The Good Old Days

About a couple of years ago in Japan

The outside corridors were lined with Japanese Cherry Blossom trees. The Grand Palace decorated in blood red with golden markings and drawings. Guarded by hundreds of boar guards with heavy armor on. In the throne room of this magnificent palace resided the very emperor of Japan, Emperor Bao-Ai. The throne room was packed with his subjects to celebrate his jubilee. It was his 45th birthday and the country was here to celebrate. He was a big Japanese Wolf with brown fur and gray beady eyes. Sitting right beside him was his adopted princess, Mei. She was a dark orangish small cat about 16 years old. Her yellow eyes sparkled when she smiled. She stood at about 5'7" and had a beautiful blue dress on. Then the announcer came. He was an average duck with a green vest on.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I present to you the powerful and mighty Emperor Bao-Ai himself. His all mighty power stands to no one and-" He went on and on and the Emperor whispered to Mei.

"Old windbag." Mei chuckled. It took about a good minute for the announcer to finish.

"And now I present to you the sons of the mighty Emperor Bao-Ai. First, Prince Lee, who has just finished conquering the western rival village and has establish the new treasure city. He has-"

"Alright, we get it," Lee interrupted. Lee was the complete replica of his father. He stood at about 5'9" looking just like his father. His eyes, though, were friendly and inviting. Though his father is kind, his big muscular appearance does intimidate. He is the only blood son of Bao-Ai. He was also the same age as Mei. Lee bowed before his father.

"Ah, Lee. What have you brought for your old man?" Bao-Ai asked.

"Good Morning, Abba. Hi, Mei," Lee said blushing at her. Mei blushed too, "It is with great pride that I give to you a new samurai sword from the conquered Western Japanese. They have incredible use in fine materials and metals. Now Abba, we have completely united Japan." Bao-Ai smiled widely at his son. He rested his hand on his son's shoulder.

"You've made me proud, Lee," he said. Lee just bowed as he stood besides his father with two swords by his sides.

"And now, the second son of the all powerful mighty, his royal excellence, Emperor Bao-Ai, please welcome the adopted and cherished son of the Emperor, brother of Lee, prince of Japan, defender from the horrible Jin-Min, friend to-"

"JUST GET ON WITH IT!" the entire room shouted. Old Windbag recovered.

"Please welcome, the legendary, Prince Po," He finished. A roaring round of applause came as a 15 year old panda strode through with a yellow robe on with a brown katana case by his side. He strode and bowed before the emperor.

"Po, my son. What have you brought for an old man?" Bao-Ai asked cheerfully.

"Probably better than my gift as usual," Lee smirked at the panda. Po shook his head.

"Other than my recent battle with the Jin-Min, I only have one gift," He said as he presented a sword to the emperor. "I made it in the blacksmith shop myself." It shine greatly in the light with markings in sword. 'to the Great Emperor Bao-Ai' Emperor Bao-Ai smiled as Lee rolled his eyes.

"Told you. Better than mine," He said.

"Nonsense Lee, both of your gifts are beautiful. It is a marvelous samurai sword my son. I will cherish it always," Bao-Ai said. Then he looked at both Lee and Mei. The three's eyes darted each way at each other.

"Um...am I missing something here?" Po asked seeing their weird eye movement.

"Well, give it to him," The Emperor said.

"Give me what?" Po asked unsure.

"Well, today accounts three years since you ran away from home and came here on Abba's birthday. So, to show our appreciation of you, we give you this," Lee said presenting a newly made katana. It's case was decorated black and white like Po's fur. Po pulled out the sword and read the inscriptions on it. 'The legendary Zaber' Po smiled as he bowed. Lee and Mei surprised him when they hugged him. The crowd did a collective 'aw'.

"Thank you so much you guys. I don't know what else to say," Po said in awe. "Thanks."

"You are welcome my brother," Lee smiled, "It's just a shame that we can't test that katana on the Jin-Min yet."

"Those awful, hateful tigers," Mei bitterly muttered. Po corrected her.

"Now Mei, not all of them are like that. They are much like you, stubborn in every way."

"Jin-Min, Jin-Min, it's all I ever hear about," Emperor Bao-Ai exclaimed, "This wouldn't have happened if we just learn to settle our differences on land."

"It's hard to do that when they're swinging swords at us, but they are deadly in their pursuit." Lee said, "Of course, this new legend may pose a threat to us."

"What legend?" Po asked.

"It is said that a warrior will rise up and bring glory and honor to the Jin-Min and end the war," Lee explained.

"Well, that may mean that they will stop their evil ways," Po suggested.

"It's highly unlikely. In any case, the Jin-Min don't seem very hopeful about it. Our spies say that they don't believe in this warrior," Lee replied. Bao-Ai thought for a moment. "Maybe it would be best that I go with Po to help defend the borderlines."

"No, No," Mei said whispering to Bao-Ai. "They might get hurt or worse."

"Like the other times," Bao-Ai reminded, "Your affection for Lee is bizarre beyond me. I love my son but you seem to be the person not to be interesting in him." Mei only blushed. "Well, that won't be necessary boys. We have a strong enough defense line. Anyways, let the celebration begin."

After the party, Mei, Lee, and Po sat in Abba's luxury chamber room. "That was a good party," Lee said burping a little. Po pondered something.

"Has it really been three years since I ran away?" Po asked.

"Yep, it's amazing how we met. You stole away on a boat going to Japan, wondered around Tokyo, bumped into me, became my friend, and brought you back to the palace," Lee replayed. Po sighed woefully.

"I'll have to be going soon then. I need to make sure that my dad's alright," He said.

"Po, don't speak about that," Mei begged, "The idea of you leaving is like the idea of ripping my heart out." Po gave her an assuring smile.

"Nonetheless Milady, I have to go back. One day, I will have to go," Po spoke gently to her. The cat hugged him.

"Well, I understand. It is your home," Mei said.

"But you are and will always be the best brother a guy could have," Lee said patting Po on the back. Then Bao-Ai came in.

"But enough about your leave. It's time to have some fun," The big wolf smiled. The others laughed into the night.

to be continued.