Storm Clouds

°•| Whispers in the Canopy |•°

The mist-clad mountains cradled a well-kept secret: a secluded village few knew of and even fewer had ever seen. Oogway trekked through the dense foliage with purpose, the stillness of the area while unsettling to most, did little to deter him as he made his way forward. The canopy above rattled as a gentle breeze blew overhead. His wise gaze soon landed on the imposing figures stationed at the base of a colossal tree trunk veiled in moss and ivy.

Tiger Guards.

Their black striped orange fur was concealed by a thick coat of mud and leaves in varying shades of green and brown. Dressed in intricately woven bamboo armor, adorned with feathers and leaves, they blended seamlessly with the natural environment. Each guard had a sleek polished bamboo sword strapped to their back-their blades honed to a razor-sharp edge-and a staff crafted from a dense hardwood, the ends adorned with gleaming metal caps. Their eyes, sharp and attentive, revealed a keen awareness of the village's surroundings.

As Oogway approached, they tensed, their grips tightening on their staffs as they went on the offensive before they froze as recognition dawned on them. Immediately the two bowed respectfully in silent acknowledgment of the master before parting the thick ivy curtain to reveal a contraption of vines and ropes-a rustic elevator that would transport him to the village above which Oogway boarded with ease.

Stepping off, Oogway found himself in the heart of the village, surrounded by the bustling activity of daily life. The hollowed-out tree acted as a natural atrium, adorned with vibrant tapestries and lanterns that swayed gently in the breeze. The air was filled with the harmonious sounds of bamboo wind chimes, creating a serene ambiance.

Oogway nodded to the villagers going about their tasks-their voices mingling with the rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds-as he moved towards his final destination.

The entrance was adorned with hanging bamboo curtains, swayed gently in the breeze, the air was infused with the scent of aged wood and incense. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting patterns on the polished bamboo floor. The walls, adorned with scrolls depicting ancient martial arts techniques, resonated with the history of countless lessons that took place in this very building.

The students, mid-practice, paused to bow in respect, their eyes downcast and tails twitching with barely concealed astonishment. A male clouded leapord mid-instruction turned with a welcoming smile, recognizing the arrival of the master whose wisdom transcended generations.

"Welcome, old friend, please have a seat. I will join you shortly." Jin Tao called before continuing seamlessly through an advanced Kung Fu routine with his group of older students. Oogway nodded, his gaze soon landing on a silent spectator: a young clouded leopard cub that sat perched on a wooden platform, wide-eyed and nearly unnoticed as she observed the evening sparring session.

Oogway smiled as he realized that this was Jin's daughter, Jia, who he had not seen since she was a few years old. Her fur had long since lost its fuzziness, and her markings no longer look as muted. In short, she had grown, though still seemed to retain her usual shyness. Even as a two year old, she had remained close to her father's side-Jin having held in her arms as he introduced her to Oogway for the very first time to which she looked away, burying her face into her father's warm fur despite Oogway's friendly smile-and now seemed to act as his second shadow.

Even now, as Oogway made his way over to her, Jia's attention never strayed from her father. As he settled beside her, Oogway couldn't help but notice her posture. She was stiff as a board, her ears flattened against her head, and her tail curled tightly around her legs as they dangled off of the edge of the platform. Every now and again, she would flinch as the students managed to pin each other to the ground, or Jin struck one of the wooden dummies as he demonstrated another move.