Volume Three: Deng Wa
Chapter LVIII
Wedding Invitation II
"Hello, Han," the tiger curved his brows.
"Forgive my presence here at your brother's wedding," the antelope pardoned. Han was in his yellow changshan and cinnamon trousers. "I am here to send my fortune to Lord Dongji and his Lady."
"Greetings, Han," the peahen flattened her wing on her chest. "Such a pleasant appearance."
"Greetings, Lady Xia," Han patted his heart and bowed. Nearly gasping as his heart pounded with fast pulses, the antelope was astounded to see the yak near the Jade Palace table, who stretched his left brow in oddity. "By the Gods, I have never seen him that big. How tall is Kai?"
"Taller than the gates."
"No kidding," Han believed, lowering his chortles. "Ahem. May I sit, Xing?"
"Sure."
Han cleared his throat and pulled the chair, sitting down ahead of Xing. "Now, look at you both. My children are sharing their manners," Lady Xia simpered, chuckling as Xing drank what was left of his wine cup.
"I see you are a drinker, friend," Han widened his eyes, grinning.
"Here, child, speak plainly with my son."
Of course.
The antelope kept his manner neutral, dodging Kai's eyes. "I know this relationship between the Nine and former Lu Disciples remains in ashes. This conversation may be awkward to start introducing ourselves and rebuilding our honesty again," Han crossed his hooves on the table. "How are you, Xing?"
"I'm feeling alright so far," the tiger rotated his dumplings with his chopsticks, quivering his head. His eyesight balloons sharpened. "Masters of Gongmen invited you here?"
"Your brother brought me to the Nine," Han commented, straightening his back. "I wish to be a fancy student of Masters Storming Ox and Croc. They suggested that Lord Dongji and your brothers are my newest journey, burying fights between us behind. I finally found peace, but my redemption approach will be gradual."
"I see what you are going through, Han," Xing regarded. "While leading your next adventure, my brother will be your mentor, and so will the Nine."
I look forward to that.
Han vibrated his rich throat with a nod as Xing ate two dumplings in his mouth. "I'm glad Wang's father is gone. For years, that madman put his hooves right on my brothers, including his son and me," the antelope crossed his arms on the table. "I never liked him, made my regrets about joining his class with my fellow brothers. But the best thing I kept my life struggling to fight for was his son. I was the first to befriend Wang."
The tiger curved his brows in empathy. "I cannot imagine how that feels to be a victim of domestic violence, Han. Being controlled by his dominance, his lack of enthusiasm and conduct," Xing said, placing his main bowl next to the crimson bottle. "Was there any such goodness in Le? Something that he once was before he was a terrible father?"
Gazing at the peahen and tiger, Han breathed in before letting out his regretful sigh.
"Le only did one that he was good in him. Not this domestic violence thing or the cruel and punishable abuse he caused before Wang's mother abandoned him and her son," the antelope leaned on the table halfway. "This contact with Le and Master Owl's daughter was not true; it was built by a lie."
A lie?
Xing withdrew his head and eyed his mother, not being skeptical but allowing Han to clarify. "Le took a long stride with Dong Mei when her father met his fellow politician. And someone, definitely full of waste, put his poisonous words on every soul at the Yellow River, causing turmoil in him and Master Owl."
"Speak freely, my dear," Lady Xia urged him, open-minded.
"Master Owl's daughter was never —"
Han shook his head, sighing. "— I wish not to say that word. I could only say Le never assaulted the girl. Local bandits drugged him in a tea house, and they harmed her. Despite the Yellow River villagers demanding answers from all the rage, they started to think that Le was the main culprit. A few of them on the night witnessed them both last time before the unfortunate occurred."
"How. . .dreadful," the peahen held her heart in fright.
"Terrible people ruined a good person, and that someone who loved his family became a monster who ruined his legacy," the antelope mentioned, drowned with hopelessness once he dried his tear. "The only thing I remembered about Le's harsh wisdom was that bad people rarely could do good things. It all makes sense; hard to believe that he, a terrible father, would do anything for Master Owl's friendship."
The tiger determined Han's teacher's wisdom compared to one he knew of. During the first mission with his fellow brothers and sisters to reclaim Hajin Province, Xing remembered the buffalo peasant. This retired veteran disapproved of heroism and honesty that his attention recalled on poor trustworthy from incompetent nobles who revoked his distress call. Xing proved to him that with hope from him and young warriors trained by a master, they could bring justice by ending corruption and tyranny. And the Nine did.
"Good people could do bad things," Chen Xing quoted.
"Where is that written?" Han asked, interested.
"Someone I knew in Hajin Province spoke his haunted words before the Boar army rampaged the city. A buffalo warrior under Emperor Huangse's command was stubborn but an excellent being. He died fighting next to me."
"Was he a retired soldier?"
"He was," the tiger said, reflecting his claw that pressed against the buffalo's heart wound. "I suppose Le and the veteran had harsh wisdom in common."
Hmm.
The antelope carried on with his next topic, mentioning the grievousness. "After Deng Wa happened, when I sent my parchment to one of my brothers to head to Yellow River Valley, Yichen met Master Owl. By the time he met him, Master Owl's daughter had been gone."
Where did Dong Mei go? Xing arched his eyes in dismay.
"Dong Mei's dad said she did not leave a note or anything. The last thing Master Owl felt in his bed was the kiss on her head before she soared away and disappeared. When the emerald storm appeared," Han lowered his head, brushing off another tear. "Wang sometimes mentioned his neighbor when he used to meet her."
"Han," the antelope met Xing's eyes. "I want you to listen because I share my condolence for your friend's death. Your brother fought well until the end," Xing mourned. "He was almost going to be the Spirit Warrior, almost taken over this country into a jade."
"You brought Wang back?"
"Kai did," the tiger answered, having Han look at the yak who wobbled his walk beside Monkey and Mantis across the courtyard. "He convinced him to fight back, and we all did."
"After my brother returned," Han turned to him, arching his eyes. "Wang died fighting next to you?"
Han glued his gaze on Xing longer, whose head altered to grief and care. "He did," the tiger blended mournful voice, heightening his brows. "I am sorry, Han. I really am."
"I'm glad you were with him, both of you," the antelope stood from his chair and gesticulated his head to a nod. "Be seeing you, Xing, and Lady Xia. We'll meet again."
The antelope was last sighted departing through red tables when the wedding band receded its heavenly rhythm for the couple's blessings, and Lady Xia saw Chen Xing lower his head in his arms and snuffle. She cradled him with her wings and laid her curved neck behind his head. "Shh. . . Not here, my sweet boy. Hold your grief. Weep with me after the wedding," she caressed his back.
"My Lord! Here is what I like to propose my humor! I like to bring your brother's student to dance on my bananas with my mates!" she saw Monkey trotting his feet with Mantis, and Kai was behind him, swimming his head and twirling his limbs. The yak's foot pressing against the yellow skin skidded forward and tumbled back to the ground, quaking the courtyard.
Gasps heightened, and spectators gazed at the scene, silencing their chuckles. "Monkey! What are you doing?" Kai could hear Po's query but was carried away with rough streams in his dark thought, muttering more for rice wine.
"Relax, Po! I was going to show him some tricks!" Monkey blocked his snickers against his mouth. "Let's try again!"
"Monkey, you are drunk!" Mantis whispered, snapping.
Kai rolled his front body and gave his displeasure eyes at him. "The Mighty refuses your proposal."
"Ah, come on! It's going to be fun!"
Puffing his muzzle in annoyance, Kai heaved his knees, drawing his left limb back. "I'll show you what is fun—"
At once, right before almost clenching Monkey's throat, Chen Xing fastened his round arm against the yak's, parrying. "WHOA now, Kai!" the tiger grunted before two wolves, Lotus and Wolf Boss, stormed to the courtyard and ceased Kai's forearms. The tiger lowered his glare at Monkey. "I think my student is ready for bed."
"More bananas?" Monkey extended his grin.
"Okay. One will do. Now," the tiger eyed the insect after grasping the fruit. "Could you please guide Master Monkey to the Jade Palace table?"
"My bad, Xing," the insect booted his friend and clenched his digit, forcing Monkey through tables. Wolf Boss and Lotus guided Kai toward the courtyard's boundary next to the square.
"Apologies, my Lord and Lady," the tiger flattened his paw against his chest. Lord Dongji descended his fanned train as Lady Huiliang retreated his wing from her beak. "It was a regretful mishap. Let me announce the farewell party."
Once turning to the spectators, his racing heart flooding to rime, Chen Xing cleared his throat before extending his limbs wide. "Ladies and gentlefolk! May I have your attention?" He found Masters Storming Ox and Croc easing their clenched fists nearby, gladly standing beside Ming, Shifu, and Niu, who were barricading ahead of them.
"I like to thank you all for visiting the city and having a wonderful wedding celebration with my dear brother and his new Lady, my new sister-in-law," Xing gestured, smiling. "Every single day when Lord Dongji and I were little with our sister Lotus, we built not only our friendship, but our mother Lady Xia and my grandmother provided us what we stick — we are a family. Family matters to us more important than ever. Family comes first; even if there are critical matters from them, you must provide."
Lao stretched his beak to vividness, seeing his brother turn to him with pride as Xing continued his speech. "As Lord Dongji's big brother, I look out for him, always be the first to intervene from unfriendly eyes. As Lord Dongji's little sister, Lotus defends her family from our nightmares, and she makes sure no bad dreams could ever haunt you in your sleep," the peacock glanced at Lotus, who pulled her grin wide, unveiling her sharp teeth once she waved at him.
"And my Lady," the tiger called upon the swan. "The Nine share our hospitality, whether you live in Gongmen City's Holy Flame Tower, the Prosper Valley's Shui Palace, and—"
"And Jade Palace!" Po uttered behind the tiger.
"And the Dragon Warrior's awesomeness room!" Xing added, delivering the spectators to laughs. "The temples are yours, your Grace, and you are welcome there anytime for aid, whatever you need."
The Nine presented their cheers before the audience when Bao-Gorilla held a crimson bottle and a cup, walking to the tiger with might. Lady Huiliang, arcing her head from her curved neck, bowed to Xing. "You are too kind, Master Xing. Thank you," the swan grinned.
The Nine's Heaver poured rice wine into Xing's cup and dismissed. "Thank you all for coming, giving your blessings to the Lord and Lady of Gongmen! Have a nice party, and —" Xing praised the people, extending his cup in the air. "— GANBEI!"
"GANBEI!" the observers praised and sipped their drink.
The tiger's last gulp clenched his sight, stirring his throat to a soft scratch. Regaining sight, Xing handed his cup to the waiter's plate passing by and waved at the people. "Thank you, Gongmen City citizens, honored guests, and Masters! Goodnight, everyone!"
Many praised and waved at the tiger when he wandered off with a hard start. Xing nearly tumbled to the side, and his peacock brother helped him guide his balance from his wing. "By the Gods. How many did you drink?"
"Um...?" the tiger could not count, his drunk mind clustering to balloons. "Ten? Maybe nine?"
"Oh, you need to be sober. Come on."
About a few yards from the courtyard, the wolves held Kai over his shoulders as the peacock assisted his brother behind them, striding on the Holy Flame's stairs before the entrance. Among the stairs, farther back from the group, accompanied Lord Dongji's honor guards of wolf and antelope, those who were valued to defend their Lord, and now a new Lady as they partook to observe and sniff from nearby threats. Neither of the group spoke a word but soft grunts when only two warriors nearly tripped in each eighth step. The General was the only one who gabbled with mouthy words and blunt guffaws, and half of them receded their chuckles.
Arriving upon the platform before the entry, Chen Xing pardoned Lao once his intoxicated sense seemed to dissipate little by little. He could walk from here to the tenth floor, inside the Guest / Honorable Masters, where the tiger had his chamber for him and the Mightiest Warrior. Abundant enough for his brother's logic, Lao released him as Xing managed to take Wolf Boss's turn to Kai's right limb, allowing the two to guide the giant to extended stairs.
"Wonderful speech, Xing," Lao smirked. "Your words truly mean everything, and I am honored."
"Did I make you cry, my Lord?"
The peacock laughed, whiffing off his wing. "Now you are letting me," Lao huffed his beak. "Off to bed. I will see you in the morning."
"Good night, brother!" Lotus rushed to the bird and offered him nine licks on his cheek. "Send my sister-in-law my regards."
Wolf Boss began following the three behind, once strolling on stairs passing by three floors. Crimson lanterns hanging from lengthy ropes from the Throne Room glistened with rose reflections of heart shapes, and the red and gold dragons swam on beyond platforms and structures. Again, the conversation was not starting, but the silence deafened with vibrant and soft hums from the lights beside them. Chen Xing could not reflect how addicting the rice and elderflower alcohol were, the taste and enjoyment of to try forgetting complications, and even haunting occurrences from Prince Huoju's battles and Deng Wa's reign.
Catching up to them around the seventh floor, Wolf Boss seemed to share any topic. "I think my stomach starts to rumble for more rice. I don't remember when I threw up last time."
"You okay, Zhong?" Chen Xing eyed him in front, bypassing the thirteenth stair.
"Er — Yeah. Not so serious right now. How are you hanging, Kai?"
Kai puffed his short snout, jolting his head upward once. "That bear did vomit on the Emperor's Guard's eyes," he regained his wobbling balance forward, onward to the halfway point near the eighth floor. "That full of shit deserved his title to be stripped away. Last time, he did it before my serving was impregnating the Emperor's daughter."
"My word!"
"Shit."
Xing and Wolf Boss were dumbfounded, but Lotus hid her grimacing composure. "I can imagine what insane people do," the tiger commented.
The quartet appeared in front of the guest chamber, which had Wolf Boss open the door and let the three barge in without harm. "Gods! What a lovely night!" the yak dug into his front coat's ties, hardly untying small buttons before he grated his grunts. "Look at this. I dressed up like an idiot. . . My belly grew fatter, and I blame those scums who ruined my reputation."
"Is he gonna be okay?" Xing blinked his eyes, clearing rough sights.
"He'll forget what he says. Don't take it personally from him, boy," Wolf Boss said. "How are you holding up?"
"Are my hands growing bigger than your head?"
"Maybe?" Wolf Boss stretched his grin, guffawing. He patted the feline's shoulder. "Come sit there, Xing."
"And you — girl," Kai narrowed his eyes, meeting Lotus, who finished unbuttoning his top. "Did you have fun well with puppies?"
"Yeah, by having your rice wine to spit your—"
"Lotus."
Not for the first time, her father silently hissed, which included Xing's peep eyes. Lotus removed Kai's top, controlling her behavior as the giant kept staring at her with his odd smile. "We are happy about this lovely night, alright. We have accomplished the unforgettable battle, General. Those stones were in good hands and came back to normal. We won, Kai," she pulled her grin to the side.
The yak untied his braids, freeing the rest to flow his mane over his bulky shoulder. "Then cowards have surrendered. . ." Kai bent his muzzle to a glare pose. "HMM! Let's have a drink in here to celebrate a victory! I, General Kai, the Supreme Warlord of all China, destroyed the badger sorcerer who robbed my life!"
"Hooray!" the three warriors cheered.
"HAAAAAA!" the yak threw his fist, standing so proud like he obtained respect and praise from intense battles, soldiers encouraging him in his mind. He felt his hoof grab the mug's grip and had him gulp, but his digits patted his muzzle. "Where is my drink?"
Lotus glimpsed at her father, who shook his head. "Sorry, Kai. Those barrels are empty."
"Get me MORE then!"
Chen Xing stormed his stance and stomped his foot before the yak. "I will say this once, and let me be clear to you, Gaineral*. Barrels. Are. In my pants," the tiger heightened his guffaws, crashing his butt to his bamboo bed. "Your allies fetched them without permission!"
The yak growled, clenching his digits. "Dumb fools. . . Those puny soldiers stole my drinks, Dakai," he planted his right knee against the marble floor, almost staggering his balance. "Zhanshi! Go fetch those thieves!"
The three gazed at him, unable to speak, when Kai swam his head hastily, demanding answers. "Zhanshi? You cat," the yak cursed. He could see a peacock warlord behind Wolf Boss. "Li Han! Get your feathers up and fetch me a drink!"
Regarding the yak's bitter behavior, Zhong felt he wasn't being called directly, lowering his triangular head to his feet. "YOU!" Kai began to walk on his knees, crawling toward Xing's patched rucksack, the shape of a tortoise's shell, as if the yak recognized his brother with his own eyes. He forced the bag open and shouted. "Stop hiding in your shell and pour me sake, Oogwa—!"
Blinded, tricked by his eyes, Kai saw the tiger's clothing pairs, rather than seeing the tortoise's flesh that he remembered from his nightmare well, the flesh from his brother's head that ripped apart from the mud pond.
"Oh. . . Don't mind this rucksack. Oogway's chi is helpless, but I have to say, Magnificent's wisdom is — stupendous. Huh."
Crossing his arms, Wolf Boss leaned his shoulder against the shoji door panel and watched the yak flatten his rear on the bamboo bed. Not ashamed, Zhong reflected on his youth and enjoyed every drink, from rice, wine, and elderflower — he earned his mentors and family of wolves proud. So did his peafowl parents.
Half past this quarter night, Lotus' father yawned beside the door, crossing his limbs. Regarding the night's passing, the wolf knelt and patted Xing's head, waking him. "Xing," Wolf Boss smirked a little. "You getting sober a little?"
Stifling his throat clear, Xing checked his surroundings, glancing at Lotus, who lay flat next to Kai. The yak had his head spiral in a relaxing manner, lifting his left limb. "A little," the tiger blinked his eyes twice, dissipating the fog. He fixed his eyes on Wolf Boss. "Did I offend you or anything?"
"No, son. You were lightheaded."
Gods.
The tiger sat on his chair, his knees apart, stroking his muzzle. Exhausted, Xing urged the one-eyed wolf. "You can go to your chamber, Zhong. I'll watch."
Wolf Boss nodded. "Come here, boy."
Both warriors held their embrace longer than Xing's grandmother fonded him. The tiger felt the wolf's rough fur bristling beside his head, his paws holding him tight. "I am glad you are always with my only daughter. I do not know where I would be if she were gone. Know that my wolves see you as their brother. Know that they see Lotus as their sister. And boy," Wolf Boss watched him meet his silver eyes at him. "For turtle's blessing and all the Gods, no matter what you see the alpha who is persistent, know that you have a wolf father by your side. No parentless cub will ever be alone. Do you hear me?"
A flash of warm tears under the feline's eyes emerged. Most of the tiger's life had him watching children embrace their parents, wishing he could see one and have him accept. There were no other people, but his Nana and Lady Xia could raise him, only being taught with manners and discipline. "Don't you think I ignore you for me getting my daughter's attention — I wanted to bring fatherhood feeling back for Lotus so that I can accept you as part of my pack. Lotus and your grandmother told me more than anything you wish to have."
"Thank you, baba," Chen Xing shed, hugging Wolf Boss. Their cuddle was prolonged yet worth the affection that the son was desperate for the father's love.
"Goodnight, erzi."
Wolf Boss closed the shoji door and went to his chamber as Xing dried his tears, surveying Kai circulate his eyes closed. The yak's hums had shoji structures lower their whine. "What day is it, again, Little Puppy?"
"My cookie's birthday—" Lotus flicked her ears back when Xing hurtled his head turn and gasped.
"Your birthday is today, Little Kitten?" the giant's tone heightened in astonishment.
The tiger muttered in his voice; no other way to deny his special day earlier, which he craved to celebrate the day when he was born, but Lord Dongji's marriage changed for the next day. Quivering, he flushed his blathered thought, answering. "It was yesterday, General."
Kai's fatigued sight went bitter, angling his left arm on the bed. "You did not tell me you have the special day you were born."
"I wanted to wait for my birthday after my brother's wedding, Kai," Xing elucidated. "Mom and Nana said the next day should do so that you can expect another following celebration."
The giant repressed his comprehension grunt. Drooped his head, Kai maintained his body from his limb, laying his whole neck against a cylinder pillow. A soft pad pressing his head made him comforted by his prolonged sigh. "How old are you now, Little Kitten?"
"Twenty-four, General."
Kai smiled, every movement from his eyes beginning to seal. "Twenty-four. That was the time — the time when I. . . left home to Galapagos, Galapagos to war. . ." The yak's words were fading. "To war. . . with—"
His mutters rumbled before the snores filled this chamber, thriving in peace as if the warlord could now rest from fighting over a hundred battles, mending his wounds. Their surprise was when Lotus and Xing heard Kai's last word, wheezing, but they did catch the homeland from which the Grandmaster was born.
Lotus flapped her dark blue ears as Chen Xing blew out all three candles around the chamber. "I am sorry, Xing. I did not mean to ruin your birthday."
"It's okay, Lotus."
The Nine's Dancer curled her lips to a downcast, whimpering. "I ruined your birthday moment, did I?"
"No. I—" Xing lowered his tired sigh, stroking the wolf's paws, which she dominated first before he bent his left knee. "I wanted to surprise our student the next day after our brother's wedding, Lotus. You didn't spoil that moment."
Her lips remained spreading to comprehension. "When will we ever stop aging?"
His silver eyes lid up to a slight puzzlement, but he was notably aware of their growth, despite all the changes they went through ever since, from being small disciples to strong warriors. "You don't stop growing. Why don't you just—" Lotus quivered her lips.
"Just what?" Xing arched his brows upward.
"I mean. . . Why can't we stay young like children?"
I miss being a cub. We all are.
The tiger took his prolonged reflection of himself playing "Tag, you're it!" with Lotus and their peacock brother Lao together across the Shui Palace square. By the next month, snow fell with a calm breeze from the north, and they hurled snowballs, the three competing against classmates Mrs. Yan invited to as Chen Ming pleased her neighbor.
Lotus saw her partner sitting down beside her. "We are Nana's grandchildren," Xing curled his tail onward, folding his arms over his knees. "Mom's children, too, from their eyes."
"Cookie?"
"Changes are ahead of us, sister, and we cannot stop the change because we are growing up. But what will not change, Lotus," he guided his digit on her head and heart. "Memories are in here, and always."
He could look at his sister's simper a thousand times a day and thousands more by the next. Lotus stretched her wicked grin. "I know what will never change us."
"Oh, no—"
Lotus launched her paws into his weak sides under his lungs. Xing giggled, trying not to guffaw while playfully wrestling with her on his bamboo stretcher. "Say I am the best," the wolf tittered, forcing her paws on his love belly, which caused him to cackle. "I win."
"Okay, okay!" he whispered, smiling as his sister blessed with her tongue stroking his head. With a family fondness, they could act like children after training and missions. Chuckling, Lotus nuzzled her head underneath Xing's jaw, laying beside him. "You are the best. My best friend and my sister," her brother sighed, chuffing. "Now, go tackle Lao. He's next."
The wolf tittered once more.
A/N:
— (*) In case you spotted grammar there, which is from my idea, I used that word for Xing to mispronounce Kai's rank. During intoxication, which you may have mentioned or experienced before, most could spill beans with nonsense slurs and rough hangovers. Mostly that happens to those who are alcoholics to lead their behaviors trigger and blather. Coming up with a fun fact, I got drunk once a couple of years back when drinking fruit alcohol (a little strong flavor) while playing Yu-Gi-Oh! cards at home with my buddies in real life. Not gonna lie about what I felt before; it was fun. As a rule of thumb, giving you some life advice: Don't drink and drive. . . Get a cab, or ride with your friend to take you home.