Authors note:
This is my first fanfic, so I apologize in advance for any hiccups in the writing. Constructive criticism is welcome.
I had help from an associate on this project, she was the editor.
In my opinion the Legends of Awesomeness series was not canon; there will be no references to it.
This story is under the Adventure & Angst genre, but there will definitely be humor, friendship, action, and of course romance.
In short this story has a multitude of genre mixes. Adventure & Angst were only chosen because they were the primary two that the story revolves on.
Just as a warning, this story has moments of adult/sexual themes and references (nothing too major or graphic), moderate profanity, and moderate violence. I felt that it didn't deserve a rating any higher than a T, but you guys can be the judge of that.
This story is planned to be a long one. I plan on making it 200k+ words, so hang in with me and please give it a chance.
Hope you enjoy what's in store.
Read & Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Dream Works or Kung Fu Panda. I only own this specific plot and my OCs.
Booooooooom!
Lightning flashed across the gloomy and darkened sky followed by the rumbles of thunder. A downpour of rain bombarded the ground and landscape. The rain plummeted from the clouds as if it were reflecting the tears from the gods above; gods grieving over a disastrous event that had occurred only a few days prior.
Newly rebuilt, the Jade Palace was standing tall, but the atmosphere around it felt heavy and dejected. The Hall of Heroes was empty, the Training Hall soundless and left untouched, and the Barracks were vacant and lifeless.
Residents of the Jade Palace were awaiting supper, trying to clear their minds of the unpleasant thoughts that plagued them.
Inside the kitchen and dining area, sitting around the table were the Furious Five…Four and Master Shifu. Unlike many other times, they were devoid of mirth. There were no jokes, there were no Shifu impersonations, and there weren't any conversations at all.
Mantis was nervously tapping his 'thingies' on the table. At the head of the table, Monkey was twiddling his thumbs and muttering to himself quietly. Crane had earlier taken his hat off and was now running his feathered fingers along the seams of it. Viper, who was next to Crane, had a distressed expression upon her face. Shifu was sitting with a fatigued look, just as quiet as the rest.
Cooking at the stove top was the usually jovial and upbeat, Mr. Ping. No one said a word; a certain panda who was the usual conversation starter was absent, as well as a certain tiger and a new acquaintance of theirs. All was still, nothing but the sounds of knife chopping and other noises from the cook.
Eventually the silence was broken,
Mr. Ping sighed, "Are they still out there?" as he shuffled over to the table and started to serve his famous noodle soup to the four masters and one grandmaster who were present.
"Yes, but they are going to catch a cold if they stay out in this weather any longer," Viper said worriedly.
Both Monkey and Crane looked up from their distractions and nodded in agreement. This brought Master Shifu out of his train of thought.
He hopped down from his chair, "Viper is right; they need to come inside, eat, and rest. They haven't had a decent meal and night's sleep in days". He strode out quickly, soon followed by the others.
"Jeez, I can't get girls to worry about me this much when I'm alive!" Mantis grumbled.
Thwap!
Viper smacked Mantis on the back of the head with her tail and hissed at him.
"Ow!" Mantis exclaimed. "What, too soon?" he chuckled anxiously. Viper gave him an icy glare and slithered off to catch up with the others.
"Yeah, too soon. Definitely too soon," Mantis sighed sadly and took off after them.
Master Shifu opened the double doors to find two felines sitting miserably on the steps, soaked from head to toe in the cold rain. The rain falling around them, wind whipping past them, they didn't appear to care. Seemingly oblivious to the weather, the duo was staring blankly out into the night. One was easily recognizable as the illustrious Master Tigress, part of the fabled Furious Five, as well as the unofficial leader. The other was a striking lioness.
"It seems foolish to sit out in this freezing shower," Shifu stated calmly.
"I don't care," they both replied simultaneously, their voices broken.
Shifu, while understanding their heart-ache refused to let this continue any further. Pointing to Tigress with Oogway's jade staff, "As your Master and Father," and then pointing to the lioness, "and as your host; I kindly ask that you come inside, have dinner, and get some rest," he finished.
The four masters and goose watched the scene unfold from the doorway in silence. They all quietly gasped when both the felines turned around to face them.
Tigress's usually vibrant amber eyes were empty and dull. Her pelt which was always gleaming and groomed was a tangled, ruffled mess. The same could be said for the lioness; her once golden coat had lost its sheen and her eyes seemed as lifeless as Tigress's.
"Could you please leave us?" Shifu asked the group behind him, but his tone left no room for debate. They looked at Shifu and nodded before turning away and shutting the doors. Tigress and the lioness huffed in slight annoyance but with a sense of gratitude.
"At least get out of the rain and under the overhang," Shifu reasoned.
The felines huffed again as they both rose and slowly ascended a few steps and collapsed under the overhang.
Content; Shifu began to think of how to deal with the situation. He had never been very good at comfort or consolation, this he knew was a fact. He was brought out of his thoughts when he heard a whimper. It had come from the lioness.
Both of the girls had their knees tucked to their chest. These were two of the strongest warriors he had ever had the pleasure of teaching, and they looked so lost and vulnerable.
"It's okay, just let it out," Shifu said softly. He hadn't even finished his sentence before the two broke down.
Tears streamed down their faces as they both bawled. Shifu himself had a difficult time remaining composed as he watched them. He eventually let go of his resolve and went over to hug them both.
Tigress whimpered, "I miss him so much."
"I can't believe he's gone," the lioness wept evocatively.
The rain seemed to become even more intense as the three Kung Fu warriors sat together and mourned. Eventually, they headed inside to turn in.
Some distance away, a shadowy figure stood atop a mountain, seemly unbothered by the weather and very amused. A wicked smile graced his features that were mostly hidden by his cloak's hood.
"Operation Dragon Termination has been a success," he chuckled coldly as he disappeared into the stormy night.
This was the beginning of the end; this was how the Dragon Warrior died.
A/N: That's that. Pretty shocking start right? Don't worry, there is a lot of ground to make up before we get to the Dragon Warrior's supposed death. I hope you guys & girls enjoyed. Stay tuned for the next update.
I love feedback, so feel free to drop a review.
Frost2001 Out.