Summary: After almost 16 long years Po finally comes face to face with the man who has taken everything away from him. His home...his people...and his parents. In an attempt to help the Furious Five, Po sets out on his own, searching for more than just a certain city...but for answers as well, leaving only a note behind for his father. But when Po is faced with a difficult choice...one even the Soothsayer cannot predict an answer to. Will the Dragon Warrior walk the path of the Hero? or will he take his revenge? Can Brycen reach his student before Po reaches his goal? Will Tigress learn the identity of the Dragon Warrior? A Legend Is Born comes to a close as secrets are revealed...confessions are made...and the buried past connecting Brycen and Po all those years ago is finally unearthed in full. Part three brings this tale to a heartbreaking close in "A Legend Is Born: The Dragon Warrior...Hero or Avenger?"


Here it is! The First chapter to Part III of A Legend Born. I want to give one heck of a Shout out to the one and only Puckabrinaluver! For creating the cover art for this story! (Now Moved to Part 2 Training for Destiny) Nice Job! Anyway, without further delay I present to you all, my Loyal readers, Chapter 1 to A Legend Is Born: The Dragon Warrior...Hero Or Avenger?

Enjoy the Read!

Disclaimer: For this Chapter and all the rest, I do not own Kung Fu Panda or it's characters...Except for Brycen, Jing, and Hua. those three were mine.

A Legend Is Born:

The Dragon Warrior…Hero Or Avenger?

Created by

Pandafan91

Chapter 1

Welcome Home and Happy Birthday

Somewhere in the center of China…

The large caravan of wolves was making it's way through the mountains as they neared their goal with each step. It had been four days since they had set out from the nations border and they had met little to no resistance so far. This was good. The army had to be split up into several packs so as not to attract as much unwanted attention from the authorities, after all, the leader of this army had been banished from China only to never to be allowed to return.

General Wolfang was in the lead of the pack when a commanding officer rushed up behind him saying "General Sir, Lord Shen requests your presence immediately." Wolfang nodded his head as he turned to head back towards the carried Pallet where his Master was being carried. Once he neared, Wolfang bowed and then continued walking alongside the transport saying "You wished to see me sir?" The curtain was pulled back revealing a Peacock as white as death himself wearing the finest of silk robes, as he gazed down at his General. "Yes General…I want you to take some men and meet up with some of the other packs. Start to scour the land for the necessary resources we will require in order to finish production once we reach Gongmen city." The wolf bowed again as he said "As you wish Lord Shen…I shall make sure to send back another pack to accompany you in my absence." The peacock just stared ahead saying "As you wish General…Now be gone…you have your orders…and be sure not to reveal just who it is you answer to as of yet. I want to surprise those fools in Gongmen City with my arrival."

Wolfang bowed again as he obeyed "Yes mi-lord." And with that, Wolfang rushed ahead taking about ten wolves with him as he ran fast towards the east, while Shen and the rest of the caravan headed west. As Shen was riding in his pallet he muttered to himself "Soon…very soon." as the Peacock made his way towards Gongmen City.

Meanwhile at the Jade Palace...

It was late Morning and Tigress was in her room as she just finished changing into some clean clothes. Shifu had made the Five train rigorously this morning, since they were taking the afternoon off, and Tigress and the others ended up sweating buckets, so after training, she and her comrades were going to freshen up and then head down into the village. Tigress just finished strapping up her vest when her eyes darted towards her nightstand. There sitting on top were two objects, the only sense of ornamentation in her entire room besides her red travel pack. One was her wooden action figure of a Teenage Panda. Po, her best friend, had made her that before he ended up leaving for the summer. Just before the summer, Po and his dad were going through some problems and needed some space, so Po was sent to live with an aunt who needed help around the house while she cared for a newborn infant. Tigress smiled at the wooden figurine as she lifted it up and stared at it for a long moment. "Just a few more hours." She said to herself as she placed the action figure back down and looked at the second object.

It was a silver Dagger with an image of a Chinese Dragon on the one side, and the Image of a Tiger on the other. This trophy was left to her by the Dragon Warrior. As Tigress picked the blade up she examined it for the twelfth time that week. The Dragon Warriors note was still tied to the handle as Tigress remembered the last time she had seen the Red Warrior. They were standing on the rooftop across from a burning storehouse they had just escaped from. She had escaped with Monkey and Master Ming earlier. But they soon realized the Dragon Warrior was left behind. For whatever reason, Tigress had gone back for him but the smoke nearly suffocated her and she would have died if the Dragon Warrior hadn't found her and dove out of that window with her in his arms. She then remembered how she got lost in his eyes as she had the perfect opportunity to expose that red hooded warrior…but instead…she did the last thing she ever expected…She kissed him. She had actually kissed the Dragon Warrior…and the part that worried her the most…was that she liked it.

As she set the Dagger back down on the nightstand she looked back and forth between the two objects. All summer long she had missed Po like crazy, she even destroyed the Training hall four times because she was so upset that he was gone. She even caught herself putting Po above her desire to train on one occasion. But Po was her best friend. Even if Tigress wanted to see Po in a more…personal light…there was no guarantee he would feel the same. And then there was the Dragon Warrior. He had actually kissed Tigress back that night a few weeks ago. As Tigress continued to stare at the items she began to subconsciously compare the two males. "Po is so gentle…kind…and he's strong yes…but also pure. The Dragon Warrior…Is indeed strong, independent…reliable in a fight…and not afraid to speak his mind and tell you how it is…" Tigress did however come to the observation that they did have one thing in common. "They both have the same eyes…It's strange…before Po, I never met someone with those kind of eyes…not that I noticed before anyway."

Just then there was a loud knock at the door as Tigress was jarred from her thoughts. "Tigress, are you ready yet?" It was Viper as Tigress called out "Almost." Viper then opened the door and slithered in "The guys are waiting by the palace gates. I can't believe he's finally coming home today! I've missed him so much!" Viper said as Tigress nodded her head still not looking at the snake. "Me too…I wonder if he's changed at all? " as Tigress turned to face her friend though, she was met with Viper flicking her tail towards Tigress, as a few drops of an unknown liquid were splashed onto her face. "VIPER!? What was that!?" as Tigress tried to rub the substance off. Little did she know she was only rubbing it in. Viper smiled as she said "Just a little something extra." Tigress then sniffed the air as a light scent of peaches could be detected. "Did you just flick perfume on me!?" Tigress growled as Viper only smiled "Oh come on Tigress, it wasn't that much! Plus I know Po will just love it!" Tigress then glared "What does that even matter!?" Viper just shook her head saying "Come on, we promised Mr. Ping we'd get to the shop early and help him close up the shop!" as Viper slithered out of the room, leaving Tigress alone once again. "Well…at least I won't smell like sweat." she grumbled as she followed the snake out of the barracks and to the Palace Gates. "Just a few more hours."

Approaching the Docks near the Valley of Peace…

It was just past midday as the boat finally made port at the Docks just outside the Valley of Peace. Once the bridge was laid down and the Captain gave the all clear, a black and white blur, wearing a black long sleeved tunic with blue pants wearing a Yin-Yang amulet on a gold chain, raced off the boat and onto the docks, his travel pack slung over one shoulder, as he looked around furiously. "I'm finally home!" Po screamed in his head, as he continued to look for a familiar goose. "Hey Po, wait up!" Po turned to see Jing rushing after him down the walkway. As he neared the panda the six year old Black Bear cub looked up and asked "What's the hurry Po?" Po then said as he continued to look around "Sorry buddy, but I'm just trying to see where my Dad is. I thought for sure he'd be here waiting for me…You don't think he'd forget I was coming home today do you?" Just then a deep voice was heard behind the two younger bears. "Don't worry my boy, I'm sure he just got held up at the restaurant or something." Po turned to see Brycen and Hua walking down the walkway as Brycen was carrying his own pack and a long bundle in his right hand while his wife also carried a pack for her and Jing. Hua then said "Don't worry Po dear, it will only take us an hour to get back to the village." As Hua gave him a soft smile Po nodded as he and Jing began walking away from the docks with Brycen and Hua right behind them.

As the group of four walked through the Bamboo forest Po noticed Jing was being uncharacteristically silent. Po looked up at the cub who was now riding on his shoulders as he often did, and he asked "What's up buddy?" Jing was silent for a moment, when he eventually replied in a sad voice that said one thing, but for a little kid, meant the complete opposite "…Nothing…" Po frowned. This kid was always a bundle of energy, for him to be silent for more than ten minutes meant something was up. "Fibber…Come on Jing, what gives?" Again Jing was silent as Hua and Brycen listened in on the two. Finally Jing said "It's just that…once we get back to the village…Things will be different again…I won't see you anymore…" as a tear began to fall down Jing's face while Po also wore a frown for a second. Jing had become incredibly attached to Po this summer and to be honest Po did too. So Po put on his signature grin as he said "What are you talking about!? Did you hit your head on a tree branch or something?" Po asked with forced enthusiasm. Jing just looked down at the panda and asked "Huh?" Po then continued "We'll still see each other lots! Coach is still my master after all, so I'm sure we're gonna train still. Plus you'll be starting your first year at the Academy! So we'll see each other practically every day!" Hua then added "That's right Jing, You'll still get to see Po at school, and besides sweetie, it' not like he lives all that far away." Brycen nodded his head as Jing looked down at Po asking "You mean it!?" Po smiled as he looked up at the cub and said "Of course I do! You can't get rid of me THAT easily!" Jig smiled as he hugged Po's head saying "Thanks Po…" as the Panda chuckled while the two adults just smiled at the two.

"You'd swear those two were brothers." Brycen whispered as Hua smiled saying "You were the one who said it was hard not to get attached to Po." Po then turned behind him asking "Coach…How ARE we going to do the training thing anyway? Just like before, here in the forest?" Brycen just shook his head saying "We'll figure that out later boy. I think you've more than earned some time with your father and your friends for now." Po smiled wide as he leaped into the air with Jing still on his shoulders as he shouted "WOOHOO!" as Jing laughed while the panda darted through the trees just ahead stopping only to let the adults catch up. All the while Brycen just shook his head "Wish I had that kind of energy again." He grumbled as they continued to make their way to the village.

Once outside the village, Po set Jing down and hugged Hua saying "Thanks for everything mam." As Hua patted Po on the back saying "Think nothing of it dear, and come visit anytime you'd like, Jing would be happy to see you as much as possible." Po smiled as he rubbed the cub's head as Brycen said "I'll be over by tonight to speak with your father. You still have your seeds?" Po patted his pack as he said "Yeah…but I'm running low." Brycen nodded saying "I'll get Oogway to send for more. Hang tight till then." Po nodded as he began to turn around saying "Well I got to go, I can't wait to see my dad again!" as the group said their goodbyes Po dashed down the street in a full on sprint racing for his house. "I can't believe I'm finally home!" Po thought to himself as he ran through the streets dodging pedestrians as he sprinted, each of them surprised to see the panda back in the village. He almost ran right into a cart but jumped off a nearby box and over it as he called back "Sorry Mr. Bao!" as the pig watched on in surprise. He clearly wasn't expecting a panda to be flying over his cart. "N-No problem Po…uh, welcome back?" as the pig scratched his head. "The kid must have been working out this summer…huh."

Po raced down the streets stopping only to take a look at the newly remodeled Tailor shop. "Wow! Mr. Chu did a great job on Mrs. Chu's old shop! I'll have to stop by sometime to say hello to little Mai." as Po remembered the bunny lady who made him his Dragon Warrior Tunic all those months ago. Her shop had been ransacked by a large Croc named Lidong, who Po had put a stop too by accident while helping Tigress. That was also the same night Mrs. Chu died in Po's arms, and something within Po changed. That was also the same night when the Dragon Warrior first came to be, also by complete accident. As Po pushed the horrible memory aside he turned and headed down the street once again.

Within minutes, Po could see the noodle shop in the distance as he quickened his pace. "Dad!" Po thought to himself as he neared the shop, stopping just outside his home. "It feels like I haven't been here for so long…I'm finally home."he repeated as Po rushed into the door calling out, not caring who heard him "Dad! Dad I'm home!" But as Po looked around, nobody was in the restaurant. No customers, no Mr. Ping…it was empty. Po then walked in more and called out "Dad!? Are you home? It's me, Po!" still no response. Po then sat his pack onto a table as he wondered aloud "Where is he? I thought for sure he would be here…and…why is the shop closed?"

Suddenly several voices rang out from behind the kitchen "WELCOME HOME PO!" Po leaped back and almost entered a fighting stance, managing to stop himself at the last second. "WHAAA!?" Po screamed as his friends all started to laugh at him. "Guys!" What are you doing here!?"Po exclaimed as he rushed his friends who all surrounded him "We're here to see you of course! " Crane answered as Viper wrapped herself around Po while Mantis hopped on his shoulder "We all missed you Po!" Viper exclaimed as she hugged the panda while Mantis said "Yeah big guy! It's been way too boring around here with you gone." As Viper and Mantis released Po Monkey stepped forward and he and Po high fived as Monkey said "Good to have you back my friend!" as Po said "Good to be back Monkey!" as the others made room, Tigress stepped forward saying "Welcome home Po." Po and her stared at each other for a moment as Tigress gazed into his Jade Green eyes as he smiled right back at her. For a moment neither said a word as the others watched them with smiles of their own. Tigress noticed Po was wearing the amulet she gave him three months ago as Po reached for it saying "I told you I'd never take it off." as the Panda and the Tiger smiled at each other. Then Po stepped forward lifting Tigress in a Bear hug and twirled her around once as he exclaimed "I've missed you so much Tigress!" as Tigress returned the hug chuckling a little "Me too Po." As the Panda set her down he sniffed the air for a moment. "Are you…wearing perfume?" Po asked as Viper giggled lightly while Tigress blushed furiously "Well…it's…um…" when Po interrupted "Because it smells Awesome!" Po exclaimed as he sniffed the air again, making Tigress blush once more, but not as much. The two then continued to stare at each other, right until they realized their friends were watching, and then things became awkward as Po scratched the back of his head while Tigress rubbed her arm. Po saying, "So uh guys, it's great to see everyone again, But I got to ask, if you all are here, then where's my dad?"

Just then a familiar voice was heard from the kitchen as it shouted "Right here my son!" as Po turned to see Mr. Ping emerge from the kitchen carrying a large cake as he set the cake down Po rushed his dad shouting "DAD!" as the panda lifted his dad and hugged him as hard as he could without hurting the old goose. "I missed you dad…" Po said as Mr. Ping patted his son on the back saying "I missed you too son. I know it's a few days late, but Happy Birthday Po!" Po pulled his dad away to look at him dumbfounded "What?" Po asked his eyes blinking. Crane then asked "Yeah Po, Your dad said your Birthday was three days ago." Monkey then added "We know you spent your Birthday on a boat, so we figured we'd all get together today and celebrate." Tigress then asked as she walked up to the panda "You mean you forgot your own Birthday?"

To be honest Po did forget it. Three days ago he turned 17. "I uh…I did...actually." Po finally said as he scratched the back of his head. He had been so focused on getting home that he completely forgot about his own Birthday. It wasn't his official Birthday of course for all he knew, just the anniversary of the day Mr. Ping…"Adopted" Po. Po had no idea what his actual Birthday was and there simply was no way of knowing. As Mr. Ping began to cut the cake he said "Let us celebrate my son's return and his Birthday!" everyone agreed and began to eat.

The afternoon flew by as Po spent it surrounded by his friends, and his dad. His friends told him stories about some of the missions they went on over the summer and Po listened with great interest. Even about Monkey and Tigress's mission to the Mountains. Po noticed that Tigress never brought up how she kissed the Dragon Warrior though and Monkey was watching her the entire time as she told the tale. Mr. Ping even told Po about the time he was almost robbed by a croc bandit and Po nearly choked. "Luckily Tigress showed up in the nick of time and got rid of that nasty croc!" Mr. Ping had said as Po gave Tigress a thankful smile as she merely nodded her head. Monkey was walking by with a bowl of dumplings right then when he tripped and fell. On instinct Po whirled around catching Monkey with one hand while catching the bowl of dumplings in his other hand. "Phew." Po exclaimed as he hoisted Monkey up "Close one." Po said as everyone looked at the panda wondering how he had such great reflexes. Po then stuttered as he quickly thought of an excuse "Wh-What? You tend to learn how to catch yourself and keep from losing dishes when you're raised in a noodle shop!" Everyone then smiled and accepted the answer except for Mr. Ping, who knew the real reason behind Po's improved reflexes, and to be honest Tigress wasn't quite buying it either, but she decided to just let it go.

After a while it began to get late and Po said goodbye to his friends as they headed back to the Jade Palace. Mantis said before leaving "Po! You have to come up to the Palace tomorrow and make me some of your Dumplings!" Po just rolled his eyes, "But I sent Tigress the recipe months ago! Can't the palace chef make them?" Mantis then spat "Please! He tried that once! And his were horrible!" Crane chimed in "It's true. I don't think those things were considered edible." Po laughed as he said "Okay, I'll try to come by tomorrow night. Once I finish helping dad around the shop." Mantis hopped up and down shouting "THANK YOU!" as he too returned to the Palace. Tigress was the last one as she stood next to Po saying. "Well I guess I should get going too." Po then started "It was so great to see you again Tigress…and thanks for keeping an eye on my dad for me while I was gone." Tigress smiled as she began to walk away. Without thinking Po called out to her right then saying "Um…Tigress…Uh…" Tigress turned to give him a quizzical and possibly even a hopeful look "Yes Po?" Po was getting tongue tied. He tried to say something but his words were failing him. "I ...uh…just wanted to say…um…it was…great to see you…again…and um…good night…" Tigress smiled at the Panda's awkwardness as she replied "Same here Po…see you tomorrow night, and Happy Birthday." as the tiger began to run for the Jade Palace.

After a while Po let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding "Smooth Panda." he grumbled to himself as he heard a voice from behind "You can say that again boy." Po turned to see Brycen walking out from around the shop as Po greeted him "Hey Coach…here to see my dad? " Brycen nodded as the two went into the shop. Once inside Mr. Ping greeted Brycen saying "Mr. Brycen, what a surprise, what can I do for you?" Po then said "I'm gonna go upstairs and unpack my things. Good night Coach, good night Dad!" as Po began to head up the stairs Mr. Ping said "Good night son." While Brycen called back saying "Good night Po…sleep well." Po nodded and continued up the stairs. Mr. Ping then turned to Brycen and asked slightly worried "So what is it?" Brycen then became serious as he said "There was an issue during our time in the mountains…You see… Po was having some pretty terrible nightmares for a long time, but he's got them under control for the most part now, but you need to know what he needs to do every night before bed and why, to keep it that way." as Brycen began to explain Po's new nightly rituals to the goose.

As Po walked into his old room he looked around. Everything was just the way he left it: his bed was in the one corner, a washbowl in the other, a dresser against the wall, and a few Kung Fu posters here and there. As Po sat his pack down, he was about to just plop down on his bed when he saw a green bundle at the foot of it with a note. Po then turned to see his window was indeed cracked open and after closing it for a moment, Po went over to his bed and picked up the note. The note read.

Dear Young Po,

Happy Birthday child, I know you will not get this for a few days yet, but I wanted to make sure you got it all the same. Please forgive the intrusion. There is a gift from Master Brycen as well, so I do hope you enjoy them. Once again, Happy Birthday and welcome home young panda.

Master Oogway…

Po looked from the note to the green wrapped bundle and he couldn't help but wonder. "Master Oogway and Brycen got me a gift? Honestly, how does that old turtle know half the things he does?" As Po set the note down he sat down and began to unwrap his gift. Once he did he gasped. It was a gray short sleeved tunic and Po could tell the material wasn't cheap. On the back of the shirt was a large Yin-Yang Symbol. As Po stared at the symbol images of the Large Panda from his dreams rushed him along with that hammer he wielded. Po hadn't seen the figure in his dreams since the night he almost burned in the fire back in the mountains. As Po was lost in his thoughts he almost didn't notice his foot kick an object at his feet. Po looked down to see small pole like object wrapped in green paper. "Must be Brycen's gift." Po mumbled as he picked it up and unwrapped it.

Po's eyes widened as he gazed upon a new bamboo flute. This was similar to the one he won for Jing back in the Mountains at the festival, except this one was meant for someone who was serious with their music, not meant as a prize at a game stand. As Po looked it over he saw there was a note attached. As Po read it, the note said.

Po,

I'm sorry we never celebrated your Birthday…But I knew it just wouldn't be the same without being with your father. I did ask Jing what to get you and when he suggested a flute like his I thought it was a good call. Granted this is more than just a cheap prize yes but…You never know…maybe you'll feel inspired one day to play it…maybe even play that Melody you know to someone special…Anyway, Happy Birthday my boy, and enjoy your week before school. Senior year…hard to believe it.

Brycen…

Also, no training this week. Rest up, and enjoy your time with your friends.

As Po finished the note he took the flute and walked over to his window. Po then climbed out and up to his roof where he could see a great view of the village along with the Jade Palace up on the mountain top. "It's so good to finally be home."he said as Po then brought the flute to his lips and began to play the one Melody he knew how. As the song flowed from the flute, the music wrapped around Po like a protective blanket, as a sense of calm and peace washed over him. Whenever Po was feeling bad or sad, this melody seemed to wash away some of his pain, but right now Po wasn't sad…he was happy, happy to be back, as he continued to play his new flute.

Brycen was walking the streets as his ear twitched, as he turned back to see Po sitting on his roof playing his new flute. Brycen smiled as he leaned against a wall and listened to the music as he whispered "Happy Birthday Po…" as he closed his eyes and let the Lullaby wash over him.

Tigress was approaching the steps to the Jade Palace when she stopped, her ear twitching. It was faint, but she could just make out the sounds of some music. Curious, she turned around and leaped up the nearest building as she began to run towards the sound, with each step it was getting louder. Finally she came to a high rooftop and looked down to see Po in the distance, sitting on his roof, playing a Bamboo flute. "Such a beautiful song…" Tigress whispered as she leaned against a chimney and listened to the panda finish. Once he did Po looked up at the stars and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "Was he crying just now?" Tigress wondered as the Panda climbed back down to his window and back into his room, closing the window behind him. Tigress smiled as she was about to head back to the palace when she said to the panda, even though he couldn't hear her. "Welcome Home Po."


Po has returned home and is surrounded once again by his friends and family. Shen has mobilized his wolves and is making his way to Gongmen City, The new school year is just around the corner and yes...there will be a little bit of school in the beginning, gotta keep it consistent after all. Always nice to have a story start off on a happy note.

Anyway, Sorry for taking a few days to not write, but honestly, for a guy who brings practically daily updates, I think I'm entitled to a day or two between arcs. Not mad at anyone, just saying. Thanks again to Puckabrinaluver for the art work! The tunic may be a bit long but you still did a great job. and Remember everyone...

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