Chapter 1:
It had been a long journey through the Valley of Peace for Master Tigress. After aiding a nearby village that was dealing with bandits, she was ready for a well-deserved rest back at the Jade Palace. The only question is would the rest of the furious five and the Dragon Warrior give her the space she wanted? Tigress sighed and silently prayed they would. The last thing she needed was Po asking a thousand questions about her journey and her fight against the bandits. As she continued on through the forest, Tigress took the silence and serenity in. She always felt a calming presence around her whenever she was in this part of the valley. Tigress planned on enjoying this calming silence for as long as possible, knowing her chaotic home would welcome her back with a very excited Panda waiting at the front gates.
As Tigress continued on her way, the silence she was enjoying started to produce a new sound. A sound that seemed different and unusual for this part of the forest.
'What's that?' she thought to herself.
Tigress stopped in her tracks and began to look around for the source of this sound. As she looked around, she could tell that the sound was coming from deeper in the forest, well off the road that Tigress was on. She couldn't see past all of the dense trees, but she could tell the direction of the faint sound. With caution, Tigress proceeded to walk off the road and towards the source of the sound. As she drew closer, the sound became clearer and more defined. Just as Tigress was nearing the source, she stopped in her tracks. The sound she heard was a combination of sniffling and small scared sobs. Someone was crying. Tigress was at first confused, and then concerned.
'Who in the world would be this far out here?' she thought.
As Tigress continued on, she soon found a small clearing in the middle of the forest, to which she found the source of the crying. Tigress's eyes widened in surprise, as she had discovered who was crying. Leaning against a tree, with his legs brought to his chest, was a small wolf pup. Tigress stood and examined the young wolf at a distance. His fur was grey in color, but with smudges of dirt and mud all over. His clothes were worn and tattered. His maroon vest was torn and ripped in several places, and his tan cloth pants were covered in dirt patches and worn out on the bottom of the legs. Tigress then took notice to the wooden pole next to the pup. Her initial reaction was that of caution, as she looked around the clearing. Wolves tended to travel in packs, and were known for being bandits and thieves. Tigress wouldn't be surprised if this was a trap and the pole was the wolf's weapon. However, something was telling her that this might not be one. She couldn't explain it, but perhaps this young wolf actually did need some help.
Taking another cautious step, Tigress proceeded towards the wolf. However, as she did so, he foot landed on top of a small twig causing it to snap. Upon hearing this, the pup's ears perked up and he looked up, fear present in his expression.
"Wh-Wh-Who's there?!" he said, fearfully.
Tigress stopped in her tracks and looked at the wolf. At first, Tigress was ready to speak, but she then noticed something odd. The wolf pup was looking in Tigress's direction but he wasn't actually looking at her. She didn't understand why he wouldn't acknowledge her presence. As she drew closer, the wolf's fear grew.
"P-Please, don't hurt me!" he said. "Please!"
The wolf started to fumble around for the pole Tigress noticed earlier, but he bumped it with his hand and it rolled away from him. The wolf began to panic and he began to press his back against the tree even harder, and soon brought his arms up to cover his head, thinking he was going to be attacked.
"Please, j-just leave me alone!" Said the wolf, tears running down his face.
Tigress stopped in her tracks, not wanting to scare the young pup any further. At this moment, she decided to make her presence known.
"It's ok. I'm not gonna hurt you. You can trust me." she said, calmly.
Upon hearing her voice, the wolf pup looked towards Tigress and lowered his arms slightly. Tigress then cautiously walked a little closer and knelt down to the pup. She carefully extended her hand out to the pup, but the pup didn't seem to notice. Tigress didn't understand at first, but then she took notice to the pup's eyes. They were blue in color, but very pale.
"Y-You're not?" asked the wolf.
Tigress lowered her hand and gave the pup a soft smile.
"No, of course not. I want to help you." said Tigress.
She cautiously reached for the pup and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. However, the wolf flinched in fear, which caused Tigress to withdraw her hand.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." said Tigress.
The wolf pup lowered his arms and looked towards Tigress. Tigress looked at the pup in his eyes and it all started to make sense to her.
'This poor child is blind. How could anyone let him wander off this far?' She thought.
Just then, the wolf started to cautiously hold his hand out towards Tigress. At that moment, Tigress gently took hold of the pup's hand. Tigress carefully helped the wolf pup stand and placed her free hand on his shoulder.
"Come on. Let's get you out of here." said Tigress.
They started to leave, but the wolf stopped.
"Wait! My walking stick. I-I need it." He said, nervously.
Tigress looked back at the wooden pole on the ground and let go of the wolf pup. She collected the walking stick from the ground and walked back over to the wolf. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder and upon doing so, the wolf held his hand out. Tigress placed the walking stick in his hand. Once back in his possession, the wolf gave a small smile.
"Thank you." he said.
Tigress smiled. "You're welcome. Now, let's see if we can't get you home." She said.
The two of them proceeded back towards the main road, with Tigress taking care to help guide the blind wolf through the dense forest. The pup used the walking stick in front of him and tapped the ground in front of him every so often. As they proceeded, questions started to form in Tigress's head. Questions that she needed answers to.
"What were you doing out here by yourself?" asked Tigress.
"I was out here looking for some berries to pick. They usually grow out on the side of the road this time of year." Said the wolf.
"Kinda dangerous out here though, especially for someone in your case." Said Tigress.
"Yeah, I guess you kinda figured out I was blind, huh?" said the wolf.
"Yes. I did, though it took me a minute to realize that." Said Tigress.
"Well, normally I wouldn't have any problems finding the berries. I go down this road all the time so I kinda know my way around. Plus I can smell the berries when I'm walking around here." said the wolf.
"So then, how'd you get lost?" asked Tigress.
"Well… I kinda let my nose lead the way this time. I thought I smelled some berries further off the road, but I was wrong. Turns out I smelled the berries you can't eat. After that, I tried finding my way back and well,… you know." Said the wolf.
"Well, I guess you were lucky I came along then." Said Tigress.
"Yeah. I guess so. By the way, I don't think I asked what your name was." Said the wolf.
Tigress smiled. "My name is Tigress."
The young pup was very surprise.
"Like, Kung Fu Master Tigress?! Of the Jade Palace?!" he asked, excitedly.
"That's right." Said Tigress.
"Wow! I've been found by one of the members of the furious five! This is soooo awesome!" said the pup.
Tigress chuckled at the pup's astonishment. "Yeah. I guess it is. And what is your name?" she said.
"Oh. My name is Jian. It's nice to meet you master Tigress." Said the wolf.
"It's nice to meet you too, and you can just call me Tigress, Jian." Said Tigress.
"Ok." Said Jian.
A short time later, the two of them soon found themselves back on the main road. Tigress knew she would have to escort Jian back home, and have a stern word with his parents. The question was, did Jian know where to go? Her question was soon answered as Jian began to walk away from Tigress.
"Thanks for helping me Tigress. I'm gonna head home now." Said Jian.
He started to walk away but was soon stopped by Tigress.
"Hold on Jian. Would it be alright if I escorted you home? It would be safer that way." Said Tigress.
Jian thought for a moment and then nodded to Tigress. "Yeah, that would be ok. Less chance of me getting lost again." He said.
The two of them started down the road, all the while Jian asking questions to Tigress about kung fu. Tigress explained every aspect of kung fu to the young pup, and told the story of how she became a master. Jian listened with great interest and asked Tigress about all of her adventures. Tigress couldn't help but feel amused by this young wolf. Normally, most children would somewhat annoy or pester Tigress, but for whatever reason, Jian seemed different. Maybe it was Tigress taking pity on him for his lack of sight, or maybe she felt some kind of connection with him. In any case, Tigress continued to tell Jian stories of her adventures across the Valley of Peace. As they cleared the forest, Tigress noticed that Jian was sniffing the air.
"Is something wrong?" asked Tigress.
Jian looked towards Tigress and said. "No, nothings wrong. I'm trying to smell for my home. I left out some flowers so that I can find my way back."
"You can smell them from all the way out here?" asked Tigress.
"Kinda. It depends on which way the wind is blowing. I think we're getting closer though." Said Jian, as he took another smell.
Soon enough, a faint pleasant aroma entered Jian's nose, and he started to walk in the direction of the smell.
"It's this way. We're almost to my home." He said.
Tigress was impressed with his sense of smell. However, that still didn't help her feeling of concern for Jian's safety. The fact that he wandered out into the forest without assistance and got himself lost made her think that perhaps his parents weren't aiding him as much as they should be. Tigress knew she would have to say something to Jian's parents the moment they reached his home. No sooner did that thought cross her mind, Jian tugged on Tigress's hand.
"We're here." said Jian.
Tigress looked up at the building in front of her and a new concern entered her mind. The building itself was old and looked rundown. There were visible holes in the roof and large cracks in the chimney that sat in the center of the building. The actual door itself was falling off its hinges. At that moment, Tigress stopped in her tracks and just stared at the decrepit building in front of her. Jian on the other hand continued on and carefully made his way towards the front door. Tigress just couldn't believe that this was his home.
"You… live here?" asked Tigress.
Jian looked back towards Tigress "Yep. Home sweet home." Said Jian.
Tigress was still in disbelief, even more so since Jian made it seem like nothing was wrong. Jian opened the door and proceeded to walk inside.
"Do you want to come inside?" asked Jian.
Tigress took another look on the outside of the building and then looked at Jian. She slowly walked towards the door.
"Sure." She said, with uncertainty.
As the two of them entered, Tigress immediately took notice of the interior of the building. It looked no better than the outside. Old and broken furniture were scattered around the one side and on the other, a large stone furnace sat in the other. The furnace had some coal inside it and a large coal pile to one side. Tigress then took notice to all the tools near the furnace. There were what looked like blacksmithing tools and a small anvil near the furnace. As she continued to look around, Jian had placed his walking stick next to the door and began to walk though what looked like a living room area.
"Do you want something to drink? Tea or water maybe?" asked Jian.
Tigress looked at Jian, and watched as he navigated through the living room with ease. It was almost like Jian could see where he was going.
"N-No, thank you." said Tigress, as she walked over to one of the chairs and sat down.
A short time later, Jian returned with a small cup of water in his hand. He carefully sat down in one of the other empty chairs and rested the cup on his lap.
"Thank you again for helping me get home." Said Jian.
Tigress smiled at the young pup. "You're welcome, Jian." She said.
Tigress's smile, however, faded as she continued to look around Jian's home. More and more questions filled her concerned mind. Jian could sense that Tigress seemed uneasy.
"Is something wrong, Tigress? You seem quiet." said Jian.
Tigress held her response, thinking very carefully as to how to ask Jian about his living situation. Was he even aware of the state of his home? Does he realize how dangerous it is to live in an old building that's falling apart around him? And what about his parents? Do they realize what it's like living here? How could they just let this place they call home get to such condition? All of these questions kept appearing in Tigress's mind but she didn't even know where to begin. However, she didn't have to. Jian seemed to be reading her mind.
"You're probably wondering about my home, right?" asked Jian.
Tigress was jolted from her thoughts and gave a concerned but thoughtful look towards Jian.
"I am, Jian. This place… do you know what condition it is in?" asked Tigress, in a gentle concerned voice.
Jian looked around at the living room, but knowing he couldn't see anything. He gave a sad smile towards Tigress and a small chuckle.
"Yeah, I do. I know this place is in bad shape. Been that way for a while now. But, I'm used to it. As bad as it looks inside and out, it's still home to me." Said Jian.
Tigress leaned forward and rested her arms on her lap, looking more into Jian's eyes.
"But still, I can't imagine you toughing out the weather and living through the seasons. Doesn't it bother you at all?" said Tigress.
"Not really. I actually do pretty well during the better parts of the year before winter comes around. Gives me a chance to collect some rainwater in the spring, and pick some berries and other food in the summer. By then I manage to get some firewood in the fall and then I'm ready for winter." Said Jian.
He then leaned to one side and looked towards the large furnace behind Tigress. Tigress followed his eyes and looked at the furnace with him.
"Back there is where I put the fire wood. I burn the wood in the furnace and it keeps this place pretty warm. Plus if the fire ever goes out, the coal in the furnace will keep some heat in." said Jian.
Tigress wanted to be impressed, but this only made her feel even more concerned. She just couldn't believe that a child would go through this much just to survive. She looked to Jian, and was about to ask her next question. However, Jian spoke first.
"I guess I have to thank my father for that. The furnace belonged to him. He was a blacksmith and a great one at that. He could make anything in his forge. I can still remember the feeling of the heat from his forge and the sound of his hammer hitting hot iron or steel." Said Jian.
He then took a sip of water from his cup and continued.
"I always wanted to learn how to forge stuff like him, but he wouldn't teach me. I guess he didn't want me to get hurt. I don't blame him though. Working with hot metal and not being able to see isn't a good mix." Said Jian.
Tigress listened to Jian and could hear the reminiscent tone in his voice. It was clear to her that Jian had a special bond with his father, a bond that was similar to Tigress with Master Shifu.
"You must be very close with your father." Said Tigress.
Jian's smile faded and he adjusted his grip on his cup. His gaze fell towards the flood.
"I was. It had always just been the two of us. I loved my father, more than anything. He helped me through so many tough times. He was the one to help me see the world through my eyes. He helped me make my senses stronger so I could find my way around. It was because of him, I'm able to get around without issue,… except when you found me, of course." Said Jian.
Tigress gave a small chuckle. "He sounds like a wonderful father." She said.
"He was." Said Jian.
It was at that moment, Tigress caught on to the past tense phrasing of Jian's words. A bad feeling came to her, as she knew what the answer might be to her next question. She could already see Jian's sadness grow and the threat of tears started to form in his eyes.
"Jian,… Your father…," said Tigress, but she couldn't finish her question.
She could see Jian was upset, and she knew why.
"He's gone." Said Jian, sadly. "It was maybe a few years ago."
A stray tear fell from the young wolf's eyes and he sniffed as he tried to suppress his crying. He wiped the tears away from his eyes and tried to regain his composure. Tigress wanted to ask Jian more questions, but she could clearly see the sadness in the young pup. She decided not to ask any further, knowing it could hurt Jian.
"I'm sorry. I usually don't get so worked up like that." Said Jian.
Tigress couldn't help but feel sorry for Jian. She could tell Jian was still grieving from the loss of his father. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder.
"It's ok Jian. I can understand how you feel." Said Tigress.
"You do?" said Jian, looking up towards Tigress.
"Yes. Losing a loved one is never easy, especially a parent." Said Tigress.
"Did you lose your father too?" asked Jian.
Tigress sighed sadly.
"I never knew my father. I grew up in an orphanage in the village just outside the Jade Palace." She said.
"So… you were alone too?" said Jian.
"I was, for a long time. But then, I was found by my master. He took me in, raised me, taught me Kung Fu, and made me who I am today. It was because of him, I found my place in the world and made so many friends." Said Tigress.
Jian gave a sad smile to Tigress.
"I guess you were lucky to have him, huh?" said Jian.
"I am." Said Tigress.
Jian's smile went away, and he gazed towards the ground.
"Wish I had someone like that. I wish I could've had a friend like him." Said Jian.
Tigress felt her heart sting in sadness. She knew better than anyone how Jian felt. The pain of being alone was something she wished he never knew. Tigress placed her hand gently on Jian's cheek and carefully wiped his tears away.
"I could be your friend, if you want." Said Tigress.
Jian looked in Tigress's direction with surprise, hope showing in his eyes.
"W-Will you?" asked Jian.
Tigress smiled warmly at the young pup.
"Yes Jian. I will." Said Tigress.
At that moment, Jian threw himself into Tigress and hugged her like his life depended on it. At first, Tigress was surprised by the action but soon brought her arms around the young wolf pup and comforted him. Memories of her time at the orphanage and meeting Master Shifu appeared in her mind. Tigress knew deep down this was the best decision, but the now a new problem came into mind. Tigress would now have to take Jian with her back to the Jade Palace. His home was no longer safe for him. Tigress knew she would have to ask him to come with her. The question is, would Jian want to go? Tigress ended the hug and looked into Jian's eyes.
"Jian. I know you have a lot of memories here, but your home just isn't safe anymore. I would like to offer you a chance at a fresh start. How would you like to come with me to the Jade Palace? You'll be much safer there." Said Tigress.
Jian was surprised by Tigress's offer. The opportunity to go to the Jade Palace seemed like a dream. Not to mention the possibility of meeting other Kung Fu masters and the Dragon Warrior just made it all more incredible. However, Jian shook his head.
"I appreciate the offer Tigress, but… I don't think I want to leave." Said Jian.
Tigress was surprised by Jian's answer, and it brought concerns to her mind.
"But Jian, this place is falling apart. Not to mention that winter will be coming in just a couple months. I know you've been through this before, but what if something happened to you?" said Tigress.
"I'll be fine Tigress. I've gotten used to living on my own. And, it's not that I don't appreciate the offer, I really do. It's just… I'm not sure I really want to leave. This place is all I have left of my father. I feel like I would be abandoning him if I just left. So, if it's all the same to you, I'd rather stay here." Said Jian.
Tigress sighed heavily. Deep down she knew she probably wouldn't be able to convince Jian to leave. She could understand the importance of his father's memory to Jian. Still, with winter coming soon, she knew that Jian's health and safety would be at risk. It was then a solution presented itself to Tigress.
"Alright, Jian. If you really don't want to leave, then I'll accept it. I won't force you to do anything. However, if it's ok with you, I would like to come back her every now and again to check up on you. Make sure everything is ok and that you don't get hurt. Would that be alright?" said Tigress.
Jian smiled at Tigress and gave a nod.
"I would like that, very much. It would be great to have company every so often. Thank you for understanding." Said Jian.
"You're welcome Jian." Said Tigress.
It was soon time for Tigress to depart. She rose to her feet, and Jian joined her as they walked to the front door. Tigress turned around and placed her hands on Jian's shoulders.
"You take care of yourself, Jian. I'll come back as soon as I can to check up on you." Said Tigress.
Jian smiled and placed his hand on Tigress's.
"I will. I look forward to seeing you again, Master Tigress." Said Jian.
Tigress smiled at him and retracted her hands. She then turned and walked out the front door. Jian stood at the door and listened closely as Tigress's footsteps slowly drifted away. Tigress soon found herself back on the path to the Jade Palace. She was glad she was able to help Jian and to be his first friend. However, she knew it was going to be quite the challenge to convince the young pup to leave his home. Still, Tigress knew that his wellbeing was more important, and she hoped that she could talk him into coming with her. Hopefully one day, Jian will agree. That is all Tigress can hope for.