Chapter 25: royal escort

It was now the beginning of March and the month for love had come to an end. Well, almost. A little bit of still exists in the form of a bird and snake. Everyday,they both rush to one another and kiss, they cuddle, they snuggle, they just are perfect for one another. As you could imagine, when Mantis found out, he planned to tease them both as much as he could. Unfortunately for him, Crane and Viper were too caught up loving one another to take notice, much to Mantis's annoyance. I was expecting Master Shifu to be dismissive of their relationship, however, we merely shook his head and said that this is something he should not control and they should do as they wish, but they must not allow their affection for one another get in the way of their training. So all in all, it was a quiet enough few weeks. There wasn't many bandits who attacked and my training began to improve. Tigress kept her word and help me better myself in free running. I could now leap from one building to the other swiftly and quietly. And I'm now able to fall from greater heights and not even feel the impact when I hit the ground. Anyway, right now we were all in the training hall. While Tigress trained on the Seven Swinging Clubs of Instant Oblivion, (it has such an appealing name, I know) Mantis, Monkey and I stood idly around watching Crane and Viper snuggle by Jade Tortoise. Master Shifu had stepped out to speak with Master Oogway, so we decided to take a little break.

"You're cuter." Crane said.

"No, you're cuter." Viper said.

"No, you."

"No, you."

"My brain; it hurts." Mantis said holding his head.

"What brain?" Monkey asked. I then released a laugh.

"Very funny. Seriously though, how does a completely reserved and shy guy like Crane get a girl and a dashing, handsome guy like me doesn't?" Mantis asked.

"Dashing?" Monkey questioned.

"Handsome?" I added.

"Oh screw you, guys." Mantis pouted.

"Come on, buddy, you know we're only teasing." I assured.

"Yeah, yeah. And if I'm honest, I'm happy for them. They do look pretty good together." Mantis admitted. I raised my head and gazed back over to the two lovers. They were now rubbing their cheeks together and occasional kiss on the cheek.

"Yeah, they do." I said smiling.

"I think Crane mentioned something about you being the one that got them together. Is that true?" Monkey asked.

"No. All I did really was help him build up a bit of confidents. He did the rest." I said.

"Well you certainly did good. Who you knew you were a Matchmaker for Kung Fu masters." Mantis joked.

"And who knew you were apparently dashing and handsome." I shot back. We stood for sometime before Mantis, of course, had to ask the question that only he would ask.

"I'm a little confused though. When their relationship gets more intimate, how are they...gonna...you know." Mantis inclined. I raised a brow in confusion.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well ones a bird the others a snake. How are they suppose to...you know."

"I'm not following." Monkey said scratching his head.

"Oh god, guys! Do I need to draw a picture for you? How are they gonna...get down and dirty?"

"Down and dirty?" Monkey questioned. I then caught on to what he was talking about.

"Oh, Jesus, Mantis! Please tell me you did not just ask that." I said covering my face.

"What?! Someone had to ask it. I'm sorry I was the one to do it." Mantis said defensively.

"NO ONE had to ask that. You just have a dirty mind." He then chucked.

"Yeah...I do." I just shook my head dismissively.

"Down and dirty?" Monkey questioned once more.

"Oh god!" I exclaimed. Mantis just burst out laughing. After his childish giggling session was over, we all returned to training. And after some time had past, Master and Shifu had returned to the hall.

"Students! To me at once." I be ordered. We rushed towards him and bowed with our fists in our palms.

"Yes, Master?" We all said in unison.

"I have received a letter from the Emperors cousin. He's requesting for us to assist him in transporting him to a docks in Shanghai. He will be arriving in an hour and I expect you how to treat him with the upmost respect. It will be our duty and honour to assist him. Do you all understand?" We all nodded. "Good. Now, resume your training for now. I will send for you when he arrives." He then turned and left the hall.

"Damn, the Emperors cousin wants our help." Mantis said.

"Oh, so you were listening. I was starting to worry." Viper joked. Crane, Monkey and I then released a chuckle.

"Shouldn't you be making out with your boyfriend?" Mantis asked.

"Don't be jealous, Mantis. I'm sure you'll find a man to make out with too someday." Viper retaliated. We then burst into laughter as Mantis put on an annoyed expression and just leapt away defeated. After the street battle between them two ended, we all continued to train and awaited for Master Shifu to send for us. It had been almost an hour until Shifu finally called for us. We all exited the Training hall and headed to the Hall of Warriors. We entered the hall and waited for the Emperors cousin. Frankly, I wasn't sure what to expect from this guy. Was he a generous, giving man or a guy who takes everything seriously? I hope I don't get on his bad side. I'd rather not get into feud with the royal family. I somehow suspect I'd lose. After waiting for a while, a antelope entered the hall. He wore basic robes and had a serious expression on his face. He stopped in his tracks, pulled out a scroll and cleared his throat.

"Introducing, his royal highness; Prince Chan." He announced. We all stood to attention as the doors to the hall opened fully and four more antelopes entered carrying what look like a throne of some kind. Then a few rhinos entered and they were all carrying a spear. I then look up the the seat of the throne and saw a young lion sitting down on it. He rested his head on one paw and seemed to have a bored expression plastered on his face. He wore long robes which the front of it seemed to stop just after his waist while the back continued to just above his feet. The robes themselves were a red and black colour similar to Tigress's vest, expect the colour was just a little bit brighter. They're seemed to be golden dragon pattern that ran down the front of the robes. One very notable thing about him was he didn't have a mane. Or didn't have a full one at least. It looked like it was still developing. Come to think of it, he looked rather short and very young as well. If I were to guess, I'd day he was no more than sixteen or seventeen. We all bowed at his presence.

"Your, highness. It is an honour-" Master Shifu began before being cut off.

"Yeah whatever, pops. Enough with the ass kissing." The prince spat. I could tell already this teen was going to be brash. Shifu cleared his throat.

"My apologises." Shifu said.

"Forget you apologises, how about one of you get me a snack. I'm fricking hungry." Prince Chan said. We all shared a glance and if to say 'is this guy for real.' He released a frustrated sigh. "Forget it. You're all probably useless anyway." He then leapt off his throne and onto the ground. "So why I'm I here again?" He asked.

"You send us a letter requesting our aid." Shifu reminded. The prince merely scratched his head.

"I did? I don't remember that." He said confused.

"That's because you ask me to do it, your highness." One of the rhino soldiers said.

"When I did ask you that?" The prince asked the soldier. The solder then sighed.

"Two days ago after we were attacked. We complained about not having enough people protecting you so you asked for the assistance of the Jade Palace." The soldier said.

"Oh yeah, now I remember." The prince said recollecting.

"We will be honoured to assist you, your majesty." Shifu said.

"You should be. It's not like you have any choice in the matter anyway." The prince said. God this kids attitude is just becoming unbearable.

"Your help will be appreciated, I assure you." The soldier said.

"Alright, enough of this crap, you idiots still have a job to do." The prince spat. The soldier bowed.

"Of course. Sorry, your majesty." He apologised.

"Let's hurry this up please. I'd actually like to get the Shanghai on time." The prince said getting back onto his throne.

"Right. So, Master Shifu, are your students ready?"

"They are at your command." Shifu assured.

"Excellent. So here's what's gonna happen. We are going the protect the prince at al cost. We have to keep an eye on him at all times. We are obligated to serve the prince and abide by his every wish. Do you all understand?" The soldier asked. We all nodded. "Good. Now, there's no need to bring anything. We have plenty of supplies to go around during this trip. I believe that's all there needs to be said. We should get moving."

"About damn time." The prince grumbled.

"Alright, let's move out." The soldier ordered. The guys and I then followed the princes throne and began to walked behind it as we descended down the steps from the Jade Palace and passed through through the Valley. As we walked for sometime, A conversation started up between the six of us.

"So he's...not a very nice of a prince." Viper said.

"That's an understatement. The guys an ass." Mantis said bluntly.

"Mantis!" Viper scolded.

"I have to agree with him, Viper. It does have a bit of an attitude." I admitted.

"Granted, he does seem a bit brash, but he's still a prince. And you both should treat him with a bit of respect...even if he doesn't deserve it." Viper said.

"I suppose. I just hope he doesn't have me beheaded." I joked.

"I need someone to fan me off." The prince said. He craned his neck and set his eyes upon us. He then pointed a finger at me. "You, the tall guy with the beard! Here; now!" He ordered. I reluctantly caught up with his mobile throne and began walking beside him.

"Yes, your majesty?" I bowed.

"I want you to fan me off. It's getting hot and I refuse to start sweating. So, get to it." He commanded. I then raised a brow.

"What exactly I'm I suppose to fan you with?" He released an annoyed growl.

"Are you telling me you didn't you bring one?!"

"Why would I?"

"Are you smart talking me?"

"What? No, I'm just-"

"Silence!" He roared. "Another word on of you and I'll have you beheaded where you stand!" Despite how threatening he tried to sound, I remained unfazed. I've faced danger again and again, and faced death many times. So as you could imagine, a threat from a teenager wasn't exactly intimidating. I sighed.

"I'm sorry, but I have nothing to fan you off with. Maybe I could help you some other way?" I inclined. He then grunted.

"Useless. Fine, make yourself useful and fetch me an apple from our supply bag." He said. I nodded and walked faster to catch up with his rhino soldiers who were carrying sacks of supplies.

"Excuse me. I was wondering if I could get an apple for the prince." I said politely.

"Of course. Here." The rhino spoke handing me his bag. I opened it and peeked inside. There was various fruits and jug which I assumed contained liquid such as water or wine. I dug through the bag until I found an apple. I took I out and handed the bag back to the rhino. I then slowed down and began walking the same pace as the prince. I held out my hand which had the apple in it.

"Here you go." I smiled. He snatched it from my hand and sunk his teeth into it. He released a satisfied moan and he chew and looked pleased. Until he spat it out onto my face.

"This doesn't taste right. Fetch me another one." He ordered. I reached up to my face with one hand and slowly dragged the bits of apple off it. I growled silently.

"Was that really necessary?" I asked.

"What? You cleaned yourself off didn't you? Now fetch me another one!" He yelled. I cursed under my breath and did as he asked. I have him another apple and he bit into it and chewed. And then he spat it out once more onto my face. "I'm not hungry anymore." He said before leaning back onto his paw. I cleaned my face again and was starting to get annoyed with this kids behaviour.

"I had expected you to be a bit more respectable to the people protecting your ass." I said.

"I'll treat you however I want to treat you. If you got a problem with that, you can take it up with the headsman's axe." He threatened. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself.

"My apologises. I'll stay quiet." I said.

"You're damn right you will. Now, get lost. Go back to your fellow Kung fu losers." He ordered. Even though he got that sentence out rudely, I was actually relieved that I didn't have to put up with one more minute of this little brat. I fell back and began walking alongside my friends.

"Ben, you okay buddy?" Mantis asked.

"Just peachy." I said with an angered expression.

"Just try and stay calm. I think he's finished with you anyway." Crane assured. I sighed.

"God I hope so. But he if he asks me to rubbed his feet, I swear to god, I'm gonna set that little chair of his on fire." I said.

"I got your back, buddy. All you got to do his distract him and get him off that chair. I'll get the matches and do the rest." Mantis joked. I then released a chuckle, feeling a little be better.

"There will be no conspiring to set his throne on fire." Vipers said.

"You! The snake! Get your ugly, scaly ass over here!" The prince ordered. Viper then put on an angered expression.

"Mantis; get your matches." She hissed while approaching the prince. Crane released a low growl and looked like he was ready to pounce. I placed my hand on his shoulder and calmed him down.

"Easy, buddy. Don't do anything rash." I said. He took a deep breath.

"God that guy is just...just...an ass!" He exclaimed.

"I know, Crane. But we gotta just keep cool and get this job done. The sooner we escort this guy, the faster we get back to the Jade Palace." He sighed.

"You're right. Thanks, Ben." He smiled.

"No problem, man." As we finished our conversation, Viper and began to return to our side.

"What an ass." He uttered and she slithered besides us. "Monkey, he wants to ruin your life now." She said.

"Aw, crap." Monkey said, before he reluctantly started to head to the prince. And one by one he called us over and demanded that we basically do stupid shit for him and when we did it, he insulted us. Everyone of us he spoke to, he was determined to be as rude as possible. I was seriously about to snap. Disrespecting me and mocking me is one thing, but doing the same to my friends was really starting to piss me off. He was lucky that we were all calming each other down, otherwise I'd really give him a piece of my mind. It was now getting late and we all stopped to rest for the night in a small town. Nothing really notable to mentioned. It was just a very basic town. A few tall buildings, various, etc. we arrived at an inn of some kind and we all stepped inside. At the sight of the prince, everyone inside bowed in respect. We headed to the inn keeper to request some rooms. And guess who didn't like the idea of sleeping in building filled with 'peasants?' No, I'm serious, guess! I bet you'll never know who it was. What's that? Why yes! It was his royal assness!

"You expect me to sleep here?! Have you all lost your idiotic minds?!" He questioned angrily.

"Your majesty, it's getting late and it's dangerous to travel at night. I'm sorry, but this is the best we can do." One of the rhino soldiers said.

"Unbelievable! Fine. But I expect a room with the most comfortable bed." He ordered.

"Yes, your majesty." The soldier bowed. He then ordered and room for the prince, his fellow rhino soldiers, the antelopes who carried the prince, the guys and myself. Even though the sun had set, it wasn't reasonably late. So we all went to a little bar that was inside the inn. It was large and held many people. The air filled with the sound of conversation amongst friends and the sound of glasses being tapped together could be heard. We, however, we prohibited from sitting by the bar and were instead ordered to sit with the prince in a private area where we wouldn't be disturbed. The prince, the guys and myself sat by a table where we could only faintly hear the noises coming from the bar.

"I'm thirsty. Hey, beardy, get me some wine." The prince ordered. Guess who earned such a respectable nickname? Why me of course.

"Fine." I sighed. I got from my chair and headed for the bar. When I reached the bar, I signalled for the bartenders attention. He then turned to me while he was finishing up washing out a glass.

"Yes, sir, what can I get you?" He asked.

"A bottle of wine, please." I requested.

"A whole bottle? Don't you think that's a bit too much for you?"

"It's not for me. It's for the prince."

"The prince?! Oh we'll then, I shall fetch a bottle for you immediately." He then rushed to a back room before returning me a sealed bottle of wine.

"Thanks, just put it on the princes tab." I said before taking the bottle. I then started to head back to his royal-pain in the ass-Chan. I arrived at the table and set the bottle down. I sat back down and leaned back on the chair. I then noticed the prince staring at me with his arms crossed. I shrugged. "What?"

"Uncork the bottle, idiot." He spat. I released a frustrated sigh before taking the bottle into my hands and tearing the top off and then setting it back down onto the table.

"Happy?"

"No. Now pour me a glass." He said pushing an empty glass forward.

"I'm sorry, do you need me to wipe your ass too?" I asked angrily. I noticed Monkey and Mantis trying to suppress and chuckle as the prince glared at me.

"You watch what you say to me. I'll have your head rolling on the ground in seconds if your not careful. I'll pour myself a glass." He then took the bottle and poured himself a glass. I took a big sip and began to push the liquid from one cheek to the other. He then spat it onto my face. "This taste like crap. Get me another." He ordered. I felt rage build up inside me as I wipe away the wine from my face. I slowly stood up before snatching the bottle off the table. I tried my best to suppress my anger.

"Fine. Please don't die of dehydration while I'm gone. That would break my goddamn heart." I hissed through gritted teeth. I marched outside the room and headed for the bar. Holy sweet Mary mother of god, I was very close to being pushed over the line. If this little brat doesn't stop these obnoxious actions, god I don't know what I might do! I never liked getting mad and even until today I haven't really shown my angry side. And I don't intend to. I reached the bar and set the bottle down. The bartender saw the bottle and looked at me.

"Is there something wrong?" He asked.

"The prince would like another bottle. Apparently this one doesn't taste right to him." I explained.

"I'm terribly sorry. I'll get another right away." He apologised. He rushed to the back room and returned with another bottle. "Here you go, sir."

"Thank you." I then took the bottle and was about to return to the walking ass, but I then realised just how frustrated I was. I set the bottle back down onto the bar. "Actually, I was wondering of I could have a glass of whiskey too."

"Of course." He said. He took a bottle of whiskey and was reaching for a small glass.

"A large one, please." I said. He then nodded and took a large glass. He filled it halfway and passed it to me. "Keep it coming." He then continued to fill the glass until he nearly reached the rim of the glass.

"Enjoy your drink, sir."

"Thanks." I took the glass and took a large sip. I released a sigh of relief as the liquid ran down my throat. Oh god that feels good. I really needed this. I continued to drink and drink until a headed someone approach. I turned to see Tigress standing behind me.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Hopefully getting pissed." I replied while drinking.

"The prince is still waiting for his drink. And you getting drunk isn't gonna help." I sighed.

"I know, I know. It's just...he's really getting on my goddamn nerves. Ti, if I go back there, I'm gonna snap."

"I know how you feel. He's getting on everyone's nerves. But you're strong. All you have to do is hold out for one more day and we're done with him."

"I don't if I can. His behaviour is gonna cause me to get angry. And I don't want to shout and yell at him. Even though he does deserve. I just...I" I then felt Tigress place a paw on my shoulder.

"Just hang in there and stay strong. You have your friends by your side. And we're here for you." She assured. I gazed over my shoulder and looked at her. I then smiled and placed my glass of whiskey back onto the bar and picked up the bottle of wine.

"Thanks, Ti. Lets go give him his wine." I said. I then headed back to the prince with Tigress following behind me. When we arrived, the prince was tapping on the table impatiently with his fingers. He stopped as he saw me arrive back at the table.

"About damn time! Tell me beardy, how does it feel to be so content with being useless all time?" He asked. I merely ignored him and placed the bottle on the table and sat down. He then snapped his fingers in front of my face. "Hey! I asked you a question!" I sighed and tried to remain calm.

"I don't know." I finally replied.

"You don't know why you're useless? Are you stupid or something?"

"No, I-"

"Did your mother drop you on your head when you were an infant? Or did you stupidity only begin when you started fighting along side these idiots?" He asked waving his paw over the guys. My friends. I began to feel angry and my fingers curled up into fists.

"Please don't talk to my friends like that..." I said with my nostrils flaring.

"I'll talk to them and you however I want to! If you have a problem with that, I'll have your ass beheaded!" I tried my best to remain calm but he was now really starting to push my buttons.

"I know, you've said that before."

"Then why must I keep reminding you! I give you simple tasks and you fail to carry them out. I ask you simple questions and you respond with idiotic answers!" I then felt my fists shake.

"I just-"

"And you lot are no better!" He roared at my friends. "Kung fu masters? More like a bunch of morons!" Right there, is where I finally drew the line. I rose from my seat quickly and smashed my fists down onto the table.

"That's it! I've had enough of your shit!" I yelled. While I breathed heavily and displayed my teeth, the guys and the prince all seemed a little taken back by my outburst. "All day you've done nothing but bitch and moan about everything. You've insulted me and my friends and have shown no respect for us. You're a spoilt brat, nobody likes you and I swear to god, if you dare insult my friends again, I'll punch you so hard into the groin, it'll fire back into your stomach and form a uterus!" I roared right into his face. He leaned back frightened and tried to speak.

"Y-you can't speak to m-me like that. I can have y-you beheaded.." He stuttered.

"Beheading! That's all you got! Behead you, behead him, behead her." I then grabbed my crotch and gave it a tug. "Behead this!" His ears flattened against his head and he shut his eyes. He rose from his chair and slowly dragged himself out of the room. I sighed before I left as well. I couldn't be around my friends seeing how ashamed and embarrassed I was for releasing my anger. I quickly headed upstairs in the inn and searched for my room. I pulled out my key and the number '11' was written onto it. I then headed down the hall and arrive at my room. I unlocked the door and stepped inside. It was very basic for a bedroom. Single bed with a blanket and pillow. I lantern, a cupboard and a room I assume was a bathroom. There was also a window by the bed, to which the moonlight shun passed the window and into the room. I closed my door behind me and sat down on the bed. I buried my face into my hands and sighed. I can't believe that just happened. I yelled at that kid. I know he might of deserved it, but seeing his reaction, I just felt guilty. I sat there for some time until a knock came to my door.

"Come in.." I uttered. The door opened and I sighed as I saw Tigress standing there.

"Hey." She greeted. I averted my gaze.

"Hey..."

"That was quite a...display of anger." I remained quiet, too ashamed to speak. She the. Approached the bed and took a seat next to me. "How are you feeling?"

"I made a complete fool of myself in front of my friends and shouted at the top of my lungs at a prince. So as you could imagine I'm doing great." I said sarcastically. I then sighed. "I'm sorry, Ti. You told me to be strong and I wasn't."

"You may have be rash, but you had your reasons. In a way, you were being strong." I turned my gaze to her confused.

"How?"

"You stood up to the prince despite his threats because you stood up for your friends. And you should me today that you care for us. And, honestly, I'm rather glad someone finally told him off." Her words ran through my mind for a while before I smiled.

"Thanks, Ti. I'm glad you were here." She then released a smile of her own before it disappeared when she heard someone by the doorway. She stood up as the rest of them had entered room. Mantis then chuckled as he came into the room on Monkeys shoulder.

"Whoa oh, watch for Ben the badass!" He joked.

"Mantis..." Viper scolded. Mantis then cleared his throat and scratched his head.

"Sorry..."

"I'm not proud for what I've done. I took it too far. I'm sorry, guys." I lowered my head.

"Hey, you don't need to apologise to us. Someone had to tell that kid off. We're just surprised it was you." Crane said.

"Yeah. I mean, we've seen you a little annoyed at times and rarely mad. So seeing so angry was a actually a shock." Mantis said.

"He just pushed me over the line. I couldn't let someone talk to my friends like that. I don't care how high his status is."

"You were just looking out for your friends. We appreciate that. But I still think you owe him an apology." Viper said.

"Yeah, your right. Where is he now?"

"We're not sure. He could be downstairs or in his room." I got up.

"Alright, I'll go look for him. I'll see you guys." I said before leaving my room and began searching for the prince.