Narrator: 1000 years ago, superstition and the sword ruled the Chinese empire. The times were dark, full of terror and fear, it was the age of the Dragon Warrior. He trained at day. At night he was a protector. He was betrayed by the people, whom he swore to protect. From this betrayal, he let imprisoned his spirit by his Mistress Shory in a scroll, which was called the Dragon Scroll. For 1000 years.

1000 years later…

In Jade palace an old red panda Shifu playing a flute. He is surrounded by the bushes and trees that nestle between the Palace buildings. Stealthy dark shapes move in the foreground. Shifu still playing and seems oblivious.

Five figures explode from the undergrowth simultaneously diving on Shifu.

Shifu moves like lightning. The flute now wielded like a staff. He deflects, blocks, dodges and parries the attackers. The Five roll and pick themselves up, turning to face Shifu, who is now standing poised ready for their next move.

Shifu: Well done, students... if you were trying to disappoint me.

He uses his flute to correct the Five's technique.

Shifu: Tigress, you need more ferocity. Monkey, greater speed.

Each of the Five bows respectfully as their name is mentioned.

Shifu: Crane, height. Viper, subtlety. Mantis….

Shifu suddenly points the flute at a scared palace goose.

Zeng: Master Shifu!

Shifu: *impatiently* What?!

Zeng: *startled* Aah! It's Master Oogway. He wants to see you.

Shifu looks up concerned and strides purposefully down the hallway, which is lined with palace geese.

Candles, incense, and smoke fill the room. The door bursts open, the candles flicker.

Shifu: *enters* Master Oogway? You summoned me! *bows, then looks up without unbowing.

Shifu: Is something wrong?

Reveal Master Oogway... a wise, old tortoise.

Oogway: Why must something be wrong for me to want to see my old friend?

Shifu: So... nothing's wrong?

Oogway: Well, I didn't say that.

Shifu looks up, concerned. Oogway opens his mouth... and blows out a candle. And another candle. And another.

Finally, Shifu uses his Kung Fu to blow them all out. Oogway smiles knowingly.

Shifu: You were saying?

Oogway: I have had a vision... Tai Lung will return.

Shifu looks stricken.

FLASHBACK

Quick, impressionistic images of Shifu battling a large, shadowy figure (Tai Lung).

PRESENT

Shifu is rattled. He looks at the claw marks that still scar the wall and quickly looks away. But he regains his composure.

Shifu: That is impossible. He is in prison.

Oogway: Nothing is impossible.

Shifu makes a split decision.

Shifu: Zeng!

Zeng comes flying in.

Shifu: *gets in his face* Fly to Chogun Prison and tell them to double the guards, double their weapons. Double everything! Tai Lung does not leave that prison!

Zeng: Yes, Master Shifu.

The goose flies off, but... SMACK! He hits a column. Then he is off. Oogway walks toward to the Moon Pool, away from Shifu.

Oogway: One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it.

Shifu: We have to do something. We can't just let him march on the valley, and take his revenge! He'll, he'll-

Oogway looks into the water of the Moon Pool.

Oogway: Your mind is like this water, my friend. When it is agitated, it becomes difficult to see. But if you allow it to settle, the answer becomes clear.

Shifu and Oogway stare into the pool. Oogway settles the water, revealing the reflection of an intricately carved dragon clutching a scroll in its mouth.

Shifu: The Dragon Scroll...

Oogway: It is time.

Shifu: But who? Who is worthy to be trusted with the secret to limitless power? To become... the Dragon Warrior?!

Oogway: *thinks and finally says* I don't know.

?: BUT I KNOW IT!

Shifu and Oogway turn around in the direction of the voice.