Standing on its rear feet, the Rabbit feels his stomach rumble. What an incredible feast of colors, smells and noises. Its nostrils now seem too small to take in all these flavors, its mouth too tiny to taste all these foods. He halts, unable to get his feet going, with a mind too dazzled to take another step. His heart seems unable to beat any faster, yet it does as the hairy animal approaches the great Palace. If the city of Xingfu could not exist but in a dream, or so it seems to the young messenger, the great Palace is equal to heaven, but on earth. Surrounded by the tallest walls Rabbit has ever seen -and being a messenger he has seen quite a deal- the Palace stands so tall you can barely see the top if you're standing too close. Seven red flags wave proudly, one of the many decorations on the seemingly endless wall. Rabbit halts close to the entrance. The image of two peacocks, with long golden tails is carved on the extremely large gate. Two enormous gorillas block his way, with strict frowns upon their dark faces. Rabbit slowly lifts his week and tiresome paw and shows the letter, signed by Masters Croc and Ox themselves, which will allow him to enter the Palace. The gorillas eye the letter suspiciously, but suspicion gives its place to a kind smile, as their huge hairy arms hold the gates open.

All of sudden, the dazzling noise fades as the two guards escort the messenger inside the Palace garden. The city odor gives its place to the intense scent of peaches and cherries, all grown on the garden trees which seem to cover most of the seemingly infinite garden. Something awakes inside the rabbit within this garden. Maybe its the thick flora, or the peaceful sound of water flowing from a small artificial waterfall into a pond full of goldfish. Whatever it is, Rabbit feels relaxed and safe. He guesses it's only natural to feel this way, for this garden was built by the famous Lord Yun, who lives in this Palace along with his family. Having been the governor of Xingfu for the last fifty years, Lord Yun had grown tired of intervening with inside politics, giving his only daughter, Princess Fei, the chance to practice her skills as a steward. And she had been doing an excellent job, as she was energetic, positive and ambitious by nature. But most of all, Fei was a dreamer, one that would come up with creative and original ideas on a daily basis. What is more, if it wasn't for those aspects of her character, Rabbit wouldn't be in the great Palace today, baring a message that would change Fei's life forever.

With the fall of Lord Shen, came uncertainty and fear upon the citizens of Gogmem that the council of the masters, once responsible for the city, would not be able to protect her from future threats. The fact that the city was not saved by them -and if it wasn't for the Warrior of Black and White it would not ever have been at all- triggered unrest between the citizens of Gogmem. Then there was the matter of prosperity. The city they would once envy for its colors and fests, was now a group of dark buildings and even darker, miserable citizens. So the council had decided to call Princess Fei, whose skill and creativity was well-known and whose father was a dear friend of the Shen's father.

Rabbit squeezed the metal cylinder, which contained a letter directly for the princess, signed by Masters Croc and Ox. The Palace entrance was already open, a sign that the Lord would always welcome citizens to his home and was always willing to hear and help them. Much to his surprise, Rabbit saw no guards in the main hall, where the bottom of a stairway with approximately five thousand continuous stairs begun. The guards left him continue his journey alone, and so he did, climbing the stairs for the next hour. When he reached the top floor, Rabbit sat down on the polished floor and sighed. At least there aren't any more stairs, he thought happily. Then, he noticed a male goat walking towards him, its beard sweeping the floor as he did.

"Looking for something, my friend?" The goat cheerfully said, in a voice that was old but pompous and loud as well. Rabbit got on his feet and bowed slightly, unaware that the goat was nothing but a secretary.

"I've got a message, from the city of Gongmen. It's for Princess Fei."

The goat nodded to show he had received the anxiety in Rabbit's voice.

"Princess Fei is busy arranging the Spring Festival firework display. I could pass it on to her just as soon as she's done."

"I'd rather do it myself," Rabbit instantly regretted his harsh tone, "It's very important, you see."

The goat didn't seem offended at all and smiled reassuringly. "I'll arrange for you to meet her in the next hour. In the meantime, you can wait in the throne room." he smiled politely, and pointed to another set of almost a hundred stairs. Rabbit rolled his eyes and followed the old goat to the throne room. The goat pushed open the great, crimson red door and led the messenger inside. He then went for the princess, leaving the rabbit staring rapturous at the excellent replica of the night sky, beautifully painted across the ceiling.

The beauty of Xingfu and the great Palace could easily measure up to this of heaven itself. But it would seem only natural for a city to be that gorgeous, for those who had met its steward. Having her father's colorful neck -with shades of blue and green no one even knew existed- and her mother's warm green stare, Princess Fei was regarded as one of the most beautiful of her species. Rabbit was stunned when he saw her walking down the stairs with the elegance of a swan and a scent of peaches filled the air around him.

"You must be the messenger," she spoke in a voice rather soft and reserved for such a loud personality. Rabbit could only nod in response. "Beautiful," she said, joining her gray wings inside her robe, which had the design of a blossoming peach tree, along with the characteristic peacock symbol on its back. "So, what's the message you've brought?"

Rabbit handed the cylinder and the Princess softly removed it from his grasp. Sliding one delicate wing around the cylinder, she unscrewed the seal and let the wrapped scroll slide on her other wing. Firstly the princess skimmed through the letter. Then, with a look that wed horror with surprise, she perused, in hope she had misread. She then looked up, directly into the rabbit's eyes.

"Have you been given something to eat, kind rabbit?"

He shook his head, but then shrugged to show it was of no importance.

"Princess Fei, the council pleaded for an answer as soon as possible," he said.

"A nice, fresh meal would not postpone you, I believe," the peahen replied bitterly. "Counselor," she addressed the goat, "please do show our guest to the kitchen."

The goat nodded then eyed Rabbit expectantly. Once out the throne room, Rabbit was led to the vast kitchen room where all kinds of food could be cooked, and all kinds of flavors were being created. The air was as sweet and sour as it could get, and Rabbit felt happier than ever. Then he was left in the kitchen to choose from an infinite variety of food, while the goat returned to the throne room. There he stood patiently and watched the princess as she paced back and forth, letting the cylinder roll from one wing to another as she did.

"I don't want to go," she started, her voice betraying her flutter, "How could I ever deny such a kind offer and act so indifferently towards innocent people?" The Princess turned around, her long robe swirling on the polished floor. Her eyes met the Counselors and he glared expectantly.

"Sometimes one must suppress their dreams, in order to fulfill these of others."

The Princess sighed and turned to face the throne. It was a beautiful one, decorated with sapphires and rubies, the Lord's favorite gems.

"The people of Gongmen are nothing to me, Counselor. I don't ought to help them, neither should I allow their expectations of me to destroy my well-being."

The goat slowly made its way next to her, as she would bitterly stare at the throne.

"There is more to it than gems and gold, Fei. Behind what you see lurks agony, sorrow and many many years of struggle. Your father like every ruler that ever ruled, has sacrificed a great many dreams of his..."

"...and now look at him, suffering from insomnia and being nervous all the time," she looked down to meet his wide brown eyes, "I don't want to end up like that, Counselor." The goat smiled kindly.

"No one said you have to, Princess."

That same night Lord Yun was sitting in his throne room, excited yet upset, holding the letter from the council inside his colourful grasp. He was a strong peacock, always stood out for his beautiful tail, a combination of deep sea blue and dark shades of green, along with the classic feather pattern. On his rich crest was pinned a bright sapphire, while his robe was decorated with precious stones.

The door creaked open and Counselor appeared, escorted by the Lord's personal bodyguards, two leopards with delicately long feet. Behind him followed Princess Fei, a look of ultimate displeasure upon her beautiful face and a frown stuck on her beak –the colour of which reminded porcelain with a touch of cherry blossom.

"You have kept me waiting for almost an hour now!" the Lord's peaceful expression suddenly switched to outraged. The Princess ignored his yelling. All these years of power had ravaged his nerves.

"I'm sorry, dad, but preparations for the festival take..."

"I DON'T CARE!" screamed the Lord, yet guilt shed a shadow upon his face right away. "You know this letter from Gogmem arrived in my hands. The council of masters is desperate to have you."

The peahen nodded bitterly, looking away from her father's piercing black stare.

"Pack up your belongings then."

"Father I..."

"I'm going to throw a huge feast for your departure."

"Dad I'm not..."

"...sure if I should invite your mother, though. She's been really annoying lately..."

"Daddy it's..."

"...a good idea to have a fireworks show!"

"Father, I don't..."

"...think we should begin with the fireworks. Better have them in the end...for a finale!" He lifted his huge wings, eyes fixed on a distant spot.

"FATHER!"

The Lord snapped back into reality, slowly lowering his head and glared at his frustrated daughter.

"I'm not going to accept it, father. I'm not going to Gongmen."

For a moment silence was shed upon the room. The leopards went pale, while the Counselor lowered his head and shook it in disappointment. Fei waited calmly for the tantrum. Inside, the Lord smiled cheerfully and giggled. Then the giggle became laughter and the laughter became loud and hysterical. Princess Fei let her wings hang loosely on her sides, speechless.

"Ah, good one, Fei. I must say you share the same excellent humour with your mother. Ah," he sighed again, more like gasping for air. "Counselor, help her gather her belongings." Nobody moved.

"Father," she took a deep breath, "I'm serious. I don't want to go to Gongmen. And I won't."

The peacock looked puzzled for a moment. Then, for the first time, he rose from his throne of gold and slowly made his way down the stairs. Fei lowered her head noticeably- next to him she looked like a chick.

"Why?" he asked worriedly. His voice was soft and caring, and Fei thought it resembled the peaceful nature before a storm.

"Dad, Gongmen is not where I belong. My place is here," she softly wrapped a wing around him, "with you and mom."

Her father welcomed her to a hug, then softly let go.

"Fei, Xingfu is a rich and beautiful city. It has made its way through many dangers and can now stand on its own. My point is, it doesn't need you honey. It's high time you met with the real world. I can't keep you away from life forever. I know it feels stressful and uneasy, but you have to grow up. You have to..."

"but I've never been away from Xingfu and..."

"And you're afraid, I know. You have to be brave..." He softly placed his wings on her shoulder. The peahen shook them off.

"I'm sorry. I can't."

"YOU WILL DO IT DAMN YOU!"

Upon his yelling, she turned around and stormed out of the throne room, leaving the Counselor to relax the infuriated peafowl Lord.

Princess Fei ran to the garden, and from there, to the nearby forest. There she would always seek shelter when things went the wrong way. Warm tears running down her beak, she climbed on one of the oldest cherry trees in the forest. Feeling sleepy, she decided to take a catnap. But Princess Fei would always sleep like a log.