Things to know (IMPORTANT): Story does not follow the third movie, takes place half a year after the second movie, Shen is thirty-eight years old (assuming "Young Shen" committed panda genocide at the age of eighteen and Po was at least one year old), may contain violence.

A/N:

*adjusts glasses and tries to look sophisticated

Okay, first of all, thank you for those who decided to read this story—which was intended as a way to satisfy my need to make the imagination I had come to life! It's a little late for "Shen Season" (rise of Shen fanfics, most of which were posted shortly after the release of the second Kung Fu Panda movie), but whatever. This is my first ever Kung Fu Panda fanfic, and one that stars Shen as a fellow MC. I adored the movie series for a while already, the second one especially since I had some pretty fond memories of watching it with my dad. The story was also very intriguing, and looking at it now with new eyes I see that it truly was a work of art (I teared up when I rewatched Po's backstory; the great musical score added such intensity and feeling to the scene).

Secondly, I wanted to do a fanfic that has Shen as a main character; seeing as how few there are focusing on him in the archive (in my opinion). Aaand, the romance genre! Okay, okay, I get it—why pick Shen as the love interest? Well, because there are a lot of interesting points in his character. Realistically speaking I wouldn't want to place myself in a situation that involves falling in love with a genocidal criminal, but for the story's sake I'm just going to try to see how I can make love and a sense of purity work with a very hated criminal. So, it's going to be tricky on my part, but I think it'll be a worthy experience! But really, it's about redemption, developed love, and purification of a dark heart. Yes, yes, a Shen-redemption fic, combined with a Shen-is-a-love-interest fic. Sorry, but I love both (he really did have so much potential as a character).

Lastly, THE ROMANCE! Like stated above, I wanted to find a way to twist the romance genre, so either it'll turn out great or not (but that's up to you to decide). Now, taking out my list of the top four types of love interests paired with Shen . . .

1)Peahen 2)A canon character (ex. Tigress, Viper, Po, etc.) 3)Swan 4)Other animals (larger felines, other birds, mythological creatures, etc.)

Ah, yes. Quite a bit for a nefarious, albino peacock. In the end I chose . . . a swan. For one, I love swans. And, I also wanted to add some more stories, though I do know and have read other stories out there of Shen paired with other avians, mainly peahens. This is also the first time I'll be putting actual focus on an OC, so hopefully I don't mess up the character and background.

*wiggles glasses vigorously

Whew, that's a lot! On a final note, I also would like to thank one of my "bestest" friends for encouraging me to write this. This was originally intended to be a private story shaped in my head, but because I wanted to be a little more open with my creativity I decided to follow my friend's words and give it a go. While some might consider it odd to make a fanfic about a children's movie (and a good one at that), I thank my friend for supporting me and giving me the courage to post this story.

Anyway, enjoy! :3

FUN FACT: Some of the plot was thought up while I was brushing my teeth. It's weird, since I can be contemplative while brushing my teeth, but hey I get new ideas!

WARNING: Considering that this is a fanfic that stars adult, evil Shen, there will most likely be some dark themes involved (such as violence).

Disclaimer: Kung Fu Panda belongs to DreamWorks Animation.

Prologue

Deep in the city of Gongmen, the civilians celebrated in joy. After spending time in suffering under the rule of their former prince, they were finally free.

Just like how the wise soothsayer had foretold twenty years prior, a warrior of black and white defeated the Gongmen's former evil ruler and saved the city. A panda, seemingly normal—and quite the humorous lump of fur—defeated the infamous Lord Shen.

While things were once again entering a time of peace, that didn't mean everything was over.

Right by the edge of a secluded, wintry forest was the weak form of a peacock; white feathers stained with grime and remnants of gunpowder, as well as some bloodstained plumes. The avian was carried by the river just a few meters way, far away from the buzzing activity of Gongmen.

Though formerly as white as the frost and snow on the ground, the dirtied peacock was easily noticed as a family of white rabbits made their way towards the freezing river. Unknowing of what had just transpired in the well-known city of Gongmen, and who the unconscious avian was, the family transported the injured peacock to their warm burrow to attend to his injuries.

Little did they know, the family's kindness would either result in the return of a dark-hearted villain . . . or possibly in the chance of a restart. At the same time, miles and miles away from China was another avian recently reunited her biological, noble family.

A swan, with feathers as black as the night sky. She, like her parents, felt immense joy upon being brought back together again. And though she was glad, it would still take some time until she would once fit in with the aristocracy. Twenty-four years of living with the common folk can make one of noble lineage think and act differently, but the two noble swans were just relieved and overjoyed to see their only daughter again.

Unbeknownst to the peacock and swan, the two would soon meet. One would experience a chance at redemption, while the other would be met with an eye-opening experience. However, both would be opened up to something familiar yet new: love.