Chapter Text
Just another day of Kung-fu training.
Po wasn't the best teacher, but he was trying his best. As Crane sat down on the side with a sigh, he looked at his fellow masters. They were still going strong, especially Tigress, who seemed as fierce as she was in the morning. Crane hated being particularly prone to tiredness. He would fare better in fights, but he needed the adrenaline. He didn't feel energized today though, an ordinary day of training. He'd probably practice calligraphy or art after this.
Thinking of which, he'd been making illustrations of all the masters doing their favorite thing, excluding Kung-fu. Monkey mischievously tricking people, Viper ribbon-dancing, Po breaking another dumpling eating record and Mantis doing acupuncture.
Well, an illustration of all the masters except Tigress. Crane wondered if she'd had any hobbies except Kung-fu. Back when the Furious Five had first been made, she wasn't quite so cold, especially to him. Nowadays, the only one she even seemed to communicate with was Po, while she'd only bother with him to comment on his Kung-fu weaknesses. He wondered if he had done something to offend her.
"Crane?", A sweet but slightly concerned voice came from his side. Master Viper, "Are you alright? You've been taking an awfully long break today."
"Oh, it's nothing," Crane jumped up, and stumbled, only saved from a fall by Viper's quick reflexes, "Sorry, I must've just been spacing out. Thanks for asking."
Viper smiled, "Don't worry, I've done that a bunch too. Try finishing today's training, you'll have plenty of time for thinking later."
Crane stood in front of the Kwoon. He had somehow built up the courage to come up here, but he didn't know if he had the courage to open the doors. He could hear the kicks and punches coming from beyond them. Master Tigress.
He'd been planning to ask her if he could make a sketch of her. He had memorized exactly what to say, "Good Evening, Master Tigress. I've been creating pictures of all the Kung-fu masters, and I would humbly request your appearance in my next." Crane grinned a satisfied smile. Now all he had to do was open the door and repeat what-
"Crane? What are you doing here?" said Tigress with a sudden slam open of the door.
Crane flinched and nearly stumbled again, "T-Tigress! I was-um- going to ask if you would, you know, like let me-" What had he wanted to say? It wasn't really his fault he felt intimidated by her, "You'd let me make a sketch of you-I'm doing it for all the masters, of you doing something you like."
Tigress scoffed, "I don't have time for all that. I'm only taking a small break."
"But why not? Back then, you'd still be able to make a little time for pictures."
"Back then I was young and naive. Entertainments and friendships are just distractions from Kung- fu."
"But you're friends with Po easily enough. And it's not like some time off will ruin your Kung-fu skills."
"Po's different, and anyways-ugh-just forget it. I'm not having my picture made." Tigress gruffed and stormed off.
"Fine, do what you like." thought Crane and walked away.