A Friend Indeed (Kung Fu Panda)

A Choice, An Ending

The weeks of Tigress' recovery went by faster than she thought that they could. She was almost able to forget how badly she wanted to use the training hall, or even take longer walks. By the end of her recovery, she had come to what she felt was an agreement between her and her wound. She wouldn't do anything to aggravate it, and it, in turn, would allow her to do things with everybody else.

Despite her newfound peace with her injury, she was overjoyed when Shifu finally declared her to be fit for Kung Fu again. Except, that wasn't what he did. Shifu had only declared it safe for her to have unlimited range. He avoided taking about actual training. "Follow me," he said.

Tigress wasn't exactly sure what it was that tipped her off, but she had the feeling that something was about to go wrong. Shifu was usually a curt individual, preferring to speak when needed and be left in peace otherwise, but something about his silence felt tense, like a dam just a few cracks away from breaking.

Attempting to distract herself from what was probably just paranoia, Tigress focused on the sights and sensations that she had dearly missed. The cool mountain breeze felt nothing short of life-giving, biting into her bones with a refreshing coolness, and raising the fur to a breathable ruffle. She looked up to the sky. A few dark clouds were on the horizon, most likely bringing in some spring showers. Walking along a few of the stairs, she made sure to bend her legs just a little bit more than was necessary, relishing in the sensation of finally being able to stretch them.

She was expecting some sort of one-on-one physical conditioning so as to make sure that she was still up-to-speed with the rest of the students. Alternatively, she was expecting some kind of review on her moves and katas to ensure that she had not forgotten anything. (That was impossible. Kung Fu was her blood. She could never forget.)

What Tigress wasn't expecting, was for Shifu to stop in the middle of the front terrace, and say "We need to talk."

Tigress stopped short. Caught up in her activities with the other residents, she had assumed that Shifu had moved on from her injury. Apparently she was wrong. "Master?"

Shifu drew in a long breath, before turning to face her. There was no judgement in his face. There was no pride either. "I've been meaning to talk with you about this for a while now. I believe that it is time you made a choice about what your life should look like."

Tigress felt the ground split beneath her, wanting to swallow her whole. The wind no longer felt joyous, instead turning bitter and angry. "I'm not sure I understand. . ."

"Before the month started, you were beginning to split your time between training and visiting a friend in the valley, correct?"

"Yes. . ."

"You also chose to spend the winter feast at his family's establishment rather than attend the master's dinner, correct?"

"I asked ahead of time. . ." She tried to defend. She had the distinct feeling that she was not going to like whatever was coming next.

Shifu nodded. "That you did. However, you will not be able to do this forever. Sooner or later, you will become a master, and then you will have to choose between your friend, and your duties as a Kung Fu master."

"Master," Tigress said hesitantly. "Forgive me for asking but. . . Where are you going with this?"

Shifu closed his eyes for a moment. "Tigress, one cannot walk on both sides of a canyon. Either they fall in, or they tear themselves in half. If you wish to pursue a life dedicated to keeping the valley safe, and mastering the ways of Kung Fu, then I must have your word that you will no longer see this chef's son."