Alright, let's not waste any time cuz this chapter is a long one! If you see any mistakes I missed let know! There a reason why I'm putting my usual saying at the top but wait till you get to the end. Now let's began!

Chapter 21: Chaotic Festival of the Year part1

The Valley of Peace was covered in a blanket of white. For last two months, it had been snowing non-stopped. Children were excited and played outside until their feet were cold. Families rushed to get some of their decorations and food ready. And after weeks of preparation, the winter festival was just right around the corner.

Shen was putting the finishing touches to his fireworks. He used a spare room in the palace to make his creations and had been working for weeks. He wasn't going to lie, he actually missed doing this. He missed enjoying the quietness as he mixed the powders in the bowl, enjoying making new chemical reactions, only this time it was not use for darker purposes. Shen mixed the last powder he needed to finished. He poured the powder into the case of the firework and closed it. He had a few boxes with neatly pile fireworks ready for tomorrows festival.

After putting the bowl and the powders away, Shen headed to his room to rest. While walking down the dark hallways and hearing the quiet snores from the sleeping masters, the peacock thought back about two months ago. While he was intrigued about doing this, he still couldn't shake off the bad feeling he has been carrying. The feeling of dread wouldn't leave him and it was getting on his nerves. He really wants to know what it is exactly, was he afraid the festival would go wrong or was he letting his anxiety get the better of him.

Either way, Shen would have to make sure everything by tomorrow goes perfect. He wasn't going to let this unexplainable feeling taunt him. Finally, he made it to his room and gently slumped on his bed. His eyes instantly closed and drifted to sleep.

"Shen?"

The young peacock turned his head hearing his name. He was sitting on the rug by Ah-ma, spending time with her. The little boy's eyes grew wide when he saw who called him.

"Father?" he stood up not sure what was going on, "Wha-what are doing here?"

"I have come for you" said his father, "We must hurry, your mother is waiting for us."

Shen titled his head in confusion. Usually his mother and father would be busy for the preparing the shows for the festivals. He turned to Ah-ma, as if he was waiting for her approval. The old goat simply chuckled and waved her hoof.

"It's alright, go on."

The young peacock followed his father trying to keep up but wondering where they were going. When they both made a turn down the hallway they see Shen's mother, waiting for them on the balcony. Shen saw how beautiful she looked, in fact he noticed that both his parents were wearing their long winter robes. He never seen them dressed up like that. He walked up to his mother, looking up to her with such wonder.

"Hello Shen" his mother picked him up and smiled, "You two are here just in time."

Shen stared at her with curious eyes, "Time for what?"

"You'll see" said his father.

They both stared ahead and Shen turned his attention to outside as well. He wondered what they were waiting for, and he got his answer. He heard the sound of a firework going off and the sky was filled with a bright light. Shen's eyes grew wide as he watched fireworks blast to different colors. The last fireworks explored into colors of blue, pink and white, forming into a picture of three peacocks.

The little peacock gasped with exactment.

"That's us!" he cried, pointing to the sky.

His parents laughed and hugged their son. The hug almost startled him. This was first time Shen felt actual affection from his mother and father, they have given him hugs before but this felt different. This was what he always wanted from them, they were acting like a family he always wished. His parents looked at their child and smiled proudly.

"My son," his father started, "We know were not always around. But we talked about it and we wanted to spent this winter festival with you."

Shen couldn't believe what he was hearing, "Really?"

"We kept the firework show short so we can come and see you" said her mother who had tears in her eyes, "We may not get this chance again, but we're going to make sure this will be the night you'll remember the most."

Right then and there, young Shen wanted to cry out of joy. But he tried to kept his emotions under control, he didn't want to ruined his moment. He looked at his parents again and beamed at them.

"Thank you, mother, father" he said and he hugged them back.

His parents returned the hug and whispered loving things to him.

"Your welcome my child" said his mother.

"Don't ever forget how much we love you Shen" said his father.

Shen closed his eyes and let their words repeat in his mind, over and over again. The scenery around the three of them started to fade to darkness, his mother and father were also fading and so did their words. Shen didn't want to let them go, he didn't want to leave but he felt himself fall into the same darkness.

He had forgotten.

Shen opened his eyes sat up from his bed. He then realized that his face was wet, Shen wiped his eyes confirming that it was tears. He was crying in his sleep. Shen lay back down sighing to himself, he hoped nobody heard him. He didn't mind about opened about his emotions, but when it comes to crying it really drained his body. What was even worse was the memory he dreamt, he couldn't believe that he had forgotten about it. He now fully remembers that night, his parents came home early to spend time with him during the festival, and that was the only time they spent together. Shen felt horrible for forgetting that day, forgetting their words and their love.

He really wished they were here, how things could have been different if never went down to the panda village. Well, no point to dwell too much in the past he thought.

It was already morning but he didn't want get up just yet. Knowing that he need more rest Shen closed his eyes, allowing his mind to dirt back to peace. Just as he was about fall back to sleep, the peacock heard a loud thumping noise, it sounded like it was coming closer to his room.

"Hey Shen! Shen wake up!" Po cried as he sided the door to open.

Startled, Shen accidently rolled out from his bed almost having a panic attack. He got up and started at the panda like he was crazy.

"Oops uh, sorry" Po said, trying to grin but the peacock was not having it.

"Next time, knock Po" Shen exclaimed.

"Sorry I'm so excited!" cheered Po, "Today is the winter festival! I'm gonna go down the village and help dad with the cooking and the decorating. You wanna come?"

"Um, I should have fireworks ready for later…" Shen noted, thinking how he was going to carry all the boxes. He had to deliver them to the person who would light them up for the show.

"All right, the guys are gonna get everything else ready, meet c'ha at the noodle shop."

Po quickly left the room. Shen didn't feel so tried anymore after giving a wake-up call. He changed his robes and went off to work, there were other things he needed to.

As the gentle snowflakes fall from the skies, the village was crowed with so many people. Many who have traveled so far to see their families. The noodle shop was crowed with so many friends and guest. Even a few chefs from other villages come over to cook their recipes with Po and Mr. Ping. They worked together, getting all their food ready.

"Have the vegetables ready and remember no beets!" cried out while stirring the pot.

"But I like beets!" cried out the chief duck.

"No way me too!" Po cried back.

They worked hours, serving all kinds of noodles and other dishes for everyone. The chopped and performed amazing tricks while cooking. As soon as everyone settle down and enjoyed their food, Po and his father took that chance to have a break. They thanked the chefs for helping them out.

"Phew, that was the most fun I had since last winter festival" said Mr. Ping.

Po agreed, rubbing the small sweat beats from his forehead, "Oh yeah, that was some workout. And trying out those recipes were awesome!"

"When will your friends come?" his father asked.

"The guys went to pick-up all of the masters at the entrance," explained Po, "They should be here by now."

While Po and Mr. Ping waited and enjoyed their noodles, they saw Master Shifu coming to the shop with someone following right behind him. Po immediately stood up, spilling his unfinished meal on the ground.

"Po, your noodles!" Mr. Ping quacked but his son didn't hear him.

"Oh my gosh! Dad look, it's Master Eagle! Master Eagle is right behind Master Shifu!" Po squeaked overjoyed; he couldn't contain the fanboy inside him. He had never met Master Eagle, but to see him at his father's shop was almost unbelievable.

Master Eagle strolled behind the red-panda and then hopped to an empty table. He was wearing a winter light brown robe, with browse talons to cover his feet. He made eye contact to the panda and bowed to him.

"Hello," Master Eagle greeted, "You must be the Dragon Warrior."

"Hi!" Po greeted back a little too loud, he then cleared his throat and bowed back, "I mean, yes. It is nice to meet you."

"Master Eagle has come to thanks us Po" said Master Shifu.

The eagle nodded, "When I received news that you have returned the stolen food, I wanted to come and thank you in person."

"Oh, it's no problem Master Eagle" Po said bashfully, still couldn't believe he was talking to one of his heroes.

"And where are the Furious Five, I would also like to thank them."

Just as he said that, the Furious Five came in, along with the other masters. Po quickly went to the kitchen and picked up as many bowls he can carry to the guest.

"Hey everyone, we got extras!" he cheerfully cried handing over a bowl to Master Shifu and Eagle. He handled over the food to his friends and the other masters.

"Good work, Po" said Tigress after she tasted her soup.

Master Eagle agreed after tasting his food, "This is delicious!"

"Po's cooking is always the best" Viper complemented.

The proud bird laughed warmly, "I can see, now I know where you get all of your energy from."

"It is an honor to have you at the festival with us Master Eagle," said Tigress as she bowed respectively to the bird, "However, we are sorry we couldn't capture Gang."

The eagle shook his head and not taking the apology, "No need to be sorry, I know Gang for years. He can be very sneaky but we will get him."

"Have you come to help us?" asked Crane.

"Of course, I'll assist you in capturing Gang."

While Master Eagle went on talking about capturing Gang with the Five and Shifu, Po went to grab more bowls to serve. As he was serving, he saw two individuals that made him double look. By the entrance of the noodle shop was Ah-ma and Lang. Ah-ma was wearing multiple robes to keep herself warm, and Lang had only armor on. Po placed the last remaining bowls aside and made his way to them.

"Hey, Ah-ma!" Po greeted.

The old goat turned to the panda's voice and smiled, "Po, there you are."

Po pulled the soothsayer in a tender bear hug. He crouched down to her level, "Oh man, I haven't seen you in a long time!"

"It has been a while," said Ah-ma.

Po smiled, "I didn't know you were coming. How are you? How's everything in Gongmen and where's Master Ox and Master Croc?"

"They're not coming" Lang spoke up catching Po's attention, "They couldn't leave Gongmen unprotected."

The soothsayer nodded, "Gongmen is still rebuilding itself and the people need the council to be there for them."

"Oh, well I guess that makes sense" said Po. He was hoping to see the masters again since Master Rhino came to the last festival. Po turned his eyes back to the wolf standing behind Ah-ma. It was definitely the same guy that constantly mocked and fought him at Gongmen. It was really weird seeing him here and at his dad's restaurant.

"Um it's nice to see you again um…" Po realized he never asked his name.

"It's Lang."

"Right, Lang…"

Ah-ma already felt the tension and rolled her eyes.

"Lang, we are guest here so be nice," she said and the wolf huffed at her comment, "And don't worry Po. Like Shen I have known Lang for years."

The panda's ears perked up hearing the peacock's name, "Hey have two seen Shen yet?"

"No" said Ah-ma, "Actually Po, I wanted to see if everything is alright with you two. I've been wanting to see you much earlier but I couldn't because the council wouldn't let Lang come."

"Well you know, he may be getting the fireworks show ready, I can go find-"

"Wait a minute" the wolf boss held up his paw interrupting Po's sentence, "You have Shen do some fireworks show?"

"Yup, it's gonna be so cool!"

Lang didn't look convinced, "Was that even a good idea to let him be near flammable stuff?"

The panda frowned, "He's not the same person anymore, he's changed. Well, he changed a lot."

The wolf folded his arms and stared at Po with an unimpressed looking, showing that he didn't believe his words.

"I'll go find him and he'll tell you himself" Po said with confidence and took off, only to come back seconds later. He dashed to the kitchen while trying not to run to anybody who standing in the way. When he came back out, Po had his kitted hat and scarf to keep himself warm.

"Dad I'll be right back!" Po called out as he took off once again.

"Hurry son, we still gotta to cook more noodles for the children" cried Mr. Ping.

Lang and Ah-ma watched him go, waiting patiently for his return with the fallen lord.

Po looked from left to right as he ran trough the snow, he had no idea where he was going. He needed to find the tower where they were light up the fireworks. Po stopped as he came up to a folk in the road. He picked the left path and jogged down the snowy road, trying not to slip. He looked to see if can spot the peacock anywhere. Po was about to make a turn but he stepped back when he bumped into someone.

"Oh sorry I didn't see-"

He stopped and saw it was Shen he ran into.

"Shen! I've been looking all over for you" said Po. He was about to go on but noticed something was different about Shen. The peacock was wearing different clothing, the robe was so long that it covered half of his feathered fan. It was stitched with fine details and illustration of birds. The colors of red, sliver and black made him stand out. Po almost astound but was confused.

"Wow Shen, you uh…"

"I just bought it for a cheap price," said Shen who didn't sound pleased, "I know it's not elegant for the festival, but it was decent enough."

Po understood but he ended up giggling. Shen raised a brow to this and almost looked offended.

"What?"

"Shen, you didn't have to dress fancy," said Po, "We don't do those traditions."

The peacock gave him a look, "You can't be serious, there must be some traditions to follow."

"We used to do that, but now our traditions are to be with friends and families at the noodle shop" said Po.

Shen glanced down at himself and glanced back to the panda, "Now I'm starting to regret buying this."

Po just chuckled and hold a thumb up, "You still look great."

"Thanks."

"C'mon everybody is waiting for us" Po said showing the way back.

The panda and peacock strolled through the snow; Po went on about how the night was going and all of the masters that came to visit. Hearing all the names of who came the visit made Shen feel a little nervous. The furious five and Po made have forgiven him, but he knows other masters would not give him the same treatment. He asked Po about Master Croc and Ox.

"They didn't show up" Po replied, "But there's someone else from Gongmen who came to see you."

Shen's crest twitched, already he knew who it was.

"The soothsayer is here…"

"She also with Lang too."

Shen felt his eyes grew wide, he didn't know Lang was alive. He was so glad that he didn't ended up killing his best friend, that is, if the wolf was willing to still be allies. He was starting to feel some anxiety rising in him. When they finally made to the restaurant, they saw the masters entertaining the children, Mr. Ping still cooking and chatting with Master Shifu, and Ah-ma and Lang were sitting at their table and enjoying their meal.

Just seeing them made Shen froze in place. The last time he saw the soothsayer was months ago, he let her go freely. She still looked the same, still old and holding the same cane. Lang looked the same too, the only thing that stand out was the healed pink cut right under his neck. It looked deep.

Po turned to Shen as he noticed he wasn't following him. He could already tell just by looking at his face Shen was hesitating. Po strolled back to the worried peacock and took his wing, gently pulling him inside.

"It will be okay" said Po.

"They'll never forgive me" whispered Shen.

Po knew that wasn't true. He knew Ah-ma still loved Shen, he can feel it. As for Lang he wasn't sure, he didn't know how long the two known each other. He only kept reassuring him.

"It's gonna take time."

They both walked to the goat and wolf, getting their attention. Ah-ma was surprised but mostly happy to see the peacock. As soon as Shen made eye contact to Lang they stood still for a moment. Shen was about to say hello to his old friend but the wolf looked away, not waning to stare at the peacock any longer. The peacock frowned but he turned his eyes back to Ah-ma.

"Shen…" she said in a mother tone.

Shen, trying to be his old self by being formal, gave a small bow.

"Hello Soothsayer, it is good to se-oof!"

The old goat threw her hoofs around the front of him, hugging him and holding tightly. It caught Shen completely off guard. He wasn't sure what he should do and looked at Po and Lang for answers but they were more surprised than him. With no other choice, Shen slowly moved his wings and awkwardly returned the hug. They haven't hugged like this in a long time. He missed this feeling towards her.

"I missed you…" he admitted but tried to keep his emotions at bay.

Ah-ma warmly chuckled, "I know you did."

Shen pulled her off him and gave her an annoyed looked, "Let me guess, you predict this to happened, didn't you?"

"No, I just know" Ah-ma then took the end of Shen's sleeve and chomped on it.

"How dare you, I just bought this robe! Let go!"

Po and Lang had to hold in their laughter as the peacock started yelling the old goat to let go.

"Po! I need some help!"

The panda heard his dad calling him.

"I gotta go, I'll let you guys catch up."

In all honestly Shen didn't want the panda to leave, he still felt anxiety being around the soothsayer and wolf boss. But he took a deep breath and stay calm. The three of them went to sit down by the table and talk, Shen mostly did the talking. He went on with story and how he was trying to find and learn peace. Ah-ma nodded through the conversation, while Lang didn't listen and ate his noodles. When he got to the part about the crows and the failing of his second plan, they both looked at him with eyes.

"So, you killed a few birds and plotted for revenge?" Lang questioned.

The peacock felt embarrass for admitting that part, looking back to it made him realized how ignorant and childish he was acting.

"I was…going through things" he answered lamely, though it wasn't a good excuse.

The wolf boss rolled his eyes, "Why am I not surprised."

Ah-ma reached over and patted Shen's wing, "You still hit a few bumps on your path, but now it is clear what you desire the most is clemency."

Shen didn't hide his smile, "Still giving me riddles I see."

"I believe you can understand what it means" said Ah-ma, "Now, when is this firework show Shen? I would like to see what you create."

"It should start within an hour."

"The sooner it starts, the sooner we can leave" said Lang.

The peacock's crest lowered in sadness but he understood why Lang didn't want to be near him.

"You're not staying, are you?"

"Of course we are" said Ah-ma and she turned to the wolf, "Lang, stop this childish act."

"Look, the only reason we're here because you wanted to share your visions" Lang replied.

Shen frowned hearing this, "Visions?"

"Don't worry, they're not about you, so go out and burn another village" Lang snapped harshly to the bird.

The old goat used her cane to bang the table, getting the peacock and the wolf's attention. She looked at them with a disappointing scowl, as if they were little boys again and she was going to discipline them for being rude to each other. Shen and Lang knew that scowl since they were kids and they tried to look away from her. Ah-ma sighed and got up from the table, taking her bowl away.

"I won't allow this to go on any further," she said, "Both of you need to talk this out and if you keep refusing then never will ever be solved. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to have myself some more noodles."

When Ah-ma left the table, it was now only Shen and Lang, alone.

Seeing that Lang wasn't going to go first, Shen took it upon himself to speak first.

"I'm sorry, Lang…"

The wolf boss turned to glare at him, "Sorry? You stabbed in the chest! And you did it without a second thought! You're lucky I didn't instantly die!"

"I wasn't thinking straight. I was blinded by my rage, I never wanted to hurt you or any of your siblings…"

"Yet you did it anyway" Lang mumbled under his breath.

"What am I suppose to do?" Shen asked while keeping his voice down, "What I can I say to make it up to you?"

"You can't" the wolf growled, "I stood by you since we were kids. I never question your actions; my whole family never did. Even when you did the most twisted things I still never question it. That was our devotion to you."

Lang's ears then flattened and he broke his eye contact from the peacock.

"And then everything went downhill, when the panda came," he continued, "You made rash decisions, you threated my life, you put everyone in danger. I thought I would try to reason with you but no…you just threw me away like everyone else."

Lang stayed quiet while Shen process what he said. He had no idea how much he really hurt his friend. But he said was true, Shen did everything he can to get what he wanted by throwing away what was left of his family. He tried to think of his replied but nothing came out. He opened his beak but still nothing. He stared down at the table with shame, his wings forming into fist then back to a relaxed position.

"I was never a good friend to you, was I?" he uttered for Lang to hear.

Lang's ears twitched upwards, he looked up to see Shen struggling with his words.

"I, I was selfish. I stop thinking about you and the others, I'm sorry. I'm so-o sorry."

The peacock wiped his eyes to prevent any of salty tears from falling. He knew that apologizing the same word won't help, but it was only thing that was repeating in his mind. He felt defeated but as soon as he looked back up to Lang, he saw that he was staring at him with a shock look.

Lang snapped out from his trance and starched under his chin. Never in his life that he would witnessed the fallen peacock getting emotional about the situation. He let out a gruff sigh, trying to make this silence less uneasy.

"Look, you're not a bad friend, on that night you were" Lang tried to come up with a best explanation, "I think we're were just different people now."

Shen nodded, "Nothing is going to be the same anymore."

"Nope" Lang agreed.

"So, I take it you won't forgive me then?"

The wolf rubbed the back of his head, "I mean, I understand why Ah-ma would, but I'm gonna need some time."

Shen gave a grateful smile, even if his best friend hasn't forgiven him at least their friendship wasn't lost. Lang was as stubborn as Shen but he couldn't bring himself to hold on to the grudge.

"How is she by the way?" the peacock shifted the conversation about Ah-ma.

"She's doing okay. She found herself a place," Lang said, "I always check up on her after doing my job."

Shen raised a brow in confusion and Lang went on explaining.

"The council had me and all the wolves to clean up Gongmen, we have to work all day to the night. It such a pain not getting a break."

"I had to clean the entire Jade Palace" said Shen.

Lang didn't believe him and a gave a scoff laugh, "Ha! You cleaning, I need to see that for myself."

As the two continue to give small talk, they didn't notice that a certain goat and panda were watching them.

"Do you think they're be okay?" Po asked, constantly turning back to Ah-ma and to the table.

"They will, not now but their friendship will heal" Ah-ma said finishing up her second bowl of noodles.

Mr. Ping popped up after finishing cooking his last batch, "Would you like another bowl? I can give you one with extra noodles but it comes with purchases."

"No thanks" Ah-ma declined kindly, "I think I had enough for the day, you're a splendid cook."

"Oh, why thank you" the old goose exclaimed bashfully.

Po smiled, "I'm really glad you came Ah-ma, Shen was afraid at first he looks calmer now."

Ah-ma slightly chuckled, "I'm glad as well, just seeing him coming back to his old self warms my heart."

Ah-ma still watched her two boys talking among themselves, as she remembered the good memoires when they were children. But then her smile disappeared when she remembered her visions, she still needed to share them to Po. Fixing her glasses and placing her came before her, the old soothsayer turned to the panda.

"Po, I have another reason why I came here."

The panda's ears twitched by this and he looked at her with curious green eyes.

"Yeah?"

She looked up to him and said, "Months ago I had visions about the future."

Po listened carefully but felt a little concern, "Is it something good or something bad?"

The soothsayer smoothed her goat bread, "These new fortunes are somewhere in between, there a few bad outcomes but I can assure you I have good news."

Po felt relief and felt didn't have to worry, although hearing there a few bad visions, he was sure it's something he can handle. He allowed her to continue, curious to hear these new visions. Ah-ma took hold of Po's paw with one hoof, while Mr. Ping glanced to both him confused.

"Wait what's going on?" the goose asked but none of them hear him.

"Now there are threats that will stand on your path someday," Ah-ma began, "But the one I fear the most is from the far future. When I think back to it, I could see it is a threat filled with hate. But you and Shen shall become one in order to defeat the angered being and save them from their hate."

Po didn't know what to say. He was amazed by the way Ah-ma had shared the vision in a poetic way, she had shared him a fortune before but nothing at this level.

"Whoa, that was so cool but that sounds pretty creepy" said Po.

"It is, be prepared once this threat shows itself."

Po nodded, showing that he was taking this matter seriously. He thought about sharing this with Master Shifu and the Five, perhaps they have ideas to stop this upcoming threat. He knew that there was more so he continued to listen.

"The other vision that I had was the one that left me speechless" Ah-ma said breathing out a shaky breath, "And…this is the good news for you Po."

The old goat held her cane very tightly and she felt her eyes watered up with small tears, wanting to be free. Po was surprised by this reaction, he never seen her so shaken up like this. Whatever this good fortune is, it must have been something incredible to share.

"Po…" she exhaled almost in a whispered tone, "You are not alone anymore. What I saw with fill your heart with joy. Your family is…"

"LOOK OUT!"

One of the many rabbit children cried out. There a sudden crash and a flash. All of the masters and guest stood up and looked franticly on where the loud noises were coming from. There was another crash, something bright hit the side of Mr. Ping's restaurant. Rocks flew in all directions, Po snatched his father and Ah-ma out of the way while other masters including the five grabbed the children and their families before the rocks landed on them.

Shen and Lang moved out of the way when one of the flying rocks land right on to their table, smashing it in half.

"Uh…Shen," Lang turned to the peacock looking alarm, "Please tell me this is not part of the firework show."

"This is not part of the show" Shen said quickly, who was more surprise by this sudden attack.

Then a sound of maniacal laughing could be heard. The furious five turned to each other, knowing that there is an intruder in their village. Everyone ran out of the restaurant but stop when they see a small crowd looking up to the sky in fear. Po glanced up, only to see a large flock of black birds covering the night sky. Each bird was holding some long and unrecognizable weapons aiming right at the villagers. His eyes grew wide as he eyed the one who was laughing.

"Oh no…" Po whispered to himself as he watched Gang, now fully recovered from his wounds, leading his flock of crows.

"Hello everyone!" Gang bellowed out with pride, "Happy winter festivals!"

So for a while I was debating on Master Ox and Croc to come back in the story or not. But later on, I decided to have Lang and Ah-ma to come to the village by themselves because Shen has a strong connection with them and he needed to prove to them that he's trying to change. He didn't have a connection with the two masters besides Master Rhino.

Also I have something important to say, I think I need to let you guys know that this story is coming to an end. I have been thinking about how I was going to do this, but I plan out how the last chapters are going to be. The next one will be the final battle with Gang and the last one will be like an epilogue. I'm gonna try and get these chapters finished before summer ends, so wish me luck and thanks for reading!