Epilogue
Word spread quickly when Master Tigress was first seen approaching the valley from over the horizon, the sun at her back. Every day search parties had been sent out in the hopes of finding some trace of her, but so far they had found nothing. As such, only Master Shifu was at the temple. The rest of the five and the panda were scouring the countryside, day and night, returning only to report their lack of success.
Tigress imagined she looked quite different, which would explain why the pigs recoiled slightly at the sight of her. She had lost some weight, and was visibly thinner. Her fur was overgrown and tangled and messy, grimy with dirt and some dried blood. Her clothes were barely rags that still clung to her, stitches at the seams somehow holding despite all they had been through. Or maybe the pigs recoiled because of the company she kept.
Werner hadn't resisted as she tied the leash around his neck, and he didn't protest when ordered to carry the unconscious Alexander, despite the ridiculousness of difference in their size. He had to drag the massive lion along by both ankles, struggling and huffing, but he didn't complain. He had cried out for a long time when she popped his arm back into place as there was no way he could perform his duty with one arm, but that was it, and she let that slide. She wanted him to resist, to try and flee so she would have an excuse to punish him, but he just nodded at every order she gave. Alexander hadn't proved much of a problem either. When he regained consciousness, he whined about his chest, but any struggles were feeble. "Give him some of zis, and it'll put him out for a few days," Werner explained, yanking a weed out of the ground. The wolf was helpful, guiding her through the maze of trees back to the valley. Not for the first time she wondered if this was a trick, if he was trying to lull her into a false sense of security, but he attempted absolutely nothing.
"Tigress," Shifu gasped. He sped down the remaining steps and leapt, wrapping stubby arms around Tigress' neck and embracing her tightly. For how different Tigress may look, how abused and beaten, he looked much worse. Eyes were bloodshot, and tiny body was scrawny and frail from a lack of eating. Fur wasn't brushed or trimmed, and spilled out of his sleeve and over the collar of his robe, which was just as grimy and stained as her own clothes. She had no clue the last time he had slept, probably not since her disappearance. She hugged her master with one arm, knowing not to let go of the leash that held Werner at bay.
"I am sorry, Tigress. I shouldn't have left you to the danger. I should have known. I should have-"
"Please master, it's alright." She paused, thinking to herself. She bowed to one knee and clapped her hands in a show of respect. "I now understand your warning of strength, the dangers of good of intentions. I understand that there is evil in this world, and even more important than the strength to defeat it, is the wisdom so we don't become like it, to avoid temptation. There is still much I need to learn."
Sensing Werner attempting to slip away as she was distracted, Tigress gave the leash a sharp yank and pulled him down, placing a foot on his head to keep him submissive. Alexander stirred, apparently the root was wearing off. She had to make arrangements for his imprisonments. Then march back to Haven and tear the wall down.
Shifu took a respectful stance himself. "I have always believed, and feared, that you were as good a student as Tia Lung, but I see now, that you are better."
Tigress smiled. "Thank you master. Now, where's Po? I could really use some noodles."
I would have included this in the prior chapter, but like I said, that one was so long already, I wanted to break it up. I hope that you've enjoyed reading.