Concern Through The Storm's End

The pitter patter of rain was enough to make him want to rush back inside. Back into the warm inviting comfort of the tent's sleeping bags.

It took everything in him to hold off on that feeling.

The other master's were asleep after all. Everyone but him and Tigress finally got the rest they all so deserved. It was a shame the storm was starting to ruin it, but what was an even bigger shame was that he couldn't find Tigress.

Po put a hand to his head as he tried to make out some figures in the distance. The forest was fortunately very uncrowded. Not that he expected any less, really. It was the forest after all, acres past the valley. Not many people came out there. And if it wasn't for their current assignment, he and the Five wouldn't have even dreamed of it either.

"Tigress?!"

Po covered himself from the cold rain the best he could. Hugging himself as he walked, his eyes darted past the shadows. The creepy, dark shadows. Deep in his mind, he knew they were just trees. Creepy dark trees. But that didn't stop the slight shiver's from running down Po's back.

"TIGRESS!" His call became a lot louder as his worries became more desperate. Po didn't even know what reason she had for leaving the tent but clearly it had to be important. No one in their right mind would leave the safety of a tent in the middle of the forest during a storm. Oh wait. He did too.

After five minutes of walking and questioning himself whether or not he would know the way back, Po had no choice but to stand beneath one of the thicker trees for protection. Lightening flashed and thunder sounded, increasing the urgency of his scares. At this point, he just hoped the sun would come out again.

"Po?" A soft, but very confused voice left Po breathless and without hesitating, he jumped up, screaming aloud. The panda clutched onto the tree behind him, before only relaxing his tense to see his best friend. "Tigress!"

The very tiger eyed him. She glanced down to see his paw's shaking and raised an eye in clear confusion. Po nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to cover his fears up. "I was looking for you.."

"My hero." Tigress answered with a small smirk. It wasn't sarcastic like he'd thought it be, more or less it was just another one of her comments. Something that quickly added a smile to his face as well.

"What are you doing out here?" Po asked, his smile disappearing and confusion returned. Tigress met his glance. "Couldn't sleep. I went for a walk."

"During a storm?!"

She shrugged. "Couldn't sleep."

Po's mouth nearly dropped open at that point as she began walking forward. He followed quickly only didn't displace his shock with anything else. If anything, he was just more shocked she was so unconcerned about thunder and lightening.

"Remember Dragon Warrior, a true warrior can deal with whatever circumstances come there way." Tigress' voice caught up to him as the panda suddenly snapped out of his semi trance.

Oh great a life lesson.

"Yeah, but," Po caught up beside her. "does that really mean running off into the forest to go for a walk at 3am?"

"It's 4am actually. You can tell by the moon's position and how it's roughly.." She slowed to a stop, before letting out a fake cough. "Po. I couldn't sleep. Walking helps."

"I get that." Po retorted. "I get that, but now we're both soaking wet!"

"You didn't have to come out here."

"I had to make sure your okay!"

"I'm perfectly fine."

"You wouldn't have been if bandits ganged up on you!"

"I think I would have."

Po watched Tigress' completely unconcerned demeanor as she, wow she was smart, followed their footprints back. It wasn't the least bit understandable of how mud barely got on her feet, when he was practically covered. Fortunately, the grass by the tent was dry and the storm was beginning to clear.

"Take this." Tigress tossed a towel at him, reaching deep into the tent. It smacked Po right in the face but all the same, he nodded gratefully.

Requested by anon on tumblr.