"How long has this relationship of yours lasted for"? Shifu asked, even though the tone of his voice made it sound more of a demand.
"Technically, only ten seconds max". I responded truthfully. "Give or take a few days. Depends on whether you count dating, breaking up and then getting back together as part of the process".
"I see. And you both are willing to date despite the consequences that follow"?
At this point, everyone had stopped training and were listening in on the conversation.
"I am, Master Shifu". I spoke up, unsure of what he meant by consequences.
"As am I Master Shifu". Viper responded after myself. Shifu gave a sigh and stroked his beard once before speaking up again.
"In that case, I suppose I have no right to interfere with your choices. If this is the path you wish to take then you are free to do so".
And just like that, we're in the clear? If I had known it was that easy I would have told him way sooner. Oh well. You live, you learn. At least after a few crappy days, things are beginning to look up again so I guess I should just make the most of it while I can.
There was nothing to the remaining half hour of training apart from going against Po who often seemed to keep losing his balance and barely recovering before he fell off. I guess he was as new to this training method as I was. Eventually Shifu called a break at last and myself and Viper headed over to the barracks while Shifu made everyone else remove the wooden posts, to Po's surprise and tried making an excuse about how he pulled his lower lumber region, whether that was a thing or not I didn't know or even care. I guess the only reason he had allowed me and Viper to go was just an act of kindness. Never knew Shifu had it in him.
Slithering into the kitchen, I went ahead and made me and Viper some rice balls. I doubted she minded. It was one of the few things that remained in the cupboards this week. In a matter of minutes, the rice was cooked and I served one bowl to Viper and kept the other for myself.
"Hey Mike, can I ask you something"?
"Sure go ahead". I responded, sitting down at the other side of the table.
"Why did you kiss me during training"?
"You didn't seem to mind me doing it".
Yeah but, why that moment, in front of everybody"?
"Just... got caught up in the moment I guess. I suppose it was worth it to see the look on Shifu's face". I near exploded with laughter, thinking back to that moment no less than five minutes ago, even if I was afraid at said moment.
"I guess it was a little funny". Viper admitted, causing her to laugh as well.
Already we had finished our rice and still no sign of anyone else entering the barracks. Viper then decided to ask me something else.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but what's it like being human"?
I gave a small laugh to myself, not entirely sure what response to give.
"Like a normal life anyone else here would have I guess. Humans come in any shape and size and live all around the planet. Matter of fact, they have animals there on my earth as well. Cats, dogs, pigs, basically every animal that exists here, is most likely to be on my planet".
"Wow, sounds like a nice place". Yeah... Not as much as you think. "So how do animals and humans get along"?
"Well... it's kind of hard to describe seeing how most animal species on earth are... feral, and eat each other to survive". I spoke, finding it hard to describe.
"Oh... so your kind is kept separated from all animals"? Viper asked, not entirely sure the world I came from was all it was cracked up to be.
"Well most animals. Cats and dogs are somewhat companions to many humans". I decided to skip over the part where they were kept as pets. I had the feeling that may have been like slavery here.
"And snakes"?
"Most snakes live in the wild so not many people get the chance to see them". Unless they go to a zoo, but we're skipping over that as well. "Speaking of snakes, I'd like to know a bit more about them. I have the feeling I have a bit of catching up to do". I asked out of both curiosity and wanting to change the subject. I was given a small smile and Viper begun.
As Viper begun explaining everything about snakes, including history and natural abilities, I was impressed that there was so much to these creatures, about the venom snakes carried, how some are powerful enough to crush even the strongest of metal and even the skin shedding kept me interested without interrupting or wanting to skip over any unpleasant parts. She even talked about snakes from her family to the ones she had to fight against, aka Lord Fu Xi. The guy Viper had already mentioned to me some time ago. I had no idea that he was once a celebrated hero once, it was sad about the reason he had turned renegade, but if anyone had taken my family away like that, I might have done the same. I just listened to the last part Viper had to say about him.
"... And since then, he hasn't been found. I just wish he could have realized his mistakes and become the hero he once was".
"... Wow". I near whispered, taking everything in.
"So, that's everything". She finished. "What do you think"?
"It's a lot to take in, but overall I enjoyed every bit of it".
"So... putting humans and snakes aside, what about you? What was your life like before".
"Well, I"-
"Awww, look at the little lovebirds". Came a new voice, I turned to see Po leaning on one of the doors to the kitchen. "Or... love snakes I guess, I don't really... really know"...
"Can't you go annoy somebody somewhere else"? I snapped, hoping he hadn't heard anything important.
"Come on Mike, Po's just joking around". Viper told me calmly, despite the blushing on her cheeks. I calmed down a bit and sighed.
"Alright, I'm sorry". I moaned. "I take it you've finished cleaning the training arena"?
"Mhm".
"Alright then. I'm just going down to the Valley of Peace. We need more food anyway". I responded, moving around Po.
"I'll come with you". Viper announced as she slithered off of her chair.
"Wanna come Po"? I asked, turning round to see that Po had already poured more than double the amount of rice I had just eaten onto a bowl before eating rapidly only to stop at my question.
"Mpfh"? He replied.
"... Nothing. It doesn't matter". I sighed. With that, I headed into the village with Viper. Down the steps and along the walkway to the nearest grocery. At least I know that they'll have something to sell this time.
"So, seeing how we're here, should we perhaps get an extra bag of rice"? I asked.
"Why would we need another"?
"In case a certain panda decides to eat the other one"? I hinted, remembering seeing how much rice Po had poured into his bowl back up at the Jade palace. At this point, I'm sure he had already finished it. This got a laugh from Viper.
"Don't worry, I'm sure we'll manage. I have had to put up with his shenanigans longer than you".
"True, I just c- what the"?
I could feel someone yanking softly on my tail and turned round to see a small child goat. My facial expression turned from prepared to concerned.
"Oh, hello there kid". I spoke, watching the young guy as he had both of his hands/ hooves behind his back. "How can I help you"?
The goat brought his hands to the front, in them was a quill and parchment.
"C-can I have your a-autograph Master Mike python sir"?
An autograph? No one's ever asked me for one of those before. I felt touched. I looked to Viper who nodded in response. I turned back to the kid who looked to be losing his confidence.
"Yeah, sure thing kid".
I gently took the quill and put my name down on the paper as the young goat held it up. After I had finished, I handed it back to him and received a wide smile for it.
"Thanks Master Mike! You're the best"! The kid then took off, probably to so and show his friends. I just watched until the young kid rounded the next corner before turning back to Viper who had a smug look plastered onto her face.
"What"?
"Looks like you have a fan".
"A fan. Me? Get out of here".
"Come on, why else do you think he wanted your autograph"?
I stopped to think for a second, not being able to find another answer.
"Alright, fair enough. I've just... never really had to deal with something like that before".
"Trust me, I was the same way once. You accept it quickly".
I just shook my head and continued towards the grocery store, still finding it hard to get over what had just happened.
...
Short chapter today, nothing really special. Hope you enjoy. Cheerio!