Lotus

Chapter 7. Panda Training

It was a beautiful day in the lowlands of the panda village. Sun shining, birds gossiping in the woods, every panda was outside playing with kites, going to school, tending to their crops, playing kickball, et cetera.

But Lily? Her idea of fun is a bit different... especially when her master is in town.

The young female panda sat on a boulder in a lotus position, next to the great Master Oogway, who seemed to have obtained balance on his wooden staff. Lily was Oogway's apprentice, so seeing them together like this while the old tortoise was in town was a regular sight. She was the last of her kind to have the ability to summon chi, so she trains as much as she can to keep her power strong, so she could help and protect others, just like her master.

BONK

Even if she has to deal with... pests. Lily sighed in irritation as the tiny ball hit her head. Oogway chuckled under his breath, "Seems like our time is up then..." He slowly opens one eye to look at Lily. "Aw, man..." She got off her rock and dusted her green kimono. Oogway chuckled a bit louder, and slowly climbed down his staff.

The two turned to a group of boys, trying to hide in the bushes behind the masters, snickering amongst themselves in amusement. Lily groaned and took the ball from the ground, stomping towards them. Oogway used his wooden staff to hold the young panda back, "Ignore them, young Lily, they are just minor stepping stones in your path, do not let them trip you or hold you back. And surely don't do anything irrational." He smiled wisely, making Lily pout. She knew her master was right, then again, when wasn't he?

She straightened her posture and bowed respectfully, "Of course, Master Oogway. But if it is alright with you, I would like to at least return their little..." She examined the ball in her hands, "Toy..."

Oogway smirked and shook his head; he knew exactly what she was doing. 'Well, this should be interesting..' He thought as he lowered his staff to let her pass.

Lily walked up to the bushes, this time very calmly. When she was in front of it she could see the boys she suspected, whispering and giggling amongst each other. When they finally caught a glance at her, they screamed and fell back in shock and slight fear. They looked up sheepishly at her, while she just stood there, glaring daggers at them with her jade orbs and her arms crossed against her chest. She yanked all the panda boys by their collars and flipped them over her head and face-first into the floor. They all groaned in pain and Lily walked up to one of the boys in the middle, who was obviously the leader.

She glared down at him, "Li Shan." She growled.

The boy smirked back, "Lilian Chuang."

Lily bounced the ball in her hands, "I should've known you and your little posse would be behind this. Does your entertainment simply get aroused by pestering me!?"

Li raised his hands in defence, "Hey, calm down Lily-pad, not everything is about you! Me and the gang were just playing and it 'accidentally' hit you in the head while you were doing your weird sitting class." His face wasn't sincere, so Lily instantly knew he was lying.

"First off, it's not a 'weird sitting class', it's meditation! And second..." She bounced the ball on Li's head, making him jolt. "YIPE!" He rubbed his head in minor pain. Lily smirked, "There are no accidents. hmph!" She walked off to her master who couldn't help keeping himself from laughing.

"Was that irrational, Master?" She asked innocently, causing Oogway to harmlessly shake his head.

"Normally I would be against such behavior, but I give points for your morals." He winked, making Lily laugh. She pounded her fists together and bowed, "Forgive my disruption, shall we continue training?"