(Like I said I orginally created this story (with a different name) under the pen name Bakerady, but since then I have left that account behind for multiple reasons. I've been itching to revisit some of the stories under that account for a long while now. So I'm begging you admins, dont delete me.

Secondly I just wanted to say a little something about how much I owe to Almost an Actress.Among the many qualities I'd suggest her to you for story help ( along with the fact that she hasn't yanked my chain by promising help, and abandoning me later on) is that she's a pretty damn good author herself. If you find my story enjoyable enough to comm, I ask you to compliment her as well. She's put in a lot of work, and she deserves credit."

Third, but just as important, I want to thank you readers out there. You guys are why authors write, and I love you all for your patronage.

XXX

As Shifu guided Tigress back to the Jade Palace she grew tired of mimicking his somberness. She ran ahead, catching a butterfly that happened by. Shifu, growing annoyed, called her back in a stern voice. "TIGRESS!" Feeling chastised she quickly fell back in step with her new guardian. "

Sorry Master Shifu." There was a pause. "Master?" She asked quietly.

"Yes Tigress?" Shifu responded.

"What's the Jade Palace like?" she asked, eyes wide at the prospect that she would be living there from here on. "I've always heard stories, but I haven't actually ever seen it."

"That is like most people Tigress. Few ever look upon its hallowed halls; it is hard to describe to someone who has never seen it. I can tell you this: it is a place of great mystical beauty. A place of dignity, history… a place to be solemn. You will have to wait to see it to fully understand."

The pair walked on for what felt to the excited tiger cub like forever, but was probably closer to ten minutes. As the pair entered the main courtyard of the palace Tigress became dizzy from the site. "This place is beautiful!" she squealed as she struggled to regain herself. The enormous trees, beautiful lakes, huge buildings, and massive courtyard were more than she had been ready for. In comparison to the rundown building that had housed her and all the rest of the orphans, this was probably the most amazing place she'd ever seen.

"Yeah, it definitely takes some getting used to," came a low voice as a panther walked out of the shadows

"Wh...who are you?" Tigress stammered, taken aback by his size and intimidating look. Having been completely lost in the scope of the Palace, she hadn't noticed that anyone else had been around besides her and Shifu. Though it wouldn't have been easy to see him anyway, as his black coat had camouflaged him in the darkness of the night. He wore a black and red partial robe, similar to the ones she wore herself. The symbol for nobility was at the front and back: she assumed it was the symbol of wherever it was he came from. In addition to the robe, he also wore a black headband around his forehead. It had the symbol for honor in red at the center. She remembered, from her lessons at the orphanage, that to some group of people this meant to hold honor high. She couldn't remember to whom though, maybe if she hadn't fallen asleep so much during her social studies.

"My name's Pantha," he said, stepping into the light of one of the hanging torches, and getting to one knee and making himself seem smaller, trying not to frighten the young cub that Shifu had brought back with him.

"My name is Tigress," she told him, still a little wary, but less afraid now that he seemed to be friendly.

"Tigress…Pantha" Shifu said, commanding the attention of his charges. Tigress looked to Shifu, then back at Pantha for a moment, who had snapped to attention as if by reflex. "This, as you have met, is Pantha" said Shifu. "Being that he is fifteen, he is soon to graduate to the rank of Master; you will treat him with respect. When I am away he will train you, he will be your mentor as well," he said looking at Tigress. He turned his attention away from her and toward Pantha. "This, Pantha, is Tigress. She will be living here from now on. You will be her mentor, and through teaching her so shall you learn. You will show her to her room." Shifu turned his back on the two, and walked in the direction of a lone peach tree far off in the distance.

"So… you're going to be staying here now, huh?" Pantha said, relaxing his posture, and smiling brightly down at Tigress. "Well, it's great to have you here. Are you tired?"

Tigress wanted to see the rest of the Jade Palace, but when she thought on it she realized that she was exhausted. It made sense; this had been a truly long day after all. She'd made friends with almost the entire orphanage, and then when the prospective parents had come they still avoided her. Despite all the work she had done, and all the progress she had made, they had still been frightened by her. She had lost every friend she had made, and was about to giving up hope that she would ever have a family, when Shifu came and adopted her. She was glad to have a parent, but he had been so distant and seemed so cold, she was afraid that she would still feel all alone. Then there was Pantha, so eager to be friendly with her, even though she had been new. Almost the exact opposite of how the orphans treated new kids. She was really happy to have him around too. Instead of answering, she nodded groggily.

Smiling, Pantha nodded back. "Alright then. Let me show you to your new room." As they walked off she found herself looking at something about him that had been bothering her since she arrived. He had three scars going straight down his left eye, from his brow to about a half inch beneath his eye, and he didn't seem to be able to open it.

'"I'll have to ask about it soon."

XXX

Oh, and you probably wont figure out why I named this story what I did until a lot later on.

I'm going to put up chapter one and two tonight, then chapter 3 and 4 tommorow. After that I'll update on roughly a weekly basis. (assuming the admins dont kick my ass that is.)