Tai woke up in his bed. He looked around. He was in his night-clothes and his tail wasn't hanging out of the bed.

Mother, Tai thought, no doubt. Still treating me like a child.

Getting out of bed, he got ready for school. It was the same routine as before. Nothing new today. Reaching the edge of the Palace yards, he was greeted by Shang. They walked to the prestigious University together.

The day seemed to go slower for Tai today, maybe because he actually had something to look forward to today. School finally got out and Shang surprised him again by jumping out of a bush. Tai shoved Shang back into the bush, but Shang leapt gracefully out of the way and ran toward the Archery range. Tai was forced to follow with a fast pace. He never liked running and was out of breath.

At the range, they met a panda Archery Master. They watched her, Shang pointing out what the panda was doing. Before the panda left, she bowed in respect for Tai and left the range. With the Master gone, Tai continued his archery without the Master looking on. Tai felt embarrassed at performing so poorly in front of a Master, though Shang thought since he was a beginner, the Master wouldn't really judge him. With archery underway, Tai started getting better. He also got ideas on how he could make the longbow better, but kept his ideas from Shang. After practice they headed to the library and went to the exact spot. From there, Shang practiced his characters and Tai read, studied and taught Shang. Once they both felt that they were finished, they left the library and parted: Shang to the barracks and Tai to Jingli's and then to the Palace. The routine worked well with Tai. He felt better about himself and felt better in general. Shang also enjoyed the tiger's company. A month passed by and Shang and Tai became close friends. It was an odd friendship, royalty and a Guard, yet it worked for both of them.

Tai and Shang walked from the library down a street they hadn't traveled before. They laughed and joked. Mainly Shang telling the jokes, as Tai was terrible at that sort but loved to laugh. Tai stopped abruptly. Shang stepped a bit further forward before stopping also.

"Everything alright?"

No answer.

"Hey, you okay?"

Shang walked back toward the frozen Tai. A loud thud resounded behind him. Shang whirled. It was the rhino, Curo. Remember what would happen if he did anything, he growled at Curo then took Tai's bow and arrows so they would not break or hurt Tai during Curo's inevitable bullying. Shang ran to a building, paws balled into a fist. He could do nothing! The rest of the bullies formed a circle around Tai. Tai seemed to not notice. Curo walked forward.

"Haven't seen you for awhile, we've missed you!" exclaimed Curo in a mocking tone. "Yeah, I missed pounding you. It was fun. Almost as much fun as kung fu." Curo then ended the sentence with a roundhouse kick to Tai's face. Tai fell on the ground. Two of Curo's gang picked him up and threw him to Curo. Curo in turn grabbed Tai and smashed him to the ground. Tai groaned and tried to wiggle out of Curo's strong grasp. Curo let go and Tai tried to make a get away, yet Curo stepped on Tai's tail. Tai let out a howl of pain and was then swung around by it. Bashing Tai into the ground over and over again, Curo looked as if he truly was having fun. Getting bored of this, he let Tai go and had him sail into a crocodile. The crocodile gang-member held Tai and looked at Curo.

"Have him 'fight' me," said Curo.

The crocodile's eyes narrowed in evil pleasure as he realized what he could do. Grabbing Tai's arms he started pushing him forward. Tai fought back, yet the crocodile continued moving forward. Curo cracked his knuckles. Getting into fighting distance of Curo, the crocodile made Tai swing at Curo. Curo blocked it and shoved the arm back with a punch of his opposite arm. The crocodile continued to move Tai into positions that Curo could easily evade and strike back harder. The crocodile finally let go of Tai, letting him drop.

"Ahhhhhhhh, wasn't that was a beautiful demonstration? Didn't it just leave you breath-less? No, well how about now?" said Curo as he slammed his fists down on Tai, right below the collar bone and the stomach. Tai doubled over and rolled into a ball on the hard cobblestone street, his breathe gone. His stomach hurt immensely, his head was pounding, and bruises covered his body. The band of bullies left Tai on the ground and spit at the direction of Shang. Shang snarled in response. They couldn't hurt him, as there was a death penalty for those who attacked a Guard. Nothing could stop that, not even the Council.

As soon as they were gone, Shang rushed to Tai's side. He looked over the beat up tiger's body.

"I didn't know this is what you went through. I thought it was just a bit of shoving and pushing. Maybe a few punches, but this is treasonous. Why don't you do something?"

"The Council," began Tai, but stopped as he coughed. "The Council said so. Please, I don't want to talk about it. Just get me to Jingli's. He has a shop along Yuyhan Lane."

Shang got Tai up on his feet and helped Tai walk to the old crane's shop. He knocked on the door. The crane opened the door and bowed,

"What is the honor of royal…." He stopped midway. "Come in. Lay him on the floor. This looks worse compared to the other beatings."

Shang gently lay Tai on the floor then stepped back as the crane did his work.

"You must be Jingli, Tai told me of you."

"I am he," said Jingli without looking up. "And you, by my presumptions and the fact the Tai told you my name, must be Shang."

"Yes."

Jingli looked up sharply.

"Why did you not do something?"

"I did, I picked up his bow and arrow. They are with me right now….."

"No! Not that! Why did you not help him? Surely you as a Guard could do something against these things!"

"I can't. The Council has said so, as I'm sure Tai told you. I am here strictly on Kun Zhu's order. The Council had not said yes, so if I fought back, Curo would tell. Kun Zhu would be dishonored and would loose his position. I would most likely loose my life. It angers me that I cannot do anything to help him."

"As it should," said Jingli bitterly. "That thrice-blasted Council has always been a nuisance! Nothing ever good has ever come out of it! Kun was fine by himself ruling, but the others wanted "equality." Sadly, they won over. The Council was born and things in Mengyou City have never been the same. It's almost like they are trying to ruin Kun."

"Yes, I know," said Shang. "I'm surprised Curo would act like that. Is he really around the same age as Tai?"

Crane grimaced, "It would seem so, though his actions are nothing near his true age."

"Bastard."

The crane nodded.

Tai woke up with his mother, father, and Shang standing next to his bed.

"What happened?" asked Tai.

"Shang helped you get back to the Palace, you were unconscious," said Sun Nushi. "Oh, Mishi, how it hurts me to see you like this, you don't deserve this."

Tai grew a bit uncomfortable about his mother's loving, though embarrassing, comments in front of Shang.

"None of us do," said Kun Zhu in the background. Shang nodded in agreement with the Lord of the City.

"What are we to do know, Shang?" asked Tai. His whole routine he had grown to love was now gone. His past had caught back up to him in a hurry. He could almost feel the teeth close down on his feet as he tried to run away from it again. How Tai loathed running away constantly, but it was what he was good at.

Kun spoke for Shang.

"I have spoken with Shang about this. There is a small grove of trees outside the Cities walls. An entrance has been installed quickly at the back of the City, near the Three Walkways, that leads directly into the Palace, right next to the River Yi. You will do your studies first in the library with Shang and then go do archery in the forest. I have already had targets and everything needed set up there. I will not have the underhand ways of the Council ruin my son's life. Already too much of it has been wasted."

"My friend should not deal with this also," said Shang. "Your father has given me leave of the Guard to be your 'guard.'"

Tai smiled and tried to get up. A rabbit was suddenly on his chest, pushing him down.

"No!" she exclaimed. "You should not get up. You're lucky that shop-keeper knew what he was doing. You have several bones broken in your tail and one of your ribs is fractured."
Tai looked around wildly. Who was this bunny fussing over him?

Sun saw the look in her son's eyes.

"This is Ming. She is one of the best healers in the City."

Tai relaxed visibly on the bed. Ming scurried off muttering as she stirred whatever concoction was brewing in the kettle. What was in it, nobody wanted to know. A goose knocked on the door.

"Speak from behind it," said Kun.

"Your Lordship, the Council requires your presence," said the messenger shakily.

Kun rubbed his temples and crossed his arms so the volumes of his sleeves hid his paws and arms.

"Forgive me, Tai, I wish I could spend more time with you, but, I must go. I have a hearing I must attend. Chances are somebody probably insulted somebody again and they brought it to court. Stupid aristocrats and bureaucrats and the rest, why can't it all go to hell?" Kun said, muttering the last bit beneath his breath.

Shang chuckled, as he understood a bit what the Lord of Mengyou City was going through. He hated the Council as much as any member of the Guard. The Golden cat got a chair for Sun Nushi. She sat down on it, thanking Shang.

"Ming said that you only have to be in bed for a day or two, and then you can move around. It won't be until a month that you can go back to archery."

Tai sighed. He would just read a lot. Sun leaned closer to Tai and whispered into his ear.

"And don't think we didn't know about you teaching Shang to read. We know. Don't worry about it. You can teach him. It'll be our royal scandal."

Sun laughed.

"Now, I must get go. I have a banquet for one of the numerous pomp Ladies out there in the factions of the City. If I don't attend, well, things will go downhill. I agree with what your father has to say about it all. Worse of all, it's with the Rhino's. Sad to think I can't do anything but put on a smile and pretend like everything is going fine."

Sun looked away from her son. A single tear fell from her face. Shang looked shocked to see his ruler cry.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. This will be sorted out. I have an idea that will help Tai, thanks to the Grove of Tranquility. The trees will provide a good way to escape."

Sun thanked Shang for the words of encouragement and left the room.

"So, what's first today?" asked Shang.

Tai didn't answer. He had fallen asleep. Ming jumped up and waved a paw, catching Shang's attention.

"He's asleep. Don't bother him. It will help speed up his healing process. Ugh, you warrior people. Don't know anything about what I do."

As Ming turned her back, the Golden cat rolled his eyes back and flipped her off.

Tai's recovery went well. Within the time, Shang had told Tai of his ideas for escape in case Curo found the Grove of Tranquility.

"You're going to have to work hard, you won't be used to it, but when you get the hang of it, it'll be an invaluable asset."

Tai understood his friend's implications and went back to reading and studying the plan.

The month passed by and as Tai's bandages were undone, he stretched. There was no pain. So, his ribs were fine. As the bandages were taken off around his tail, he noticed a bend his tail.

"Will it always be like this, crooked?" asked Tai, open mouthed.

Ming didn't look at Tai, but started inspecting his tail.

"Yes."

"Oh."

"It's just a tail! It still serves its purpose. Don't fret over it."

Tai nodded, though slightly saddened by his bent tail. Always at a forty-five degree angle about a foot down from the tip.

"It kinda looks cool. Almost as if you have survived something…..well, you did. So, it's like a battle scar. Makes you look tougher," Shang said. He hoped that this would help Tai.

Tai looked at Shang with a face that said yeah, mmhm, if you say so. Shang shrugged.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that? It does!"

Tai said nothing but instead got out of bed. The two goats came in faster than Shang thought they could move and helped Tai get dressed.

"Off to the University?" asked Tai.

"No, your father said library first, then archery. In fact, he said you could stop school. The Masters are thinking of letting you begin at there Workshops. You could learn what you wanted to and nothing else. They still have yet to decide, but what is your old school benefiting you?"

"Nothing really, though, I do kind of enjoy it," mumbled Tai.

"Well, just think. You'll be learning with Master Scholars soon, not crotchety old professors." Shang shuddered as he remembered one of his old teachers.

"Yes."

They walked to the library quickly. Hoping Curo wouldn't be in there path. Thankfully, it was daytime, and lots of people were out, making it difficult for Curo to do anything. They made it to the library unscathed and began were they had left off. Shang got right into his reading and writing while Tai read up on archery, geometry, and climbing. It wasn't long before Tai could hear Shang mumbling curses as he tried to write some of the more difficult characters. Tai smiled and offered help, but Shang refused, wanting to do this on his own. Tai went back to his reading but was soon interrupted by Shang.

"Could you help me," he said sheepishly.

Tai picked up the pen and showed Shang the correct brushstrokes and patterns needed. Shang thanked him and went back to work. Shang finished up on what he was working on, and got up.

"Let's go. Archery and that escape plan."

Tai's heart skipped a beat. Finally, something that will help him with his problem! He followed Shang after picking up his longbow and quiver. He had left the normal bow back at the armory, preferring the longbow.

They walked in a zigzag manner as they made their way there way outside of the city and to the Grove of Tranquility. When they reached it, Tai looked up in wonder at the massive trees that towered above everything but the walls of Mengyou City.

"Come on, let's go."

Tai followed Shang into the Grove and then stopped as they came to a clearing. The clearing was circular with about two hundred feet in diameter. It had movable targets on the northwest side of the clearing. On the far North, it had a small wall filled with arrows and different types of bows; a few blades here and there, but mostly bows and arrows. On the southeast side of the clearing what looked like a small house.

"What's that for," asked Tai motioning toward the house.

"I don't know really. I guess they just found it," said Shang truthfully. "Alright, lets get started with that plan, then we can work on archery, ok?"

Tai nodded.

"Now, you gotta climb one of these trees, right? Very few in Curo's group can climb trees, maybe that lynx, but I don't know about the rest. So, what tree are you going to climb first?"

"You mean, what tree am I going to climb, right?"

"No, I meant first. You are going to have to jump around in these. They're close enough that it won't be too difficult, it'll be fun."

"What if I fall?

"Well, you don't want that now do you? So don't!"

Tai groaned and pointed out a tree.

"Good choice. It has a branch low enough that you can get to it and the branches are strong enough. Let's begin."

Shang then showed Tai how to climb trees and jump from branch to branch. He taught Tai balance and how to actually use his claws for something other than picking his fangs. Then, told him to climb the tree. Tai got down on all fours and tensed up, readying himself for the jump to the first branch. He pounced. He barely was able to grab the branch. He fell. Tai landed on the ground with a dull thud. Shang walked over to him, a smile tugging at his lips.

"I'm fine," muttered Tai, not letting the Golden cat saying anything. He got up and tried again. He succeeded this time. Pulling himself up onto the first branch he began Shang's lesson on how to balance. He slowly got on two legs and closed his eyes. Immediately he felt his balance leave him and he clung to the tree trunk.

"You have to learn how to balance and be quick at climbing!" Shang called up to Tai.

Tai nodded nervously and crept out onto the branch again. Balancing himself with his eyes open, he closed them. He was able to hold there for a bit.

"Now walk forward, use your claws too! Use them for grip."

Tai extended the claws at his footpaws and he felt them dig into the branch, giving him extra support. He walked forward slowly, yet felt his confidence build.

"Watch out!"

Tai's eyes snapped open. He was at the end of the branch. He stopped.

"Climb up to the next branch, c'mon!"

Tai leapt up the next branch. He then balanced on it like Shang had instructed him to.

"Go on to the next few. I'll catch up once you're there."

"Ok!"

Tai complied by climbing as fast as he dared. Once he was a good height, he called down.

"How's this?"

"Perfect. Now watch. With practice you'll be able to do this."

Tai looked down in astonishment as Shang jumped easily to the first branch and flipped up to the second one. Shang then ran up the tree at a vertical incline then reached the branch below Tai. Getting onto the branch fully, he back flipped up to the branch directly above Tai where he dropped down and hung by his tail. Tai looked up and down at Shang, from the tip of his tail – he noted the stress it seemed to put on Shang's tail – all the way to Shang's head were a grin sat on his face.

"Incredible," breathed Tai.

"You should see the Master's. They do this without breaking a sweat. Unlike me, this tired me out as it is."

Tai suddenly felt adventurous.

"Let's go higher!"

Shang just got upright and continued climbing. Tai followed slowly behind him. As they neared the top, Shang motioned for Tai to stop.

"If we go any higher, we will fall as the branches are weaker at the top. That, and we will mess up her nest."

Tai looked at were Shang pointed. There was a nest with a resting mother robin and her eggs. The two of them then walked out as far as they could go and looked at the River Yi flow between the split City.

"This view is wonderful, how the Palace artists would love to get this," said Tai.

"Sure is, but, enough of the daydreaming, lets get down without climbing."

"And that's possible how?"

Shang smiled at Tai.

"How tough are your paws? Soft most likely. Well then, since they are, here's my gloves."

Tai put on the gloves, they were a bit small, but when he realized what they were for, he was glad he had them. Shang took his bow out and fitted an unusual looking arrow to the string. The shaft was made out of metal and the tip was split into three hooks that curved upward. A grappling hook. Shang took a piece of rope out and tied it to the end of the grappling hook arrow and then around the trunk.

"I know what you're thinking. This is crazy, well, don't worry, 'cause it is!"

Shang fired the arrow at the ground. Looking down, he saw that it had penetrated the ground. He tugged on the rope, it was secure.

"After you," he motioned with a mischievous grin on his face.

Tai put his glove-covered paws on the rope like Shang told him to.

"Are you sure about…THIS?" yelled Tai as Shang pushed him down.

"Just don't let go!"

And why would I, thought Tai to himself as he hurled down the tree. What had taken him minutes to go up only took seconds to get to the ground. As he neared it, he tucked in and rolled, as Shang had told him to do. The Golden cat wasn't far behind. Landing softer than Tai, though still roughly, he got up and asked Tai for his gloves back. Tai was just staring at the sky. Shang rolled his eyes and picked the gloves of the tiger's paws. After putting them on he picked up Tai. Tai blinked.

"That…..was….exhilarating."

Shang agreed. "Archery time."

As the sun went down, Tai and Shang went to the back door of the Palace. They knocked on the section Kun had told them to knock on. They did so and a pig guard admitted them in.

"Welcome back, Your Majesty," said the pig, bowing low.

"Thank you," said the tiger.

They walked down the brightly lit corridors, careful to not have their fur catch on fire. At the end of the hallway, they found themselves at a ladder that led straight up. Shang climbed it first, and opened the hatch. He found himself in the middle of the outer Palace. Shang climbed out and Tai followed.

"What about Jingli?" asked Tai, turning to go visit the old crane.

"I am sorry, but you will have to do it in the morning. I'm sure he will understand," said his father's voice. "I am happy that you found the door. How was your day?"

"Good father, thank you. This was the second best day."

"Second, how so?"

"The first was when I first met Shang and started archery."

"Ah yes," said Kun Zhu, smiling. "I should have known. Shang, you have been invaluable. If you need anything, let me know."

Shang bowed to Kun.

"Thank you, but I already have all that I need."

Kun blinked at Shang, turned and walked away.

The two friends then retired to their own chambers for the night.

The next day, Tai was up early and went to visit Jingli before his studies began at the Master's Hall, as the Master's had agreed to let him study. Shang met him by the gates, as usual, and Tai led them to the crane's shop.

He knocked on the shop-keepers door.

"We're not open!" came the crane's voice.

"Are you sure?"

The door opened and the crane bowed low,

"What is the honor of royalty visiting my humble shop?"

"To say hello after when he should have; I am sorry I wasn't able to say hello to you yesterday night. I will have to visit you at these times from now on, is that okay?"

"How could I say no? Of course it is okay! You are welcome here so long as you stay who you are."

Tai laughed,

"Why would I change?"

"You never know…." Jingli said then walked to the table. "Tea?"

"Yes, please."

With the tea made soon afterwards, the old friends talked while Shang looked at Jingli's oddities and products with curiosity that Tai had never seen displayed in Shang. After their tea was finished, Jingli told them it was time to open his shop and that they'd best get to the Hall. Shang had been told he was not allowed into the Hall itself, so he stayed in the lunchroom. Some of the Masters their decided to teach the strategy game of chess to Shang, so Tai didn't feel bad about leaving him there alone. The studies went by quicker than the old school had gone by, so they had more time at the library and out at the Grove of Tranquility. The next day Tai visited Jingli telling him of his previous day.

This carried on for little less than a year until Tai was stronger than he had ever been before in both mind and body. One day, Tai told Shang something that blew Shang's mind.

"I want to climb the Cities walls."

Shang looked at Tai incredulously.

"Are you sick?"

"Probably, but I still want to do this. Just for fun."

"You must be drunk or something."

"I'm not. I feel perfectly fine actually. Better than in years."

"And if you fall?"

"It will be my last mistake."

"Then let's hope this won't be your last."

Tai looked up at the Cities massive walls. They weren't the best, with indents and outcroppings of rock, but they were tall – near one hundred and fifty feet tall, some of the tallest in all China. He looked at the walls, studying them like he had last night with the scrolls. He noted every nook and cranny, as Shang told him to look for.

Speaking of Shang, thought Tai as Shang walked up carrying four sets boots and gloves. He tossed Tai a pair of boots and a pair of gloves.

"Put 'em on. These will help you climb. Found 'em in your father's armory – don't worry, he let me use them. The grip on the palm and tips is made of diamond and steel. Also, it has openings to allow your claws to extend. You ready? Alright, let's go scare some Guards."

Tai noted the first indent and started climbing. He looked for each crevice and outcropping of the wall, as the book told him to. He leapt from each position with ease that he would have never had.

Shang looked up to see the prince rocket ahead.

"Playing that game, are we?" muttered Shang to himself and he increased his pace. He soon passed Tai. Tai noted Shang's taken of the lead and continued. He looked down and vertigo clutched him. He froze, unable to move. He closed his eyes and prayed to his ancestors.

"What's holding you up?" Shang called down.

Tai snapped out of it at the sound of his friend's voice. He started climbing again. Shang had slowed his pace to be there for Tai incase something like that happened again. They were halfway – right around seventy-five feet. As they passed sixty feet, they suddenly got very tired and they climbed slower than usual.

Climbing vertical, not the best idea of mine, Tai mused to himself as he climbed, sweat pouring off his brow and into his eyes at time. But, it might be useful to know how to climb a wall.

Twenty more minutes passed and they finally reached the top. They paused there, catching there breath.

"One, two, three, leap!" said Shang.

Shang vaulted the top and the sound of surprised Guards reached Tai's ears. He laughed as he got over the guardrails less smoothly than Shang. He collapsed on the floor breathing hard and holding his paws up in the air. Shang stood by him panting. The wolf and sheep guard looked at each other and then back at the prince and the Golden cat that had just appeared.

"Is Your Majesty going to be fine?" asked the sheep.

"No, I'm not fine. I just climbed the Mengyou City walls! I am fine though. Just…..need….to….catch my breath."

Nodding the stunned guards went back to their posts.

"I'm not doing that again," said Shang, still panting.

"Good, because if you were, you would be doing it alone."