A Friend Indeed (Kung Fu Panda)

Family

Shifu and Oogway were involved in yet another game of checkers. Shifu was starting to get good. In just a few more weeks, he might almost be as good as Mr. Ping.

The quiet knocking and clacking of wooden pieces on a wood board set a tempo of calm contemplation. Oogway studied the board. Oogway studied Shifu. Moving one of his pieces, Oogway opened his mouth. "Something is troubling you, old friend."

Shifu hummed, not an answer, but an acknowledgement. He made his move.

Oogway said no more, simply returning to the board. A few movements of stillness, and then the knocking of wood on wood resounded again. The two passed minutes in the making of their wood chalk music.

"Tigress." Shifu said at last.

Oogway nodded. Another clack on the board. Shifu was starting to lose the game.

"I fear she may be losing her self-control."

A few more turns and Shifu would lose, unless his strategy included a hidden turnaround. "Is she now?" Oogway asked.

Shifu made his move in response, seeming to gain the upper hand. "I've never known her to be anything but disciplined and studious. But rather than spend this solstice in one of the most important traditions for a Kung Fu master, she spends it slumming it up in the valley with some random noodle-maker's son."

"The master's dinner is between masters, after all," Oogway offered, plucking one of his pieces and setting a few paces ahead. "Impressive student, she may be, but a student she is." He leaned forward as Shifu studied the board. "If it truly bothers you, you could have said no."

Master Shifu shook his head. "True, but one day, the title and responsibilities of a master will be hers. I'd have," Shifu paused to let out a sigh, still holding onto the piece he intended to move. "I'd have thought she would be eager to learn what that entails." Shifu finished his move.

Oogway picked up his piece, already with it's destination in mind. "Tigress left for one night. That does not mean she abandoned you. Perhaps, before you jump to any conclusions, you should take a moment to consider who's control is really in question." Oogway smacked his lips together and looked out in space for a moment. "I've never really liked that word."

Shifu quirked his eyebrow. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Oogway gave a humming chuckle. "Shifu, when have I ever done anything but?" Shifu opened his mouth to offer what was certain to be a cutting remark or an exclamation of exasperation, but was soon halted as Oogway finally set down his piece in the exact place that Shifu had forgotten about.

"I win," Oogway stated, pleased. Shifu's mouth refused to close until he gave a groan of defeat and ran his paw over his face. Oogway chuckled to himself.

Tigress came through the doors just a moment, carrying a few containers. "Good morning, masters," she greeted.

"Indeed it is," Oogway replied cheerfully. Shifu gave a less than committal hum in response.

Tigress walked up to them and set down two containers by their side. "I thought you might appreciate a bit of a souvenir. They come from the best noodle place in the entire valley. Or so I've been told."

Oogway smiled up at her knowingly. "Thank you, Tigress."

Shifu was quiet for a moment.

Tigress's smile faltered for a bit. "Master? Is something the matter?"

Shifu shook his head. "It's nothing," he said quietly. "Thank you."

Tigress smiled and headed back out the doors. Oogway let them close before examining the container that she had left.