One Tail at a Time

Negotiations

The return to Kunlun Mountain is exactly as I knew it would be.  Quiet and unassuming, as is Shifus way of doing things.  It really is hard to believe that I was once a little girl who cried over everything, pulled every manner of mischief if it meant getting my way and basically being a little brattish upstart.  Yet here I am on the steps of the main temple having found peace and solace in this silence that has enveloped me the moment my feet touched the entrance, but I have.   There is something truly amazing about being in this very spot and looking into a place that has known every one of my tears, yet it's grandeur and ever constant silence, fills my heart with so much joy that I cannot help but add a few more tears at the sight of it.  

Even more so Shifus platform which I never thought I would see again and it seems as if Shifu understands, because his arm is now around my shoulder and pulling me towards him.

"No matter where you go Xiaobai, this place and those who love you will always be here for you." he says softly as my brothers quietly bring up the rear and lightly place their hands on my arms, my shoulders and even my head.

"Shifu is right Seventeen.  When you became one of us, we took your oath to heart and that means we will always be here, and will always have your back, no matter what the future holds." Shanhu says just as softly while lightly patting Fu Yus head who sitting on my shoulder and also looking a little sentimental at this impromtu love hug which is making me cry.

"I'm so sorry for causing you all trouble.  Thank you for rescuing me and I promise that in the future I will be more considerate and of course, if there is a time in the future where you need me, then you can count on me to have your backs too." I splutter all over my sleeve to hide my ugly which I imagine is looking less than elegant right now.

There is a slight stiffle of laughter behind me, which is followed by a grunt and then another stiffle of laughter followed by a shuffle of feet.  I don't dare to look at them because I can tell they are all laughing at crying me.  Even Shifu is jiggling against me, but I don't care, I meant every word.

"Seventeen, if ever a day comes when I need back up, you are the last person I will turn to." Zi Lan says and finally breaking their stupid attempts to remain calm, because they all explode into roaring laughter behind me which has my head rising to glare at all of them, Shifu included.

"Eh?  What do you mean by that?" I ask swiping angrily at my tears.  I literally poured my heart out all over their dumb heads and this is how they respond?  

"Shifuuuuuuuu........" I whine into his chest having turned my head away so I don't have to look at their stupid.

"Alright.  We're home now and I am sure you're all tired.  Go rest up before dinner." Shifu orders while gently leading me away from the shuffling of feet and continued laughter as they do as ordered.

"Shifu.  I meant what I said, why would they laugh?" I ask as he leads me straight to my chamber with Fu Yu still firmly attached to my shoulder and looking just as bewildered.

"It is just tired talk Xiaobai, pay no mind.  All you need to worry about is settling abck in where you belong and that is among those who really do care about you." he says at my door which he is now opening to lead me in.

"I know Shifu....  but ....."

"No buts, I want you to rest and then after dinner, you and I are going to talk." he says before gently forcing me down onto my bed, then to upmost surprise, Shifu leans down to lightly lay a kiss on my forehead!

I say nothing to him, but he remains bent over me, just staring at my face as if there is something else he wants to say.  Only I give him no chance, because the emotions of being home, in my room, with my beautiful brave little Sprite and surrounded by all those that I care deeply about, suddenly explodes when I grab at his neck and pull him down to kiss his own head.