It has been a few days since I began my training.
I have spent most of my time in the Training Hall with the other masters, mainly practicing with Mantis and Crane.
Mantis is a master of speed. He teaches me how to block and hit back without ever stopping in the rotatory dummy field.
Crane teaches me about balance and mobility through constant sparring on the rim of the jade shell.
The progress is slow, but I can feel myself improving, no longer just relying on my instincts for the right move.
I am starting to learn and improve my technique.
Today is Saturday morning, and I am finishing my training session with Crane.
"Let's see if you can keep your balance on the rim the entire time, Albion."
"Come then!" I assume a fighting stance, and Crane immediately dives toward me.
I cannot see it, since I am focused on my practice match with Crane, but Master Shifu is looking at us with an approving glance.
Finally finished, we take five minutes of rest.
"You are improving fast, Albion. This time you managed to keep balance on the rim the entire time." Crane congratulates me.
"You are a good teacher, Crane. The first times were disastrous." I say with a laugh. Crane seems to blush at my comment before answering with a "Ha! Yeah!"
It feels good. The training leaves me with a deep sense of satisfaction.
"I see you have gotten the hang of the rotating dummies and the jade shell," says Master Shifu suddenly, startling me a bit. "Why don't you try now something more advanced?" He indicates the jets of flame on the other side of the field with his hand, where Viper currently is.
"I shall try, Master." I say while bowing my head.
I'm still getting used to assuming the fighting forms Master Shifu has taught me, while Crane is teaching me how to keep my balance while doing acrobatics.
Mantis has already drilled into my head to never stop moving while blocking and hitting back.
I reach the flame field just as Viper jumps out of the deadly flames.
"Hey Albion! Wanna try something a bit more complicated?" I must look nervous because she reassures me before I can say anything. "Don't worry! I will be here to help you, and you'll get used to it quick."
With a nod, I enter the field, deactivated for the moment.
"Before the flames shoot out of the ground, you will feel the heat coming from the position where the flame will appear," she explains to me. "Use that moment to dodge!"
I ready myself, thinking for a moment how vipers are cold-blooded animals, and besides that vipers are supposed to be able to track prey by heat. I dismiss those thoughts and focus myself.
…
There! I quickly dodge to the left, a flame catching the end of my clothes. I don't stop, for I already feel another jet of flame coming.
This lasts a while, but I mostly succeed in dodging the flames. The ones I can't fully evade only singe the end of my clothes.
Doing right on the first try feels good, but now my clothes are a bit burned.
"Good job!" Viper congratulates me with happiness. "Oh, but your clothes caught a bit of fire." She looks concerned. Well, I have the spares Luna gave me.
I keep practicing, Viper now sparring with me, while thinking to myself.
If I do this often, I won't have clothes without burned bits soon.
Maybe I should go to Luna's shop and get some clothes exclusively for training. The Hanfu are very comfy and look good, but I think some dedicated training clothes would be better.
Viper finally catches me off guard while trying to dodge a jet of flame that comes too close to comfort and swipes me off the field with a stroke of her tail.
Just as she is about to speak, Master Shifu snaps his fingers and we rush to his side.
"Students, your training is over for today. Rest and meditate on what you learned today." We bow and Master Shifu leaves the Training Hall.
"Why did we finish early today?" I ask, confused. It is only afternoon, there still is plenty of time today.
"Oh yeah, we forgot to tell you. Saturdays we train only for half a day, and Sundays is a free day, we can do whatever we want unless there is an urgent mission," explains Monkey helpfully.
Well, now I have a load of free time I didn't expect. I could do what I thought about earlier and go to Luna's.
But I think I'll go tomorrow. So for the rest of the day, I'll think about something to do.
"Oh yeah, I promised to take you to the bar, Albion. Wanna come later? Mantis and I are going for a drink." Monkey asks me before I can gather my thoughts on what to do.
"Sure, I don't have anything else to do." Might as well, a good opportunity to get to know the valley a bit better and make friends with them. "Come by my room later, when you are ready to leave?" Monkey answers with a "Sure!" and takes off with Mantis, going to prepare for later or play a prank on some poor soul.
"Viper, Crane, you doing something today?" I ask out of curiosity. Maybe they want to come.
"Yeah! I was thinking about practicing my ribbon dancing today." Viper answers back cheerfully.
Huh, I didn't know she danced. Gotta ask her to show me some other time.
"I'm going to do some calligraphy, or maybe painting, to relax today." Crane tells me with a hint of giddiness. It seems he really likes his hobbies.
Now that I think about it, I don't think I know how to read Chinese.
"You guys all know how to read and write, right?" They look at me perplexed while nodding. "Can you teach me? Last time I was in the valley I couldn't understand a single thing."
They send a look of pity my way. Damn, that stings.
"You forgot how to read and write too? That is very unfortunate." Crane especially looks like he cannot believe it. "I'll teach you the art of writing, if you want."
"Then I'll help you learn reading!" Viper offers a second later.
"Thanks, guys. You are good friends. I'll repay you someday."
As we are leaving the hall while chatting, I notice Tigress isn't the only one that made to leave the hall.
It seems she would continue training.
Doesn't she have a hobby she wants to do? Or at least take a break?
"Tigress, won't you come with us?" I ask out of consideration. Now that we are at least cordial with each other, I feel bad leaving her all alone in here.
"No, I shall continue my training. You would be wise to do the same if you want to catch up to us, instead of going into the bar with that pair." She comments on my choice of actions stoically. It seems she is taking note of my conversation with Monkey earlier.
"Though I'll admit that learning how to write and read should be a priority too." She returns to her training, effectively finishing the conversation.
Damn, here I am worried about her and she gives me a lecture. She is right though.
"Don't worry, she is like that with everyone. She is actually saying that because she cares about us, in her own way." Viper gives her vote of confidence to Tigress. Crane nods along.
"Yeah, I know. I don't really mind, she is right after all. But I can feel my body screaming for rest." The training sessions are satisfying, but my body is constantly sore.
I don't know how Tigress does it, but I can't keep going like this. I must give my body time to heal or it will fall apart.
They both laugh at my dramatics.
After reaching the barracks, we each go our own way.
Since Monkey says to go later, I still have time.
…
Though I still have time, I don't know what to do with it.
I can hear Crane scribbling in his room peacefully, and see Viper's shadow dancing around in her room through the paper wall.
…
With a bored sigh, I make my way outside the barracks and into the courtyard, looking for something to do or at least take a walk and admire the view.
It is the same breathtaking feeling every time I look into the valley.
With that in mind, I decide to make my way to the hill of the peach tree for a better view. Last time, when I went to talk with Oogway, I couldn't take a proper moment to look.
As I am reaching the tree, I hear a relaxing melody. It seems someone had a similar thought to mine.
Master Shifu is next to the tree, playing his flute. He already knows I am here, his ears twitching in my direction indicate that, but he keeps playing his tune.
Finally finished, he speaks.
"What can I do for you, Albion?" He asks as I approach him. He uses a serious tone, but it has no bite.
"Just admiring this beautiful view. For some reason, I find it emotional."
"Perhaps a lost memory in there, unknown to you, giving you that feeling?" He asks in a somber voice. I don't answer, for I don't know.
After a moment, I think about his flute. I inspect it; he is still holding it in his hands and notice it is quite rudimentary. Made of bamboo and yet played such a beautiful sound.
"You like the sound of this flute?" He notices my staring.
"It is quite a nice and gentle melody. It makes me feel nostalgic."
"Hmm... Why don't you give it a try?" he says while offering me another flute. It looks identical to the other one in his hand. I don't know why he keeps an extra flute on him.
Maybe it is something wise masters of Kung fu do.
I take it into my hands, feeling the contour of the instrument, giving myself a moment to explore it.
After a moment, I take the mouthpiece near my mouth and position the flute diagonal to me, imitating Shifu's pose earlier.
Almost like my hands have a will of their own, I start playing.
A slow melody with sad undertones comes from the flute.
I have my eyes closed, feeling the rhythm only my brain knows and hides from me, so I cannot see Shifu's expression.
Finally, the song comes to an end. I open my eyes and see Master Shifu silent, with an expression of amazement and intrigue etched into his face.
"You are quite the mysterious character, aren't you?" he tells me after a while.
Indeed I am.
"Yes, a mystery even to myself…"
Shifu told me I can keep the flute, to play whenever I want.
That is kind of him, but I don't know if there is some hidden meaning behind the gift.
He also tells me there is another student who he gifted a flute, but he wouldn't tell me who. I wonder if it's Monkey, since he seems the only one who would be able to play it with his hands and looks in character for him.
I return to my room a while ago, keeping those wandering thoughts, waiting for Mantis and Monkey to come and get me.
I decide to practice some more with my new instrument since I have nothing else to do and my hands are kind of restless.
The walls are literally paper-thin, so I think for a moment about asking if it is alright to my room neighbors, Viper and Crane right now, but I decide not to, since it is kind of embarrassing.
If they think I am annoying, I'm sure they will let me know.
So I do the same motion as before and start playing.
My hands move along the same notes from before, since I cannot recall any other song.
It gives me a sense of nostalgia, but it also makes me feel an uneasy sadness. This song clearly has some meaning to me that I forgot along with all my other memories.
After I finish playing, I can feel some curiosity radiating from my fellow students, even through the walls of my room, but nobody tells me off for disturbing their activities.
Once some time has passed, I hear Monkey before I see him, his hurried steps making a ruckus in the hallway.
He barges into my room, not even knocking.
"Hey man, you ready?" Mantis is on his shoulder, expectant gaze at Monkey's excited question.
I get up and make to follow, not without leaving my flute in the lonely drawer next to my bed. Finally, something to fill my drawer with, besides my spare change of clothes.
"This is gonna be good, you'll see!" Mantis assures me with a grin.
We go to the main gate without any more delay, to start the journey down into the valley. As always, the unending stairs are foreboding.
Finally at the bottom, I start going in whatever direction Monkey is going, since he clearly has a place in mind.
As the last time I was here, I can feel some stares in my direction, but this time I am not so uncomfortable. I'm here to have a good time with my friends, and some idiots who can't keep to themselves aren't going to ruin that.
I'm making small talk with Monkey and Mantis while walking around until we finally reach our destination. I can't read the characters on the sign, but there also is a drawing of a drink and some kind of food, so it's safe to assume this is the place.
Monkey's next words confirm it.
"The Mighty Feline, best place in the valley for a drink. Mantis and I are regulars here, so you'll get treated nicely. Come on, first round on me!" Monkey says while pushing the door open.
"'The Mighty Feline'? Is that the name of the bar?" I ask as I follow inside. This looks more like a tavern than a bar.
"Yeah, the owner is a snow leopard, so that's the name. She is quite the beaut. If you are lucky, maybe you can meet her," he says while wiggling his eyebrows, a suggesting tone in his voice.
Even if she is interested in meeting me, I doubt she will keep her interest once she sees I'm not exactly... normal.
As we enter, I notice the subtle fragrance of incense, spices, and different kinds of tea, all mixing together in a very pleasant aroma. Lanterns with intricate designs adorn the walls, reflecting a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
At the center of the tavern stands a counter, where a distinguished-looking antelope in elegant clothes is preparing a variety of drinks, which the waiters, who are all sheep, are carrying to the tables or the customers are drinking directly at the counter.
The place is quite full of people, a cacophony of voices blending in my ears. Over all the voices, some music can be heard from a group of musicians playing a gentle tune in the corner.
I'm overwhelmed by all the small and big things I'm observing, trying to take in as much information as my brain can process. Monkey gives me a pat on the back, snapping me out of my trance, and making me go forward in the direction of the counter.
"Hey Minghoof, I brought someone new. Now where is that mistress of yours, so I can make the proper introductions?" Monkey says with a lecherous grin, Mantis trying and failing to hide the same expression.
The antelope, named Minghoof by the sound of it, looks at Monkey with an aloof stare.
"Mistress Xuebai is otherwise occupied, I'm afraid," Minghoof easily deflects with a servicial tone, obviously used to this kind of thing. "What can I get you?"
"Just three of the usual..." sighs Monkey, dejected at having his brilliant plot foiled.
Our order is quickly fulfilled, and we begin making some talk while we nurse our drinks. It is a strange flavor, not bad but strange, with some alcohol content.
Mantis looks already a little buzzed. Seems like he can't hold his alcohol.
"Oh yeah, that reminds me. What did you talk about with Tigress the other day? She doesn't look at you with murder in her eyes anymore," Monkey asks jokingly, curiosity filling his tone, while Mantis follows with a "Spill it!"
Looks like Monkey noticed the change in my relationship with Tigress the other day. No wonder there, can't have any damn privacy in the barracks.
"Nothing important, just cleared the air between us." I don't want to say anything Tigress wouldn't appreciate. Knowing Monkey and Mantis, they can't help but go babbling about it to anyone who listens.
"Ha! Friend, you don't know because you are new, but making 'friends' with Tigress on your second or third day here is kind of incredible," Mantis says with gusto, pointing at me with his claws. "All of us have a hard time relating to her, and we have known her for years!"
"Maybe that is the reason. She doesn't look like the kind of person that likes to change relationships like that." We all nod along to my analysis of Tigress' character and take a swig of our drinks.
Damn, we are so wise in the way of interpersonal relationships.
"So, what do you think so far of your time in the Jade Palace? You are such a serious guy, I can't get your impression!" Monkey asks with a laugh. I usually complain about the range of emotions in Tigress' face, but it seems I'm guilty of the same sin.
"It's satisfying having something to work towards. The training is hard but feels good, and you guys are a good bunch. You, Viper, Crane, Mantis. All of you have helped me a lot. Master Shifu and Grandmaster Oogway too, of course." I answer with a fond smile.
"Damn, you know how to make a guy emotional," Mantis says in a joking manner, while wiping an imaginary tear away. We all laugh at that.
'This is actually a very fun way to pass the time,' I think to myself while chatting with Mantis and Monkey about all kinds of inane things, a small grin forming on my face.
I could get used to this.
My thoughts are interrupted by an unknown voice.
"Well now, you must be the new addition to the Jade Palace that everyone is talking about." A silky voice comes from the direction of the door on the other side of the counter.
A female figure appears in the doorway, a feline of some kind with white fur and black spots. This must be the famed owner.
I can see why Monkey and Mantis are frenzied right now; her beauty truly is the real deal.
She has blue eyes with slitted feline pupils and hides half of her face behind an extended black fan, giving her a mysterious air. Her wear is a beautiful blue Qipao with intricate patterns that accentuate her feminine form.
"I'm Xuebai, owner of the Mighty Feline." she says softly while approaching the counter, her walk full of grace. She indicates with her regal-looking eyes that it is my turn for an introduction.
"Albion, new student of the Jade Palace. Nice to meet you." I take her paw and shake her hand. Her soft fur tickles my skin.
I don't want to fumble my introduction to someone who looks so important, but Monkey and Mantis are looking at me with murderous intent.
"My! What a distinguished gentleman. I have never seen someone like you." She is observing me intently, like a cat looking at its prey. "Say, Albion, where are you from? I don't recognize your species."
"So I've been told." I answer stoically. I don't know why, but she gives the feel of someone with hidden intent. "I'm afraid it's a long story, and you look quite busy."
"A pity, but you are right. I must go now, for I have more business to attend to, but let's make time for a more extensive meeting next time." With a bow of "Masters…" thrown Mantis and Monkey's way, she leaves the same way she came in, her graceful gait taking the stares of all the patrons in the tavern.
So that is what this is for her. Business.
It's obvious that she only comes to meet the novelty and to make connections in case they are useful later. Well, that is fine by me, for now.
"DUDE!" I'm startled out of my calculating thoughts by Monkey and Mantis' coordinated and barely restrained shout. "You are so damn lucky! Gimme your paw!" They are fighting for the hand that took Xuebai's paw, trying to see if some strand of her fur is left behind on my hand.
Disgusting or sad. Can't decide.
After settling on funny and spending some more time chatting with the both of them, I decide it's time to leave the tavern.
'Wow, it's late. Time passed quickly.' While I am inside, there is no way to tell time, but now the day is nearing its end. The sun is slowly going down and the paper lanterns are being lit up. 'Oh, I never asked Monkey if he was the student that was gifted the other flute.' I'll simply ask him on another occasion.
Monkey and Mantis decide to stay behind to make the most of their free time. They are already quite plastered, but it is pretty funny to see, and I doubt they will get in too much trouble.
Since I moderate myself with my drinking, I feel confident going in the direction of the stairs to begin making my way up. I withhold a sigh.
I have to find something to make the damn journey up and down less boring.
I finally reach the barracks, making my way inside. I'm following the delicious scent coming from the kitchen.
I already ate some snacks at the tavern, but my stomach starts rumbling when I smell the food Viper is surely cooking.
I enter the kitchen and see Viper, Crane, and Tigress already at the table. They are about to start dinner.
"Oh Albion! Good thing I made for you just in case. Grab a bowl and join us." Viper offers while smiling at me.
After pouring some noodle soup in my bowl, I sit myself into an available seat next to Tigress.
"You smell of alcohol." Tigress says without looking up from her meal of cubed tofu, with a neutral tone.
She briefly says all she wants to lecture me about in a single sentence. What skill.
"It was pretty fun going out with Monkey and Mantis." She only answers with a "Just don't make a habit of it. For your own good." to my comment.
I am having some trouble with my food. Normally, and to my eternal torment and embarrassment, Monkey helps me a bit with my chopsticks, since I still don't know how to hold them properly.
He mocks me all the time.
Tigress, Viper, and Crane are looking at me, failing to hold the noodles with my chopsticks time and time again.
I'm sure it's funny from an outside perspective. To me, it's pretty frustrating.
"Give me those chopsticks." Tigress orders with a sigh, a tone of exasperation in her voice.
I comply and she takes my hand, skillfully putting the chopsticks correctly among my fingers, making holding the noodles much easier.
That makes me think that her paws actually are very similar to my hands, the only difference being the deadly claws.
I notice Crane with his beak open wide, clearly dumbfounded, making him look like an idiot, and Viper trying, and failing, to hold back a laugh.
"I'm sorry, Albion, can't help you with that myself." Viper says, moving her tail to indicate why.
"Honestly, are you a child?" Tigress grumbles after helping me, a small hint of embarrassment in her voice.
She truly is a good person under all that gruffness.
I thank her sincerely as she starts to make her way out of the kitchen, having already finished her tofu.
As I am eating, I think to myself.
'Her paws are similar to mine... Could the other student with the gifted flute be…?' Before she fully exits, I ask her. I can't let my curiosity go unsatisfied.
"Tigress." She stops at the door, about to exit. "By any chance, did Master Shifu gift you a flute?"
"He did." I'm quite surprised, but I don't show it in my next question.
"Did you learn how to play it?" She finally turns back; she is looking at me, trying to decipher where my line of questioning is going.
"I did not. What are you getting at?"
"I could show you how if you like." I could make friends with Tigress while we both learn something new. "Master Shifu also gave me one."
"I don't have time for that." She shuts me down without thinking about it for a single moment and goes on her way without saying anything else.
I keep silent and go back to my food.
There is some tension in the room felt by those that aren't involved in the conversation.
"Don't feel bad, Albion. She doesn't mean bad, she is just-" I interrupt Viper before she can continue.
"Don't worry, I know. It was merely a suggestion." I can't keep a small hint of hurt out of my voice. "Maybe next time."
Viper looks at me with worried eyes nevertheless.
Tigress is the only one of the Furious Five that keeps our relationship at a cordial level and nothing more.
She keeps distant from me and from the other members from what I have noticed.
I wonder why she won't allow herself to form a closer bond with her fellow students.
"So you were playing that melancholic melody earlier?" asks Crane, trying to change the subject.
"Yeah, I visited Master Shifu before going out, and he gave me a flute." I explain to them about my meeting with our master earlier in the day. "It's like my hands know how to play that tune. I'd like to learn more though."
"That song sounds quite sad. Maybe a more cheery one would be nicer." Viper suggests. She likes to dance, so maybe we could do a duo in the future.
"Once I learn a better song, I'll play it for both of you." I promise them.
After finishing dinner and saying good night to Viper and Crane, I leave the kitchen and go into my room.
I check the inside of my drawer, where my flute is, to take one more look at the instrument before going to sleep.
Once I'm in bed, I recount my tasks for tomorrow.
I will go to Luna's shop and buy some new clothes and start my lessons with Crane and Viper.
Maybe I will also check with Monkey and Mantis to see if they are still alive or have succumbed to their drinking habits.
Another day awaits tomorrow, full of life.