"Leaving would never solve any problem, but Tigress thought it would in her case. And the result of her rash decision is a heart-broken family; the most affected one is Shifu, and a long forgotten soul lurking in the shadows to arise, taking this opportunity to strike."

Advance warning to those who'll read: English isn't my mother-language so you'll probably find errors in this story. Forgive me for that. *salutes* I shall do my best to learn the universal language.

I don't own Kung Fu Panda.

A nightmare, a vision

The wind howled through the night, carrying a scent that seemed to be a warning of the danger to come. It passed by the tall trees in the forest causing a disturbance that resulted in a shower of early autumn leaves. A full moon shone brightly above the dark sky, serving as the earth's evening sun; accompanied by myriad stars that created a twinkling panorama.

Blurry streaks of fur shot from behind one tree into another, their identities well concealed by the forces of darkness. The fallen leaves crunched under their feet at each careful step; yet barely audible despite the overwhelming silence. One paused among the number of them, scanning its surroundings. Its glowing yellow eyes pierced through the darkness, taking its time while the others waited patiently behind the shadows so as not to be revealed. There was a long pause.

Finally it turned towards its companions and nodded. And altogether they slipped between the trees at remarkable speed, heading towards the Valley of peace.

Shifu shivered when a cold breeze entered the Dragon grotto where he was having his meditation. He wobbled slightly while standing atop Oogway's wooded staff, ruining his balance. It was in the middle of the night. He didn't expect to have woken up at this time. He glanced at the sky, the bluish-black blanket where the moon's glorious glow casted silver light, overwhelming the light of the stars.

Sighing, he shifted his gaze upon the clear water. The light the moon provided gave him a somewhat clear view of his own reflection. He closed his eyes, savouring the moment. And instead of going back to meditation, he drifted to sleep...

A soothing melody of swaying grass resonated against his large ears. He could feel them brush lightly against his legs as the wind whispered, carrying the warm kiss of heat from the sun. As he opened his eyes, Shifu realized that he was no longer in the dragon grotto.

He was at a place where tall, golden grass populated the area, dancing gracefully with the wind, a few trees here and there; the sun shining brightly amidst the fluffy clouds above the big blue sky.

The wind blew peacefully passed his small figure, creating a path in between the swaying grass across him. Shifu felt somewhat weightless, as if all that is happening is merely a dream —a dream that he would soon wake up from. And it was.

He searched his surroundings for any signs that would assure him that he was still within the valley's boarders. His gaze circled the entire area, but all he saw were grass and trees. His eyes stopped at a large circular building, which ceased all his concerns. He smiled; eyes soft.

The Chinese characters painted on its entrance haven't faded. He could read it clearly: Bao Gu orphanage. But the place was entirely different. Aside from the orphanage, there were no other buildings in the area. When he stared towards the direction of which he and Tigress once took when he adopted her twenty years ago, the grassy field continued. There was nothing there.

The sound of children laughing invaded his ears. He smiled. There's no point in doubting. It was, after all, just a dream. But he couldn't really tell whether this was happening in the past, or in the present. But he didn't care. His heart told him to come have a closer look. And so he did.

Shifu brushed through grass, feeling the tickling sensation of their long bodies hitting his legs. He reached its cobble stone path, and continued his way. As he inched closer to the building, he couldn't help but think how this had gotten into his dreams, what has brought this memory back? Perhaps it has something to do with Tigress, since this is the place where he had adopted her. So what is it?

He reached the main entrance. It is just as large as he had remembered. He swallowed a great amount of air, bracing himself. He knocked. He waited patiently.

No one opened the door after a few minutes. Shifu became worried. It hasn't closed down has it? Certainly not! There had been no news about it

He knocked again.

No one answered.

Shifu wondered what might be wrong, so he didn't wait for anyone to answer him. He pushed the door open. It swung inward, the inside finally revealed.

He froze.

Flames! They were everywhere, devouring everything that came within its reach. Shrill cries flew up all around the flood of panicking villagers who desperately sought escape as the roaring fire continue to progress.

The Grand Master stood rooted to his place, starring in terror-filled eyes as the Valley of Peace was slowly consumed by the monstrous flames. Shifu turned around hastily only to see that the entrance that had led him to this nightmare was no longer there.

He leapt into action, trying desperately to help but no one paid attention to him when he offered his assistance. The panic that had clouded his mind made it impossible for him to think straight. He found it difficult to act. Another problem is that he doesn't know who to help, who to come to first.

A bunny tripped just in front of him. But before she fell, he caught her just in time. Her body trembled as she gripped his robe tightly; her breaths were deep and quick. She tilted her head to present Shifu her fear-stricken face, "Sh-sh-she's c-coming," she whispered breathlessly, voice shaking.

"Who?" Shifu asked, confused.

He received no answer; the woman pried herself away from him and went running and screaming like all the others. Shifu had no time to stop her.

He tried to ask those who ran passed him about what or who started this disaster, only to be ignored once more. He bore the staff's butt deeper into the soil, enraged as he groaned in frustration.

There were just so many villagers, there's only one of him—wait, where are his students? He looked up at the direction of the Jade Palace. The cloud of smoke made it difficult for him to see, but he could still make out the building resting atop the steep mountain. It was perfectly alright.

So where are his students? Were they alright?

"Shifu?"

Shifu felt relief wash over him as he recognized the owner of that voice. Yet, there was this odd feeling inside him. It was—he couldn't understand why—fear. He faced the one who called his name. He opened his mouth to speak but the words clogged in his throat. His heart stopped at that very moment. Time slowed down, he felt as if he was not connected with the world as he continued to stare in terror-filled eyes.

Shifu couldn't breathe. Those glowing eyes were enough to make him pinpoint this person though his view was blocked by the thick mist of ashes. The mist faded away giving him a clear image of a feline, whose entire body was coated with blood, some of it dripping from her paws. There were only the two of them now. The pandemonium that broke out suddenly disappeared. He looked passed her. He felt his body went cold as he gazed upon a pile of dead villagers lying in a heap on the ground. No one was left alive.

Then the words the bunny uttered earlier came back to him. "She's coming," she had said. No, she couldn't mean..?

Shifu prolonged his gaze, hoping it was a mere illusion. It wasn't.

One word escaped his lips, and he whispered them with fear. "Tigress..."

And there she was, standing in front of him, looking at him with her eyes crying for help. She blinked. And a tear slid down her cheek, smearing the blood that had stained it.

"I didn't..."

R&R please but go easy on me. I'm still learning here and it might take some time for me to finally get it right. Thank you :)