Sorry for the long wait everyone, but I really took some time for this chapter. This one is really important to me. I wanted the interaction between Shen and Li Shan to feel just right. I went back and forth, rewriting sentences, and took a few days off from writing just to think about it more. It was quite a challenge. By the time I have this finished, the new KFP show 'The Dragon Knight' should be out. I haven't seen it yet since I've been so busy with this and of course busy with life. So without further due, enjoy!

Chapter 15: Facing Consequences

Lán lǜ and the villagers stayed close to Shen as he lead them deep into the forest. She stayed close to him, keeping her eyes open and ready for any ambush.

Shen didn't mind the child walking close to his side, seeing how very alert she is, he couldn't blame her after hearing what she went through. As he continue to walk in the forest, he realized how far he flew away from the group. Nothing looked familiar to him and there were no signs of life anywhere. This is what happens when anger gets the better of him and not paying attention to where he was going, but he didn't want to admit they were lost.

The others were probably looking for him he thought so he was sure they would run into them soon.

They kept walking and still nothing. It didn't help that the dark clouds rolled by, blocking any rays of light. Shen could hear the people behind him growing tired, but few encouraged them to keep going. Eventually, they had to stop for the ladies, so many mothers were caring for their children. As families attended to their aid, Shen and Lán lǜ stood by and kept an eye on everyone. They watch as the people comfort each other and talk among themselves.

The kitten turned to the peacock eyeing him with some curiosity. It was strange to her to have to run into a peacock. She learns from her family that most of the peafowl clan are royalty. Shen also looked angry when he jumped on her and wondered why.

"Shen, are you a master yourself?" she asked him. She watched him as he thinks for a second.

"No. I can fight but I am no master."

Her ear twitched, not believing him. "For someone is not a master, you really know how to sneak up on people."

Shen glanced at the kitten, the question was harmless but he was not in the mood to talk as his mind was preoccupied. The thought of Ah-ma appeared in his mind, reminding him that she was taken. Trying not to think about it too much and he kept talking as a way to distract himself.

"I had some training growing up. I used to have teachers training me, but now I lived out here," he said thinking that would satisfy the child's curiosity.

Lán lǜ thought about it before commenting, "That's good. We need all the help we need, I hope we find the masters soon."

She was also trying not to think too much about her grandma. The sooner they can find the others, the sooner they can go back and save her. Lán lǜ believes her grandma can take down her rouge friend, but for how long is the question. She bit her lip and her tail twitched, silently praying to the gods for her grandma's safety.

"Please be okay…" she quietly breathed.

She continued to watch her people until her left ear picked up a sound that made her stiff. She listened closely, the sound of thumping like someone was running, something was coming their way. Lán lǜ swiftly turned around catching Shen off guard.

"Do you hear that?"

Shen didn't hear anything. He turned back to the group but they haven't noticed anything wrong. He listens for a minute trying to pick up any sound before glancing at the kitten.

"Stay with them," he order her and he took off. Lán lǜ watches him disappear before going back to talk to her people.

He runs forward, the forest moving around as he picks up his pace, ruby eyes glued to what he will face in front of him. His crest twitched now picking up the sound, something was coming to them. If it was Tiān Cháo then he was ready to face her. Shen stops and stood his ground, he may not have any weapon to defend himself but he will use strategy as a defense.

In the distance he could hear the rustling of bushes, Shen held up his wings and his train, ready to strike. He could see the figure approaching fast on four legs. Shen was about to attack but then he spotted something, the figure did not have the shape of a monkey. He also noticed the eyes, they glowed yellow instead of eerie violet. He knows those eyes.

"Tigress?"

The figure stop in its tracks and stood, it was Tigress.

"There you are Shen," she said while walking up to him, "Do you have any idea how long it took me to find you?"

He frowned feeling slightly guilty for leaving the others behind but doesn't regret it.

"I would apologize but I was trying to chase down Tiān Cháo," he hissed in annoyance.

"And it looks like you lost her," Tigress retaliate before pointing behind her, "We have to go back and rethink our plan."

"No, not without Po and Ah-ma!" the peacock insisted, his boiling anger returning to his veins.

Tigress turned back to Shen, who was ready to stare her down but he saw her face had softened. She places a paw on his shoulder. She know exactly what he was feeling, the same feeling many years ago when she saw Po in danger at the fireworks factory. Remembering how she desperately tried to reach him before it was too late. She had gotten better at controlling her anger, so she understand where Shen's anger was coming from.

Ah-ma is his family, that she can already tell, and she knows he wants nothing more than to get her back.

"I know you want her back, I want him back too."

Tigress stared into Shen's eyes, showing that she understand what he was going through. This honestly surprised Shen as he has never seen her soft side that often.

"And we will get them back," Tigress assured him, " But we have to do this carefully. If we're going to rescue them, we can't make any mistakes and that means not barging in or falling into a trap."

Shen calmed down a little bit. He knows she was right. Despite the urge of wanting to rush in, he knows better to strategize a calculated plan than the latter. Taking a shaky breath, his body and his feathers were less stiff from anxiety.

"Alright, I have to inform the princess."

"Princess?" questions Tigress following Shen.

"She and the villagers manage to escape," he informed her.

"Wait, all of them?"

"All of them."

The two of them walk all the way back to the villagers who were waiting for him to return. When Shen showed them to the master her eyes widen, shocked to see so many people. She had questions running in her head but then she spotted the small kitten approaching them.

"Shen who is this?" asked Lán lǜ.

"This is Master Tigress, she'll be taking us to the rest of the group."

Lán lǜ's tail lifted up with excitement. She made a quick bow to the master and smiled at her.

"I'm so glad you're here," she beamed, "Is Master Pangolin with you?"

Tigress crouched down to speak to the princess eye to eye.

"Yes he is," she nodded, "You must be the lord and lady's daughter."

The kitten nodded but stopped and looked back at the female tiger, realizing what she said.

"Are my parents here?"

Tigress nodded, she stood back up gathering everyone's attention.

"Everyone, your lord and lady have returned and they are with the other masters. We will lead you to them. Also not to alarm any of you, but we also have a mythical dragon assisting us to get your home back."

Everyone didn't understand what she meant which cause Tigress to sigh lamely. She knew they will be perplexed by that statement but she wanted them to know before they freak out. She tries again this time trying to make it simple.

"Once you see it you'll understand, but please do not panic once you do."

"Okay you heard her, let's keep moving everyone," Lán lǜ cheerfully ordered.

The villagers looked pleased to hear some good news, although the mention of a dragon was strange they brushed it off. They took their time getting back on their feet. They kept their handmade domes with them just in case, some use theirs to keep their family safe and hidden. As Lán lǜ lead them forward, Shen was about to follow them but Tigress held him back.

"I need to tell you something."

"About what?" Shen arched his brow.

Tigress suddenly change her demeanor, thinking about what she was going to say. She started at Shen, who looked confused.

"Master Shifu is here too and…" she pause to see if he was listening, "He bought Po's dads here."

Shen stood still letting that sentence sink in his mind. He remembered Mr. Ping clearly, but he also remembered Po telling him his father is alive and mentioning his father about him. He blinked a couple of times, not sure what he was supposed to feel about this. It didn't help with his anxiety, Tigress must have noticed from the expression he was making. She called out his name and he looked back at her. Before she could say anything, Shen spoke up first, noticing his heart beating faster.

"Please tell me you didn't mention me to -"

"I had to."

Shen almost looked like he was either going to scream at her or have a complete heart attack.

"I had to tell them what was going on," she explained calmly, "I told them everything and that Po and Ah-ma were taken. I'm sure Po told you about his family."

Shen nodded slowly, "Yes he did."

He swallowed as he felt a lump in his throat. "And I told him that, I can't go back and face them."

Tigress watched his body language, already she could tell he wanted to run or maybe walk away. To make sure he didn't she places her paw on his shoulder gently, he wouldn't even look at her. Tigress could sense his uneasiness. She might as well tell him what she knows.

"I know about the vision," she professed, "And I get it, Shen."

The peacock faces the master with an expression that is almost a mix of flabbergasted and solace. Tigress's brows furrowed and her ears lowered, thinking about her friend. She spoke with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"But, you can't run from fear forever," she said, "It won't easy for both you and Li. And right now with Po and Ah-ma's life at stake, now we really need all the help they can."

To hear the female tiger voice so down is what really got to Shen. The old Tigress would have never shown any vulnerability nor asked someone like him for any help. But she was right, whether he liked it or not he had to save his nana and his friend, even if it meant teaming up with someone he purposely hurt.

Still, he knows once he faces Po's biological father he has to apologize for everything he did, but he believes that would futile.

"Tigress, even if I face him and apologized…it won't make things better," Shen said somberly.

She nodded understanding what he was saying.

"I know it won't make things better, but it doesn't hurt to try," said Tigress with honesty, "And if Li won't take your apology, then that's something you're going to have to live with."

Shen sighed agreeing with her, "…True."

Tigress softly patted his shoulder and the two then followed the villagers, staying right behind them.

The large group of masters and the dragon waited for Tigress to return, hoping that she will find the peacock in time and they can over their go over their plan.

Lord Mao and Lady Nuo were still in their panic state even after they were told of the situation. Lady Nuo stayed by Master Pangolin's side while Lord Mao was pacing, muttering to himself about how he shouldn't have left his mother and daughter alone.

The rest of the masters can only wait and chatted with each other. Nuwa watched over the children, allowing them to take a nap on her back while sitting close to Li Shan, Shifu, and Mr. Ping, who still couldn't believe a real-life dragon was here with them.

Lang on the other hand has been sitting down behind Mei-Mei. He would glance over at the older panda, making sure he hasn't noticed. Mei-Mei was weirded out by his behavior, she doesn't know why the wolf was using her as a shield. Ever since the older men showed up he hasn't said a word, almost like he didn't want to be caught for something. When she saw Lang peeking out again she let out a quick but annoying breath.

"Okay seriously what are you doing?!," she whispered harshly, trying to turn her head to see him but he kept ducking.

Lang hushed her, "Shh! Keep it down, I don't want that big guy to see me."

"What you mean Li over there?" said Mei-Mei pointing.

"Yeah, that guy."

"Uh, why?" she asked, "He's a soft guy with a big heart."

"That's not how I remember."

"What are you talking about?"

Lang was not in the mood to explain everything to her. He knew he should have told her the truth from the beginning, but put it off thinking he'll tell when everything was calm.

"Okay long story short, I invaded a village of pandas," he whispered.

"Oh…okay," Mei-Mei responded not sure what to make of that. Lang could hear in her voice that she didn't understand.

"Like you invaded and steal stuff…"

"No," he sighed, "It's kinda hard to explain."

Mei-Mei looked at him with irritation, she did not want to play guessing games.

"Well can you explain to me now? I don't like being used as a shield," she said folding her arms.

"Oh trust me, you don't want to hear it, not right now," Lang tries to make a point but Mei-Mei was not buying it.

"Then I'm not gonna drop it until you tell me," she said and made her eyes wider, glaring at him.

Lang just twitch his ears, unimpressed. "Was that supposed to intimidate me?"

"Yes!" the female panda exclaimed.

While the two were arguing, Mr. Ping was sitting quietly by Li Shan, rubbing his wings as he sits. He glances at everything around them as a way to keep his mind busy. But his eyes always glanced back to the panda beside him. Li Shan was been quiet ever since Tigress left, he could only guess he was thinking about what she told them.

She told them Po and Ah-ma were captured, and Mr. Ping actually remembered her from the winter festival. They both panicked momentarily hearing their son was kidnaped but Shifu calmed them. After calming down Li Shan asked who Ah-ma was, Tigress explained she was a family member both to Shen and Lang. He didn't know who Lang was but it took him a second to remember the other name, when he realized it was the same man Po told him about before he left, he started to panic again, feeling his heart beating louder.

Mr. Ping remembered Li Shan started whispering, afraid Mei-Mei and the kids would hear.

"You mean…he's here?"

"Yes."

"…Did he take Po?"

"No, I promise he didn't. Tiān Cháo is behind this."

"But how do you know, has he really changed?"

"From my experience, he was a pain but he has for the better."

"But Tigress, are you sure…"

Li, I know this is really hard for you to believe but I promise you, that Shen won't hurt anyone. You're gonna have to trust me on this."

Li Shan did trust Tigress, in all honestly he trust her with his son's life. What comforted him was Mr. Ping being there and backing up on the master's calm. His mind reminded him of what the duck told him, he can always talk to him whenever he's upset. His thoughts were interrupted when Mr. Ping patted his arm.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

Li Shan nodded, "Yeah, I'm alright just…I don't know nervous…?"

"About Po or the other thing?"

The older panda deeply sighed, biting his lip as his thoughts run his mind.

"Po's safety… and the other thing," he tried to lie but couldn't, rubbing his shoulders as if they were sore.

Mr. Ping understood and slightly turned to face him.

"I know this is scary," the old duck consoled, "But we'll get through this together, once Tigress comes back we'll go get our son back."

Li Shan smiled slightly showing he value his words. It was enough to calm his nerves, he told himself to try and stay calm through the whole ordeal until they get their son back.

Just then the group heard a noise that quieted their conversations.

Master Shifu quickly got up and held his staff in the front, keeping everyone behind him. The other masters join him as they were ready to fight whatever was coming. Shifu held his paw up as they can hear the noise louder, the sound of someone running on fours. A shadow emerged and came closer to them. The masters kept their stance ready and waited, but moments later they saw what they were looking at. The shadow was a small brown kitten, popping out from the tall grass and stop facing the masters.

Lord Mao and Lady Nuo immediately recognize their little kitten.

"Lán lǜ!" they cried.

Lán lǜ smiled, and her colored eyes widened with joy. "Mom! Dad! You're are here!"

She jumps into their arms and her parents hugged her tightly.

The villagers started to appear out of the grass too, surprising everyone. All of their faces lit up as soon as they saw their lord and lady. The masters stand down and talk to everyone, making sure all of them are not injured and in good condition.

"I can't believe the villagers are all here," commented Master Pangolin.

"Master!"

The pangolin turned around in time to catch his little student, hugging her. He smiled down at her.

"Lán lǜ how on earth did you get everyone out?"

"Grandma told me about the secret tunnels under the house, I lead everyone out and to the forest."

"Good thinking from both of you," said Pangolin feeling proud of her.

At the mention of his mother, Lord Mao crouched down to his daughter's level and places his paws on her shoulders.

"Lán lǜ where is your grandmother?" he asked.

The kitten's smile vanished, her ears gloomily lowered and her lower lip trembled.

"Grandma stayed behind to deal with Tiān Cháo," she said trying not to cry, "She's going to fight her."

Lán lǜ sniffed and turned to Shifu, desperation reflecting in her green and blue eyes.

"Master Shifu we have to go back and save my grandma. Please let me come with you," she pleaded.

"Absolutely not!" cried Lady Nuo, "It's too dangerous. Let the masters handle this."

"You made need us to help you get into Huang Shui Village," said one of the villagers.

"What do you mean?" Master Shifu asked confused.

"That horrid witch force us to put traps at the front entrance," said a female dog, "If you charge in there the traps will kill you."

"She stole our home!" cried an angry hog, "We want to take it back!"

The other villagers agreed with the hog but Master Shifu calmed them down.

"Everyone please settle down," he said, "We have a plan to stop Tiān Cháo, and now with this knowledge of these traps we can build more on are stagey."

Then a pig spoke up while pointing up. "Uh, does anybody else notices the big yellow dragon?"

All the villagers stopped and looked up to see Nuwa staring at them quietly, how they did not notice her no one knows.

Nuwa only smiled at the people, waving to them.

"Hello."

The villagers jumped back with loud yelps of shock. The second time a group of people was scared of her presence. The goddess just sighed and glanced at the panda kids riding her back.

"Well, I'm certainly not going to get used to that."

While Nuwa proceed to explain everything as best as she can so they wouldn't be afraid of her, Li Shan glanced around for Tigress. He spotted her familiar stripe patterns from a distance and spotted another pattern he thought he has long forgotten. The feathers of his crest with rea circles look like eyes.

Tigress and Shen seemed to be talking among each other, they were about to greet their friends only to catch a pair of certain eyes staring at them.

Mr. Ping stood by Li Shan looking very worried about the older panda as he just stood there, almost frozen in time. The nerves return full force, tensing every muscle in his body. The grip on the rake tighten as if he was going to snap it. Everything sound became muffled, and any image in his vision almost blurred out except for the shape of the peacock standing only a few yards away from him.

It was really him, the man who destroyed his home and his family.

As for Shen, he stood very still as well, noticing the deep stare from the other panda. He had no doubt the man standing was Po's biological father. He remembered him now. That night, when he ordered his wolves to attack and he saw him, he was the only panda who fought back, sending Lang and the wolves flying. The panda's strength alone was enough for his fear to grow, justifying his actions against them. But things were different now, his actions had consequences, and now he's in a position where he has to face it.

Shen wasn't sure what he was supposed to do at the moment. Should he say something or would speaking make it worse, he didn't know. His body wanted to tremble or make some form of action but Shen allowed neither. He breathed quietly watching Mr. Ping who was patting Li Shan's paw.

"Li?" the duck called to him, "Li look at me."

Li Shan blinked. He found himself back to reality and swiftly looked back at his friend.

"It's okay, we're okay, remember we'll get through this together," Mr. Ping reminded.

Li Shan wanted to speak but he open his mouth like a fish and no words came out. His emerald eyes kept glancing back to the peacock and back to his friend.

"I um…uh…" he stuttered. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to say. The atmosphere around him felt intense, it didn't calm his nerves. He tried to speak again but Li Shan just close his mouth, not sure what to do or how to feel. He noticed Tigress walking closer to him looking like she was about to comfort him, but as soon he saw Shen moving, he backed up and found his voice again.

"I need a moment."

Tigress stopped on her track and nodded, understanding his needs. Li Shan made sure the people around him understood before he backed away and turned to have a walk in the forest. Mr. Ping, Tigress, and Shen watched him go, not noticing Mei-Mei and Lang joining them.

"Is Li okay?" Mei-Mei asked, "I never seen him act like that before."

Tigress could only frown. "He just needs space, he'll come back."

However, Shen suddenly felt he needed to talk to Li Shan. As he watch the older panda walk away, he saw the opportunity of making things right slipping away. As much as he didn't want to do this from the beginning, he pushed himself to get over his griping fear.

"I'll talk to him."

"Ah, are you that's a good idea?" Mr. Ping fidget his feathered figures, " Li is not in a good place right now."

"The duck has a point, Shen," said Lang, "If we try to talk to him we'll make things worse. Let's wait until we get Po back. He'll handle this better."

He was right. Po was not here to back any claims on how much he has changed. Ah-ma wasn't here to talk to him or give him advice. He was on his own. But Shen didn't want that to dwindle what he decided to do, he was willing to take any risk.

"He's not going to trust us and I don't blame him the slightest," he said, "But he needs to know we're on the same page of rescuing Po. If I don't get this off my chest, I may never will."

They pause and ponder on the peacock's words. Lang wasn't too sure about this but he knew once Shen made his mind on something, he was going through it. Mr. Ping seemed to understand but still looked worried, hoping no worst-case scenario will happen. Tigress was surprised by this decision but she relaxed. Mei-Mei was still confused.

Shen then walked away to follow Li Shan.

"I don't get it. What did Shen do exactly?" Mei-Mei asked looking at the wolf and her tiger friend.

Lang knew she wasn't to let it go until she get her answer.

"I tell you everything," he said, "But you are really gonna hate me after this."

Shen walked deeper into the forest, stepping through the tall grass till it became less and less. He stopped and found himself in a small opening. A lake in the middle but not big enough to swim. Wildflowers grew around the lake, that was where he found the older panda, sitting with cross legs. His back was turned to him, he could hear Li Shan breathing slowly but heavily.

Shen will have to do this carefully. He needs to make sure to be careful about what he said and think before he said it. He spotted the rake beside the bear, remembering how he wield it. Shen made sure the distance between them was good before he cleared his throat.

He watched as Li Shan's froze, his ears twitched up, probably sensing he was right behind him.

Before he could say anything, Li Shan spoke up first.

"What'd you want?"

Shen paused for a moment. Li Shan didn't turn to face him yet, he couldn't tell what expression he was making. By the sound of his voice, it was a mix of bitterness and aggravation. He found his voice and tried to speak peacefully and formally as he always does.

"Nothing," he stated, "I only want to talk to you."

The older panda didn't respond. He continued to breathe quietly as he stared at the lake. They both stayed quiet for only a minute but it felt like hours.

"I remember you, and I still remember what you did…" Li spoke melancholy, his paws turning into fists.

Shen could only nod, it was the only thing he could do.

"Um, I know this is an unusual circumstance but…I promise to get Po back and -"

"Don't!" Li Shan snapped.

He swiftly pick his rake and pointed at the peacock who stood still.

Shen took a few steps back, making sure his body doesn't react to attack. At this moment he was for once glad he didn't have any weapons on him. He wide-eyed stared at the panda who glared at him with hatred in his eyes. His arm was almost shaking but he tried to stay firm as he speak to the peacock.

"Don't say my son's name! And don't you dare talk to me like we're civil!"

For some reason, Shen held his wings by his chest, as a way to show he means no harm. He tried to focus on Li Shan and not on the rake. He watched as he gets up from his spot, keeping his eyes on him.

"Why are you even here," he demanded than asked.

"…To help."

"Help with what? Of what's happening to the world?"

"Y-yes."

"How do I know this isn't some sort of trick?"

Shen went along with the questions to keep the bear to not attacking him, he doesn't blame him for being cautious and fearful.

"I have no tricks," he said, "I swear to you I am not the same man you saw that night."

Li Shan's brow furrowed.

"So what my son said was true, he's changed you?"

Li Shan believe in his son's words, yet he felt like he needed the peacock himself to confirm it.

"Yes," Shen simply said.

Li Shan seemed satisfied with the answer, almost. It was still hard for him to believe it. He held his rake for a few more moments till he finally let his armrest. He glared at Shen, facing the man who took his wife.

For years this man had haunted him, Li Shan had suffered so many nightmares because of him. He thought he was never going to see him again, fearing that the peacock would come back and take everything away from him again. But now that he was standing facing Shen, he didn't feel fear like he thought he would. He had a different feeling taking over him. Li Shan really felt confident and angry, so much anger he never thought he hid for so long.

He kept glaring at him, like a predator waiting for its prey to make move. There was so much he wanted to say, so much he wanted to scream at him. He grunted and turned away when his mind was racing too fast with so many sentences.

Shen could only stand still, watching the older panda struggling with his words. The conversation was not going well as he hoped, but a little part of him knew what was going to happen anyway. He didn't want to do anything to set Li Shan off even further, but Shen needed to say what had been put off for a long time.

"Look, you don't have to believe me if you don't want to," he said, " I am not here to hurt anyone and I don't want nothing but to make a peaceful apology."

Li Shan's paused as he turned back to Shen. He looked flabbergasted.

"An apology?"

Shen nodded and watch the panda's shoulders tense up a little. He frowned as he saw the glare soured.

"You think apologizing will make this go away?!" hissed Li Shan.

"I know it won't fix anything but I wanted to make it right," Shen explained, "It's what P- your son would have wanted."

Li Shan blinked. He stared at Shen for a few seconds before he turned away again, not out of aggression but with an expression that the peacock couldn't read. He let his mind go over the words and pondered. Li Shan realized the peacock was doing this for his son. Although his words sound genuine, they didn't sit right to him. He bit the inside of his cheek as he thinks and glances at Shen from the corner of his eyes.

Li Shan still gave the bird a stern glare as he spoke.

"An apology," he repeated his last sentence, "So you immediately regret attacking us ever since?"

Shen wanted to say yes but his mouth stopped and realized, it wasn't all true. He only regrets it later after he befriended Po. He did it to stop the prophecy and make his parents proud only to backfire on him terribly. When he didn't answer right away Li Shan continued.

"What about my son? He met you during his mission, did you apologize to him? Did you tell him the horrible things you did?"

Shen did apologize to Po, but when they first met he only mocked him and lied to him just to weaken him. It didn't help that after Po took him to the Valley of Peace, he was already planning his revenge. It was hard and a lot to explain to the older panda. Shen was trying to find the right words to explain all of it, but he only opened and closed his beak.

Li Shan shook his head. "See, your silence speaks louder than whatever your apology was going to be."

"I was afraid alright! I thought I was-" Shen exclaimed out of nowhere when he found his voice. He had no idea why he blared this out but it didn't help his case. He stopped in midsentence which angered Li Shan.

"Afraid of what?!" Li Shan cried having enough of this conversation.

"For years I had nightmares of that night, haunted of the ones I lost. I have looked back on that night, trying to figure out why it happened. Why did you burn down our homes? Why did you try to kill so many of us? What did we do to deserve that?"

"Because the prophecy said I would be killed by a panda!"

Shen had tried so hard to be careful but with so many questions on top of him, he just said out in the opening. He knew he had to explain, but just by the look on Li Shan's face, Po didn't get a chance to explain. It all falls on him now. Shen took a shaky breath, finally admitting his actions to the panda.

"I was in a dark place, I overheard of a prophecy that I would be stopped by a warrior of black and white," Shen explained.

"I took it as a threat. I decided to take matters into my own wings and kill this warrior. I didn't know who it was, I just wanted the threat to be gone for good. I did it because I was afraid to die, but it didn't work. I only made it worse. I was stopped by the warrior anyway, your son."

Shen had to pause, steading his breathing like he run a marathon. He stared at the older panda to see if understood what he was being told. He lowered his crest as he continued.

"Your son saved me from going further on that dark path. He wanted me to find inner peace, he did everything for me and I owe him everything. I stayed away so he can live happily with you."

Shen could feel his eyes getting blurry as the heavy long overdue weight on his heart lifted. Hearing those questions from the bear's despite the need for answers made him see what he has done to him. Now he was going to make it right. Finally, he was facing his biggest challenge, his biggest fear.

"I apologize to Po for my crimes and despite everything, he has forgiven me. But he already has done that before facing me again. And now I'm here to the same for you, and I'm sorry."

Shen could feel his emotion wanting to unravel but he kept them at bay, letting a few tears fall.

"I am sorry I took your family away…" he said almost in a whisper, "I'm so, so sorry…"

Then he waited for Li Shan's response. The older panda just gawk at him, almost like he was choking on air. His breathing then started to hitch, his should very slightly shake, and his paw covered his eyes looking away from the peacock.

Shen knew what was happening. Li Shan was crying.

He cried now that he knew the truth of that night, but it didn't make him feel any better.

"Ww-we were attacked, be-because of a prophecy…" he stuttered out.

He wanted to scream at how unfair it was, he wanted to laugh at how ridiculous it sounded, but he just continued to cry openly.

"Half of my family were killed over nothing," he said, "My wife was killed over nothing…"

In all of his years, Shen had never heard a voice so broken. He did this to this man. Seeing the panda like this, Shen felt like he made things worse. He was not sure what he was supposed to do. He watched as Li Shan rubbed his face, wiping the tears away.

"I'm proud of my son for being powerful enough to forgive."

Li Shan looked at the peacock with a stern face, "But I don't think I can do that. I just can't."

Shen can't really say he was disappointed, he knew this would happen. Li Shan had every right not to take his apology, he had every right to hate him, he really did take his family away over a prediction that came true anyway. He only nodded in agreement, he place his wings in his robe showing some respect.

With nothing else to talk about, Li Shan decided to leave, hold his rake tight, and no longer be afraid of the peacock. Before he goes back to join the others he had one more thing to say.

"Once all of this is over, I want you to go back where you came from and never come near me or my son ever again," he spoke in a raspy but harsh voice.

Shen can't argue with that. He could do that for the man's sake but Po may not want to agree with that. That was something the two have to talk about after they rescue him.

"I understand," was all Shen could say.

Li Shan walked away, not bothering to look back at Shen who now stood by the lake alone.

After a moment of watching the panda disappear from his sight, he let out a long tired sigh, like he was holding his breath. He walks over to a nearby tree and leans on it, the cold dried bark touching his feathers.

He allowed his body to ease, while he thought back on every word he said. Just like what he thought was going to happen, happened. Shen would not lie to himself but he was hoping for a better outcome, he wish he could have handled the conversation better. He rubbed his eyes realizing he had dried tears on his cheek. He silently criticized himself, he shouldn't be crying when he was the one who caused Li Shan so much pain.

Shen did feel a little lighter even though things did not turn out so well, but now he has to live with a new burden. Li Shan refuses to forgive him and that was okay. He did what he had to do, he face his fear and made peace with it. If he had to stay away so Li Shan could have peace of mind then so be it. It didn't matter what he wants, saving his friend, his nana and the world is more important.

He was reminded of that importance when he now spotted the wildflowers dying in seconds and the lake slowly drying up. With narrowed eyes, Shen stood up and head back to discuss the plans, they need those plans to work.

Tiān Cháo leads her group back to Huang Shui Village. Han carried Po and Gang carries the staff while she carried Ah-ha on her side. They jumped from tree to tree until they finally found their mountains. Tiān Cháo glanced behind her, checking if anybody followed them. She hummed to herself seeing nothing and turned back to the mountains.

"Good," she thought, "That means they've taken my deal seriously."

It took them a few minutes to climb up and then slide all the way down. After a long walk, they made it back to the village. Using the chi, Tiān Cháo summons a few pillars and the group uses them to jump in without setting the traps. They landed in the center with no problem.

Tiān Cháo place the old goat in front of her, making sure the chains were tight enough. Ah-ma grunted, she was mostly out of it during the trip but now she was awake and found herself facing a pair of purple eyes. She knew she had seen those eyes before, no doubt they were the same ones from her vision.

"Enjoyed your little nap?" Tiān Cháo asked with a cruel smile.

Ah-ma didn't answer her right away. She gave her the sink-eye as the monkey chucked.

"Aw, why the sour face," Tiān Cháo teased, "Surely you should have predicted your own kidnapping."

Ah-ma didn't show any reaction, only continued to stare.

"And how do know who I am?" she asked.

"I know what a soothsayer looks like, plus the smell of herbs on your robes is a dead giveaway," the golden monkey gave her a knowing look, "You know what else was a dead giveaway? That peacock of yours. I saw how he stared at you, protecting you and those brats."

At the mention of Shen Ah-ma began to worry about his health. Knowing him, he was going to be under a lot of stress about her safety and in rage. She could only pray that he won't do anything too reckless.

"You made a grave mistake taking me and Po," Ah-ma said sternly.

Tiān Cháo just rolled her eyes, "I'm not too worried. If they want the both of you back so badly then they're gonna do things my way."

She glanced at her group.

"How's our panda doing there?"

"He's still out," Hema grunted as he threw the chained Po to the ground and took a breath, "My gods he's so heavy."

Gang landed, giving the staff to the twins while he clean his feathers.

"Oh c'mon he can't be that heavy, you're twice the size," he laughed as Hema glared at him.

"Careful there Gang, I could simply step on you," the hippo threatened but the crow did not take it seriously.

"I'm only joking," said Gang, "Let's get one of the villagers to carry him."

Tiān Cháo was about to agree but then she stopped. Something was wrong, something she was now noticing around her. The village was quiet, too quiet.

"Where is everyone?"

The group looked at their leader, who was very still and listen. All four of them stop and listen understanding what she meant. They looked at their surroundings and noticed they haven't seen not one villager working or walking around.

Gang flew to a few homes but found them empty.

"They're not in their homes," he reported.

Tiān Cháo scowled and felt her emotions raising every second. She still looked around trying to find any signs of an escape but it didn't make any sense to her. If they did escape the traps would have been set off or she would have seen a giant hole in one of the walls. Her eyes averted to the royal temple behind her.

Míng Na.

Tiān Cháo closed her hands into tight fists.

"Wait here," she ordered, handing Ah-ma to Hema.

The golden monkey rushed up to the stairs and kicked the tall doors down with her feet. On all fours, she ran through hallway after hallway finding nothing. She runs to the bedroom, once again kicking the doors down, and looked inside. There were no signs of any of the Siamese cats, the chains that were holding her were on the ground broken.

Tiān Cháo let out a growl and went back to search further in the temple. She looked in every room but couldn't find anything, there was the only one left she didn't check. She found herself in the throne room, the largest room of the temple.

The temple room was more of a circular structure with two giant light blue pillars on each side. There were hanging banners showing paintings and symbols of the seasons. By the very end were two tall chairs for the lord and lady with a small chair in the middle for the princess.

Tiān Cháo stood in the center, looking around to see any signs of anything out of place. Her tail twitched in aggravation. This was the last place to look and the last place to hide, the cat has to be here.

"Back so soon I see."

Her ears twitched to the side after hearing the voice echo in the throne room. She looked up to the ceiling keeping herself from snarling.

"Míng Na!" Tiān Cháo thundered, "Where are you?!"

She was in no mood to play any games. She pulled out her stoned sword and had her chi ready, scanning every corner of the large room. She thought she saw a shadow dart to the side but it was too quick to catch. Tiān Cháo can only wait until Míng Na makes her move which pissed her off.

When she saw the shadow again, she threw her sword right at it, only to miss and crack the wall.

Before she can react Tiān Cháo was suddenly hit square in the face. Míng Na jumped out and was able to catch the monkey by surprise throwing a powerful knee kick. She watched as the monkey rolled and hit the tile floor hard.

Tiān Cháo got up fast more furious than ever, she glared at the old Siamese cat who glowered back.

Míng Na steadied her breathing as she spoke with firmness.

"Hello, best friend…"

So what do you guys think? Personally, I really enjoyed writing out the dialogue for the characters, but I can't help but feel I should've added something more to it. I honestly don't know how Shen and Li Shan would react if they ever saw each other in the canon films, still, I had a great time writing this.

Now next chapter it's all about Tiān Cháo and Míng Na! No fun facts this time but thank you for reading and stay safe out there!