I've decide to start up a series 2 of my Altered Path stories, going back to the beginning and focus on a different character or key event. This idea came to me a little awhile go where I wondered how different Tigress life would be like if she were never adopted by Master Shifu.
Enjoy
Chapter 1
Main Gates of the Jade Palace…
Mr. Ping stood before the massive gates leading to the Jade Palace, home of Grandmaster Oogway, Master Shifu, and the red panda's pupil Tai Lung. At the goose's side was a chubby five year old panda—possibly the only panda left in China. Ping had decided to name the little one Po, and though he made a vow to raise the panda as his son, he found that he could no longer provide the kind of life Po deserved.
Po said nothing as the climb up the thousand steps was a bit much for the little one and was currently out of breath. A smile formed on Ping's face as he thought how bright and cheerful Po could be at times, and not to mention how clever he is. Only after a few years living together, the panda had learned each of his recipes. Ping had to keep the young panda guessing sometime when it came to making his special Secret Ingredient Soup otherwise he would have mastered it a long time ago.
After taking several more deep breathes, Po stood up, arching his back, thereby thrusting his chubby stomach way out. In doing so he tilted his head back farther than he should have while eyeing the entrance to the Jade Palace and before he could stop himself, Po stumble backward, falling down the steps.
"Po!" Ping cried out.
"I'm okay Dad," Po said as he climbed back up to stand beside the goose. Looking back down the long widening steps the panda smiled at view of the village and pointed while pulling down on Ping's tunic. "Hey Dad, I can see out house from here."
Ping chuckled at how Po saw the world around him, so full of joy and merriment. He only hope that the panda would be able to forgive him for what he was about to do.
"Say Dad," Po said turning back to the gates, "do you think we'll meet Tai Lung?"
"I don't know son, the Masters are very busy, keeping the peace and all."
"One day I want to be just like him," Po said and began punching and kicking the air around him, screaming out battle cries in a high pitch voice.
Ping chuckled once again as he watched his son play out his little fantasy, though turned to face the gates as he heard a soft grunt, and his eyes opened wide in shock and gave a solemn bow. "Po that's enough," he whispered glancing at the panda.
"Uh?" Po muttered turning while in mid-jab, though as he did, he was taken by surprise as his fist was caught by some old turtle, but not just any turtle, but Grandmaster Oogway. Po looked on in shock, mouth completely dropped, eyes so wide they could have fallen out at any moment. He stood completely still, too that afraid the slightest movement would set the grandmaster off and be tossed clear off the mountain. He began to relax however as he heard a faint giggle and tilted his gaze up to see a friendly smile on the turtles face. "Very interesting," he said in a low voice.
"What's interesting?" Po asked.
"Please forgive my son," Ping said quickly drawing Oogway's attention, "Ever since Po saw Tai Lung deal with a group of bandits a year ago, it's all he ever thinks about."
"It is quite alright Mr.…"
"Ping, great master," the goose said with a short bow, "I run the noodle shop down in the valley."
"And I get to have the left-over," Po chimed in with a smile.
"Po, please show the proper respect for the valley's grand master."
"No need to stand on such high standers Mr. Ping. Now may I ask what it is that brings the two of you all the way up here?"
"Well Grandmaster Oogway," Ping said in a nerves tone, "it is of a personal matter."
Oogway brought Mr. Ping and his panda son up to the main hall where the goose sadly explained the problem that confronted him. As it stood the recent increase in bandit attacks and harsh winter last year had greatly taken their toll on his shop, unable to receive fresh supplies to alarming decrease in profit, Ping simply did not have enough to support him and the panda. He had no wish to leave Po at some orphanage, and at least this way, allowing Po to stay in the Jade Palace would let them be together in the valley, some of the time anyway.
Oogway listen to the goose's problems, yet his attention drifted off toward the young panda. The aged turtle had met a number of pandas in the past, though never one who held an interest in kung fu. Though his style and grace were a bit sloppy, his form was nearly perfect, with the right measure of training, he would make for a fierce warrior.
"Very interesting indeed," Oogway whispered.
"Master Oogway?"
"Oh yes," Oogway said quickly shifting his attention solely upon the goose. "So you wish for Po to live here?"
"Yes Master Oogway," Ping answered, "I know that the Jade Palace is not the best place for children, but I truly believe he would be better…and safer…here than to be placed in orphanage where other kids might bully or mock him because he's a panda."
"Yes I see," Oogway said in a calm voice. "Well I see no harm in allowing the panda to stay here, though only if your son is willing to agree. I will not force this upon him, to choice between a place here or with his father.
The goose nodded a turned to face the panda saying, "Po, would you please come over here?"
Po had kept to himself while the adults were talking, eyeing the number of paintings, armor and weapons. He never thought in his wildest dreams would he ever be allowed to enter this place and now all he could do was gawk and stare at all the awesome stuff. Ever since he saw Tai Lung take down the rampaging bandits down in the valley all he ever wanted was to learn was kung fu. He even wrote down he wanted a set of throwing stars for his next birthday…granted he didn't really think dad would buy them. Dad was always going on about noodles this and noodles that, and though the idea of working with this father in the shop did sound like fun, it wasn't what he dreamt about doing for the rest of his life.
He had just came to stand before a small glowing urn that seemed to be whispering to him, when the sound of his father's voice startled him causing him to jump about, however as a result the vase Po had been admiring fell from its stand where it shattered, releasing a strange green mist. Po looked upon the broken remains and began to cry. His cries echoed across the room and he did not stop until he felt a soft grip along his shoulder. Looking up, Po gazed deeply into the eyes of the grand master and to panda's confusion he appeared sad rather than upset with his action.
"Why are you crying young panda?" Oogway asked in a tender voice.
"I…" Po said, his voice cracked with sobs, "…I broke…your pretty vase."
"Yes I can see that."
Fearing the worst, Po moved out of the turtle's grasp and spoke in a panicked voice. "But I'll put it back together. It'll be good as new, I promise."
"I see," Oogway said, appearing to ponder Po's claims. "Very well, repairing the Urn of the Whispering Warriors shall he one of your chores while staying here in the palace."
"Chores?"
"Yes," Oogway replied, his voice just as calm and leveled as when Po first saw him, "your father has requested you come to live here in the palace."
"What?" Po snapped his fear of breaking the vase forgotten as he turned on his father. "Is it true? Do you really want to give me up?"
"Oh by the gods, never!" Ping cried out rushing over to wrap his wings about the small panda, "I would never dream of doing such a thing. It's just that times are hard in the valley, and I'm worried that I won't be able to give everything you need."
Po returned the hug, tears threatening to fall down his cheeks. "Will…will I ever be able to see you again?"
"Of course you shall see your father young panda," Oogway answered for Mr. Ping. "It would simply be uncalled for to force you to abandon your father completely," he paused as he tilted his head to the side as though in deep thought, "I shall have to work in some free time during your regular training routine."
Po's grim expression began to lift as a smile formed knowing that he would not have to lose his father, but he still appeared confused as he said, "What training?"
Oogway gazed deeply into the panda's jade eyes with such focus it was as though he were searching for something. Po found this stare a little unnerving, but said nothing less risk offending the old turtle. "Yes," Oogway said, his smile returning, "very interesting indeed." The ancient turtle then tapped his cane against the ground several times before calling out, "Zang?"
Po turned to the sound of wing flapping and saw a small duck flying toward them. He wasn't all that graceful; in fact he flew into a number of pillars before finally flopping down in front of them. "Yes Grandmaster Oogway?"
"Zang, would you be so kind as to escort young Po to the barracks and show him to a room. Once then please inform Shifu that I wish to speak with him."
"Of course Grandmaster," the small duck said in a cheerful voice, then turned to face Po saying, "if you will kindly follow me young panda."
Po was hesitant at first, but after an encouraging nudge from his father, the young panda fell in line with Zang though before he exited the Great Hall, he took one last look toward the aged goose and wave goodbye.
Mr. Ping returned the gesture, a single tear rolling down the side of face. He hated himself for doing this, but knew it was for the best. Turning to face Oogway, the old goose gave a solemn bow and said, "I'll return with some of his belongs, he doesn't really have that much, just a few spare sets of pants, and a small knife he used to carve wooden figures," he paused to release a playful chuckle, "I find it rather amusing at the level of detail he can put into his work at such a young age. It makes me proud to think how special he is."
"Yes," Oogway said, his attention still divided as a sudden realization dawned on him, "I do believe the time is drawing near."
Shifu, a red panda, and fellow master of the Jade Palace and teacher of kung fu, made his way toward the Great Hall. He considered himself lucky to have received Zang's message when he did as he was about to leave shortly, and though he always enjoyed his time with the aged turtle, he hoped it would not take too much of his time.
The training grounds were quiet this morning, which came as a surprise to Shifu. Normally his son Tai Lung was always in the dojo mastering his skill and though as his teacher, he could never openly admit how he held the snow leopard with high praise, and often smiled thinking that one day he would have the honor to refer to his son as the Dragon Warrior. A sudden thought just accord to him, causing the red panda to pause in his stride. Could Master Oogway possibly wish to see me because he's decided to name Tai Lung as the Dragon Warrior? The very idea brought a joyful smile to his face and quickened his pace to the Great Hall.
Upon reaching it he found his former teacher, Oogway standing before the Moon Pool. The flickering embers cast a gentle glow about the hall, Shifu took several deep breaths, washing away the notion as to why Oogway summoned him and said in a level tone, "You wished to speak with me Master Oogway."
"Yes my small friend," Oogway said turning to face Shifu, "I believe that I have just beheld a vision of great importance."
"Regarding what Master?"
"That will wait for later," Oogway said slowly walking away, "for now, we have a guest who will be staying here and I wish for you to begin his training in kung fu."
Shifu rolled his eyes, pouting on the inside. This is why you asked to speak with me? Just to ask me to train a new student. "Very well Master, I will begin his training later, but right now there is some—"
Oogway slammed the blunt end of his staff against the ground shocking the red panda into silence. Shifu gazed upon his master with a look of confusion, for never in all the years had he known the turtle to act so fiercely.
"Not later Master Shifu," Oogway commanded, his eyes narrow, the usual calm expression Shifu had known so well completely gone. "You will begin his training now."
"But why, what makes this one person so important to demand my swift attention?"
Oogway said nothing. He knew all too well of the red panda's praise and devotion he held toward Tai Lung and how he wished for the snow leopard to become the Dragon Warrior. He could not risk the slim chance that Shifu would reject his decision and strive to drive Po away from the Jade Palace. In the end, Oogway turned back to the Moon Pool his gaze pitted on something reflected in its still surface. "I have my reasons; now please carry out my wish."
"But Master Oogway," Shifu said looking a bit awkward, "I had hope to go to the Bao Gu orphanage today."
The aged turtle turned his neck so as to face Shifu, a solemn expression covering his features. "Have you managed to resolve Tigress's dilemma?"
"Yes of course," Shifu replied, "but I feel there is still much she could master if only removed from the orphanage and be allowed to express herself more openly. I thought that maybe if I were to adopt her I can help her find that kind of freedom and joy for life."
"I am deeply sorry my friend," Oogway said looking away from the red panda, "but young Tigress will have to find her own path in life. Your path awaits you in the student barracks. I would suggestion you not keep him waiting."
Shifu released a soft sigh, but said nothing more against the matter other than a nod and asked, "May I ask what my new student's name is?"
"His name is Po," Oogway said with a smile, "and believe me, you will know when you see him."
Po couldn't believe it. Here he was high atop the massive mountain top overlooking the valley, in the heart of the Jade Palace, and given his own room in the student barracks. The room Zang brought him to was rather spaces, much larger than his old room that was also where his father kept supplies for the shop, a simple bed with a roll and pillow sat in the middle of the room with a small chest up front, in the far right corner there was chair and desk that Zang said would be use for his studying. Everything was in complete order and cleaned to the point where it could almost shine. Po felt rather guilty though knowing that he was only here because his father could not support him. He was already missing the old goose, and wanted to be with him so badly, but for right now this was to be his home. The only bright side was that his room had a nice view of the valley and though he couldn't clearly see it, he knew his dad's shop was down there and that he would see him again.
Po was just about to a take an early nap before getting to work on fixing the urn when something caught his attention. Raising his muzzle to the sky, Po released a pleasing sigh at the smell of something sweet. The wonderful aroma caused his stomach to growl and with that he left his room and followed the scent until coming to a sight far more amazing than his room.
A fully loaded dining kitchen.
The room was massive, far grander and well built than his dad's. "Dad would flip if he owned a place like this," Po said with a slight giggle.
With his stomach still growling, Po decided to make himself a small batch of noodles. He'd seen his father do it many times and even allowed to work on his own a few times, but those had always been with his father to help point out his mistake. Po didn't feel all too worried though as this would be the perfect chance to see if he could coup without his dad to watch his back.
Pushing a stool over to the kitchen counter, Po climbed up and began looking for the items he needed for the soup. The kitchen layout was pretty much the same as his dad's so he had no trouble getting started, after filling a pot with water and bringing it over to the stove, easily starting a fire and jumped upon the billows several times to get the heat just right. As he waited for the water to boil, Po began to slice a number of onions and carrots mixing them up in their own bowl before working on the noodles. This was always the fun part of watching his dad work. As he rolled and stretched the strands of noodles, he envisioned his father standing beside him tossing up pinches of spice, after awhile he and father treated it like a game and it always brought a smile to his face when they villagers would come by to watch, always cheering and asking for more.
Satisfied with his work, Po stood up and carefully slipped the noodles and chopped onions and carrots, stirred it several times and was about raise a spoon for a taste when he heard a low angry voice from behind.
"Just what do you think you're doing here?"
Po spun about; eyes and mouth open wide, and slowly took a deep gasping breath as he raised his hands to the side of his face, for standing before him was none other than Tai Lung himself. "You…you're him…its him…I don't believe it…its really you…I'm so happy I can pee…can you sign my belly?"
Tai Lung stood before the door frame, eyeing the small panda with narrow eyes. "You have exactly five second to tell me who you are and what you're doing here before I toss you down the Thousand Steps."
Po's body snapped to attention, quickly saying, "MynameisPoPing,myfatherthoughtit wouldbegoodformetoliveherebecausehecouldnotproperlyprovideforme." Once finished the panda took another deep heavy gasp and went on to add just as swiftly, "ItsahonortomeetyouTaiLung, I'mlikeyourbiggestfan,pleasesignmybelly."
Tai Lung's annoyed expression slowly shifted to a mixture of confusion and astonishment as he turned his gaze away from the panda to whisper, "That was five seconds." He then shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose to allow the awkward moment to pass before saying, "Why don't we try this again…slowly this time."
"My name is Po Ping."
"Wait I know a goose by the name Ping, he owns a noodle shop in the valley."
"Yes," the young panda said with a smile, "he's my father."
"Really?" Tai Lung commented, eyeing the panda, "clearly you were adopted, what happened to your real parents?"
"Well he won't give me the full story, but I'm okay with that."
"Now then why don't you explain to me why you're up here?"
"My dad's noodle shop has fallen on hard time what with bandit attacks."
Tai Lung turned away from Po, a look of shame forming. "Yes and I wish to say sorry for that."
"Why would you need to say that? You didn't attack the village."
"And I did nothing to prevent it either," Tai Lung snapped though his voice carried none of the anger Po would expect from someone so fierce, if anything he sounded ashamed. "Despite all of our combined strength and skill, the three of us here in the Jade Palace have not done a decent job protecting the valley and for that I am sorry."
"It's alright," Po said behaving less rigid around the bulking snow leopard, "I'm still your biggest fan," he paused as he glanced into the large pot on the stove and went on with cheerful grin. "Say would you—"
"No," Tai Lung said waving his hand about him, "there is no way I'm going to sign your belly."
Po chuckled as he raised a wooden spoon to his lips. "I wasn't going to ask you that," he paused as he took a quick sip of his soup though whispered, "maybe later," while banging the spoon against the pot, the clanking sound drowning his comment out. "I was going to ask if you like some of my noodle soup. I was making a pot for myself, but I figure there's more than enough to share."
Tai Lung looked a bit uncertain. "I don't know," he said inching away from the panda's offer, "we mainly eat tofu, it keeps us fit and ready for battle."
"Oh come on," Po said placing two bowls on the table and calmly climbed a stool to get at his, after taking a few spoonfuls he glanced up at Tai Lung speaking in a mocking tone, "Don't tell me the fierce Tai Lung is afraid of a little soup?"
"Afraid!" Tai Lung snapped, this time showing a full array of anger. "Give me that blasted bowl." With that Tai Lung sat down and quickly shoved a spoonful of noodles in his mouth and yet instead of feeling sick, he found the panda's cooking wonderful. His eyes opened wide with amazement, taste buds on fire with flavor and quickly ate the whole soup in a matter of seconds. Po couldn't keep from laughing as the snow leopard even licked the bowl clean.
"Alright, I'll admit it," Tai Lung addressing the still laughing panda, "I like it. How ever did you make such a wonderful dish?"
"From watching my father," Po answered plainly.
"Well you must be a swift learner as to make such a tasty soup."
"And for his sake," a new grumpy voice said drawing their attention, "it better be the same for his training."
Tai Lung gasp and quickly stood up, brought his hands into a fist palm and bow slightly while saying, "Master Shifu, please forgive my bluntness behavior, I was merely speaking with the young panda."
"It's quite alright Tai Lung," Shifu said with a smile, though his steel blue eyes gave Po a small twinge along his back. "So you are to be my new student."
"I am?" Po asked.
"Yes," Shifu said harshly, "though when Oogway told me I would know this person when I laid eyes on him, I never expected you to be a panda. There is no record of a panda being a trained warrior; your kin are more suited to working on farms or mining ore because of your vast strength and stamina. I truly have my work cut out for me this time."
"Excuse me," Po said coming to stand next to Tai Lung, "but may I ask what's going on? Oogway mention something about my training. What kind of training will I have to do?"
"Po," Tai Lung said in a hushed whisper, "Shifu is one of the highly skilled kung fu teachers here in the Jade Palace, also rumored to be a member of the previous elite warrior team, the Furious Five."
Po's eyes widen and released a huge gasp. "Does that mean I'm going to learn Kung fu?"
"Though I still question Oogway's decision," Shifu said, "it is not my place to go against it."
"Awesome!" Po shouted. "When do we start?"
"Right now," Shifu said turning to leave, though paused as he eyed the young panda once again taking note of his clothes or lack thereof. "Though I would prefer you were wearing something more suitable for a student here."
It took quite a bit of time and forceful effort on Tai Lung's part, but Po now wore a dark yellow short sleeve vest with flame pattern along the lower half and a set of black slacks with a sliver trim. Afterwards Master Shifu and Tai Lung brought Po to a large building a short distance from the student barracks. Before Po could ask what this place was, Tai Lung leaned over and whispered, "This here is the Training Hall, I've spent a lot of my free time here mastering my skills."
"Cool," Po said with bright smile, "say, do you think I might be able to get a souvenir?"
"I heard that Panda!" Shifu snapped spinning around to face them, "and I'll have you know the only thing we collect here are bloody knuckles and broken bones."
Po's smile widen, pulling off a double fist pump. "That sounds awesome. So what now?"
Shifu was a little taken back by the panda high spirits, but knew it wouldn't take long for him to give up. The red panda turned away from Po and came to stand next to a small wooden pillar with a number of metal rods attached to the top, middle, and bottom. Shifu then spoke in a commanding voice while pointing to each section, "I want you to perform a three point attack to this pillar, with an upward open palm jab to the top, a punch to the middle, and follow up with a kick to the bottom."
Once finished, Shifu stepped aside appearing to wanting to give the panda some space though as he did, his ears twitched at the sound of Tai Lung whispering, "Master, should you have least warned Po about—"
"This is something the panda will have to learn for himself," Shifu countered, "it would do him no good if I were to hold his hand."
Though Tai Lung disagreed with Shifu, the respect he held for the red panda as his master and father, held the snow leopard's tongue and stood back, waiting for the mishap about to take place.
Po stood before the wooden pillar a bold expression forming on his face. "Okay, an upper jab here," the panda said thrusting his hand up, striking the rod, however the moment he did, the top section spun around bringing another rod about to smack him against the head. Po screamed in pain, clutching his forehead. He turned back to the pillar and went to punch the center thought only brought about similar result with getting hit in the side. When he tried to kick the bottom row, he found himself being tripped falling flat on his back.
"I don't get it," Po cried sitting up, he then glanced over to Shifu and asked, "What am I doing wrong?"
"Do you truly think that bandit are going to be standing completely still while you try and bring them down?" Shifu demanded his voice cold and harsh, eyes narrow, face so full of anger, an expression that Po only saw in his dreams. "If so then you are a foul. Every strike you make will often lead with a counter attack so you must learn to see them coming and how to avoid or block them before they cause any harm. Now do it again!"
Shifu watched as the panda stood back up and faced off against the wooden warrior, a small smirk began to form as he wondered how long it would be before the panda gave up so he could get back to training true warriors; however, that smirk soon became one of annoyance as not only did the panda refuse to quit, but failed to complete the most basic of fighting styles four time in a row. It vexed Shifu to no end to watch as the panda could not even grasp the most easiest of moves, yet also confused him as to why he didn't stop trying. He had heard that panda were a stubborn breed; maybe the case was true in this young one.
"Panda!" Shifu shouted.
"Yes Master Shifu?"
"Perhaps it would be for the best if we stop for today. I have other pressing matters to deal with, and I'm sure Tai Lung has to make his daily patrol in the village."
A low growl slipped through the snow leopard lips pitted against Shifu. "Speak for yourself old man," Tai Lung whispered, "I wish to see if this young panda truly has what it takes to be a kung fu warrior, he clearly has the heart of one."
The comment went unnoticed by the Kung fu teacher as he was focused on the young panda's pleas. "Please Master Shifu, just give me one more chance," he paused to face the wooden warrior once more, his eyes narrow and fist clinched, "I know I can do it."
Shifu released an angry groan. "Fine," he said turning away from the panda, "not that it will do you any good."
Po paid no heed to the red panda's rude remark as he focused his attention to the pillar. Though his body ached from head to toe, he wouldn't give up. Taking a few deep breaths to stead himself, images began to flash before as he recalled the first time he saw Tai Lung, as it played through his mind, a smile slowly formed as he finally knew what to do. Standing in a lopsided fighting pose, Po struck with an upper jab to the top section, his eyes rooted on the rods as they came around to hit him across the head, yet this time, Po was ready as he quickly duck to avoid the oncoming blow, still smiling, Po punched the center section, bringing his free hand up to block the rotating pillar, and followed up with a kick to the bottom, shifting the position of his feet at the last second to prevent being tripped.
"Amazing," Shifu said.
"And might I add wow?" Tai Lung whispered.
"How?" Shifu asked stepping up to the panda. "How did you figure out how to move like that without any proper training?"
"Well I kind of remember seeing Tai Lung do it when he faced off some bandits."
"Truly?" Shifu asked, and when Po answered with a solemn nod, Shifu leaned back, raising a hand to his chin, saying, "You've truly impressed me."
"Cool," Po said with a boyish grin, "so what else is there me to learn?"
"Don't you want to rest?" Tai Lung asked in a stunned tone.
"Are you kidding, this is awesome. I can keep this up all night. Please let me carry on Master Shifu."
"To be honest panda, I did not expect you to grasp this lesson so quickly. I'll have to think about this for a little bit to best determine the best means of training you. For now perhaps you can work on improving your reflexes. Though you managed to avoid and block each section of the rotating pillar, your timing could be better."
Po smile, mimicking the solemn gesture he saw Tai Lung do when Shifu first appeared, then went back to face the pillar resuming his training, punching and kicking while at the same time focusing his attention on each section to better ready himself to block an oncoming strike.
And thus began Po's training in Kung fu, to which would guide him down a path where some would never expect, and for another to be cast aside down one path which would required a great deal of strength, courage, and willingness to trust to ever find their way out again.
Okay what the heck, I have never thought I could ever manage to pull off a chapter as long as this. I feel that I've really come along in my writing style. Well I hope you enjoy this and come back to see what I have planned for Tigress.
Please review