The closer the figures got, the easier it was to make out who was who. Then when they managed to meet us at the very top, I couldn't help but give a small smile.
Yinshen was standing right there in front of me for the first time in three months. If she hadn't sent that scroll informing us of her arrival, it would have been tough to recognize her. She wore a large blue silk robe which covered her all the way down to her feet. The pattern on the front mimicked a golden tunic, the parts that lapped over the shoulders stretched outwards, making it look as though she was wearing shoulder pads. I even liked the pattern that could be seen on the left side of her dress. A large but beautiful white flower covering several smaller flowers. It was kind of hard to believe that this was the same warrior who both kicked and saved my ass on more than one occasion.
As for the guy standing right next to her, he seemed to be much more serious. He wore red robes. His hooves were behind his back and he seemed to be an antelope. He look on his face suggested that he was either tired or annoyed. And as for the other four figures, they seemed to also be antelopes, but held a long spear each. Obviously these were guards.
Once the pair in front stopped in front of us, Shifu and I bowed. Yinshen returned it but the antelope, he did not. I ignored it and allowed Shifu to speak.
"Mistress Yinshen, Superintendent Wu, it is a pleasure to meet you again".
Yinshen smiled. "Thank you mast"-
"You're dang right it's a pleasure"! Wu interrupted.
Oh boy... something tells me I'm not gonna like this guy am I?
Shifu said nothing, nor did he react. If he felt any anger toward Wu's rudeness, he did well to hide it.
"... Well? Are we going to just stand here or are we actually going to head inside?! It's freezing out here"!
"Yes, of course Superintendent". Shifu bowed.
All of us headed inside the Jade palace. As I looked back round, Wu inspected the inside of the palace, looking at the artifacts, checking the cleanliness of the floor, checking everything. The way he rubbed his hoof after scraping it across the floor, you'd have thought the room was covered in dust. Next thing I knew, his eyes laid on me. I did not enjoy the cold look in his eyes.
"You! Snake! Over here"! He snapped impatiently.
I slithered over to him and stood only feet away. Immediately, I did what I could to remember what I had been taught about addressing nobles. I had to bow and ask politely what it was he needed from me.
"Yes, how may I be of assistance Superintendent Wu"? I politely asked.
"You're the one they call the Guardian valley, correct"?
"Uh... actually, it's the Valley of Peace Guardian, superintendent".
"Don't talk back to me"! He snapped. "Now, I trust you at least know how to make tea"!?
Tea?
"Yes, but I fail to understand what that has to do wi"-
"Then go make me some"!
"... Pardon"?
I don't recall the scrolls mentioning anything about having to serve refreshments. Wasn't that Shifus job? Even so, the Superintendent didn't take my reply all too well as he looked ready to explode.
"What?! Do you need me to repeat myself?! You got wax in your ears"!? As to add insult to injury, or in this case the other way round, he rapped his knuckles on top of my head several times, enough to hurt. "Stupid"?!
...Ow... was that really necessary? Besides, I don't have ears.
Of course, I knew better than to argue back.
"Yes superintendent Wu. Right away".
I slithered slowly out the barracks. Though before heading down, I took a few deep breaths. This Wu guy is not one for messing around. I just simply composed myself and a few seconds later, I felt more at ease. I was about to continue until the doors opened. I had the feeling that it was Wu, planning on yelling at me some more just because he hadn't gotten his tea within the first ten seconds he had ordered it. Thankfully, I was met with a familiar, and much friendlier face.
"Mistress Yinshen". I bowed to my friend. Judging by her smile, she took some sort of pleasure in it. She may look different, but she certainly has the same attitude.
"No need to be formal Mike". She smiled as she walked beside me.
"Did Wu send you to come with me by any chance"? I asked with an eye raised, yet I kept my own smirk.
"Actually no. I just thought now would be the best chance to catch up. I doubt we'll have the chance later".
"I like the sound of that".
I smiled and she followed me down. We just walked down slowly, giving us more than enough time to talk. The tea could wait for a few minutes.
"So Mike, what do you think of Wu"?
"Eh, you know, he's an alright guy. He makes himself noticed and seems to be an inspiring"-
"We're out of earshot".
"The man's an effing asshole". I scowled as I was rewarded with a small laugh.
"I suppose that's fair enough. If truth be told, I don't really care much for him either". Yinshen admitted. At least I wasn't the only one who thought so.
"But enough about him. How has Gongmen city been"? I asked, interested to hear what had been happening in the big city.
"Well, no one said that being a council member would be easy. When I first returned, I had to go through three weeks of training. Apprentice of Master Flying Rhino or not, it's not enough to get you a guaranteed spot just like that. I had to learn how to be formal, address people correctly, and even learn a few new table manners I knew nothing about such as opening speeches, depending on who I dine with".
I gave a small snigger.
"You? Formal and polite? I'm surprised you managed to achieve that in just three weeks. My money would have been on the end of the year".
For that, I received a slap round the back of the head. Worth it.
"So I take it you and Viper are still together"?
"We are, yes". I spoke proudly.
"So... have you done it"?
Oh for the love of...
"No. We haven't done IT". I snapped. Yinshen rolled her eyes playfully in response.
"Well, who knows? Maybe you'll get lucky one day".
"Ha ha. Funny. Besides, love isn't about... doing it. It's more about spending time with the one you love the most and cherishing each special moment together".
"What are you a poet? Heh. Still the same python I know right"?
"Amen to that. Oh, and nice dress by the way. It suits you". I joked, making her glare at me.
"It was a requirement I'll have you know". She snapped to my amusement.
"So, anything else you want to talk about"?
"I don't have all that much else to say, just that things have been busy over in Gongmen. I take it things have been busy for you as well? Especially what with that attack on Sh'e village"?
I frowned.
"You... know about that"?
"Gongmen has messengers sent out to the most popular and important villages all across China. The whole city council knows about it".
"I see. And what do you think"?
"Well, supernatural stuff isn't really my specialty, but a Mèngyǎn soul is meant to be unlike most demons. They're cunning and very intelligent. There have even been rumors that a Mèngyǎn soul has the ability to mind jump. In other words, live within your mind. The longer it stays in your head, well, it's been said that the victim is slowly driven insane until the Mèngyǎn destroys them, or if the victim takes their own life".
"... I see"...
Maybe I was just getting paranoid, but I was reminded of those voices in my head from yesterday morning. Now imagination or not, I felt a small amount of fear from Yinshens claims. But then again, I'm being silly. Right?
"Looks like we're here".
I looked to see that we were right in front of the barracks.
"Ah. How'd I miss that"?
Like it matters. Let's just get that tea.
20 MINUTES LATER
Both I and Yinshen reached the top of the stairs to the hall of heroes. The fact that I had to travel at a steady pace to keep the tea from spilling did not help. Yinshen opened the door for me and I slither in... only to find that no one was in.
"... Where the"-
"Looks like Wu got impatient. He must be over at the training halls".
Fan- effing- tastic.
So after a small miscalculation, I headed over to the training hall in record time, almost spilling the stupid tea a couple of times as I dashed over. Thankfully it turned out that everyone was exactly where Yinshen said they were. I slithered over quickly over towards his royal pain in the ass, and delivered unto him his tea.
"Ugh, too hot".
The cup was emptied onto the floor.
... I spent twenty G D minutes making and delivering that. Keeping it from spilling as though it was a new born child... only for it to be dumped out before my very eyes all because its TOO BLOODY HOT?! IT'S TEA FOR GODS SAKE! OF COURSE IT'S GOING TO BE BLOODY HOT YOU DICK!
"My apologies sir".
"Yeah you better apologise! Took like forever just to arrive! You should have known I'd have headed over to this trainy building in the first place"!
Oh, well will you excuse me if I'm not a bleeding mind reader.
"Yes, of course".
"Good! Now go do some kung fu, and maybe I'll allow you to stay as a permanent member of the Jade palace"!
God, this guy's just asking for a smack round the head ain't he?
"Yes Superintendent, at once".
Must not strangle... must not strangle...
I stood at the very edge of the catwalk, in front of the spinning logs. All I needed now was to wait for Shifu to tell me to start.
"Begin".
I lunged forwards and moved across the spinning logs until I was in the center. From there, I had to dodge the spiked clubs that swung down. This was one of the trickiest parts of the whole training course so I needed to pay as much attention as I could. Thankfully I was able to dodge each club. Even the few that almost hit me. If one so much as brushed against me, I probably would have failed. From there, the wooden post warriors were no bother. I sped through it in a decent amount of time without getting hit. The Jade tortoise, I was allowed to pass. Finally was the pit of fire, set on the highest level. I did not have even a second to rest as the flames didn't stop shooting up at me. Each obstacle took around five minutes each, and I felt a bit tired once I finished. All that I had to do was slither back over to Wu, and I'll be in the clear.
I quickly made my way over to Wu. I was almost holding my breath as he marked down my performance.
"... Barely passable! I expected better"!
As he yelled out my flaws as rudely as he could, I started to wonder how much time I would have to serve in Chorgom prison for snapping this guys spine. The idea was beginning to become tempting with each insult thrown at me. It took a few minutes for him to finish off his "little" tantrum.
"... Most half played out performance I have ever witnessed"!
And with that, he finally shut up for a while. I just watched as he walked over to Yinshen, while I on the other hand, headed on over to Shifu and the rest who, unlike Wu, seemed to be impressed with my performance. It was enough for me to smile for the first time since being in the same room with king A-hole.
"Looks like you've proven yourself Python. Superintendent Wu seemed to be... somewhat impressed".
" Impressed? Forgive my rashness Master Shifu, but he seemed to be critical at my performance. Very critical".
"Trust me Mike, that's nothing compared to when you make him mad". Mantis spoke up before shuddering. "That something you only do once".
"Well, maybe it had something to do with you talking back to him, don't you think"? Crane interrupted.
"Hey! The guy almost stepped on me! There's no way I was just going to let that go"!
"Still, the guy could learn to be a little more... you know, respectful". I spoke up.
"Shifu! Come here"! ... Speak of the devil.
Shifu sighed, massaging his head for a moment before turning to me and the rest.
"All of you are free to do what you wish until further notice". He then headed over to Wu and Yinshen as the rest of us left at once in case Wu decided to order us to get him anything else. I slithered out the courtyard, Monkey and Mantis following me as we talked about our own personal opinions of the Superintendent. It was nice to know that I wasn't the only one who disliked him. Throughout our spare time, we just kept on talking about how fun it would be to prank him just for payback. Of course, we obviously wouldn't do that. Not to mention we'd most likely never get away with it. Soon, the conversation took an interesting turn when it came to Wu's daughter.
"So, let me get this straight". I spoke. "You fell for Wus daughter to the point where you didn't even care whether she insulted you, and it ended up with you and Po nearly killing each other? How did that work out"?
"Oh you should have been there Mike, it was THE most awesome prank Po ever pulled on Monkey"! Mantis laughed as he stood on Monkey's shoulder. Monkey on the other hand did not seem as happy about it.
"Not to me it wasn't". He spoke with an annoyed tone. "Besides, I'm just glad we made up before we permanently ruined our friendship".
"All over a fake letter that made it seem that Wus daughter wanted to go out with you"! Mantis howled in laughter, remembering the prank well. "Oh, I can't believe how gullible you are sometimes".
"Hey, I'm not gullible. Just... mislead".
"Well look at it this way. At least you don't go chasing down every girl you come across like Mantis does". I joked.
"HEY"!
"Oh face the facts Mantis".
This got Monkey to give his own laugh. "That is one way of looking at it".
"Speaking of girls, how's Yinshen"?
"Do you really want to know Mantis, or are you just trying to get with her? Again"?
"I'm serious man! Mostly".
"Well, she's been doing fine. busy, but fine. I'm just glad that I got the chance to see her again". I smiled happily.
Unfortunately, our joy did not last as long as we wanted, as we soon found one of the antelope guards heading our way from the training barracks.
"Apologies for bothering you Masters, but Superintendent Wu is requesting that you prepare the barracks kitchen so he can have lunch".
Oh come on! The moment I start to feel some sort of positive emotion, it gets blown out like a weak flame by that stupid jerk!
"Very well then. Thank you".
It took some time to prepare, but the barracks kitchen was cleaned, swept and organised for Wus arrival. If it was my decision, I'd have just denied his request. And I would have if it wouldn't have resulted into trouble. We had to make do with whatever food we had. It turned out a pumpkin pie was the only suitable thing we had. I stood next to Crane as whispered to him.
"Why is Wu having lunch here? Can't he just have something to eat on his way back to Gongmen"?
"Superintendent Wu's traveled to the Jade palace with little rest. He's had little time to eat, so it's our duty to offer him food, even if he doesn't deserve it". He whispered back. And just in time as Wu entered looking as "cheerful" as ever. It didn't take long for him to find something to complain about.
"I demand a better chair! This one's hard and wooden"!
"My apologies Superintendent Wu, but this is all we have". Shifu told him as he bowed. Yinshen just shook her head in disbelief behind him.
"Lousy... Fine! I suppose it will do! Now where's my food"?
The pie was still cooking in the oven. It was almost done. And guess which lucky soul had to retrieve it and give it to him? That's right boys and girls. Yours truly. As if this day couldn't get any worse.
I took the pie out, slid it onto a plate and passed it over to Wu at once. He continued to stare at me.
"... Is something wrong Superintendent"? I asked, trying to keep my polite tone.
"You're dang right something's wrong! Cut my pie up into pieces"!
Oh my God...!
"Yes, of course Superintendent". I spoke, almost gritting my teeth as I did. I took the plate back over, slamming it hard onto the counter, and cut the pie across a few times before slithering back over with my tail holding the plate.
"About time! Took you long enough"!
"... With respect, Superintendent". I near snarled. "Perhaps it would be in the best interest for all if you treated your hosts with a less hostile attitude".
Wu looked at me as though I had just insulted him.
"Listen here snake! I am a superintendent! And you're just a lousy low life warrior! I deserve to be treated with respect! and I will have respect! You hear me you stupid excuse for a servant?! You're worse off than the rest of these kung fu losers"! He yelled, slamming his fists on the table.
Okay, now I've had it with this guy and his insults. Say what you want about me, but insulting my friends? Well that's the straw that broke the camels back!
"Now give me that pie"!
I looked at the pie I held on a plate and looked back at my "better".
"As you wish".
I took the pie, and I smashed the thing right into Wus face with enough force to send him flying off of the chair and onto the floor. His face was covered in pie as he looked up to me with a look of shock and horror. It was almost enough to make me feel satisfied. Almost. The only thing that stopped me from doing so was the shocked looks from everybody else. But at this point, I didn't really care. I looked back down to Wu once more.
Respect THAT bitch!
I then stormed off angrily, slamming the main entrance behind me as I did.
...
This chapter was a lot of fun to do. It was interesting to bring Yinshen back as well as bring in an actual character from the show itself. Looks like Mike had a lot to answer for in the next chapter. Cheerio!