Updated chapter 8! Any mistake you find, leave it to me!
GZ
1/5/2018
Episode 2: Brothers for Life (6 - 11)
Chapter VIII
Unexpected Visitors
I. (X) Brothers
The color of the pumpkin horizon lightened green and brown farms over the homeland of villagers. Citizens of the Prosper Valley craved this morning the most, including the Nine. Yesterday was a break from Ming's plan, and for this today, Chen Ming wanted to proceed with her students to do hard training on Wing Chun so that their honorable visitor, the Emperor of China, could arrive soon enough. The bell gonged, and the Nine awakened from their sleep. The feline thought to have this day off for the Nine to either be internal peace to their master or train if Lao preferred.
The peacock had a long night with his bunny partner Hong. They spent the rest of the evening gliding through the Guilin mountains near Prosper Valley. The corridor was filled with cherry scent sticks, and shoji doors barged with morning light from outside. The Nine reflected on Hong and Lao's relationship while all reached the dining room to grab green tea.
Ming and Xing were in a small restaurant beside Shui Palace, cooking rice and salads to feed the Nine and most villagers of Prosper Valley.
In exhaustion, which was normal for every soul waking from a nap in the morning, Lao grabbed his tea from the side of the table as the bovine stood next to his brother. Niu bore the teapot and served a few mugs on his companions over the table once the peacock stroked his tiring eyes.
"What happened to you, brother?" Niu asked the peacock.
"Long night," Lao massaged his eyes before sitting on his chair. "I am still exhausted."
"I feel you," the crocodile beside the peacock gave a small beckon before Zhao sipped his cup. The bunny Hong raced for her mug and sat beside Lao. Her expression was satisfied while grinning and sensing the green tea. "You're not the only one walking late at night."
"Oh, last night was excellent, alright," Hong smirked before drinking her tea. She cradled the bird, who chuckled. "The very best one ever."
"Charming," the cobra relished as Fanshe savored a cup of tea with a spoon using his tail.
The young bull who entered the Nine's Meeting Room sat next to Niu, his finger fiddling the tip of his mug. "So, what can the Nine do for today?"
"Break time for today, I suppose," Fanshe guessed. "I'm certain yesterday was supposed to be a day off." The cobra could see his gorilla brother Bao sit on his bulky chair beside the reptile after the ape grabbed the large tan mug.
"Well," Lao reflected when caressing and revolving the cup's tip on the tip of a white feather. "Unless you all want to practice our demonstration."
The Nine's Pirate sipped his hot mug and nearly slammed it on the dining table with a pleasant tone. "AYE! Great idea it is, mate," Shou grinned with his eyes wide open. The cup on the table had not shattered nor spat after that. "Sword training? Guandao?"
"Forms," Lao told the bull pirate. The peacock gave a long, hard look to all eight members of the Nine. "Shou, you'll do sword battle. Niu, Master Ming will show you a kung fu dragon, the flow of which has to be precise, the way water is your guide. Bao, you adapt your attack and defense. While you are experienced in stealth, Zhao, you begin to oppose your opponents without any objects catching you. Fanshe, you do subtlety which includes rapid slither similar to Master Viper. Hong, Tai Chi flow and agility maneuver for your sai. Lotus, greater speed, and ribbon dancer. I will do a coping of a blindfold for a pre-level of a black sash and Guandao. Xing, Chi Sao, blindfold, and veracity."
"What's next?" the female wolf inquired before sipping her blue mug.
"You all going to love this one," smirked the peacock as he pointed his head to all of the Nine. "Rumble."
"YES!" all seven beckoned their fists, applauding. To the Nine's personal preference, they must oppose each other for a short time, then whoever gets defeated must join a side against the one who does not overcome by any of the Nine students — a hint: Blue against Red. Red has beaten, then joins aside to Blue. The Nine craved this substantial activity more than an Elimination match or higher tactical advantages.
"Can't wait to kick anyone's butt right now!" Niu pointed all with a stirring smile.
The peafowl grasped his mug and reached the thrilling Ox. "Good luck with that," Lao wished him menacingly. Most were stunned with shrinking mouths as if all laughed. The Nine's Brilliance announced. "Five minutes of Rumble, then for the most pack of whoever gets more than any number of us, will win."
"Any other suggestions?" the feminine wolf asked with a sharp teeth grin and hard eyes at Lao.
"Combinations, Lotus," Lao answered, sharing out details. "First high rank, Chi Sao blocks including attacks, and first ten forms. Middle rank, First five forms. Lowest rank, first form."
The Nine comprehended their brothers and two sisters to recognize their sash ranks. Lao perceived Shou's advanced level of a blue sash. Most of the advance ranks that brown sash: Niu and Zhao. Green: Bao and Fanshe. A red rank belonged to Hong. The professional classes of Wing Chun were identified for Lotus as a double crimson, Lao represented double red with the black sash, and Xing for a First Dan (first level of the black sash).
Nevertheless, the Nine students do not have the lowest ranks. They shifted their heads softly like where and who was the more average rank.
"No sign of lowest rank at that point, for regardless," Niu notified Lao as the peacock made the mind of lowest rank from the Nine.
"Then one of the Middle ranks goes for Shou's one to three forms," Lao pointed to the pirate bull.
"Any last process," the cobra requested to peacock. "Just not being so pushy."
"Sparring Elimination match with Master Ming," Lao declared to the Nine, "and that will be our end of the day. Master Ming will inform Huangdi and his followers about the life and prosperity of Wing Chun, including her bloodline survivors of Qing Temple."
"Brilliant," the wolf beamed. Lotus gave a nod look at his closest peacock friend.
The Nine managed to train on a Fighting Square outside of Shui Palace. They all ate their rice a moment later to commence their demonstration process. Xing continued cooking with his grandmother to feed villagers at their rice restaurant. Lao snatched a Guandao sword, combating a bull pirate Shou to enhance sword-to-sword combat skills. Zhao bathed through the stream, and a crocodile charged against movable dummies after leaping away from the small river. Bao and Niu armed their bridges, combined with Chi Sao blocks for over ten blocks first, and moved on to ten other blocks.
Fanshe sparred with Hong; a cobra's tail whipped her paws on a large square, positioning in their fighting stance as Hong managed her continuous blocks against her reptile colleague. Hong charged her energy deflection, and Fanshe felt more unpredictable of subtlety. Beside them, the wolf shifted her ribbon stick within mid to close-range battle, wavering her wand as multiple waves of silk tightened many dummies on half of the square training ground. She pounded the rest with a severe kick and most bong sao strikes.
At first, Lao gazed at Xing's triumph. The tiger covered his eyes with his black sash as Xing educated his brother on sensing surroundings instead of eyes. This sensation was of such importance any noises from far and nearby. Lao and Chen Xing bridged their arms as if the tiger went for defense, and the albino peacock proceeded with his offense. They intensified their strength of Chi Sao. The peacock was surprised as his brother deflected and palmed Lao's wings simultaneously with a bit of grip and fist against the target. Lao preferred the blindfold, which Xing had done with a black sash wrapped around his head and eyes since his grandmother first granted her grandson the First Dan.
The Furious Five and Dragon Warrior walked out of the Jade Palace entrance and followed Shifu near the stairs.
They included warm-up exercises earlier after their breakfast. Their master gave the goose Zeng a scrolling message beside him. "Take this note to one of the Prosper Valley's geese servants, Zeng. Notify either one to inform my sister-in-arms that the Masters of Jade Palace are on their way with Emperor Huangdi in one hour."
"Yes, Master Shifu," nodded Zeng. The goose messenger grabbed Shifu's note and placed it under his sleeve before he began to flip his wings, banking with strong winds to the west. Zeng and many messengers managed to soar anywhere else further in China, regardless of resting and re-enable to fly once again after their break.
"Emperor Huangdi," Shifu imparted to his students behind him as he clasped his hands on his back. "Is he in Valley of Peace?"
"Yes, Master," Tigress replied to her adoptive father. "Mei Mei saw him earlier, and she once said Emperor Huangdi is still at his rental apartment."
"Very well," the red panda nodded. "We will inform our Emperor to ride a vessel along, so Huangdi will allow our permission to reach Prosper Valley."
"Have you been to the Prosper Valley, Master?" Viper grinned with her tongue out.
The red panda wobbled his head. "No. I have never been there," he answered. Monkey beside Tigress returned as if he carried Oogway's wooden staff and handed it to his master. Shifu tapped his stick and had his eyes meet the black and white bear. "And Po. Remind two of your fathers that you are coming with us, and we will be at the Prosper Valley for a while until you return."
"Yes, Master," the panda bowed.
The Masters of Jade Palace sprinted below the Valley of Peace. The villagers offered a respective bow to Emperor Huangdi three blocks away from Mr. Ping's restaurant after Masters surveyed the elder water buffalo moving out of the green apartment with multiple antelope and yak guards outside. Po arrived at his adoptive father's Noodles and Tofu after telling Furious Five while Shifu already noticed. Most of the crowd gave applause, sighting Emperor Huangdi saunter to the sailboat. All villagers bowed to Dragon Warrior instead of ignoring the panda. Several of them jogged within reach to catch up with Huangdi.
Po entered his goose father's famous Dragon Warrior Noodles and Tofu restaurant. Mr. Ping and Li Shan snatched a ton of empty bowls from customers who finished eating noodles. The pale yellow sunlight gazed a soft orange that a quiet apotheosis horizon shone on the restaurant.
"Dads!" Po called the elders goose and panda.
"Hey, Po!" The goose waved his son after Mr. Ping handed Li Shan another five bowls. "These villagers are talking crazy about Emperor Huangdi. Do you know what he is doing?"
"Yeah, he's going to take a boat ride to the Prosper Valley. And that's why I'm going there with my friends and Master Shifu."
"Whoa, really?" Li Shan gaped at his son, packing ten bowls.
"And why my dear son?" the goose asked with one eyebrow raised, bending his feathers on his waists.
"Shifu wants the Furious Five, including me, to meet Master Ming and her students," Po said. "The first part of the crazy reason is, dads, Tigress has her aunt."
"Her aunt?" Mr. Ping widened his eyes after giving another five plates to Li Shan. Oh, I got it! The elder panda nearly tripped after balancing the bowls straight enough. "I thought she was the only tiger left!"
"We thought so," Po considered the same thought from last night's conversation with Master Ox. The Dragon Warrior tapped his fingers against each other in front of his belly. "And the second reason is I'm going to see Master Ox's son over there from that palace."
"Strange city, strange noodles…." Mr. Ping pondered worriedly. He gazed up at him. "Po, I don't think—"
"It's okay, Dad," Po calmed the goose. "Nothing's gonna happen to me or the Five. We can handle ourselves."
Of course, you all do, son.
The goose thought as his beak nearly wobbled. He suppressed his mouth and widened his pupils. "Alright, son," Mr. Ping affirmed while hugging Po. "When will you come back?"
"Around dusk before night," Po answered once Mr. Ping released the embrace. "We're going to enjoy the awesomeness class. Stay there for a while."
The bug creaked his wings and landed on Po's head just then. "Sorry to interfere with your discussion, guys! The Emperor's boat is leaving in five minutes, Po."
"Okay, bye, dads," Po waved as the panda moved out with Mantis. "We'll be back!"
"Careful, Po!" The goose thundered as Po heard him while running.
Po jogged on a tan brick road where pigs, deer, pandas, antelopes, and geese villagers followed Emperor Huangdi further blocks away from a stream river. At one turn to the left intersection, a giant Ox in a long gray robe strolled with other guards ahead of him. Mantis crawled over the panda's back as he stood next to Po's neck over the shoulder. Po went on the villagers' way to search for Huangdi and Furious Five so that the panda could search for a sailboat on a stream where the panda had been through the village everywhere since he was adopted.
Master Ox conveyed his carriage of Huangdi's luggage belongings. He transferred a big golden baggage pack, and brown and gray yak guards packed plenty of bags, rolling carts. The stream sang close; Po shortly headed through a side of the pathway and reached behind Storming Ox.
"Master Ox!" the panda called.
"Po!" Storming Ox, confused while carrying luggage. "What are you doing here?"
"Master Ox," Po panted after jogging. "The Five and I will visit Shifu's closest friend in Prosper Valley and see a Wing Chun class."
"Really?" Ox determined with his perplexing thought and smirk.
"Yeah!" the panda grinned, nodding, "The Five and I wish to see all nine students. Seeing your son and even Shifu's old friend will be remarkable. I like to see how awesome that class is!"
A gentle Ox offered low chuckles. "Very well, Dragon Warrior. Ride along with us," he agreed, palming Dragon Warrior's back.
Shifu told Huangdi about meeting Master Ming and offered a ride with the Emperor and Furious Five, including Dragon Warrior, to reach Prosper Valley. Po supported some luggage before they arrived on a large sailboat nearby. The luggage items were placed behind a boat as Po and Storming Ox sauntered to the side of the boat, and they arrived with the Furious Five in the middle of the ship with Shifu.
Few followers entered a sailboat as most villagers waved goodbye to Emperor Huangdi and those who worked with him. Four boats followed the leading river boat: two for followers and two for guards, as Storming Ox preferred sitting with Furious Five, Dragon Warrior, and Shifu. Once the sailboat cruised away, the panda brushed his paws, tapping his feet.
"Prosper Valley, here we come!" the Dragon Warrior shone his smile.
The Nine exercised from outside of Shui Palace.
Lotus and Xing jogged their ten-mile over the boundary of the Prosper Valley and through the village road while Lao soared above them. By unexpected rapid sprint from behind, the bunny assumed.
"On your left!" Hong announced, her tiny feet dashing and cutting through in front of Xing and Lotus. Lao balanced his vibrant wings as the bunny's fast pace shook below the peacock. Why is that bunny sprinting faster than them? How did she manage her feet rapidly?! That feels awkward! Lao thought.
After jogging, Bao dangled on a large branch from a tree, pulling himself up using his massive for as long as he burned his strength.
Shou, Niu, and Zhao lay in front of the square platform, raising and bending their arms. They burned their muscles around fifty times with push-ups and mostly continued their durability. The crocodile Zhao had a warming form over his reptile body for sweat and even his bathing after swimming over the river and ambushed dummies. The Ox Niu used push-ups from his father back in Gongmen City for ages. His shape formed more advantage by that preference, enabling strategies to focus on battle and defense. The gray bull Shou realized his strength became inevitable. The bull pirate's arms burned more and relaxed his advantage. He flattened his head and body on the surface after reaching the targeted number of sixty push-ups.
A moment later, the cobra practiced maneuvering arrows and throwing daggers in the opposite direction near the square platform. He needed to continue the demonstration process, oscillating over the palace. The feline reviewed Fanshe whenever the cobra becomes worthy of evading arrows and daggers, then joined together in a first square by able to meditate peacefully.
After a few more yards of sprinting to Xing and Lotus, Hong waved a finish line near the entrance of Shui Palace. Lao soared behind two of his closest friends as his wings went sore. They arrived at the gate while Hong contented them three to the fighting square by assembling the Nine. The Nine had a long workout to exercise their advantage to regain proper health expectations. All students burned their lungs to themselves after breathing in and out. Master Ming foresaw the Nine hard-worked their physical training as if their furs were absorbed with sweat.
Lao's feathers were absorbed with sweat within the robe, the heat warming the peacock's body. Lao embarked to devour himself of relaxation.
"Bow!" Ming ordered the Nine. She scanned her loyal students bowing and plenty panted heavily. "Great work, students. You all enhanced your process. By that, we'll continuously practice your demonstration for Emperor Huangdi with each sunset and dawn."
"What's next, Master?" asked Lao while panting.
"Take a day off," Ming answered. "You all have a great time with the workout. Take a bath in each three of you."
Ming called the gorilla and young albino peacock. After seven students dispersed through the sidewalk and entered the steam house next to the Nine's Barrack, Lao and Bao stood before Ming. "Bao, after bathing yourself, look after Lao's mother. You know the drill."
Bao nodded, softly hammering his fist on his chest twice. "Bao, drill. Bao, bath. Bao, meet peahen," the ape retreated to heavyweight students.
Lao glanced at the feline. "And Lao, my dear. Once you finish your bath, I have a gift for you, something valuable of the finest silk from one of my old friends."
A gift? Lao reflected in his fascinated and confused look. "By whom, master?" Lao asked with his eyebrows rising.
"From Soothsayer," Ming replied dearly.
Soothsayer? The elder goat with a bearded one? How long had that goat traveled too far with some "valuable" item? Lao did not bother with another question when the peacock nodded to his master after breaking away.
The sizeable pool of three feet was filled with soap foams. As for the middle ranks go first, the heavyweight students managed their bathe from soap foams around their bodies. For another ten minutes, every three students, Lao, Xing, and Lotus, kneaded with soap and water after entering the pool bath. Shortly, Lao eventually cooled his feathers and quivered the rest of the water around him.
The peacock wore his gray trouser after he dried himself with a large brown towel. Lao cleansed his feathers once he arrived in Ming's meditation bedroom. The Nine's Master revealed a blue silk robe. She managed to open a black mahogany box. Ming kept locked the chest carefully before Lao infiltrated. The feline showed his peacock a new garment in front — glossy blue silk with a yin-yang icon on the back of clothing — edge of white silk sleeves trimmed with black tribals and spontaneous blue lines. Lao adored magnificent silks that the peacock craved to wear marvelous robes to fit him.
Oh, my! Lao thrived his open beak and eyes. "A glorious gift from my old friend I met," notified Ming. "This robe you seek belonged to Lord Feng — a former peacock lord of Gongmen City. Mali, the Soothsayer, is the peacock nobles' true companion. She befriended Lord Feng, including his beloved, Lady Muqin. Feng's queen once told the Soothsayer that this robe belonged to ancestors before Lord Feng. By wearing this robe, Lao, a true warrior, will honor a student to reflect peafowl'sPeafowl ancestor who helped our Grandmaster Oogway in previous wars many years ago."
Lao adored an actual color of blue for the feathers that connected to his heart. The peacock inspected the silk he conveyed, stroking soft patterns and the upper chest. "Who was Lord Feng, Master?" Lao asked Ming before embarking on wearing his new robe.
"He was the father of Lord Shen," she clarified. Neglecting Lord Shen from his thoughts, Lao perceived the story as royal peafowls of Gongmen City. "A true prosperity ruler and a great Lord of Gongmen. Many centuries before Shen, the peafowls ruled over Gongmen City. The nobles brought great joy with the invention of fireworks, and several villagers enjoyed colorful flares from the sky. According to Soothsayer's prediction, instead of the 'warrior of black and white' prophecy for Dragon Warrior, Feng's most celebrated ancestor Li Han wore a true warrior's robe and famously risked his life to support Master Oogway during the Great War. My master foresaw this garment and remembered his skilled peacock warrior, who once told Grandmaster Oogway that the robe could become a real meaning worthy of one of the royal bloodlines.
"A legend once spoke: Some warriors said the silk seemingly glows into darkness. Some masters said a robe enables a wielder's reflexible sense where that awareness can extinguish any enemy's creation of ambush. Some opposing bandits against the righteous peacock said a robe could repair the cuts, and spirit warrior called upon him to redeem a life after death. This robe has only a story to itself, and most witnesses rumors where their voices are meant to be true about the wielder's blue robe. This finest silk was given to me by a goat name Soothsayer who desired to deliver a peacock student to share. The mantle is yours now."
A summary was a story to believe what Li Han's garment could enhance. Lao seemingly questioned through his mind about a tale of his grandmaster Oogway. The Great War? Lao thought. What was Oogway and a noble peacock warrior joined aside against whom? I thought about two Generals in the war, the beast and the turtle. The young peacock sighted himself from the reflection of the blue robe. The feline beamed as if she noticed a perfect fit for Lao.
"This robe, master. It's majestic!" the image of a seeking peacock himself with a cobalt robe. "I love it."
"I know you do, son," Ming smirked, palming his peacock student's shoulder. "Every time I see you trained well enough, you have become worthy every day since you came here and met my sunzi, Lao. I know Xing watches you as brother-in-arms together, and you need a friend to look after you. You take good care of your silk, Lao. This robe is ancient."
Lao beckoned his nod before leading himself out of the Nine's Master's chamber. At first, his thought reflected the name of the elder goat.
"Master," Lao turned to his teacher, pondering about her companion. "How did the Soothsayer know me?"
"We both messaged ourselves a little while ago," explained Ming. "The goat and I are good friends, became wise to manifest anyone's future. She was a caretaker who looked after noble peafowls' son. Soothsayer and Shen were connected close for years until the prince's banishment. The peacock lord had returned after almost thirty years, and Soothsayer wanted to convince the peacock that he must change and be part of happiness. Within that moment, she'd lost someone the Soothsayer adored and looked after her loving son. For several years when I contacted her about Shen for an apology, Mali wished to know how everything else I'd been doing was genuine. Even then, I once notified her about my students, including you. My colleague strongly interests in seeing you one day, including my grandson and your sister, Lotus."
"And that box, master?" pointed Lao after gazing at a box covered up.
"It's confidential," Ming answered. "That crate will embark on revealing some other time."
Lao strolled out of the Shui Palace. His robe smoothed his whole body around his feathers. The peacock wondered about the ancestor warrior Li Han who wore this soft cloak and fought aside from Master Oogway centuries ago. Most Prosper Valley villagers saw Lao's newest silk that glossed into the blue sky.
Mommy, look at Lao's new robe! It's beautiful!
Wow! That's so beautiful! His cloth's color looks like the daylight sky!
Oh, my Oogway's blessing!
The peacock could see Hong supporting Ms. Yan, placing any clothing style in a sewing silk store, as his bunny companion waved at the peacock.
Ming and her grandson made out of their entrance as Lao reached out to Mrs. Yan and Hong for support. Xing wore a cobalt robe after he dried himself from bathing. Three students, Shou, Niu, and Zhao, sat on the Fighting Square as they bent their legs and straightened their backs, closing their eyes. The feline pondered to the talented student.
"How's Lao, my sunzi?" Ming asked her grandson.
Xing checked his peacock brother in the morning earlier as if he could not detect Lao's flustered mind or being humiliated after some hallucination haunted Lao's memory. "He seems better, Nana," Xing answered. "No sign of anguish memory for today."
Xing's belly went snarled. "Looks like I'm hungry. I need to eat something vigorous from a different valley," Xing reflected on his desirable sustenance. He looked over the roads and alleyways as if many stores and restaurants opened. "Where should I eat at?"
"Go to the east," Ming pointed. "There's one village where I met Shifu there in Jade Palace. There is a famous restaurant where I want you and your brother Lao to have lunch. A goose folk who cooks noodles, you both desire your newest appetite and will meet Dragon Warrior's family. The boatman will take you both there, and all you have to say to the boatman is to take you and Lao to head to Valley of Peace."
"Alright, Nana," smiled Xing. "We'll be back before sunset."
Xing pressed his soft lips to Ming's fluffy cheek; she blessed her grandson's forehead and embraced him. The feline reminded a good memory of her grandson, and the peacock student met their eyes for the first time while Xing and Lao sauntered over Prosper Valley road to the east, where a boatman rode a boat nearby stream rivers. Ming recalled both students in such a beginning. She surveyed a young peafowl ahead of her grandson before the feline communed to Lady Xia.
Year: 1189
A soft breeze blows through the midnight sky — decorated lanterns picture icons of Shui Palace. In a flowy hanfu of pink and blue, the peahen meets a striped feline in front of the Shui Palace entrance after Xia, including her peacock son Dongji in a cobalt robe, walks alone in the dark of Prosper Valley.
You journey across talking rivers and over high ridges to view Prosper Valley with several lights blinking and speaking with brilliant stars above the horizon. You take a night swim at the small lake about a half-mile from the north side of the bamboo and oak forest. The night that dazzles with the blue horizon is the essence of smooth and absolute, letting you stroll with your family ones to carry an orange lantern. This village has been guarded for centuries; as long as you walk with those you fond with care without getting lost in the woods and spot crocodile gang members who rob your yuans for trouble.
A small tiger in a pale blue top and black trousers encounters the average-size dummy, hailing his chi under his throat. He combines his Chi Sao blocks and deflects both arms, giving a lethal front kick toward the dummy's belly. SMACK!
The whispering wind pushes orange lanterns that hang above plants and structures across the sidewalk through Fighting Square. The dummy shatters its sturdy wood, and the small tiger raises his left ear, overhearing his grandmother's conversation with never-before-seeing peafowls, who both stand before Ming. The peahen palms her son's shoulders; her peafowl son moves his little head as if his eyes widen and look directly at the tiger cub strolling. The peacock grins at the tiger cub, who smirks with his keen fangs.
Later, both cub and chick sprint around the gray, flat arena as they play a game called "Tag You're It." They both giggle with joyous and fun voices as the albino peacock tries to reach his feathers toward his newest companion, who sprints on all fours. The young chick could not handle himself to catch up with his new friend, and both play different roles like "Hide and Seek."
The tiger cub checks on the young albino, panting loudly, bending his body forward. "Are you alright, friend?" The tiger cub asks worriedly.
"You're so fast, Xing! I'm tired of running," the prince sighs.
"Why don't you use your wings?" Xing points.
"I can't fly… My mama can," the prince perceives the cub to make a reason that chicks cannot soar at a young age. But instead of creating a sort of tiredness, the peacock gives a grim smirk and touches a cub without realizing a trickster.
"Tag! You're it!"
"Oh no, you don't! Come back here!" The tiger goes stunned and purrs while Xing dashes with four paws.
Both friendships are kind and preserve the unbroken and shall never separate that chick and cub are different forms that two of the younglings deserve a friend for their blood connection. No matter how hard the bird attempts to run and dodge the cub from getting snatched or tagged, Xing tackles him, and mothers Ming and Xia beam their cub and peacock child.
"Got you there, Dongji!" Xing chuffs after tackle.
Both chick and cub play with each other with giggling laughs, and they become best friends for life. For the next few months, the peacock and the cub meet when Xing's grandmother Ming keeps the lady and young prince in and enjoy their stay until one day, to find another safest house. Regarding the peahen's awareness, Ming discusses with the peahen that Lady Xia and her son must be safe from trouble. Sometimes, her grandson previously mentioned once about the boy's father, who was a loving parent. Confused by the fact that Xing wishes to know Xia's husband, the cub seals his word after his grandmother speaks to him, revealing Dongji's father has turned into a bitter parent. Discovering what peafowls bear their bloodline, the son carries the royal blood from his father and his grandparents. Xing and Ming keep Lady Xia's promise, sealing the truth from Dongji.
The following day introduces heavy rain, and the storm's hues drench to dark emerald. Xing finds the prince who struggles on the Fighting Square platform and makes his sprint for him. From mothers' eyes, racing toward the side as they watch in horror, Xing rescues the peacock and carries him into the Barrack despite the storm's white flashes popping. With the strength to hold Dongji, who is lighter, the prince's robes are heavily soaked and cold once they both infiltrate the palace. The cub finds towels from one of the storage chambers and helps him swathe with three towels, preventing water from pouring under the bird and his small train.
Dongji stutters, trembling his feathers once he clenches the towels. "I'm so cold. . ."
"You're okay. It's just the rain. Nothing will hurt you anymore," the tiger cub embraces the chick. The young peafowl notices how he feels a friendship hug by being rescued. The peacock hugs back to the cub, watching the pours outside as bamboo sticks flutter and swing from gale winds.
"Thank you, Xing. You're my best friend," the peacock says.
Xing releases a chick after being embraced. "I found a great name for you, Dongji. "Something that I shall call my brother while we stick together like always until the end."
"Cool! So what will you call me then, Xing?" Asks the young prince.
"I'm going to call you Lao. One of these Mandarin words references lǎo dà gē, meaning big brother. I shall stick to the first word of brother by naming you, Lao."
"Lao. Lao — That sounds better than my real name!"
Xing and Lao beam. Their limbs rise by bonding their arms simultaneously. "Brothers for life! Brothers to the end!"
II. (XI) My Sister
30 Minutes Later
From Shifu's advice, the feline did the right thing to meditate on inner peace, enabling several relieves to communicate with spiritual masters. Chen Ming remained peaceful as she sat on the mat in her room with multiple green candles, lightening the picture of Master Oogway in front of her. Ahead of her was promising to break her smile while swimming within the clouds of judgment, given the fact that she saw the old tortoise monk smile upon her each time.
The ocean of blossoms swarmed through her surroundings. Hissing foliage soared above, and Ming's eyes continuously close shortly after rustling flowers landed on glossing water. She gazed at the starlight of Spirit Realm: green, tangerine sunset, waving ocean. A mirage surface imaged a blurry form sauntering towards Ming. She peered at a blurry form, blossoms spread over light green-like wings. A shadow of an elder tortoise blocked the stars ahead of Ming, who chuckled.
Ming. My old friend.
Master Oogway. Her grin began to break, a blessing to see the spirit of her teacher, her best friend's educator, and the only Kung Fu creator who built compassion. Chen Ming poured one warm tear after the other; Oogway floated to her close, bent his arms over her, and she did the same, her forehead stroking his chest.
The gray shoji door knocked thrice, only to escape her meditation trance. A goose messenger who worked with Ming and the Nine in the Shui Palace stammered his surprise.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Master Ming," the goose pardoned.
"Kong," Ming suspected the goose servant who had infiltrated near the door accidentally. She rose, and the Nine's Messenger looked back with a genuine smile. "There's no need to apologize. I already finished meditating."
Chen Ming sniffed once, sweeping her tear. "What brings you here?"
"Right," he quickly nodded. Kong tapped his feathers ahead of him as if his legs went trembling. "I came today and received a new message."
She rolled her head once. "A new message?"
Kong nodded. "Yes," Kong nodded, beginning to clarify her without stammering. "A messenger from Jade Palace name Zeng came over a moment ago and sent his note to me that this letter is from Master Shifu."
Ming's paws trembled after she grabbed the letter from Kong. The feline opened a letter and read Shifu's note. Kong sometimes perceived how his master reacted on other days when either excellent or poor news followed. But, the Nine's Messenger read her expression carefully, which stretched her wrinkles around her eyebags. Ming widened her eyes. "They are coming."
"Dragon Warrior and Furious Five, Master Ming?" the goose guessed his suspicious tone.
"Not just them, Kong," Ming warned while strolling out of her meditation room, and Kong followed her. "The Emperor is on our way."
"Uh oh!"
Ming swam her eyes around Shui Palace. None of the heavyweight students of the Nine spawned at the Fighting Square; she heard a door shut from the Nine's Barrack. "Kong, call out to all four of the Nine," commanded Ming to the goose. "I'll handle the other three."
"What about Master Lao and your grandson?"
"I am certain they saw the Emperor's vessels. I hope…" Ming perceived strongly. "Call them, my dear. Tell them that the Emperor is coming and reach here as fast as possible, and Bao is at Xia's residence. Go!"
The red panda turned his head to the right when the Emperor's vessel motioned forward, breaking river water in front. "What a marvelous view, isn't it, Master Shifu?"
"Lovely stream," the red panda agreed. Shifu moved his head to the enormous Storming Ox. "How do you manage to spend along with Emperor, Master Ox?"
"As I told your Dragon Warrior student, Huangdi elected me to look after him while venturing through meetings across China," Master Ox elucidated, flattening his back against the bamboo chair and clasping his hooves. "Huangdi has a heart who watched me, Rhino, and Croc last time since we brawled at a small village, and the Emperor became an enormous fan. He educated me to detect Lords and Ladies over their temples, invest taxes for construction, and take a half price for food and all the people."
"That is good," Shifu hummed. "The robe you wear seems like Master Thundering Rhino's garment. Who gave you your elegant garment, Master Ox?"
Ox observed Shifu, who was pleased. His throat embraced, and he inhaled. "It was him," the bovine answered.
"Rhino?" Shifu determined.
The giant Ox nodded. "About a week before Shen's arrival," Storming Ox commenced. "Rhino, Croc, and I went to the Council's appointment inside the Sacred Flame Tower as we strolled on stairs to the 5th floor at the Library Chamber, where Meeting was around the back. That day was our friendship anniversary, so as my birthday, either Croc or Rhino had a better memory. We three sat at the meeting table and conversed with senators, including Huangdi. We pledged to accept their contract by allowing subjects to have houses and apartments to work in all Gongmen City districts.
"After we signed an arrangement, Rhino brought me folds of gray robe with a white garment wrapped with a red silk bow. Once I looked into his sharp eyes, he grinned and touched my shoulder. However I did, or we accomplished more glorious things in our early days, I made him proud."
"Wonderful," Shifu smiled as the red panda smoothed his chuckle.
"I remember him most of the weekends," Ox continued, palming his robe beside his leg when he gazed forward. "Last time children met Thundering Rhino was three days after our agreement. On dawn, that shaded light tangerine around the sky, many innocent eyes sprinted all over the courtyard and over bridges as we strolled with Mali, the Soothsayer. Few were in the water flow as the summer began yesterday, and we all laughed and enjoyed timing with them. I adore several as they called me a 'Gentle Giant Master.' I never expected the accident when a yak child accidentally bumped behind Rhino and fell on the water next to the bridge. I was almost frightened to see him drowning, but the water was not deep enough for him. Gods to be good.
"Many children swam with Rhino and saw his smile, last moments before they even promised to return to my brother for more fortune and entertainment," The red panda saw Master Ox hesitate as if within throat rose and eyes closed. "Then, one day, my heart was stopped when Shen shot his cannon at Rhino."
Shifu, including his students, contemplated the Storming Ox's remembrance; the loss of Thundering Rhino did rip those fonded of him, those who had his inspiration to keep them moving forward, never to give up faith. The red panda held his gentle grip on Ox's hoof he grasped. "The Masters of Jade Palace missed him so much." Shifu reflected amicably.
"So do I, Master Shifu," Ox nodded in his low, calming voice.
Sailboats sailed on the streaming river and traveled long enough to be about five miles away from Valley of Peace. Throughout the current, green shades of the jungle were merging with blends of lime leaves swimming among the sail, as Po could not close his mouth.
"Are we there yet?" insisted the bug, tapping his thingy beside Po's neck.
"Patience, Mantis," Tigress pacified Mantis. "The town is not far from here."
"Yeah," Crane agreed, standing beside Tigress and Monkey as Viper slithered on Po's legs. "Remember that our boat ride took a long to reach Gongmen City?"
"Oh, that one," the bug recalled. "That took forever except this one! Ain't that right—?"
While Mantis checked the panda, harsh snores from him made the insect gasp and see Po lay his head to the left. Why does Po faint?! Mantis thought to his stunning antennas.
"Somebody wake Po…" the bug covered his sinus from Po's sense of cookies and healthy teeth.
"Hey, look over there," the bird darted his large feathers at the wooden sailboat. "Is that a boatman from the Valley of Peace?"
The Five scanned the sailboat drift across the curve river. "Yeah, that looks like the goose from our home. Chang Liu's vessel." Monkey brushed under his jaw. "I think he sailed from the Prosper Valley, I think?"
Beside Monkey, Tigress peered close to the brown riverboat. A brown goose mounted his ropes beside the mast. Her sight caught a person who glossed orange fur, robing a blue garment. Someone is riding on the boat with the boatman. They didn't see the Emperor's ship. Tigress thought. She sharpened the scene of the boatman and an unknown villager grasping large ropes as her eyes missed the subject's face, nor what a villager looked like. The villager wears a subtle azure garment. I have rarely seen any master or villager dressed in blue around China. Who is that?
"You look suspicious, Tigress," Crane's voice intervened in her gaze. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," she nodded. "This river seems such grace."
Tigress nearly felt the light presence that sang and whispered in Tigress's ears. Nevertheless, the subject of Chang Lin's junk had the same fur and was almost hard to miss to match her kind, as she revealed others like her from her adoptive father, Shifu. Only the aunt and grandson, occupying somewhere in the west, were closer to expect a family reunion. By coming to her attention, Tigress bore several questions, which she caged her feeling after seeing Viper's father make his daughter proud, two of Po's fathers encouraging their son. Could her aunt be proud of Tigress, alive and well?
Her forgiving moment was when she lived in Jade Palace and journeyed across China. Masters of Jade Palace were her family. One of them was her faithful companion, the closest, yet always a terrible liar, who inspired them and her.
The Dragon Warrior, in unconscious sleep, mumbled. "Dumplings... I'm home."
Many laughed, but Shifu, Ox, and Emperor Huangdi offered chuckles.
Moments later, junk vessels continued drifting to the western stream once the Emperor, including Shifu, witnessed colorful, bright streams. The Furious Five kept their speculations on vivid paths, dazzled with velvet green foliage, deepened into the bamboo forest. On a signboard, Shifu spotted "Welcome to Prosper Valley," Shifu woke his panda student, the worst part, by signaling a loud gong to snap him from a deep sleep.
The panda snorted annoyingly.
"Are we there yet?" Po asked while sleeping with closed eyes.
"You see?! Po's not the only one who asked!" Mantis burned his tiny throat.
"Almost…" Crane stretched his long neck to the left side, yawning.
Multiple farmers on a meadow beside a stream gazed at the approaching junk vessels and respectfully bowed when they saw Emperor Huangdi on the front of the boat. The starlight glanced at the panda's eyelids; Po wobbled his head, and a flash woke him. A little movement of streamside, many steep hills and mountains imaged hundreds of houses and apartments over vast, landscaped grounds. Guilin's outskirt of the Valley of Peace unveiled their village's neighborhood townsfolk: the Prosper Valley.
"WHOA!" the panda gaped loudly.
The Dragon Warrior, Furious Five, and Master Shifu had never seen any of this village of Prosper Valley. First, however, the acres of green land farmed with thousands of fruits perching under the dirt. The sky once blew with a blue horizon, and as the Masters craned their heads at many familiar houses and apartments — nearly much twice the size of the Valley of Peace. Secondly, hundreds of path roads and cleared streams for vessels to travel faster.
"This is amazing!" Po beamed, embracing the wooden pole to the right side. Over a hundred village houses lined elsewhere as the enormous green forest cliff towered that poured with two waterfalls. "That's a big village!"
"I'm amazed how this village expands largely," Shifu pondered.
"A lot of farmhouses!" Crane observed in delight.
"That's so wicked!" Mantis stunned.
"Free bananas!" Monkey exclaims, bounding his feet and tapping his head. "Free hangouts!"
The goose flew above the Prosper Valley, seeking five vessels on a large stream that had arrived just now. Kong could not see a brown boat. The Nine's servant suspected Lao and Xing did not return nor notice the Emperor's arrival.
"Do you have any confirmation of Lao and Xing?" asked the feline ahead of the goose servant.
"No, Master Ming," Kong shook. "I assume they didn't see Emperor Huangdi and Masters of Jade Palace."
"Very well, Kong," nodded Ming. "As soon as Huangdi comes, we will route them to display our belongings and rare sculptures from legendary warriors to buy us some time. After ten minutes, once Shou starts his demonstration, find Lao and Xing in the Valley of Peace. If you spot my students somewhere there, tell them that Emperor Huangdi is here with Masters of Jade Palace."
"Yes, Master Ming."
Seven of the Nine focused their Chi Sao training on Ming's order. The feline strolled back and forth, expecting the arrival of Emperor Huangdi, including her oldest friend, whom she had known Shifu for many years. Ming remained calm despite being anxious inside her feeling when the feline focused on seven of the Nine practicing Chi Sao blocks.
Eight warriors, most villagers, and followers strolled on the road of Prosper Valley. Emperor Huangdi surveyed a wall covered in blue bricks, which decorated a sign of Chi Sao forms, entitling students' names on the large door. A yin-yang, crafted with water and cloud forms, titled student members "Fellowship of the Nine," and top above the door Huangdi, and so the rest of these people read the name of the temple "Shui Palace."
My grandfather's great-grandfather would have loved to see essentials, and this is where I will experience what I have never seen.
After clearing his throat, the water buffalo raised his hoof and tapped the gate.
The Nine's Master heard the gate knocking thrice, the introduction of Emperor Huangdi's presence.
All students of the Nine concluded their circular bridges of Chi Sao. "They are here. Form up," ordered Ming to seven of the Nine.
All seven lined themselves on the flat square as Ming instructed Kong and geese servants to invite several guests to the courtyard temple. Everyone sauntered through and observed this hardcore palace bearing this training arena to Po's mind. This panda was too excited, for the gods' sake! He could not subside his enthusiastic behavior when the Furious Five saw the Nine bowing the Emperor before his presence. Not long after all seven respected the buffalo, greeting him dearly, Tigress spotted the Nine's Master for the first time, drenching her cold heart and spine.
The Furious Five inspected one of the Nine members — a robust gray yak with a short brown mane. Ever since the desert was sometimes haunting in the rarest glimpse within the dream, the bug remembered an abandoned ship with rented sails perched in the middle of nowhere where Mantis, Crane, and other three masters, Bear, Chicken, and Croc, once infiltrated the junk ten years ago.
"Please tell me that's not Kai," a solemn Mantis pointed the yak to Monkey.
"Nope," Monkey disagreed while sauntering. "The yak looks familiar, but a different look and not-so-glowing jombie eyes."
"Yeah, I get that," the bug discerned. Next, Mantis pondered to all seven students. Only two were not appearing. "And where's the other two?"
"I thought there were nine students. They are only seven of them," Viper considered. "Look, Tigress. That student over there looks beautiful wearing her qipao!"
Tigress scanned her amber eyes to all seven students of the Nine standing forward and clasping their hands on the Fighting Square. She glimpsed to the right as if Tigress noticed low to high-rank sashes by the left and right in her point of view. The Five's alpha peered she-wolf's sky blue qipao with green foliage and pink lotus flower next to Lotus's breast.
The wolf student is exquisite.
The water buffalo approached the Fighting Square as Ming, in front of the Nine, bowed to him. "Emperor Huangdi," the Nine's Master summoned the Emperor's title ahead of Huangdi. "Welcome to Shui Palace. I am Master Chen Ming, the Nine's Instructor. A true warrior of Muy Tan Huang's Wing Chun student of martial arts."
"Greetings, Master Ming," Huangdi addressed with a nod. "I am honored to please you. M grandfather's great-grandfather was a Wing Chun master with Master Oogway. I accept your greetings."
Ming bent her head. "The honor is mine, my Emperor," she began after nodding. "In two minutes, your Grace, I shall allow you and your followers to show you my rarest sculptures, including my students' history, and we will begin our demonstration in about ten minutes."
The Emperor nodded. The water buffalo sauntered on the front of the square as Huangdi foresees the seven students of the Nine.
"Hello, sister," a smooth voice echoed behind Ming.
Ming turned to the Masters of Jade Palace, gathering together. Look how old and attractive she is! Po sparkled his eyes. The panda heard many exciting murmurs in front of the Five. None from his left side, Tigress's body, were not motioning that Tigress's eyes met the Nine's Master. Her healthy heart ascended as if she hesitated her thoughts and mumbled silently.
Ming chuckled and shook Shifu's paws. "Same look and shawl," the feline chuckled.
"Oh! So as yours," Shifu pointed to Ming's cobalt silk garment uniform with his pupils growing wide. The red panda was delighted as he embarked. "Ming. I am truly honored to greet you here. I like to introduce the Dragon Warrior. Po. Master Oogway's successor."
The panda stood forward with his heart thumping and feet tapping, shaking the feline's paw. "WHOA!" Po beamed. "You look gorgeous, Master!"
"Pleasure to meet you, Dragon Warrior," Ming greeted the panda after they finished shaking their paws. "You look handsome."
Shifu gestured beside the Dragon Warrior. "And here I introduce the Furious Five: This is Crane," the red panda pointed at the avian, and so the rest of his students, "Viper, Monkey, Mantis, and here, this is Tigress."
Ming opened her surprised mouth. "I know all the names," Ming beamed and gracefully approached them. She inspected one member and the next, with every form of the Five. "Tall and big wings," Ming examined the avian, motioning Crane's wings. "He has the potential of balance and defense." Crane shaded his red cheek, chuckling nervously.
Next to Crane, a she-reptile showed no sharp teeth. The old feline buzzed her throat. "Hmm. Lovely — No arms, but she has exquisite dexterity."
"Woopsie," Viper gave a quick grin with her blessing hiss, making Chen Ming chuckle.
The Nine's Master scanned Monkey first. She spotted a green insect on Monkey's shoulder who gasped and crawled. "Small…"
Monkey burst his laugh and covered his pie hole. Yeah, thanks a lot, Monkey. Mantis suppressed his chuckle. Ming continued. "The insect has the capability of rapid succession that his strength is substantial."
She now inspected Monkey. "Four quick hands. Monkey fits intermediate forms of agility and comedic personality; my neighbor mentioned your student before, Shifu." Ming continued as she noticed Monkey holding his laughable breath.
Shifu quickly grinned at his nervous students. The red panda balanced his vision toward his adoptive daughter, who witnessed and met the tiger's eyes. Ming stood in front of Tigress in silence. For a moment, their presence reunited two felines as several people in China mentioned all Tigers were long gone, and Tigress was the only one who could be the last sole survivor, a marvelous creature.
Ming immediately recalled the exact form of a tiger with the same height, facial fur, and regular orange and black furs.
Autumn leaves fall. Kites soar across the silver sky. Cubs and tigers sprint to a joyous playground near cherry blossom trees. In a blue shawl and brown kimono, the young feline meets her sister — a charming form of tiger kin with amber eyes. Yōuměi, meaning 'graceful,' Ming foresees her, including a husband sauntering with sunflowers — orange silk with a cerulean sash and black trousers. Yōuměi paws over a sunflower pot to Ming's son Shuǐ near a wooden house with an upward tile roof that is covered with pale snow, and both sisters, including Yōuměi's husband, beam their smiles.
"Unstoppable paws. Your student has a ferocity and a gentle heart," the Nine's Master detailed Tigress after recalling Ming's sister. A Furious Five Leader believed this cunning feline described her as strength and control. Ming stroked Tigress's claw. "Hello, Tigress. You may know me, perhaps. I am Chen Ming. Your mother's sister."
Tigress could not move her lips after her old aunt's paw patted hers. Ming's soft voice grew. "Oh, my sweet child. You have the same enchanting look, just like your mother's," Ming glanced at her more from Tigress's feet to head, wondrously stunning. "One day, I will explain to you about your endearing parents."
"You have seven students, Ming," Shifu said. "Where are your grandson and your clever student?"
"Xing and Lao are on their way," Ming answered after caressing Tigress's paw. "They are somewhere riding on a vessel, returning as soon as possible. Your students can sit on these chairs next to Emperor Huangdi."
The seven of Nine remained still on a fighting square. Ming allowed her students to continue their Chi Sao practice as the Furious Five observed them briefly. The Five and the Dragon Warrior strode across the sidewalk near the audience platform. Tigress revolved her head back; Ming stopped her amble. The feline couldn't stop gazing at the most gorgeous, lethal, and innocent student's eyes as her heart ascended and wobbled her eyes.
Shifu looked up beside Ming. "Ming? Are you okay?" Shifu asked worriedly, clasping his sister's left paw.
Shifu peered at her watery eyes, pouring on her cheeks. "Oogway's blessings," she wept, sniffing. "Our daughter is just like my sister."
Author's Note:
And thank you for reading followers! The ending part felt emotional to glimpse my OC Ming reflecting her sister like Tigress. What are your thoughts on this piece?! Review!
