Pet of the Peacock Prince
By Princess Thil Galel
I DO NOT OWN
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Threads of silk
Shen's heart leapt into his throat. He couldn't speak, couldn't breathe. But he could run. And run he did. He ran past the servant and fled down the hall. His mother called after him, but he didn't stop to listen. He just kept running. The prince's body trembled uncontrollably, his mind racing as fast as his feet. Lang, his loyal servant, his trusted bodyguard, his best friend. He was hurt, badly wounded-possibly dying.
'He can't die!' thought Shen 'Hold on, Lang. If you die on me I'll never forgive you!'
The young prince knew where they'd taken the injured wolf. The palace surgeon would be the only one who could possibly save someone wounded in Lang's line of duty. Beautiful works of art went unnoticed by the white peacock as he burst into the room. What he saw froze him in midstep, and a cry died in his throat. The leopard geko, Danzi Long, was leaning over the still figure laying motionless on a table. He carefully pressed wads of cotton into a horrendous gash on the figure's side, blue-black fur was matted with dried blood and even more of the crimson fluid continued to spill onto the table. The patient's body was covered by a white sheet, hiding all identifying features, but the silhouette was all Shen needed to know who lay there.
Danzi turned and glanced over his black-spotted yellow shoulder. "I would suggest you not linger, my Prince." hissed the lizard, his tongue flickering between his pointed teeth "This may be too gruesome for you to watch." The peacock wanted to turn away, to back out of the room and slam the door shut. But his body refused to budge. His eyes remain locked on to the scarlet nectar pooling on the polished wood. The geko sighed softly "Ewe, if you would?" he hissed. A sheep stepped out from behind a shelf, she set a bottle down on a smaller table beside the surgeon and placed a gentle hoof on the prince's shoulder.
She carefully eased him out of the room and shut the door. Once he could no longer see the blood, the peacock's legs began shaking. The sheep gently forced him to sit on the wood floor, he went down without protest. "Lord Shen, please, you must try to relax." she said "You might give youself a panic attack if you don't calm down."
The peacock waved her off, struggling for air "I'll have a panic attack if don't go back in there and help him!" he snapped. The sheep jumped at his tone, bowing her head she quickly scurried behind the door-leaving the white prince huffing on the floor. Shen pressed a trembling wing to his forehead, feeling slightly dizzy. The smell, the smell had been awful-an overpowering stench of copper. The same scent as the copper powder he added to his fireworks to make their flowers bloom blue, he'd never be able to look at them again without remembering that haunting sight.
Something rested on his shoulder. The prince slowly looked up to find Ah-Mah standing over him. She sat down beside the peacock and gently tugged him into her lap. He didn't protest like he normally would, right now he really needed the comfort from his Nanna, and he didn't care how childish he appeared. Ah-Mah petted his head soothingly, just like she'd done whenever he'd cried as a chick. Her sweet little hatchling might not have been shedding tears on the outside, but she knew he was in pain on the inside. She felt it in the way he snuggled into the folds of her robe as he held her tightly, and in the way he quivered in her arms.
"Nanna," he murmured, his voice shaking "Lang...He's my best friend-I've known him all my life. He's the only one who treats me like I'm the same as everyone else. Even my parents see the way I look. But he never did. What am I going to do without him?"
"Oh, Shen." Ah-Mah's heart went out to her dear child. She had practically raised the both of them-they were her boys. Ever since the two had met as little children the Soothsayer ended up taking care of both of them, and it was always one or the other-sometimes even both. Lang's scraped knee, Shen's pneumonia, sticky plum soaked fur and feathers. The goat spent so many years looking after those boys, the sweet wolf might not have been as close to her heart as Shen, but she loved him just as much. Ah-Mah stroked the young peacock's crest lovingly "He'll be alright, dear, you'll see. You just have to place your faith in the doctor, and in Lang's strength of will to live. Don't give up on him."
Shen pushed away from her with a scoff "Faith in a doctor?" he sneered "I'd sooner believe the tale of the phoenix!" The young prince had always hated doctors, physician, herbalists, and medicine men. Hated them with a passion. After enduring years of painful needles pricking his flesh, and foul tasting powders and liquids being poured down his throat, it was no surprise he only associated them with discomfort and misery.
The peacock stood "I'm...going to train." he said, his voice suddenly sounded distant and lost "Come find me if you hear anything, I'll be with Master Rhino in the court yard."
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O
Master Thundering Rhino had been a protector of Gongmen City and it's royal family for his entire life, taking over the task from his father. But in all his many loyal years of service, never once had he come face to face with the leucistic peacock prince. That was, of course, until that day...
Tears blurred the little peacock's eyes as he lumped dejectedly to the floor, sniffling as the salty droplets dripped off the end of his beak.
'I don't have time for you, Shen-go somewhere else!'
His father's words stung like salt in the wound, whether they had been meant that way or not. The king often sent his chick away, and Shen would normally leave him be after being told once that he was getting underfoot. But today had been different. The prince had been working on his paintings with the Soothsayer, one in particular he'd spent many long hours in perfecting, and he'd planned to give it to his father as a present. It was the two of them playing in the palace garden, just like how they'd done on his birthday last year.
Shen had tried desperately to give it to the king, gently tugging at his robes to get his attention. The peacock king waved his hapless youngling away, shaking the chick loose from his sleeve. But that hadn't detered him, it only made him even more persistant. Eventually the father had lost his temper with his son and forcefully pushed the chick away. As the child sat on his rump upon the marble floor, the king turned away "I don't have time for you, Shen-go somewhere else!" he snapped.
The tiny peacock's eyes burned with fresh unshed tears as he jumped to his feet and fled from his father's presence before he could see him cry. He'd ran to a part of the palace he'd never been to before, somewhere he'd never been allowed into since his Nanna was afraid he'd get himself hurt...or stepped on. The Training Hall.
He'd found himself a quiet corner and slid down the wall to the floor. The young peacock looked at the painting still tightly clutched in his wing, and, with a heartbroken sob, he promptly ripped it in half. The prince balled up the piece bearing his father's likeness in bitter anger and threw it away with all his strength. The remaining half in his grasp seemed to mock him, his painted white feathers screaming out his oddity-bad omen, freak of nature, a failure and disappointment in the eyes of his parents.
Anger burned inside him, he tore the paper to shreds, hot tears streamed down his face and fell into his lap as he furiously hurled the pieces through the air. They scattered and drifted to the floor like snowflakes, settling on the hard wood planks all around him. The prince hugged his knees and buried his face against them.
That was how the rhinoceros had found him, curled up in a pitiful little ball sobbing his broken heart out. Having some experience with children, Master Rhino silently sat down beside the crying chick and settled himself to wait patiently. It didn't take very long for the prince to realize he wasn't alone anymore. He looked up at the big gray being with puffy, swollen eyes. With a sniffle the peacock wiped his beak "G-good afternoon, Master Rhino." he greeted politely "Am-am I in your way?"
The master chuckled softly "No, my prince, you are fine just where you are." he said gently "But, if you wouldn't mind, would you care to tell me why you're here?" The chick set his jaw and stubbornly shook his head, fresh tears swelling in his red eyes. Rhino shrugged offhandedly "Oh well, I thought you wanted to talk, but it would appear I was mistaken." he said "Since you don't want to talk, would you like to watch me train a little? I'll let you set up the targets."
Shen's eyes widened and the young peacock nodded. The two moved to the target range, Rhino told the prince he could set them up however he wanted and he'd tried to hit the painted planks. The chick studied the targets and glanced around the room, then at Master Rhino. Shen picked up the smallest wooden circle in the pile, he looked up towards the rafters and spotted a metal hook. With a grin, the young peacock tossed the target straight up. It caught the end of the hook and hung ten feet off the ground. When he turned back, Master Rhino gave a hearty laugh "Very clever, young Prince!" he praised, clapping his hands "Creative thinking like that shall serve you well."
The two ended up making a game out it, Shen would try to find the most difficult position to place the targets, and Rhino would hit the bull's eye every time. Soon the prince was giggling as he tried his best to trip up the master, that in turn made Rhino chuckle as the youngling began enjoying himself...
Not long after that chance meeting, Rhino had convinced the king to allow Shen to train with him. Knife throwing was, of course, the first thing the prince had insisted on learning. Several other weapons soon joined his skill set, and then came the halberd lance, Shen's favorite weapon. Although the rhinoceros had taught the young prince how to use the lance, the peacock had developed a unique fighting style all his own-combining a multitude of kung fu styles, and tessenjutsu-the art of war fans.
The two trained several times a week, but the prince also came to the master whenever his emotions came to a boiling point-which was rather often. The peacock found a release in the intense exercise. The physical activities wearing down his body, while talking out his problems with his master as they sparred helped relieve his mind. So it didn't surprise the rhinoceros when the peacock appeared in the court yard with his pristine white face painted dark with worry. As Shen buried a knife into a target at fifty yards, the rhinoceros leaned on his Cloud Hammer's staff and asked "Do you want to talk about it?"
Another knife split the wooden target in half "You know, Master, this time its not going to help." he said curtly. A third blade let out a metallic ring as it sailed through the air to another unlucky target, splinters flew as the prince let out a frustrated snarl "May the Gods have mercy on the person who did this, because when I get my wings on him, he's a dead man!" The halberd seemed to appear out of nowhere between the white peacock's primary feathers, he sent the curved blade crashing through anything in his path with an unbridled wrath pouring into the weapon's steely bite.
When no more planks stood to withstand the peacock's fury, he reluctantly came to a halt, tightly squeezing his eyes shut to block out the pain. A huge, rough, heavy hand rested on his shoulder "I know its hard to see those you care about in pain, my Prince, and that you want to take your revenge out on the one responsible." said the rhinoceros, his voice filled with wisdom "But revenge is only a poison, one that rots your heart from the inside out and blackens your very soul with anger and hate. Bring this coward to justice, Lord Shen, that is what you must do to rightfully avenge your friend."
The prince avoided his master's eyes as he sheathed his blades "That is easier said than done, Master." murmured the white peacock "But your advice is sound as always. I shall take your words to heart, and do as you suggest."
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O
The sun bathed the sky in orange, gold, pink, and red when Master Rhino had finally convinced Shen to call it a day. The peacock had entered the palace with feathers soaked with sweat, smudges of dirt on his face and robe, and a weary body. He didn't bother cleaning up just yet, he wanted to see Lang first.
As he wiped the sweat from his brow, Shen realized the door to the surgeon's room was open. "Thank you so much," came his Nanna's voice "Shen will be overjoyed to hear the news. And I myself am relieved that my sweet Lang will make a full recovery." The young peacock pushed the door further open with a puzzled frown and stepped inside. The Soothsayer smiled softly when she spotted him "Lang is going to be just fine, Darling." she said.
It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from the prince's heart and shoulders. He turned to the lizard and inclined his head slightly in respect "Thank you for saving my friend, I'm very greatful." said the peacock. But when his eyes settled on the table where the wolf had previously been, all he found was the bloodied sheet. "Where is he exactly? May I see him?"
The leopard geko's thin lips pinched into a firm line "While your Majesty's praise is most welcomed, I am not the one whom it should be directed to." said the surgeon. Shen looked to Ah-Mah, but she shook her head with a strange smile. He turned to Ewe, the sheep simply shrugged. Danzi gestured his clawed hand towards the shelves holding his medical supplies, the prince's gaze landed on the last person he expected to see. Amalthea.
"That would be the one who saved the Boss Wolf's life, Lord Shen." Danzi said "With only bees wax, a needle, and a thread of raw silk." Shen stared at the human incredulously, unable to comprehend how she had miraculously saved his best friend's life. "She sewed the wound closed like a piece of torn fabric." continued the doctor "Never seen it done before, and I had my doubts, but we were running out of options and time."
Dried blood was smeared on her hands and over one eyebrow, her eyes were downcast. The prince didn't know what to say, too stunned to think of anything, so he said the first thing that leapt from his mouth "Thank you, for saving Lang."
"You're welcome." she mumbled, her arms wrapped tightly around herself "He's in his room, if you still wish to see him." Shen frowned in confusion, her closed off manner had seemed to have returned. He held out his wing to her, inviting her to accompany him, but she held up her red stained hands. "I wouldn't want to get this on you." she murmured "I'll just wash it off...and join you later, if you wish."
Feeling slightly defeated, the peacock nodded and tucked his wing back into his sleeve. "See that you do, the seamstress should be here any moment and I want to speak with her." he said, then turned to the smiling goat "Bring her up to my room when you're done here, I'm going to see Lang." He paused as he turned to leave and spoke over his shoulder "And bring me something to eat-I'm starving!"
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O
The wolf barracks was one place on the palace grounds that few royals had ever visited, even once in their lives. Shen walked it's halls almost daily. It was here and nowhere else that he felt truly welcomed. These wolves were practically family to him, it didn't matter that they were born as his servants and he their master. They laughed, played, and grew up together. For most of his teenage years, Shen had actually dined more with the canines than his own parents.
Most days he'd spar with the guards instead of visiting his parents. Ever since one day many years ago, their relationship had slowly slipped away from being a family, to strangers sharing a home. Shen may have still been somewhat close to his mother, but he would never allow himself to be left alone in the same room with his father.
Upon entering the barracks, the white peacock found himself bombarded with friendly pats on his back, hands gently ruffling his crest, and endearing hugs. The twins even snuck up behind him to plant kisses on his cheeks before dashing off as he feverishly tried to scrub the 'offensive' lip prints away. When he asked if Lang had already been brought in, they nodded and directed him to the wolf's room.
Shen had to take a deep breath as he stood outside the Boss Wolf's door, his entire body was shaking like a leaf. He feared what he'd find on the other side. How bad had his injuries been for the surgeon to cover him up? The prince was almost afraid to see the state his best friend was in. But that was just it, Lang was his best friend, he had to be there for him. Without another pause, Shen opened the door.
The room beyond was dark, no candles or lanterns to cast warm and welcoming light within the shadows. Shen took a nearby lantern off the wall and quietly entered the room. The darkness fled from the candle's flame, hiding under the very sparse furniture as he walked up to the bed. The red-orange glow washed over the wolf's torpid form. He was stripped of his normal attire, the armour was replaced with a loose tan gi and black pants. Shen swallowed hard, he didn't seem all that bad. But the blanket was pulled up to his chin, and it could be hiding a numbering of things.
The wolf's eyelids twitched and opened, he turned towards the peacock with a frown. He blinked against the light before realizing who had come to visit him, then he gave a pained and tired smile "Hey Shen," he said groggily "Di-did the seamstress make it here yet?"
The prince felt a lump form in his throat, of course that would be the first thing he'd ask about. "Yes, Lang, she's already here and is taking Amalthea's measurements." he lied. He couldn't tell the poor wolf she still hadn't arrived yet, not when he looked so pitiful. The peacock knelt down beside his friend and set the light on the floor. He placed his wing on the wolf's shoulder, his eyes were inexplicably drawn to his injured side. "Does it hurt much?"
Lang gently shook his head "Nah...er, yeah. It hurts-a lot." he admitted "But I'm tough, Shen, I'll live." He winced suddenly, whimpering softly while clutching at the mattress. When the peacock reached for him, the wolf eased the prince's wing back down "I'm fine-I'll be fine." he said reassureingly, and a look of shame filled his eyes"Shen I...I'm so sorry I slept in this morning, I know I've disappointed you."
The white prince shook his head, the familar sting of tears in his eyes "No, Lang, you didn't-you never disappoint me." he said "Without you...if you hadn't been there for me when we were children, I can guarantee that I wouldn't be here today."
The Boss Wolf snickered "Yeah, if we weren't friends you wouldn't be kneeling on the floor of the guard barracks talking to a wounded servant."
Shen rolled his eyes, the moment was lost. "Thats not what I meant and you know it." he said sternly, then he smiled "If it hadn't been for you, Lang, I wouldn't have had the will to survive my childhood. Especially after...that incident." The peacock glanced back down at the wolf's side "The surgeon said Amalthea...sewed your side shut. Mind if I...?"
Lang lifted the blanket and pulled up his gi. Shen sucked in a breath at what he saw. A deep knife wound, five inches long between his ribs, was held closed by stitches. He couldn't even count the number, nearly five in every inch, all make of white silk. "By the Gods, she's sewn you up like a doll!"
The wolf chuckled "I know, and it hurt too."
A bell tolled, announcing the arrival of the night. Shen sighed and came to his feet "Well then, I'll let you get some sleep-and you WILL be sleeping in tomorrow or I'll be forced to tie you to the bed." said the prince. The wolf snorted and rolled his eyes as he snuggled back down into the comfort of his bed. Shen picked up the lantern and paused at the door.
"Good night, Lang."
"Night, Shen."