Chapter Fifty: Beneath the Darkness of the Moon
Tigress sat quietly on the edge of her bed. She flexed her paws slowly, testing her strength. To her relief, the painful stiffness of the previous night had finally subsided; her muscles, while still sore, no longer screamed at her every movement. A good night's sleep and a much-needed bath could truly do wonders.
The morning sunlight was gentle, warming the austere space she had called home for most of her life. Her eyes drifted to the neatly folded blue and gold Mongolian tunic resting on a small stand at the far side of the room. She had grown strangely fond of the garment; it was a gift given in good faith, from a people who had nothing but gratitude. But having her classic red vest resting comfortably on her shoulders again felt right—it felt like herself, the Tigress she had always known. She adjusted the fabric slightly, smoothing the wrinkles with a quiet exhale.
Through the thin walls of the barracks, she heard a gentle melody drifting from outside. It was Crane, no doubt; the distinctive, melancholic notes of his erhu carried on one after another. Tigress stepped towards the door, pulling it open and moving into the hallway. She followed the sound, moving out onto the sunlit grounds of the Jade Mountain. The morning air was cool and fresh.
Crane was sitting alone at the edge of the training grounds, eyes gently closed as he played. The bow moved gracefully across the erhu's strings, producing a melody so gentle and sincere that it seemed to drift upon the breeze. Mei Ling observed silently from the shade of a nearby tree, arms gently folded. Neither of them seemed to notice Tigress at first, their attention wholly given over to the calming melody.
Tigress lingered a short distance away, allowing Crane to finish the piece uninterrupted. For a brief moment, she savored the stillness. Such moments were increasingly rare, and she had learned to appreciate them when she could. Eventually, the final note faded away into silence, and she approached quietly, drawing the attention of the two warriors.
"It's time," she said simply.
Crane turned, setting his instrument gently beside him on the bench. He gave her a small nod, rising to his feet. "I instructed the palace servants to clear as much debris from the Moon Pool as possible. They should be finished by now."
"Good." Tigress exhaled, glancing briefly toward the Hall of Warriors in the distance. "Then we shouldn't delay."
To Crane, the familiar simplicity of Tigress wearing her distinctive outfit once again felt reassuring; she really was back, after all.
They started walking together towards the Jade Palace.
Mei Ling stepped forward, falling into step beside them. She glanced briefly at Tigress, a faint but genuine smile tugging at the edge of her lips. "You look much better today."
Tigress allowed a slight nod of acknowledgment. "I feel better."
They crossed the courtyard quietly. As they ascended the stairs leading into the Hall of Warriors, Tigress noted how the great doors, once splintered and broken, had been carefully mended. They pushed through, stepping inside. The interior was brighter than she remembered, morning light spilling through gaps where reconstruction remained incomplete. Though far from fully restored, the hall was no longer a ruin. The great columns, though still scarred, once again stood proudly to bear the hall's weight.
The tiger master walked slowly toward the far end, her eyes instinctively drawn upward. The carved dragon that had once held the Dragon Scroll in its maw still loomed overhead, forever frozen in its eternal vigil. Lowering her gaze, she saw its reflection shimmer clearly in the tranquil waters of the Moon Pool below.
Despite everything—the war, the destruction, the chaos—these waters had remained untouched. She stepped closer to the edge, gazing into its smooth surface. Crane and Mei Ling stopped behind her, uncertain what they were searching for.
"How do we even begin?" Crane asked quietly.
Tigress didn't respond immediately. Her eyes were already tracing the rim of the pool, searching for anything out of place—anything that might offer a clue. Slowly, deliberately, she began to circle around it. Crane and Mei Ling watched as she continued to pace, until abruptly, she stopped. Her eyes had caught something.
Beneath the lip of the pool, a series of subtly-inlaid carvings depicted the phases of the moon—waxing, full, waning. Her gaze followed the carvings around the circumference until, at the pool's far side, both sequences merged into a single point where the moon vanished completely. Following instinct, Tigress knelt down to see it more clearly. She extracted a single claw and traced the carving where the moon disappeared. Only moments later, something beneath the tile gave way, and there was a quiet click.
Beneath the still water, bubbles suddenly rose to the surface, disturbing the reflection above.
Crane and Mei Ling exchanged a glance, unsure what to make of this. Tigress slowly stood, watching the last bubbles pop gently against the surface. She exhaled slowly, stepping closer to the edge of the pool and peering down, but the depth of the water yielded nothing. All she saw was her own distorted reflection staring back, uncertain but determined.
Beneath the Darkness of the Moon.
She had always hated swimming—more than she would ever admit aloud. The weightlessness, the suffocating pressure, the cold—all sensations she would happily avoid. But now, there was no choice. The answers she sought lay beneath the surface, in the darkness below.
She turned back to face Crane and Mei Ling, who watched her expectantly.
"I have to go down there," she explained. "There must be an opening beneath the water."
"Are you sure?" Crane asked gently, concern apparent in his voice.
Tigress nodded grimly. "If I'm not back soon…"
"You will be," Mei Ling interrupted firmly, her tone allowing no argument.
Tigress gave a short nod of gratitude, steadied herself, and stepped forward, taking a deep breath. Then, before doubt could slow her resolve, she plunged into the water.
Cold enveloped her instantly, a sharp shock that made her heart pound painfully. She forced her eyes open, allowing her natural night vision to adjust to the darkness below. Her powerful legs propelled her downward, stroke after stroke, deeper into the pool. Light from above quickly faded away, leaving her suspended in a shadowy void. Her lungs began to protest, aching with the burning need for air. She fought the rising panic, eyes desperately scanning the dark.
Finally, near the bottom, she saw it—a small alcove recessed into the side of the pool, newly opened by the mechanism she had triggered. Her heart surged with hope and she swam toward it, slipping through into a narrow passage. She swam upwards through darkness, her lungs screaming now. Her paws brushed against smooth stone walls as she rose until, at last, her head broke through the water's surface into an air pocket hidden within the foundations of the Jade Palace itself.
Tigress gasped desperately, her breaths ragged as she pulled herself out onto the smooth jade flooring. Her limbs trembled from the effort, her fur soaked and dripping. She stood slowly, shivering from the cold, but the sight before her quickly drove all discomfort from her mind.
The chamber was radiant with ethereal light—blues, greens, reds, yellows, and whites—glowing from the surfaces around her. Each wall was polished jade, reflecting the dazzling colors that emanated from over a dozen crystalline fragments placed upon intricately carved pedestals.
Shards of Chaos.
There were so many of them. She felt their raw, enticing energy tugging at something deep within her, tempting her with the power each fragment contained. Awe and dread mingled as she stepped forward cautiously, eyes wide in disbelief.
Tigress slowly paced along the chamber's perimeter, each step echoing faintly in the enclosed space. Her reflection danced across the polished walls, shifting as she moved. The potent, restless energy emanating from each shard was almost overwhelming. It was astonishing to consider that Oogway had captured and contained so many of them, and they had remained beneath their feet this entire time. Each one of these malignant pieces of the Wind Lord must have witnessed unimaginable violence, tragedy, and despair. The old tortoise master had surely sacrificed much to acquire them.
She paused, studying one shard more closely than the others—a pale white fragment that suddenly and inexplicably shifted to a vivid, piercing shade of bright orange.
It was inviting her.
Tigress' ears flicked back, surprised. She leaned closer, curious, and reached out cautiously. Her paw hovered mere inches from the artifact, hesitant, trembling slightly.
Her heart raced, pounding in her chest.
She withdrew her paw quickly, uncertainty gripping her.
This is madness.
She knew the Shards' power firsthand—she had watched helplessly as Po succumbed to their corrupting influence. And yet… perhaps this was precisely what she needed. She had been brought back to life, after all. She had been guided here—had felt Fei Lian's manipulations for so long. Perhaps this shard had called to her for a reason.
Godhood was beckoning to her, and she didn't want it.
This… is the only way.
Drawing a steadying breath, Tigress reached out once more and wrapped her paw firmly around the shard.
Instantly, searing agony erupted through every fiber of her body.
She cried out involuntarily, collapsing onto the jade floor as violent convulsions wracked her frame. She wanted to let go, but a stubborn refusal gripped her. She clenched her teeth, fighting the pain, clutching the shard even tighter as waves of nauseating torment rippled through her.
She could not—would not—let go.
With enormous effort, Tigress pushed herself to her feet, staggering toward the water. The shard burned brighter, its glow illuminating her soaked fur in fiery hues. Her body screamed in protest, yet she forced herself onward, plunging back below the surface.
The dark recesses of the pool now glowed bright orange as she swam desperately, fighting against the torment—first back through the submerged alcove, and then into the Moon Pool itself. Her lungs strained, her vision blurring. She kept pushing upwards. Her head broke the surface at last, and she gasped for air, clutching the shard tightly even as it continued to pulse in her paw.
Strong wings caught her, and Crane pulled her from the water, guiding her back onto solid ground.
"Tigress!" he shouted urgently, concern in his eyes. "What happened?"
Mei Ling rushed forward, her eyes wide with worry as she helped the tiger steady herself. The feline master coughed violently, still trembling from the aftershocks of pain. Her paw remained clenched around the glowing shard, refusing to relinquish it despite its searing heat. When the other two saw it, they knew at once that she was in peril.
Before either of them could speak, another wave of unbearable agony surged through Tigress' body. She doubled over, screaming as the pain tore through her again.
Her vision faded into darkness, and she collapsed into unconsciousness.
The chaos of battle had become routine.
Smoke filled the sky above Hangzhou, blackening the heavens like ink spilled across silk. Amidst the carnage, Shifu and the masters continued their fight—still holding the city's outer ramparts as the relentless Mongol assault crashed against them, wave after breaking wave.
"Watch out!" Monkey shouted, vaulting over an enemy before kicking another Mongol soldier clear off the wall.
Shifu pivoted effortlessly, deflecting a blade aimed at his side with a precise, powerful strike. He then shifted fluidly, palm striking upward, sending his attacker sprawling back into the enemy ranks below.
Mantis darted between the legs of two wolf warriors, striking their ankles. They fell with startled cries, toppling back over the battlements into the crowded enemy lines. Viper whipped around a spear thrust, twisting and constricting tightly, forcing her attacker to drop his weapon before a swift strike left him incapacitated.
Yet the enemy kept coming.
"Master Shifu, they're bringing up another siege tower!" Mantis called out, his voice carrying over the din.
Shifu turned sharply, catching sight of the imposing structure slowly rolling closer to the wall—a towering construct of timber and iron, teeming with Mongol warriors ready to storm the ramparts.
"Follow me!" the red panda commanded firmly, surging forward.
Monkey, Viper, and Mantis fell into formation behind him without hesitation, seamlessly responding to his lead. They raced along the top of the wall, weaving around defenders and cutting through attackers as the tower drew nearer.
Monkey somersaulted across the gap first, landing atop the siege tower's upper platform and quickly clearing it of enemies. Viper and Mantis followed swiftly, the serpent slipping between armored legs, striking with precise efficiency as the insect master darted between cracks and openings, causing the Mongols to swing wildly in confusion.
Shifu was the last to cross, leaping powerfully from the battlement and joining Monkey on the highest level of the siege engine. The red panda quickly assessed their situation—the tower was secured but precariously positioned, swaying with the weight of their battle above.
He nodded firmly. "Bring it down."
The masters struck together, targeting the wooden joints and supports. Mantis severed ropes and beams with precise strikes. Viper's quick coils loosened pins and bolts, while Monkey battered critical supports with furious blows.
The tower buckled, shuddered violently, and toppled forward.
"Jump!" Shifu commanded.
The masters rode the collapsing structure down, leaping away at the last possible second as it crashed into the earth below with a thunderous roar. Splinters and shards of shattered wood erupted into the enemy ranks, scattering soldiers and leaving turmoil in its wake.
The masters landed gracefully, quickly regrouping into a tight formation amidst the enemy.
"Stay close!" Shifu shouted, his voice sharp. "Fight through to the gates!"
The masters plunged headlong into the enemy ranks, a tight formation amidst the mass of chaos. The sheer number of Mongol warriors was overwhelming, each wave pressing forward relentlessly, blades and spears flashing mercilessly in the dim, smoky air. The battle became an endless blur of movement, instinct and training overtaking conscious thought.
Monkey spun low, sweeping his staff to knock enemies from their feet, clearing the way ahead as Mantis swiftly leapt from shoulder to shoulder, delivering pinpoint nerve attacks that left Mongols reeling. Viper twisted like quicksilver through gaps in armor, coiling tightly around limbs and weapons, incapacitating her foes with meticulous efficiency.
At their center, Shifu fought like a whirlwind of fury—each precise blow crushing armor, snapping weapons, and driving attackers back. But even he was beginning to feel his strength falter under the relentless weight of numbers pressing in around them.
A spear struck toward Shifu from his blind side—too fast, too close. The red panda twisted sharply, catching the shaft at the last moment, but the Mongol warrior surged forward, overpowering him through sheer momentum. Shifu stumbled, losing balance, the attacker raising his sword to deliver a killing blow.
A flash of green shot between them.
Viper wrapped around the enemy's arm in a single fluid movement, jerking the sword aside just as it came down. Shifu recovered instantly, lunging forward and delivering a precise, powerful palm strike to the Mongol's chest, sending the warrior sprawling backwards with a bright flash of green-blue light.
He shared a brief glance with Viper, the serpent master giving a sharp nod of acknowledgement, and the two quickly fell back into rhythm alongside Monkey and Mantis.
"Keep pushing!" Shifu shouted over the deafening clash of weapons.
The defenders atop the city walls spotted their peril, and shouts of encouragement rang out from above. Ropes dropped over the side, thick and sturdy, a lifeline for the masters below.
"Almost there!" Monkey called, ducking a blade and elbowing the enemy aside with a desperate strike.
The masters surged forward with a final effort, fighting for every inch of ground. Each step was purchased with blood, their limbs heavy with exhaustion. Monkey grabbed hold of a rope first, scrambling upward swiftly to safety. Mantis followed, quickly ascending while Viper continued to weave through the attackers below.
"Viper, go!" Shifu ordered, his breath uneven, his old body threatening to collapse from exertion.
She hesitated, eyes narrowing defiantly, unwilling to leave him behind.
"Now!" he growled.
Reluctantly, Viper launched herself up the rope, quickly winding upwards towards the top of the wall. Shifu turned, delivering one final powerful blow to a Mongol's jaw before leaping for his own rope. The master climbed, his paws burning with effort as the enemy surged after him, paws grasping desperately at his robes.
Shifu ascended just out of their reach, gripping the rope tightly, determination the only thing keeping him moving upward. Defenders from above seized him firmly, hoisting him over the battlements, and he collapsed atop the ramparts with a heavy gasp.
His students surrounded him instantly, their faces etched with exhaustion and relief.
Below, the Mongol warriors roared in frustrated fury, retreating back amidst a hail of arrows and burning debris cast down from the defenders above. Shifu rose to his feet slowly, surveying the carnage below with eyes shadowed by weariness. The city was holding, but at a tremendous cost.
Monkey, still panting heavily, stepped closer beside him, eyes fixed uneasily on the retreating invaders. "Master, why aren't they sending the dragon yet? Surely, Khasar could break the city if he tried."
Viper shook her head, equally confused. "It doesn't make any sense. The Khan has the advantage. Why hold back?"
"Yeah," Mantis added, perched uneasily on the edge of the battlements. "Why waste his own soldiers like this? He's throwing their lives away."
"He does this because he can afford to," Shifu answered, gathering himself. "Because he's toying with us. Khasar won't unleash the Dragon Warrior until the city is already broken and bleeding."
Viper's gaze flicked back toward the horizon, her expression growing fearful. "Then how do we stop this?"
Shifu inhaled slowly, forcing his battered body to straighten as he faced his students once again.
"We hold the line. For as long as we can."
A heavy silence settled over them, punctuated only by the echoes of the battle raging on below.
Tigress awoke to agony.
She gasped, her eyes snapping open. Her whole body burned with an intensity she'd never felt before, as if molten iron flowed through her veins. The pain came in relentless waves, radiating out from her paw still clutching the glowing orange shard. Crane and Mei Ling were kneeling beside her, their faces twisted in fear and helplessness.
"Tigress!" Crane called out desperately, gripping her shoulder firmly to steady her trembling form. "Just breathe. We're here."
Mei Ling tried to soothe her, gently putting a paw to Tigress' forehead. "It's okay," she whispered urgently. "You're going to be alright."
But the words hardly registered. Tigress rolled onto her side, a strangled scream tearing free as another surge of white-hot pain coursed through her. She could barely think, barely breathe; the world dissolved into pure, consuming torment.
"What's happening to her?" Crane asked frantically, turning toward Mei Ling. His voice cracked with desperation. "Is this… like Po?"
Mei Ling's eyes were wide and fearful. "I don't know."
The room spun around her, shadows dancing along the walls of the Hall of Warriors. Tigress tried to push herself up but immediately collapsed again, shuddering uncontrollably.
Then, merciful darkness swallowed her once more.
The next time Tigress awoke, the pain had dulled slightly, replaced by a numb ache that radiated from her bones. Her vision blurred at first, the familiar ceiling of the Jade Palace swimming into view. She realized slowly that she was lying on the cold stone floor, surrounded by anxious palace servants who had gathered at a safe distance, murmuring nervously.
Crane and Mei Ling still hovered close, their expressions a mixture of concern and horror. Tigress forced herself onto trembling limbs, crawling toward the Moon Pool with weak, shaking movements.
"Tigress, wait!" Crane pleaded, reaching out to her, but she ignored him.
She needed to see.
She reached the pool's edge and leaned over, peering into the still, clear waters. What stared back at her stole her breath entirely.
She recoiled in shock. Horns—sharp, piercing horns—now protruded from her head, pointing back in a vicious sweep. Her eyes glowed with an unnatural intensity, her pupils having become predatory slits. Her claws had grown razor-sharp, elongated and deadly. As she shifted, she found that even her tail had thickened and lengthened, the muscles in her body subtly shaking beneath her fur.
"No," she whispered, voice shaking in disbelief. "No..."
"Tigress..." Mei Ling murmured gently, eyes filled with sympathy. "Stay calm. We're here for you."
Tigress turned sharply away from the reflection, breathing heavily as another wave of nausea overtook her. She could feel something inside her, something powerful and volatile, clawing its way through every part of her being. She opened her mouth to speak, but instead let out a strangled cry of agony as another violent spasm overtook her body.
She collapsed once more, vision darkening rapidly. As consciousness slipped away, Tigress vaguely heard panicked voices shouting her name, before everything faded to black yet again.
The air felt colder this time.
The comforting presence of her friends was replaced by an oppressive silence. Tigress blinked slowly, awareness gradually returning.
Tai Lung crouched over her, a faintly amused expression on his face.
"Well, isn't this interesting?" he drawled, golden eyes gleaming with curiosity as he studied her transformed appearance. "You've made quite a mess of yourself, little sister."
Tigress struggled weakly, trying to push herself upright, but her limbs wouldn't obey. The snow leopard just traced his paw over the horns atop her head, in awe of what she had become.
"Careful," Tai Lung chuckled darkly. "Whatever you've done will need to run its course. And to think that I'm the one they call The Demon…"
He rose slowly and turned toward the doorway.
"My army marches for Hangzhou. It looks like Fei Lian is going to give me exactly what I need to defeat Khasar after all."
Without another word, the leopard departed from the Hall of Warriors, leaving his sister lying helplessly on the cold stone floor, staring after him.
The pain ebbed slightly, replaced by a hollow dread.
Tigress was becoming something else—and she feared there would be no turning back.
Author's Notes:
- I remember joking with a friend early on that this fic would be, at most, fifty chapters... lol
- Want to give a ton of credit to Tydrags and their amazing concept art work for what I consider to be Tigress' "intermediate" form as the chaos shard begins to transform her
- Lots of crazy stuff yet to come, but I thought it was good to cut back to the siege of Hangzhou briefly amidst everything going on in the valley
- Hope you enjoyed the read; until next time!