Chapter One


Night was over the Jade palace, and all was silent. The Five were asleep, except for Tigress, who had left to find Po and Shen. They were VERY late...

Shifu, sitting motionless on top of Grandmaster Oogway's staff, frowned unconsciously. He knew that it took some time to get used to things, and to even attempt to find peace, but not this long!

A shaft of moonlight creeped it's way into the room, as the celestial silver orb climbed into the sky. Almost simultaneously, Tigress, Shen, and Po burst in, quietly creeping back towards their rooms, trying not to wake anyone.

Shifu's ears twitched, and he leaped from the staff with amazing skill, and ran towards the three animals.

"Master Tigress, Po, Shen!" he called quickly, and smiled at their expressions, it was if they had been caught doing something illegal.

"I'm sorry, Master, but it took me a while to find them," Tigress said, as she and the others bowed hastily, "We should retire quickly."

"You should indeed," Shifu replied, "Now move along."

Tigress and the others moved as if to leave. Suddenly, a goose crash-landed unceremoniously before them. It was Zeng, the palace messenger and janitor.

"Master Shifu! Master Shifu!" the goose half-called, half-whispered, "I have a message for you! Where are you?"

"Behind you, Zeng. What is it?" Shifu said quietly.

"Aak!" Zeng started, and turned quickly, "There you are! I have a message for you!"

"I understood that. Let me see it," Shifu replied.

Zeng handed Shifu a scroll, inside a casing, which Shifu quickly removed. When he had finished reading it, he turned to Tigress, Shen, and Po.

"A village is under attack from bandits. You must go immediately, now get going."

"But the others-" Tigress said questioningly.

"Are asleep. You are awake, and ready for action. Now get going!" Shifu interrupted.

"But what about me?" Shen asked quickly, "I haven't done any fighting yet-"

"Well, consider this your first combat experience," Shifu replied, just as quickly, "Now, lives are at stake right now, so get GOING!"

None of the others argued further, only raced from the Jade palace. Well, at least Shen and Tigress did. Po had sorta dissapeared...

Shen gulped, realizing that he was alone with Tigress, as they raced down the stairs to the floor. Fortunately, Tigress was concentrating on the task at hand, and didn't waste time burning him. She did, however, send him a warning glance. It said everything.

"Mess this up, or do anything wrong, and I'll kill you."

Shen shuddered. Obviously, she wasn't too comfortable with the idea of fighting next to Shen.

Po finally caught up with them, and they raced away down the bridge.

"Where were you?" Tigress called back to him.

"I was getting a map from Master Shifu," Po replied pantingly, "We didn't know where we were going, so I thought it might help!"

Tigress had nothing to reply to that. She had forgotten that as well.

Shen gave a silent grin to Po, who grinned back. It wasn't often that they managed to confound Tigress, who was normally very sharp-witted. She must be sleepy.

They raced across the Valley at rapid speed, heading toward the marked location on Po's map.

It was a two hour run, as the left the Valley. The town they were heading towards was inside Valley territory, but was outside the actual valley itself. So it was a long run.


But they eventually got there, and it was obvious where the bandits were instantly. There was a large wolf or some other canine, the dark light made it hard to be totally sure. They were going from house to house, practically unopposed, the few villagers who did try anything were quickly kicked down, unconscious... Or worse.

"Hey you cowards! Stop this!" Tigress yelled, her voice roaring over the entire village, "Pick on someone your own size!"

The wolf sized them up, and backed off a few steps.

"Hey guys!" he called to another bandit, "It looks like we got trouble! There's a tiger over here!"

Another wolf ran up, and brandished it's spear at her. She roundhouse kicked the spear away from him, and hammer punched his head. The wolf crumpled.

The other bandits gaped. It had just taken her about three seconds, to immobilize one of their best men!

"Get her!" the first wolf yelled, and five more leapt towards the warriors, who moved into their stances. The battle was on!

"Aargh!" a wolf howled, snapping it's jaws at Tigress, who slid backwards quickly, and punched him in the chest.

The wolf retaliated with his sword, slicing downwards, but was suddenly tripped and slammed by Po, who then picked up a pot, and crashed it on another wolf's cranium.

"No way..." the poor lupine moaned, "A panda..." then he fell backwards, unconscious.

The first wolf, who seemed to be the leader, judging by his rich-looking cape, rushed forwards, and attacked Po and Tigress together.

Shen, watching from the air, had gone unnoticed for now. In a one-on-one battle, he was extremely dangerous, one-on-two, just as much. But when there were five, six, or even seven enemies, all at once, he had not the teamwork knowledge that enabled Tigress, Po, and the Furious Five to take out an army.

So he just glided, waiting for a opportunity... He found one, as the wolf leader below span himself, his cape flying out into Po's face.

While it was out, Shen pinned it with a throwing knife, rendering the wolf leader immobile.

Tigress took advantage of this, leaping into the air, and kicking him in the chin with amazing force. The wolf fell unconscious, almost instantly.

Shen landed quickly, and fanned his train into a remaining wolf, who had the misfortune to be separated from the rest. The wolf yelped, and turned...

And then he sorta stared, his eyes fixed on Shen's train.

"Shen?" he asked, almost confusedly.

But Shen never got to find out what he meant, as he was already in mid kick on the lupine's forehead, sending him sprawling.

But he had heard that, and leapt back as if he had been stung. The wolf had recognized him! Was it possible that... These could be some of his wolves, remnants of his army? The thought was scary, considering what had happened the last time he had met them...

Killing their leader, also Shen's single friend, and firing a cannon at them, would leave them a little sore...

Suddenly, by instinct, he ducked.

Just in time, too, as an arrow zipped over his head.

He fanned his train and span, breaking up his real outline. This made it harder for an archer to aim at him. Still, it was no guarantee, and he was hard-pressed to avoid the arrows. And he still didn't know where they were coming from...

Suddenly, the arrows stopped, and all was quiet.

Silence hung over the air like a fog- then was broken by an eerie wolf-howl, echoing away into the distance. Another replied, and then, there was silence once more.

Shen recognized the howls. It was a retreat. They had won! Well, Po and Tigress had, he hadn't done much...

He leaped into the air once more, and glided around in circles, trying to find the two Masters. He found Po, and landed down next to him.

"Shen! Where were you?" he asked, "You should have seen it! There was like seven wolves at once, and then I like punched one into the air, and then Tigress kicked him in midair, right into the other six! It was awesome!"

Shen nodded slowly. "I'm sure..."

"It was like SHAPOW! And then KACK! And then UGH!" the panda continued his rant, "I was so amazed... And now I'm so tired..."

With those words, Po unconsciously jinxed the other two warriors. They had been training all day, ran all the way here, and then fought about fifteen well-armed and skilled fighters, all of which are draining activities.

"Actually, panda," Shen said stuffily, holding back a yawn, "I am rather tired as well..."

"Well, the sooner we get back, the sooner we can rest," Tigress pointed out, panting a little from the fight. Safe to say, she had done most of it.

"So let's get going."

Shen looked around. He recognized this place, he realized. He had stopped off on the way to the Valley from Gongmen!

Well, it hadn't been a voluntary stop. He had been unconscious at the time...

He suddenly remembered that kitten he had met, Sao was her name... She would be seven now... He wondered if she was okay...

"Shen, are you coming, or what?" Po called, already leaving.

"Wha- oh yeah, I'm coming!" Shen called, "Just.. Hold on a second!"

Hmmmph... They probably wouldn't want to see him again anyway. Chances were, they had found out who he was by now...

He turned, and raced after the other two warriors, his train flowing behind him like the tail of a dragon, semi-glowing in the moonlight.

When he finally caught up with them, they settled into the routine of walking. But Shen was distracted, and constantly found himself lagging behind.

They had been walking for about fifteen minutes, when they passed by a house that was very familiar to Shen. It was Inazuma's household, Sao's father... And they were outside their house, surveying the damage done by the bandits.

Shen couldn't resist. He could not just walk by, when they were RIGHT THERE!

"Hold on a second, will you?" Shen called to Po, "I need to do something..."

"Where are you going?" Po asked.

"Nothing, I-"

"Hey," Po interrupted, "Isn't that that cat-family who rescued us, way back then? Hey! HEY!"

He called and waved, so loudly in the dead of night, that Shen and Tigress both winced.

Inazuma heard them, alright. You would need to be deaf to miss them. He turned towards them, and walked over.

"Greetings, honorable Dragon Warrior," he began, as if reciting a rehearsed speech, "I would like to thank you for saving our home."

Po sighed. He knew this cat, who stuck doggedly to traditions and formality.

"You're welcome!" he replied cheerily, "It's what I do, after all. So, how have things been since we last met?"

"Completely satisfactory, Dragon Warrior, all things considered," the elderly cat replied, "But we have you to thank for our safety."

"Po?" Tigress asked, "You know this cat?"

"Sure I do, Tigress," Po replied, "We met on the way to the Jade palace, when me, Viper, and Shen were traveling back from Gongmen. Well, actually, he rescued us when we were caught in a giant storm."

"Oh," Tigress said.

"Here, Inazuma, let me introduce you," Po offered, "This, Tigress, is Inazuma, and Inazuma, this is Master Tigress."

"It is an honor, Master Tigress," Inazuma bowed.

"And I'm sure you already know Shen," Po continued, gesturing to the peacock, who suddenly felt self-conscious, and almost tried to hide.

"I do indeed," came the reply. If he had any emotions towards the avian, he kept them well hidden.

"Greetings," Shen half bowed, speaking for the first time, "It is a pleasure to meet again."

"I'm sure it is mutual," the feline stated, turning towards the peacock, "We have heard some... Odd rumors about you. My daughter refuses to believe any of them."

Shen half-smiled. "How is your daughter, anyway? I trust she is feeling well?"

"She is," Inazuma relied with a slight smile, "Although she still is somewhat melancholy, your visit seems to have done her some good."

"Po, we should be getting back now," Tigress reminded quietly, "Master Shifu will be wondering what has become of us, and it's a long walk back."

"It it pleases you, you are more that welcome to spend the night in our wretched home," Inazuma told them respectfully, "If that is what you wish."

Now, calling your home wretched might sound a little weird, but to anyone in China, it was normal, even polite.

"We wouldn't want to impose, sir," Tigress replied, just as respectfully, "You will have enough to do, without us getting in the way."

"As I said, you are only welcome if you want to stay," the elderly cat reminded, "If you do not wish to spend the night, that also is fine with me, and I'm sure my wife would agree."

"Thank you for understanding, Inazuma," Tigress bowed, then turned to Po, "Come, we have a long walk ahead of us."

Po, whose legs had become double-tired at the thought of not having to walk all that far, quickly turned to her. Shen watched him and Tigress converse in hushed tones, and exaggerated arm motions.

"What are they doing?" Shen muttered to himself quietly.

Tigress walked back to them, a half-amused, half-angry look on her face.

"We have reconsidered our decision, Inazuma. My friend," -she gestured to Po- "is more tired than I had thought. If the offer is still open, we would like to spend the night with you."

"It is still open," Inazuma replied, placing his paws behind his back, "After all, we are all in your debt for saving our possessions, and possibly, our lives."

"Thank you, sir," Tigress finished, "We would be pleased to stay in your honorable home."

"Then welcome!" Inazuma exclaimed with a smile, opening the gate that bordered the property, "Come in, come in! I will just alert my wife as to your arrival. Please wait for just a second."

"No trouble, sir," Shen reassured. Tigress glared at him, as if she was angry that he had opened his mouth.

The cat walked away quickly, and disappeared inside his house. Po groaned, and sat down.

"Ooohhhh... My legs are sore..." he looked up, and realized that Tigress was glaring at him. "What?" he asked.

"You took advantage of that man's hospitality!" she replied sternly, "You can't just barge inside someone's house! We hardly know him!"

"We do so know him!" Po retorted, "And we-"

"You have MET him, Po," Tigress admonished icily, "You don't know him. There is a difference."

"But I'm tired, Tigress!" Po moaned, "Pandas weren't made for long walks!"

"Says who?" the striped feline shot back, "Have you ever met one?"

Shen looked away, catching the subtle attack there. The reason that Po had never met another giant panda was because Shen had killed them all.

"How much longer do you think we will be out here?" the peacock asked nonchalantly, trying to change the subject, "Do you suppose he's told them yet?"

Suddenly, a small bundle of grey fluff shot from the house.

"Shen! Shenshenshenshen Shen?" echoed over the air.

"I think he's told them," Po said with a grin, "Hey, Sao!"

Sao bounded up to them, then ground to a halt abruptly, seemingly overcome with nervousness at the sight of the panda.

"Oh brother!" Po groaned, "You seriously find me scary, and not Shen? What's with that?"

"Ahh... Nuthin..." Sao said quietly, "You're just kinda... big, and I'm little..."

Po rolled his eyes, and smiled. "Well, you know, I have always thought of myself as being good with children, now, why don't you come a little closer?"

Sao took a half-step back.

"Here kitty-kitty, come on," Po continued, stretching out his arm, "Come on! Here kitsy-ku! Come here!"

Sao took a full step back.

"Stop it, panda, you're scaring the girl," Shen reprimanded, stopping the rather immature display, "I'd be scared of that..."

"Look, she's not scared!" Po defended, "Are you, little kitten?"

Sao didn't reply, only stared suspiciously.

"She looks scared," Shen stated pointedly, then turned to the kitten.

"Hello there, Sao."

"Hi..." she replied shyly.

"I missed you," he continued.

"Really?" she answered, a small smile forming on her face.

"Just a little," Shen replied jokingly, "Just a teeny-tiny bit..."

She frowned, as if she was interpreting that statement, before a wide grin appeared. "Only a little? Obviously, I didn't yank your head-crest hard enough!"

Shen straightened up to his full height. "Oh no, don't you do that again! I like this thing in one piece, thank you very much!"

Tigress watched this whole conversation in quiet confusion. She refused to believe that Shen was capable of changing, but it almost seemed that he was being... soft, with that kitten. The ridiculous thought that this may not be Shen crossed her mind briefly, but she laughed it off.

Sao looked up at her, and Tigress looked away quickly, embarrassed with her eavesdropping.

Footsteps approached, and all four animals looked up. A black cat, with white underneck, walked sedately up, and called something in Japanese. Shen and Po recognized her as Hikari, Inazuma's wife, and Sao's mother.

Sao walked up to her, and replied something back in the same language.

Hikari seemed to 'hush' her, and turned to the warriors.

"Please forgive my daughter for her... straightforwardness. I'm very sorry..." she said to Po in Chinese.

"It's no trouble, ma'am," Po replied, bowing quickly, "We like children, right Tigress?"

Tigress frowned, and said nothing. It was a well-known fact that she was not all that fond of children.

"All the same, she must learn some manners... Sometimes, I wonder if she hears anything that I say..."

Sao protested loudly in Japanese, and was hurriedly 'hushed' again by her mother.

"Come," Hikari turned back to them, "You must be tired."

"Oh man, you have no idea!" Po groaned, standing up heavily, "Lead the way!"

Hikari blinked, still unused to the Dragon Warrior's informality.

"Very well, Dragon Warrior," she said finally, "I shall. Follow me."

Hikari led the warriors to her and her family's home.

Shen noticed a flower-garden in the front, brimming with flowers.

The five animals went inside, and the warriors were lead to a room which must have been the living-area.

"Please wait here, while I prepare your rooms. My husband will keep you company," Hikari informed.

"Thank you again, ma'am," Tigress said quickly.

"It is I who should be thanking you, Master Tigress," the smaller feline replied gracefully, "Now, If you will excuse us..."

"Of course," Tigress answered respectfully.

"Thank you," Hikari smiled, then turned to her daughter, "Sao, come with me. I need your help setting up the rooms."

Sao obviously didn't think much of this idea, as the sudden rush of Japanese exemplified.

Hikari replied in Japanese as well, although you didn't need to know the language to understand what she was probably saying.

Sao said something back in Japanese, softer this time.

Hikari took her by the paw, and led her upstairs, where their soft voices, still speaking Japanese, could be heard faintly from the living-room.

The three warriors walked into the room, and sat down. The chairs were comfortable, and especially so to the tired fighters.

Inazuma walked in, carrying a tray of tea. The smell was soothing and inviting. He set it down on a mat in the center if the room, and offered them each a cup. No-one refused.

They proceeded to make pleasant conversation, far into the night. The tea was warm, and it seemed to make them drowsy, as they settled further into the chairs. It was a delightfully comfortable drowsiness, keeping them on the verge of sleep, but not letting them go over the edge.

It was about three in the morning, when Hikari finally came back downstairs, and told them that their rooms were ready.

This news was met with great enthusiasm by the warriors, who stood up, still very sleepy.

As they each trooped upstairs, Shen felt Hikari's paw on his wing. He turned, and she pulled him aside.

"Shen, my daughter wishes to sleep in the room with you. Is that alright?"

Shen considered this. Spend the night with a squirmy, noisy, and slightly obnoxious kitten? Not normally, but this was Sao.

"That is perfectly alright, Hikari. I don't mind..." he replied softly, smiling weakly, "I'm just a little tired, I doubt a herd of elephants could keep me awake right now."

Hikari smiled. "I should let you get to your sleep. Your room is the same as before."

Shen bowed goodnight, and went upstairs. He found his room quickly, and flopped into the bed without reserve.

It was a few minutes later, that Sao asked him about that flower she had given him. She never got an answer. Shen was fast asleep.


Author's note: Now, I must point out, you are not going to understand much of this chapter or the next, if you have not read 'The return of Lord Shen'. Go read it, if you haven't.

Anyway, I received two whole reviews last chapter! Wow! Isn't that amazing!

*Hint: if you review this story, I can update faster, like literally. I'm not just saying this!

Goodbye!