Greetings readers, Jeffwolf here,
I'd like to thank any for choosing to give my stories a read, whether in love for the characters, or just out of curiosity. For this story, I'm trying something, a little different. In recent years, I re-read a story that's become one my life-long favorites. Only that time, I decided to listen to instrumental music while reading, choosing specific music for the emotional heavy scenes. I found it to greatly enjoy my enjoyment of the story, with the background music complementing the emotional weight of the chapters. Well, I've decided to do the same here.
I've chosen music from one of my favorite video game franchises, "Fire Emblem". A fantasy, strategy series that always have a great instrumental musical score. Here's how I'll arrange it:
When a song begins, it will look like this: (Fire emblem ost – "Example")
And when a song ends, it will look like this: ("Example" ends)
When a song starts, just start a new tap and look up the song on "Youtube". Don't worry, the story isn't going anywhere while you set the music up. I encourage readers to give it a try, as I believe it will contribute to your enjoyment of the story. And you can always ignore the music and read like a normal story, nothing wrong there.
With that dealt with, let us begin.
Chapter 1: Summer dawn
The morning sun rose upward, bringing the birth of a new day in the long and great existence of life. The bright, warm sphere spreads its golden rays upon the land, soaking the rocky hills, green fields, and quiet villages in warmth. Creating a sight so beautiful it's as if the divines themselves painted it with their very own hands. The sunrise begun in one of the most famous and beloved provinces in all of ancient China, the Valley of Peace, but this China isn't like the one you may know of. In this variation of ancient ages, the land is inhabited by animals that walk and talk like people. They are people, just not like the kind you may have met. In small villages like these, animals like pigs, goats, and geese reside in peaceful homes, valuing harmony and culture. And this place, The Valley of Peace, with its lush fields, crystal clean water, and prosperous atmosphere is treasured as a sacred sanctuary for all who wish to live calm, joyful lives.
However, you could say that The Valley of Peace doesn't always live up to its name. For at times, some of which too often, the peace of this land is threatened by those who seek to only gain from the suffering of others. The larger animals such as crocodiles, oxen, gorillas, and many other nefarious villains often take advantage of the weak, whether for riches or terrorism, bandits and gangs target and show no mercy for these pour peaceful people.
But the villagers of this valley aren't defenseless. For these people have been blessed with powerful protectors to defend the innocent, and uphold honor and justice. These warriors are the kung fu masters of the famed Jade Palace, which resides on the top of a large mountain that watches over its people. These brave and mighty heroes have trained their whole lives for this single purpose. Over time, this palace has been home to generations of heroes. The most recent now has some of the greatest masters in China's history. Including, The furious Five, a group of heroes who've maintained a long held tradition in the palace. The great Master Shifu, the master of the palace and apprentice of the late great Oogway. The Dragon Warrior, a fighter for justice unlike any other. And a former general, who's turned from his old self, and now devotes his life to correcting the sins of his violent past. Oh, and there's one more of these heroes. A young boy, who's survived through much hardship and loss, and he now lives peacefully in this valley. A wolf boy named…
((()-()))
Rays of morning light beamed through the cracks in the window doors, finally landing on the face of a slumbering young man of 16 years. The sun's rays beamed on the closed, relaxed eyes of the boy in his bed, resulting in his session of sleep and rest coming to a close. The boy regained awareness as his paw blocked the light shining in his face. He sat up in his bed and opened his window's cover doors. The boy looked out at the new day before him, stretched his arms out, felt the wind flow through the fur on his bare torso, and gave a long yawn to greet the new morning. This young wolf looked out at the village he lives in, noticing that only a few of his neighbor's were already up and out, getting a head start on the day ahead. After breathing in the morning air, the boy turned, got out of his bed, and begun his daily, early routine. He stood up, scratching an itch on his side as he continued to regain awareness. But he noticed that even with only undergarments and plain shorts, the summer heat was once again lightly unforgiving for his kind. With a thick gray coat of fur, it was a no wonder why summer wasn't his favorite of seasons.
As the wolf teen looked around his room, decorated with a number of items and worldly possessions he gained over the couple years of living in this warm and lovely home. Hand drawn posters of great kung fu heroes, a desk with scrolls of martial techniques, a little wooden figure of a wolf with a bandana and bow in one hand, as well as an arrow in the other. A back pack with sewed on patches, marks of repair, though every patch was a reminder of an adventure the boy had in recent years and months. A box holding a bow paired with a quiver of arrows. A bed by the window, with soft silk sheets fit for royalty, which were a gift from a young and bright noble girl the wolf teen befriended once. As well as a red bandana hanging on the wall of his room, a sacred and treasured memento to the boy.
But one of, if not, the teen's favorite piece of décor in his room, was a painting that hung on the wall opposite to his bed. The lupine walked over to his painting that showed him, and his second and special family. This piece of art was created on the boy's 'welcome to the Valley of Peace' party, set up by a goofy panda, who in the painting was stuffing his mouth with tasty bean buns, like the silly older brother the wolf boy had come to see as.
After admiring and reminiscing, the wolf teen walked out of his room, entered the upper hallway, and made his way to the wash room. After cleaning himself, he couldn't help but notice the condition of his body as he looked in the mirror. It was only now that he noticed that his torso, arms, and legs were in quite fit shape, with even a noticeable amount of muscle on his chest and arms. Not enough the match a seasoned warrior, but enough to show he possessed a healthy and fit physic, gained through months of training in kung fu. The teen decided to pose his arms in a flex position, and was surprise by the progress he made through the drills and exercises his master put him through. All his hard work was now beginning to pay off.
Suddenly a voice shouted "Erdan, come down for breakfast!"
"Ok mom!" Erdan shouted back.
The wolf teen finished his self show off and proceeded downstairs to join his foster mother for their morning meal.
((()-()))
(Fire emblem: Warriors ost – "Light on a window")
Within the kitchen of the humble home a mother was putting the final touches on the meal, honey, dripped over a plate of bean buns, her son's favorite. As the warmth of the oven finally settled down, she took her seat at the table, awaiting her adoptive son to join her. Finally, the boy arrived downstairs, though the feeling of summer heat intensified upon entering the dining area. Erdan looked at the table where his mother was waiting.
"Good morning." She said with a smile.
"Morning mom." Erdan replied.
Shu noticed that her son came down wearing just his pants and without a top on his torso. Any normal family wouldn't allow such lack of attire when at the table. But for their kind, with their thick coats built for the cold, she allowed it, knowing full well the dread of heat herself.
She decided to try to take her mind off the hot air, and said to her son "Guess what I made?"
Erdan smiled as he sat on his chair, saying "Honey buns, yes!"
As the two begun eating, Shu, his mother, asked "So, how has your training been going?"
Erdan made sure to swallow before answering. "Oh, pretty good. Last week, I almost beat Monkey in a sparring match."
"Really?" Shu asked with a look of surprise and pride for his son.
"Yeah, and I once lasted five minutes against Tigress."
As Erdan continued to eat, Shu drank some water while thinking of rather… uneasy thoughts while resting her right paw on her forehead. Erdan noticed this, and concern begun to reside in his mind.
"You ok mom?"
"…"
"Mom?" Erdan asked continuing to bare a concerned face.
Shu was brought out of her trance and answered "Oh, I'm, I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"Yes, yes I'm alright Erdan." Shu replied, trying to bring ease to her boy, even if it wasn't working.
The mother and son finished their meal, feeling satisfaction within their stomachs. Erdan then realized what day of the week it is.
"Hey, today's Friday. That means dad 's having dinner tonight." Erdan said with a smile.
Shu returned her son's warm attitude with an equally pleasant reply. "Yes, so I'll need you to help with dinner when you get back, Zhong sure eats quite a bit."
Erdan crossed his arms and rested his elbows on the table as he commented. "Yeah, but that's because he has to keep his bulk."
Shu finished a sip of her water before replying "And maybe soon you'll need too as well, given how you look."
Shu took notice of how Erdan's body was growing, which was within the transition of becoming a strong young man.
"Yeah, well, all that training realy has paid off." Erdan said.
"Have you been getting… well…" Shu asked while drifting into thought.
"Getting what?" Erdan questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Well… have… any girls given you attention?" Shu asked.
"No, why?" Erdan answered in a puzzled tone.
Shu sighed and replied "Well, your sixteen now, and you don't have a girlfriend."
"Sh-should I right now" Erdan asked.
"You don't have to, and certainly not right now." Shu continued as she took a sip of water. "It's just that, girls… can be… shallow." Erdan listened as his mother continued. "You're becoming a handsome, strong, good young man, and some may want to see only that."
"You mean like, lust. Dad's taught me about that, back when…" Erdan then shuddered upon remembering, the talk, his father gave him before.
"Yes, that's what I'm talking about. But you also need to know if a girl loves you as a whole… or if she loves only your… outside and not the inside, do you understand?" She questioned, trying to keep her wording as cringe free as possible.
Erdan paused a moment and replied "I do. But, I don't know if there are any girls for me around here."
Shu took her last sip of liquid as a thought popped into her head. "What about Yingyu?"
"Mom, she lives miles away. And besides, she's a just a friend." Erdan replied, doing his best to make his statement clear about his royal friend.
Shu sighed and commented "Yeah, but I think you two would make a cute couple."
Erdan stayed quiet as his mother bored a small smile. He could guess very well of what she was thinking, no doubt having an edge of awkwardness for the image of a wolf and deer being a romantic pairing.
"Well, I better start the shop, and you should get going to Mr. Ping's." Shu said as she put the cups and dishes away.
"Ok mom." Erdan said before returning to his room to prepare, though he'd take any excuse to escape from the previous conversation. And after five minutes he returned downstairs, dressed with a dark blue vest, a backpack, and his dark red bandana tied around his neck.
Shu approached her son by the front door, wanting to wish good day. "Have a nice day Erdan." She happily said before giving a short kiss on his son's forehead.
Erdan smiled and hugged his foster mother before replying "Thanks, you too mom." And the teenage boy headed off down the street as his mother waved goodbye.
As Erdan walked down the stone paved road, Shu begun to start her duties and open her pottery shop, ready to continue her independent life, to continue making sales and business with the nice villagers of the valley, ready for whatever this new dawn, this new day will bring.
("Light on a window" ends)
((()-()))
(Fire emblem ost – "Pale star")
Drip…drip…drip, sounded as drops of sacred water fell into a pool that is the main piece of a meditative retreat. A small outdoor room that featured a dragon statue, a benevolent pond, and candles, burning incents to aid in the clearing of one's mind and soul. The scents of a natural aroma flourished in the atmosphere, creating a suitable spot for the ancient practice of meditation. A state performed for one to temporarily leave behind all thoughts, whether physical or mental, to become purely spiritual. Within this small sanctuary, an old red panda, wearing a brown and emerald green robe, continued to meditate in the mist of early morning. Like he's always done every day for many years, to prepare himself for what the new dawn will bring. The raccoon-like mammal balanced on a special and long cane, that once was in the possession of his beloved, late master. The sounds and smells of the misty morning entered the old master's ears, though he never heard or detected them, due to being within the state of his mind and spirit.
The mist then cleared, and after for what always seemed like an hour, the old master finished his early routine. He opened his eyes, turned, and saw the mountain mist clear to reveal the beauty and majesty of the Valley of peace. Sun soaked fields complementing the humble and peace loving homes, along with rivers of clean, clear water. The old master smiled, then jumped off his cane with it in hand, and landed onto the smooth stone. Then proceeded to blow out the candles he lit, gently canceling their tiny flames with his breath, one by one, just as his master did.
After finishing, the old master walked through the palace grounds, passing by goose and pig workers, who were finishing construction on a new garden of greats. A special area, where statues of masters of past, who've accomplished great duties in service of China and her people. The red panda walked to the end of the display, where at the end's middle, stood his old master, sculpted in stone. He looked fondly at the artistic form of the turtle that cared and taught him, remembering all he learned from the wise hearted turtle. The red panda put his paws together and gave a bow to the statue. Not as a form of worship, but a sign of eternal respect.
("Pale star" ends)
The old master made his way into the grand home he cares for, the Jade Palace. Where heroes are taught in the most respected and honored of martial arts, Kung Fu. The red panda walked along the barracks, finally arriving at his destination. Before him was a hall featuring many rooms for rest. And then, a loud gong rang and the students of the master quickly exited their rooms at lightning speed.
"Good morning master!" Each of the students greeted in unison.
"Good morning." The red panda replied, though he quickly noticed that two of his students didn't emerge from their rooms.
The red panda walked down the hall, passing by his students. A fierce feline female named, Tigress, who after years has come to see the red panda like a father, besides her teacher. There was also a crane wearing a large bamboo hat. A golden furred monkey, a green viper, and a praying mantis resided in the palace as well. Together, they made the furious five, the greatest heroes of the valley. Even though there were three other warriors they fought alongside with.
The red panda slid opened one of the sealed doors, and just five feet in front of him was a large panda. The black and white bear laid on his back in deep sleep, ignoring the morning act everyone else performs every day. He laid almost motionless with a blanket over his large belly. At first, one would think he was dead, if not for whenever the panda would scratch himself in his sleep. As the old master looked at his sixth and laziest student, his other pupils join in to see their friend oversleep… again.
"Did he sleep through the gong again?" Monkey pondered quietly.
"When doesn't he?" Mantis replied.
"I think I'll sprinkle some spice down his nose." Monkey said with a mind of mischief.
But before the simian warriors could act out his prank, the red panda held his left paw out, signaling his students to stand idle. Monkey quickly stopped what he was planning, and the old master walked up to the sleeping giant. The panda snored in slumber, and then the red panda took two of his fingers, and held the bear's nostrils together, squeezing his nose.
"Hmm, hhuua, wuuuh, huuuh, whaaaa?!" The panda muttered in his sleep. "Ahhhhhh! I'm drowning! I'M DROWNING!" The bear loudly said in his sleep.
Then the red panda swung his arm, hurling the panda off his bed and onto the wooden floor. Upon impact the panda regained consciousness, and was awoken to find his nose pinched, and sounds of laughter from behind him. Once the bear realized what was going on, the red panda let his fingers go, and the large bear quickly stood up, put his paws together, and bowed.
"M-Master Sh-Shifu!" The panda said in surprise. "I-I can explain. You see, I was…uh… fighting…p-pirates. Yeah, pirates, and I was saving their captives, and I was thrown into the water, and, and…"
But Shifu just smiled and said "Good morning Po."
Po, who for once stopped explaining, realized he wasn't in any trouble-ish, and bowed while saying "Good morning, master."
With that out of the way, Shifu exited the room and walked over to the next dorm. Meanwhile, Po joined the Five in the hall, trying to act as cool as possible.
"Morning everyone." Po greeted.
But monkey and mantis snickered, and the simian jokingly asked "So Po, should we drown you if you're oversleeping from now on?" Before him and mantis both let out their laughter.
"I was drowning, just, not… for real." Po answered in an annoyed tone.
Meanwhile, Shifu slid open the door of the room next to Po's, only to find it empty of its occupant. The red panda immediately returned to his students and asked "Where's Zhong?"
((()-()))
Within and area of palace grounds called the Training hall, a large, muscular, one eyed wolf readied himself, bracing himself physically and mentally for his next attack upon his wooden opponent. Sweat and signs of perspiration dripped down his bare torso, and his muscles tensed for another round of self imposed stress on his body. Then, he dashed, running on all fours, and attacking his target. The wooden dumb swung its arms in reaction to the attack, and the wolf threw everything he had. Punches, kicks, jabs, and all manner of intended harm onto the practice opponent. Then, thoughts begun to reside in his mind, and in mere seconds, rage birthed in his subconscious, resulting in the burly wolf grabbing one of the dumby's arms and beating it's head with its own limb. Over and over again the lupine smashed the head with the arm, releasing anger and rage in an almost unhealthy manor. After of which, he breathed heavily, tossing the wooden arm aside.
"Are… you finished?" A familiar voice sounded, belonging to an old but respected man.
The wolf turned to his right to see his master, Shifu, and his comrades the panda and the Five.
Immediately the wolf put his paws together and bow. "Good… morning… master." The wolf said while almost out of breath.
"Are you alright Zhong?" Shifu asked as he and his students joined their wolven friend.
"Yeah, I… I just wanted to get some… extra training." Zhong replied, sitting down on a stool.
Tigress looked over the wolf's condition. She noticed that his torso was drenched in sweat, and his muscles looked over worked. "Zhong how long have you been… training?"
"Just… an hour." The warrior said, regaining his breath.
But then Crane walked over to the wolf's right and said "Uh, judging from your condition, you've been training for quite awhile."
Mantis jumped onto Zhong's shoulder, asking "Are you feeling well man?"
"Yes I'm fine." Zhong answered in an agitated tone.
It was clear to the other students that their wolf comrade wasn't in a mood to be pestered with questions or repeated concerns. Po, knowing the wolf a greater deal than the Five, simply placed his paw on Zhong's shoulder gently in support.
"We're only worried about you. And you don't have to tell us what's bother-" Po said in comfort before being interrupted.
"Nothing's bothering me, alright!?" Zhong said back, trying to keep his cool.
Shifu was begging to have enough of this display, efforts resulting in getting nowhere, and resolving nothing. He knew that if the mystery of his oldest pupil is to be solved, he'll need to take a different approach.
The red panda said, in a calm yet stern tone, "Zhong, I'd like to have a word with you, in private."
The wolf seemed hesitant at first, but figured he if there's anyone he should talk with, concerning his condition, it should be with his master first.
"Yes… master." Zhong tiredly replied as he rubbed himself with a towel.
(Fire emblem fates ost – "As all stars fall")
The old red panda and his lupine pupil walked over to the training hall's exit, on the way Shifu instructed his students to continue the lesson from yesterday for now. After a few minutes the master and apprentice were in the palace's kitchen, away from any prying ears. Shifu boiled water and made some tea for them both. He handed a warm cup to Zhong, who took a sip and almost instantly his senses were calming down. After a few minutes of enjoying the beverage, Shifu broke the silence with beginning a conversation.
"Zhong, have you been having any trouble?"
"No master." Zhong replied while taking another sip.
"You're lying." Shifu said calmly with a raised eyebrow.
Zhong looked up from his drink and to his teacher. Before saying something in protest, he remembered Shifu was a man who you couldn't hide much from. The old master can sense one's innerness on a level most couldn't. Thought that might be a skill developed for one who's spent the majority of his life teaching.
With a heavy sigh and another sip of his tea, Zhong answered. "I've been having… dreams."
"Dreams?" Shifu asked.
"Yes, nightmares."
"Of what kind?"
Zhong remained quiet for a minute before continuing. "Every night, I'm reliving the horrific memories of my past."
Shifu stayed silent, preferring to listen to his student before speaking.
"These nightmares are the same over and over again, and feel as real as life." Zhong explained with a mixture of emotions, mostly negative.
"How long has they been haunting you?" Shifu asked.
"Weeks." Zhong answered. "I've had them in the past, since coming here, but nowadays they are so life like, and terrible."
"You mentioned that the dreams keep repeating. Does that mean it's the same nightmare again and again?" Shifu asked with concern.
Zhong simply nodded. "Yes. Every night. Every single damn night, I relive those moments, when he took everything away from me!"
The wolf begun to raise in voice in anger, and though Shifu became a little alert, he also knew that release is good for pent up emotion.
"Every night I relive him, that goddamn peacock, destroying all that I loved! My wife! My children! My pack!" Zhong yelled.
Shifu decided to remain quiet, in case his angered student wasn't finished.
Zhong slammed his fist onto the table as he shouted "And now, even in death, he haunts me, taking and stealing away my sleep, and any chance for peaceful rest."
Zhong begun to calm down, he sipped and finished his tea, and settled his mind and voice. Shifu processed the information given, and carefully chose his reply.
"So-" Shifu said "After experiencing this night terrors, you couldn't take it any longer, and decided to channel your anger and rage with training all night long."
Zhong looked up and asked "Was it that obvious?"
"You have bags under your eye, you forgot to bring a shirt or vest to change into, and you're exhausted and drenched in your own sweat." Shifu explained.
Zhong held his head down in a mix of tiredness and shame. Unsure of what think, he decided to rely on advice from one experience in life longer than him.
"What should I do?" the burly wolf asked.
Shifu thought for a bit, before replying "First, take a bath, you smell like Po after a winter feast."
Zhong smelled himself, and was surprised he didn't realize his…odor until now.
"Then, rest and meditate. Do some soul searching, and find your inner peace again." Shifu instructed.
Zhong simply nodded and then got up to go to the palace's bath house.
As he was almost out of the kitchen, Zhong heard shifu say "And, Zhong?"
"Yes master?" Zhong replied.
Shifu stayed silent for a second before saying back "Um, it's nothing, forget about it."
("As all stars fall" ends)
And with that Zhong went off to bathe, while Shifu put the tea and cups away. He wanted to ask his pupil and important query, one born from concern for the grizzled wolf's well being. But the red panda knew that he had six other student to teach, pupils in need of their master's wisdom. But as Shifu walked through the palace, he thought of Zhong, and not just him, but his girlfriend, Shu, and their adoptive son, Erdan. But he quickly shook those thoughts away as he reached the training hall's doors. The old master took a deep breath, opened the doors, and begun the new day that the dawn brought.
(Fire emblem Three Houses ost – "Edge of dawn")