A/N: Okay so a couple of yal probably realized I changed the title of this story. I don't know the original title was made for what I planned to be a one-shot so it just didn't seem relevant to the story anymore. So yup I hope I didn't confuse anybody x). Anywho… I don't have much to say here actually xD so I guess read and review lovies :D!

crazy jaky: Thanks again for the review x) And ikr! It was trying hard not to pull my hair out xD.. Well then, I don't think you're going to be disappointed with this chapter. hehe

newboy: lol Nah that's okay I like your rambling they make me happy and wanting to keep writing x) I totally agree Shen is waaaay more evil than Tai Lung, though Tai Lung wins in the strength category. I don't know if the Five heard either, but I will address that in this chapter so yerp lol. Thanks again for the review and I hope you enjoy this next chapter :D

XOXOXO

-Dani

Chapter Three: Harsh Realities

-Po-

Po groaned as he once again opened his eyes to the dimly lit room and the familiar feeling of pain searing through his body. The wolves must've beaten him unconscious; he realized flinching at the memory as being used as a living punching bag. Man when I get out of here that wolf will have something coming to him. He thought and squirmed around in his restraints a bit and sighed when they didn't as much as creak from the stress. That is if I ever get out of here. Then an idea popped into Po's head. If he could deflect cannonballs hurtling towards him at about a hundred miles per hour by imagining they were merely a raindrop, then why shouldn't he be able to break the chains if he imagined they were say, his stomach growled, noodles? His shoulders shrugged slightly. "It's worth a shot."

He took a deep breath. Inner peace. He chanted inside himself. Even though he was restrained and could not move his hands and feet accordingly, he felt peace wash over him like a tide. Inner peace you're going down, came a familiar thought. When had he said that? Oh right it was when he first saw this technique done by Master Shi-

Po's eyes snapped open the feeling of peace was quickly replaced with anguish as Shen's words pierced through his mind. "All dead." Po whispered, the words sounding too surreal, too impossible. There was no way they were dead. They could survive anything… but then again Master Thundering Rhino was once believed be indestructible, too. Po hung his head and suppressed a sob. Was Shen really determined to take everything from him?

Familiar images of his past flashed through his head as the Soothsayer's gentle words replayed in his mind. Out of all his memories though, the memory of Tigress' comforting embrace repeated over and over and Po finally let out the tears he had suppressed for so long.

-Furious Five-

Several hundred miles away from the mourning panda, the Furious Five were preparing for their mission ahead. Viper was applying ointment to Crane's damaged wing and Mantis was hoping to ease some of Monkey's pain by using acupuncture. Tigress was anxiously pacing back and forth, watching the sky darken with every passing moment they wasted. Nightfall was approaching quickly, and if they had any hope of intercepting Shen on time they had to leave as soon as possible.

"There you are, Crane." Viper said after applying a few bandages to his wing and leg. "You should be alright for a couple of days, but we should bring the medicine pouch with us just in case."

Crane nodded and slipped the strap over his head so it hung loosely around his neck. Mantis was also finishing up healing Monkey, and Tigress began to feel relieved that they could finally start their departure.

Said relief flooded out the door when at that moment the Soothsayer decided to step into the hut.

Tigress growled in frustration. "May we help you?" She asked, barely managing to keep the growing annoyance out of her voice.

"You are planning on rescuing your friend." The Soothsayer stated simply.

The Five eyed each other warily, but it was Crane who spoke first. "You're pretty good at that."

The Soothsayer chuckled lightly before sitting down on one of the cots. "I think it's about time you know the truth about your friend's past."

Unable to hold back her annoyance, Tigress snapped out quickly, "Look we really don't have time for this. Shen already has a several hundred mile head start and we need to-"

She was silenced by a quick whack on the head from the Soothsayer's cane. Crane and Viper looked at each other in shock, while Monkey and Mantis watched quietly with wide eyes expecting Tigress to strike back at the old goat. "Patience, child." The Soothsayer soothed. "There is a storm coming that will give Shen no choice but to delay his plan for at least a few days. Besides this isn't a long story, and I feel you need to hear what exactly it is you are going up against." The Five waited in silence as the Soothsayer took a deep breath and began to speak.

"This was once a thriving village…"

A/N: Whoop! Chapter done!... Though I'm not too sure if I honestly like the turn out of this chapter, but I don't know how I could've made this any better… Oh well.. As usual read and review love! :D