Kingdom Po
Don't Own anything.
"Where on Earth did you get this?" I asked my Dimension traveling friend.
"The story came from the outer cortex of the right galaxy," Demi replied. "What do you think?"
"I think I got an interesting story. It's going to be hard to fully explain though," I replied. Demi laughed.
"Aren't all good stories?"
"No," I replied cheekily.
In a distant land where old medieval and past architecture meets modern technology. The Empire of Peace was the largest empire in the world. While it did not rule the world, its influence did. Nations and countries in poverty looked towards the Empire of Peace for strength and peace. The capital of the Empire of Peace was the City of Shizi, named after its founder. The king of this entire empire was King Shifu, who resided in the Grand Jade Palace. The area of this palace was the size of five football fields or four soccer fields stacked next to each other. The palace was created in the traditional Chinese palace structure with red, gold, and Jade decorations. Several different rooms populated the grandeur halls of the Grand Jade Palace. The difference between this palace and others is the Palace has specially designed 'fight rooms'. The people of the Empire of Peace are not very warrior-like. Though not as competitive as one might think, the Empire of Peace's main goal is to protect people, not to necessarily conquer them. For that purpose, the king's sons train hard to become prime fighters.
Outside the palace is a more modern city. Tall skyscrapers populate the metropolitan and financial districts. Further out is a more rustic clay building feel. In contrast to the metal and concrete jungle surrounding the palace, this outer section of the city is home to the small business and middle-class individuals. It is built in clay or old brick in small spaces. It is here where most people come to get the traditional feel of the ancient Chinese village architecture. Clothing lines, open vendors, and markets line the alleyways and streets of, what the people call, the Zhēnzhèng de Jiā, or the Jia for short. Here people come to relax, rejuvenate, and remember the ways of old times.
Though the largest empire, one would think that the king of such an empire would be merciless, ruthless, and stubborn. Well, the last one is right. King Shifu wasn't a typical king. The empire was too large for one man to rule completely, so many parts of the empire are ruled governors and rulers that ultimately answered to King Shifu.
There was another thing about King Shifu. He was never married nor did he seek a wife, but the kingdom needed an heir. So King Shifu adopted four sons, each very different from each other. One of them was walking down the very halls of the Grand Jade Palace. He looked at the palace's ancient oil paintings, depicting when his private teacher and his father used to fight against other nations. Po, the youngest of the adopted brothers, loved culture and history. Being an orphan wouldn't have helped him experience the different cultures here. He was adopted when he was a young cub, only a year old. "Po!" The young panda looked back to have a pie thrown at his face. "Bullseye," celebrated Monkey, the second youngest and the jokester of the group.
"Get back here, you clown!" Po shouted as he chased after Monkey. Po chased his brother right into one of the fight rooms, where Crane, the second oldest, and Tai-Lung, the oldest, were sparring. They were about to clash into each other when Monkey and Po crashed into them, resulting in a boy pile. "Ow!"
"Well, I don't think Master Oogway told us to prepare for a surprise panda," Tai-Lung muttered as he rubbed his sore head. "What are you two troublemakers doing?" Tai-Lung smirked as he gave a noogie to his panda brother's head.
"And why do you have carrot pie on your face?" Crane asked. Po glared at the simian.
"Why don't you ask Mr. Joker over there?"
"What? Can't have a little fun? HAHA! You should have seen his face," Monkey replied. Po tasted the pie.
"Ooh, carrot." The brothers all laughed until they heard a cough.
"Ahem."
"Master Oogway." The four brothers scrambled to put themselves together in a line. Master Oogway was an old tortoise in a white robe with a golden sash across. He always carried a walking stick around.
"I see that you have yet to prepare for the surprise panda," Oogway laughed. "In any case, your father is requesting you."
"First one to Dad's throne is a rotten apple!" Po challenged. The four raced to their father's throne room. Oogway's head shook as he said with a smile.
"Kids."
That statement wasn't really true. Though the youngest, Po was 20 years old. Tai-Lung was 25 and the others were in-between. Yet they acted like kids in their endeavors. When the four came to the throne room, the ten white marble pillared room was vacant with the except of a small red panda on the golden red cushioned REPAIRED seat. Many times the four brothers would try to sit in their father's chair, all at once. As they grew older and bigger, the chair couldn't support them. So instead of regular wood supporting it, the chair was made out of metal with golden paint. Anyways, King Shifu looked at his sons.
"Well, if it isn't my troublemakers," Shifu smiled.
"What did you call us for, Dad?" Po asked.
"Yeah, it's unusual that you call us to the throne room. Especially after the fourth time the chair broke," Crane muttered quietly.
"I've called you here for an important matter," Shifu explained.
"Are you going to choose who the next in line is?" Monkey asked.
"Come on, Monkey. We already know who it's going to be," Tai-Lung smirked confidently as Po shook his head.
"Actually, it's not that," Shifu replied.
"Dang it, I didn't win my bet yet," Tai-Lung muttered.
"What?" Po asked.
"Never mind," Tai-Lung recovered.
"What I called you here for was to tell you that we're going to an allegiance meeting," Shifu explained.
"Oh," the four sighed. Allegiance meetings were boring to the brothers. It consisted of speeches, toasts, signing, and greetings. The brothers had created a game where they would challenge each other to see who could learn the most names in the shortest amount of time. They had to learn the names anyhow, why not make it fun? Sometimes there would be some people their age and their status. Usually, if it was a female, Crane, Po, and Monkey would find a nice view to see Tai-Lung try to win the girl over. This usually resulted in either giggling or a push, shove, or food thrown at the snow leopard. Tai-Lung was a bad flirt when it came to some women. The others usually watched for the show.
"Don't seem too excited," Shifu noticed. "We are forming an allegiance with the Qiangdu Nation." This surprised Po.
"Wait, you mean the Qiangdu Nation? The Nation of Strength?" Po asked. Shifu nodded.
"Should we know them? I feel as if I missed something in History Class," Monkey quipped.
"The Nation of Strength is one of the strongest nations. They're also one of the most warring nations. I'm surprised they would even think of making an allegiance with us," Po replied.
"Why?"
"They don't seem to be the type of nation to want to pal up with someone. From the info I have about them, they're more of a 'conquer at all costs' kind of people. However, their culture is something we don't have much of," Po commented.
"Well then, tomorrow you'll have the chance to study more about their culture. I tell you this because this may be a special meeting," Shifu replied.
"How so?" Tai-Lung asked. Shifu smiled.
"You'll see. Now you four have my leave to go," Shifu replied. With that, the four exited the room.
"What do you think Dad is going to do, Po?" Crane asked.
"How should I know?" Po replied.
"Come on, we all know that you're the smartest here and the one to be king," Tai-Lung smirked, throwing his arm around the panda.
"For the last time, guys. I'm not going to be king. I can't. That's just... too big of a responsibility," Po hesitated.
"Whatever you say, but don't try and deny your responsibility when it's given," Tai-Lung teased. Po rolled his eyes.
"I'm going to Mr. Ping's," Po huffed as he went toward the front gate. There through the large red gates, the line of different cars and limos were lined. But Po wasn't using any of them. "Zeng?"
"Yes, Prince Po," The duck servant bowed.
"I'm making my regular today."
"Of course sir. I'll make the Junk ready," Zeng replied. The 'Junk' was an old beat-up looking car that was actually new. It was designed that way so that Po could stay low key. The duck and panda cruised through the metropolitan streets all the way to the Jia where Mr. Ping lived and worked. It was in the afternoon after working hours.
"Mr. Ping," Po called.
"Po, how's my favorite customer?" Mr. Ping said, giving the panda his regular. "So? How is life in the palace?"
"Good, we have to go to another allegiance. It's the Qiangdu Nation." Po said.
"The Nation of Strength? Where King Nelon rules?"
"You know about it?"
"I use to reside there before I came here. The fact they are forming an allegiance is suspicious," Mr. Ping suggested. "Be careful, Po. Make sure things are okay."
"I'll try my best. But you probably know more about the culture there than me. What is it like?" Po asked, overly excited.
"Culture-wise, not much...well, I can't say that. They are very competitive. In fact, I got most of my selling tactics from them," Mr. Ping proudly said.
"I'm doomed," Po muttered to himself. Mr. Ping was a little...much with his selling of food. He couldn't imagine a whole city of people like him.
"They are very independent kind of people. Especially the women. Be very careful about how you treat the women," Mr. Ping replied.
"But I usually am," Po said.
"I meant to tell your brother Tai-Lung that," Ping murmured.
"Oh, yeah," Po realized. Then he looked at the clock. "Well, I have to go. See you, Mr. Ping."
"See you, Po. And hey, make sure you keep your eyes and ears open. The people of Qiangdu don't usually make friends very well," Mr. Ping replied.
"What would you advise me to do?" Po asked. The goose thought about it, then smiled.
"Just be yourself. I'm sure they'll love it," Mr. Ping replied. With that, Po left. "Yep, from my recollection, those tigers do enjoy a cuddly panda," Mr. Ping laughed.
To Be continued.