Here's Chapter 3. I had a blast with this one. :D Pole is pronounced Pole-ay in my story. If you're new to Hidden Kingdom, you can check out the intro, synopsis and full characters on Chapter 1. Thanks so much!


CHAPTER 3: To Kidnap A Crown Princess

Beneath the forest canopy lies a little wooden shack by a tree covered with brown leaves. At first glimpse, it doesn't look special at all. But the view inside gives off a cozy, spacious place. A mini pool can be found at one corner with an umbrella made of leaves, adding a whimsical touch to the space.

A male light brown hippo is fast asleep by the pool. Everything is serene until a rubber duck gets randomly squeezed by an annoyed male superb starling bird with metallic green feathers who uses it as an alarm to wake him up.

"Wakey wakey eggs and bakey! Hey, Pole! Wake up, you sleepyhead! You've been napping since noon, pal, and you very well know what time it is!" The superb starling puts on his most animated face as he tries to get his friend to wake up and be excited about their plan.

But Pole the hippo remains asleep. The superb starling comes up with another tactic. A disco tune blasts in the background, and he grooves along like a showbird.

Pole finally turns to face his winged friend... with his eyes wide shut. He appears to be undisturbed and unaffected. "Great playlist, Taki. You're a fine DJ." He immediately returns to his sleep.

Taki starts to get irritated. "Alright. That's enough. Pole, you gotta get up now, and I mean what I say."

Pole still savors his sleep and hums a silly melody.

Taki screams in Pole's ears, attempting to get his attention one last time. "I said I mean what I say!"

At last, Pole jumps in surprise. "Oh yes! Say! Yeah! Say what?" He asks with a look of utter confusion.

"Huh. You're such a big baby. Never mind. I was just reminding you of our big gig for the night." Taki returns to his chipper self.

"The flamingo fever? But that's not 'til tomorrow."

"No! Not our jungle bar night. That other big gig."

"Ah yes!" Pole suddenly remembers.

"To kidnap the crown princess of the Pride Lands!" They both speak in unison and have a big laugh about it.

Taki continues. "And what a perfectly splendid time it is! A little birdie told me King Simba's daughter is celebrating her birthday in public. That makes it easier for us to sneak in. Haha! Tonight we strike!"

"Wahoo! Let's roll!" Pole chimes in.

"Now we're talkin'. Let's give Madame Becia what she wants. Maybe she'll let us run a bigger bar."

Both of them are about to make their way out when a young female cuckoo bird arrives at the entrance. Taki and Pole stare at her in confusion.

"Do we have an appointment, miss?" Taki asks.

"Oh, hi. I just heard you both are holding new auditions for your jungle bar. Maybe I can sing to you in private?" The cuckoo speaks with enthusiasm.

"Of course!" Pole responds at the same time Taki says "No".

"I'm sorry, sweetling. I would loveee to have a lady bird accompany me for the night. But we only do auditions at daytime. At our bar. So come back another day, okay? Bye-bye, baby." Taki rushes her out.

Once the cuckoo is out of sight, Pole dashes off the shack in high speed with Taki flying above him. Both are ready to complete their mission that Becia has sent them to do.