Kung Fu Panda Story (ORIGINAL)

You Have To Tell Him

(One week later)

"Well, just like old times already. Tigress keeps beating our butts like we've only been learning kung fu for just a month." Crane said in a bitter-sweet tone as the masters started making their way out of the training grounds and to the kitchen.

"That's actually a great feeling." Tigress said casually as she turned to the group with a smirk.

"Ha ha. You don't need to brag, Tigress." Said Po in a playful tone. "Now, come on. I'm gonna make my dad's famous noodle soup for dinner."

"Yes! I need some of that glory right now." Mantis exaggerated as he rested his head on Monkey's shoulder.

The Dragon Warrior just chuckled at his friend's antics and started preparing all the ingredients in the kitchen. As everyone sat down around the table and waiting for their meal to be prepared, Master Shifu made his way into the kitchen.

"Master." Everyone said as they stood up and bowed slightly. Except Po, who was still at the stove.

"Oh, hey, Shifu!" Po waved. Then he excitedly approached him with a wooden spoon ladle filled with noodle soup in his hand. "Do you wanna try some? It's my dad's famous recipe." He carefully waved the soup-filled spoon around in front of his master's face.

Shifu's eyes just followed the movement of the spoon without a flinch. He then moved his gaze up to the Dragon Warrior with an unamused look on his face.

"Oh." Po pulled himself back. "Not a fan of noodle soup, I see."

Shifu just sighed and face-palmed, as did Tigress, making them in sync. Shifu told him, "Po, can you please take your childish play somewhere else?"

"Fine." Po said with disappointment. "Anyway, food's ready!"

While everyone was eating, Shifu's tugged on Tigress' sleeve, catching her attention. He informed her quietly, "Tigress, I wish to speak with you later." Tigress gave a slight nod then returned to eating.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Master? You wanted to talk to me?" Tigress bowed as she went and stood beside her master by the moon pool.

"Yes. Please, sit." Shifu told her. She did as she was told. "So, how are you feeling lately?"

Tigress thought for a while. "Much better than I was a week ago."

"That's good to hear." Master Shifu nodded. "And what about your training? By all the complaining I receive, I assume you're doing fine?"

"Yes, Master." Tigress replied with a neutral tone, though Shifu could see the hint of a smirk on her face. Then, the tiger looked like she was thinking. "You wanted to ask me something else, didn't you?" She guessed.

Shifu nodded slowly. "Yes, I did... And my humblest apologies if I may seem prying, but... Tigress, you need to tell him." Master Shifu looked her dead in the eye.

It took a moment for the tiger to understand what he was saying, but when she did, she looked at him with slumped shoulders. She told him simply while shaking her head, "I'm not telling him."

Shifu frowned and tried to reason with her, "But why not? Why don't you-"

"It's not your place to tell me what to do or say... Not about this..." Tigress interrupted harshly, yet calmly. She looked up at the ceiling for a few seconds before returning to the sight of the calm waters before her.

Shifu said, "Tigress, I know that it's not my place to say, but kung fu does not forbid emotions if that's what you were worried about. Even I fell in love with someone before."

"Well, I'm sorry to say this, but I'm not you." Tigress told him. " And.. I wasn't worried about that."

"Well?" Master Shifu questioned.

Tigress exhaled slowly before saying, "Master, I'm an heir to a throne that doesn't exist anymore... There's villainous blood running right through my veins..." Her voice never shook once, making her list things numbly. "I'm an orphan who can't control her temper or strength... So give me one good reason why I should tell Po how I feel..." Tigress looked straight into Master Shifu's eyes. "Or why I should even consider trying..."

"Tigress," Shifu started. "Do you think you're not good enough? Because-" Shi fu chuckled. "-how is that even possible? You are one of the best students I have ever taught. You're passionate about kung fu and your consistent in your training. You may not be the strongest or gentlest warrior I have encountered, but you have the most faithful and loyal heart. Once people get to know you, they start to understand you. They start to see right through your hardcore exterior. Same goes for Po... So I promise you, nothing bad is going to happen if you tell him how you feel."

Tigress seemed reluctant, but hesitantly answered. "Fine- but... not now, not today."

"As long as it's not never." Shifu said.

"...Thank you... Master." The young warrior stood up and bowed. "I believe I needed that talk..."

A/N

Sorry, it's a little shorter this time.

One more chapter to go!