Chapter 8: Room for Improvement
Both wolverine and tortoise found themselves on their way to the Jade Palace, located in the Valley of Peace resting on top of Jade Mountain. Of course, being someone who has never been there before, Kalek could only imagine how wonderful it must look. But his thoughts were still reflecting back on the day he left the academy.
The fierce mustelid reflected on the day he left Lee Da. All students had gathered to bid him and Oogway a fond farewell before Mei Ling could escort them to the town limits. All bowed in respect and each gave their wishes of good luck to Kalek.
Making their way to Wang Fu village, it seemed only courteous for Kalek to say farewell to everyone before he left. He asked for Wang Yong to call everyone for an announcement. One gathering later, Kalek told the villagers of the news he had for them. While they were happy for him, there were those who were a little sad and will miss him. Saying his goodbyes and accepting a few gifts from the people, he was off with Mei and Oogway.
Little chitchat was made along the way. By the time they were approaching the border, Kalek almost found it hard to say goodbye. "There's something I got to ask," he remembered saying to Mei as Master Oogway was further ahead of them. "Oogway told me that you volunteered me for the Jade Palace. So why me? I figured you of all people would be the best choice compared to me." He knows because he saw some jealous faces on few of the students.
"I believe that we all are destined to a path where fate decides to take us," said Mei. "All we have to do is decide what to do with what fate presents us. I would be incredibly honored to train with the best, but deep inside I feel more needed back at the academy. Fate may have something in store for you, Kalek. Never hesitate to take an opportunity for something great. I mean, who knows when that next chance will be?"
Kalek pursed his lips, absorbing her words. "Yeah, you got a point there, Mei," he sighed.
"And besides, you need this more than I do. You're amazing student, Kalek. You have potential, but there is nothing more back at Lee Da that you need to know." They stopped just near the city limits where Oogway waited. Mei laid a hand on his shoulder. "You've already proven to be capable of all that I hoped to see you do. It's time for the next step."
Kalek laid a hand on hers. "I know. It's just that…"
"Just what?"
"Will I be able to see you again?"
Mei smiled so warm it could keep any soul from going cold. She stepped on her tiptoes and pecked him on the corner of his muzzle while she stroked his cheek. "You are always welcome to come back to visit. Just promise me one simple thing."
Kalek felt his heart beat lightly against his chest. "Anything."
"Be sure to write to me every chance you can get."
Lightly squeezing her hand, Kalek promised with all his heart. The golden cat looked at him once more, kissed him on the lips this time, and headed back home after giving Master Oogway a respectable bow. Before she forgot, she asked for Kalek to say hello to Master Crane for her if he was there.
Coming back to the present, Kalek lightly touched his lips just from the memory of it. Reflecting on her gave him the confidence he needed. His chest swelled with pride, he kept pace with Master Oogway down the road until came into sight of the Valley of Peace. Seeing what he had been explained to by Oogway, it was an expansive mass of land located in China. The mountain-surrounded Valley hosted a varied landscape, ranging from sky-reaching mountain peaks to flat paddy fields. Rivers weaved throughout the land, dividing it into several distinct villages, communities, and farming areas.
And there on top of what was called Jade Mountain, overlooking the Valley, was the Jade Palace, the residence and training ground for kung fu masters and students. Accessible by a staircase that scaled the cliff, making Kalek feel a little disgruntled. Several villages were scattered upon the Valley's floor, usually sporting small houses primarily made of stone and wood with metal roofs, built to accommodate the small sizes of most of the Valley's residents. It was similarly-constructed like Wang Fu village.
Making their way through the village, Kalek could see The Valley's inhabitants consisting primarily of rabbits, pigs, geese, ducks, and some sheep and goats. The moment they saw Oogway, all present bowed in respect to him. With the wolverine, however, they weren't sure what to make of Kalek. Some offered timid smiles, some kept a bit of a distance from him, and others were in awe of him. It was no surprise to him. He was unusual to them.
The old turtle placed a hand in front of Kalek to make him halt in the middle of a larger crowd. A puzzled Kalek watched the old tortoise hold up his hands to get everyone's attention. "Hello everyone," he called out. "There is no need to be afraid of this man here. He is our guest and I assure you he is of the friendly sort." It seemed to relieve most of the nervous townsfolk, judging by the sighs of relief coming from them. They got closer to the mustelid and welcomed him properly with handshakes and bows alike. Kalek saw expressions of awe seeing his dark brown to black, coarse fur with a creamy white to gold stripe running from each of his shoulders along the flanks to the base of his tail. He was uncertain about wanting them to feel it, but he tried playing patient and allowed them to touch where he could see them.
"I'm surprised how welcoming these people can be," Kalek said to Oogway.
"A person cannot be judged by his appearance in the same token as the sea cannot be measured with a bucket," he replied. He gestured for Kalek to follow him up the many stairs to the Jade Palace. Kalek said thank you to whomever he could and said goodbye by both gesture and said word.
One exhausting trip up the stone stairs later, Kalek panted as he observed the palace before him. True to its name, the roofs of the Jade Palace were colored deep jade green. However, other colors such as blue, orange, yellow and red also decorate the roofs, but to a lesser extent. While the main entrance was also a jade green, the pillars supporting the lower roof were red with golden dragons spiraling down them. Such an amazing sight! Kalek certainly hoped whoever built this place got paid extremely well for this work of craftsmanship.
Inside was just as exquisite. The Hall of Warriors, as Kalek had learned, was a revered hall within the main part of the Jade Palace. It was built along with the Palace nine hundred years ago in honor of Oogway for creating kung fu and was made to both honor and commemorate the memories of fallen heroes who upheld the teachings of Oogway and used kung fu as a force for good. Kalek had a small glimmer of inspiration that someday he might leave his mark in this place.
"Oh, Master Oogway! Welcome back!" The voice that greeted them belonged to a dark gray male goose running up to them. He wore a yellow robe with a green belt and matching hat. He immediately came to a halt and bowed just as immediate.
"Ah, Zeng," the turtle replied warmly. "I'm glad you're here, my friend. Could you please send for Shifu? I have someone I wish for him to meet."
Zeng had been staring at the large wolverine lumbering over him. The puny goose seemed like the extremely nervous type just by looking at him. "Oh yes, yes. At once, Master Oogway," said Zeng once he came back to his senses. He immediately zoomed out of the hall to fetch this Master Shifu.
"I wonder if the people here will ever tire of being afraid of me?" Kalek sighed exasperating as he walked down with Oogway, making glances at all of the famous items.
The old master chuckled softly as he patted Kalek's arm reassuringly. "In time, we shall see."
"Yeah, I hope so." Something at the other side of the hall caught the wolverines' attention. "What's that on the other end there?," he asked pointing to a small pool of water.
"Ah, you must mean the Moon Pool." Oogway explained. They got closer as Kalek inspected it with wide, curious eyes. "The mystical Moon Pool is said to provide answers to the most difficult of questions. When the waters are stirred by a sufficiently enlightened being, it allows the answers to be seen clearly. It is often visited by those seeking truth. I would take petals from the Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom and sprinkle them into the pool every morning."
"I certainly hope to find the truth about me and why I'm here," Kalek said with lingering hope. He noticed a reflection in the pool and looked up to see a golden statue of a Chinese poised upon the ceiling. In its mouth was a red and green scroll encased in a metal case of identical colouring embroidered in golden dragon imagery.
"And that, is the Dragon Scroll," a voice behind them said. Both tortoise and wolverine turned to see a creature Kalek was not familiar with but we the readers are. He was a red panda, known for his kinds' orange-brown, dark brown, and white fur, and had blue eyes. He was adorned with an orange-brown robe, black pants, and a brown belt.
"Ah, Shifu." Oogway walked up greet him as the red panda greeted his master with a bow.
"Welcome back, Master Oogway. You have news for me? I trust the trip was rewarding."
"Meet friends old and new is rewarding enough. I brought you our newest student." Oogway waved a hand at Kalek which he took as a cue to greet him and introduce himself, bowing deeply. "I found him at Lee Da and he looked most promising.
Kalek towered over the little master but bowed low on one knee to show respect. "I'm honored to meet you, Master Shifu. I hope to do well under your tutelage."
Shifus' brows furrowed as he looked over this strange being. He looked like a strange cross between a bear and a wolf, but was more lean in muscle. Shifu's silence made Kalek a little uncomfortable, making him uncertain about coming here.
"I shall leave you two to it then," said Oogway. "I will take my leave." Both red panda and wolverine bowed farewell to their master and the tortoise walked out of the hall. With the two alone, Shifu finally spoke.
"So you're the newest prospect from Lee Da, hm?" Shifu asked Kalek.
"Yes sir, I am."
"I have heard of you, Kalek. Your little display of skill against those bandits was…entertaining. I do wonder if it was by skill and skill alone, or if it was all gossip and just pure luck that you won."
Kalek sensed doubt in Master Shifu's tone, but he kept his emotions silent for fear of blowing his chances. "All the more reason why I'm here, sir. If I what do isn't good enough, then I want to be better. To give more when I feel like I've given enough," he said firmly but still respective at the same time.
"We shall see. Oogway may have seen something in you, but you must prove that to me as well. Are you for certain that you're up for the task, however hard it may be?"
Kalek raised his head up proudly and said with assertiveness, "Whatever it takes, I am always for the task."
"We shall see." The old red panda chuckled. "I can't wait to get started. Follow me."
Kalek rose up and allowed Shifu to lead him to another part of the Jade Palace. It was a walled courtyard with various training devices scattered around the edges, such as a weapons rack. Here, as Shifu explained, the students can exercise alone or train together in sparring matches. And there they were, the Furious Five. Training and sparring another day with each other until Shifu arrived. They ceased immediately and stood at attention. "Good afternoon, master!," they said altogether.
Kalek's eyes scanned each one of them as he tried to get a good read on them. First there was Monkey, a blue eyed, golden snub-nosed monkey with golden yellow and white fur. His attire consisted of brown wrist bracers, golden belt, reddish-brown pants.
Next was Viper. Unlike the others, she was just like the other snakes. This green tree snake had coils and scales of lime green, black, brown, and white colors. Unlike other snakes, however, she had two lotus flower clips on her head with three white beads on her tail. She too had blue eyes like Monkey.
The smallest of the five was, of course, Mantis. Like every praying mantis, this Chinese mantis was green with teal, yellow, and black on his back while he had yellow eyes with red irises.
The fourth member was Crane. Kalek remembered Mei mentioning him so he had something to go on. His eyes were yellow like Mantis without the red irises and his feathers were of black, white, and gray. This black-necked crane had blue trousers, a purple sash, and a conical Asian hat for his attire.
And finally, the fiercest of them all, Tigress. He saw the wild amber eyes this South China tiger possessed. They complimented her orange, white, brown fur with black stripes. She was dressed in a red qipao vest with gold vine patterns and black pants.
"Students, look well," Shifu addressed them before introducing Kalek. "I'd like for you to meet our newest member of the Jade Palace. Meet Kalek, the…" he struggled to remember what species Kalek was.
"Wolverine," Kalek reminded his tiny master.
"Yes, the wolverine. He's from Lee Da academy and Oogway has selected him as a recruit and will be training with us. Now."
Kalek looked confused. "Did you mean, like, now? As in, now now?"
"Go on, wolverine. Show us what you're capable of."
Kalek didn't imagine he'd start training now. He assumed he would train in the beginning of the next day after arriving like back at Lee Da. But he dared not disappoint his new teacher, nor Oogway for that matter. He hesitantly placed his travel bag down and bowed to teacher and students before assuming the stance in front of something he remembers well, a wooden warrior. A rotating, steel-studded wooden post that served as a kung fu training mechanism. This piece of training equipment was perhaps the most challenging to overcome without injury. Taking the shape of crocodile warriors, each section of the tower moved independently of each other, requiring quick reflexes to avoid or counter.
Kalek steadied himself, his brain in full gear as it calculated the best tactic to attack. His mind set, the mustelid attacked. He moved his upper body fiercely, his strikes fierce and powerful as lightning from the heavens. He blocked with his body by absorbing the blows from the machine and sometimes lifting his leg up to block with either the knee or the side of his leg. His ferocity and the speed of his fists increased from the enjoyment he felt punching the wooden dummy. His blows struck harder, making indents in the wood. He finally reached peak speed and Kalek delivered a powerful paw strike, breaking the wooden foe in half.
Taking a deep breath, Kalek exhaled and stood at attention. He bowed to Shifu and the others and waited for their reaction. Judging by their faces, they seemed impressed. It was Shifu that he wasn't certain about. He stroked his skinny beard in thought.
"Impressive. You seem to focus your power in your strikes. That's good." Kalek's mouth gave away a small, proud smile. And then braced for the criticism. "That is, however, something you should not easily rely on. I take it that this form is what you are use to?"
"Permission to speak freely, master?"
"You may."
"It is a style that I have been comfortable with, master. You see, boxing is a style of combat I've adapted to and I've used it most of my life. So when I came at Lee Da, I thought to…-" Kalek tried to explain it as best as he could. "-evolve it into a style of kung fu that's best suited for me. Thus, I became a student of Sanda."
The four masters of Lee Da first introduced Kalek to Sanda after learning the basics. Sanda seemed to adapt to it quite nicely. First developed by the Chinese military based upon the study and practices of traditional kung fu and modern combat fighting techniques, Sanda combined boxing and full-contact kickboxing, including close range and rapid successive punches and kicks, with wrestling, takedowns, throws, sweeps, kick catches, and even elbow and knee strikes.
"I see. As a warrior, a master must learn to adapt to any situation." Kalek stayed at attention, eyeing Shifu circling around him. "Especially, if one's opponent should strike…here!" Shifu unexpectedly struck Kalek behind the knee with enough force to make the wolverine crumble down on knee. Kalek yelped in surprise. "From what I've observed, you prefer striking more with the upper body rather than with your legs. A true master of kung fu must learn to adapt and use all parts of one's body. With the right amount of force applied to the perfect spot, even the mightiest Cypress tree can be bent. If you are to be as unyielding as the mountain, you must have a stronger base. Otherwise, you're better off with use of all your limbs. For how fierce are you if you have not the use of your arms?" He emphasized his point by tapping Kalek's right arm.
Kalek knew it was too true. As much as he loved using his hands, his legs were just as important. He feared how much training would go into his lower trunks. All the more reason for him being here. "I…see your point, master." Kalek admitted.
"I certainly hope that you do. You do display one greater thing, however."
"What's that, Master Shifu?" Kalek kept his eyes focused on the red panda now. Watching, waiting for some other surprise from the tiny master. It was almost a blur, but he could see the arm coming.
Immediately on reflex, the wolverine's hand lurched up to grab a sudden strike from his right. The Five reacted with surprise to see Kalek move so fast, making Shifu smile a little. "When you focus, you're quick to learn and react," he answered. He retracted his hand as he acknowledged Kalek to stand up again. "There's room for improvement. But as far as I'm concerned, you have talent. Just the same as they did when they first came here." Shifu gestured to the Five as he spoke. "So now, wolverine, do you still wish to learn kung fu? Understand that greatness has a price. All things are difficult before they are easy. And I, will not make it so easy for you."
With a small exhale, Kalek stood tall above the small master and palmed his fist into an opened hand. "Yes, I do," he replied affirmatively.
"Then I am your master."
Kalek allowed a beaming grin to all that were present, his chest swelled with pride. He made it this far. He dared not to disappoint. For now, he was underway to become a great master.