tushanshu | 001 [video] console café

[The backdrop? One of the console cafés private rooms, with the door open to show a hall crowded with locals, but this particular room seems empty save a pair of large, rounded ears that are twitching minutely to catch the many sounds going around him. Seconds later, half a head peers into the video and a furry brow furrows.]

This is not anything like what I expected once my time came. There is much and everything is complex and-- No one can see me, can they. [A mutter as one elderly red panda holds onto the edge of the console and tries to look at the camera.

This? Is not working. He abandons that technique and kicks back the chair, performing a perfect flip to land balanced on the crux of his staff, the base of which is resting on the floor. Now centered in the video, he smoothes out his robes and clears his throat.]

I understand this is a realm for those who have completed their journeys. [A pause, a steady breath, and a nod.] I am at peace with this.

[The murmur of crowd in the background surges briefly and an ear flicks in irritation. Shifu decides it is better to finish his message before more people arrive.]

If you can just direct me to Master Oogway, I... [A pause as he glances around, borderline frazzled by all the people here.] -ah, I will confer with him and resume my meditations.

[A marginally graceful nod to the camera, then he descends the staff onto the console, searching for the command to kill the feed.]

There are many, many more people than I expected to have achieved the inner peace necessary to attain this state.

[It's one more perplexed mutter before he finds the command and ends it.]

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[Everything is on fire behind him. Actually it's a gargoyle spitting fire, but it makes it look like his room is on fire.]

Hey, wait just a second, squirrel dude. I don't care what they say, there's no way I'm dead, you hear me? So don't lump everyone together and say that we're all dead or something!

[Between the fire and the argument, Shifu's peaceful mojo's at risk here and, yup, he's staring a moment. It takes him a bit to calm himself and his mouth opens a few times as though he might say something, but then he closes it.]

I am not a squirrel.

[Breathe. Innerpeaceinnerpeaceinnerpeace.]

I am a red panda and I indeed heard you. [He refrains, like a good grand master, from pointing out that it's hard to not hear with these strange consoles.]

It was made quite clear to me that this is a state beyond consciousness, but I did not say that we are dead. There are many different ways to complete one's journey.

Well, whatever you are, I can guarantee that my journey's not over. I've got way too much I still need to do!

[Uuuuuuuuuuup goes the eyebrow.]

All things happen for a reason. Your being here, if not by your own meditative growth, serves some purpose.

[Innerpeaceinnerpeace.]

It's probably just some trap a demon thought up. [The kedan haven't said "Gehenna" and, let's face it, everything's too pretty to be what is basically Hell.] It's the turtle, I bet! It's gotta be. Well, I'll show this turtle a thing or two... [He holds up his carefully wrapped sword to demonstrate.] Once I've found the others, anyway.

It's weird the demon turtle would trap you, though. Are you someone's familiar or something?

[Shifu's widen. Tu Vishan may be one large turtle, but he just posted about a very different turtle and it is too easy to assume that Rin means his master and not the giant one they are to reside on.]

You have seen Master Oogway? Where does he rest?

[He looks at the fire behind Rin, then to the sword. His expression cools, because that? Looked threatening.]

Master who? I have no idea who you're talking about, I don't know any masters. Is he the Exorcist you're bound to?

Master Oogway! [There is some insistence in his statement.] The turtle that mentioned must be he, as he would have the answers you are denying to yourself.

[Exorcist? Bound? A shake of his head.]

I am bound to his teachings, but he has been ascended for three years now. If you know where he is, tell me now. I must speak with him!

Man, you're not making any sense! I'm talking about this turtle, you know? The giant turtle demon we're floating on? Not some Oogway turtle. You're weird, even for a demon.

[Ear twitch. Shifu is first disappointed and second displeased as the association settles.]

It is possible that this other turtle may have answers. [Turtles are wise, okay? But his fur's been ruffled and that's as close as he is coming to admitting an error in his interpretation.] Though it is not wise to approach any master with a weapon held in anger.

[AND ABOUT THAT OTHER THING.]

I am no demon. I am Shifu, a master of Kung Fu and student of Grand Master Oogway.

If this turtle's responsible for bringing us here, I doubt it's gonna want to give up any answers. [Especially if Satan is somehow involved...] But I'll get the truth one way or another. I ain't gonna just sit here. I gotta get back home!

[Lol wat.] You? A kung fu master? [LOL WAT.] And...this turtle Oogway guy is your master? ...Seriously? I might be stupid, but I'm not that stupid.

The size of a warrior has no bearing on his skill. [He has drawn himself up to his full and intimidating height of... not.] It is wiser to observe before passing judgement than to assume one's skill based on a single appearance.

Okay, but you're a panda.

I mean, a red panda. But still. How are you even talking, anyway?

The same way that you do. I open my mouth and the words I will emerge from it. [His expression smudges with a hint of judgement.] The only difference is the quality of what is said.

Do all animals talk where you... [Wait a second...] Did you just insult me? [He's not sure.]

All things speak, if you know how to listen.

[A pause, a smile.]

Did I? Surely you would be able to tell if I had.

[Welcome to Listening & Observing 101.]

Hrrrmmmm...

I'm watching you, chibi panda.

Ah, but will you be listening?

Listening too!

[There is some parallel to the way he trained Po and this, more than anything, prompts his amused smile and dry chuckle.]

Good.

[He disconnects with that. Rin, he's going to keep an eye on you.]