushes down to the center of town to see many people playing instruments and dancing.

The sight warms her heart. A broad smile spreads across her face. Couples swinging one another around as they laugh. Tigress felt a little pained since her lover isn't here to enjoy this with her.

A tap on her shoulder, she felt. Turning around to see a very handsome snow leopard smiling gently at her. He looked just like the one in her dreams.

"I was wondering if you would like to dance with me?" He asks, offering his hand to her.

"I'd be honored."

Tai Lung took her hand as the beat replayed. Pulling her closely before dipping her. He swung her up and spins her. Tigress stops with the brush off her foot on the ground, her dress flowing along. Both extended their arms out, holding the others' hand. Tigress smiles and twirls herself towards him. Tai Lung stops her by grabbing her hips at the perfect timing. Her hands resting on her broad chest as she stares into his golden orbs.

"Tai Lung?" She whispers, furring her brows.

Had she remembered? Did she have the strength to beat the spell.

The lost look in her eyes seemed off.

The two slowly parted and bowed to one another. Both with racing hearts stammer as they start a conversation.

"You are quite the dancer." He compliments.

"Thanks you. It's been a long time since I have, but I don't think I've ever met a male who can dance just as you did..."

"Thank you. I do try my best at everything." he says, "I don't mean to be rude but aren't you getting married soon? To the head of this city?"

"Ah, I am in fact." She admits.

"Pity he didn't come enjoy this festival with you."

"Yes, well he is working hard so that our honeymoon will be perfect for us." Tigress states shyly.

"Perfect? Mmmm, wouldn't have been perfect with you either way? I mean I am merely speaking out of term here but I personally believe that if you truly care about someone, everyday, no matter what it is, can be a wonderful day well spent."

Tigress has to admit that what he just said was beautiful. She hasn't ever heard a man say such words. He meant them with great sincerity, though she'll most likely won't remember it.

This saddens him to a point sure but he has always have this idea that the two of them could make out a relationship.

"Pardon me but what is your name?" Tigress asks.

"Tai Lung, and yours?"

"Tigress." Tai Lung couldn't help and notice the shine in her eyes when he told her his name. It was almost as if she recognized it and deep down, she knew...

"Oh I really must be going..."

"Stay a while and enjoy the festival. I would be honored to be accompanied by such a woman- that's if you wouldn't mind joining me for the evening."

She gives it a thought, tapping her chin as she does so. Would this be a good idea? She asks herself. 'He did say to have fun. So it shouldn't hurt nothing.'

"I'll be delighted too."

That afternoon they went all around, trying out the games and food. If he didn't know any better, he'd say that they are out on a date.

They did receive glances and strange looks from other people who are also out and enjoying themselves. Though they didn't pay them no mind since they are too focused on each other. Yet time must go on and soon dusk is upon them.

Tai Lung walked Tigress back to the palace. The guards let her through as she waved goodbye to him. For now, he's wondering where the hell Shaun is.

Bringing the ring up to his face, eyeing the colors and craftsmanship. At least he can say he's accomplished something today.
__

Not too far away is a boat that's finally able to dock itself. It's passengers happy to walk on land again from such a long ride. The group starts heading towards the city, each just as tired as the other.

"There's a hotel not far from the shore. There, we will stay the night and move on in the morning." Says the small redpanda.

"That sounds good to me." Crane says.

"That sounds good to you, but my legs are already tired."

"Oh come now, Monkey. You'll be fine. It's not that far of a walk- I can see that top of it now." Viper tells him. The roof pokes out in the night thanks to the moon's light.

Po listened on quietly. He's more focused on Tigress. Wondering if she's okay and if this is what she really wants. She doesn't seem like the settling down type of woman- especially since she can't seem to find the right guy.

"Po." Shifu calls him. "You've been awfully silent. Is everything okay?"

"Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. It's just- well you know- the whole 'Tigress getting married all of a sudden' got me thinking..."

"Yes?"

"That well- you know she might be okay..-I don't know. I just have this feeling that whatever was stalking her, could be behind this marriage. I mean, Tigress getting hitched without telling any of us? That doesn't sound like her." Po said as he fiddles with his fingers.

"And who would that be?" Monkey asks.

"I don't know...."

"That's somewhat sweet. At least Po is looking at the brighter side of things. I mean who knows? Maybe someone really is looking after Tigress for us and figuring everything out. I believe in Po's words; I believe she's in good hands." Viper says. They share a smile as they reach he hotel.

In the light of the moon, and through the cool breeze, watching them from the shore. A old turtle smiles, knowing very well that they are more right then they'll ever know. He's making sure that they're all safe and are finding their way as Tai Lung is for Tigress.

Nor that he couldn't help but see something blooming between the two felines that he hadn't seen in a long, long time. A little something that will blossom into something much, much more. Oh boy, he can't wait to see this will turn out.