Hello! Back with a new chapter. Not much happening in this one, but things will soon get a little more interesting, as I will get into the first movie.

Farseer3669 - I had always planned some backstory, but I just wanted to wait, to keep it hidden until now, adding a little mystery about that character. And I'm pretty sure that not everything has been told yet ;)

Tigergirl713 - Well, here is more ^^ As I said, not much is happening here, but wait until the next ones :)

Chapter 6

I don't really know if talking about this for the first time ever has done any good, but at least this night I was not disturbed by any dreams or nightmares. When I woke up, the gong had not rung yet – I think I'm getting used to this. While I prepared myself, I thought about one thing: the only thing I had never told any of them.

My name. The real name. I'm not sure about what to do. Should I just keep it hidden, or should I tell them? I mean, after all I'm going to stay here for longer than I thought...

My name is Kai. But my parents always said it was short for Kaixin, which meant...

Happy...

How could I keep this name after what happened all these years ago? Maybe it's time to accept that things happened, but that it's the past, and now I may get to really live again. Well, that closes the debate. I'll tell them.

I finally heard the sound of the gong. We all darted out of our rooms to greet Master Shifu, and soon we found ourselves in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. This morning, people were speaking together, speaking to say nothing, but at least it wasn't completely silent. I decided it was time.

"Hey, listen to me please." They all stopped their chatter and turned their attention to me. Once I was sure everyone was listening I started, "It looks like I'm going to stay here for quite a while doesn't it?" They said nothing but some of them, such as Viper and Crane, nodded. So I continued, "Then maybe I should tell you what my name really is. Since I no longer travel, I guess I could take it back. So, just for you to now, my name's Kai. Of course I won't mind being called Tiger if you want to."

Viper said, smiling: "Okay... Kai." I smiled back and the others looked satisfied. I then stood up from my chair and said, "Come on, we should go training now!" We walked towards the Hall. On the way here, Monkey came by and asked, "How is your wound? Think you can get back to training?"

I looked at my shoulder and said, "Huh, it's alright. There's no pain and I can move my arm as easily as ever. So yeah, today I'm back."

And the day went by; training was interesting to me as I learned lots of new things. Mantis said I was a fast learner. I sparred against Crane as well. I lost again, but it didn't seem that easy for him either. Giving them just a little challenge was probably a sign that I was doing better than before.

And every day was just training, training and more training. I had developed new abilities, had more strength, more speed and more precision in my moves. It looked like it was very peaceful in the Valley these days; no attacks, no thieves, nothing. And it enabled me to train hard and reach a good level. Moreover, the Five got used to my presence, and I'm starting to really enjoy their company. It's like I've been here for years!

After three weeks of training, one evening, Shifu said to us, "You have trained enough for today. You may rest and eat. Kai, Master Oogway wants to see you." What could it be for this time? Curious about what he wanted to tell me, I immediately walked up to the Hall of Warriors. I opened the doors and walked inside. The place was as beautiful as ever, with all the artefacts on the side. In front of the pool, Master Oogway was balancing on his staff. Did he do anything besides this, I will never know. But what's for sure is that he's the wisest person I've ever met, and I'd be happy to take any advice he gives. For now, I wanted to know what had brought me here, so I said gently, "Good evening, Master Oogway. Why do you wish to speak with me?"

He replied slowly, "Good evening, my friend. Or should I say... Kai. I have seen your progress over the last weeks, not only martially and physically, but also in your friendship with the Five. You have reached a certain level." I'm wondering how he noticed this, but anyway, what's next. Oogway continued, smiling weakly, "And even though you still have a lot to learn, in my opinion you have reached the level of a master. Continue on this path, young Master Kai, and you will soon be recognized by people as a real kung fu master."

I couldn't what I had just. Me, a kung fu "master"? Really? I smiled at Oogway, but on the inside I was crying out of joy. Even though I don't have the same martial level as the Five, which is impossible to achieve in such a short period of time, Oogway judged me worthy of this title. I bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you, Master Oogway. Is there anything else you want to speak about with me?"

He simply answered, "No, that is all I needed to tell you. Now you may go eat and get some rest; don't forget that you will always need to train more to improve."

"Yes, you're right... Good night Master." I said as I left the room, still smiling like a fool. When I got out of the Hall, I noticed that Master Shifu had been waiting there. He asked, "So, what did Oogway tell you exactly?"

"He told me that even though I had not reached the level of the Five, he noticed my progress and decided that I should be called a Master." Shifu looked surprised, "He what?" I sighed and said, "Yes, I know it's early for that, I thought it too. But I'll keep on training to prove to you, to the Five and to myself that I deserve this title."

Master Shifu already looked a little less shocked. After a few moments, he told me: "I believe in Oogway's words; he has never been wrong. I believe in his decision, and as he said, even though you still have a lot to learn, maybe you do deserve it. As for you... Well, you said what you had to do clearly enough: continue working hard, and you will be respected." I smiled and bowed, saying, "Don't worry, Master Shifu. I don't intend stopping now." After a pause, I said that I still needed to eat before it was too late. Shifu actually chuckled and let me go to the kitchen.

When I got there, the Five had finished eating dinner already. They were probably resting in their rooms. The news could wait until tomorrow morning; I had all the time I wanted. Maybe I would not even tell them at all, I don't like talking too much about myself. They'll find out by themselves one day... I quickly prepared something to eat for myself and quietly went to my own room, walking carefully in order not to wake anyone if anyone was sleeping. Once in my room, I silently lay on the bed, still thinking about what I had been told today. I will continue. I will become better. One day maybe, I'll be as well-known as the Five, but for now I'll just stick to training.

I remembered what Tigress had told me last night about the Dragon Scroll and all. I was now sure that it wasn't my goal; I mean, it would be great, but I'm far from having a sufficient level. And even if I were skilled enough, I would not deny it from her. In my mind everyone deserves to live a happy life, and if that was what could make her happy, I would not deny it from her. And if any of the Five really needed something, I'd help them as I can. I guess that's the kind of bond I developed with them: trust, but more than that now. I'd do anything for them, not thinking about what they'd do for me: that's the limit between friendship and business.