I do not own Kung Fu Panda.
A/N: Hello all, I'm back, writing this new story here. I am very excited about this story, getting to write how the Furious Five came to be. I do plan on this story being long, the longest one I've written, I'm setting a goal of at least over one hundred thousand words. We'll just have to see how it goes, but I can assure you it won't be shorter than that. There's much to tell in this story and I can't wait to do it! On another note, I must apologize for the first three chapters being extremely short. From chapter four on, they will be much longer, I promise!
Well enough of my rambling, on with the story!
Once, there was a warrior—a snow leopard with skills beyond his years. This snow leopard had one goal in his life; to earn the Dragon Scroll and be bestowed the title, Dragon Warrior—but the feline believed that he was entitled to it and beliefs such as that, are the reason why Oogway refused him the Dragon Scroll. Even though the warrior had earned the title: Master of the Thousand Scrolls, he was not satisfied; he wanted the Dragon Scroll, and when he was refused it, he sent his wrath upon the village. In the ruins of what was left of the village, the snow leopard stood gazing upon his work, a ephemeral guilt phased him before he set his sights on the Palace. This was it, he was going to take the scroll by force, and nobody would stand in his way... but his master was there, waiting to take him down—and when the moment came he realized all too late that he couldn't do it. Despite all the evil that the warrior had done, his master still saw innocence in him and could not destroy what he had created. Determination now crushed, his form fell helplessly to the enraged warrior's strike, shattering his hip with tremendous force. Battered and beaten, all Shifu could do was watch as his son was dropped by his master, Oogway, finally putting end to the warrior's rampage... for as long as possible. Deep down, Shifu knew that one day, his son would return and be successful in taking the scroll. And he knew that there was nothing he could do to prevent this... except to train the Dragon Warrior. But as painful as it was to admit it, he believed that the warrior who had just laid waste to the valley, was the one who bore that title. Ever since that day, people no longer respected the name, Tai-Lung.
Months after the rampage, Shifu had received a letter from Bao Gu orphanage, asking him to help with one of the children there—little did he know that that child would end up becoming his daughter. And little did he know that she ultimatly would be the key to saving China... if taught properly.
The amber light of dusk caressed the ornate columns of the palace. That warm, comforting air from the day now fading as an aging red panda attempted to meditate under the Sacred Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom. A gentle breeze touched his cheek; he bit back a shiver, as he always would when the Sun fell behind the mountains of the west. His thin, reddish brown robe offering little insulation. Cursed snow leopards... always stealing the Sun... focus Shifu... peace, peace... He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to return to a peaceful state when he heard the crackling of leaves behind him. They stopped just short of his back, "What is it that bothers you, my friend?" A sagely voice asked.
Shifu instantly recognized the voice; held his surprise, "Nothing is bothering me Master, I'm fine," How is it that he is able to sneak up on me? He thought annoyed while doing his best to uphold respect to him. Ever since Tai Lung, he hadn't felt the urge to speak to anyone. He just would meditate.
There was a pause, the harmonious orchestra of crickets began filling the ever-darkening sky, "So why are you upset?" Oogway asked, his voice upholding such a knowing tone, that Shifu knew was undeniable.
The red panda sighed, knowing his Master wasn't going to let up and confessed, "I'm still... troubled by what happened a few months ago." Speaking about the tragedy was painful and he preferred to stay silent on the matter.
Oogway placed a hand on Shifu's back, "I understand that it is difficult, but you must learn to move on. The past is the past, no matter how hard you try, it can't be altered. The matter will continue to haunt you until you allow the scar to fade. Once you do that, you will find happiness."
He looked at him, somewhat angrily—how is it that he is unaffected by Tai Lung's betrayal? Taking a deep breath he began, "Forgive me master, but I do not think that is possible."
"Shifu, see those mountains over yonder?" Oogway pointed to a distant mountain, "I cannot make them come to me, I must go to them," Oogway said.
Shifu did not respond, but still listened. Despite his current state of depression, he always enjoyed his Master's words of wisdom. It was the last thread of happiness he held onto, and the day that that thread breaks...
"I have been informed that you've been making trips to Bao Gu to visit a child, a little girl, am I correct?" Oogway asked, the joy in his voice returning.
"You are," Shifu confirmed, going silent.
"Tell me about this child," Oogway said, sitting down to make Shifu feel more comfortable.
"Well, she is a tiger—which you most likely already knew—and the caretakers are terrified of her, due to her uncontrollable strength." Shifu said. The irritation and desperate wish for solitude, evident in his tone.
"So you are training her to control it?" Oogway asked; smiling warmly.
"That is correct," the red panda confirmed. "Over the months, I have begun to... grow attached to her, although her training is complete. It is a shame because she shows much potential."
"Well my friend, it seems you are faced with two choices—one, you bring her into your life, or two—you let her go." Oogway said.
Is he suggesting what I think he's suggesting? "Master, I do care for this child, but I do not know if I am ready to take up that responsibility again," Shifu said.
"Well, Shifu, the decision is up to you, but remember—love is the key component of being a parent, not pride," Oogway finished, his long black claw pointing at him, causing him to feel guilty. He knew his Master was not accusing him of anything, but he still felt guilty. Guilty for so many things...
As the tortoise arose up from the ground and left, Shifu leaned back against the peach tree staring up as spots of white began peaking through the dying colors of the night. He knew that his decision would be very important and that he would have to make it quickly. But such a decision takes time and thought and Shifu did not want to regret a poorly made decision down the road. He closed his eyes, waiting for the answer to come, but it wouldn't. He knew that by dawn, he would have to make this decision; whether or not to be a father again and that if he lets the opportunity slip away, he might never find it again.