Author's Note: Hey guys! Here's another small, tantalising one-shot. I'm gonna let this speak for itself, all I'm going to say is this takes place shortly after KFP 1.
Disclaimer: I do not own KFP
Enjoy.
Mirror
II
The black and white blob ripples along the distorted waters of the moon pool, its flabby form stretching far across it. Jade irises can't help but notice it nearly engulf the once crystal-clear pool. Yet, even in this deformed mosaic of fur and fat, the panda can see it staring back at him. Somehow, he can't see himself. Despite the pool's reflective surface, it is nothing like the dragon scroll. It cannot replicate its golden paper. It cannot recreate his likeness.
It cannot usher forth a smiling panda. Only some misshapen blur writhing in disappointment.
He doesn't see the dragon warrior. He doesn't see the chosen one who had earned the valley's respect. He doesn't even see the warrior that had defeated Tai Lung. Instead, he sees the worthless blob twisting and meshing itself with the mighty golden dragon on the ceiling. This horrid amalgamation stares back at him, reminding him of a big, fat panda who ate when he was 'sad'. Reminding him of when the title of dragon warrior was a dream turned burden. No matter how often he looks into the golden splendour of the dragon scroll, part of him will never forget how shocked everyone had been of him being chosen by Oogway.
And sadly, they were right to be.
He was no warrior, just a noodle boy. And a lousy one at that. What right did he have to be worthy? A humourless chuckle leaves him as he thinks of the potential gossip that had gone down in the valley. That dopey panda is making a fool of himself. That Oogway must be insane picking him. The frown embedded on his face deepens as he remembers the bits of 'gossip' he had heard. I don't know what Oogway was thinking, the poor guy's just going to get himself killed. When he walks the very ground shakes. One would think that master Oogway would choose someone who actually knew kung fu. A few weeks ago, he would've agreed. He gives a great sigh. Funny how some things remain the same in spite of his life changing so much.
As he continues staring into the pool, a wooden staff taps onto its centre, bringing forth a single small wave that wipes away that amalgamation. The dragon warrior looks back at himself through the now clear waters, the dragon statue gazing upon him with its silent might and support. Po turns his head to grandmaster Shifu, who stands on the opposite side of the pool. Pride shimmers in his usually steely eyes as he gives an approving smile to his pupil. A smile covers the dragon warrior's face, his eyes thanking his master. Yet, in spite of his newfound joy, a layer of despondence remains within.
Mirrors never lie, after all.
Half-way through another one-shot collection, let's go! Or at least, I think its halfway through. It might change... we'll see. I hope you've enjoyed this short chapter and until next time :)