Author's Note: I'm giving the chapter's titles by putting the main charcter's age first and then the actual chapter name. I hope you enjoy the story. Constructive criticism is welcome, but I will request that you be polite. Thank you!
I don't own Kung Fu Panda or any of the characters or places from it. Mira and her parents are mine though, as is the storyline.
Three Years: Unexpected Meetings
A little peahen danced around her mother as she looked at some fabrics. She loved the sun, and today it shone warm and bright. Suddenly, the light caught on something, grabbing the three-year- old's attention. A handsome peacock looked over some pots and pans thoughtfully. He was white, though not albino, for his feathers had colour, and seemed to be about twenty-four. The young peahen skipped over to him, and he turned his proud gaze to her.
"I'm Shuang." she chirped. "Who are you?"
The peacock looked surprised. "Why do you want to know."
"Because you look like Mama and Daddy. And I like you!"
A slight smile. "I'm not sure that is a good reason. Where did you come from?
"Over there. Before that we were going along the road. And before that we had a picnic on the hill. I wish you could have come!"
A gentle laugh came from her companian. "You are a strange little girl. Very well, my name is -"
"Lord Shen?"
The white peacock stiffend before turning to the source of the voice. " Deshi. I did not expect to see you here."
The slighter smaller blue peacock inclined his head while embracing the young peahen who tackled him. "I could say the same. Why are you not in Gongmen City?"
Shen raised an eyebrow. "You do not know? How long have you been away?"
"Ten years."
"Well, you will hear when you get back. I have no interest in talking about it."
Deshi nodded. "Of course. Now little Shuang. We will be leaving in a few minutes."
The little peahen nodded, "Yes, Daddy." She waited until he joined her mother before turning back to Shen. "Why are you in trouble? Were you naughty?"
Lord Shen drew himself up, red eyes flashing, then changed his mind and lowered his head so only the child could hear. "Can you keep a secret?" An eager nod. He didn't actually expect her to remain silent, but he wanted to talk to someone. "I did something that made my parents scared, so they went to a soothsayer. She said something that frightend me. So I did something that I thought would make them proud." He was silent for a moment. "Instead they sent me away."
A small wing touched his softly. He looked down at the young peahen, surprised. There was a startling expression of understanding in her eyes.
"You made a mistake, but maybe you can fix it?"
He shook his head. "I can't fix this one."
Shuang squeezed his wing feathers. "I'm sure your parent's still love you. They're just making sure you understand you did something wrong."
Shen stared at her. Her thinking was so simple, and yet held such truth. Still, he'd gone to far. This wasn't your everyday punishment. No. My parents can't love me. But he didn't tell the little girl that.
"Shuang!"
Shen lowered his gaze again. "You're being called. You should go."
"Okay!" Shuang grinned. "Maybe I'll see you again someday!"
She dashed off, and the young lord watched her go. "No, my little Silver Star. We will not meet again." And he turned back to his business.
That moment stayed in his mind for many years.