Chapter 3: A new beginning.
I slowly wake up, feeling groggy and with my thoughts jumbled up. As my body gets used to a state of alertness, I try to make sense of everything I can remember from yesterday.
Slowly, I go over all the information on my head. The names of the Furious Five, their faces. Master Shifu and his advice from yesterday. All names of the places I was told.
It's quite a lot in one day, but little by little I assimilate it all in my head. If only getting my memories back was so easy.
Suddenly I remember Master Shifu telling me that I was to be ready when morning gong sounded.
-'Huh… I wonder if there is still time until the gong...'- I had a somewhat restless night, so I finally decided to just get up and about.
Just as I was thinking about going out to get some air, a metallic gong sounded. Just a moment later, a multitude of steps and doors opening could be heard as the Furious Five and me exited our rooms to start the day.
-"Good morning Master Shifu!"- Everyone but me said, surprising me with their coordinated greeting.
-"Good morning Master Shifu."- I said a fraction later, earning me a small glare from him.
-"Hmm… You woke up at the time you were told. I'm quite surprised"- Master Shifu said intrigued, as he stroked his Fu Manchu styled beard. It seems not many manage to wake up this early on their first try. -"You will come with me to see Grandmaster Oogway. The rest of you, eat breakfast and go to the training hall."-
The Furious Five went to the kitchen while I followed Master Shifu outside. As we were nearing the exit of the barracks, a passing thought comes to my head.
-'Now that I think about it… I woke up inside the barracks, so I never saw the outside of the Jade Palace.'- Though that is not completely true, since I saw it on the distance before collapsing.
As we exit, I stop a moment to take it all in.
There is a great courtyard, with buildings at it's sides. A great red gate separating the palace from what I assume are the unending stairs I saw earlier in the distance.
There is also some beautiful gardens and trees surrounding the courtyard.
In front of the courtyard, a pair of stairs that go further up, with two statues of dragons decorating them.
And further up more buildings, all in traditional Chinese style.
As I stand there gawking like an idiot, Master Shifu finally grows impatient and tells me to move already.
We begin to ascend until we start getting closer to a peach tree in the top of a hill.
There I finally see who I assume to be Grandmaster Oogway. He is an elderly tortoise, his shell was covered in a green cloak with a yin-yang symbol and he is carrying a staff.
-"Now listen, and listen well, Human. Grandmaster Oogway is a revered master of Kung fu, and highly venerated for his wisdom and knowledge, and has helped the people of this world all his life, so you better present him the respect he deserves."- Master Shifu explained to me, in a stern tone.
I nodded my understanding and we went forward.
He stopped before reaching the tree and gestured for me to get closer. I stepped closer as Grandmaster Oogway stood and turned towards me.
I bowed as I have seen the others do, and saluted him -"Master Oogway I'm honored to meet you."-
-"Hello child, no need to be so formal. Master Shifu has explained your situation to me."-
That relaxed me a little, seeing as I wouldn't have to explain myself again.
-"Then Master, can you help me?"- I'm sure my eyes were shining with hope.
But the tortoise only shakes his head sadly before speaking.
-"I'm afraid there is no remedy, magical or otherwise, to recover the memories. Only time is able to heal the mind."- Oogway explained to me calmly.
I felt as my hope of knowing something, anything of my past, was shattered. Fear and hopelessness must have been clear on my face, because Oogway calmly reassured me.
-"Do not despair child. I know your situation must seem bleak to you right now, and that you must feel lost, but I think there are no accidents. Why don't you become a student here? While you fortify your body studying Kung fu, your mind may recover with meditation."-
His sagely tone and calm demeanor was soothing to me, making feel like this was not over yet. Perhaps I was being too dramatic, even if it's something as serious as my memories there is no point in feeling depressed and hopeless. Only action would serve purpose.
-"Master, are you sure? We don't know if he can fight at all"- Master Shifu said in a questioning manner.
It seems he isn't completely opposed to the idea, but is doubtful.
-"I think the universe has guided him to us for a reason. Tell me young one, do you wish to help those in need? To better yourself?"- His eyes searched something in me as he asked.
I stopped to consider for a moment.
My memories may be gone forever, and even if they aren't who knows when they will come back. These people have accepted and helped me, a stranger, without anymore reason than the wish to help someone in need.
This sense of good and justice feel right in my heart. I don't know who I was in my past, but I know who I will become.
I looked Grandmaster Oogway straight in the eyes and gave my answer.
-"Yes! I wish to better myself! I want to help those in need! I will become a Kung fu master! And if I recover my memories along the way in my journey, then all the better!"-
After a moment of deliberately looking at me, the old master gave me a huge smile, clearly pleased with my answer and with whatever he saw within me.
-"Good! You will bring a good change of pace to this place. Now go, the first trial of many awaits you."- With those parting words, the tortoise started turning back to the edge of hill to begin his meditation anew, before stopping.
-"Hmm… If you are to train here, then you will need a name. We can't always be calling you a stranger, can we now?"- The old tortoise mused with a smile while looking at me.
-"Master, I will accept whatever name you think is right for me."- Might as well be him naming me, since I still haven't the slightest idea about my name.
-"Oh, what great honor to bestow upon me. Very well, let me think for a moment..."- He spent moment rubbing his chin while looking at me.
-"I know! From now on you will be called… Dong!"- This old man clearly has lost his head if he thinks I would accept that name.
It seems he got my thoughts on the matter from my expression alone, since he went back to thinking with an "Alright, give another moment…".
After a moment of consideration he gave me a name.
-"You will be called 'Albion' from now on. It's name of a great warrior of the past. I hope this name guides along your path safely."- Without further ceremony I was named by Grandmaster Oogway and the old tortoise went back to his meditation.
My name is Albion. My identity going forward. I'm Albion, new student of the Jade Palace.
With those thoughts in my head, it felt like a part of me returned to my being.
-"I will tell the servants to prepare your room for a more permanent stay. You have done well so far, but you will have to do even better in the future. As of now, you will be training here so you will address me as Master."- We walked back while he told me all that.
-"Yes Master Shifu."- He eyed me carefully as I answered.
-"Good, tomorrow your training begins, so get plenty of rest today and prepare for tomorrow."- I bowed and went back to the barracks.
Well, with all that out of the way, my first stop is the kitchen. Master Shifu took me directly to see Grandmaster Oogway, so I'm pretty much starving.
When I remember the food Viper made yesterday I can feel stomach cry for food like a starving beast.
With that in mind, I make my way to the kitchen.
As I am approaching, I can already hear the chatter from the other members of the barracks. It seems they are taking a rest from training.
-"You think Grandmaster Oogway has finished messing with his head up there?"- Said a voice that I think belonged to Monkey.
-"Be more respectful of Grandmaster Oogway, Monkey!"-Tigress exclaimed with a stern tone.
-"He is probably already on his way home"- Mantis theorized, ignoring Tigress outburst.
-"Of course not! I'm sure he would at least say goodbye to us before going."- Never change Viper.
-"I don't know, he seemed pretty eager to gain back his memories..."- A realist that Crane.
Tired of their fantasy about me, I decided to enter the room to end the debate.
-"Hello everyone, I'm back."- Immediately everyone focuses their intense gaze on me. It seems I was an interesting subject of topic.
-"Well! Don't leave us hanging pal. Did you get your memories back?"- Monkey couldn't wait anymore for the mystery to be resolved.
He wasn't the only one, seeing as everyone else was looking at me with curiosity on their faces, some more hidden than others seeing as Tigress is pretending that she is not on the subject, but can I see her furry ears dedicate their attention towards my direction.
-"I'm afraid Grandmaster Oogway was not able to restore my memories."- I said without preamble and directly to the point. I could see some sad faces, from my predicament or from the unresolved mystery I could not say, so I hurried onto the next topic. -"But! He offered me a place here. He said that if I train my mind and body, then I may be able to restore my mind and recover my memories. And if not, well, I don't have anything else to do anyway."-
The first to react was Tigress.
-"You? Train here?"- She seemed to oppose the idea, based on her tone of voice.
-"I'm sorry that you couldn't recover your memories, but you being a student here is fantastic! It's been so long since we had someone new!"- Viper said cheerfully, mood lifted at the prospect of a new student.
-"Well, some novelty from time to time is good"- Even the reserved Crane seems on board with idea.
-"Hear that Mantis, we have some new victim for our pranks."-
-"I will never pass up a new drinking buddy to hit the bar with."-
Each of them had an opinion on my joining of their ranks as student of Kung fu, but on the average it seemed they were positive on my company here, excluding Tigress of course, who was looking at me like I killed her favorite plant.
That's nice, the feeling of being accepted.
-"Oh I almost forgot! I was given a name by Master Oogway!"- At that comment, they all expressed surprise. I decided it's time for a proper introduction. I looked at them firmly.
-"I'm Albion, student of the Jade Palace under Master Shifu. I hope we can be friends moving forward."-
With food out of the way, I was now taking a walk with Viper by my side.
Or rather she was showing me around, since I decided to accept her offer from yesterday of giving me a tour of the palace grounds.
-"And this is the where the training hall is, where you will spend most of the day polishing your martial skills. I think it's better if I let Master Shifu show you the inside."-
I imagine I will get intimately acquainted with this place in specific, given time, since I don't think I don't know much of fighting at all.
-"And that about covers it all. We have seen the Hall of Warriors, the Training Hall, the Arena, the students barracks and the baths in the mountain."- I need an urgent visit to the last place mentioned.
My body felt dirty and I'm pretty sure that my clothes could be officially classified as pure filth.
-"Thank you for the tour Viper. It was pretty nice walking around and taking everything in."-
-"Don't get used to this relaxing pace. Starting tomorrow Master Shifu will give you no quarter in training."- She speaks from experience, I feel.
As we were ending the tour and returning to the barracks, we encountered Master Shifu.
We greeted him with a bow and exclamation of "Master".
-"Ah Viper, I see you are giving our newest student a tour of the facilities. Good job."- Shifu looked at me for a moment and gave me look of chagrin. -"Why don't you also accompany him to the clothes shop. I thinks his current clothes have expired their life."-
Well new clothes are always cool.
-"Thank you Master Shifu"- After I said that, he turned around and kept to whatever he was doing in the first place.
-"Hmm… Let's see, how about we meet in the main door in an hour. I have to finish some matters. In the meantime, how about you take a nice soak in the bath I showed you earlier. I don't want to embarrass you, but you kind of need it."- Viper told me with a kind tone.
No matter how kindly you say it Viper, It still hurts. Though she is absolutely right.
-"Yeah I better get to that. I honestly don't know when was the last time I took a bath."-
With that in mind, I say goodbye to Viper and backtrack the way she showed me earlier.
In my way to the bath, I see Monkey doing some pull-ups in the courtyard.
-"Hey Albion, going somewhere?"- He greeted me when he saw me.
-"Master Shifu said I need new clothes, so Viper is taking me shopping. I need an urgent bath first though."- I told him while making a face about my current state of cleanliness.
-"Sounds about right!"- He gave a laugh while saying that -"Tell you what, Mantis and me will take you to the bar this weekend. You'll see some parts of the village, and meet some ladies if we are lucky."-
I don't know about the prospect of ladies, given that I am a human. It feels kind of weird for some reason, though apparently I'm the only human in all of China.
But It's always good get the layout of the place you are going to live in, and making friends with Monkey and Mantis is even better.
-"I'll take you on that offer, whenever that weekend is coming since I still don't know what day it is today."- I said goodbye to Monkey with that, while he answered with an "It's Thursday today dude!" as I walked away.
After finally reaching my destination, and taking a nice and relaxing bath for a good while, I started making my way to the main gate. It was almost time for my meeting with Viper.
Now that I think about it, it will be my first time going into the village, which makes me a bit nervous. There are probably nice people in the village, if only with the experience I had so far with all the servants in the palace and the Furious Five as reference.
As long as I behaved myself and acted naturally, like I belonged, everything would fine. Besides Viper would be with me, so there is no need for anxiety.
Finally I reach the gate, and I see Viper waiting for me already.
-"You look much better now! Those clothes still need changing though."- She said with a small laugh.
-"Shall we go change them then?"-
With that exchange over, we began our descent into the village proper.
It truly was an unending amount of stairs. I literally couldn't see the bottom.
Thinking about it, the fact that Tigress managed to carry me all the way up here with me on her back it's pretty damn impressive. I know for a fact that I'm not a lightweight.
After what felt like an eternity, we reached the bottom of the stairs. As I thought, everywhere I looked, animal stares returned my gaze.
It seems I truly was the anomaly.
-"Are you feeling well?"- Viper asked concerned, having noticed my obvious discomfort at all the stares.
-"Yes, just a bit uncomfortable with all the staring"- I said in a low voice.
-"How about you all mind you business. He is a student of the Jade Palace!"- Viper immediately barked, without any mind to their thoughts.
The change was instantaneous, everyone returned their business. And those that didn't have any, quickly made themselves one, intimidated by the fierce serpent warrior.
-"Thank you Viper. You really are a good friend."- She seemed happy at my words, or my change of mood.
-"It was nothing, really! Now, let's go shopping for clothes. I know a good place. It's owned by a good friend of mine!"-
Both us in a better mood now, we make our way into the village looking for the shop of Viper's friend.
Still, everywhere I looked truly reminded I was in china. I don't why but I could identify the elements around easily.
The paper lanterns, the outfits, the architecture. Everything, including the animals, gave me that feeling. That must mean that somewhere in my head there is something still working.
Once we reached a small looking corner shop, we entered inside. As we entered, a little chime sounded. While we waited for the personnel of the shop I discerned my surroundings.
It was quite a mess, with many cuts of cloth everywhere in the shop. The counter was empty of employees, with many tools typical of the trade laying around.
A distant "One moment!" was heard, so we kept waiting.
Finally, an animal exited the back of the store. It was a wolf with gray fur, a woman by the sound of her voice before and her features. She was wearing a simple blue colored Hanfu.
-"Hello and Welcome to- Oh Viper! How good to see you!"- Saying that, she went around the counter a hugged Viper. She eyed me for a moment before going back to her conversation with Viper.
-"It's been so long Viper. How have you been? I know you must have been training hard as always."-
-"It's good to see you too Luna! I hope everything's been going well?"-Viper said while returning the hug -"I am here today with a Friend."-
She turned to face me.
-"And who is your friend? Never have seen anyone like him."-
-"I'm Albion, nice to meet ya. I came for some new clothes and Viper recommended your shop."- I offered her my hand to shake while I was saying this.
She looked at me for moment before taking my hand and introducing herself.
-"My name is Luna Fang, any friend of Viper is friend of mine. Even better if you have come to spend some coin."- She said with a wolfish smile.
She clearly had a merchant's mind.
After exchanging some more pleasantries and some catch up talk with her friend, Luna finally made it to the main topic.
-"Well, I can see why you need new clothes. Even if I have never seen a design like that, it's clear they are all torn up. Let's go to the back. I need to take some measurements to see if I have anything that fits you."- She took my hand and guided me to the back of the shop, Viper following shortly."- I think I have some clothes that may fit your build."-
After taking me to the center of the room, she told me to strip to my underclothes. Afterwards she left for her tools.
-"Hmm… I think I better leave..."- Viper started slithering away, before I stopped her.
-"Actually, I would appreciate if you stay. I'm not feeling confident in my judgment for clothes."- I really don't know about clothes to choose something for me and, while I don't really mind, I'd rather look good in whatever garb I get.
After slipping out of the rags I was wearing, only leaving my underclothes on me, Luna came back with her tools to take my measurements.
I noticed Viper staring rather intently at my back, but I don't know why.
-"I see you are a warrior as well, Albion. Are you going to study in the Jade Palace?"- She asked while working.
She sees I'm warrior? Why? Because of my build?
-"Well yes, starting tomorrow actually. If you don't mind me asking, why do you say I'm a warrior?"-
-"Hmm? Well, because your skin tales a story! You have quite the numerous scars across your back and arms, and even your torso!"- She said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
What.
I didn't notice while bathing, probably due to the steam, but it is true.
Now that I start to scrutinize my body, I notice all the small discolorations, typical of scars, marking my body.
Huh. Another mystery for the box.
That must be why Viper is looking so closely to my back. It must be quite the picture.
-"Do I have more back there, Viper?"-
-"… Well, you have quite a large one across your entire back. It looks quite scary."- Viper said with difficulty. Now I am curious.
I will have to get that mirror again when I get back to the palace.
-"Don't you know your own body?"- She asked with a small laugh, finally done with the measuring.
-"Oh Luna, he actually is kind of a special case..."- Started Viper, before I cut her off.
-"Sorry, I lost my memories recently. I didn't know about them."-
Luna looked aghast before she spoke quickly again.
-"Oh! I'm truly sorry, I didn't know about your condition."- She sent a pitying, remorseful look my way.
-"It's quite alright, I decided to start a new path. If I recover my memories along the way, then all the better. If not, then I can't miss what I don't know, I suppose."- I said with an optimistic air.
She exhaled an "Admirable…" before going to the mountain of clothes that was in the room.
After looking for a while she took some items from the pile and presented them to me.
Viper quickly moved and discarded all the clothes she must have thought wouldn't look right on me, leaving me with one choice.
The fabric was soft and pleasant to the touch, flowing like water between my fingers. It was a deep black ebony color, giving an air of elegant refinement. Adorning the edges are intricate patterns of vibrant red color. The robe was tied with a black sash, to finalize the look.
It was honestly quite striking, so I immediately changed into it.
The impressions were very positive.
-"My… You look quite dashing with this black Hanfu. It compliments nicely the color of your eyes and your silver fur."- Said Luna, while looking all over me.
-"I agree, you wear it very well. Albion you should get it."- Viper comment sealed the deal.
-"Alright, I'll take this one."-
-"Good! You can take that one for now. I will prepare you a few replacements as well. I take it I should bill the palace for this one?"- This last question was directed at Viper, which she assented.
-"Oh, before I forget. Here are some sandals and socks. These are free of charge! For making such a big purch- I mean for being such a nice guy!"- Careful Luna, your merchant colors are showing.
I'm glad for the sandals though. It was starting to feel weird going around shoeless.
The sandals were quite unremarkable. Just a pair of sandals. The socks were white and soft to the touch.
After getting everything and chatting some more, we start to say our goodbyes to Luna and begin our way home for the day.
The sun was starting to go down, soon it will be time for dinner and then sleep. A big day awaits tomorrow. Clean and with new clothes, I feel now ready for whatever Master Shifu throws my way.
-"Good thing I left everything almost ready for dinner before we left."- Viper as always, thinking of her friends.
-"Are you the only cook in here?"-
-"Well no… But I like to cook, that is why I normally I'm the one doing it."-
-"If you ever need help be sure to tell me. I also would like to help and learn."-
With a cheerful "Sure!" we continued our walk home.
After a good dinner, courtesy of Viper, some nice conversation about our day with Crane, and joking around with Monkey and Mantis, I make my way into my room.
They had plenty to say about my new outfit, and what to expect tomorrow.
But, just as yesterday, Tigress was waiting for me in the hallway, next to the door to my room and in front of hers.
-"Not one day and you are already breaking your promise."- She said coldly to me, while looking intently into my eyes.
I think for a moment about what she means. I'm certain is the "leave tomorrow" part of the promise I made to her yesterday.
-"The situation changed. Nevertheless, I can still keep the other part of the promise unbroken."- I said in a stern tone. It was starting to make me feel frustrated the way she was treating me.
She wasn't giving me even one chance to prove myself.
-"For how long? I don't think you belong here. I think you overstayed your welcome."-
I ignored her and started to enter my room, but not without leaving some parting words for her to chew on.
-"I don't think that is for you to decide."-
The look of rage on her face as I closed my door was terrifying, but I will stand my ground on this matter.
I prepared myself for bed, leaving my new robe nicely folded next to my bed.
Soon, I started to drift to sleep thinking about today's events, and the words of Tigress.
"You don't belong here"
Those words chained my thoughts until sleep claimed me.