The Jade Palace - 5 months before the dream
Po eagerly watched on as the small pandas, bunnies, geese, pigs, and goats all mimicked each other in their movements and concentration. Such a sight filled him with joy; the youth learning and partaking in the art of Kung Fu. It was a beautiful sight to him. Though, stress had filled the panda's mind. He trained the children by himself, and although he shouted that such an opportunity was awesome, Po began to realize why Shifu was how he was. But he didn't give up, and put in tireless hours to train the youth.
The door to the training hall creaked open to reveal a slithering figure.
"Po?"
The panda turned around and saw his friend Viper in the doorway.
"Alright, you guys continue doing all that concentration stuff. Your bodacious master will be right back!"
He hurriedly approached her.
"Hey Viper, watcha need?"
"It's Shifu. He wants to see you."
"Oh, sure thing! Where is he?"
"He's in the Palace Hall."
"Ok, thanks!" The panda shouted, running past her. He quickly stopped himself and turned around.
"Oh, could ya watch the kids? I'm afraid the'll tear up the training hall if I take my eyes off em'."
Viper giggled. "Sure thing Po."
"Awesome, thanks!"
He continued running towards the palace hall.
...
The red panda sat criss crossed in front of the pool. The golden dragon still stood above it, the light casting its reflection onto the water.
He took in a deep breath, his eyes closed, taking in the smell of the incense candles that surrounded him.
"Inner peace." He uttered.
He then exhaled, feeling the universe in motion around him.
"Hey, Master Shifu." The panda bowed. "Viper said you wanted me. I assume you want me to go on a dangerous mission. What do we got? Bandits? An army? A giant beast that can only be slain by the awesomely bodacious Dragon Warrior!?
"No Po, I have no missions for you."
"Aww man. I haven't fought anyone since Kai! Who knew being the Dragon Warrior could be so boring."
"What did I tell you during that time?"
"Oh...Well uh..I..I don't remember." The panda flinched.
"I told you that, as the student, you had finally become, the master."
"Ohhh yeaaa, I remember now! It was after I came out of the spirit realm! I really wish I could've kept that outfit though."
"Po!"
"Ah! Sorry..."
"I called you down here because I have something important to tell you. Something that only you can know."
Po began to feel excited, thinking that Shifu was gonna reveal some secret Kung Fu wisdom that he's never shared with anyone before. Yet when Shifu spoke, the panda was far from excited.
"I'm dying, Po."
Shock filled the panda. His eyes widened and his blood turned cold.
"W-What!?"
"Po, please stay calm. Let me explain."
Po got closer to Shifu and sat down, waiting for him to continue.
"My time as the keeper of the Jade Palace is coming to an end. As heartbroken as I am to say this, it's true. As Oogway's time came, so shall mine."
"No..No No No No, you can't go!"
"We all have a destiny to fulfill. You have fulfilled yours, Po. And I'm proud of you. I'm so proud of you. You have changed my life, helped me find inner peace, and have brought happiness to me. I have so much to thank you for, Po. And for all you've done, I would love to give you a gift."
The panda looked up at him, tears filling his eyes.
"When my time finally comes, the Jade Palace will be in your hands. You will take my place, and build my memory, as I built Oogway's."
"Master..."
"Promise me, Po...Promise me you'll keep this to yourself."
"I...I will..Try."
"Good."
The red panda continued his meditation, while Po slowly left the palace hall, his eyes filled with tears, and his head filled with dread and confusion.
...
The night sky shined bright on the Valley as the panda was unable to sleep.
Suddenly, the door to his room slammed open to reveal a striped figure.
"Po, you're keeping everyone awake. What's going on?"
"Oh uh..Nothing, I just...Im just having a little trouble sleeping.
Tigress noticed the sadness in his eyes and became concerned. She reached her hand over and rested it on his shoulder. Ever since she hugged Po in the jail, she had felt a strong connection towards him.
Tigress had never really ever felt something like this. At least, not this strong. She recalled feeling a similar feeling as a teenager when she had a crush on Shifu. And now here she was having the same feeling, yet stronger. As much as it bothered her, she chose to ignore it and not let it get to her.
"Po, tell me what's wrong."
"What do you mean? N-Nothings wrong, I just-"
"Po."
The panda slowly looked down. He wanted to tell her so badly what awful thing Shifu had told him. Yet, he promised he would tell no one. He had to make something up. Instead, he mentioned something else that was bothering him, but of course it wasn't worse then what Shifu had said.
"I'm just...I'm stressed out about all the training I've been doing with the kids. I'm afraid I'll mess up. And if I do, who's to say it won't get worse?"
Tigress sat down next to Po. In fact, she was practically leaning on him. She noticed this and quickly scooted over a little. The feeling intensified, and she began to get agitated.
"Listen, Po...Don't worry, it'll get better. You are the Dragon Warrior after all; isn't it kinda your destiny to take on the next generation of Kung Fu?"
"Your right. It's just so new to me. No wonder Shifu seems angry all the time."
Once he uttered his name, an aching pain shot through his chest.
Tigress thought to herself, and then suddenly her eyes went wide and she looked at Po.
"Maybe I could help you! You know, be your partner. If it's that stressful, surely I could help."
"Hey! That's a great idea! The Dragon Warrior and his sidekick, teaming up to train an army of future Kung Fu masters!"
Po snapped out of his usual imaginary dialogue and looked at Tigress, to see her unimpressed at him calling her sidekick.
"Oh, hehe. I mean, partner."
She then smiled.
"Well, it's getting late Po. I'm gonna go to bed."
Before she could leave, Po grabbed her and hugged her tightly.
A small blush appeared on her face as her body filled with warmth.
"Thank you, Tigress. This means a lot."
She slowly hugged Po back, her face getting redder.
"Of course, P-Po."
She quickly separated the hug and stepped into the hall.
"Well uh...Goodnight." She then slammed the door and quickly walked back to her room.
Po only stared at the door, confused at her odd behavior, but shrugged it off as Tigress just being tired.
Slowly, he laid back on his bed, and thought deeply about Shifu and the future of Kung Fu.