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The two are inseparable.
Regardless of where they were, the Dragon Warrior was always accompanied by Master Tigress. Rarely was there ever a time where one was not seen without the other.
This fact sparked controversy within the valley and neighbouring ones as well. People were curious as to just what the two are to each other. Though, the ruling conclusion was that the two held the relationship of master and subordinate. Nothing more.
As a result, upon hearing that the famous hero of China was not taken, families from all over began sending their daughters to the palace in hopes that the Dragon Warrior would accept her hand in marriage.
Initially, Po did not mind it. He was in fact flattered that he was even receiving such requests to begin with. Though, being that marriage was not something he was interested in, Po managed to politely decline them all— much to the families’ dismay.
Months passed and the constant flow of requests refused to cease. Po’s indifference gradually turned into irritation as rejecting politely suddenly became a hard task to ensue.
And, today was the final straw.
Normally, Po ate breakfast at his father’s noodle shop with the rest of the Five. Though, since the remaining four were sent out on a mission, he was only accompanied by Tigress today.
Sitting across from each other, the two were discussing and finalizing a plan for their next assigned mission when they were approached by a mother and her daughter.
Knowing what the woman was here for, Tigress straightened her posture and directed her focus to the food in front of her. Po glanced at his friend before greeting the two before him with a smile.
The mother and her daughter respectfully bowed at the two kung fu warriors, “Master Tigress. Master Po. It is a great honor to meet China’s heroes in person.”
Po quickly got up from his chair and guided the mother back into a standing position as a way to express that he did not deserve such a greeting. “The pleasure is all ours. What can we help you with, ma’am?”
The mother began, “I hope this is not too rude of me to ask. But, my husband and I are looking for a suitable husband for our daughter, Liang Mei.” The mother gestured at her daughter beside her, who was much too fascinated by the floor. “And, we figured that there is no one more suitable than the Dragon Warrior himself.” At that, the mother bowed once more and asked, “With the utmost respect, we ask if you would be interested in taking our daughter's hand in marriage.”
In nervousness, Po began to scratch the back of his head. He quickly glanced at Tigress once more before an idea formed in his head.
Po returned the bow apologetically. “I sincerely apologize, but I would have to decline your request Mrs-”
“Hui,” the mother replied.
Po nodded. “Mrs. Hui, my apologies but I don’t think my wife would be too happy with me if I were to say yes.” He gestures at Tigress, who is on the verge of choking on her food at the sudden revelation.
With widened eyes, the mother immediately knelt to the ground. “I-I’m so sorry, Master Po,” she frantically apologized, “Especially to you, Master Tigress. We did not mean to upset you by any means. We- I truly had no idea. It was bold of me to assume.”
The mother began kowtowing as she chanted, “Please accept our apology.”
Tigress quickly got up from her seat to assist Po in helping Mrs. Hui back to her feet. Out of embarrassment, the mother and her daughter hurriedly bid their farewells and left the shop. Po sat back down on his chair with a huff. His eyes suddenly met Tigress’ irritated ones.
Only then did Po realize the amount of trouble he just got himself into.
“Your wife?”
Po gave a sheepish grin. “Don’t kill me.”
“I make no promises,” Tigress said, folding her arms across her chest.
“I’m sorry, Ti. I just can’t handle it anymore. I don’t know how many more families I have to upset before I lose it.”
Tigress scoffed. “And, here I thought you enjoyed all the attention.”
Po pleaded, “Please help me, Tigress! I beg you to play along— just until the requests die down. Please?”
There was a pause.
Tigress sighed before rolling her eyes. Upon seeing the desperateness in her friend’s eyes, she gave in. “The things I do for you.”
With a beaming smile, Po repeatedly thanked his friend with immense gratitude; though, it was only met with silence. The silence remained as they finished up their breakfast.
“You know, I wouldn’t mind if you were actually my wife.”
“You are really pushing your luck today, aren't you?” Tigress snarled.