A/N: So I noticed that there are quite a handful of Shen-centric fics going on. This is just my take on Shen's origins. Actually partially inspired by Domenic fanfic 'The Life and Times of Lord Shen'. In fact, you may see some resemblance of this fic to hers. My story bases itself on how I looked at Shen at the movie. Half vengeful, half insane. I swear, if you looked him in the eyes on some scenes, I swear it felt like he's gone mad. This is MADness! Madness? Why so serious?
Disclaimer: Some settings, practices and traditions may not be historically accurate. Some physical phenomenon may not reflect real life. Rated T for some mind-numbing scenes. This is a fanfiction to Kung Fu Panda 2. Some lines from the movie were used to make this fic.
So anyway, let's begin. Enjoy =D!
Sinister Minds
Psychosis (from the Greek ψυχή "psyche", for mind/soul, and -ωσις "-osis", for abnormal condition) means abnormal condition of the mind, and is a generic psychiatric term for a mental state often described as involving a "loss of contact with reality". [Wikipedia]
Introduction
"Doctor, we're so glad you came."
"No worries, your Excellence. I came here as soon as I could. But, what is this about?"
"It's our Little Shen."
"We're worried… Doctor."
Chapter 1
Inside Little Shen's room sat the doctor on one end, the little peafowl on the other. He looked down to his own claws feeling a bit anxious. Shen held with him a stuffed toy that was given to him when he was three. He was not comfortable to having strangers in his room, only his mother, father and his nanny, the Soothsayer. He looked at the male goat in front of him. "Am I in trouble?" he eventually asked.
The male goat, not all too wrinkly but not that young as well, chuckled slightly before speaking. "No… not at all."
He paused for a moment. "Shen? Do you know why I'm here?"
Shen shook his head at the question.
"Your parents told me you've been having… problems."
Young Shen held his stuffed toy and squeezed it tighter. The goat noticed this. "Shen… you can tell me anything."
Shen was hesitant. "They don't believe me. They said I'm making things up."
"Try me."
The goat left Shen's room. As he did, Shen's parents approached him. "Doctor?"
"He's alright, my Lord. He just… He just needs to get out more. Nothing to…"
"… worry about?"
Shen's parents and the doctor looked at the other old goat standing on a nearby pillar.
"Afternoon Soothsayer."
"Greetings, Doctor."
Their eyes locked on for a moment, but only briefly. "This excellent news. My wife and I are relieved." The Peacock Lord replied.
"You should see your son. He's waiting for you."
"You have my heartfelt thanks, doctor."
The Lord and his mistress left, leaving the Doctor and the Soothsayer alone.
"It's a lovely afternoon…"
"… for a walk?"
"Well actually, I was going to say…"
"I'd love to." Soothsayer smiled.
They stood at the top of a small wooden arch-bridge, looking at their reflections.
"Even just looking at your blurry reflection, you still look stunning my dear."
"You're quite the charmer, Doctor."
They walked towards the palace garden. Spring was in the air. The cherry trees blossomed. Flower petals falling like snow.
"You know I worry for him. My Little Shen. I can tell. He's very…"
"Different?" The doctor asked.
"Unique."
"Darn it. Perhaps my fortune telling skills is rustier than I thought. Not my cup of tea, I suppose."
"What happened back there?"
"You're the Soothsayer, my dear. I'm surprised you even ask."
"Fortune-telling is not an art Doctor. It comes and goes, just like leaves and the wind, and the night and the sky."
The doctor sighed in response. "I worry for him as well. At first, I thought this was just a phase that he was getting to. It's been months. His stories are becoming more vivid with every visit. What Shen has, it has persisted to stay."
Soon afterwards, they heard the soft drop of an object. They look by the tree, and were both surprised to see Little Shen behind it, along with his stuffed toy. He had heard everything.
"Shen?"
Shen ran back to his quarters. He did not even bother to pick the stuffed toy he brought along with him.
The doctor came back to Shen's room immediately. He found his room closed, so he called out his name. "Shen? I can explain."
"Go away!"
"Shen? Listen to me."
"I trusted you, Doctor. You said you wouldn't tell."
"But I have to Shen… It's my job."
There was a brief silence.
"Shen?"
"He was right. You can't be trusted."
"Who?"
"You wouldn't believe me."
"Listen to me. I can help you."
"I don't need your help!" The little peafowl tried to yell at the top of his voice.
The doctor tried to be persistent. "Shen? Shen!" He did not stop knocking the door.
"Doctor, I think you've had quite a day. Leave this to me."
The doctor was hesitant. "But I… I need…"
"Why don't you rest, Doctor? I will take it from here." She gestured, holding with her the stuff toy Little Shen had dropped back in the garden.
The doctor complied. "See you tomorrow."
The following day came rather quickly for the residents of Gongmen. Soon, the doctor was at the doorsteps of the palace once more. He walked pass by the covered court, seeing several training in the martial arts. The most prominent figure was Master Thundering Rhino at the center. He had hair then. He remembered his secret session with him. Apparently, he did not take the news very well. Of course, who would not feel the slightest gloom knowing that all his hair would fall off? He was an aspirant back then when the doctor broke the news. Years on, it seemed as though Master Thundering Rhino no longer weeps the loss of his hair, seeing that he had accepted this for a long time now.
The doctor simply continued on to Shen's sleeping quarters. Upon approaching, he saw that Little Shen and the Soothsayer were waiting outside.
"How come you're all out here?" The Doctor asked.
"Doctor, we were just about to see you. Isn't that right, Shen?" Soothsayer looked the child at her side.
The little peafowl nodded reluctantly.
"Do you have anything to say, dear?"
"I… I…" Little Shen mumbled.
"Well?"
"I'm sorry, Doctor. I didn't… I didn't mean to do what I did yesterday."
"And?" The soothsayer added.
"And… I accept your help."
The doctor smiled. "That's a start."
Ever since then, the doctor worked closely on Little Shen. What the doctor first did, was to consult Shen's parents. He told them that he needed the attention he deserved. Maybe then, he would not have the need to create friends of his own. The parents complied and have given Shen the necessary attention he needed. He was six back then. He eventually would need to learn to interact with those around him. They started to bring him outside to show the town hoping that through this path Shen needed to make, he would become just like a regular kid. Of course he is the future heir to the throne, but as the good Doctor once said, Baby steps.