It's the same dream again, I realize. The blurry, indistinguishable background shrouded in shadows. The blaring sound deafening my senses and making my ears ring painfully.
I look down at my hands, covered in the same viscous, scarlet liquid as last time, dripping slowly to the floor. They feel unnaturally warm.
Ahead of me lies a fallen form, its identity obscured, as if my mind is actively blocking my ability to recognize it.
Suddenly, my legs buckle and I collapse to my knees, using my hands to break my fall against the cold, hard floor.
A nauseating metallic smell assaults my senses.
I don't bother looking up this time, expecting the floor to open and swallow me into the darkness as before.
But this time, it doesn't. Anxiety rises in me as I realize the floor is now clear and solid, a cold, metallic surface under my palms.
The blaring sound is gone, replaced by an unnerving silence. My heart pounds wildly, each beat echoing in the stillness.
"Bro… ther…" A broken feminine voice reaches me in the ensuing silence. The source is the unidentified entity before me.
I don't dare look up, fearing what I might see. A bead of sweat forms on my forehead, tracing a slow path down my face before falling to the floor.
"Brother…" the voice repeats, clearer this time. My hands tremble as I gather the courage to confront whatever nightmare my mind has conjured.
Slowly, I lift my gaze from the cold, hard floor. A blood-curdling scream pierces the silence before I can fully take my gaze from the floor, and the blaring sound returns, making me flinch.
I try to look around in confusion, but the floor disappears beneath my hands, and I find myself falling endlessly into the black void.
I wake up suddenly, falling from my bed. Sweat-soaked and trembling, my breath comes in uncontrolled gasps, and my heart races. I can feel the cold, solid wooden floor beneath the palm of my hands.
That dream again, but this time something changed. Just as I was about to uncover the mystery of the dream, my brain seemingly decided that it was enough, blocking the revelation.
I take a deep breath, trying to ground myself in reality. The faint, repeating sound of knocks at my door pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts. Two more small, persistent knocks echo on the door frame.
"Albion? Are you alright? I heard you falling." Tigress's low voice startles me out of my anxious thoughts.
I hesitate, unsure how to respond. A part of me feels shame at being so frightened by a dream, but a larger part craves the comforting presence of a friend
"Albion? I'm coming in." she announces, a small tone of urgency now in her whispering voice. It seems I have taken too much time answering her call and now she is worried.
Tigress opens the door and finds me sprawled on the wooden floor, my night clothes damp with sweat and my hands trembling.
"Albion!? What happened?" Tigress rushes to my side, her movements careful to avoid waking up our still-sleeping friends. She helps me up and guides me back to bed, taking a seat next to me.
I look into her warm amber eyes, usually filled with intensity and sternness, now showing care and concern. Her paw awkwardly pats my shoulder, encouraging me to speak. After a moment, I find my voice.
"Sorry Tigress, I just had… a really bad dream." I cover my face with my hand slightly, trying to calm my nerves and disguise the shame I was feeling.
She nods, understanding softening her expression. Taking my arm, she gently urges me to get up.
"Come on, I'll make some tea. Talking about it might help." It seems I woke up just as she was heading to the kitchen for her early tea. I accept, grateful for the offer, and we make our way into the kitchen.
Once there, I sit at the table and watch as Tigress prepares the tea with practiced ease, giving her a rare domestic air. Once the teapot is ready, she pours two cups, one for me and one for her.
The smell of jasmine tea calms me, and the warmth of the cup in my hands puts me at ease. I take a small sip, feeling the rejuvenating flavor course through me. We spend a few moments in silence, enjoying the tea for a brief moment.
"So… want to talk about it? Was it the same dream from last time?" Tigress asks me after the pause, tension in her voice.
"It was… similar. It was the same dream I told you about last time. Only this time, the ending was very different." I tell her, trying to clarify my thoughts as I speak.
I explain to her what I felt this time. That voice calling for me. The strange chill that I got when I recall it.
"And this voice… It only called for 'Brother'? Do you think this is also a new memory?" Tigress asks me once again, intrigue filling her voice, trying her best to decipher the meaning of this dream alongside me.
"I don't know. It had the same feeling of nostalgia, but it also felt like some parts didn't belong there. Like something was deeply wrong." I keep my gaze on the cup of tea, unsure of my answer.
Tigress does not say anything back, instead opting to ponder in silence. I keep drinking the relaxing tea, slowly calming my nerves.
"I think it would be best if you speak with Grandmaster Oogway. He will be able to help you far better than me." Tigress finally says after thinking for a while, a small note of frustration appearing in her features.
"You have already helped me far more than you can imagine, my friend. But it's true that master Oogway may be able to discern what is happening in my head." I sigh to myself after my comment, and look down at my now empty cup.
Tigress looks at me with worry for a moment, before gaining a determined look. She grips my shoulder tightly, making me rise my gaze back to her.
"Albion, you are strong. You must not let this bring you down. Remember that you have friends here who will help you, no matter what." Tigress promises me, her words filling me with the same determination she presents to me in her expression.
Much like last time, I feel inspired and stronger after Tigress' words. She truly is an admirable and capable leader, and a good friend.
It makes me remember how much she and Crane helped me in the princess escorting mission from two weeks ago. Master Shifu simply congratulated us for a job well done upon returning, but I saw the pride in his gaze when he did so.
"Thank you Tigress. I will keep that in mind. Come on, we should get ready for training." I raise from my seat and put the empty cup in the sink, not noticing the confusion in Tigress' face.
"Training? What do you mean?" Her tone matched her confused expression "There is no training today, Albion. Today is the spring festival."
Apparently, there's a festival celebrating the arrival of spring, something I wasn't informed about. It's a tradition that these festival days are free from training, allowing everyone to enjoy the special day.
"I see. I didn't know about such festivals. They sound pretty interesting." I added, a note of enthusiasm showing in my voice.
"Well, I suppose it's to be expected given that you lost your memories. I never thought you would have forgotten something like this." Amusement colors the usually stern tone in Tigress' voice, a small playful smirk adorning her face.
As I'm enjoying the rare sight, the door to the kitchen swing open, admitting inside all the remaining members of the Furious Five. Mantis is in his usual spot in Monkey's shoulder, yawning rather loudly while Monkey speaks about some topic animatedly.
Viper and Crane follow close behind them, chatting in a more sedated manner.
"Good morning everyone." I greet everyone with my usual calm tone, Tigress doing much the same, regaining her usual stern demeanor.
"Oh, Albion and Tigress are already here. Good morning! You still haven't had breakfast yet, right?" Viper greet us enthusiastically while slithering her way to the kitchen counter, intending to prepare breakfast for all of us.
Mantis, Monkey and Crane join Tigress and me in the kitchen table. I decide it's best if I help Viper with the breakfast and rise from my seat.
"Mind if I lend you a hand?" I ask her, taking the pots and pan before she can answer. She just nods, a grateful smile in her face.
As I help Viper with the cooking, I listen to the others conversation in the background. They seem to be making plans for today's festival.
"Monkey and I are hitting the bar this year. We are going to put our natural charm to work and get some ladies." Mantis declares, puffing out his chest.
"Again?! You did the same last year, and the year before, and you always come plastered. And without any of those 'ladies' you speak of." Crane points out to Mantis, exasperation in his tone. Mantis bravado quickly deflates at his words.
"Don't jinx it, man! This year is our year, I can feel it." Monkey replies back, trying to convince Crane and apparently himself, much to my amusement.
We finally finish cooking breakfast, and I skillfully serve the plates to each of the Furious Five in the kitchen table. I tell Viper to take a seat and take her steaming bowl of food to her, along with mine.
We quickly dig in the warm food, savoring the first bite. The impression are good, making each of the Five thank Viper and me for the hearty breakfast.
"Well, what are you going to do then, smart guy?" Mantis continues the previous conversation, asking Crane among bites of his meal.
Crane doesn't answer, opting to stay silent and keep eating. Instead, Viper cheerfully answer Mantis' question.
"We are going to go to the village and see what they put up this year for the festival." Viper comments with a smile on her expression, implying that she and Crane would be going together.
Mantis simply scoffs at Viper's answer, and rants about how every year they put the same boring stalls, Monkey nodding alongside him. While Mantis is in his heated rant, I decide to ask Tigress.
"What about you Tigress? Have any plans for the festival?" I ask her, looking at the plate of the usual tofu that is her breakfast. Someday I have to ask her to let me try it and see if it is any good.
"Nothing special. I was planning on taking it easy today. Maybe meditate later." Tigress answers after swallowing a piece of her tofu.
And so, Mantis and Monkey will go and hit the bar, Viper and Crane are going to the village and enjoy the festivities, and Tigress is going to remain here, 'taking it easy' as she says.
I'm still undecided on what to do.
"Hey, Albion. You doing something today?" Monkey asks me, finally bored with Mantis' rant. Mantis stops his unprompted tirade and his eyes take a suspicious glint.
"Why don't you come with us man? The ladies will love your mysterious persona." He insists on me coming before I can answer Monkey's first question.
"You can also come with us if you want, Albion. Crane and me are going to see the stalls of this year." Viper adds, extending her invitation before I can answer Mantis' and Monkey's offer.
Truth be told, I would rather expend my time looking at the festivities, but something in Crane's gaze tells me he wants a private time with Viper. Maybe I will ask him later about it.
"Thanks Viper, but I think I'll go with Mantis and Monkey. Make sure they don't get in too much trouble." I give her a slight smile with my answer, indicating that I was thankful for the offer.
Mantis and Monkey cheer in the background while Viper just smiles back to me and nods. I sigh to myself, already doubting my decision.
"You'll see Albion. I'm sure the ladies will fall for you the moment they see you." Mantis tells me, jumping on my shoulder and patting it with his claws in a comforting gesture.
"It's not the ladies I'm worried about…" That small comment escapes my lips before I can restrain myself, but it goes unheard by Mantis.
And truth be told, they don't. I personally don't think anyone around here will find me attractive, given that I don't have any of the animals qualities everyone else does.
With those introspective thoughts, I finish my meal and take my empty plate to the sink.
"Well, I'm going to practice a bit with my flute. I'll swing by later, when it's time to leave." After getting confirmation from Monkey, I take my leave of the kitchen, and go outside.
I told the others that I was going to practice playing the musical instrument, but in truth I'm going to see Grandmaster Oogway, as Tigress suggested to me earlier.
I still haven't told anyone else about my strange dreams, having Tigress as my only confidant. There is no special reason, I just don't want to make it a bigger deal than it is.
Besides, Tigress help is already plenty enough. Those private moments where she leaves her stern, strict persona aside and shows her tender side are rare, but they help me greatly each time.
I reach my destination, the Hall of Warriors, hoping that the old master is in his usual spot, meditating by the shore of pool. I open the great gates and stride inside, ignoring the marvelous architecture of the great hall this once.
Thankfully, I find the old tortoise where I expected him to be, meditating on top of the staff by the shore of the pool. I approach, taking a polite bow before the meditating master.
"Apologies for disturbing you, Master Oogway. It's me, Albion. May I have a moment of your time?" I ask, still bowing respectfully. The old master lands gracefully on the floor, not making a single sound, his movements serene and controlled.
"Hello, young Albion. Of course, I'm always here if you want to talk. Is something troubling you?" The old tortoise kindly asks, presenting his usual gentle smile and serene, soothing tone of voice.
I rise my head, and simply look at him, unsure where to begin. I finally decide it's best if I start from the beginning.
"Master, lately I have been having the same dream. Well, rather than a dream… I think It's a memory." I stop for a moment, gauging Oogway's reaction. He just looks at me patiently, waiting for me to continue.
"In this… memory, I think something happened, and it makes me feel… deeply regretful. But no matter how much I try, I can't recall the memory fully, like something is blocking me from remembering completely." I explain to the kind master in a rather awkward fashion.
"Albion, does this memory trouble you? Does it fill you with dread?" Master Oogway's voice is gentle, his wise eyes reflecting a deep understanding.
I can only nod at his question, feeling a lump forming in my throat.
"Then perhaps you are not yet ready to face your past." The old master says, his voice sagely and calm, yet carrying a deep weight.
"But why does this broken memory keep haunting my dreams?" I ask, my voice rising in desperation. The constant return of this fragmented memory is driving me to the edge. I look down in shame at my outburst, feeling like a child seeking comfort in the dark.
"I'm afraid that is something only you can answer, young Albion. Patience is a virtue you must nurture, as you must nurture the bonds you have created here, and ask for help whenever you need it." Master Oogway's tone is kind, making me look up, his gentle smile grounding me.
"I'm sorry master… It's hard not knowing." I confessed, a pathetic tone in my voice.
"Of course it is. Not knowing oneself is the hardest trial. In that regard, you will suffer much in your future. That is why you must ensure you have dependable allies and friends who will stand by you through thick and thin." The old master slowly circles around me, his words sinking deep into my soul.
I sigh to myself, exhaustion evident in my features. It has been almost half a year now since I first came here. Despite what I thought at the beginning, about not caring if I got my memories back or not, It's getting rather hard to ignore it.
"I will try and remain patient master. You told me some time ago that I would regain my memories after fateful battle, did you not?" I question, trying to remember the words Master Oogway told me then.
"Indeed. And you told me that you weren't sure if fate truly controls all of our actions, or we make fate through those actions themselves. I ask you then: is it your fate to regain your memories, or will you take action to reclaim them? " The old master replies to my question with a rather cryptic answer.
I simply stand there, puzzled about the meaning of his words. He just gives a small chuckle upon seeing my expression and turns back towards the small pond.
"Remember Albion, be patient and kind. Grow your bonds. And ask for help if you need it!" With those parting words, the old master goes back to his meditation, leaving me to ponder his advice.
I snap out of my puzzlement and make a bow, before filing out of the room. Once outside, I reflect on the visit to the wise tortoise.
I haven't got any answers about the meaning of my dream, only that I was not ready yet to discover its significance. That itself was an answer, I suppose.
As for my memories, and that fateful battle which I'm supposed to take part in, they are both still another enigma. In conclusion, I got nothing.
I make a small, frustrated sigh to myself before remembering Oogway's words. I have to be patient. With that in mind, I go to the lonely peach tree in the hill, to spend some time practicing with my flute, trying to find some solace in its melodies.
It was now the afternoon, the gentle sun in the sky bathing me with his rays. I was making my way to the barracks, intending to meet with Monkey and Mantis and go to the bar.
"Hey, Albion!" A familiar voice calls out just as I reach the building. I turn to see Crane waving at me from the courtyard.
*Hey, Crane. What's up?" I ask him as I walk in his direction. Once I'm next to him, his face takes a hesitating look "Is this about your date with Viper?"
"No! Well, yes. But no! It's not a date, we are just going together to the festival!" He trips over his words as he tries to explain, his face a mask of panic.
I just raise my eyebrow, a questioning look in my face. He stops for a moment, taking a deep breath.
"Look… I just wanted to say that you really are invited, if you want to come." Crane adds, an awkward look coloring his expression.
"I thought you wanted a… private outing with Viper. That is why I opted to go with Mantis and Monkey instead." I explain for his benefit.
"Well, you are not wrong… But we are just friends enjoying the festival, so it doesn't really matter if you join."
"But you want to be more than friends, right?" I finally ask him directly whether he sees Viper in a different light. He stays silent, hesitation in his face at admitting his feelings, making me give a small sigh.
"Look, I'm not very… good with this topic, but it's obvious to me that you have some feelings for Viper, and I think that is fantastic. Whether you want to express them or not, know that you have my full support, Crane." I give a friendly pat to his back, trying to cheer him up.
He looks at me after my impromptu speech, his eyes showing a deep gratefulness at my words. I take him to a nearby seating in the courtyard, intending to talk some more with him.
"Thank you, Albion. You are a good friend. I don't think Viper reciprocates my feelings… that is why I didn't say anything." He says as we take a seat, his eyes showing the insecurity he is feeling.
"You have already asked her then?" I ask, my eyebrow once again raised in question.
"Well… No." He admits to me, suddenly unwilling to look me in the eyes.
"Then you are setting yourself for failure before you have even tried. You never know. Besides, even if you are right, then at least you have your answer, and no longer have to live wondering what could it be." I try to cheer him up with my words, with what I think it's good advice.
I don't think I have experience in this particular topic, as far as I know at least, but my brain finds the words for me, thankfully.
"I don't know, Albion. I have to think about it." After some time pondering my words, Crane replies with some hesitation.
"That's fine Crane. It's just what I think. Take some time and search your own feelings." I raise from my seat with those partings words, leaving Crane to think upon my words of advice.
I make once again my way into the barracks, intending to meet Monkey before he gets mad at me for being late. Maybe Crane will find courage in my words and ask Viper, but that will be answered once the festivities are over.
I keep mulling over my thoughts as I enter barracks and almost trip over Monkey. It seems he has been waiting for me.
"Finally, you are here! Come on, we are burning time." I don't have time to reply, for Monkey grabs my arm and drags me outside, Mantis right behind us.
We quickly go to the main gate of the palace and start our way down the stairs into the village.
"Come on, Albion. Cheer up! It's the spring festival." Monkey says, nudging me with a grin.
"I'm cheerful. This is my cheerful face." I bit back playfully with some sarcasm, presenting him the most serious expression I could make. He just scoffs back.
Mantis is on my shoulder, enjoying the ride. By the smile on his face, he is as excited as Monkey, maybe even more.
"This time, I'm sure I will get a nice date. I have a good feeling this year." His smile could no be further from innocent, now that I take a closer look.
"Have you ever managed to score any year, at all?" I ask aloud, intrigued at his comment.
"Yeah, once. They were together for about three days." Monkey explains among snickers.
"Bah! She wasn't worth it. This year I will find someone who understands my true value!" Mantis expresses his desire unprompted, rubbing his claws in anticipation.
"I assume you want much the same?" I shoot Monkey the question, intrigue clear in my face.
"Well, I mean if I can find someone, then good. If not, then at least I had a good time. But don't worry friend, I'm sure you will be able to find a beautiful gal for yourself." Monkey poked my side with his elbow multiple times as he says his tirade, a teasing twinkle in his eyes.
I choose to ignore his comment, opting to simply roll my eyes and keep going down the stairs. They are good Kung fu warriors, and good friends, but their brain is clearly rotten.
We finally finish our descent and arrive to the village, which, much to my surprise, has undergone a colorful change for the festival.
Banners and colorful lanterns are hanged from the buildings. Cheerful music can be heard in the distance and the streets are full with people, a cheerful mood can be felt loud and clear.
"Come on, Albion! We have to get going." Monkey snaps me out of my observations with his comment, making me start walking once again.
We reach the Mighty Feline, which is decorated appropriately for the occasion too, and enter without anymore delay. Inside is much the same, with decorations and people filling the bar/tavern.
The loud crowd and the music make for a loud and lively ambient, putting a small smile in my face. Maybe I will enjoy this day more than I thought.
Monkey and Mantis don't delay in going over to counter, where Minghoof is polishing a few ceramic cups with his usual aloofness and elegance.
"Hey, Minghoof! Give us three of usual, please." Monkey requests of the aloof antelope, making him nod and start preparing the drinks without delay.
"I see you are here to try your luck once again. Hope it goes better than last year." Minghoof replies sedately as he serves us our drinks.
"So… how did last year exactly go?" I ask Mantis as we take our assigned seat.
"Well, huh… I don't know. Monkey and me were out pretty quickly." Mantis cannot look me in the eyes as he makes his reply. Good thing he didn't because he would have seen my absolute disappointment in them.
I send Minghoof a questioning look, making my question clear.
"They were unsuccessful in their quest to, ah, 'impress some ladies' as they said, and quickly descended into a drunken stupor." Minghoof makes his comment uncaring of Mantis and Monkey begging faces. It's obvious the antelope doesn't have an ounce of mercy to spare.
I decide it's best to forget about it and spend some time drinking with my buddies. After a few sips of my drink and some bites of the accompanying snacks, Monkey, Mantis and me start to make casual conversation.
"Ah, Albion. You need to relax more, man." Monkey spills a bit of his drink on accident as he makes his comment.
"What do you mean? I'm usually pretty relaxed." I take another sip of my drink as I make my question, a pondering expression on my face.
"No! We mean the 'fun' relaxed, not the Tigress relaxed. You two are way too similar, always with training and meditation." Mantis starts this tirade after taking another swig of his drink. It was pretty impressive to see, given that the cup was bigger than him.
"Yeah man. No offense, but you should have more fun. Like taking a nap, or making a prank. That kind of thing. If all you ever do is training, you are going to get burn out." Monkey explains, an unusual serious look in his face.
I can see that their advice comes from kindness, not intending to mock me. But personally, I don't think it's quite necessary.
"I have hobbies too, you know. Besides, I enjoy what I do here. I know what you mean Monkey, but I think I'll be fine." I reassure him with a smile, thankful for his concern.
He just shrugs and orders another drink from Minghoof, who was still cleaning and polishing cups behind the bar counter.
The lively atmosphere, the cheerful songs played by the bards, Mantis' funny face as he tries to chug more of his drink and Monkey's bad jokes. It all comes together in quite a funny way, which makes me smile and enjoy the time I spend here.
"… and I tell him 'No! You should get your eyes checked' and kick him in the face." Mantis loudly proclaims, giving a loud guffaw after. The female lynx, who is called Ariel if I'm not remembering wrong, just gives a disinterested 'Oh…' and a small sigh.
It's the fourth time she has done so, by my count.
It has been some time now since we started our lively outing, and Mantis has somehow managed to snag the attention of a beautiful lady, who he is currently boring to death.
Monkey is on the other side of saloon, still drinking and singing loudly with some other patrons of the bar. I must admit that I have stopped with the drinking some time ago, because it was starting to affect me.
"Hey! Where are you going? I'm still not finished with my story." Mantis pleaded to the deaf ears of the lynx lady. He gave a depressed sigh and ordered another drink from Minghoof.
"Damn, buddy. You almost got her. Maybe she was feeling bad from something she ate." I try to cheer him up, patting him rather clumsily in his tiny back.
"Yeah… Maybe next time." He is starting to slur his words, which makes think is not long before he goes to sleep. Or goes dancing and singing with Monkey.
"I think I'm going to take some air outside, Mantis. Wanna come?" I rise from my seat, stretching my arms a bit.
"Nah, I think I'm going to see what's Monkey doing over there." With that, Mantis takes his cup in his claws and makes his way over the lively crowd.
I shrug and go outside. The light of the sun hits me in the eyes just as I exit, making me squint. The look of the lively village has calmed down somewhat, even if the festivities are not over yet.
I can see some stall and merchants hawking his wares, taking advantage of the festive mood of the villagers to sell more of their products.
I decide to take a look around, given that I have spent most of the day at the bar with Monkey and Mantis.
There is plenty of variety among the stalls, from food and accessories to weapons and armor. It's such a bizarre range of products.
Suddenly, I notice in the distance a known silhouette. It's Crane, and Viper is besides him.
It seems they are still out and about, enjoying the festivities together. I quickly make myself scarce, not wanting to interrupt what seems to be their private time together.
I wonder if Crane has told Viper about his feelings. Maybe I'll ask him tomorrow, now that I am invested.
As,
As I take another turn to make more distance and ponder those thoughts, I bump lightly into someone I didn't expect to see today.
"Ow! Hey, watch whe- Oh! Albion, It's you!" Luna Fang smiling face greets me as I'm snapped out of my thoughts by the sudden impact.
"Hey, Luna. Sorry about that, I was thinking and didn't see you there." I give Luna an apologetic smile along my apology.
"It's alright! Enjoying the festival?" She asks me, gesturing to all the nearby stalls and festivities.
"Well… Something like that. I was in the bar, enjoying the day with my friends. I'm talking a walk now to sight see a bit." I comment, taking another look at the products the merchants are hawking.
Luna nods in understanding before grabbing me by the arm.
"Hey, now that you are here, why don't we take a walk and see a bit of the festival. You said you lost your memories, right? This a great opportunity!" Luna explains, enthusiasm filling her voice.
She keeps pulling me in the direction of the stalls, and I finally concede, going along with her.
"What were you doing before I bumped into you?" I ask her as we take a look to the wares of a nearby merchant.
"Measuring the competition." The characteristic wolfish grin in her face reveals to me her true intentions of using me as facade to inspect the wares of her rivals.
"Should have known…" I mutter to myself, while going along with her.
I'm enjoying my time, nevertheless. As we go from stall to stall, and buy some food from one of them, Luna inspects carefully each merchandise from the vendors that sell clothes, accessories and the like.
As Luna is inspecting another piece of silk, I notice something that peaks my attention. I approach a pig vendor and carefully inspect the wares he is selling.
A beautifully crafted tea set, with many intricate designs in its pieces grab my eyes. It's neatly placed in wooden box with a cushioning cloth to protect it from damage.
"May I take a look?" I ask the merchant, pointing at the tea set.
"Ah, you have good eye, my friend. Of course! Look as much as you want." The merchant pig has glint in his eyes, already evaluating me as a potential customer.
I take one of the four cups in the box. It's an elegant green jade color with bamboo motifs and decorations. The teapot is much the same, and the ceramic of all the pieces feels smooth and cool to the touch.
I touch the regal red cloth lining the inside of the box and notice that it's a silky texture, extremely pleasant to the touch.
"Hey, Albion. Found something?" Luna approaches me from behind and asks me about the set as I'm finishing inspecting it.
"Hmm… Yeah, this tea set. I have a friend who I share a cup of tea with from time to time, and I think she would like this set. She has done much for me, so I was thinking about making a gift." I explain to her, still unsure if I should make the purchase.
Luna takes a step forward and inspect the tea set much in the same way I did, asking the merchant some questions too, which he happily answers, trying to sell his product.
"Well, this looks good. So, are you going to buy it?" Luna asks me once she is finished, intrigue in her expression.
"How much for this set?" I ask the pig, taking out the small pouch where I carry my money.
"Oh, this tea set is a fantastic purchase. You won't regret it! It's only fifty yuan." The pig's offer makes me stop dead cold.
That is almost all the money I have, which is quite expensive for a tea set.
"I think I haven't heard you right with all the noise, my friend. Fifty yuan for a tea set!?" I cannot help but exclaim my outrage at the asking price.
"Please understand! This tea set is the master work of a now dead, famous artisan. It's extremely cheap for what it could cost!" The pig argues, presenting the tea set closer to me.
"Fine, fine. Don't give me cheap stories and give me the set." I pay the price the greedy merchant it's asking and get the box with the beautiful tea set in return.
Luna seems extremely amused at my interaction with the merchant, going by her smile. With my money pouch now almost empty, I decide I had enough festivities for today, and tell Luna as much.
"I think I'm going back to the palace. I have to say, today was pretty fun." Despite being having emptied my pockets, the day has been pretty fulfilling.
"You know, you could have haggled a bit with that pig. You even knew his story was a lie." Luna is giving one of her wolfish grins, letting me know what she thinks of my diplomatic skills.
"Not gonna lose my time over a few coins. Besides, the tea set it's pretty nice." I tell her, making conversation while we walk.
Soon, we reach Luna's clothing shop, which was in the way to the stairs to go up to the Jade Palace.
"It's been fun, Albion. Thanks for going along with me today." Luna adds after giving me a friendly hug.
"I had fun too. I wanted to see a bit of the festival too, so it was no problem. I'll see you later, Luna." I wave goodbye to her as I start making my way back to the palace.
I reach the gates of the palace as the sun starts setting, the box containing the tea set in my hands. I make my way directly to the barracks, intending to take a rest from the eventful day.
As I enter the building, I hear someone in the kitchen, so I make my way there. I open the door and see only Tigress, about to prepare some tea. She is looking right at me, clearly having heard me enter a while ago.
"Hey, I'm back. Going to drink some tea?" I greet her before asking my question, hiding the box behind my back for now.
It seems I'm the first one to have returned, which makes this the perfect occasion to present my gift.
"Hello, Albion. Looks like you had fun today. And yes, I was about to make myself a cup before going to rest. Would you also like one?" Tigress goes back to the tea preparations, her voice presenting the usual strict tone.
"Yes, but I would like to give you something before you do it." I can't help the small smile of anticipation in my expression or the nervous tone in my voice.
She stops preparing the tea once again, opting to look at me with an intrigued expression. Instead of saying anything else, I simply present the elegant box containing the tea set, setting it in the kitchen counter.
"You want to… gift me something? What is the occasion?" Her voice has taken a tone of confusion, along with a raised eyebrow in her face. I simply gesture to the box, indicating that she should open it.
With an unusual delicate touch, she opens the wooden box, finding inside the beautiful tea set. She seems to be speechless as she takes the fine ceramic in her hands, inspecting it carefully.
"You have been helping me a lot lately, Tigress. And, huh… I consider you my best friend, so… I just wanted to thank you." My words come out awkward and my tone hesitant for some reason.
She stops inspecting the tea set and puts it back into the box with care before looking back at me, her eyes now reflecting a rare warmth and her stern demeanor changed for a more soft look.
"Thank you, Albion. It's a fantastic gift and I will cherish it. Shall we put it to use?"
After I nod my assent, she quickly and efficiently prepares a pot of lovely jasmine tea with the newly gifted set. We sit down at the table and drink from our cups in silence, appreciating the moment of peace.
As I'm savoring the delicate flavor of the tea, I notice Tigress making a pondering expression.
"Something on your mind, Tigress?" I ask her, intrigue engraved in my features.
She keeps sipping on her tea for a moment, seemingly ignoring my question. I don't repeat myself, knowing that she is simply taking her time to give her answer. Finally, she gains a resolved look.
"Albion, I want to let you know that I… I also consider you my best friend." Her tone is determined, but her expression changed to one of embarrassment as she finishes her sentence.
I cannot help but give her a kind smile. Something so seemingly small must have taken quite a bit of courage for her, but she pushed through. It's very endearing.
"Thank you, my friend. I'm truly glad to hear it." I take a sip of my cup, hiding my smile. It felt quite childish of me, to feel so delighted at such simple words.
Maybe Grandmaster Oogway is right. Maybe I should focus on nurturing the bonds of friendship I have created here. In time, the past may be revealed, but meanwhile I must work towards the future.