Number 32-'Night'

     The crisp tranquil air around the temple was what always calmed Shifu almost instantly; no matter what foul mood he was in.
     The red panda walked his masterly way up to the peach tree, arms behind his back as he slowly strode up to the tree.
     The blossoms were in bloom and the air smelled sweet of juicy peaches.
     Shifu longed to taste the wonderful sensation of peach juice running down his throat, but, he didn't dare pick a peach from such a sacred tree.
     The young master rested against the base of the tree and closed his eyes.
     A vibration of the wind is what snapped Shifu out of his meditation; he was alert at once.
     There was a blur of jade and then a loud “slam” as Shifu flipped Oogway over him by using two fingers.
     The tortoise got to his feet. “Well, your perceptiveness certainly hasn't changed much.” He smiled sagely. “I don't remember the last time you attacked so quickly.”
     “I admit,” Shifu murmured, voice flat with no trace of emotion. “You startled me a little.”
     “It was...unintentional,” Oogway lied, hiding a smile.
     “Of course it was, master.” Shifu didn't sound entirely convinced, but let it go.
     “What are you doing out here at such a late hour?” Oogway wondered.
     “...” Shifu didn't know what to say. “Just..being sad I suppose.”
     Oogway smiled, gently. “That, I can remedy.”
     The young red panda peered up at his master, face unreadable. Then, he turned to look up at the peaches clinging to the edge of bark branches.
     “Would you like a peach?”
     “What?? No! No, master, I couldn't be so dishonorable as to defile the most sacred relic of our valley!”
     Oogway frowned, “what are you talking about? You used to eat them all the time as a cub.”
     “I didn't have much honor as a child,” Shifu mumbled, blushing.
     The old master smiled at his young pupil. “You were a typical child, and, it never bothered me that you ate the peaches.” He stared at Shifu as if he were crazy. “Um, that is what they are there for. They're peaches; they're supposed to be eaten.” He rapped Shifu lightly over the head and Shifu could have sworn he heard Oogway mutter: “..idiot..”
     The red panda rubbed his head and hesitated, “well, I'll eat one if you say it's okay.”
     “I just gave you my full permission.” Oogway struck the base of the tree and a single peach fell into Shifu's outstretched hand.
     “Eat,” Oogway ordered.
     Shifu just stared at the peach, then, back at his master. “Master Oogway, I don't really think-”
     “Eat,” Oogway ordered, more stern.
     The red panda forgot about his reluctance and sunk his teeth into the soft, plump fruit. Tangy juice filled his mouth with a long forgotten taste.
     “Mmmmmmm..”
     Oogway smiled and gave the base of the tree a gentle stroke; prompting another ripe peach to fall- this time into his waiting hand.
     Shifu watched his master lay his soft wrinkled lips upon the fuzzy texture of the fruit.
     Oogway was surprised to see that his student had already devoured the entire peach, and was now sucking the juice out of the core. “My, you are hungry.” He struck the base of the tree and allowed another peach to fall; only this time it fell on Shifu's head!
     “Ow!”
     The old tortoise laughed, “sorry!”
     Shifu rubbed his head and then dug into the peach.
     Oogway smirked, “'No, master, I couldn't be so dishonorable as to defile the most sacred relic of our valley!'” He mimicked teasingly.
     Even with his lips curled over the fruit, Oogway could see Shifu's red face.
     The red panda blushed and turned away. “Well, I still don't feel comfortable eating them very often.”
     The old master chuckled and flicked his wrist dismissively. “Oh, please. Peaches on this tree grow very often and they are food, they are meant to be eaten. If I didn't disapprove of you eating them as a child, why would I disapprove now? You used this tree as your own personal buffet when you were a cub!”
     “....Hmph,” Shifu muttered.
     Oogway smiled mischievously and flicked his wrist; the peach made a loud “squish” as it splattered against the stunned red panda's face.
     “Hahahaha,” the old tortoise laughed.
     “...You're more evil than you look,” came the muffled voice from behind the tangy mush.
     “I just threw a peach at your head, you shouldn't be hesitant to eat from this tree now.”
     “Is that why you threw it at me??” Shifu demanded.
     Oogway gave a sly smile, “no, just felt devilish.”
     Shifu's mouth twitched until he finally gave a grin; his first grin in months.
     The old master handed Shifu another peach. They both shared peaches and a smile under the tree.