The Five [COMPLETED]

Part Seven

Sifu watched his students leaving the Training Courtyard. They had impressed him greatly with their skill and physique. But none impressed him more than Skylar. She fought with the same courage and ferocity as a Master. To be honest, he was scared of how strong she was becoming. She cannot turn into another Dragon Eye. I won't allow it. His body began towards the Hall of Warriors, where he knew his master would be meditating. As he opened the doors, he was surprised to see that the old man wasn't there. Where else could he be? Then he realised. The Sacred Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom. He began to run across towards the pinnacle of stone that had held this tree for centuries. He needed his master's guidance, quickly. As he saw Oogoway, he called, "Master, master!" Oogoway turned from doing his forms to face his former apprentice. "What is the matter, Sifu?"

"Master, I -" Sifu stopped, his voice catching in his throat. Oogoway stared at Sifu expectantly. Sifu gazed into his master's eyes. "I need to talk to you," he finished.

Oogoway nodded slowly. "I thought you might," he replied, looking out towards the Training Hall. "I saw your students training today. They are very skilled, aren't they?"

"Yes," Sifu agreed. "A little too skilled for my liking."

"Sifu, a kung fu master can never have too much skill," Oogoway replied.

"But, Master - did you see Skylar today?"

"Yes, I did. She is quite advanced for her age."

"Too advanced."

"Sifu."

"Master . . ."

"Sifu, listen to me." Oogoway turned to him and gazed into his eyes. "Have you not yet realised?"

"Realised what?" Sifu asked.

Oogoway's eyes shone with wisdom. "They are the ones who will fulfill the prophecy." 

Sifu felt his eyes widen. "W-what? Them?"

Oogoway nodded.

"But how?"

"You have seen already how skilled they are," Oogoway murmured. "Their skill will only grow until they become unbeatable combat warriors."

"Unbeatable?" 

"Unbeatable."

"Master . . . Skylar reminds me of Dragon Eye."

"How so?"

"She's so much like him . . . it's almost like they're related. They both showed great talent at a young age. But I over-praised Dragon Eye, and look what happened to him." He sighed.  "With Skylar and her . . . well, you wouldn't call them comrades would you . . ." He trailed off and looked away. "I do the opposite."

"You do offer them praise, Sifu."

"Not as much as I did to Dragon Eye."

"But it is still praise. Skylar will not turn out like him." Oogoway rested his hand on Sifu's shoulder. "I promise you she won't. Do you believe me?"

Sifu looked away. "I don't know, Master."

"Well, you will find out." Oogoway flicked his hand in the direction of the Jade Palace. "Return to your dorm, Sifu. Everything will be alright." Sifu stared at his master a moment longer before he obeyed. He was silent as he made his way back to his dorm. Only when he got to the entrance did he speak. 

"I wish I could believe you, Master."

He stood in silence, thinking over these things when he heard footsteps. Turning, he instantly dropped into a battle stance. The figure became illuminated by bright moonlight. He relaxed when he saw it was Jowmo, his wife. "Hello," he said sheepishly. Her laughter filled the Hall. "Oh, Sifu." She came closer. "You haven't changed one bit after all these years." She went to kiss him, but he quickly turned his head away. Something inside him made him not want to touch her. Jowmo turned his head towards her. "Are you alright, Sifu?" she asked softly.