A/N: I know, I know, I'm a horrible updater. I should have had this chapter up for you guys about four weeks back, but Nooo, I didn't. Why? *sigh* Things exactly aren't going too smooth for me at the moment. I hardly get time to sit on the laptop properly. I really hope the chapter isn't unsatisfactory. An important note will be at the end of this chapter.

A note to be taken is that the characters have been shown in their twenties here. Though originally they are all probably in their thirties taking into account Shen's line "I've waited thirty years for this." I also have other clues that point to this fact but I guess this suffices.

Another thing, thank you everybody for reviewing and following and being patient with me. A special thanks to NinjaTiger for constantly giving me reviews. I really appreciate it.

Enough of my ranting I guess. I still got to go check out all the fanfictions I should have read and reviewed by now. My inbox is bursting right now. So I better be off. Hope you enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 5

Time off

(With Leonne)

Leonne walked out of the Hall of Heroes, closing the large doors behind her. She lifted her head towards the sky, letting the sun's warm rays illuminate her face. She breathed in deeply through her nose, her eyes closed, trying to calm herself down as much as possible. It had indeed been a long time since she'd talked to someone this much, let alone talk about her past. And to be honest, the experience hadn't been pleasant. Despite the Hall's grand size she had begun to feel suffocated and trapped in there.

She finally opened her piercing blue eyes and looked at the sky. The clearness of it giving her a sense of calm and ease. She stared at it for a few moments before bringing her head back down and walking towards the steps with no clear idea of where she would go.

She began to descend the steps, looking up at the sky every now and then just to calm herself. A short distance down she raised her eyes skyward again, but stopped midway, landing on the place that made her heart skip a beat. The Peach Tree Hill.

For quiet some time she stood looking at it. Watching as its pink leaves merrily waved to her from afar whenever a slight breeze happened to pass by it. She finally tore her gaze away from the site and looked around to find a path leading to it. It didn't take her long to find a path of stone steps leading up to it. She began to climb, a conversation long forgotten resurfacing to the front of her head.

'I often train with Oogway there. The Peach Tree Hill.' A voice rang in her mind and she could see the image of a person pointing at it in her mind's eye. She continued making her way towards her destination. 'Where?' Another voice asked. 'The Peach Tree Hill. Right over there.' The first voice replied back, still pointing in the direction. 'I don't see what you're pointing at. The second voice said confused, trying to see where the Hill was. The first voice then sounded confused as well. 'It's right there. Can't you see it?' It asked. There was silence from the second voice for a while before it answered. 'Yeah, I can see it now. Silly me.'

Leonne kept climbing to the top, only stopping when she reached the last step. Her breathing was shallow and her heartbeat fast. She scanned the place that she had hoped to see for real all her life. Finally, she began to walk slowly towards the edge of the Hill. Giving only a brief look to the Peach Tree as she passed it.

As she stepped closer to the edge she feasted her eyes upon the sight before her and below her. Her hard expression now softer as she took in the site. It seemed almost impossible for her to be there. Maybe her mind was playing tricks on her? But this was real!

A feeling of ecstasy swelled up inside her. But none of it managed to make it's way to the surface. It was a contentment, she felt, she had to keep inside. She gazed around for quiet some time and after a while her eyes fell on the steps leading to the main building of the Jade Palace. But more importantly, her eyes met only for a brief moment with a certain Tiger who was standing on the stairs, staring back at her. She however, didn't stare back long and turned around to walk towards the tree behind her.

The Tree with the delicious pink fruit laden all over its branches.

She stopped next to it, pausing only a moment to admire the tree up close and then looked up as she reached for a peach. Her paw touched the round fruit and its softness immediately registered. Pulling her arm down, she plucked the fruit off the branch and brought it to eye level. She inhaled the sweet smell coming from it and then slowly bit into it. Immediately her mouth felt a satisfaction it had yearned for so long.

She walked back to the cliff edge and sat down there, letting her legs dangle off the side as she finished the peach. She sighed, thinking about everything she had told Shifu, recounting the day's events and thinking about the journey ahead. And then she remembered what Shifu had asked her to do.

She frowned. She didn't want to become a member of the Furious Five. She was fine with where she was and what she was. She didn't want to think the matter through at all. But then she turned her head to look at the Peach Tree again. And for a moment she expected Master Oogway to pop out of nowhere to tell her what she should do. But no such thing happened. She sighed and turned her head back around, remembering the time when Oogway had taught her how to meditate.

About 12 years back

Med-i-tate? She asked.

"Yes, Leonne, meditate. You see, in order to keep in balance, one does not only have to keep their surroundings in balance, nor only their bodies but also their minds. Meditation allows us to come into flow with the universe and understand the peace it holds. When we meditate, we experience the balance not through our bodies, but through our minds and soul." Oogway explained.

"Oookay. So how do I do this..meditation?" she asked.

Oogway simply sat down on the grass beneath the Peach Tree, placing his staff on the grass on his left side. He then patted the place to his right, asking her to join.

She looked confusedly at Oogway for a few seconds before silently taking a seat beside him and looking up "Okay, so how do I start?" she asked.

Oogway chuckled at her haste then turned to look at her with kind eyes. "I want you to close your eyes, let go of every feeling and thought you have, only letting the universe around you guide you and flow through you."

Leonne looked at him, trying to fully understand what he said "You want me to think of nothing?" she asked confusedly. How would she do that?

"I want you to empty you mind and only focus on what is around you. Feel it through your soul, your heart and you mind. Do not see it, but feel it." Oogway replied. He turned his head forward and got into a meditation pose. He didn't use his usual up-side down meditation pose on his staff because he didn't want Leonne to get confused. She'll understand later.

Leonne watched Oogway straighten to meditate and she scanned the pose from top to bottom. 'So I just have to sit like that and not think of anything and feel the universe around me. Whatever that means... This should be easy.' She thought somewhat sarcastically.

Nevertheless she copied the pose and tried to clear her mind as well. 'Don't think about anything. Don't think about anything.' she recited for the first few seconds in her head. Slowly she could begin to feel her head clearing. It didn't seem as hard as Oogway had made it sound. But then she began to feel something about it that was just not right. It felt foreign and...vulnerable. Her ear twitched. Her breathing quickened somewhat and sweat started to accumulate on her forehead. The sensation just kept getting stronger and her arms began to shake, feeling weak. She finally had had enough and she jumped up from her place shouting completely out of breath "I can't do it!"

Surprised, Oogway opened his eyes to look at Leonne breathing heavily but looking slightly ashamed at shouting like that. She lowered her head, frustrated, angry and sorry she couldn't do it.

Oogway looked at her a moment then smiled. "It just takes some practice young one. Everybody has some problem with it." he said encouragingly to her. But she shook her head.

"I don't think I can. It's not right. I don't want to forget about everything around me." she said. "I can't clear...my mind." she said in an irritated tone, lowering her head again.

Oogway frowned but said nevertheless "Why don't you give it one more try? It might work the next time."

Leonne sighed, her head still lowered, but nodded and walked back to Oogway's side and sat down. Oogway entered a meditation pose again and Leonne followed suit.

She began to clear her head again. Once again, she reached a point where it was nearly empty, feeling almost light, but then she started to sweat and her breathing got labored. A moment later her paws and arms were shaking. The muscles around her neck tense. She snapped her eyes open and jumped from where she was sitting as if someone had just pricked her with a needle but didn't shout this time.

She looked towards Oogway trying to catch her breath and trying to forget the awful sensation in her arms just a few seconds ago, but was surprised when she saw the tortoise looking at her closely. 'How long has he been watching?' she thought.

Oogway watched her from top to bottom for a few minutes before stating slowly "You seem to feel trapped..or maybe..exposed when you meditate, do you not?"

Although it sounded like an important question, Leonne couldn't for the life of her figure out what "exposed" meant. She looked at him confused "Exposed?" she repeated.

Oogway remembered how the child's vocabulary was limited. He rephrased for her "You feel as if something might harm you if you close you eyes and forget everything around you. Do you not?" he asked.

Leonne looked at him, then at the ground, then back up at him. "Maybe" she slowly replied. "I don't really know. But can we please do something else for now. I can't do this... meditation." she said waving her arms in desperation and frustration.

She looked at her Master, who seemed lost in thought. But after a few seconds he looked at her and gave her a smile and a nod. "Of course young one. We can always go through the things you've learned so far." he said.

She smiled back, feeling glad they were to change their activity. She didn't like feeling all restless when she meditated.

Even after that, Oogway had tried to teach her how to mediate. She had obediently tried every time, but to no avail. She just couldn't get the hang of it. Not even when she tried with 'her' once.

Leonne sighed and brought her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around it. Her tail wrapped around her as well. She still couldn't meditate like Oogway wanted. And she was sure Oogway would want her to mediate on the matter of whether she wanted to join the Furious Five or not. He always told her that meditation helps one to clear away the excess thoughts and reach the ones that were important for a decision.

But why should she think about it? She had already made up her mind. Besides, she wanted to relax before she set out with the warriors tomorrow. Finally, all those Death morons would pay the price.

(With Po and the Five)

Po and the others walked out of the Hall of Heroes after their conversation with their Master. One could only imagine the relief and happiness the young masters were feeling with the brief time off their Master had granted them. It had been ages since he'd done that. Looks like Leonne wasn't totally useless after all!

They all stopped for a brief moment on top of the stairs. Where Monkey was the first to say something. "So what do you guys have in mind? I think me and Mantis want to go down to the village just to relax. We haven't gone down there to laze around in a long time." he said, looking at his bug friend when he said his name. Mantis was nodding his head in agreement.

Viper was the first to answer. Her voice quivering with excitement and happiness. "I'm going to go meet Fai (beginning, growth). He'll be so surprised. I was hoping for a day off for so long. And now we have one!" she said, zig-zagging here and there in happiness.

"So you're going to meet Fai and we're going down to the village. What about you guys?" Monkey asked turning to look at an avian, a bear and a tiger.

Crane looked at the sky and then back down as he answered "I think I'll be taking my painting stuff to one of the hills around the Valley. I've been meaning to make a paintings of the valley from every hill in the Valley"

"Are you serious buddy? Every hill?" Mantis said waving his arms in horror. "I don't think you're going to live that long."Crane frowned in annoyance.

"Says the bug who wants his head bitten off by a female mantis." he retorted back.

"Yeah, but you got to admit, my purpose is at least more noble." Mantis said winking.

"How is having your head bitten off, noble?" Crane asked back.

"I'll be losing my head for a lady!" Mantis replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Crane only rolled his eyes. Then thought of saying something in reply. But before his beak could form the words, Monkey spoke up "Would you two ladies give it a rest?"

Both Tigress and Viper gave Monkey a glare when he said 'ladies" He cleared his throat "I mean..we're not planning on dying so soon guys. So let's just have some fun okay. Po. What about you? Where will you go?"

Po who had been smiling at his friends while they talked, snapped his head forward when Monkey asked the question. But then he looked slightly to his right at Tigress who was intently staring at the scroll Leonne had given them.

His gaze however did not go amiss by Tigress who looked up and gave him a brief nod before returning her attention back to the scroll. Po looked back at his friends who were waiting for his answer.

"Just for a walk round the village." he answered.

Monkey raised an eyebrow and still looking at Po asked "And what about you Tigress?"

Tigress didn't take her eyes off the scroll as she answered "I'll be accompanying Po on his walk"

They all nodded, understanding. Those two would always go for a walk every time Shifu gave them a day off. Not that it had been too many times. But at least Tigress didn't stay at the palace and train even on a day she was supposed to be free. Po had changed that. And to be honest, they were glad he had. It was never comfortable knowing one of your comrades was up at the palace alone, doing nothing but constantly training. She might say she liked it, and they believed her, but that didn't mean she wouldn't want a break.

"Well, I'll catch you guys later. Can't waste any more time. Fai needs to be surprised." Viper said and then slithered off down the stairs as fast as she would go to stop an attack on the village. Truth be told, if she hadn't told them she was going to meet Fai they would have thought it really was an attack.

"Yeah, we'll be going too, I guess." Mantis said and he and langur the nodded to their comrades before racing down the steps themselves. Clearly enjoying the freedom.

"I should probably go get my stuff." Crane said, preparing to take flight but Tigress stopped him.

He looked at her, confused "Can you label the scroll while you're at it. You remember what she pointed out as what, right?" she asked.

"Pretty much, yeah. I'll do that."

"Thank you. We can ask her about the places you don't remember later."

She then turned towards Po "Po, you coming." she said. Po immediately nodded with his signature smile and began to descend the stairs along with her.

On their way down Tigress' eyes wandered to the Peach Tree Hill where Leonne stood looking in their direction. She stopped briefly, their eyes meeting for a moment. But then Leonne turned towards the Peach Tree and Tigress continued climbing down after Po who was talking about the bandits they fought two weeks back. He hadn't noticed she had stopped.

Down in the Valley, Viper was having a cup of tea with Fai's Mother a short while later. Fai wasn't home when she had arrived. His mother said he had gone to help his father with some errands and she had asked Viper to wait in the kitchen and have some tea with her until he came back.

Fai was Viper's boyfriend. A handsome Red-Tailed Pipe Snake with the warmest brown eyes Viper had ever seen. He had moved into the Valley with his parents a few months ago and he and Viper had instantly taking a liking to each other. Admittedly though, that was after Fai had found the courage to introduce himself after a one of the usual Bandit raids in the village.

Viper sat silently, sipping her tea. She was soon joined by Fai's Mother, Li-Na (pretty and graceful), who was now holding her own cup of tea. She too was a Red-Tailed Pipe Snake with a soft voice and caring nature. Viper was reminded a lot of her own mother whenever Li-Na talked.

For some time both serpents sat in silence, sipping their tea. But after a while his mother spoke up "I'm sure Fai would be very happy to see you. Does he treat you well, dear?" she asked in her soft caring voice.

Viper smiled at her "Oh yes, Mrs. Sang he's absolutely wonderful. He's very kind." His mother nodded in approval "That's my boy. I wouldn't have him treating other girls and especially you with any less respect than he gives to me."

Viper gave another smile as she set her own cup down "You needn't worry Mrs. Sang he's very nice. In fact ,he's better than most guys you see around here."

Fai's mother gave a smile, her eyes smiling warmly along with it "I'm glad to hear that."she said. "I've always told him behavior matters most."

Both serpents gave small smiles to each other before falling silent again. But his mother broke the silence again "He's had a crush on you for a long time." She said and raised her head in time to see Viper blushing furiously and finding herself at loss as to what to say. But on her face, Li-Na also spotted some confusion.

Finally after a few minutes, Viper found her voice "But how? We only met just a few months ago. How-"

Her mother understood her confusion and at once answered "Yes, but dear, you have been famous for a long time now, haven't you?" she said in her kind voice. Viper just looked at her. Mrs. Sang chuckled. "He had pictures of you and the rest of the Furious Five back in his old room. Still has them here, too. But he had the most pictures of you. I teased him every now and then asking whether he loved you and he would blush furiously and leave the place mumbling. But a few months ago when we told him that we were moving to the Valley of Peace..." Mrs. Sang lowered her head slightly and shook it as she chuckled with her eyes closed "He was beyond happy. He was ecstatic. And then he didn't take long to pack everything and start badgering us to go already." His mother said, looking at Viper who was listening to everything with a combination of eagerness and apprehensiveness. Her cheeks were still glowing red.

Mrs Sang continued "His father was pretty amused too, but he told him he had to take care of a few things before we could move. To say he was keen on leaving would be an understatement. He was restless. Every day he would tell his father to hurry up with the things he had to take care of so that we could leave. And finally when the day arrived, he was the happiest among us three to leave our old village behind." his mother finished.

Viper had her head lowered a little now, trying to hide the extreme blush on her cheeks. She had no idea Fai had been that keen to meet her. Sure he had acted all enthusiastic when she agreed to meet him again after the fight with the bandits, but she didn't know it was this bad.

Mrs. Sang continued, still smiling "But before we came here I managed to have a serious conversation with him for once...about you." she said and Viper looked up, feeling all anxious again. "He confessed that he was smitten with you and that he had always planned to visit you, even if it was for once in his whole life. But the duties he had to attend to with his father had always deprived him of such a treat. I must say he thinks very highly of you and talks almost constantly about you but I however was curious to know whether he liked you for you or as a great warrior." She paused and Viper found herself holding her breath.

Mrs. Sang sighed and looked out the kitchen window then at her and gave a soft smile "He told me that while he did respect you greatly as a warrior. THAT was however not what he liked best about you." She paused, Viper bit her lower lip "What he really liked about you, was your charming smile and your calm and sweet nature that he'd heard so much of. He liked you for you. He said that even if he never got to be with you, he would just like to meet you once. Just so that he can hear your sweet voice and experience your kind nature for himself... Because you had won his heart." She finished smiling at Viper.

Viper wiped a tear that had managed its way out of her eyes, with her tail."I never thought he felt that way for me" she said in a whisper. "It's just so...so.." she couldn't say what. "Romantic" Mrs. Sang finished for her with kind eyes and a mischievous smile, Viper blushed again. 'What is it with the blushing?' She thought exasperatedly.

Mrs. Sang was however looking out the window again, a smile still playing on her face "I remember when I met Fai's Father. I was so smitten by his good looks that I once fell out of the tree I was hiding in while spying on him" Viper giggled. "Oh yes, this is what love is like. Though I think I should point out that, that fall was the reason our relation got stronger. He helped me up and then we talked a little. It might have been a little embarrassing but then me and my friends started hanging out with his group and things just made their way forward from there." Li-Na said looking at Viper, who was smiling widely.

They sat in silence for a while, thinking about the conversation they just had. Then they heard a noise outside and a door going through the process of opening and closing. Next second, the smiling faces of Fai and his Father entered the kitchen.

"We're home" Fai's father announced entering the kitchen "We finally got the job done." He stopped in surprise when he saw Viper in the kitchen "And look who we have here." He said. His smile back on his face "Master Viper from the Jade Palace, so glad to see you." He said bowing to her.

"It's good to see you too Mr. Sang" Viper said bowing back. She didn't like the fact that Fai's parents treated her with so much respect. She wanted to have the atmosphere friendly not full of respectful words and bowing. But she couldn't find a way to say all this to them.

Fai however was looking at Viper as if Christmas had come early. He gaped at her for a few seconds before finding his voice "You got the day off!" he said excitedly, his voice rising the way it always did when he was excited.

"Yeah, looks like Master Shifu was in a good mood, so he let us off." She said. She didn't tell him the real reason just yet because she didn't want his parents worrying about her.

"What are we waiting for then? Let's go have some fun." Fai cheered and slithered towards the door.

"Well you kids can go enjoy. You can have dinner with us if you wish Master Viper." Mr. Sang said to Viper as she began to follow Fai.

She looked up at Fai's father. Fai had gotten most of his looks from his Dad, while his dad was very nice too, Viper was sure Fai's sweet nature was from his mother's side. "Thank you Mr. Sang. I'd love to." she replied to his invitation.

With that, they both left the house bidding Fai's parents good bye.

Viper and Fai had a nice time roaming around the village, talking, laughing, going to one of their favorite spots in the woods and eating moon cakes they had bought back in the village. It was all simply perfect. Viper enjoyed every moment of it and Fai was both enjoying and still marveling at his luck. He was with the Master Viper.

They made their way home after spending some time in the woods and actually having a water fight by one of the rivers in there. Viper finally told him about the mission they were setting out on the next day and telling him she would miss him.

Fai listened silently and remained so a few minutes after Viper had told him everything. Viper turned her head towards him, worried what was wrong with him. That's when he raised his head that had been lowered in thought. "I know you're going to be fine. But I still want you to be careful. I don't want you to get hurt." he said slowly and firmly.

Viper softly smiled at his concern and gave him a peck on the cheek. She then asked him softly "You love me a lot, don't you?" she asked.

Fai looked at her, a little confused. Wondering why she had suddenly asked the question. Not that he minded but did he do something to lose her trust somehow? But then quickly pulled himself together and answered sincerely.

"Of course I do Vi. I love you more than anything else in the whole world. You're the most beautiful, nicest, sweetest girl I've ever met and my words don't even begin to describe how great you are." Viper listened to his every word, feeling warmth inside her.

"So you do love me, for me? " She asked.

Fai froze. 'Okay, don't tell me Mom said something to you.' he thought desperately. "Yes, I do! Of course I do." he said turning to look at her.

Viper smiled again. "Thank you for saying that." she said and began to move forward when Fai spoke up "Uhh..Vi" he nervously cleared his throat.

Viper turned to look at her boyfriend who seemed to be struggling with something. She waited patiently for him to gather his thoughts. Finally he spoke in a rather low voice "You..uh..you..uhm..how should I put this?..uhh.. did mom say anything to you about me?" he asked nervous. Viper gave a mischievous grin "If you mean her telling me how excited you were to come to the Valley of Peace, or that you had posters of me in your old bedroom. Then yes. She did."

Fai stood there looking at her dumbfounded blushing furiously. "Look, it's not like I wanted to force myself on you or anything.I didn't mean anything bad..." he began but Viper cut him off.

"I know you didn't." Viper replied surprised he might have thought she was thinking that. Then seeing his blush she smiled sweetly saying "Hey! Come on! It wasn't that bad. I actually thought it was kind of cute of you to be so excited to meet me. And to be honest, I'm glad you did meet me, because if you hadn't..." she leaned forward with her eyelids covering half of her eyes and gave him a passionate kiss on the lips "I wouldn't be so happy today. You're the most sweetest person I've ever met. You know,that?" She finished after kissing him and giving him a mischievous look. The kiss actually did wonders to calm Fai down and to make him feel less embarrassed. He smiled back at her as he thought. 'Oh well. At least she doesn't know I wrote a poem about her or that I made portraits of her. It could have gotten really awkward.'

They both looked at each other for a few moments before turning froward at the same time and making their way to Fai's house for dinner.

(With Po and Tigress)

Po and Tigress were enjoying their time together as well. The dumplings they had brought from Mr. Ping were proving very useful now. They had walked around talking about different things ranging from Kung fu, to fighting particular bandits, to cooking or anything else they felt like talking about. Eventually they had reached a grassy plain that surrounded one of the many rivers flowing around the Valley. And like every time on their walks on their days off. They did what Tigress liked best. Sparring.

It helped them both learn new techniques and just have fun in general. There was no one to see them having a competition or betting who would win. There was just the two of them, playfully helping each other out while they improved themselves along the way as well. Not that Tigress ever lost even when she was sparring alone with Po. Pride is something hard to let go of even when having fun.

Right now they were finished with their sparring and were eating the dumplings. Both sitting against a tree looking at the sun setting.

Tigress shifted her gaze down at the river, where the reflection of the sun could be seen rippling in sync to the ripple of the river. Po chewed in silence beside her and she almost forgot she was looking at the reflection when Po spoke up. "It looks beautiful right."

She looked up at him, mentally shaking herself out of her trance. Not knowing what he was talking about. "The sun" Po said seeing the blank look on her face. "It looks beautiful doesn't it?" he said leaning casually against the tree. His hands behind his head.

Tigress smiled warmly. "Yes it is. But I think the moon looks better than the sun, doesn't it?" she asked looking up at him as she said this.

Po looked at her and thought for a moment and sat up straight. "Well the sun looks beautiful in its own right and the moon in its own. Though I guess I do agree that the moon looks better. Since it doesn't blind your eyes or anything. Plus it looks nice. A white sphere in the middle of a black page. Sort of reminds you of 'a bright spot even in the darkest of places' " he said looking at her as he finished his analysis.

Tigress smiled at him and lowered her head a little as she thought for a moment. The moon was always so shiny, so bright, so beautiful as if it had been polished like the rarest gem. 'It is a gem.' She thought. 'A gem of the sky.'

Finally she spoke. "When I was little I thought I could reach the moon if I just climbed high enough. But no matter how hard I tried it was never within reach. It always kept going further as I came closer. Eventually I realized the truth of course. But I also came to understand that some things could never be gained. Their beauty was in the fact that they were NOT attainable. They were supposed to be admired and appreciated only from afar." she looked at him.

Po looked back at her. His expression one of slight sadness. Nevertheless he replied "That might be the case. But things aren't always unattainable." he said. When Tigress raised an eyebrow in question he elaborated. "I mean, look at me. I dreamed of becoming a Kung Fu Master but then I never thought I could become one. But it all just happened didn't it. Everything is attainable eventually. You just have to wait for the right moment and then play your cards right" he said.

Tigress only looked at him. Her expression soft but didn't say anything. After a while she looked back forward. But then few he spoke again. "Though I admit there are some things that I still find unattainable."

Tigress turned to look at him. "Like what?" she asked genuinely intrigued.

"Oh this and that." He replied avoiding answering much. "I think we better be going. I don't think Monkey, Crane or Mantis know how to cook." he stood up as he said this.

Tigress chuckled, amused "Po they do know how to cook. How on earth do you think warriors are supposed to survive out there if they can't cook when need be? I mean. What a shame it would be if a warrior died of starvation? You didn't get cooking tips when you came to the palace because you already know how to cook." she said standing up to head back to the palace as well. "They're just not very good at it."

Po looked at her slightly surprised "So you know how to cook?" he asked.

"Of course I do Po. But I'm no expert and cooking's definitely not my favorite area. Cooking's just too limited." she said, walking beside Po who was carrying the basket and walking along side her.

"Limited?" Po said confused. "What do you mean? Cooking's great fun."

Tigress shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Like I said, it's not really my area."

Po walked in silence for a while before he started chuckling. Tigress turned with a frown towards him. "What?" she asked. Clearly not aware of what Po was finding amusing.

Po placed a hand on her shoulder and shook her just slightly in a reassuring way "You got to cook make something for us one of these days. Maybe dumplings. I bet it's going to be the most historic moment in Kung Fu history. Master Tigress of the Jade Palace working in the kitchen to make dumplings for her friends." po said waving his hands with a flourish and sounding slightly excited.

Tigress' frown was immediately replaced by a look of amusement "No it won't." she said punching him lightly on the shoulder. "And who said I'm going to cook for you guys" she asked folding her arms and smirking at him.

"Oh come on. I think we at least deserve to eat your cooking for once." Po said pouting slightly.

"I'm not doing it Po. I got better things to do than cook." she said, her smirk still in place.

"Please." Po said looking at her with pleading eyes "Just once. Please. I can't miss an epic treat like this you know."

Tigress looked at him amused. She hated cooking. She half wished she hadn't told Po she can cook. Now she'll have to stand in the stuffy little kitchen trying to make dumplings that weren't repulsive at the very least. But Po's look was too innocent to ignore and to be frank he often made meals for them. It wouldn't hurt to make a meal for him once.

She unfolded her arms sighing "Okay." she said finally. Resigned to the inevitable. "But don't complain when you don't like them." she added.

"Hey! If it's good enough for you, then what do I have to fear." Po said smiling and Tigress couldn't help but smile herself. He really knew how to make you feel better.

"I can even help you with them if you like." Po said after a few minuted of silence.

A few years back, the word 'help' would have immediately translated to 'weak' in Tigress' head but she wasn't a few years back anymore.

"That would be appreciated." she answered. But then became silent, lost in her own thought.

It was when they began to climb the stairs that she finally spoke up "The mission's not going to be easy. We'll need to think of a strategy."

"You're right about that. It's a nest of assassins." Po said."What plan do you have in mind?" he asked.

"I'm not sure yet. I haven't thought it out in much detail yet, but I'm sure we'll work out something soon enough. I might need to think this through." Tigress replied still climbing.

"Yeah, we will." Po said, his voice full of optimism. "I know you'll come up with something. You always do. And since Leonne knows that place from the inside as well, it's a huge advantage for us."

She thought for a moment then slowly spoke "Yes..it is an advantage." She stayed silent a minute then asked "Don't you think it's suspicious that she knows this much?"

Po sighed "I completely understand what you mean Tigress. But Shifu told us to believe her. So I guess we'll just have to do that. Though I admit she isn't completely trustworthy anymore, but she seems good enough. But like you said, it's all suspicious. So we'll have to keep our eyes peeled." Po ranted on.

Tigress listened to his ranting, feeling a little put off by the way Po was talking. "She's nice isn't she?" she asked, trying to sound non-chalant.

Po looked up, confused. Wasn't Tigress saying she didn't trust the leopard a few seconds ago? He answered slowly "Like I said Tigress. She seems nice but we'll have to keep a look out. Why are you asking me this?" he asked at a total loss.

"Just asking." she said, trying to shrug her shoulders, which seemed heavier at the moment. Her voice wasn't too uplifted either. Somehow the fact that Po might like the leopard seemed to bother her. She sighed and looked up but was surprised when she spotted Leonne sitting on the Hill. "She hasn't even moved from that spot!" she thought.

There was a quick thought process before she turned towards Po and said "You go make dinner. I'll catch up with you later." with that she dashed off. Leaving Po with his mouth half open in confusion. But as he saw her take the route towards the Peach Tree and he looked up at the said Hill, it all became clear. Tigress wanted to talk to Leonne.

He sighed and decided not to go after Tigress. He just hoped Tigress wouldn't be too hard on the leopard, even if Leonne lied to them he didn't want her to get a beating.

Tigress' punches weren't exactly fluffy pillows, you know.

(With Leonne)

About half an hour ago Leonne had been watching the sun set just like Po and Tigress had been doing. Right now the moon the moon was up and shining almost in sync to her fur color. Her sapphire eyes were looking at nothing in particular and she hadn't moved from her position ever since she took a perch there.

Just then she picked up a very soft sound behind her. Somebody was trying to be quiet as they climbed.

None of Leonne's instincts were signalling anybody dangerous approaching. So she kept sitting the way she was, not bothering to turn around. And maybe even too lazy to do that. She was comfortable in her position.

The sound of approaching steps stopped and she assumed the person was standing on the last step now. She still didn't turn around.

"Leonne" came a female voice from behind her. Leonne might have done a double take if she hadn't been so tired and caught up in her thoughts. That was the first time that voice had said her name.

"Hmm." She replied not turning around despite her surprise. She didn't want to talk at the moment. And she was pretty sure Tigress might be here to talk about something she wasn't willing to discuss.

"I want to ask you something" the female voice said now coming closer to her and stopping only a few inches behind her.

Leonne finally shifted from her position, letting go of her legs which were against her chest and raising her head from on top of them. She looked up at the other feline behind her.

She exhaled loudly then, telling herself not to lose it "You can sit here if you want." She gestured to the place beside her.

Tigress took her place beside Leonne, her legs dangling off the edge. Leonne turned to look at her, her eyes shining brighter than ever in the moonlight.

"What do you want to ask?" she inquired bluntly. Tigress turned to look at her then asked in a firm voice "How do you know so much about the "Death Demons"? Leonne sat looking ahead at nothing in particular for a few moments before turning to answer her.

"You do tend to try and find out about your opponents if you want to take them down with someone's help." She replied calmly.

"That still doesn't answer my question." Tigress said. "How do you know so much about the Demons?"

"Look, I just told you I can give all the information you might need to take them down. Isn't that good enough? Besides I'm sure Master Shifu told you Oogway knew me." she asked.

Tigress narrowed her eyes. Thinking about what she'd thought in the Hall of Heroes. She scanned Leonne from top to bottom. "Yes" she said slowly. "He did say that. However, why did Oogway choose to train you?" she asked.

Leonne closed her eyes for a second then opened them "To help me" she replied simply.

Tigress didn't inquire further. At the moment she had another burning question and she had to ask it. She was almost sure now she had met Leonne before. "Was there ever anyone else in the dream to help you train?" she asked.

The question seemed to catch Leonne's attention. "What makes you say that?" she asked, looking at her, but not quiet in the eye.

Tigress ignored the question "Did you have anyone else for help?" she asked.

Leonne looked at Tigress, her expression blank. But she seemed to be looking her up and down just like Tigress had done with her a few minutes ago. She replied cautiously "Yes, there was. Why do you want to know?" she asked, not sure she wanted to know the answer.

Tigress asked her next question. She knew she'd sound stupid if all of this wasn't true. But her curiosity helped her suppress her fear for appearing stupid. "Did that someone happened to be a female and a tiger?" she asked quickly, wanting to get the question over with.

Leonne looked at her for a few seconds then sighed, defeated.

She did remember .

"Yes, and I guess you know who that was?" she asked, looking Tigress in the eye now.

Tigress stared at her for a few seconds but then her expression turned to one of slight confusion, as if she wasn't sure she was saying the right thing "Le?" she asked pointing at Leonne.

Leonne looked at her slightly surprised, then her expression softened and she nodded "Ress" she said.

And then suddenly everything came back to Tigress. Well not all of it, but most of it. She remembered having dreams when she was a teenager. And those dreams included this certain leopard who she trained with. She had thought it was somebody her mind had made up since she was always striving to get better at Kung fu. She had told Oogway about the dreams once, more like it had slipped out and Oogway had given her a look of interest but had said nothing.

At that time, she had thought there was something wrong with having those dreams after Oogway's reaction. But now that she thought of it. Maybe he didn't want her to know she was visiting a person that really existed in a state of a dream. Just to help them train.

Tigress smiled when she heard Leonne say that "So you were the one I trained with in my dreams?" she aksed smirking slightly.

Leonne merely looked ahead and nodded. "Yes, we used to train together like-" she began but stopped herself. What was she saying?

"Like sisters?" Tigress said and Leonne turned fully towards Tigress now, her eyes scanning her face.

"Yes" she said "You're not angry about that? I mean.." she stammered. "You told me a lot about yourself." she said.

Tigress frowned 'Did she?' she thought. She only remembered snippets of conversation. 'Might have been easier to remember if Oogway would have told her what was really going on. She might have been more careful.'

"I don't think I can really blame you, can I?" Tigress said looking at her with a frown.

Leonne sighed. "That was one of the reasons why I didn't actually tell you about this. Though you didn't seem to know me at all when I came, so I just let it stay put. Besides, it wasn't that important." she said.

Tigress looked at her surprised "Not important? Leonne, where did you learn about the importance of an information?" she asked sarcastically.

Leonne shrugged "I don't know, Ress" she said putting emphasis on the name 'Ress' to make Tigress irritated. "Why don't you tell me?" she asked.

"How am I supposed to know?" Tigress asked defensive.

Leonne sighed again. "Oh yes, you don't know of course. Sorry." she said.

Tigress felt she was missing something here "So you mean to tell me you told me all about yourself as well?" she asked. "I don't think I remember that." Tigress said unsure of herself.

"No you're not supposed to know" Leonne stated in a voice that almost sounded bored. "We better go pack up for tomorrow." she said standing up.

Tigress stood up too but placed a paw on Leonne's shoulder to stop her "I..I think I might believe you a little now. Though I can't say I do completely." she said. "I still don't know who you really are. That was just a dream and we were kids" she said.

Leonne nodded, she understood. "It's alright." she said and walked towards the stairs. Tigress shook herself mentally suddenly remembering Po was making dinner. She called Leonne who turned around to look at her on the second stair. Tigress calmly walked up towards her, her composure back. "Po's making dinner. You better want to have that before you go to bed."

"I'll have the breakfast before we set out tomorrow. I'm not hungry. I was practically sitting here all the time. It's not like I lost energy doing that." she said to Tigress who was on the same step as her now.

"O..kay" Tigress said slowly. "You sure?" she asked.

Leonne nodded and they began to descend the stairs together this time. Maybe it was a brief truce, but at least she could stand Leonne around her a little now.

(Next Morning)

Next morning everybody was up at the crack of dawn and everything was packed and ready to go. And if you're wondering that Po still had a problem waking up early, then you'll have to think again.

Po had grown out of that habit after Shen's defeat. He had improved immensely after his defeat actually. He was a Kung Fu Master on a whole new level now. And the fact that he had managed to find inner peace just made him ever more accomplished. He was capable of defeating all the other Masters now on most occasions. Tigress though... was still a little problem. They both usually ended up with a tie. What Tigress didn't have (such as inner peace), she made up for it by training harder. But she wasn't the only one. Everybody had increased their efforts in becoming better at Kung Fu. Their past experiences helping them overcome their faults. Moreover, they now had more tag-team moves than they could count. Po had been the one to think most of them up.

After breakfast they were all standing near the front doors of the palace. Po carrying his pack full of all sorts of items. Mainly pots and pans, his sleeping mat, food and his action figures. As proven in their mission to stop Shen, his action figures were not as useless as one might think they were. He still packed them. You never know when you might need them again. Though there was one thing he was carrying that wasn't strictly his. Scrolls, quills and ink bottles. Those belonged to Tigress. No doubt to write reports.

On the other hand, none of the other masters had anything. Leonne had her satchel over her shoulder though, she was going to return home when she was done dealing with the assassins.

Tigress was standing some ways away, talking to Master Shifu.

"I want you to send constant reports, no exceptions. I'll be sending a message to the Imperial Army, they'll head out towards the destination, but you're constant reports are what that are going to help us determine the location of the fortress." Master Shifu said.

Tigress bowed "I will do as you say Master" she said.

Master Shifu looked at her "I trust you'll carry out the mission effectively. You know what is at stake. Have you thought out a plan yet?" he asked.

Tigress bowed her head slightly as she answered "Regrettably I haven't Master Shifu, but I'm sure we'll figure out something when we get there. We will not fail you Master Shifu." she said solemnly.

Master Shifu gave a proud smile "I know you won't" he said.

Tigress looked up to see her Master giving her a small smile. And she felt more sure of succeeding than she had a few minutes before. Her father believed in her. After years of wanting him as a father, she finally had the chance now. She couldn't help but give a small smile of her own. But then Master Shifu gave a small frown "There is one more thing you have to do before you return however." he said.

Tigress looked at him, the smile gone, back to business.

"Before you come back, I just want you to ask Leonne if she has changed her mind about what I have asked her." he said.

Tigress was curious, but didn't ask and bowed. Master Shifu placed his fist in his palm as well. "God speed to you. It's going to take you about a month on this mission. And then there is the trip to and from the destination which will be taking up more of your time. Be vigilant on your travels." he said.

Tigress nodded. And they both turned to look Po, Leonne and the Four standing near the gates, passing the time until Shifu was done talking with Tigress.

Tigress walked up to them. They all straightened up at once, including Leonne and bowed to Master Shifu. And Master Shifu returned the gesture. "Farewell" he said straightening.

They all nodded and turned towards the stairs. The next second they were all dashing down them, ready to face their next challenge.

Master Shifu hoped the best for them. And most of all, for their safe return. "Be safe" he whispered and walked back into the palace.

(With Leonne)

Leonne ran alongside the masters, thinking about the conversation she had with Master Shifu this morning. He had wanted the exact name of the place they were heading to. Unfortunately, she had no idea. She explained to him that it's practically in the middle of nowhere, she had no address whatsoever to give him. She did explain though, that it was surrounded by low hills and that the fortress was concealed in the middle of a forest. Master Shifu had appreciated the information, but she could tell that he wasn't satisfied.

He had then asked her whether she had come to a decision over the matter they discussed yesterday. Her answer had been the same. She didn't want to be a part of this. She had no desire at all to become a member of a famous group of warriors. Fame. It was something she despised.

They kept on running, Po keeping up well. He had met his father a few minutes ago. Po had given him a huge bear hug and an assurance of his return. Since then the progress had been swift so far. They'll be travelling north-west more or less. Of course there were paths to follow and dangers to keep in mind. Tigress would surely be asking her about the details of the map soon. After all, no plan could be made without a complete idea, right? Tigress however hadn't said a word to her since yesterday. Possibly, trying to forget it, she presumed. Not that it bothered her. She could see the Tiger had changed somewhat. Not much, but yes, it was a change nevertheless. Though she had no idea that if she had met Tigress a few years back, she would have found her attitude drastically changed.

But it's not like she could blame the Tiger for changing. Heck, she had changed completely. Not that she didn't have a good reason to.

And so they set out on their journey. More will come in the next chapter. HOWEVER, there is something I should tell you people. I don't know when the next update will be. Yes, I don't. It could be tomorrow, next month or maybe three months later. Things at the moment have turned unpredictable and anything is possible. I'll try to keep writing the chapter while I'm gone so that I can upload them faster once I come back (hopefully soon).

For now, it's a hiatus. I'll be sure to come back. And if I'll be leaving this site for good somehow, I'll tell that to you all if that ever happens.

I apologize for the inconvenience. I don't think the ending of this chapter is exactly a cliffhanger. Don't want people hanging you know.

Please Do Review.