(Edited)

Prologue

Po and his friends just defeated Lord Shen and enjoyed their victory with citizens of Gongmen City. Nevertheless, the true story has just begun.

Not far from destroyed ships and happy parties a lonely figure has been carrying by the flow of the current.

This figure is no other than defeated warlord, lord of Gongmen City, and snowy white peacock, Shen.

Lying on the seaside, the bird was beaten and barely alive. When his consciousness finally returned to him the only thing he could feel was pain of his broken body and big headache.

"What's happening? Where am I? Am I dead? Then why do I hurt so much?" thought Shen. Every move was so painful that he could barely breathe. After a moment of confusion, he understood that he was still alive after cannon crushed him. Memories of not long before came to him, memory of his destiny, of his actions, of his hard past, and of his supposed death.

Finally after long silence and thoughts, the first words emerged out of bird's beak, like a barely heard whisper, "So fate was so cruel to continue my torments. What am I supposed to do right now?"
It was his one and only thought. His headache became worse. Then, unexpectedly, he heard the sound of footsteps. Suddenly, he became very dizzy and was about to lose consciousness. Everything become black and the last thing he heard was someone coming towards him.

At this time in Gongmen City…

Po and the Furious Five were in the middle of the fight against remainder of Shen's army and some komodo dragons. Their battles were finished by the end of the day. Their successes were followed by a ceremony of their rewards.

"Cool, we save the city twice in one day!" said Po, "That's just awesome!"

Others from the five agreed with him. While their victory was on their minds, they didn't anticipate the difficult journey that awaits them.

On the other side of country in the capital of China...

The Emperor was sitting on his throne. He was a colorful peacock with clear blue eyes.

"So by your words he is some kind of murderer and criminal that wanted to conquer our country. Then why did you bring him here and help him rather than throw him in a torture chamber for his crimes, where he should have waited for his execution," he said.

A little shorter figure that stood beside the Emperor answered "Don't worry father. Just trust me, I know what I am doing…at least I hope I am."

"Please don't make me regret my choice, daughter."

The figure nodded and left.

At that moment somewhere our main avian character has awakened…

Shen looked around the room and took notice of his surroundings. He was in an unknown dark place, lit only by a few candles. He saw that his wounds and injuries had been treated. It was much better for him to move now and less painful as well, but he was still tired.

The sound of opening door caught his attention. The figure walked in the room. "Ah, I see you have awakened, Shen," said a sweet feminine voice.

The albino bird stared at the intruder.
"Who are you?" Asked Shen in firm and angry voice.

The female smiled.

"You know, you caused a quite ruckus in Gongmen," The figure said, ignoring the peacock's question, what made him frown at her.

"However, the Emperor was kind enough to give you forgiveness for all of your crimes, thanks to me of course."

A stunned silence filed the room.

Slowly, Shen started to panic "Where am I? Who are you and what do you want from me?!"

He couldn't find his knives, not a single one of them. He also noticed that he didn't have his metal talons on him, exposing his burned scars for everyone to see. The figure then came into the light of candle. It was gorgeous peahen with beautiful blue eyes, clear as the brightest sky. She has colorful neck with shades of blue and green. She could be rightfully regarded as the most beautiful of her species. Shen was stunned for a moment and then a scent of flowers and peaches filled the air around him. The peahen was very young, a mere child, a girl of sixteen years. She wore an expensive purple robe and necklace with some jewels. Shen was sure that she really was a sight to behold.

The female bird smiled cockily at him, saying, "You are in the capital of China, to be specific, in the Royal Palace of the Emperor. It's hospital wing to be exact. You were quite a mess when I found you. As for who I am…my name is Lian. I am the daughter of the Emperor."

"What? You are Emperor's daughter. What is the meaning all of this? Why would someone like you help me?" demanded the peacock.

"My, my such temper," continued the peahen in a playful voice, ignoring Shen once again, "Can't you be a little calmer, sweet?"

Shen humphed in anger. How dare that brat mock him!

"Why you little…" began Shen before being quickly and rudely interrupted.

"Oh, don't need to be such a grouch. I am trying to help you. In fact, I am your one and only friend right now."

"I do not need your help."

"Is that so? Because by the look of it you need some serious help."

The only answer the girl got was a snort in her direction.

Lian sighted, "I know what you did, Shen. And somehow I understand why you did what you did. But, I must say, I do not approve of your idea to conquer China. I can understand that you wanted to return the city that was your by birthright, but don't you think that China is too big a piece of cake for you to swallow?"

"You don't know anything about me, brat!"

"You think so? I know much more than you believe, Shen. I hope that you already prepared for the game we will play."

"A game? What game? Do you even understand what you are saying?" began Shen, thinking that the girl had lost it.

"Yes, the game of oblivion, intrigue, betrayal, deception and intelligence. We have a long road ahead of us. Are you ready?" asked Lian looking straight into his eyes.

The firm gaze was all she needed to know the answer.

"Good…I'll leave you for now. Just rest. A servant will be nearby if you need something, so just call. And try not to move very much, your wounds are still fresh and can reopen very easy," said the peahen, opening the door and leaving the room, but stopping for a moment and looking back at him. Their eyes meet once again. They stood in silence for some minutes, looking at each other. Then she left, closing the door.

In the hall of the Palace…

Lian walked along the corridor and turned the corner. Against the wall she closed her eyes and sighed. She heard footsteps, coming closer and then a goat approached her.

"How did it go?" he asked.

"Nice…I think."

"Do you even realize what you are doing by allying with this bird?"

"I have a pretty good idea," answered Lian as she started to leave, "It was a long and exhausting day. I would like to go to bed."

And so they went their separate ways.

In the treatment room…

Shen was still thinking about Emperor's daughter and her words. He must admit she was quite attractive and mature for her age. But what was she planning? Shen decided not to think about it and follow the advice of peahen. He closed his eyes and welcomed long-awaited sleep.

In Lian's room…

It was night, the glowing moon hanging high in the clear, dark sky. Moonlight fell on her fine feathers, illuminating her lovely face. She was looking at the night sky.

"I hope we will be ready for everything fate has in store for us," she whispered to the night.

After that she closed the window and went to bed.

Getting into bed, she blew out the candle and the room was plunged into darkness.

A/N: Hey guys! JubJub0250 here! I'm not the esteemed author of this story, but I am the editor so you can thank me for little to none spelling and grammar mistakes. Enjoy the story!