A/N: WOOO HOOO! This is by FAR my longest chapter yet and longest chapter I've ever made in any story! Over 8,000 words! Please sit back and enjoy! :D
Chapter 9 – Tea with the Prince and looking for the Crystal
Bojing has his arm around Tigress' waist as he leads the warriors down the marble hallway down to the dining area, Po has a strong look, he does not like Bojing holding his Tigress like that, Rudolph himself felt uneasy about this and a hint of anger, he looked around at the other Five, Monkey had a look of anger at Bojing but worry for Tigress, Crane has a glare on his face with Bojing looking away, as does Viper, but deeper than Crane's, Mantis has his thingies crossed with a glare on his face. None of them seem to like Bojing at all, especially with him having his paws on Tigress. Bojing has his head held up high, not knowing Tigress' angry and disgusted look, him having his arm around her felt like iron instead of warm and safe like Po's arms. She's doing her best to hold back a growl, for she must respect him. Rudolph let out a soft sigh, the Five and Po were planning a wedding out only to find out that this dang prince is getting the girl of Po's dreams. Bojing lead them into the dining room, it had some red curtains in it, a really long table with many chairs, they looked big enough for the king's men. Rudolph looked around in awe at the room, he's never seen such a room or a Palace for that matter.
"All right, gang," Bojing said, smiling, "Let's all have a seat and have some tea."
Bojing stood next to his silver chair next to the king's chair, its cushions are red while its skeleton is gold, he pulled up a white glittering chair, he looked at Tigress and said, "For you, my lady." Po held back a growl, Tigress sat down with an angry look, the prince smiled dreamfully at her. Bojing clapped his hands. Then an antelope dressed in red robes came in, he bowed before Bojing.
"Bring my friends and I some of the finest tea in the palace," Bojing said, smiling. The antelope bowed again and then he took off. Bojing sat down next to Tigress, who had her arms crossed and a disgusted look. Po was bringing a chair up next to Tigress, but Bojing held up his hand.
"No one sits next to the royals when eating or drinking," Bojing said.
"But...she's not...a princess..." Po pointed out, trying to hold in his jealously.
"Not yet, but she soon will be, so she's allowed ahead of time, now get in the seat over there," Bojing said, pointing to the chair two seats away from where Tigress is sitting. Po felt more anger come up to him, he also feels sadness for what's going to happen. The warriors all sat down, Rudolph sat between Monkey and Crane, well, Crane's standing up.
"So...Prince Bojing..." Rudolph started.
"Please, call me Bojing," Bojing said, smiling. Rudolph nodded and said, "Okay...Bojing...when...when will the wedding be held?"
"Oh, it'll be held in two days at, again, the Grand Palace, in 5 days at 7pm sharp," Bojing replied, "I've been waiting for 26 years to meet and marry my love." He put his arm around Tigress again, making her tense up, Po got a little angrier, but he's trying to keep himself under control.
"Well...it'll end the war going on for a century, huh?" Rudolph asked, trying to sound polite, Rudolph looked at Po and his look told him to calm down.
"Oh, yes, horrible times, they've been," Bojing said frowning, "Two Clans wanted to rule China, they've tried to overthrow one another for so long. The Shengda Clan came close, and the Qianglie Clan did as well on many occasions."
"I see...so was...your father a fighter?" Rudolph asked.
"Oh yes," Bojing said, "He's always told me the stories of the War and how his father and the father before him fought in the War." Rudolph nodded, and then the antelope came in, he passed out all of them a cup of tea and put out a teapot full of the tea.
"Thank you," Bojing said with a smile, the antelope bowed and asked, "Will there be anything else, your Majesty?" Bojing shook his head, "No, I'll let you know." The antelope bowed before he left, closing the door behind him.
"Those guys are dedicated," Rudolph said. Bojing nodded, "Oh, yes they are. Always have been, always will be." He lifted up his cup high and said, "To me and my betrothed, Tigress." The warriors decided to go along with it, they lifted their cups up and took a sip.
"Whoa! This is really good!" Monkey said with wide eyes.
"Yeah!" Mantis said, "It's better than the tea at the Palace!" Po slightly winced, for he makes the tea, Viper hit Mantis on the back of the head and pointed at Po. Mantis sighed and said, "Oh, and yours is good too, Po." Viper hit him on the back of the head again "OW!" Bojing chuckled. Then a tiger with red pants on and a black belt on, he has blue eyes, he's about 20 and he's handsome.
"Prince Bojing, King Guang is on his way," the tiger said.
"Okay, thanks Duyi," Bojing said, smiling, Duyi smiled before leaving. Bojing looked at the warriors and said, "That was my number one man, Duyi. He's a truly dedicated apprentice."
"Apprentice?" Po asked.
"He's put in charge if I'm away," Bojing said, "He's a true dedication to the Clan." Rudolph nodded and said, "I see." Bojing nodded as he smiled, he looked at Tigress and whispered, "You, my dear, will be mine. You're very beautiful." He kissed her cheek, making her tense up, and form a face of disgust. BANG! Bojing jumped, Po had banged his fist on the table. Bojing raised an eyebrow and he took note the panda wasn't very happy looking.
"Oh, are you upset, Dragon Warrior?" Bojing asked, Rudolph then said, "Oh, he's not had any food and without food he can get a bit...cranky." Bojing clapped his hands, the antelope servant came in and bowed.
"Fetch some of the finest dumplings and noodles for this hungry panda," Bojing said. The antelope bowed and said, "I'll bring twice the normal amount."
"Make it triple," said Bojing. The antelope bowed and took off again, Rudolph saw jealously and sadness in Po's eyes, Rudolph knew Po was extremely upset, it tore the reindeer up on the inside to see a normally happy-friendly panda like this. Monkey placed his hand on the panda while Bojing raised an eyebrow to the panda's behavior.
"Panda..." Bojing said, then Po said, "That's the Dragon Warrior to you."
"Okay...Dragon Warrior, is there something wrong?" Bojing asked. Po looked away and said in a heavy voice, "No, nothing's just fine, Prince Bojing." Bojing raised an eyebrow, he knew something was wrong with Po, Tigress knew before they met Bojing that he was uneasy but he doesn't have to sit by him. The antelope came back in with a ton of dumplings and three bowls of noodles. Po grabbed the bowl of dumplings and began chowing down on them, Bojing's eyes slightly widened, Po got a bowl of soup and drank it even though it was steaming, even the others were surprised, they've never seen Po act like this.
"Uhm...Prince Bojing..." said Mantis, "What would you say if uh...Tigress was in a relationship before she knew about...you?"
"Why? Was she?" Bojing asked.
"Yes, ah no! I mean!" Mantis stammered, Viper hit the back of his head "OW! VIPER!"
Bojing chuckled, "Well, if she was in a relationship, it's his loss, he's got to know that his selfish actions to marry my betrothed would just be the worst mistake in China's history." That did it. Po thrashed the food around, Bojing held Tigress close, Po saw it and he hated his girlfriend to be in the paws of that tiger. He stormed out of the area while the other members of the Five gave Mantis' death glares. Rudolph sighed and went after Po.
"I guess food wasn't the answer," Bojing said, he clapped his hands, the antelope came in.
"Clean this mess up," said Bojing. He looked at Tigress and said, "We need to get you prepared for the wedding in five days." Tigress didn't say anything at all, she really wants to tear him to shreds for having his paws on her, but she must show respect.
"Come Tigress," Bojing said, "Time to get you in a fine dress instead of in that disgusting outfit." Tigress let out a small growl by accident, then Bojing said, "Now, now, it'll be a lot better with a dress on. Come on." He turned to the other Five, "As for you, my servants will take you to where you'll be staying for the night. You're free to explore as long as you don't go into the restricted areas. Understand?"
"We understand," said Monkey, trying to be polite. Bojing stood up, he made Tigress stand up and they began to leave. Viper didn't want Tigress alone with him, she slithered up.
"Your majesty," Viper said. Bojing and Tigress stopped walking and looked down at Viper, "Your majesty, I'd like to be with Tigress, she and I are like sisters and I feel as if I should go with her."
"I think it would be fine," said Bojing. "Just go in when I say so." Viper bowed and then they left the three guys.
"*Whew* Good thing Viper went with them..." Monkey said, a bit relieved.
"Yeah, I don't like the looks of the prince," Crane whispered, then Mantis said "Let's go find Po and Rudolph."
With Po, he stomps heavily outside of the castle out onto a balcony, he has hot tears rolling down his face, he kicks the walls with anger, he let out a scream, he's loved Tigress for so long and now this stupid prince is taking her away from him...but...he's already gotten her...Po began crying a bit harder as he clichéd his hands into fists Bojing's words went through Po's mind like a stabbing sword "Well, if she was in a relationship, it's his loss, he's got to know that his selfish actions to marry my betrothed would just be the worst mistake in China's history." Po hates Bojing already, he's never been so upset in his life, he feels so hot and angry along with sadness.
"Po?" said a familiar voice. Po clichéd his fists even tighter, Rudolph came up from behind him, he put his hand on the panda's shoulder, the panda slammed his fist on the railing.
"Oh Rudolph! It's NOT FAIR!" Po shouted out of anger, "I love Tigress and she's being taken from me by some royal doofus!" Po let more hot tears roll down his face. Rudolph felt like crying for his buddy as well, but he held the tears back, then he said, "Po...look at me..." Po whirled around and Rudolph slightly gasped when he saw Po's very sad face and the tears rolling down his face, Po formed an angry look but it turned back into sadness as more big tears rolled down his face. Po hugged Rudolph, crying onto his shoulder, Rudolph hugged Po back and began rubbing his back, not knowing another way to comfort his panda buddy.
"How can things be okay now?! I've met the girl of my dreams, but now she's got to be taken away from me! I know it's for China but it just stinks! AGH!" Po screamed out of anger, hurt, and sadness. Rudolph hugged Po a bit tighter, rubbing his back a bit harder, then Po shouted "Why can't we stop the war another way?!" Rudolph shook his head and said, "I...I don't know...I'm so...sorry..." Rudolph would normally find a way to comfort Po when he's in need, but he's unable to give him a word of advice or anything, all Rudolph can do is hug the panda, the reindeer knew Po loved Tigress for so long and he'd do anything for her, but she's being taken from him for China's sake and Po can't do anything about it anymore.
"I hate how Bojing had his hands on Tigress like that..." Po whispered out of sadness. Rudolph nodded and whispered, "Me too..." Po hugged Rudolph as tight as he could without choking him, he needs this reindeer for comfort, he's lucky he's even with him right now. Crane, Monkey and Mantis saw Rudolph hugging Po, they went up to them and they saw Po's hurt look, mixed emotions, they all frowned when they saw Po like that. Monkey went up to Po and put his arm around him, Po did the same to Monkey, Mantis jumped onto the top of Po's head and Crane patted Po's back with his wing. Po looked up and asked, "Wh-Where's...where's..."
"Viper?" Crane finished for him, "She went with Tigress and...to make sure she's not alone..." Po felt a tiny bit relieved Viper went with Tigress so she wouldn't be with that Prince, and Po can understand why Crane didn't mention Bojing, for Po's been torn apart for what's happened. Meili was on the other end of the hall, she saw Po very upset and his friends holding him, she formed a sad look, she covered her eyes and shook her head. She walked up to them, when she arrived at them she cleared her throat. Crane looked up at her.
"I...I've been told to show you to your room..." she said, frowning. Rudolph looked at her, he began helping Po up, Meili's eyes slightly widened when she saw Rudolph's shirt very soaked from Po's tears, it made her feel a tug at her heart strings to see the panda like that.
"F-Follow me..." she said. She began walking off while Rudolph and Monkey helped Po walk, it takes him 10 seconds to make 20 steps, he's walking very slow, as his head hung low, he wipes tears away but when he looks up the tears in his eyes cause his vision to be blurry. Rudolph wiped away the tears so Po could see better, they continued to follow Meili down the magnificent hallway.
Meanwhile, with Tigress, Viper and Bojing, the Prince continues to hold Tigress by the waist, the tiger hates Bojing holding her like this, Viper kept cautious eyes upon the Prince, for he may sound nice but they all feel uneasy around him. Bojing breathed onto Tigress' neck as they come upon the door to the fitting room.
"Look beautiful for me, all right?" Bojing said in a soothing tone, "You'll look much better in a dress." Tigress felt her lips curve up, showing her fangs, Bojing opened the door and inside were three female antelopes, all dressed in red.
"Does everyone wear red around here?" Tigress asked in a heavy tone.
"Very much so," Bojing said, he looked at the antelopes and said, "This is the lost child. I say to put her in one of the finest dresses of them all."
"What about me?" Viper asked, "She's my sister." Bojing looked down at her and said, "A snake as a sister for a tiger? Preposterous."
"She's like a sister to me," Tigress said with a growl, "You will...my royal choice is to let her stay in here..." Tigress kept her strong look at Bojing, giving him a deep glare that got deeper with each second.
"Very well, but you know what they say about snakes," Bojing said, Tigress' eyes widened in anger, she wanted to claw him but the antelopes grabbed her and Bojing said, "Let me rephrase that, give her the finest dress of them all...and give her some makeup too." The antelopes bowed as Tigress' eyes widened in anger again, and then Bojing left, closing the door behind him.
"All right, missy! Time for your makeover!" one antelope said.
"I'm NOT wearing makeup!" Tigress snapped.
"We give the prince and king what they want," said one antelope, "You will wear makeup."
"NO!"
"Tigress, look at me," Viper said. Tigress looked at Viper, then the snake said, "Do what they tell you...I know you don't like makeup, but...you must...for the sake of China..." Tigress winced, she closed her eyes, knowing she'd have to do it.
"Make it quick..." Tigress whispered in a heavy tone. With that, the antelopes got straight to work.
With the guys, Meili has led them to their room, there're five beds for them, there're large glass windows with red curtains on them, there's a smaller room next to their room has a bed in it. Po dragged himself in, Monkey and Rudolph led him in, knowing he has to sit down, he dragged himself to a bed and plopped down on the soft cushions. Rudolph patted Po's back, Po pulled Rudolph into another hug, the reindeer hugged back.
"Meili..." said Crane, "When will Tigress come to see him?"
Meili sighed and said, "I...I'm afraid she won't be seeing y'all...much at all...she's going to be staying in the special guest room and then...after the wedding with..." She stopped herself, she formed a frown, she went up to Po and hugged him. She hugged him for about 5 seconds before she pulled back.
"I'm so sorry," she said with a sad tone before leaving the room in a hurry. Rudolph took note right away she doesn't seem heartless like Bojing us, she feels sorry for them, he begins to wonder if she's told them his real name, that would be a disaster. Rudolph got up, Po grabbed his arm, the reindeer looked at the panda, who has sad eyes, he wants the reindeer to stay.
"Po, I would stay, but I need to find out where the Ice Crystal is," he said, "If I don't find it...who knows what'll happen if in the wrong hands." Po didn't want Rudolph to leave, but it's for the world's good, neither of them can believe two critical missions are going on, well, Po's mission is done, now Rudolph must complete his mission.
"Rudolph, how about I go for now? He needs you, if I spot anything I'll let you know," Crane said.
"But the Ice Crystal's my responsibility, you guys stay here, if I don't find anything in three hours, I'll come back," Rudolph said firmly but gently. Rudolph gave Crane a strong look, Crane gave Rudolph a strong look as well, but Rudolph's look got stronger. Crane sighed, giving up.
"Fine Rudolph, you win," said Crane, "Be back in three hours."
"I will," Rudolph said firmly. Rudolph looked at Po and then he gave him a hug, Po hugged back, Rudolph pulled back and then he began to leave to find the Ice Crystal.
"We're free to explore, but Bojing said to stay out of the restricted areas," Crane said.
"Got it," Rudolph said before leaving, then he said to himself, "And I think it might be in the restricted areas."
Rudolph walks down the hallway trying to find where the restricted area is, as he walks, he can't help but think about what's happened so far, Po's very upset, Bojing has his hands all over Tigress, it just ticks him off as well. Rudolph looked out a window to see it's still daytime, so, he thought he'd get a lay of the land before he goes to find the Crystal, and find it in the shadows of the night. The Shengda Clan has to have it without a doubt. Then someone pushed Rudolph down, the reindeer landed on his rear end, he looked up to see Duyi.
"Stay out of my way, jerk!" Duyi shouted.
"Hey, I was watching where I was going, you pushed me," Rudolph said, getting up. Duyi scoffed and said, "And you were in my way, and stay out of my way jerk!" He shoved Rudolph out of his way and the reindeer felt a twinge of anger come to him, as Duyi left, Rudolph brushed himself off taking note of two golden wristbands he's not noticed before, he even saw an orange stone in the middle of one of them. Rudolph did nothing to provoke him, why did he shove him? Rudolph sighed before he began walking again to find the Ice Crystal. He made sure he didn't attract attention, being from the North Pole, they could know about him, he walked up some stairs to get a higher view of the land. Then, he came to a balcony, almost at the top of the castle. He saw the entire village surrounded by a high wall with the Chinese landscape, he saw mountains off in the distance as he looked around for what could be the restricted areas. Looking down, he saw some guards, raising an eyebrow, he decided to follow. He looked around for something he can use to get down for he's out of Magic to even float down there. Then he saw a nearby roof a little ways away from and 10 feet below him. He saw roofs below that roof, each section of wall had one window by it. He backed up, taking a deep breath, then he ran across the balcony and jumped on over to it, he scrambled to get a grip as some tiles came loose. He managed to get a grasp on it. He began descending down to the ground, jumping down from one section of a roof to the next one below. Finally, he reached a lower area of the Palace, the ground is about 10 feet down, he looked for something to get him down, he couldn't find anything, so, he jumped down and hit the bottom, he fell backwards into a bale of hay, panting.
"*Whew* now I know why it's better to fly down than to climb down..." he said, taking a deep breath. The reindeer began to make his move to get the lay of the land before he finds the Crystal, he knows during the day he can be spotted easier so he needs to use the shadows of the night. He raised an eyebrow as he began looking, if he needs to ask someone where the restricted areas are, he needs to be careful on who he asks, he figures he can find it in an hour or two so he decided to look for the restricted areas himself.
Half an hour later, in the fitting room, the antelope women have just finished dressing up Tigress in the finest dress they have. She's wearing a red dress with golden trimming on the sleeves and along the bottom, she has a gold and red belt with a pattern of a dragon and the yin yang symbol in the middle, she had golden eyeliner to draw attention to her eyes, she has red lipstick on, her fur is nice, shiny, and poofy, she's actually dressed as a girl as Mantis would say, her claws have red nail polish on them, she hates dressing like this, as much as she hates it, she has to respect the Prince and King or she'd be in very big trouble.
"There! We got you all spiffed up!" one antelope said happily, then another said, "Oh, I hope Prince Bojing likes how she's dressed." Tigress had trouble breathing in the dress for it's a tight fit.
"And royal people must've learned how not to breathe," Tigress grumbled before she took a deep breath in.
"Oh, but you'll break into it," said a voice as the door opened. Bojing opened up the door and his eyes slightly widened when he saw Tigress, "Ah...now you look like an angel." Tigress wanted to spit her tongue out at him but she just stayed silent with a strong look.
"Oh, but she does look good," Viper complemented, causing Tigress to glare at her. Then Bojing said, "Oh, she looks magnificent, not good. Magnificent." He looked at the antelopes, "You may go, I'd like a moment alone with Tigress." He looked at Viper, "You too, snake." Viper briefly glared at him and said, "I'll be out in the hallway. I want to see her when you're done." The antelopes bowed before they left, Viper and Tigress briefly looked at one another before Viper slithered out of the room, worried for her sister, she shut the door behind her.
"Ah, my beloved, beautiful Tigress," Bojing said in a soothing tone, "You look a lot better than in that disgusting training outfit." Tigress tensed up and said, "Someone else...said I was beautiful no matter what I was dressed in..."
"Ah, but you're more beautiful than anything now that you're not dressed like a man," Bojing said, bringing her close as he slid his arm around her waist, Tigress' eyes widened in anger and she tensed up, "The leader of the Qianglie Clan is on his way, he'll be here tonight to meet you." He paused as he brought his face closer, "And to see us angels unite to reunite the Clans for China." Tigress pushed him away in anger.
"Keep your hands to yourself!" she snapped.
Bojing only smiled, "Not ready for the moment yet? Don't worry, it'll come at the wedding."
"I'm only doing it for China, I do not like marrying someone I just met," Tigress said with a strong look and tone.
"Why? Would you rather marry someone like...someone you already know? Like...the PANDA?!" Bojing asked, Tigress froze, Bojing nodded and said, "Yes. I know about you and the fat panda, why would you marry him? He's just a panda. I mean, a panda and a tiger? Ridiculous."
Tigress growled as her eyes narrowed, "He might be a panda, but he's MY panda! I don't care if I get to have kids or not, but it's the inside of a person that counts, not the outside." Bojing scoffed and said, "We'll be able to have kids and pass down the crown, why go for him? He's just a stupid panda anyway." Tigress lunged for him, but Bojing grabbed her arm, he smiled and chuckled.
"Dare not attack the prince, for you'll be executed and you wouldn't want the Jade Palace's reputation torn down for attacking a prince now would you?" Bojing said. Tigress backed away from him on the spot, she gave him a deep look of hate towards him, she figured that when Po pushed the table after Bojing said it would be stupid for someone else to be in a relationship with her, he figured Po was the one to have the relationship with her.
"That aside," said Bojing, "How about I show you to your room?" Tigress gave no immediate anger, but a deeper glare, "I want to see my friends."
"They can't see you often," Bojing started then Tigress spat, "I WANT to see them!" Tigress' look sent slight shivers down Bojing's spine, her look is very unforgiving. Bojing only smiled and said, "Of course you can. But, don't them put their hands on you too much."
"And I'd like to be alone with them," Tigress said, Bojing slightly froze and said, "Fine, but don't that panda kiss you." Tigress growled, Bojing began leading her, he led her out of the room into the hallway where Viper's waiting for them. Bojing looked at her and said, "She wants some time with you and your friends." Viper gave a nod as an answer, she didn't speak as they walked/slithered down the hallway. About a minute later, they arrived where the warriors are staying, Bojing looked at a rhino guard and said, "My Tigress wants to have a moment with her friends, but make sure they don't put too many hands on her and don't let that fat panda kiss her." The rhino bowed and opened the door, Tigress and Viper walked into the room while Bojing stayed outside.
"Sir, also they told us Qing decided to explore the village some, he left about 30 minutes ago," said the rhino guard.
"I see," said Bojing, "I'll be waiting for her right here." The rhino guard bowed again before he went into the room to keep an eye on Tigress and her friends. When he got in, Monkey had finished hugging her, but Po had his arms wrapped around her.
"Break it!" the guard said. Po looked up, and then he reluctantly broke free from Tigress, he has a look of hurt on his face, and it stung Tigress' heart to see him like that.
"Tigress...you...you look so..." Monkey started, then Viper said, "Beautiful. Yes." Po nodded and said, "She's so beautiful, I...why can't..." Po stopped and looked away, Tigress' look saddened and Mantis said, "Can't what?" Po waved it off, he's just so hurt. Tigress took a step forward and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Po, I want you to know...that I do not and will never love Bojing...I don't want to do this...but...you know..." Tigress said, frowning, "I love you, and always will love you...with all my heart...I don't get why this had to come between both of us..." Po turned around and faced Tigress with a sad look, he slowly nodded, not saying anything.
"Where's...you know?" Tigress asked, looking around. Monkey looked at her and mouthed "Ice Crystal" Tigress raised an eyebrow and Monkey mouthed it again, then she got it, she nodded. Crane stepped up and said, "Tigress, I must say you look beautiful...and I wish I could've seen you on..." He whispered into her ear, "Po's wedding day..." Tigress nodded, feeling more sadness come to her, a tear fell down her face, it stung her friends' to see her like that, then Bojing came in.
"All right, time's up!" he said. Tigress turned around and said, "I haven't seen them for more than five minutes! You said I could see them for a while!"
"I keep my word, Tigress, but you failed to say on how much time you wanted with them, I'm a man of my word," Bojing said, "Now time to show you to your room and to make some arrangements on you and the stage." Tigress groaned, she looked at her friends with a frown and said, "I gotta go...bye..." Po saddened even more, Bojing looked at Po and said, "A beautiful woman should not be in the hands of a fat panda like you." Po felt anger and jealously come up to him, Tigress wanted to hit Bojing, but a guard was right there. Bojing grabbed Tigress' arm and took her away, the guard closed the door and when he did, Po collapsed in tears. When he did, his friends began to do their best to comfort him, the Furious Five er...Four know Po's always been there for them, and they need to be there for him right now. They all exchanged sad looked with one another.
"There...there...big guy..." Mantis said, tapping him with one of his thingies, not knowing what else to say or do.
With Rudolph, now two hours into his search, he's scanned the entire village but he's found little sign of the restricted areas. Where could they be? He wants to get back to Po to comfort him in any way he can. Sighing, he sees he has no other choice to ask a guard. He looked to see a rhinoceros guard walking through the streets. He's not the type to lie, but he made up a story to tell. He walked up to the guard.
"Excuse me, sir," said Rudolph, the guard looked at him and asked, "What is it? I'm busy."
"I've heard of the return of the lost child from the Qianglie Clan, and I've come to see the wedding in a few days, but I need to know where the restricted areas are so I won't get in trouble," Rudolph told him.
"You want to know where the restricted areas are? Why would I tell you that?" the guard asked. Rudolph then said, "I just told you, I don't want to get in trouble with the king." The guard sighed and said, "It's beyond the back of the palace, no citizens are allowed back there. Did you not see the signs?"
"Oh, I wasn't back there, thanks for telling me, now I won't get in trouble," said Rudolph. The guard nodded, "Sure." Then Rudolph left whispering to himself, "Thank you indeed." After Rudolph got a lay of the land and he knew where the Ice Crystal most likely is, he heads back to the Palace and back up into the room he and the others are staying in. When he came in the room, he saw Po laying on the largest bed. Rudolph went over to him, when he did he saw the panda has a sad look upon his features. Rudolph hugged him and it took Po a minute to realize Rudolph's hugging him, the panda hugged him back.
"Where're the others?" Rudolph asked softly.
"They...went for lunch..." Po said sadly. Rudolph's ears perked up, and he knew Po's definitely upset, he's not EATING?! He HAS to be upset. Po pulled Rudolph into the bed, shocking the reindeer.
"Po...I..." he started, Po hugged him a bit tighter, "Po...It feels a bit awkward with me in the same bed as you..." Po didn't care, he just wanted comfort from the reindeer. Rudolph tried to gently pull himself out, but the panda had him tight. The door opened and four of the Five came in, excluding Tigress.
"Hey Rudolph, you're back from your search?" Mantis asked, hoping over.
"I...yes...decided to get a lay of the land...before I went out..." Rudolph said, for he can hardly breathe, "Po...I can't breathe..." Po released Rudolph a bit, but didn't let go of him, Rudolph got up and stood up straight.
"I...I'm sorry for you buddy..." Rudolph said. Po nodded as he tried to recover from this, but it's very hard to do so.
Night comes, and the guys have turned in while Viper goes into her separate room, Rudolph slept in the bed beside Po, he took note the panda had trouble sleeping, the moon shone into the room, Crane, Monkey and Mantis were gently snoring as Viper just got into her bed. Rudolph is going to make his move to find the Ice Crystal in the restricted area. He decides to wait at least an hour or two. After waiting, he decides to make his move. Everyone else is sleeping, he walked to the door, opened it, looked down the hallways and saw no one was there. He shut the door and began moving, hoping no one will catch him.
As he moved to the balcony he jumped off of to the roof, he kept listening for anyone coming down the hallway, he heard nothing and he kept moving. He saw no one as he went down the halls, and up the stairs to the balcony. He jumped over to the roof and managed to get a grasp on it. He panted as he clanged onto it.
"*Whew* come on Rudy...come on..." he panted as he held on. Sweat trickles down his forehead as his heart pounds out of nervousness. He jumped down to the lower roof sections, making sure he has a firm grip. Then he reached the lower area where he's only 10 feet off the ground, he jumped down, landed on his feet, and fell backwards into the bale of hay. He looked around to see some guards walking in the distance, he hid behind the bale of hay to make sure they wouldn't see him. When the coast was clear, Rudolph slipped into the shadows and headed off in the direction where the restricted areas are.
He stuck to the shadows like a ninja, trying not to make much noise as he went, the number in rhino guards increased, and there were some tiger guards as well. Moving carefully, Rudolph kept a close eye on the guards, he ducked behind a barrel to get a view of the area, there're 10 guards in the area, and he needed a diversion. He saw a brick, he grabbed it and threw it, and the brick landed 30 feet away.
"Go check over there!" one tiger guard said to the rhinos. Six out of ten went to go check it out, allowing Rudolph to run to the other side of the street and slip into the shadows without being caught. He knows that he's definitely in the restricted area, he kept a sharp eye out for the guards, slipping from shadow to shadow avoiding detection, he hid behind a stack of barrels and saw tons of guards in front of a tunnel, he raised an eyebrow, he saw about 30 to 40 guards, some are going into the area.
Why're these guards guarding this tunnel? Why behind the Palace? Rudolph thought. He needed to get in there, but he saw no windows in or any other entrances in, that there...was the only way in. Rudolph had to get in there if he wanted to find the Ice Crystal. He looked around for any solution to get in and he saw some guards pushing something covered by a tarp. The reindeer made his move, he slipped underneath the tarp and he saw some metal gears and some tools. He raised an eyebrow at this, what in the world are they doing with these? Rudolph stayed quiet as the guards wheeled it into the tunnel, after they did so, the guards up front sealed the tunnel.
"The entrance is sealed!" someone said.
Oh boy... Rudolph thought, I'm gonna have a blast getting out of here...
The guards pushed the cart a bit further before they came to a stop, someone reached in, Rudolph moved and they grabbed some of the tools. When he heard the footsteps' sound recede, he looked out and he ducked the shadows, his heart's racing, he looked around to see himself in a small opening, it has some workers in it moving things around, the area was ominously orange red making Rudolph shiver even more. He took a deep breath in and he began moving to find the Ice Crystal. The reindeer took note that some guards are moving large gears, they looked very heavy, what are they up to? What's going on? He began moving in that direction, sticking to the shadows.
"Faster! Move it! Get those gears working!" someone shouted. Rudolph continued to move with caution, he hid behind a pole and an elephant guard passed right by him. That was too close. Staying to the shadows, Rudolph came to an opening, what he saw shocked him, there're rhinos and tigers working on making something, many walk on walkways of wood on different levels, Rudolph saw a huge body in the middle which seemed to be made out of special metal and huge gears are within the figure, he saw three tigers adding a head to it. Rudolph's eyes widened, it didn't have electronic devices, someone went down in it and it began moving, Rudolph's eyes widened in shock and horror.
They're making a robot?! Chinese way?! Rudolph thought in pure shock and horror. His heart began pounding harder against his ribcage, he looked around and he saw King Bao, Rudolph could not believe his eyes, what's he up to?! Determined to find out, he snuck to the shadows, which're getting harder and harder to find. He turned his ears towards King Bao to see what he's saying. He rolled behind a barrel and began to listen.
"Sir," said a rhino walking up to him, "The robot army will be completed 1 and half weeks after we've reunited the Clans. Once we're all joined, China will be all ours."
"Mine! You mean mine!" King Bao snapped, then the rhino flinched and said, "Yes, yes yours Your Excellency." King Bao smirked, "Good. We've been working 30 years for this moment, and now we can finally get China to be mine!" Rudolph's eyes widened in horror, he figured out the Shengda Clan's leader will be the leader or second leader of the two Clans reunited! He thought of the Emperor, considering it's his country that he'll have power over King Bao. Rudolph HAS to warn his friends about this!
"And make sure our prisoners are comfortable," King Bao said. Rudolph slightly gasped, the rhino bowed and began heading down to a lower level. Rudolph thought best to see the prisoners, since this is an evil organization, they must have some good people! Determined to find out, he began to follow the rhino with caution. He headed down a stairway and knocked out one rhino in his way, Rudolph moved like a ninja before anyone saw him. As he snuck away, he heard someone say "Hey! On your feet!" Rudolph let out a rough sigh as he stuck to the shadows.
"Hey! Ow! Let me go!" a feminine voice screamed in pain, a voice familiar to Rudolph, he moved in the shadows like a silent ninja to see who it was, his eyes widened in shock. It's Meili, she's badly beaten, her robes are torn, she has a black eye as tears rolled down her face. Rudolph felt a tug at his heart strings, his face saddened, but then it turned into anger for he needed to do something.
"Why bring me here?! Why?!" Meili demanded out of pain.
"Because you're no longer use for us!" one rhino shouted.
"Used for what?!" Meili screamed, a rhino kicked her, "OWW!" Rudolph softly growled as he gritted his teeth, a deep glare on his face, he charged and then punched one guard down, he punched and kicked every one of them in a flash while Meili huddled to the ground in fear. Rudolph knocked all of the guards out, he covered them with a tarp, and took Meili into the shadows.
"Let me..." Meili started, but Rudolph covered her mouth and brought her into the shadows, he went down a hall, staying out of sight and then hid in a corner.
"Shhh! Meili! Shhhh! It's me Rudolph!" Rudolph whispered. Meili jolted as she opened her watery eyes to see Rudolph, her eyes widened in shock, but she hugged him, crying onto his shoulder, Rudolph began rubbing her back
"Meili, what're you doing here?" Rudolph whispered, "Stay quiet." Meili whimpered as she held onto the reindeer, Rudolph looked around and he heard voices shouting about the unconscious bodies, Rudolph groaned and knew they'd be found if he didn't move. He looked at the frightened jaguar, "Meili, stay close to me. I'm getting us outta here. I've got questions to ask you." Meili nodded, "H-How did you find this place? I didn't even know where it was...I..."
"Long story, but I need to get you out of here," Rudolph whispered, "If that king catches me, he'll arrest me and who knows what he'll do to me and you." Meili nodded again and whimpered, "Don't...don't leave me..." Rudolph saw in her eyes that she's extremely terrified, he knew she wasn't in on stealing the Ice Crystal by the look in her eyes.
"How did you get in?" Meili whispered, Rudolph looked to his left and said, "I got here through the main entrance, but they've sealed it off." He rubbed his hand down his face, then he said, "Let's head back and see if we can find a way out there...it'll be a long shot though..." Meili nodded again, they had to get moving. Rudolph looked out into the hall again, then he ran up the stairs with Meili, he slid into the shadows again, and some items clattered, getting some attention of guards.
"I think someone's in here," said one guard, causing Rudolph to freeze, then he began dragging Meili so they wouldn't get caught. Rudolph went back into the opening where guards are still putting together the giant robot and he saw some tigers welding together some robot parts. Meili's eyes widened at the sight.
"How can this be hidden so well?" Meili asked, Rudolph shrugged and they continued to move on. Rudolph lead her back down the hall and then they saw the main entrance was sealed, it can barely be seen from this distance, Rudolph began moving again, then he gasped, he saw many guards moving in some huge robot pieces. How're they gonna get out of here?! Rudolph had to think quick, he can't get caught, if he gets caught, he'll put his friends in deep trouble. He slipped into the shadows again before someone saw him, then he ran into a tiger guard. Rudolph jumped, then he punched the tiger, knocking him out cold. Rudolph drug him out of the light and into the shadows.
"*sigh* We could be spotted by those guards any moment," Rudolph said, "Some situation..."
"Yeah..." Meili whispered, "I wish there was some way to blend in with them..." An idea hit Rudolph like lightning, he looked at the tiger's guard outfit, he and Meili exchanged looks, Meili's eyes widened.
"I...it might be our only ticket out..." Rudolph said, slightly blushing, his nose began to glow and then he hid it, lightning fast. Meili's eyes widened in shock, it really is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Rudolph looked back at the tiger and knew he had to blend in with the guards.
A few minutes later, Rudolph put on the outfit and had a hood over his head, he looked at Meili, gave her a black towel to wrap around her head and said, "You wait on the opposite side of the exit, I'll flip the switch and we'll both get out of here." Meili nodded, very nervous, "Good luck..." Rudolph nodded, "You too." With that, the feline and reindeer began to make their move. Rudolph carefully watched where he was going and where Meili was going, for they both need to get out of there right away. The guards didn't take note that it was Rudolph walking through them, he blended right in with them, Rudolph kept an eye on Meili, he came upon the switch.
"Hey you!" someone shouted, Rudolph froze on the spot, "Yeah you! Where're you going?" Rudolph slightly turned around and said, "I...I was going out to do...something..."
"And what would that something be?" the voice asked, Rudolph saw it was a rhino guard, and he had his arms crossed, Rudolph saw Meili and she has the towel wrapped around her head, she ripped off her Shengda Clan symbol, you can only see her eyes.
"You know we can't be out after hours, we come out at 5am, and it's 10pm," said the rhino. Rudolph tightened his fist, then he threw a punch, knocking him out and flipped up the switch, the entrance began opening. Rudolph signaled Meili to run and she did so.
"Hey! Intruders!" someone shouted, then everyone began going after them, Meili ran out first, and Rudolph followed. The reindeer and jaguar encountered guards on the outside, Rudolph grabbed a sword from one of them and punched him down, then he slid under one's blade and kicked him from behind into a wall. He grabbed Meili's wrist and they took off, disappearing into the shadows before the guards came out and didn't see them.
"Find them! They're a real threat to the operation!" a tiger guard said.
With Rudolph and Meili, they run as fast as their feet can carry them.
"Meili, what did you see in there?!" Rudolph asked.
"I saw the big robot preparations, and I saw some prisoners, but I couldn't make them out right now..." Meili said as she panted deeply, "Memory's a bit murky."
"Let's get back up to the Palace, I know a way back into our room with little guards! You and I have a lot of explaining to do!" Rudolph said.
"What do you mean?!" Meili asked.
"I...I think China's gonna be invaded after the wedding!" Rudolph said as they disappeared into the shadows.
Back in the secret hideout, King Bao is extremely furious.
"What do MEAN they GOT AWAY?!" he shouted.
"The figures were so slick at sticking to the shadows and one had lightning like reflexes!" one rhino said, King Bao roared before he kicked the rhino away, "FIND THEM! They know about my plan!"
"We'll get on it, sir!" a tiger guard said.
"And you couldn't identify them?!" Bao asked.
"One we couldn't, but the figure helped Meili escape," the tiger said. King Bao growled and said, "Find her! If we find her, we find the other figure! China will be mine! MINE!"
A/N: WHOA! So much happened in one chapter! I had so much fun writing it! Po's very upset, Rudolph on the hunt for the Ice Crystal, he finds Meili battered and beaten, why?! What was she doing there?! King Bao's up to something and it doesn't look pretty! What will happen next? Please...
REVIEW! :D