A twelve year old tigress was practicing her forms against the punching dummy while Master Shifu, her Kung Fu master and adopted father watched closely critiquing everything wrong. The young tigress has been training at the Jade Palace with Master Shifu and Oogway for six years now trying to prove her worth to Master Shifu and her thanks for adopting her. Her main goal in life so far is to make her master and father proud, so naturally she does everything he asks of her without complaint hoping to be the ideal daughter and warrior.
"Ahh, I see our young Tigress is doing quite well with her forms, wouldn't you agree Shifu?" Ask the old tortoise, Master Oogway, who surprised both Shifu and the young tigress whose name is actually Tigress.
Master Shifu quickly composed himself and bowed to his master. "Yes indeed Master Oogway, though she could do better." Hearing this Tigress lowered her ears a bit while bowing to Master Oogway.
"Well she is still young and has much to learn. I bring some news for you both that will greatly benefit both of you." Spoke Oogway.
"And what would that be Master?" Asked Shifu. Tigress gazed upon the old turtle with curiosity at which Oogway just smiled.
"A new student of course." Oogway smiled brightly. Tigress' ears perked up when Master Oogway said, "He's around Tigress' age, well a few years older I would think."
"Another student Master? Asked Shifu.
"Yes, I think Tigress could use some company and I also believe that you can learn a few things from this student. He is wise for his age. He will be here within the week." With that the old master walked away, but not before calling out to Tigress, "I expect you at the peach tree this evening young one."
Master Shifu looked back to Tigress and sighed, "Go clean and prepare a room for the new student."
"Yes Master Shifu." With that Tigress quickly scurried off.
Shifu sighed once again as he walked to meditate in the gardens. 'A new student? What is Master thinking? The last time I had two students at once was when…' He left off there. 'No, this will turn out differently. They can rely on one another hopefully and not go down such a dark path, but what of jealousy? I'll just have to be strict and lay down some rules. Maybe Master is right, this will benefit Tigress, then again when is Oogway ever wrong?' Shifu questioned himself which put him more at easy as he continued to meditate.
Meanwhile Tigress was dusting and cleaning out a spare room, one across the hall from her, but not directly in front of hers, just one door down. After the incident five years ago she did not dare go into the room directly across from hers. 'I wonder what this new student will be like? Master Oogway said he was wise, so is he a turtle like him? Or maybe he is another feline like me! But, what if he isn't? Will he be afraid of me like all the others my age?' With that thought Tigress frowned. 'Well he will be learning Kung Fu, so he should not be afraid of anything. Master Shifu always says that a great warrior shows no fear. I guess that doesn't make me a great warrior, I still have fears. No I will get rid of this fears and be the best warrior China has ever seen!' With her confidence back up Tigress finished her task of preparing the room and started her walk to the peach tree to join Master Oogway like he requested.
Once Tigress got far enough up the small hill that was home to the Sacred Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom she could already see Oogway sitting in a meditative pose waiting for her.
"Sorry I am late Master." Tigress said with a bow.
"That is quite alright young one. I know you were preparing for your new comrade. You must be excited yes?"
"Yes Master, but I am also nervous. I do not know what to expect."
"Well the universe is strange in a way that we have to expect what is unexpected in order to know what to expect." Tigress gave a confused look before she sat next to Oogway in a meditative pose. "Tigress do not be afraid to meet new people. Not everyone in the world is the same. In fact they are all different."
"But Master, don't people have the same thoughts or personalities as others."
"No, they are but similar as someone else, but never the same. They all have the smallest difference to one another. I know what you are worried about young one. First impressions are important, but a friendship is not built upon a first glance. It takes time and patience. Now I believe it is time for you to get some dinner and get some rest. Our guest should be arriving tomorrow. Remember to be yourself and you will have nothing to worry about."
"Thank you Master Oogway. Goodnight."