Fara is seen seating on his throne waiting for Fo Ping, he arrives.
"Your highness!" he said as he bows.
"You don't have to do that Fo, this is battle time," Fara said.
"So, I summoned you, because I want you and the other generals to prepare Wong Su soldiers for battle," he said as he looks steadfastly at Fo.
"I know we don't stand a chance, but fight we must," he said while rubbing the leather arm of his chair.
"Your highness, I will summon them immediately for recruitment and drafting would be done as well to increase the numbers," Fo said.
"Fara, has Riro made up his mind yet? I know he will make a fine fighter someday," Fo inquired.
"No, for now I think he is satisfied in the company of Bomra and his companions in their usually quest for danger and sports," he replied as both men laughed.
"You know, I think Riro is in love with your daughter but he is going about it the wrong way, coming off as a showoff," they both laughed.
"I guess drafting him won't teach him the way to a woman's heart," Fo said while walking to exit.
"Your highness – it will commence immediately." He said as he leaves the palace.
***************************************************
Shouts of gallantry were seen at an open field at the heart of Wong Su dynasty. As soldiers and drafts file before their commanding officers. Fo Ping and other generals came to the parade to give morale to the drafts.
"Good morning, Elites of Wong Su dynasty, today we would be preparing for battle against Za Ming's invincible troops, they fight like demons, walk like the wind and strikes as swift as lightning. Bu we (paused), we would be fighting for what we love and hold dear; mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, farmlands, territory and above all – our honour. So I besiege all men, take this as a call to stand for the victory of Wong Su. For Wong Su!" he shouted while raising his sword up.
"Our life, our blood and our hearts," a thunderous echo resounded.
"So carry on," Fo said as he and the other generals inspected each soldier.
***************************************************
Riro and his companions were in the woods having a good time, with him lying underneath an oak tree, Egret Chan and Bomra were laughing together at some foot away, Donnie Chow and Koala Woo were playing the banjo and singing a soulful song to its rhythm while Lee Wong was sitting close to the fire, warming his hands.
"Guys, I think it's time we join Wong Su army, or what do you think?" he asked.
"You know Riro, you sure know when to pass information," Bomra said in a condescending manner.
"You know, Riro is right, I have been dreaming about us in those shining armour, as protectors of Wong Su," Donnie said.
"For the first time in your entire life – Donkey, this is the only time you made a right choice," Koala retorted. Everyone burst out laughing.
"Oh! I know. Coming from a midget that looks like teddy with grey hairs, I am not surprised." Donnie jeered back.
"Stop it you two! I think we should take this opportunity as a call to join forces with Wong Su soldiers in putting an end to the invasion from Qing dynasty," said Egret Chan.
"So Lee, what do you say?" asked Riro.
"It's a good idea," he said while smiling back at the others.
At that instant, they circled round Donnie Chow and Koala Woo with both starting a hand to hand combat. Riro and Bomra eyes locked and he froze, when he got himself, he shouted;
"To Wong Su!"
"To Wong Su!" retorted by all. Last to resound was Koala Woo whose head has been locked underneath Donnie's armpit with him gasping for breath.
**********************************************
Two years after Riro and the furious five's decision to join Wong Su army, Riro and the furious five is seen walking to the general's camp.
"I want to see General Fo," Riro told a guard at the door.
"Wait here," the guard went inside and came back.
"Okay, he expects you." The guard replied. As they all wanted to go in;
"No – No. Not all of you, only Riro." He said while restricting the others.
As Riro walked into the camp, he saw pictures of Fo and his father, swords, and the general's armoury.
"The good old days," said Fo.
"So what brings you to me? Riro."
"General!" Riro salutes.
"From previous occurrence, the barbarians always attack before Za's invincible, and news of barbarians locking around our borders is evident. So I suggest we attack the barbarians, so that we won't be caught off-guard." Riro said in a stoic stance.
"Good idea, I will order you and the five to lead the troop that will undertake this mission." General fo replied.
"So, is that all?"
"That is all, Sir!"
"May the wind favour you – son."
Riro salutes and leaves the presence of General Fo.
*****************************************
At the borders of Wong Su, the barbarians were camped with Tang Wai giving instructions on their plan to invade Wong Su the next day.
As he was still speaking, Wong Su army, attacked.
Then battle ensued with both troops fighting. Wong Su soldiers were winning the battle and Riro was their fiercest soldier, with him cutting down the barbarians with ease. So Tang Wai spotted him and sneaked behind Riro, who was busy fighting other barbarians; Tang was about to smash Riro with his metal club, Bomra saved him and fight ensued between Tang Wai and Bomra. Riro quickly picked himself up and they both started fighting Tang Wai, in the duel, Tang Wai's left arm was chopped off and he fled wounded.
With Tang Wai fleeing, the other barbarians fled too with Wong Su defeating the barbarians and chasing them deep into the mount of Doom and Death.
****************************************
Riro and his troops returned to Wong Su with great admiration and celebration, a grand reception erupted to welcome them home. As the fun was going on, Riro took the opportunity to have a walk with Bomra Ping.
"You saved my life today, thanks." He said.
"Is this truly coming from you?" she asked in amazement.
"Or is the wine making you modest?" Bomra jibed.
"I am dead serious; dying by the blow of Tang Wai would have been the case, if not for you." He said while exhaling.
"Ok. That's what friends are for." She said in a shy manner.
"You know Bomra, I have been feeling kind of… I don't know how to say it. I think I am in love with you, the way I feel for you is something I can't explain, each time we lock eyes, hold hands; I feel the world." He paused.
Bomra Ping stared into Riro's eyes, lost in the sound of his words and at that moment, Riro pulled her to himself and kissed her passionately.
"I love you too." She responded as they freed.
Egret Chan's voice was heard from afar calling for Bomra.
"We better return to the others before they start getting worried." Riro said.
*********************************************
The queen Kara was sitting at the entrance of the threshing field with some maids, when Riro entered.
"Mother, you sent for me?" he asked.
"Oh! Yes, my son, help me with that trunk of grain." Kara requested.
"Here! Mum, why bother? You have maids to attend to such chores." Riro reprimanded.
Kara cast a slow glance at him;
"Yes, my son, but hard times require all to act as equal, you know," she smiled while plucking the branches of grains from the trunk.
"Riro, I called you because I know in your heart you are brave, but with less care, but true greatness does not depend only on gallantry but on selfless decision taking; you must learn to feel for the least and insignificant as though they matter. But in truth, they do." She said while placing her hands on Riro's right shoulder.
"But mum I don't understand the meaning of what you are saying." Riro responded.
"Soon you would, in moments of deep illusion, always remember; the beauty of a united china, with all the dynasties working together as a single unit and keep in mind that it takes one to unite the whole;"
"Battle should only be embarked upon, only when there is no other way, that love and forgiveness conquers faster than thousands bloodshed of opponents in the heat of battle." She said with a soothing tone.
"Mum, so you believe china would someday be united again? Riro asked with inquisitive eyes.
"Yes, soon when the one comes."
"You mean another Dragon warrior other than Za?"
"Yes, my boy."
"Now tell me, how is your Bomra? I know you are fond of her." She giggled.
"Mum! She is just a friend that's all," Riro protested juvenilely.
"I can see love in your eyes. A woman knows love when she sees one; she is a good girl, I know, you two would make a good couple you know," she teased on.
"Mum, we want to take things slow."
"Aha!" she laughed with Riro.
"Sometimes, I forget that you are now a soldier with victories, I still treat you like a young chap, and of course you are a young chap, but war times have taken so much from us." She becomes gloomy.
"Come, my son! I am so proud of you." She beckoned as herself and Riro embraced.
****************************************
Fara and Riro are seen walking along a citrus field;
"You know son, a month from now, would be the twentieth year since the last invasion?" Fara inquired.
"Yes father and also the beginning of another." RIro chipped in solemnly.
"Son, it's time for me to tell you the truth about your uncle Rigo Long Chin." He paused.
"You mean Asco De Rigo?"
"Yes!" Fara smiled.
"Long time ago, china was united as one under the rule of seers and Dragon warriors, the most famous of the seers was Oogway, who chose Po Ming as the first dragon warrior; one who mastered the six ancient Dragon scrolls and self. The next was Lee Ming, who was the father of Za Ming.
During the reign of the Dragon warriors china was feared by the whole world. But the Portuguese invaded Macau and captured it after the death of Lee Ming; on the night of the selection of the new dragon warrior.
Rigo Long Chin and Za Ming were the two primed candidates. Za Ming was the fiercest, he mastered the six ancient Dragon scrolls and was swift but he couldn't master himself – his temperament, ego or emotions, While Rigo mastered the scrolls and himself. So Za knew he wouldn't be chosen, he thus asked Rigo that they and the elite fighters of china should ensure total freedom of china before any ceremonial event. So china prepared for battle and deferred the day for the conferment of the dragon warrior.
The Portuguese picked the battle ground called Asco De Rio – north of the Mexican borders. Rigo, Za, Myself, Fo and all elite fighters fought on the side of china against the Portuguese and we were victorious, Rigo was our prized battle hero, for he slay the Portuguese in their thousands with his sword.
The host of china's soldier celebrated him and china's victory in liberating Macau. On returning home on the mountain of snow now called Mountain of Death and Doom, we were attacked by Barbarians, at the battle with the Barbarians, Rigo fell to their arrows. The Barbarians were driven aback. But the damage has already been done, on returning to the capital; seer Wu rejected Za Ming as the dragon warrior and prophesied that the true dragon warrior would be from the line of Rigo Long Chin. This made Za furious, he ordered for his execution and Wu fled china and hid in the mountains. In the meantime, Za selected Fo Shan Ga as the new seer, who crowned him as the dragon warrior and made a decree that no other clan would produce the Dragon warrior except the Panda clan.
This was refuted by the other two elite clans; that led to china splitting into three dynasties, but as time went on, Ching and Qing dynasties joined forces and constantly attacked Wong Su dynasty every twenty years, the age of Rigo Long Chin at his death." He paused.
"Son, I want you to go and find Wu, he is beyond the mountains of Doom and Death; now the domain of Barbarians, he is the only one that can put an end to this." Fara pleaded with his son.
"I know it is dangerous, but if you my son are the Dragon warrior, you can unite china and bring back peace, but if you remain here, there is nothing left here but death and starvation." Fara admonished Riro.
Riro stood agape staring at his father; after a long stare, he embraced his father and wept on his shoulders.
At the cantonment in Wong Su, fortified with sacks of sand and pebbles stood a tent at the rear of the open field, the dwelling of General Fo. General Fo was sitting on an embroidered chair while Bomra sat close-up to him on a stool.
"Soon, Wong Su would be going to war against Za Ming's invincible, an army before whom the stoutest of hearts among my soldiers cowers before," he said while holding Bomra hands.
"You my daughter and a young woman, I think should be exempted, you have shown great bravery beyond your age by going to war against the barbarians, I think it's best you return home now to your mother." Fo said with a hazy tone.
"Dad, I know that I belong here among the ranks of Wong Su soldiers, returning home won't save me either – You know that, right?"
"Da-ad! I know you are scared of me being hurt; I promise that I would be fine." She said while standing and rubbing Fo's shoulder.
"Ok! Promise me you would?"
"Dad, I promise." Bomra retorted while hugging and kissing Fo playfully on the cheek. With that, she saluted Fo, and left the room.
**********************************************
Fara is seen seating on his throne discussing with Kara when General Fo entered.
"Greetings my king and my queen!" he said bowing down.
"Come on, save the pleasantries, my friend." Fara said in protest.
"You sent for me, my king?"
"Yes!" replied Fara. At that instant Kara robbed the hands of Fara while looking into his eyes solemnly as she left the two men.
"Extend my greetings to Woo!" she said as she walked past Fo.
"Yes, my queen!"
"So – My friend, any news?"
"Yes, Za Ming's invincible won't be attacking through Lang Bridge this time, our sources says they would be attacking through the west." Fo paused.
"The wilderness of Gol?" Fara reasoned.
"That's odd!"
"Yes, but we won't be taking any chances, so I stationed some men at the base of Gol and at the shore of river Lang." Fo said while pushing chess pieces along the map depicting the regions.
Both men stared at the maps for sometime in solitude. Then Fara spoke up;
"I have told Riro the truth," Fara said while looking into the eyes of Fo wearingly.
"And he would be departing Wong Su, in a fortnight,"
Fo just exhaled and touched the shoulders of fara.
"I pray that the god's guide him safely to Wu when he departs."
Fo and Fara stared at each other for some time and then continued discussing about the plan using the map on the table.
*****************************************
At the palace, sounds of clasped swords and shouts of exertion were held from a court, with opened top.
There Kara and Woo were engaging in a Wu Shu contest. Both women seemed equally matched, as the contest wore on, they both disarmed one another's weapon; which was stuck to a column in the court. Then a hand to hand combat ensued, with Kara using the ancient Shadow-less kick move to defeat Woo. After that, the women went to clean-up themselves.
"You know, you never lost any of your old tricks?" Woo said shyly while hitting Kara on her buttocks.
"And you too, still hold on to the notion that the best offense is defense. You never change girl!" Kara laughed while trying to turn on the tap.
"You know soon, Wong Su would be going to war and we won't be able to help." She said while wiping her face with a towel.
"Still holding on to our girlish dreams of fighting in battle? Come on, we are mothers now and there is nothing we can do except pray for our soldiers to be victorious this time, at least our girl is not taking the same path as we did." Woo said as both women giggled.
"She is such a brave girl!"
"Riro's attention is not easy to come by you know?" Woo said as she winked at Kara.
"Oh, you noticed too, those two are one of a kind lovebird." Kara said as she brushed her long blonde hairs off her face.
Both women continued chattering as their voices faded away in the tone of harp and flute played by the palace minstrel.
***********************************************
The furious five was in the woods having fun with an unusual game, in which two contestant eyes would be closed as they are asked to climb a big tree with slippery trunk. It was the turn of Koala and Lee.
Both ran to the tree and started trying various techniques to climb but after little success slipped back to the base with laughter and cheering from Egret, Bomra and Donnie.
At that instant Riro walked in; he joined in the fun. This time Koala became primed at climbing. As he was going up the tree with Lee hearing the cheers and shout of "Koala!" he become frustrated and removed his blindfold only to see Koala on the penultimate branch, so he picked a pebble and threw it at Koala; which hit him on the head and made him to lose balance and he slipped back to the base with all roaring with laughter. Koala stood up and rushed towards Lee and was held back by Riro.
"He is a cheat!" Koala protested.
"I know." Riro responded with a grin."
"Guys, I have something to tell you!"
"Ok! What is it?" Bomra inquired as she patted Koala on his back.
"I would be leaving Wong Su in a fortnight,"
"Why?" resounded by the furious five.
Riro narrated the reason behind his decisions to the furious five.
"You mean you want to back out now?" asked Bomra rather pissed off.
"And also, going through the mountain of death and doom is a suicide mission." retorted Egret.
Riro was unable to give any response to their questions as he stood.
"So guys, are you coming with me?"
The group was silent, with all looking at Riro rather perplexed. So Lee Wong spoke up;
"Sorry Riro, I am staying at Wong Su."
"Same."
"Same."
"Same."
Bomra walked up to Riro, held his hand and said;
"I wish I could come, but I am staying at Wong Su – good luck!" she said as herself and the others left Riro in the woods.
****************************************
At the central cantonment in Wong Su, at an open field, Riro is seen practicing the wonder paw move of ancient Tai-chi. With leaves rustling and swirls of air maneuvered in his palm, he was about smashing a punching bag, when he saw the furious five coming through the improvised doorway of sacks and pebbles.
"Hi," Bomra waved at him.
"Hello!" this time he unties the swaddling around his palm and sat on a hip high sack.
"Haven't seen you around for four days, so how are you doing?"
"Cool, just practicing for my big day."
"You know you can't take on the barbarians alone?"
"At least I would try, that is my only chance at seeing Wu,"
"Riro! You know this is suicide?" Lee said while peering into Riro's eyes.
At this moment Riro was done packing up his things and he strapped his bag on his shoulders and was about leaving.
"Hey! Riro we won't stand by and watch you take on this mission alone, so we have decided to come and tell you that we are in." said Egret.
"Remember we fight together – we die together!" shouted Donnie.
Then Riro laughed and hugged each one of them. Last was Bomra, who brushed him aside, Riro started chasing her while the others laughed and chased along.
*************************************************
At midnight, Riro is seen waiting underneath an oak tree. He was getting nervous when he heard footsteps close by;
"Who is there?" he inquired while pulling out his knife.
"It's us!" echoed in unison.
He saw Egret, Koala, Lee and Donnie emerging from the bush.
"Where is Bomra?" he inquired as he darted his eyes around them.
"She is coming. Wanted to take care of some things first." replied Egret.
"Like Mummy's permission?" inquired Donnie.
Others burst out laughing, excluding Egret who feigned no sign of remorse.
About some minutes later, as Riro was about explaining the plan of the mission, Bomra arrived.
"Sorry guys! I am here now." She said in a cheerful manner.
"You brought it?" Riro asked.
"Yes, of course," Bomra pulled a scroll out of her bag and opened it, Riro and all circled round the map and Riro continued with the drill as the others listened. The sound of their voices faded with the melodious whistles of the night.
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