A/N: I just want to say how awesome you all are. I wasn't sure if I would be good at this stuff, but I am happy you guys enjoy the story thus far. First, a couple shout outs:
FFcrazy15: You're an awesome writer and communications with you have been fun, lucrative, and an immense boost to my moral. Thanks so much!
Soul of a Lion: Your criticism and words of encourage inspire me to keep going. You are a fantastic writer as well, and any advice or counsel you give is priceless to me. Also, don't worry. I won't simplify my writing on you guys, and have take care on your business stuffs.
Cuaroc: It means a lot for me to hear that you enjoy my story, especially when it's not your favorite fiction arch. I will endeavor to impress even more in the chapters to come.
And to everyone else who has read and reviewed so far, your advice and praise makes me absolutely giddy. As music is my primary super power, getting praise about my writing from the authors I have enjoyed all this time is absolutely further ado, Let's ROCK!
Disclaimer: You think I own Kung Fu Panda?... Well you should watch the opening credits again cause I am clearly not mentioned there.
Chapter 3: Visions of Shadow, Fields of Light
What is taking them so long?
The question had been plaguing the tired and agitated elderly red panda's mind for the last several hours as he paced in front of the Moon Pool inside the Hall of Warriors. The sound of Oogway's staff clacked and echoed on the ancient tiled floor. It had been at least three hours since he had sent his messenger goose Zeng with an urgent message to the Dragon Warrior and The Furious Five. He had expected them all to be here within the hour. His frustration boiled to a peak as he ceased his pacing in front of the Moon Pool.
He turned toward the serene body of water beside him gazing into its calm surface, and upon seeing the grossly agitated red panda in the reflection his features immediately softened as he heaved a heavy sigh. Pinching the bridge of his nose he breathed in deeply, before dropping his arm and allowing himself a tired smile, bringing forth memories of his late master.
Even after attaining Inner Peace, I still have far to go before I can see as clearly as you... master, remembering a conversation between him and Oogway in front of the Moon Pool.
Closing his eyes he drifted into the warm embrace of inner peace, calming his nerves and settling the ripples of his mind. He opened his eyes as realization dawned on him. He had sent one lone messenger to locate and round up every master who lived in the Jade Palace. That and it was the only day he had given them leave after the incident in Gongmen. They could be anywhere in or around the village at this point. His lack of patience toward this particular event were... unfounded.
Chuckling to himself at his own impatience, Grandmaster Shifu brought himself to the edge of the Moon Pool and sat in a lotus position setting the old staff beside him. He knew he had time to kill. However, instead of meditating on peace, he frowned deeply forcing the reason he had been so urgent with Zeng to the front of his mind. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, immersing himself once more in the troubling vision.
When his eyes snapped open once more, he was seated on the top of a hill under the shade of a great willow tree. Before him, lay a small merchant town nestled in the embrace of two large mountains on either side. He remembered being on a mission with Oogway when they passed through the village. Even though it had been twenty or some odd years ago, the village was still very much a prosperous and bustling community. He could see the main market street that ran through the very center of the village. He could see vendors haggling and peddling their wares to the many potential customers lining the busy street. Meanwhile, children laughed and played with their friends as they ran through the streets and back alleys of the town. The town was a portrait, serene and idyllic; The perfect place to live. Shifu allowed himself a warm smile before turning his gaze toward the horizon. Nothing could steel him for what transpired next.
A dark and ominous shadow began to emerge from over the hills behind the village covering the land and sky, blackening the earth and turning the heavens blood red. He trembled as the shadow descended upon the village immolating everything in hell fire.
Soon the screams of the dying and suffering replaced the peace and tranquility that hung in the air. He could see villagers being hunted down and slain in the streets. Horrid blackened figures twisted and deformed prayed upon their innocent lives. They killed without mercy, it mattered not whether they were man, woman, or child. Bodies soon littered the bloodied streets.
Shifu stood from his seated position only to turn and realize that the tree he was under was also consumed in flames. Everything about the once peaceful hamlet was destroyed. Transformed into the gods forsaken plains of Oblivion itself. He collapsed to his knees and gripped his head in pain as a hellish ringing threatened to shatter his mind to pieces. He shut his eyes tightly, praying that it would all end soon.
Suddenly the noise stopped, replaced by a howling wind and the roar of fire. He opened his eyes to a sight more horrible than the last. He was in the Valley of Peace, only it was in ruin just as the merchant town. He was kneeling on the cobbled road that ran through the village, and in front of him was an army of black misshapen terrors. Their burning orange eyes and their writhing inky black forms stood before the horrified master gazing directly at him.
No. Not at him, he thought and turned trembling to see solid black form approach slowly yet determinedly down the palace stairs. With each step it took, it blackened the ground beneath it. Shifu fell back on his haunches, powerless before the terror that moved toward him with the conviction and certainty of death. His cerulean orbs quivered as the beast stopped in front of him; eyes burning a fiery orange. It slowly reached down toward the old master. Shifu could feel his life being sapped from him as it drew near, and the more he resisted the more he felt death's embrace.
Then, just as darkness was about to take him, the dark entity suddenly lifted its gaze, giving it just enough time to block an unseen attack which drove it several paces back. The red panda turned fully around to see yet another black entity approach. It's calm gentle green sharply contrasted with the other's fiery orange ones. He gawked as the two beings stared each other down locked in an intense and electrifying gaze which caused the air to tremble and the earth to quake beneath them. Suddenly, with the speed and crack of a bolt of lightening, the two creatures launched themselves at one another..
When they collided, Shifu's body was torn asunder in a brilliant flash of white light.
He awoke with a start from the intense vision, breathing heavily and erratically. Sweat poured down his skin as he lay panting on the ground, his eyes moving rapidly in his skull. His blurred vision and muffled hearing did nothing to aid him as he tried to identify the six figures around him. As his cobalt eyes cleared he could see the concerned expressions of his six students. He groaned painfully letting them know that he was conscious.
"Master!" The collective shouts of the six students caused the red panda to wince, as their voices reverberated painfully in his head like a bell. But as the pain subsided he gave a weary smile towards his students sitting up with some effort.
"I see Zeng finally managed to find you all." A chorus of nods responded to his simple comment, causing the old grandmaster to heave a heavy yet relieved sigh. Then his weary gaze turned to a seemingly concerned orange and black feline. Her eyebrows furrowed with worry were only matched by the look of utter confusion on the face of the giant panda beside her. He let a faint smile briefly escape his lips as gazed softly at his only daughter letting her comforting presence calm the troubled waters of his soul.
Eyes then suddenly returning to their normal hard gaze, he leaned forward with a slight grunt grasping the old staff in front of him. As he stood, Crane lent him a wing for support only for the red panda to wave the wing away stubbornly, glaring at the avian with disapproval. At this the master of flight stepped back sharing a knowing smile with the rest of his comrades.
Once fully on his feet, Shifu gazed into the Moon Pool once more slightly leaning on the old peach wood staff for support. He knew in his heart that what he was about to ask his students- nay, his family to undertake was the most dangerous and life threatening challenge they would ever face,... and only a few weeks after the events of Gongmen.
Once more, the red panda master felt his age as he pinched the bridge of his nose in concentration. Dropping his arm he turned to his students again, but was stopped before he could address them.
They were all bowing fist in palm toward him. As he gazed upon his pupils, their faces bright with pride, he felt something stir in his heart. He realized, that no matter what trials lay ahead for these young warriors, they would fight with all their might. He finally saw them for who they truly were, the protectors of all of China. His strength renewed, Shifu felt the burdens he had been carrying subside, replaced by the pure pride he had for his students. For that brief moment, he knew they could face whatever darkness might be on the horizon.
The Grandmaster of Kung Fu breathed easily for the first time since he had the vision. He then clacked his staff on the ground straightening himself once more, signaling the group of masters that he was ready to speak.
He smiled confidently upon them, "I have a new mission for you."
Ladies of the Shade Encampment
The tongues of the light had only just begun to lick the sky above the camp when Song arose from her slumber. She looked around the darkness of her tent, the only light being the smoldering embers of a cooking fire and the little bit of light which crept in from outside. Deciding she had slept long enough, Song rose from her bed mat and dawned her normal outfit, along with an extra maroon robe to shield her from the early morning cold.
Stepping outside her tent, she breathed the cool damp air into her lungs, snapping her awake as a small shiver enveloped her body. She unconsciously rubbed her arms in order to stimulate circulation as she began to walk the grounds of the compound.
Everyone else was still fast asleep, tents and grass covered in a thick blanket of early morning mist and dew which tickled the clouded leopard's whiskers. Her ears picked up on the sweet melody of deep slumber that came from within the tents scattered around their site. She smiled as the chorus of heavy breathing, snoring, and the occasional snort came together giving her a sense of peace. She silently approached the main training tent. Lifting up the entry flaps to peer inside her heart warmed as she saw the two twins Hua and Liu passed out on a floor mat. They were seated on the ground with their backs leaning up against one another for support as they gently breathed in peaceful slumber, their tails lazily swaying back and forth across the worn mat. A wide variety of training equipment was scattered all over the floor. Song could only guess that they were up late last night training. That or they were relieving stress from a long night working under Uncle Shan's critical eye.
Song smiled at the two felines, her best friends, when suddenly Lao Shan's words from the previous night echoed in her ears causing them to flatten slightly against her head. Do they have the discipline and fortitude to follow your orders...? This question had actually eaten at her ever since their conversation, though she hated to admit that to anyone. Once more she turned her indigo orbs toward her friends, this time with slight worry, when something caught her eye. Cradled in their arms were the two sets of butterfly swords which Master Lao had bestowed to them when they were little girls. Only, to his displeasure, they seemed to never be interested in practicing with them. Dancing seemed to be the only thing that mattered. Yet here they were, sheathed weapons pulled tightly to the chests of the two sleeping leopards as though they were young cubs with their favorite toys. Song's smile returned once more as she turned to leave the tent.
You are wrong uncle... they are more than ready.
Song soon approached the main entrance to the camp, the tall wooden walls dwarfing her small slender frame. As she passed through the gate a loud and sudden noise caused her to cover a muffled shriek, fur standing on end as she turned to face her potential attacker. However, her look of caution and focus as she snorted with laughter at the sight of Yan the camp's sentry, and Shan's only son. The younger black water buffalo was wheezing and snoring heavily as he lay completely sprawled out in his make-shift hammock, which was strung up within the small guard house next to the entrance. Song giggled in spite of herself as the bison swayed back and forth in the air, his right foot hanging off the side and his right arm laying across his yellow stomach. A rag of a blanket still barely clung to his body and his tongue hung out of his maw in comfortable slumber. Having enjoyed herself too much at Yan's expense, Song decided to approach the sleeping bison. She grabbed the old blanket and drew it over him, like a mother doting on her child. When she was done adjusting it, she smiled warmly as she saw him smile contently and mutter in his sleep. Being finished there she took her leave.
She walked further into the outer field taking in the serene beauty and quiet of the early morning. Reaching the edge of the forest, she stopped and sat on an old log. She breathed in deeply, once more taking in the crisp, fresh fragrance of the early morning air. She smiled contentedly, pulling her robe closer to her further shield herself from the cool damp air causing the feline to purr slightly. She gazed up at the sky as the sun was just touching the horizon turning it from grey to a dull pink. She marveled at the wondrous spectacle of nature, unaware as a grey furred paw approached her shoulder.
As soon as she felt the contact her eyes dilated, quickly taking hold of her attacker's arm and pulling them into a throw which sent them flying onto the moist grass. Quickly pulling a concealed obsidian tipped dagger from her red sash, she jumped onto her would-be assailant firmly pressing the blade to their cheek. However, a pair of familiar green eyes stopped her in her tracks.
"Sooo... heh beautiful morning huh?" Gui was lying pinned to the ground, arms raised up in defense as he averted his eyes timidly from the confused stare of the feline on top of him.
"Gui?" Song nearly shouted in exasperation pulling the knife away from his muzzle. "Do you have a death wish? Never sneak up on a lady like that! Especially, one from this troupe." Gui only continued averting his gaze not responding to her lecture. Song looked down and realized the rather compromising position she had put them in. She stood quickly, sweeping her tail behind her and placing herself several chi away from the male. She could feel heat rise behind her spotted cheeks as she sheathed the blade back in her sash.
Once she was off of him, Gui chuckled rising to a seated position on the moist ground resting his left arm on his bent knee. "My apologies m'lady." Gui began rubbing the spot on his cheek where the dagger had been earlier. "Though, I am glad I learned this lesson from you, and not someone else."
Song rolled her eyes at the male feline's jest, and then walked back over to him placing herself on the ground beside him. She stared at the feline beside her with quizzical expression. "What are you doing up this early anyway? I told you I would wake you later to continue your tour of the camp."
Gui's ears lowered against his head and his eyes went to the ground moving back and forth as if he were ashamed. Song gazed worriedly at him when realization hit her. "Were you... were you trying to leave already?" Her voice shook more than she thought it would as the inquiry escaped her lips.
Gui gave her a sad smile, eyes still lingering on the ground in front of him. "You have all been kind to me... much more than I have come to expect in the past. Which is why I can't stay. People get hurt whenever I am around for too long. The last thing I want to do is bring harm to you or the other girls here. It is better if I press on as soon as possible."
"Then why haven't you left already?" The question caused Gui's ears to lift in surprise as he turned and gazed at the woman next to him. Her shining blue eyes showed concern, but her mouth smiled warmly at him encouraging him to answer. This however left the poor male at a loss for words as he helplessly gawked at the leopard beside him.
He finally shook his head after a few moments chuckling nervously causing Song's smile to brighten more. "I guess I didn't want to leave without saying 'Thanks.'" Gui stated making eye contact with the female once more. "I have never been one to be rude to a host. I certainly wouldn't start with the girl who saved my neck only a few days ago." He smiled sincerely at her, their green and indigo orbs locking gazes.
She gave him a curt nod, leaning back on her paws causing her robe to drape over her body elegantly. Gui turned his eyes once more to avoid staring, but Song noticed this and lidded her eyes slightly, smiling genuinely at his timid politeness. "I appreciate the thought m'lord." She imitated his formal way of addressing her, causing Gui to chuckle to himself. She then looked over at him feigning slight disappointment, her legs wiggly in and out like a young cub. "It's just... we have enjoyed your company so much, we would hate to see you leave so soon."
Gui nodded slowly, he understood what Song was saying behind the joke. He didn't know if he could take that chance though. These were the nicest people he had met in months, he felt horrible turning away their generous hospitality. However, he knew if he stayed, all the training in the world couldn't save them if... it came for him once more.
As he stared at the kind clouded leopard beside him, however, all these feelings of dread seemed to wash away into nothingness. She had stopped pouting at this point and was smiling at him slyly infecting him with a big grin of his own. Those bright blue eyes entrancing him in their affectionate glow.
"I guess I could stay a little bit longer." Gui mumbled out the words as they continued to make intense eye contact with one another.
"I'm glad." Her voice was soft, sincere, and if his ears were working correctly this early in the morning... inviting. Song then lidded her eyes once more lifting her eyebrows amusingly. "Besides, the twins were very excited to cook breakfast for you today. They seem to have taken a liking to you."
At this Gui unleashed one of his hearty laughs, drawing a light laugh from Song as well. "Oh boy... just what I need, two beautiful girls tending to my every need."
Song gracefully jumped to her feet, placing her paws on her hips scoffing at him. "And here I thought a guy like you would want nothing more than to have beautiful women tending to his every need." She turned to look down at him with a knowing smile.
Gui followed her lead jumping to his hind paws returning the smile towards his graceful feline companion. His ocean eyes burned with life as he gazed into her eyes. "Women? Nah. A guy like me, only needs one to be happy."
Song froze instantly, abruptly turning her body away from the bemusing male before her. She crossed her arms over her chest as she felt that familiar heat rise to her cheeks. Song was annoyed at how flustered this male made her. She had only ever felt this way around Po, but even then not with this intensity.
Song chanced herself a quick glance at him. In truth she had never met another feline quite like him. She was certainly curious where the grey furred feline had come from. His muzzle was a creamy white, with two black lines tracing from the side of his snout to his gentle green eyes. His ears, probably the most striking feature about him, were taller than on any other feline she had seen. They looked as if they were designed for hunting, and the tips were topped with tufts of black fur which stood up on his ears. One aspect of him which stuck her as odd, however, were the black markings around his eyes. They appeared as black flames which licked up through his dark eyebrows and stopped on his forehead. Song thought these makings were odd for Gui to have. His charming and carefree personality was the complete opposite of what those dark flames suggested.
It was not his physical traits which interested her though, rather his character. All other males of feline origin all possessed similar character traits. Sure they may be handsome, but their prideful and boastful mannerisms made them unworthy of her time. Gui was the first feline she had ever met who was not only brimmed with self-confidence, but was also never afraid to show his flaws. It had only been a few days since she had known him, but he had already earned both her respect and friendship in that short amount of time. She smiled inwardly at these thoughts, and then scolded to herself.
Come on Song get a hold of yourself! You are acting like a little cub, she shook her head again to clear her head of the frivolous thoughts. Maybe she should start acting more like a leader and less like a... well a female.
Her thoughts were once again interrupted when a shrill sound enter her spotted ears. It was familiar to her, but she couldn't remember from where. She turned to she Gui, whistling towards the rising sun. She listened with fascination as he continued, slowly approaching him once more. She couldn't help as a small smile tugged at her lips. Gui continued on as if she wasn't there, switching to a hum as the familiar melody still hung in the moist air around them.
Finally noticing he had a captive audience, he stiffened under Song's warm gaze. He cleared his throat chuckling uncomfortably. "Sorry, force of habit."
Song covered a small laugh with her paw at his comment. "Don't be. I just thought I recognized the tune you were humming. It's some old folk tune isn't it?"
Gui nodded, "Yes. It's a tune my mother used to sing to me when I was a cub to calm me dawn when I was upset. She used to tell me, 'The gods smile on those who sing when they are sad.' So now I just bust out that old tune whenever I feel like it. It's comforting, like I am at home again."
Song looked at Gui her ears slightly falling, "I... I should have know you had family wherever you came from. Forgive me for bringing it up." She bowed apologetically, causing Gui to wave it away smiling.
"Nah don't worry about it. If anything I don't talk about them enough. Besides, I know you meant well." He gazed at the rising sun, his eyes shimmering brightly as memories resurfaced. "My father and mother loved music. They were the best musicians in our village. When my father played and my mother sung, it was like the heavens above smiled on any and all who listened." He broke his gaze from the horizon to look at his female companion. She seemed generally intrigued by his story, but also seemed worried that she had brought up a difficult subject for him. It was, but she didn't need to know that.
Gui inhaled deeply and exhaled smiling at her, thankfulness plastered all over his face. He could not express how much Song's presence meant to him that morning. If she had not been there to toss him about the field like a rag doll that morning, he would have left. While he would have done it with the best intentions, a voice deep in his heart told him he would have regreted it for a long time. He knew now it was right.
Gui sighed and turned back toward the horizon smiling sadly, "My old man tried to pass on some of his knowledge to me, but I was too interested in adventuring to really get any good at it." He shook his head chuckling to himself. "But that is ancient history now. All water under the bridge."
He felt a warm paw find its way to his shoulder. He turned to see Song smiling compassionately into his sea green orbs. The light of the early sun danced in them mesmerizing him with their comforting gaze. He returned the smile in equal measurement.
I never thought I could get this close to someone again.
They stayed that way for a little while longer, enjoying each others' company, when suddenly Song was struck with an idea. A barely contained excitement overcame her. "Gui, can I show you something?" She laced her paws together in front of her in anticipation.
"Yeah, sure." Gui's voice tinted with curiosity as he chuckled at her sudden enthusiasm. "What is it?"
Song grinned at him impishly, "It's a surprise. Don't worry, the twins are still asleep. They won't be trying anything mischievous at this hour of the morning."
Gui laughed outright at this, placing his right paw on his white waist sash. Eyes bright with expectancy he nodded to the anxious clouded leopard in agreement. "All right I trust you. Lead on m'lady."
While the first rays of the sun had finally broken over the horizon, the forest still shielded the camp from its light. Within the sleeping confines of the camp, the two felines crept silently as Song led her male companion into one of the larger tents of the encampment.
Song opened the flaps of the unfamiliar tent and smiled as she gestured for Gui to step inside. As he entered a familiar scent wafted into his nostrils. When he had time to fully grasp where he was, a large smile tugged at his muzzle.
The tent was filled from wall to wall with musical instruments. All around a vast variety of stringed and wind instruments decorated the walls and floor of the tent. He gawked in wonder and bewilderment at the sight. Song noticed this a large smile gracing her features. "I thought you might like it."
Gui turned to her, barely able to string together a coherent sentence. "Where did- Why are- How do- pfffft!" Gui was as flustered as an adolescent asking his first crush to a dance, Song smirked at him clearly enjoying his reaction.
"Sometimes we receive donations from hosts or towns. We tell them the best kinds of donations they could give involve currency or supplies." She had begun to walk around the tent gesturing to all the instruments in the tent. "However, we don't turn down anything which could add to our troupe's success, so we gladly accept these instruments as gifts. There are a few girls here who have learned to play some of them, but I just wanted to share this with you. What do you think?"
Gui was still taking in the smell of polished wood, and the hum of *ruan and guqin as he brushed his fingers against them. This place rekindled something in him he had thought he'd lost years ago. He was more than happy, he felt pure joy.
He turned to Song who was apparently relishing his reaction. He grinned widely, "I think it's absolutely fantastic." His head seemed to make the room swirl around him as he took in anything an everything his eyes could see. The spinning stopped abruptly as his gaze settled on an instrument located in a far corner. He approached it slowly as if any quick movement would frighten it away. Song followed him with her eyes, curious as to why he stopped at the sight of this one particular instrument. It seemed just like a ruan, but its tuning pegs were smaller and its body slightly larger. It's body was a large resonating chamber, but instead of bowl it sported a flatter body with contoured sides. The hole for the resonating chamber was an expertly designed crescent moon, with an ornate circle tracing around it. Wound tightly onto the golden brown instrument were six nylon strings, which trailed up the entire length of the instruments long red- brown neck. Also, what is normally a rectangular shaped head on a ruan was crafted with an elegant symmetrical wave at its top, and sported two thin slots where the strings wrapped around the pearl tuning pegs.
Gui carefully brushed his fingers against the strings causing them to hum in response. He gripped the neck of the instrument with a firm hold, but with the gentle care of holding a sleeping child. He took a seat with the instrument placed soundly in his lap. "Where did you get this?" His voice was soft and distant as if he were not even there.
Song jumped slightly when he finally broke the odd silence. She cleared her throat slightly before answering the query. "I- It was given to us some odd years ago after a performance in the house of a rich nobleman." Gui nodded slowly as his fingers fiddled with the pegs on the instrument. Song leaned her back against a support facing away from him as she continued. "He said he bought it from a merchant who hailed from a land far to the west. Beyond the Great Desert. He gave it to us in thanks for our performance, but the darn thing was never tuned properly and none of our girls knew how to play it. This was before we made off with a priceless family heirloom and half his fortune, though." She chuckled at the memory shaking her head. "Things were quite different when Su was in charge, that's for sure."
Her thoughts were instantly broken when a soft melody entered her ears turning them, and her eyes, in Gui's direction. She stood there, her mouth agape as she saw Gui's fingers dance and maneuver across the frets on the neck, and his paw delicately and precisely plucking the strings. She recognized the tune as the folk song from earlier, though it was a much more ornamented and advanced version. As Gui played, his body slowly began to sway with the waves of melody that resonated from the instrument. Song gazed at him, he seemed to transform before her very eyes. To Song, it looked as if something he lost had, after so long, returned to him. He looked absolutely free.
However, much to Song's disappointment it didn't last. Slowly the rapid movements of Gui's fingers died down, and he settled into one final chord which he let ring for as long as he could. When the sound dissipated in the air within the tent he looked down at his right paw, eyes lost in memory. "This instrument is called a *'Jita' or 'Guitarra' in the land where it comes from. My father used to play one just like this. It was his favorite instrument. Its sound complimented my mother's voice perfectly. That's how they found one another." A sad smile graced his features. Song could see a small fire burning in his eyes, only for it to be extinguished when he heaved a heavy sigh. He placed the instrument back into it stand before rising from his seat and walking toward Song.
He stood in front of her, his ears lowered against his head. Song could tell something in him was hurting and it pained her to see him like this. Gui noticed her concern and quickly flashed a timid smile, nodding at her in appreciation. "Thank you for bringing me here. It meant a lot to me."
Song averted her gaze from his eyes in contemplation. Then an idea came to her causing her features to harden with a slight determination as she marched over toward the instrument. She gave it a once over before gently removing it from its stand and bringing over to the now bemused feline. She stopped in front of Gui, fingers rapping on the polished wood of the jita body. She bit her lower lip timidly before holding the instrument outstretched in front of her in an giving gesture. Gui confusion dissolved into a smile as he shook he head chuckling. He opened his mouth to refuse the kind act, but was silenced with a gentle finger placed on his maw.
Song smiled up at him coyly. "Gui, I want you to have it. We have only known each other for a few days, but it feels more than that to me. It's hard being the leader of the Ladies, and it's nice to know there are people who can still help me have fun. It's the least I can do to show you my appreciation." She gently placed the jita in his grasp, a look of uncertainty clinging to his features. "Your parents gave you a beautiful gift, Gui. The gods smile on those who elevate others with their art."
Gui's eyes shot up and stared at Song intensely as though he were seeing her for the first time. In his eyes, a flame flickered to life once more, followed by a thankful smile. He nodded appreciatively at Song. "Your kindness knows no bounds, m'lady."
Song rolled his eyes at his antics once more, though she never quite tired of them. Gui looked to the jita and an impish smile flashed across his face. "I wonder..." He said feigning genuine interest.
Song placed her paws on her hips and raised an eyebrow, curiosity taking hold. "You wonder what?"
Gui placed the instrument on the ground leaning it against the support beam. When he reconnected his gaze with Song's he was stroking his chin curiously, his face oozed mischief. "I was just thinking. If this is the least appreciation you can show, then what qualifies as the most."
He felt a solid punch collide with his bandaged shoulder sending a shock wave of pain through his body. He yelped and winced simultaneously bringing his paw to his throbbing shoulder. Song was still in her follow through position, her eyes were closed as a vein throbbed agitatedly in her temple. "Don't get a too far ahead of yourself you idiot." Heat had rushed to her cheeks causing her to turn away and hug her arms to her chest. "Gods! This is why I only live with other women."
Gui continued rubbing the sore spot on his shoulder. All the while wincing at the pain and trying to smile. "Okay I get it. Bad joke" He laughed nervously, "I just wanted to know how far I could go with it."
Song gave him a dangerous stare from the corner of her eye. "Well, I wonder how far you could go with it if I reopened every wound on your body. Yeah that sounds like fun to me."
Gui lifted his arms up in defeat when the pain finally subsided. "All right you win. Man, can't anyone take a joke anymore?"
Song rolled her eyes once more and smiled to herself. Then another thought occurred to her. "Gui, where did you plan on going after this?" She eyed him eagerly.
Gui's brow furrowed in concentration as he pondered her question. She waited with anticipation her spotted tail swishing across the grass floor of the tent. Gui shrugged nonchalantly, "I don't know to tell the truth. I may just go back to my tent and nap. I did get up earlier than I would like, and Hua and Liu wanted me to-"
"That's not what I meant." Song shook her head. She sighed and turned around halfway facing him, her paw rubbing her arm timidly. "I mean, where do you plan on going when you leave our compound?" She looked up into his ocean eyes searching.
Gui opened his mouth to speak, but Song's pleading eyes stopped him from brushing off her question with a joke. He sighed in defeat, "I honestly don't know. I have been traveling around China without a true destination for so long that I suppose I have no true destination." He chuckled at how ludicrous this must seem to her.
Song was staring at her friend with thoughtful concern. "Are you looking for something, or someone?" Gui was staring at the ground between them with remorse all over his face. For one brief moment Song could have sworn that Gui's eyes had changed somehow, but by the time she recollected herself to analyze him further it was gone. His melancholy expression was soon replaced by small smile as he let loose another sigh.
"You don't need to worry too much about it." Song didn't buy it, but she let him continue. "I am just looking for someone to whom I owe a great debt. That's all." he stated with finality.
Song nodded slowly, her chin cupped in her paw. Gui was about to move on to a different subject when she interrupted him with by pounding her fist in her palm determinedly. "Well then I'm coming with you."
Gui was utterly flabbergasted by this statement. "Wait you what? No, absolutely not!"
Song crossed her arms and leaned back slightly, her face and voice turning deadpan. "Oh yeah, and why not?" her blue eyes critically observing him now causing Gui to flinch inwardly.
Gods she's assertive, he did the only thing he could do under that stare: ramble.
He scratched the back of his head, moisture slowly forming on his brow. "It's not that I wouldn't enjoy your company along the way. You are pretty much the nicest person I have met in months. That and I totally owe you my life. But you are the leader of these girls and wouldn't leaving them behind be shirking your duties to them?" Song scoffed at his words. Gui began to sweat under his fur waving his paws in front of him. "No-no-no-no I didn't mean to say you're a bad leader. You are amazing, and these girls are lucky to have you. I-ugh! I just don't know what lies ahead of me. What enemies I have made recently, whether or not I can actually find this guy, will I find be able to keep you sa-"
Gui was silenced once again by Song's soft index finger. She shook her head, her body shaking as she held in a chuckle her. She looked up into Gui's confused stare her eyes laughing at his childish behavior. "Gui, you are a kind and very caring person. I have only know you for a few days now, but I already feel that I can trust you. I know you would do anything you could to keep me out of harm." Gui's eyes softened and his mouth hung open, unable to say anything.
"That being said I don't need you to watch over me, and I can make these decisions on my own." She turned on her heels walking leisurely toward the entrance of the tent. She stopped and faced him with a playful look in her. "Besides, I don't think you would last a week without me holding your paw." She smirked at him, her eyes and comic expression sending him into a hearty laugh.
He shrugged, "I could make it a day, three tops." Song smiled warmly before turning around and continuing toward the entrance.
"Well then, I probably need to talk to Uncle Shan. He will need to take over the logistics while I am away over the next few weeks. Also, Hua and Liu will need to oversee the training regiments and managing performances. Should probably wake them up and tell them that." Gui smirked stupidly at her as she continued, briefly addressing him. "You should also stock up on supplies before you leave. Especially healing salves and medicine, I have a feeling we'll need them for the trip to the Valley of Peace."
Gui raised an eyebrow, "The Valley of Peace?"
Song nodded, "Yes. I have many contacts in that area, they could possibly help us find who you are looking for." She stopped suddenly realizing that Gui was smirking at her like an idiot. She smiled back warmly, "I also have some good friends who live there. If there is anyone who would be willing to help, they would."
Gui bowed deeply, "As you wish, m'lady." He rose smiling his boyish grin, the light in his eyes burning brightly. Song nodded as she turned to leave. "Song, wait!" Gui couldn't stop himself from calling out.
Song stopped and turned to face him, the only thing clearly visible in her darkened silhouette was her bright indigo eyes. "Yes, Gui?" her voice was soft, almost tender.
Gui quickly gestured to the jita, picking it up and pointing to it with timid motions. "Thanks again. This is the nicest thing anyone has done for me, in a long time." His twinkled in appreciation.
Song pulled on the flaps of the tent slowly backing away. Her lithe form was framed by the sun's light, causing Gui to unintentionally ogle at her. He saw a sly smile appear on her face, her eyes alluring, and her voice soft as silk. "Remember, it's the least I can do."
Before Gui could fully process the nuance in what she said, Song was gone. Gui stood there in the dimly lit tent, a large smile tugging at his face.
This is going to be one interesting trip.
The sun's rays had finally made their way over the canopy of the forest. When they made contact with the earth, the ground erupted in a sea of brilliant light. From afar, the fields surrounding the encampment seemed covered in an ocean of diamonds. Each individual drop of dew teemed with a spectrum of bright colors more vivid than the largest rainbow. For a few moments, the heavens and earth seemed one, until the sun's warmth dissipated it. Like a dream fading under the weight of reality.
A/N: Phew... finally. After, hours of distraction, and my computer shutting of twice inexplicably I finished. Hope you guys dig the story thus far, let me know. I wish you all a happy holidays. Review/subscribe/pm, you know the drill. Keep rocking out my friends.
*: ruan- chinese lute, 4 to 5 strings
guqin- 8 stringed, slide instrument
jita- just chinese for guitar