Lotus

Chapter 1. Lotus Petal

Li Shan looked to the descending sun as well, and smiled sadly, "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yeah...," Lotus said in a daze, wiping the tear away. The elder panda looked at his son, and hugged him from behind, "It's okay... I miss her too."

A breeze briefly drifted into the room through the window, flowing in some lotus petals. Most likely from the purple lotus tree his mother planted before he was born. That's why she named him that. It was her favorite flower.

Lotus smiled, and gently placed his paw on his father's arm that surrounded his neck, "I'm fine dad, really.." He looked back at him briefly before descending from his room to the kitchen. "I'll make that dinner for us," He called back to his father, who simply sighed. The elder panda picked up a lotus leaf and stroked it gently. Odd indeed. That's probably the best way to describe situations like this.

A four day journey away, there was a humble valley standing on it's own, with it's protectors high in the mountains in the respectable Jade Palace. It was just about to be dusk, and the warriors haven't taken a break from their training since the dawn before. The Furious 5 is what they're called. Lotus studied all about the art of kung fu, including the masters and the history of each. He's most drawn to martial arts than anything else, especially the heroes in the Valley of Peace, such as The great Master Oogway, the strict Master Shifu, and of course, the Furious 5.

5 animals with specific styles and techniques that represented who they were. Oh how Lotus wished he could see them up close instead of in legends, but he knew his father would never approve, he would have found it too dangerous. Like come on, panda asthma and butt kicking action that may involve injuries and in certain cases, death? Not a great mix. End of discussion.

All the members of the Furious 5 were at their respected posts as their teacher, a red panda known as the great Master Shifu himself, watched from the side lines with a disapproving frown on his face. An insect named Master Mantis was skidding across the Field of Fiery Death with much precision, a bird with a straw hat named Crane, flew onto a Jade tortoise, meeting face to face with a primate that wore nothing but shorts that was known as Master Monkey. The primate pounded his chest and shrieked animal noises before starting the sparring match with the crane as they both tried to keep balance on the bowl.

A snake who was honoured the name Master Viper flipped through the 7 Clubs of Doom, not once missing a club to grab onto, nor falling against the pillars that rolled under her tail body, all while maintaining to keep her lotus hair clips in place.

One warrior however, had always stuck out amongst the rest, the unofficial leader of the Furious 5, the brains and bronze of the group, the most eligible bachelorate and hardcore master in all of China, Master Tigress, who was currently fighting ferociously against the Field of Wooden Warriors. She had such impeccable strength, she was able to destroy the warriors with only her numb bare claws, not even receiving a splinter on her lean but fit form. She wore a respectable red vest of kung fu, With golden vines decorating it, and a white belt that held up her black sweat pants, just further more bringing out her beauty.

But still, with all the power and respect she has as her status in her dream, she still felt... Empty... Alone. She never knew her true parents, so she lived in a orphanage where she was outcasted as the monster for her uncontrollable strength and short temper. After 5 miserable years there, Master Shifu started teaching her how to control her strength, and then later adopted her. Still, even then she was alone, for her supposed foster father never showed her love or approval. She figured the only way to please him would be to become the Dragon Warrior, one of the most respected titles in the kung fu world, next to Oogway's name. That was the only person she felt close to. Master Oogway was like the grandfather she never had, he gave her advise and words of wisdom when she needed it, he would tell her stories of times when he was younger, he always reminded her that she was truly destined for great things. And even with him and the supportive Furious 5 she had 'mistakenly' brought together, she still felt alone. She felt as if there was a part of her that needed to be filled. But what was it? Shifu's love? To be the Dragon Warrior? Or was it-