(Remember guys, the "Stitch in time" episode has come and gone in this chapter and we're now focusing a day ahead of the event, so below, here's a few tips on what has happened since then to bring you up to speed. I won't be going into any more detail about it until the next story so make do with what you're given ^^)
It's been tough lately ever since the Fenghuang incident. For me personally anyway. Everyone seems to think that I've been gone for an hour to go into the village but I can assure you, I've been gone longer than that. Much much longer. Upon my return I've had to keep some things secret, such as a claw marking across my stomach by lying to Shifu that I had been attacked by wolf bandits earlier in the day. Hah. I wish it was that simple. Oh well, what's done is done. Some skin shedding will help rid of the claw marks in time and everything will be back to normal, or as normal as things can get here.
So far, everyone else seems to be buying the story as well to how I gained said marks. Though in truth, between you and me, I received them from a lethal and dangerous creature who was more powerful than another foe I've faced. And that's including my little skirmish with Fennu. Hell, I'm lucky to be alive thanks to Po, although he doesn't remember. No one does. But to quote a famous fictional character, it's all wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff, so I'm not going to bother to even try and work out the science behind it all.
But what I can say is that my confidence has increased as well as my courage because of said event. So perhaps it was all for the best. But like I said, what's done is done. Everything I've mentioned is a story for another time. One I might get to tell if I make it past Fennu. One can hope. *sigh* Should have never taken those damn seeds in the first place.
(Morning after the Fenghuang incident)
Today was a good morning. Even from behind the paper wall, the warmth of the sun could be felt as its light bounced off of my scales. My second date with Viper had come and gone yesterday night. Although there where some small complications, it turned out rather well.
I managed to pull myself off of the bed just in time for the morning gong. I was certainly getting better at waking up early without feeling tired, all in the practice I suppose.
"Good morning Master Shifu" I greeted right away, bowing quickly then suddenly relaxing. Funnily enough, Po was still tired from yesterday and had not managed to greet Shifu like the rest of us had. I don't exactly know the whole story between him and Fenghuang but it had left him tired, despite being quite active after burning a bag of magical seeds, which I never ever want to see another one of as long as I live.
I watched as Shifu walked calmly down the barracks and opened the door to Po's room where I had to fight down a laugh as Po's head was off of the bed and his body in a ridiculous cartoony pose.
"Po"! Shifu snapped, causing the panda's eyes to open up and made him panic.
"I'm up Master ShifuaaAAHH"! Po had fallen off of his bed and fell onto the floor with a bang, accidentally managing to flip the bed onto himself, making me lose control of my laughter as well as a couple of other students.
As punishment for sleeping in, Po was made to sweep the barracks while the rest of us could relax. It was a Sunday anyway so everyone, except Tigress, took the day off as was custom here. The rest of us decided to get to the kitchen seeing how we were all awake anyway.
"Hey Mike. You missed Shifu yesterday. He had something important to tell you in private". Mantis told me as he munched on a bean bun, getting a lot of the contents on his face by accident.
"Really"? I asked unsure. Knowing Mantis, this might be some kind of prank he's pulling for making him fess up about Po playing Ba quo. "Did he say what about"?
"I dunno I didn't ask"! Mantis half yelled.
"Alright, I'll go and find him. Jeez keep your antenna on".
Taking a dumpling for myself, I went in search of Shifu. I doubt he went too far, probably up to his room to meditate.
So I traveled out of the training hall and up to the Hall of Heroes. I opened the door there and already found Shifu with his back to me, gazing into the reflecting pool. I slithered on over quietly as to not disturb him.
"Morning python".
I froze in place as I heard his voice. I unstiffened and slithered over quickly.
"Morning Master. H-how did you know that I was behind you"?
Shifu turned around and pointed to one of his rather large ears as it twitched.
"You think these are just for show"?
I smirked. Master or not, Shifu was witty and funny when he wanted to be. Even so, I grew serious as I focused more on the matter at hand.
"I was told you wanted to see me, Master".
"Ah yes". Shifu began, stroking his beard and walking around me. "It seems, python, that because of your performance lately, I am oblieged to tell you that you will no longer be training at the Jade palace as my student".
My heart near skipped a beat hearing those words.
"You mean... you mean to say I'm fired"? I asked, finding it hard to move my body as though it had become stone. Had I done something wrong lately? Perhaps I was getting a transfer. Either way I didn't like the thought of leaving this place that had been like a home to me. I was crushed.
"Far from it. The reason for it is because as of now, I hereby grant you the title of master".
Did I hear that right? Me? A master? No way... does that mean a pay increase?
"... I'm... a master now"? I barely spoke out of surprise and joy.
"Indeed. Be proud of yourself Mike. Not many pupils make it from student to master within under two months time".
"Thank you Master Shifu". I bowed down to the red panda and was given permission to leave but not before being handed a scroll of some sort.
"I expect great things from you python. Do not let me down".
I returned to the barracks, smiling happily at the good news, no scratch that. Extraordinary news. I quickly returned to my room to put the scroll Shifu had given me someplace safe before going back to the kitchen. At this time, Tigress had left and Po was still cleaning away. Everybody else was just continuing to eat. At least they were until they saw the wide grin on my face.
"Um, are you okay Mike"? Crane asked.
"Of course. I'm better than okay. I've got great news".
"What"?
"I'm a master now"!
That sentence alone had such an effect on everybody. They all turned to me... silent at first until one of them spoke up.
"No way".
From there, everyone begun cheering and clapping. I was receiving all sorts of praise including a few pats to the back.
"Congratulations buddy".
"Way to go"!
"Well deserved".
"Did you get a pay increase"?
Eventually the praise died down and Mantis spoke up.
"I guess that means you're one of us now pal". What, I wasn't already?
"What, you mean the furious six? Doesn't sound as catchy".
"Alright, we'll figure out what you're to be later. Right now, we should all go and celebrate with a few drinks"!
"Mantis, it's seven in the morning, the bar don't even open at this time anyway". Crane argued.
"Spoilsport".
"Come on, guys. There's really no need to"-
"Aw come on man"! Mantis interrupted. "How often does someone become master around here? Look, how about we go to this new bar tonight". He spoke, putting a little emthesis on the word tonight while staring back at Crane.
"I'm game".
"Yeah, me too".
"I'm in".
"Sure, why not"? I decided seeing how everyone else was on board. Besides, I need a drink after yesterday.
...
And there we go! Chapter finished. Now you'll have to read my next book to find out what happened to Mike Mwahahaha!
But seriously guys, it's been fun writing for this story. And I have a lot of time on my hands so if I don't have anything else planned, I might actually write out that same said story sometime next month about the stitch in time ep, but I want to hear from you. Do you want me to start writing it out right now or wait until this story has been finished?
There won't be any spoilers within it and will have nothing to do with the original story (this one) so it's not going to be legend of kung fu python 2 (really should have a better name if I ever write another book about it) or anything like that. Remember, your opinions matter the most. Cheerio!