Standing in the training hall, i watched my son perform an impressive and powerful kick on the training dummy i bought him for his third birthday. He stood up, his eye's full of delight and pride; a smile so wounderful, it made my knees go weak in an instant. I tried to move forward, to embrace my young warrior... only i seemed stuck to the floor. With all my strength, my devotion, i couldn't reach him. The room began to shake vigorously, and i collapsed to the floor; reaching out to the young leopard who's face was now filled with fear.
" Pappa, Pappa, im scared" he cried out to me. I reached out and with desperation tried to grab his paw and pull him close to me. To comfort him... to protect him.
" Hold on Tai Lung, i won't let anything happen to you... i..."
"promise", the young cub finished for me. I stared at him, my heart beating fast; my hand stretched further, but the cubs hand retreated.
" You promised me !" he shouted. The cubs voice broke into tears. " You lied to me dad, when i needed you most...you weren't there. I trusted you, i believed in you and you betrayed me".
" Tai Lung don't please... i tried, i really did. Your my life. My soul. My son. Please give me your hand, i'll make it right. I swear". My body became weak, my words became meaningless to him. The training hall transformed into a stand alone cliff. Lightning belowed from every direction and rain began to penetrate my body, like a bullet each time. My son arose and a look of recent came across his face. I was pinned to the ground and forced to watch as the young child moved closer to the edge of the cliff...
" Tai Lung wait !" i cried out.
" If you really love me Pappa ... You'll catch me" The force holding me down vanished and i leaped to my feet. With all my strength i ran for the cub. latching onto his training vest as he fell forward, my hand released its grip, no matter how much i faught to stop it, and watched as my son slipped away from me.
My eyes flew open, my fur drenched in sweat. Trying to catch my breath, i sat up and began to cry. This time i wasn't going to fight the tears. I glanced down at my right hand; the hand that let my son fall in the nightmare and clenched it tight, punching the wall with every bit of anger building up inside me. The wall had cracked and my fist began to bleed... but i felt nothing. Looking out the window, the rain had stopped but the sky still possessed the dark blue tint it had before i lay down for the night. I couldn't bare to sleep again and so decided a walk to the sacred peach tree would help ease my burden.
I removed the crumpled up quilt from over me and grabbed Oogways stick i had placed near the cupboard. My muscles had become tight over the night and standing was proving to be almost impossible. After many attempts i had managed to get on my feet and changed into my traditional brown robe. Placing the sandles on as i left, i limped down the hall and into the wash room to quickly freshen up. Steaming a hot bath, i cleaned my fur and gently massaged my hip for a few minutes, allowing myself time to relax again.
" It was only a nightmare, Shifu" I reminded myself " He knows deep down, everything i did was for him"
After the bath my hip had eased a bit and walking was beginning to get easier. Making my way to the Sacred Peach Tree i stopped, and watched the light of the sun break out over the Valley Of Peace. The villagers had returned and begun to repair the shattered remains of their homes. I did a short bow in respect to their pride and hope before proceeding to the tree.
Resting down beneath it, i gently patted the tree and took a flute from my side pocket. Starting to play a graceful melody, i felt a smile come over me, and i began to feel the rhythm of the song rush through my body. My tail swayed in time and the birds began to join in. A single pink petal fell from a branch and landed on my lap. I stopped playing and examined the small object in my hand; a small gust of wind took the petal and i followed it with keen eyes, as it fell into the grasp of my master.
" I thought i would find you here" Oogway spoke with a sense of delight. " You've been up for a while, have you not ?"
" I have, sir " i replied calmly. " My mind had not yet completely settled, so in fear of another bad dream i decided a warm bath and song would start my day off better". I stroked the flute and placed it back into my pocket. Oogway approached and handed me a smaller stick.
" Here, i think this might be easier to work with" he chuckled. Placing the stick in my hand, i observed it closely for a moment. The wood was oak and down the side was inscripted the sentence, For you Shifu, the gift of my life. Standing up and giving it a tester, i looked to my master and bowed with respect. " It's perfect sir... although i didnt really think i was that small" i chuckled as i measured it up against Oogways.
The Great Master came and put his hand to my heart , and looked me in the eyes. " My dearest friend... and son. There may be a chance for you to restore this burden you carry, if you are willing to believe in yourself". His words were calm and hopeful, but my mind began to fill with confusion and pain. " What do you mean, Master?" i asked nervously.
" A young girl in the orphanage is in need of a family... maybe you can raise her ?
" NO " i said harshley. " No chance, Master, i'm not going there again".
"Your not going there again, Your fulfilling your destiny, Shifu..." The old turtle smiled and handed me the petal. " Do this Shifu, and you will find what you have lost". I turned to the Valley and released the petal. As gracefully as it arrived, i watched as it flew in the direction of the orphanage.
I let out a sigh... " Ok, Master... i will try".