“Could your highness please hold still for a moment, it's really hard to measure your grace up if you keep twitching.” A gay looking and sounding excuse of testosterone pleaded as one of his NOT gay assistants...a mare was trying to keep me still.

I just grumbled to myself as I simply forced myself to endure this torture section of my day…’koste was es wolle’...because I knew after this I can finally get my morning coffee and officially start this day like any normal person would.

The key word here is normal because nothing about my life is normal anymore, and no it DID NOT start that way when I first arrived on this world a couple of days ago.

It started when I entered high school, as the only foreigner for miles.

Anyway did I ever mention that I absolutely HATE standing still in one place for too long? Well now you all know because THIS is EXACTLY what I am forced to endure at the moment as mister wanna be Karl Lagerfeld in stripes and his surprisingly good looking assistant for a zebra chic are measuring me for my ‘kingly robes’ that I would be wearing today when the grand council of hoodoo voodoo's and gibberish chanters are going to make my presence and claim to the long dormant throne public to the masses. Where I also most likely have to make a public speech as well about...something.

Standing still isn’t really my thing, I either have to move or sit down.

Wait...why am I trying to pretend to being able to break the fourth wall here? Probably just my brain trying to entertain itself while the rest of my being protest at this boring situation I found myself in. Trying to pretend that this here is some kind of story that people from across the dimensions are reading in real time. This isn’t a story, this is life, the story life I presume.

I groaned myself back into reality when I heard my tormentor complain about my constant twitching again and forcing me to glare down at him.

“I wouldn’t be twitching if you could just hurry the fuck up. I am not good at standing still and I still have a cup coffee waiting for me with my derp face on it. Also it doesn’t help the fact that you and some other zebra woke me up from my beautiful slumber so that you can get the measurement and be finished before the ceremony later. For your info I am NOT a morning person.” I retorted which in turn made the royal dress maker huff.

“Oh you are behaving like a big baby now. We have only been doing this for a couple of minutes and you are already complaining.” He answered with an annoyed tone which I replied with a scoff.

“YES, a couple of minutes. Way too long in my opinion and I haven't even gotten my coffee yet.” I replied, my frown deepening.

“Just endure this with me for a couple of moments longer, then you can have all the coffee in the world.” He casually replied while in the middle of doing my left arm.

“Could you please lift that your highness?” The mare sweetly asked beside me, which I complied because she asked nicely and was a little sweetheart to me after all.

I gladly listen to individuals like her.

As the whole measurement thing was going underway I simply decided to pass the time by just thinking back at all the things I have been doing so far since these last few days I have been in this city.

For starters I really just spend most of that time taking a stroll through the streets of this assyrian or persian style city to familiarize myself with its layout and the day to day life these talking zebra have. Which simply resulted in me acting like your typical tourist instead of some figure of royalty that my guards and other companions constantly shove down my throat.

I mean, yeah I appreciate the effort they are doing in trying to get the overall population already up to snuff that the legendary monkey king of old has returned to once again lead this civilization and its race to a new golden age of glory. But please shut up and let me take a piss and peek around the corners of alleys in peace damn it.

Even IF said alleys in some occasions contain either cutthroats or even this world’s version of prostitutes who want into my guard’s crotch plates. I would have let them if it wasn’t for the previous mentioned cutthroats wanting to cut throats whenever me and my guard passed by them.

Which were also the perfect opportunities for me to test out my new found agility, acrobatics and highly improved senses as well. Turns out that being the monkey king really meant having the agility speed and reflexes of an actual monkey. All of this somehow reminding me of the book “Journey to the West,” now that I think about it.

I even found out that I seem to also have the ability to run up walls vertically “Prototype” style. A certain fake fat italian plumber aint got shit on me.

But anyway, another item to add to the bucket list of things to do here. Get the bloody crime rate down...or maybe add more hookers to the already existing bunch so said throat cutters are too busy with them then doing dark and mischievous deeds.

Could be an interesting experiment, and the money raised for that could be used for more meaningful things like improving infrastructure or expansions.

Talking about fuckers, both Naji and Nami actually have been given their own separate rooms, including service here inside the Palace after I fully announced that I was going to take these two in.

Sure there was a short period of confusion and even counter arguments with one of the more higher ups in the guard about my decision of keeping two thieves free and occupied within the royal palace. But after some debating, added logic, and the fact that I am their motherfucking king they eventually agreed, though with the palace guards watching them of course. Which, as far as I have been told are far more competent than the regular city guard that I have been surrounded by for most of my trips.

Good to know I guess, but to how much is still in debate.

Overall it was a pretty productive few days in my opinion, thanks to that I finally got myself a nice big picture of what exactly I want to quickly happen and to change when I finally receive this job fully.

Wait, do I even get paid for this? Nobody has ever talked about money when they discussed my occupation.

“There all done. See, it wasn’t so bad now was it?” The gay sounding zebra tailor eventually announced which brought me back down to earth from my zoning out.

I breathed a sigh of relief. “Finally I can get properly dressed and finally get some needed morning brew for the day.” I announced.

By the way, did I also mention that I was just in my boxers too? Bastard didn’t even give me enough time to put some pants on. I bet his gay ass was really getting a kick out of it, if he would have ever started touching me in all the wrong places I would have thrown him off the cliff for sure.

“Your new robes will be done long before the ceremony and public announcement later. You have my word your highness.” The zebra tailor said with a smile.

I just nod before quickly excusing myself and heading to my private bathroom that my chambers have. The one thing I am truly thankful for because that means that I no longer need to piss on nicely painted and decorated columns or mosaic marble floors anytime soon.

“Well since that is done, please excuse me then while I finally take my morning piss and get dressed for the day. You two can go.” I casually announce before going through the door to begin my morning rituals.

After that was done I casually get myself suited up with the only pair of clothes I brought with me since coming to this world, walked passed the dragon egg I liberated from those poachers a few days ago and stepped out into the halls.

My initial idea was to head to the closest kitchen to get myself some coffee with my trusted mug, but those plans were swiftly dashed when I ran into someone I haven’t seen since the day I first arrived into the city.

Susara, or as I like to dub her now, Susi.

“Oh greetings and good morning your highness. How has your day been faring so far?” She happily greeted as we both stopped right in front of my chambers.

“Oh hey weren’t you that one mare leading that herd of rascals the other day?” I asked curiously with a pointed finger.

She simply giggled before looking back up me. “Well yes, yes that was me. High priestess and your new royal advisor and assistant at your service your grace.” She announced with short bow which in turn caused me to rise an interesting eyebrow at her.

“A new royal advisor? Well I do enjoy a lot of advice in my life, makes things a lot easier to not think for myself.” I commented out loud which in turn made her giggle.

Though one thing was still new to me here. Wait, who and why were you appointed to be my new personal thinker anyway? I thought you are a high priestess of...something?” I Question.

She simply smiles as the two of us begin to move along the halls towards my destination together. “Well the council of course, plus being a priestess actually means having surprisingly a lot of free time other than attending very important ceremonies, festivals in honor to our gods and ancestors and of course guidance towards the temple priests that actually do most of the work.” Susara explained which again caused me to prop up an eyebrow.

“So basically speaking, you are just the chic with the advice while others enact on the advice provided for you?” I asked her once more as we rounded a corner to a different hallway within the Palace. Guards flanking the artistically painted walls and columns on both sides.

“Pretty much, at least for me, especially since I am associated with Tzerath our god of logic, magic and alchemy.” She answered which made me scratch my head a bit in thought.

“So basically a god favored by shamans, philosophers and inventors.” I commented out.

“Pretty much.” Susara casually answered until a thought suddenly struck me.

“Wait...what about Gilganash? I thought that he was going to be standing on my side to do most of the paper work?” I question as we passed by an open terrace to our right overlooking the city.

She thought to herself for a bit until it seemed to dawn on her before looking back up at me. “Oh yes he, well he is going to be your advisor to make tribal affairs than being your actual full on assitant. While Akunezzar will be your more go to source with the happening inside the city itself.” Susara explained before continuing on. “Actually before you ask, High Shaman Gilganash sadly cannot attend your public ceremony as the new monkey king as he has travelled back to his tribe to attend certain issues that have arisen over there. But according to his word he has promised to be back in the following day to fully stand by you as your second advisor and tribal affairs consultant. She added happily as we finally reached our destination.

The closest kitchen within the Palace, and yes it means that this place has more of them too. That just shows how big this area really is that makes out the Palace compound.

Well at least I will never have to complain about ‘lack of space’ here.

Good, because I plan to horde all kinds of shit during my campaigns through these lands. I am definitely going to need all the space I can get. Even Smaug is going to turn his head in shame about at MY horde.

“Uhm...wait. Why are we in the royal kitchens again? You do know that you can just call in a servant to bring you whatever you want right?” Susara asked as we stood in the middle of a somewhat lightly occupied kitchen of cooks and servants going about.

They haven't really went in fully staffing the Palace grounds to the max with all the servants and workers it needs to run properly, which is why of the minimal staff present within the kitchen.

I just clicked my tongue while shaking both my head and index finger at her. ”Susi, Susi, Susi, of course I know that.” I proclaim like parents would to a child. ”There is just one problem with this concept of your thought.” I continued on before my expression suddenly morphed into a frown.

“These Zebra can’t make a DECENT tasting coffee to save their goddamn lives. I found that out the hard way. Since then I made it clear that I prefer to brew my own Coffee instead rather than them.” I announced loudly as I stepped further into the kitchen with all of the cooks and servants giving me space and even bowing respectively at me.

Not sure if I will ever get used to that.

Sasura followed me while looking up at me with a hint of confusion. “Really? But...that can't be. I have tasted some of the coffees these Palace cooks make and for me it just tasted wonderful. What’s wrong with them?” Susi asked with a confused tilt of her head before we finally stopped in front of a counter.

“Simple.” I announced while turning around to look at her.” They kept on using these generic decorated porcelain cups instead of using my trusty ol mug over there.” I explained while casually pointing towards my derp face printed mug sitting on the counter with the rest of them.

“Nothing taste good without my trusty novelty mug I bought somewhere on a korean knick knack shop in one of my local Mall’s” I quickly added.

Susi, the poor dear looked even more confused than before after I told her my reasonings. Her mouth hanging open in an O’ shape with one of her brows raised high above its designated target on her forehead.

I simply shrugged before busying myself with the task of making my morning brew.

“Wait...Is that it?” I heard Susi beside me as I poured in hot water into my mug from a nearby kettle after having added the desired mix for my coffee in it.

“Yeah that is it, you wouldn’t believe how much a good mug can enhance the overall taste and experience.” I replied while stirring the mix with a silver spoon.

“Uhm...ok, you ARE the king after all.“ She eventually sighed.

I just chuckle before turning around to face her with my steaming mug in my hand. “You still have a lot to learn my young padawan.” I casually commented with a grin.

“Apparently I do.” I heard her mutter before she quickly looked confused once more.” Wait...what is a Padawan?”

I basically ignored her question as I made my way past her and headed towards the exit of the kitchen. Susi of course followed with her distinctive clip clopping sound her hoofs make as we found ourself back in the grandeur and oversized nature which are the Palace hallway. Actually can they even be called hallways when most of them only have one side walled up with the other either freely facing one of the dozen courtyards or gardens surrounding the Palace compound?

Huh, how should I know. I am not an architect or something. Also who cares as long it works while in the same time looks nice.

Though I have to say that this design does do a pretty good job in keeping the Palace ventilated and nicely cooled too, not to mention wonderfully illuminated as well from its open design, even at night when the skies are clear, which they mostly are thanks to the fact that we are in the middle of a desert.

I took a nice tentative sip of my newly acquired cup of joe and sighed in its taste and caffeine rich content as we two casually made our stroll through the halls of the east wing. Or north or south-I dont know. I have yet to bother to ask what part of this Palace really is.

But anyway, I can feel my brain waking up already.

“So…” Susi began as I continue to enjoy a part of my morning ritual. ”What else is your highness up to, now that you have your desired drink by your side?” She asked curiously which in turn made me stop in my flip flops and think on her question.

“Good question, what WILL I do today while waiting for whatever ceremony they are doing today for me?” I thought to myself while scratching my hair covered chin with my free hand.

“I guess I can go take a look on what the two trouble makers are up to? To be honest the last time I saw them was when I followed them to their new room a few days ago.” I thought out loud before heading off to the direction from where I remember there room was.

Susi still hot on my heels again trailed beside me as we continued to pass by column, guards and tapestry from both sides towards my guessable destination.

That idea was quickly solved when out of the blue both Nami and her bigger pussy of a brother suddenly came running towards us from around a distant corner. Both of them looking rather distressed by the looks of it.

“Ahh see, perfect timing. Now I don't have to embarrass myself in trying to find their room again.” I accidentally say out loud as these two were getting closer.

“I don’t know, it rather looks like these two are running from trouble or something.” Susi commented as the two of us stopped in our tracks the moment these two ran past us.

I was about to call after then when a sudden source of commotion hastily entered my ears which prompt me to look back at front from where these two came from.

“HALT, in the name of the new Monkey King of Zebrica.” I heard someone shout as a whole group of heavily armored guards, not the palace ones with their feather plumes, came galloping from around the corner and eventually pass me and Susi to chase after the two fleeing siblings further down the hall.

Both me and her simply stood there as the commotions eventually disappeared around a corner on the other end with me casually sipping on my mug some more while Susi was just confused as always.

She should really stop being so damn confused all the time if she really wants to work alongside me, otherwise her sanity might not survive the first semester.

“See, I knew keeping them confined inside the Palace was a good idea. With them around these guards can finally get some decent exercise once for a while instead of just loitering around all day like they usually do. Do they even go outside to take a piss?” I eventually commented out which for the first time made Susi scratch her equine head in front of me.

“Well, I can see that.” She simply says and ignoring the piss comment.

I simply smiled before resuming again on my morning Palace hall stroll while taking another relaxing sip of my favorite brew.

“Well now that THIS idea of mine is over and done with, let's just head over to the Palace gardens to annoy the gardeners there instead. Come Susie cue, we have a lot of talking and annoying to do before I am forced to suffer from ‘lampenfieber’ later this day.” I happily announced with my trademark grin.

“Uhm...the closest exit to the outside gardens is the other way your highness.” Susi suddenly stated which caused me to immediately stop in my tracks mid step before turning around on my heel look at her, not breaking my pose while doing so.

I gave her the most dramatic “no shit” kind of face I could muster.

“You don’t say.”
To be honest I had no idea where the Palace gardens actually were in this mess of a maze.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

(In front of the massive plaza facing the Royal Palace)

Zebras from all classes and tribes were gathering from far and wide all across the city and the surrounding lands to personality witness the first public reveal of the alleged return of the Legendary Monkey king of old.

Most Zebras in today's age were convinced that the stories and Legends of Monkey King leading the Zebra Kingdoms of old were nothing but that. Just legends and stories past down from generation to generation from more glorious days of the past. But for them it seems that these legends are actually true as stories of a hairless bipedal monkey roaming and somewhat scaring the citizens of Achaemidas were circling around local markets, taverns and inns for the past days and generally being the talk of the local populace.

But today will be the day, the day of truth, the day when a legend will either become fantasy or facts.

Mixed in with the crowd were a few outlanders as well as gryphons, horses, minotaurs and a few cloaked gazelles here and there to also witness the possible return of a new high king of this mysterious continent of the zebras.

Even two ponies were part of the waiting crowd, one of which was a very young pegasus mare with a pith hat.

You see, for anywhere outside the continent (except for the gazelles since they are also native to Zebrica) the zebra monarchs of old were preferred as high kings, mostly because of the fact that they rather ruled over an entire continent and a collection of multiple tribes instead, compared to other races or kingdoms that rather hold domain over a large piece of land and under a unified single race or state.

While for the zebras the term monkey king was much more traditional simply because of their rulers more closely resembling that of bipedal looking monkeys similar to the ones that dominate the mysterious and massive rainforests far to the south of these lands.

One gazelle in particular was interested. A young doe surrounded by two of her companions, all three of them wearing dark brown cloaks to keep their identity hidden despite their horns sticking out from behind there hoods.

“So, its seems the rumors are right and that a new ape is taking the lion throne once more.” The female gazelle muttered, trying to keep her words to herself and her two companions beside her.

One of them stepped up close closer, this one a buck, male, judging by his much longer and larger horns and overall structure. “I don’t really know why such news are of any concern for us? So what, the zebra’s once again have a king to boss them around. So again why is THIS interesting to us at all.” The male questioned which in turn caused the other to step up as well, this one, another doe judging by her horns.

“Don’t be so dense and underestimate these species of bipedal. They might resemble apes from the outside but from the inside they are but more than just apes if the tales of our ancestors are anything to go by.” She explained which was answered by a confirming nod by the leader of the group.

“Indeed, these two legged beings are highly unpredictable, gifted with very unique and mysterious abilities which differ from individual to individual on their species. Not to mention they are cunning and great at manipulations. Even discarding all of those points having the zebras once again being united under one banner is alone a very serious issue for us. We cannot deny how strong and capable they become when lead under a single ape like ruler. If again tales of our ancestors is anything to believe from.” She added to the conversation which again was meant by nods by both parties before the buck once again perked up with another thought going through his head.

“But wait, don't we have a very prized artifact under our possession? A artifact necessary to grant the true high king with its power and keep the zebra tribes together in the first place?” He questioned, which was answered with a sigh from their leader.

“Well it seems that traditions have been ignored for the favor of moving the pieces into their respective places quicker. It's true that the Phoenix Crown is required to legitimize the king's claim over the continent in combination with the Lion Throne to grant its mystic powers to its wearer. But still as I said these beings are known to be very cunning and manipulative naturally. So having him achieve unity within the warring zebra tribes of these lands is not an impossibility. All we can do now is get a good look at the new ruler and gather as much info as we can before returning to great steppes to inform my father and his allies of the possible truth behind these rumors.” She explained once more before her and her kin quickly went silent to just wait and watch for the reveal of an ancient legend.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

“Well there you go your highness, nice and a perfect fit. What do you think.” The mare assistant of HORSE Lagerfeld asked as she lowered herself back on all fours.

I turned myself to face a body sized mirror behind me to fully observe myself in my new garb that I got fitted into. I have to say I do look decent as an old fashion looking Assyrian or Sumerian ruler.

The added bling was also a nice touch too. Though I doubt that I will ever really wear it because, well, gold tends to be heavy. Especially if these accessories are as thick and in no doubt pure. Like these arm bracelets for example that I am wearing right now.

But besides that I grinned none the less, especially at the colors my new outfit sported, particularly the main toga that covers most of my body.

“Oh it's purple, I love purple.” I claimed out loud, even more so considering the fact that the color purple back in the old days (in my world) was a quiet expensive and rare color to have.

Only reserved for either royalty or really rich individuals.

The mare beside me gave off a smile after witnessing my liking. “Oh you do your highness, that’s great.” she praised with joy.

Susi eventually stepped in front of the mirror next to me. I can tell because, duh, reflection and stuff. Mirrors are of course gateways into parallel universes, or at least that’s what tincan wearing folks used to spout all the time.

I was personally more interested in history, games and science fiction. Oh and fantasy as well.

Anyway she was also dressed pretty well for today's special occasion, in flowing snow white robes and see through silk like material with some nice gold and jewelry accessory here and there. Her traditional High priestess garment as she called it.

Susi perked up. “You know, most stallions won't even admit that they either like pink or purple to anyone.” Susi explained which in turn just made me grin even wider.

“Which is the reason WHY I prefer this color compared to anything else, pink as well because I think these two colors just go perfectly with one another.” I explained while turning side to side to look at my new outfit from all angles before continuing. “The girlier the colors the better, because I just find the idea in running around in a pink or purple suit to be absolutely hilarious, same goes with a bright pink sports or muscle cars, it will definitely start turning heads when it rolls by on the streets.” I explained.

Susi simply nods. Finding my reasoning to be quite amusing as a smile formed on her black tinted snout.

She was about to say some more when there was a sudden knock on the main double doors into my chamber.

I wishfully imagined that a pizza delivery guy was actually standing just behind it’s wooden frame but those fantasies were swiftly dashed when the voice of your generic sounding palace guard rang out instead.

“Your highness, the public announcement is about to start and the council assembly is patiently awaiting for your arrival in the Palace Plaza. We are ready to escort you over there.” Unnamed guard number 64 announced, his voice muffled thanks to the high quality and beautifully ordinated wooden door separating us.

I just smirked. “It’s show time. Come on, let's not leave the crowd waiting anymore than they have to. They all want to see what a crazy person looks like, well I am definitely not going to disappoint. No sir.” I announced before making my way to the front door to receive my escort waiting on the other side.

Susi as usual was a bit unsure about my usual way of announcing and claiming things here and there. But she kept quiet as I opened the door to greet the guard which name and face I don’t know.

Which isn’t a good thing, for him at least. An employer must know who his employees names are so that he can pay them and not forget one.

But I guess that is what Susi here is good for. She most likely is capable of keeping track of all thet in faces.

“Right this way your highness, this is the quickest way towards the northern gates of the palace.” Mister nameless guard said as he and a few other did their job in acting as escorts for whatever reason.

Then again I wouldn’t be needing an escort in the first place if the layout of the Palace wasn’t so damn confusing...or so big for that matter.

This also reminds me, where exactly is the national treasury vault in this place? Have to ask Susi or someone else about it, if I can remember again to ask that is. I am sure it's going to leave my mind eventually. Furthermore, where the heck is the throne room as well?

The stroll through the palace halls was as uneventful and normal as most would imagine when getting herded around by a few armored equines.

Which was sad, because my antic side of things was once again itching in the back of my head, like how it usually does when things are too normal or quiet.

It surprisingly didn’t take long for us to reach the large entry hall and gate of the palace where a more heavily concentrated number of palace guards were stationed. Distant commotions could be heard despite the fact that the huge and I mean HUGE double doors blocking the entrance to the palace were closed and guarded by multiple palace guards in their fancy and luxurious looking red and orange robes and capes.

One of these zebras who appears to be one of those council member and high shamans who was someone I immediately recognized as Aku himself in his traditional colorful robes and bling. The old stud quickly saw me and smiled as me and my escort approached him and the others right in front of the massive doors.

“Ah you finally arrived your highness, me and the rest of the assembled council have been waiting for you breathlessly.” He greeted which in turn made me perk up.

“You all did? Then how are you all still standing?” I question with a quirked eyebrow which in turn caused him to look up at me in confusion at my most likely odd question.

So I elaborated. “If you all have been holding your breaths for THAT long, then wouldn’t you and your kin have fallen to the sweet embrace of unconsciousness long before? Unless you and everyone else used some of your voodoo hoodoo to get yourselfs some needed air in some other way or method I didn’t know about.” I question as my inner antic man was flipping in joy in finally having his thirst quenched.

He took my joke pretty well as he simply chuckled, not so much for Susi as she simply gave me one of her famous eyebrows for me to examine up close.

Come to think of it, how the hell do zebras have eyebrows in the first place? It honestly just crossed my mind at that moment.

“Well not literally if that is what you were thinking.” Aku casually responded which once again brought me out of my train of thoughts for like...I don't know the 1000th time since I came here.

This world doesn’t want me to think at all it seems, which...actually might not be such a bad move I do have to say.

“Anyway are you ready for you first and true public reveal. After that you will be properly seen and respected as the new Monkey King of old to all of Zebrica.” He added.

I grinned, stood up tall and proud, crossed my arms behind my back and puckered my lips a bit before giving an enthusiastic and confirming nod before answering.

“As perfectly ready as my sense of ‘Lampenfieber’ allows it. Let's get this meet and greet started.” I answered with gusto.

“Alright then, just first give me a few moments to shout a few choice words before announcing your presence to the masses. The guards here will know when to open the doors for you as well for to step out into the open.” Aku explained.

The guards carefully opened the main gate doors just enough for him and some of his colleagues to slip through, before it was closed shut as the outside commotion increased somewhat.

Most likely the crowd's anticipation increased as the so called High shaman or in my understanding the main administrator of the city stepped out.

Or is it called a steward, I don’t know?

“Citizens of Archaemidas.” He shouted, his voice still strong and clear despite the fact that there is basically a half meter of a thick wooden portal was separated me from him and the outside world.

“Today is a great day, a historical day that will sure go down into ages, a day that will finally mark the end of our separation and once again usher in an age of unity and glory to our people.” He continued to boldly announce into the air which in turn had the added effect of keeping the world silent around us. The previous commotion I have been hearing having long subsided in favor of listening to Aku’s call into the crowd with his message and old school dictator type charm.

Like he says something and the masses immediately go all like herd instinct on him and take his claims and words for granted. Which is funny because here I thought I was going to be the big, bad and charismatic dictator around here.

That's what a monarchy basically is anyway when you think about it. A single man having total control over the happenings of the state. That is how kings and emperors of old were.

That is, until they just got murdered.

“Note to self, don't become an evil power hungry asshole of a dictator. Rather become a SOMEWHAT power hungry asshole not so BAD dictator instead and I should be fine.”

My train of thought were “say it with me” ONCE AGAIN interrupted when I felt something or better someone poke me on my right shin to get my attention. I looked down to whoever did that and wasn’t really surprised to see none other than Susi being the source of my thought breakage.

But seriously, can't a guy has some ME time in his own head?

“Yes may I help you?” I casually asked.

“Your highness get ready, the doors are about to open up.” She simply claimed while pointing a hoof at said portal.

I blinked before looking up and saw that the doors are, in fact slowly being opened by the guards. I am not sure how long I was zoning out back there but whatever the case, it seems that my time has finally come to fully introduce myself to my soon to be subjects.

Seriously, if someone would have told me a week ago that I was going to be the king of a nation filled with talking miniature cartoon zebras with an ancient Mesopotamian like culture...I would have patted you on the back and invited you to a nice relaxing day of ice tea in one of my local malls...and then most likely never see you again because, well I am usually a couch potato in nature and really don’t go outside that much.

I mean I could have just ask you for either your cellphone number or your email address, but that only looks and sounds okay when a possible relationship is in play...that is, when you are a girl of course, if not then no thank you. That would be gay and to be honest my barn door doesn’t really swing that way, at all.

What was I talking about again? Ah yes, the whole show my face and have everyone either scream, vomit or be in a state of awe and wonder, with a reasonable chance of a few mares sighing longing me at and for gays getting an uncontrollable boner at my sight.

Let’s see which of these three it really is shall we?

“Let me all present to you, the legend, the prophecy, the reincarnation of old. The new Monkey king of Zebra kind and ZEBRICA AS A WHOLE.” Aku shouted with all of his might which in turn was my cue and getting myself out there and properly show myself towards the public.That doesn’t involve, bandits, hookers and shoving a 8 Megapixel cameras at there faces.

There is a first for everything.

This was also the moment that pretty much reminded me as to why I am so keen on staying inside in the first place thanks to the hot and dry desert sun immediately being a bitch again. Blinding me and roasting me the moment I stepped out into the open, even despite the fact that its late in the afternoon.

That’s the desert for you.

When my vision eventually cleared I was met with the most eye crossing sight ever. A sea of black and white stripes presented itself in front of me. A level crowd of thousands thousands of zebra’s in different size, age, hair style, hair color, rank, wealth, and self sexual identifications were staring right back at me the moment stepped out in front of the edge of a long and large sets of stairs leading down onto the Palace Plaza itself.

I blinked, and out of reflex those closer to me blinked as well as silence dominated the plaza and the very air around us. It was so quiet that you could most likely hear a pin drop, which is what actually happened, followed by a distant ‘sorry’ somewhere within the crowed.

I just shrugged as I decided on the first thing that crossed my mind at that moment.

“Joy!” I casually greeted while giving them the universal peace sign with my left hand.

The crowd immediately went into an uproar of joy and support the moment I gave perhaps the most casual first public appearance in history.

I personally have no idea how I did it, but in all honesty I really couldn’t give less of a damn as I mentally called it a massive success on my part while patting myself on my back for good measures.

“Alexander you done it again. Once more, charm seems to win over actual intelligence yet again.” I thought to myself as I simply submit myself to the ‘feels’ of this triumphed moment. Both mentally and physically with both my hands resting on my cheeks with my eyes closed.

I know it looks silly but hey, I am always silly without even trying too.

The uproars and cheers eventually quieted down which I took as my cue on probably giving a more meaningful speech to my new to be citizens of this city.

Any traces of “Lampenfieber” having completely left me the moment the crowed cheered, which in turn allowed me to come up with a fitting speech on the spot for me to give.

“Greetings to you all.” I began, my voice surprisingly echoing strongly all throughout the massive plaza despite not really shouting. “ Allow me to fully introduce myself to you all first. My name is Alexander Becker, or just Alexander or Alex if you tongue fancies that. As you have all already heard from one of you trusted and well respected council members. I…”I raised a hand to my chest.”...am as what you people likes to call the ‘Legendary Monkey King’ of myth and legends and long forgotten times.” I paused for few seconds before continuing.” I am not sure what the rumors are that most of you have probably heard from others, but I just want to be straight and honest with all of you by saying that I have no idea how I came to your world in the first place, or how to even lead a nation. But none of that will ever deter me of doing my very best to lead this nation into a new age of wealth and prosperity and forging a good and golden future for all of you and many generations to come.” I announced before resting both of my hands onto the marble railing in front of me.

I raised a hand into the air as I continued. “That I promise, I will make this country great and its people, I will build up and expand, forge and lead, listen and yield, I will make this into a nation worthy of the ages to come, to stand true and strong among the other races and kingdoms of this world, Ich werde dieses land groß ausbauen und ihre kinder beschützen. Das, ich verspreche. Für das volk, für das vaterland, für DEUTSCHLAND!!!” I shouted as I slammed my still raised fist HARD onto the railing and a loud echo to spread out for everyone to see and hear.

Everything was silent at this point, the crowed all staring forward at me in confusion. I blinked, keeping my pose and I moved my eyes left and right before straightening myself with a somewhat awkward smile on my face.

I fiddled with my thumbs. “Excuse me, got a little carried away in my role playing back then. I usually only do that when Playing Civilization.” I announced before quickly getting my character back.

“Well, as I just said, I promise I shall do my best in leading this nation and its proud peoples to a new golden age as prophesied by you Shamans and priests. FOR ZEBRICA AND ITS PEOPLE!!!” I shouted one final time.

The crowd immediately followed my example as they all began to cheer and shout for joy and support of my promises and leadership. Constantly hearing them chant “All hail the new Monkey King” and “Glory to Zebrica and all of zebra kind.” The uproar was cranked up to eleven.

The cheers continued on, seeming never ending as I simply smiled to myself.

“Well, congratulation there highness. From this point forth, you are now fully known as King Alexander Becker, Monkey King of Achaemidas and its surrounding lands. I would personally love to tell you that it's all of Zebrica as a whole like I proclaimed in my speech and yours, but there is still the unification of all the zebra tribes before that can be the truth, not to mention retrieving the Phoenix Crown as well.” Aku explained beside me which didn’t do one heck of a diddle daddle of bringing down my good mood and self pride.

Instead I turned my attention to Susi who stood behind me.

A very important question in mind that NEEDS to be answered.

“Hey Susi, do you perhaps know the location of the national treasuries here within the Palace? I would like to know how much wealth I got to work with and also knowing how FUCKING rich I became in just a span of a few seconds?” I question her with a grin.

It was then when the first few cracks appeared on the dragon egg surface, causing a nearby servant to yelp in surprise and run out of the royal chambers in panic to tell someone.

Author's Notes:

A little side note here. I wanted to also add the images of Akunezzar and Bakuss to this chapter but couldn't because I only ever had time to draw Alexander in his new Monkey King Robes.

So I have to draw these two and then add them in later chapter when I can.

Also blame me playing around with my new Laptop too, been spending to much time playing games then writing or drawing. I am still doing it of course, but in a much slower paste then normal