Well guys we finally made it to the end. Before we begin I would like to make a long note to thank you and share what's next.
When I first started this project in 2015, it was to focus on folklore characters, and how they would fit in KFP, and (during that time) it was soft my interpretation of how I thought KFP3 will go. But then my love for Shen's redemption got to me. I wrote about him first and then added him to the project. I was supposed to have this done two years ago but then the virus thing happened and sent me and my family a little panicked. I even feared that I will never get this done but it was all of your reviews that kept me going and I'm truly thankful. Thanks you guys. You have no idea how much your words really help me be a better writer. And sorry it took me another three years to finish this, ha. ^^;
This will be my last LONG fanfic as I really want to focus on writing my original stories to publish one day. I'll still be writing fanfics just not as frequently, mostly shorts or thrown ideas to share. I'm also thinking about transferring my stories to other websites like AO3, now that I have an account. Hell I probably may end up doing another project after I watch KFP4 lol. I'm like so excited and nervous for the sequel but I'm positive DreamWorks got this.
And now without further ado, please enjoy the very last chapter of Finding the Hope to Save Two Realms. Thanks so much for supporting me and supporting my fanfic, love you all. :')
Chapter 21: Finally at Peace, Finally You're Home
It was still quiet back in the Mortal Realm.
She had been counting the minutes yet it felt like hours were passing by.
Tigress kept holding Lei-Lei close to her but her eyes have not left the sky. She looks for signs of any black or white spots. Her friends and her father were also looking for signs as well, but nothing. Tigress wasn't going to let her worries get to her, she kept hoping they will come back.
Bao was mostly watching the adults as he bit the inside of his cheek nervously.
She eventually glanced away from the sky when she hears four figures approaching them. She turned to see Li Shan, Mr. Ping, Mei-Mei, and Ah-ma walking to them somberly.
Master Shifu approached them first. "How is Master Míng Na?"
Mei-Mei started to tear up, coving her face and looking away. Mr. Ping, Li Shan, and Ah-ma frowned.
"She's gone," the old soothsayer said.
The masters softly gasped. Even Lang was shocked, his ears lowered from the news. Some of the villagers stop what they were doing when they overheard the news. They all lower their heads and silently started to quietly weep for their fallen leader. The aura around them changed, clouds blocking the sun as they pass by. The villagers started to make their way to the temple to pay their respect to the family. The masters watched them go and glanced back to the goat.
"We're giving the family some time to heal," said Ah-ma.
"We um, may need to gather the other villagers in the forest and let them know," Mei-Mei suggested.
Li Shan looked around, noticing someone was missing.
"Hey, where's Po?"
Tigress frowned, her hold on the baby panda tightened as she walks to the older panda and the duck.
"Po and Shen haven't come back yet."
The fathers already looked panicky and bombarded her with questions.
"What do mean they haven't come back?" Mr. Ping quacked.
"Tigress where did our son go? He stops this crazy lady right?" Li Shan asked.
Before she could answer, there was a ripple noise, causing everyone to look back up to the sky. They spotted a strange swirl, the clouds spinning into a golden ball as it growls. The ball became a bright light and two spots materialized in the center. The yellow and red spots blazed and spin together creating a familiar symbol the master can recognize. The two lights then suddenly descend down, crashing into the ground and making a crater. The gust from the crash was big enough to almost knock down the group.
As the dust cleared two figures were revealed to be in the crater, groaning from the impact. Shen was the first to sit up. He rolled to his knees and tried to stand but stumbled back down. He really felt the difference between the gravity of his home and the Spirit Realm. Eventually, Po also sat up but found himself falling back down, his back sore from the battle. Shen turned to his friend rolling his eyes with a low chuckle. He found his footing and grab Po's arm helping him up, it took a while but finally, the panda stood up.
Po stretch his muscles and brushed the dirt off his robe, now noticing their clothes turned back to their normal robes. He pops his back, feeling the pain fade and feeling more relaxed, and goes to grab his jade staff. He glanced at his friend and his lips curved into a smile.
"We did it…" he simply said.
Shen smiled in return.
"Yes we did," he said, "And I saw my parents…"
Po nodded, "Yeah, and I saw my mom…"
Shen had to look away, feeling his eyes well up again.
The two had a wonderful time with their parents. They talked about their journey and what they do in their lives so far while they listen. When it was their turn, they told their sons that the three had been friends for a while. They have been watching them until the realm started to act strange. They were approached by a goddess asking them if would like to see their children and immediately said yes.
When it was time to go back, Po and Shen almost didn't want to leave. There was so much they want to share with them, so much they want to catch up. But Po's mom and Shen's parents told them they will have plenty of time to talk one day, but they want them to continue to live their lives. After saying goodbye they watched them disappear in the light surrounding them.
Shen sighs as he rubs his eyes trying to stop the tears from falling.
"I finally feel so much at peace," he sniffed, "I thought I would stop feeling like this."
"What the crying?" Po asked feeling his eyes tearing up as well, "No, I'm still crying too. I still can't believe I met my mom."
The peacock's expression turned soft at the mention of his mother. "I'm glad you did…"
Shen suddenly found himself in a bear hug, as Po warped his arms around him. He fully heartily returned the hug, using both wings this time. Po took advantage to host Shen up and spin him around just like how he did when he found him, which the peacock did not find amusing. He squawked and his feathers ruffled from spinning.
"Whoo! We did it! We save the world!"
"Really Po! This again!?"
"You should be used to it by now!"
The two stopped when they noticed pair of different eyes watching them. Po realized it was his friends, staring at them in awe.
"Po! Shen!"
The furious five cried, jumping into the crater and rushing over to hug them. They fell over and everyone was on top of each other, but they didn't care. The masters embraced the panda and the peacock, relieved that they came back. Even the kids squeezed in to hug the two, Bao goes to his master and Lei-Lei found her way to Shen. She hugged his neck, and surprisingly Shen held her close with one wing, lowering his head to touch her forehead. Out of nowhere, Lang appeared next to him giving him a hug, tail wagging. The peacock glanced at the wolf and the baby panda in his wing, and he signed and accepted it.
Suddenly Mei-Mei joined in, she pushed Bao out of the way and pulled Po close to her, crying. Po was caught off guard, he sense something was wrong and tried his best to calm her down. Once she did she rubbed her cheek on his face. Bao climbed back and hugged his teacher on the other side, causing the panda's cheeks to be almost crushed.
Li Shan, Mr. Ping, Shifu, and Ah-ma were last to approach, watching the young warriors cuddling with each other. They chuckled at the heartwarming scene except for Li Shan, the older panda who looked over how the peacock was hugging his friend, and Lei-Lei, who showed no fear. He saw the care in how he was holding her, something he never imagined. It made him at ease, maybe there was some change in him as his son said.
"You had us so worried Po," said Tigress, placing her paw on his shoulder.
"Sorry guys," Po smiled, beaming at, all of them.
"Just don't go and do it again!" Mei-Mei cried bluntly.
"Or keep disappearing to the Spirit Realm making us think you died," Monkey pointed out.
The panda laughed, "I won't promise."
Po then noticed his dads and his friends allow him to go to them. Li Shan and Mr. Ping were so happy to have their son back in their arms, they both lean their heads on his shoulders as they hugged.
Shen also got up and walked over to Ah-ma who looked up and stared into his ruby eyes. She could see, there was a difference in those eyes, something she thought was lost so long ago. She could see happiness. Shen lowered his head allowing her to cup his cheek, leaning to the touch.
"You looked so much at peace," she remarked.
Shen felt his beak curve to a smile and his heart lighter. He opened his eyes staring at the soothsayer.
"I am, Nana."
Ah-ma almost teared up hearing him call her by her nickname. The sweet moment was interrupted when Lei-Lei pulled on Shen's whiskers again, causing him to grunt. He forgot he was carrying her. This only made Ah-ma giggle.
"Perhaps it is about time to trim it."
"Yes, maybe," Shen agreed annoyingly.
After the hugging Po and Shen's friends gathered around them, happy that they were safe with them. Then their teacher walked up to them asking them questions about the Spirit Realm.
"Po, what happened with Tiān Cháo and the dragons?" asked Master Shifu.
"We took care of it, Tiān Cháo won't be bothering us for a long time."
The panda gave his teacher a relaxed look which put the old master at ease.
"I couldn't have done without Shen and the dragons' help. Oh, and Master Míng Na and her sister help too."
"Wait you saw Master Míng Na?" Viper blinked with surprise.
"Yeah and then I saw…"
The panda turned to his fathers who stared at him with anticipation and he couldn't stop himself from shaking with overwhelming excitement. Po held on to his tears as he stares at Li Shan, there was so much to share about his mother. He got distracted when he noticed Master Pangolin approaching him. He made a quick bow and spoke to him.
"I have come to thank you personally, Dragon Warrior," said Pangolin.
Po softly beamed.
Pangolin gave a quick smile, obviously still grieving over his teacher. He straighten himself as he tried to find his footing in his voice.
"I um, need some help to get the villages, if you don't mind…"
"Sure thing Master Pangolin," Po decided turning to his family, "Hey guys, how about I tell you along the way?"
"I can't hear about your awesome battle!" Bao cried following his teacher.
The master also agreed and followed the panda, climbing out of the crater. Shen let Lei-Lei follow them, running over to Tigress to be picked up and showing her doll to her as she always does. He was going to follow them too but then he felt a strong grip on his shoulder pulling him back. He turned around to see Li Shan giving him a very stoic look. Lang and Ah-ma noticed and stop in their tracks.
Shen stared back, calm and wondering what the older panda wanted. It took a while for Li Shan to respond as he fidget his hands, but he sighed and glanced back, looking right at the peacock in the eyes.
"Look," he started, "I don't know if I will ever be okay with this. But, you were there for my son and you did help us save the world."
Li Shan bit his lip and cleared his throat as he tried to put his word together. "What I'm trying to say is…thanks. For being there for him, he really cares about you."
Shen's crest twitched, his brows wide, and he blinked a few times, surprised by the words from the older panda. Land and Ah-ma overheard and were just as shocked as the peacock was. Shen could only give him a small smile and nodded. Li Shan remain still as he locked eyes with Shen again, not sure what to do next.
"He is my friend," Shen stated, "I'll keep being there for him if you want me to."
Li Shan didn't need to think about it. He saw the symbol of yin and yang glowing in the sky, the light of his child and this man. After seeing how they interacted, he knows now that these two have a form a bond, a friendship that he still doesn't understand yet but was willing to allow it. He even glanced over to the wolf who slightly flinched and gave him a knowing nod. He nodded back to Shen and felt something tugging his arm. He looks down to see an old goose looking up at him.
"Is everything alright Li?" asked Mr. Ping.
Li Shan nodded slowly, "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go."
Shen watched as the two fathers catch up with their son and then he glanced over to his family. Lang and Ah-ma looked back to the fathers and back to the peacock. They walked over to him with Lang feeling dumbfounded by the talk.
"That was…unexpected," commented Lang rubbing his head, "What was that?"
"I believe that is the panda's way of gradually forgiving you," Ah-ma said wisely.
Shen still almost didn't want to believe it. "Do you really think he will?"
"Someday," said Ah-ma, "Not today or tomorrow, or next year, but someday."
The three then accepted the exchange and made their way out of the crater, Shen and Lang helped Ah-ma climb out. They followed the rest of the masters, knowing it was going to be a long day of helping the village clean up before they head home.
Thinking about home, Shen wasn't sure what he was planning to do. He thought he was going to go back to his little house, but after everything that has happened and being with his friend and his Nana again everything changed. He was still not ready to face the rest of the pandas, but with Li Shan's permission to still be Po's friend, maybe he will go back. There was still time to think about it. Placing his wings in his sleeves Shen allowed himself to rethink his plans as the group found themselves going back to the temple, through the tunnel, and back into the forest.
The sun's rays shined the way, and the trees were still standing, but the ground had moved in different directions. It wasn't a big mess like last time, and Shen was glad. He closed his eyes and allowed the rays to his feathers, feeling the warmth. He was glad everything was back in balance.
Six Months Later
"Po? Are you awake?"
"Huh, what?"
Po blinked a few times before finally opening his eyes, finding himself floating and surrounded by the golden sky once again. He looked around wondering how he got here, there was nothing around him. But then he jumped when he heard a voice calling to him.
"Po!"
"Ah! Okay who's there?!" he cried holding his arms up.
The voice giggled, "It's me silly."
Po now recognized the voice and smiled. He turned around and spotted the yellow dragon flying closer to him. She looked the same as the last time he saw her, shining bright as always. He couldn't help but laugh, causing her to smile in return.
"Nuwa!" he greeted, "Wait are you in my dreams again?"
The goddess nodded, "Yes we are, it's good to see you again Po."
"How did you even get in my head? Aren't you in the Spirit Realm?" the panda asked as he tries to fly up to her.
Nuwa use her tail to help him, pushing Po up until they were at eye level.
"I am, but realized I can still connect to your chi. I guess you could say it's a new power I discovered about myself," she explained.
Po dramatically gasped, his paws holding onto his face as he express so much enthusiasm.
"Woah really!? That sounds so awesome!" he cried, kicking his legs trying not to float away.
Nuwa giggled at the word.
"It is. So I came here to give you a quick update," she said "We have been very busy making sure our home wasn't affected too much. And then the rest of the gods showed up and we explained everything. They took it pretty well surprisingly, and now we are back on original work and watching over the Mortal Realm."
"So do they know you're here?"
Po noticed how Nuwa pause and looked away, curing her lips as if she was caught in a lie. He tilted his head confused.
The goddess sighed. "The truth is, I really miss you, talking to you and to your friends. I know I'm watching over everyone but I want to hear it from you."
"Oh, okay," Po accepted the truth, "Why didn't you say so?"
"Well…" she squeaked with a sheepish grin, "I'm supposed to do my job and not really be here. "
"You're not gonna get in trouble are you?" the panda asked frowning.
The yellow dragon shook her head. "No, Ao Guang is covering for me."
Po was surprised to hear that. "Ao Guang? Isn't he like the very strict temper kind of god."
Nuwa snorted at the comment, brushing some of her mane out of her face while trying to contain her fits of giggles.
"Actually he has been good at keeping his temper in check," she smiled thinking about him, " My friends seem to change too, the brothers now enjoy being around each other instead of quarreling like they used to."
"Well, that's good to hear," Po expressed.
The goddess then became quiet for a second before asking something she wanted to ask the panda for months.
"Did you like the gift we have given to you and Shen?"
Po knew what she was talking about, feeling his heart fill with warmth. He didn't realize how hitched and light his breathing was as he thought about his mother. For months he thought about her, her words, her laugh, and her loving embrace. He beamed up to the dragon with a small glimmer in his eyes.
"It went great," Po blissfully expressed, "It felt amazing just talking to my mom. You should have seen Shen, I never seen him smile like that when he was talking to his parents."
He placed a paw over his heart as he can feel the warmth from within.
"Seeing them, felt great, I think we both needed that," he said, "When I told Dad about it, he was so happy that he cried. He was so glad to hear she was doing okay."
Nuwa stared at the panda with her orange almost welling up with emotions. She knew she did the right thing and she was happy to hear the outcome. The glow around her seemed to shimmer brighter.
"And how's home?"
"Everything pretty much went back to normal," Po shrugged his shoulders, "There was some nature damage here and there but nothing life-threatening. We still had enough for the harvest."
"Oh and that's today isn't it?" Nuwa asked, her ears and whiskers perking up.
"Yup, the five and I are going to get everything ready before the masters come."
Nuwa nodded and noticed the golden sky was dimming.
"And it seems you're about to wake up soon."
Po quickly raised his arm, grabbing the dragon's attention before she was about to say goodbye.
"Wait Nuwa!" he cried, "Now that you have this new power does this mean you can visit me anytime?"
The goddess frowned. "I'm not sure if that is possible. As much as I want to, I can't get myself and my friends into more trouble."
"Oh, yeah. Don't worry, I get it" Po nodded but still felt a bit disappointed. Nuwa and the dragon brothers, despite the fact that they are gods responsible for their world, found it so fascinating. He wished there could have been more time to know about them better. He didn't just see them as allies, he saw them more as good friends, even in that short period of time. But he understood that she has a job to do, just like he has the job of being a great kung fu master.
"I guess this is goodbye for real?"
Despite the somberness in her voice, Nuwa shook her head and tried to sound a little more hopeful.
"This is a goodbye, for now."
Po's lips twitched to a small smile. He opened his arms and Nuwa gave him a quick hug, savoring every second of it. He then felt himself floating down, out of her arms, and back to his slumber. The golden sky disappeared, making her the only thing glowing in the abyss. Before he closed his eyes, Po could hear Nuwa calling out to him once more.
"Oh, Po I almost forgot!"
"Yeah?"
"Happy Fall Day!"
When he finally woke up, Po found himself back in his room. He slowly sat up, yawning and rubbing his eyes, then thought about his dream. The dream he had was real, he saw the goddess dragon again. He wanted to take a few minutes to think it over but then he heard his friends calling him. It was time to get everything ready for the fall festival.
He grin to himself as thought about the dream throughout the day. Helping everyone in the village gather their food for the night and finding some time to get dressed.
He and the Furious Five didn't dress anything fancy, just simple robes with red and orange colors for autumn. They were having the festival in the palace arena, that way they could keep their people close and safe. Po help his fathers prepare the stand where they can serve their food to the guest. Masters started to show up and Master Shifu and the five greeted them, along with their young students who brought their families with them. Some of the pandas started to show up as well. Among the guest, Bao and Lei-Lei were running around giggling to themselves. They spotted their favorite people and ran towards them, Po and Tigress grabbing them.
"Stripey-Baby!" Lei-Lei cried hugging the female tiger who chuckled.
"Hello Lei-Lei," she said to the baby panda, holding her.
"Master Po, are all the cool masters here?" Bao asked very hyper to see them all.
"Not yet little buddy, we still waiting for a few more."
"Hi, Po!"
The panda turned around to see Mei-Mei dressed in all red with an orange leaf hairpin for her bun. Po was surprised by how much red she was wearing, even staring at the pretty make-up. The female panda smiled and danced over to him, trying to show off her looks.
"So what do think Po?" she spoke with passion.
"Uh…"
"Don't I look just stunningly ravishing?"
"Um, yeah–"
"Aw thank you!" Mei-Mei squealed with delight, "I knew you would like it! I'm gonna go and grab some dumplings before everyone else will, bye!"
Po watched her go laughing to himself while Tigress simply rolled her eyes, knowing she was trying to impress her friend.
"Hey Po, Tigress, can you help us hang the rest of the lanterns?" Crane asked carrying multiple lanterns with his feet.
"Coming! Alright, kids go have fun but don't eat all the food!"
Po put down the kids and lets them run around the palace arena while he goes and helps his friend. He the five hanged and tie as many lanterns to trees and the ceilings of the buildings, talking to each other.
"Man, I can't believe spring and summer ended so quickly," Mantis commented hopping around.
"It did feel time went by fast this year," said Viper as tied one to a tree.
Tigress tied the last one to the ceiling and jumped off, landing on the ground nicely.
"This year had been unusual," she said, "Especially checking how much damage Tiān Cháo did to China."
"Those months were the worse," Crane grieved, "I don't think we ever gotten a break during the summer."
Monkey gave Po one last lantern to put up before they both climb back down.
"Hey look on the bright side, at least we get to have Po's dad's mooncakes again," Monkey grinned.
The panda laughed at this, "You guys really like my dads' mooncakes huh?"
"Of course," Viper chippered.
"Well after the festival, I'll make another batch for tomorrow."
Po glanced away but then took a double look, seeing someone he knew. He goes over to them and greets them.
"Hey Lang!"
Po greeted the wolf, catching him by surprise. Lang grinned and gave the panda a small wave.
"Hey there, tubby" he teased, "Haven't seen you in a while."
"Right back at cha," Po replied, " How's it going?"
"Not much, I'm accompanying Master Crock and Master Ox for this festival. My sibling is watching the city while we're away."
"Oh sweet!" Po cried looking around for the masters. Lang cleared his throat getting the panda's attention back on him.
"Hey, are they also here?" he asked and Po understood who he was talking about.
"No not yet," said Po, "But how about I grab some food for you while we wait."
"Good, because I'm starving."
Po and Lang head over to the stand where Li Shan and Mr. Ping were they were already serving food fast. He greeted his dad and the old goose sighed in relief.
"Po, you're just in time! Can you hand over a few bowls at that table?" asked Mr. Ping already throwing the bowls to his son who caught them easily.
"Sure, Dad! Can you also make one for my friend?"
While Po left to serve the bowls, Lang was left alone to order his food, greeting the goose.
"Hey."
"Oh I remember you," said Mr. Ping, "Would like a bowl of dumplings or pumpkin with lotus roots?"
"I think I'll take the pumpkin."
Lang took his bowl but suddenly stop when the older panda noticed him. He never really spoke to him and this was the first time to actually face him. He must have recognized the scars on his eye. His other eye wanted to glance anywhere else but freeze when the panda spoke to him.
"Hello," Li Shan said almost holding his breath.
It caught Lang off guard but he respond back.
"Um hi there, sir."
He already felt awkward after a few seconds and didn't want to make the man feel uncomfortable.
"…Okay so I uh, go just over there now."
"Wait."
Lang stop and turned back. He watches as the older panda leans over and handed him a mooncake. He didn't look at him in the hide he gave him a small nod of acknowledgment.
"We made them for all of you," Li Shan said.
Lang's ears twitched, still surprised by the panda's actions. But he doesn't question it, taking the kind gesture and taking the mooncake.
"Thank you, sir."
Lang goes to a table with the other masters, not noticing some looks he was getting from the other pandas. They didn't see him as a threat, and they saw Li Shan's kind gesture, they trust his judgment and let it be. One panda beside Po seems to recognize him and rushes over to him.
"Oh my gods, hey Lang!"
The wolf found himself host up as Mei-Mei excitedly pull him in a tight bear hug.
"H-hey panda girl," he manages to say.
She puts him down and then grabs his paw. "Come on you gotta meet my family!"
Lang seemed heisted of the idea. "Uh, are you sure?"
Mei-Mei simply beamed at him. She know what he was referring to but he was still her friend and she wanted to sit with her.
"Don't worry, I got you back," she said as she grabs his food and drags him over to the table where her family was sitting.
While the masters continue to greet more people, both Tigress and Master Shifu spotted the guest they had been waiting for and greeted them.
"Ah, good even Master Pangolin, Princess Lán lǜ, and Ah-ma," said Shifu as he bowed to them and they bowed in return.
The three were wearing darker blue robes with patterns of leaves and wind. Lán lǜ wore a small flower tied around her ear and a necklace in a shape of a cat. Master Pangolin wore his robe around his shoulder and tied it to his waist. Ah-ma still wore her many robes but with a shawl to match them.
"It's good to see you dear," Ah-ma approached the master and gently hugged her as she returned the hug.
"How's everything over at Huang Shui Village?" Master Shifu asked.
"The clean-up is complete, all that is left is fixing up the temple's roof," Pangolin stated, "The lord and lady wanted to personally thank you again for dismantling those traps."
"My parents couldn't come this year, so we're taking their place," Lán lǜ added.
Tigress noted the young princess's somber tone, and her eyes wandering off. She stared at her with sympathy.
After giving out the news of Míng Na's death, the Siamese clan decided to hold a small funeral for her. The masters joined them after helping them tear down the construction the villagers were forced to build. Despite accepting her grandmother being gone, Lán lǜ still cried. She was the only one crying her heart out while her family tried to hold it in for her.
"And how are you Princess Lán lǜ?" Tigress asked the young girl.
Lán lǜ gave her a small smile and perked up a bit.
"I'm okay. My teachers have been keeping busy with classes."
The kitten felt an arm around her and pulled her close. Pangolin smiled down at her, rubbing her shoulder with comfort.
"We're still healing," he answered for her.
"I'm glad to hear that," said Master Shifu, "We're planning to have a statue of your grandmother added with the other masters."
Lán lǜ's tail twitched a real smile appeared on her face.
"That sound wonderful Master Shifu," she marveled at the idea.
"Now come along you two, let's get something to eat," said Ah-ma, leading the way.
Pangolin and Lán lǜ followed the goat, excited to try out the food. The three then spotted the Dragon Warrior serving the last bowl to the guest. He turned and saw them and a huge grin appeared on his face.
"Hey guys!" he greeted them.
"Ah, hello Dragon Warrior," Master Pangolin bowed along with his student.
"It's nice to see you again," said Lán lǜ.
"Nice to see all of you too," Po replied, "My dads got the food ready, so go on and help yourselves."
The two thank him and left, leaving Po with just the soothsayer who smiled warmly at him as usual.
"Hello Po, is Lang here by any chance?"
"Actually, Mei-Mei introducing him to her family."
The two look over to the table, where Mei-Mei talks happily about the wolf next to her. Her family seems to be taking it well, the adults were slightly wary while the young ones look like they like him already. Lang ate peacefully but still awkwardly smiles at them.
Ah-ma grinned warmly at the sight.
"It's good to see him have another friend," she said as she see Mei-Mei turn to talk to Lang.
"By the way," Po started looking back to the goat, "Now that you've arrived, is Shen here too?"
Ah-ma nodded, "He said he wanted to meet you by a tree, I'm sure you know what that means."
Po raised a brow, thinking back on what could that mean. Then he remembered the peach tree of Heavenly Wisdom on top of the hill, the first many places he showed his friend. Once it dawned on him, Po looked at her with admiration and thanked her and she left to get some food and to sit with Lang. He was about to leave when his two dads approached him.
"There you are Po, we got our bowls ready," said Li Shan carrying a tray of their food.
Po's mouth almost watered but he snapped out of it.
"Sorry dads, I gotta go, but I'll be right back."
"What? Where are you going Po?" asked Mr. Ping, "Everyone is sitting down and the full moon is about to rise."
"I know but um," Po bit his lip as he spoke, "My friend is here and I wanna like to catch up on things and-"
"He's here isn't he?"
The young panda paused, now looking directly in Li Shan's direction. The tone of his voice didn't sound bad, but it was straight to the point. He didn't want to look like a liar or that he was choosing Shen over him, and tried to explain.
"Yeah, he's here. But we're gonna talk somewhere else, so the pandas won't freak out. If that's all right-"
"Go on."
Po blinked in surprise, even Mr. Ping looked up at Li Shan surprised as well. Po thought his dad will have some say in this but he seem to be okay with the situation. Still, he couldn't help but ask.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course," Li Shan encouraged putting his paw on his shoulder, "Po, don't let my feeling stop you from seeing your friend. And don't worry about me, that's our job."
Po studied his face, seeing that he really meant every word. He stared both at his das, feeling a warm smile spread across his face. Mr. Ping then walked up to him handling a small box with a ribbon on it.
"Here are some mooncakes for you and Shen. You haven't eaten all night," the goose said fatherly.
Po took the box and beamed. "Thanks, dads."
Li Shan and Mr. Ping watch their son take off, and the goose turned to the older panda. He patted his arm in comfort showing he was proud of him. "You did well."
Li Shan looked at the goose, giving him a quick nod and a smile. He still not use to this friendship, not used to giving someone like Shen the benefit of the doubt. But he remind himself that he was still learning. The peacock had help enough to be around his kid, and that's all he could do for now.
"I trust our son," he said.
Po was making his way to his destination, rushing past Tigress who spotted him heading to the Jade Palace.
"Po where are you going?"
"I'm gonna go met up with Shen, be right back!" he said in a hurry.
She shook her head, smiling to herself, and called back. "Don't take too long."
Po made it inside and out through the exit to the back of the building. He couldn't wait to reach for the peach tree. He starts climbing up the long stairs with no problem, wanting to see his friend. It had only been a few months, but to the panda, it felt forever since they last talked.
When the fight was over, Shen had mentioned wanting to check his house if it was at peace. But Lord Nao and Lady Neu overheard the conversation and gave him an offer, to stay with them in the village. At first, Shen didn't want to impose but they insisted, it was their way to thank him for helping their daughter. Even Ah-ma told him it would be better than living alone. Eventually, Shen took the officer on one conduction, he wanted Ah-ma to move in with him. He wanted to make up to her for disappearing from those two years, wanting to spend actual quality time with her. Ah-ma was touched and agreed.
When Po and the others were informed about the offer, it shocked the panda. He thought maybe he could convince Shen to come home with him. But he knew better not push it, he knew Shen was still not prepared to see the rest of the panda. The peacock did say that one day he will and Po had to take his word for it. Lang was shocked but understood, seeing Shen wanting to spend some time with her, as she was getting older. The wolf told them to write to them constantly and Po asked for the same thing. They did receive some letters during those six months, but it didn't feel the same as talking.
When Po finally reaches the stairway, he tiredly yet effortlessly climbs up. He reaches the top and sees a familiar figure standing by the peach tree.
Shen stood there staring down at the village, once desiring to burn it but now staring with admiration at how beautiful it is. His crest twitched hearing a noise and turned to see Po catching his breath and standing up.
The two stared at each other before smiling.
"Hey," Shen spoke up first.
Po just chuckled, "Hey."
The panda walks over to him and they sit on the edge. Po noticed Shen's mustache was cut, it look better shorter than long. His robe was a dark blue, almost like the one robe he used to wear. It was long enough to cover half of his fan. It also had the same pattern of autumn leaves.
"So how did you get here without anyone seeing you?" Po broke the silence.
Shen hummed to himself, "Just simply observing on the higher ground and flew down here."
Po grinned, "You mean falling with style right?"
The peacock only gave him a typical look of annoyance and ignored the question.
They became quiet again as they watched the dark clouds rolling in. A slight cold breeze brushed their fur and feathers and rock the branches of the tree. Shen noticed there were fewer peaches from the tree and the ground.
"I see there are no peaches around," he comments filling the quiet.
"The Heavenly Peach tree stops growing when fall comes," Po respond looking at the tree, "But I think I pick the last ones for the festival, if we head down we can grab some."
"Maybe later," Shen respond, almost too softly.
Po looked at his friend, he could tell by the tone and body language that Shen was thinking about something. He inched closer to him, trying to get a read of his face.
"There's something on ya mind Shen?"
The peacock glanced out the corner of his eye, He frowned but was impressed that his friend could simply tell as if it were obvious. He took a moment to put his thought together into words. Looked back to the panda, seeing he was waiting patiently. He opens his beak slowly.
"Have, have you ever felt, lost in some way?"
Po raised a brow, "Lost?"
Shen sighed and went on to explain his feelings.
"It's just, I haven't stopped thinking about my parents. Seeing them again, having a chance to talk to them, having their love, I'm finally at peace with myself. I feel at so much composure, now more than ever."
He looked away, staring at the ground again.
"But now, with nothing to prove and I have nothing to fear, I'm…not quite sure what to do next in my life," he said, "I thought just being with my Nana and villagers would clarify a path for me, but…"
He saw the panda nodding following what he was saying.
"Have you thought about your mother too?"
Po nodded his head. "Oh totally, I mean how can I not? Sometimes I wish I could go back and talk to her more."
The image of his mom appeared in his head, remembering how she smiled at him. Not wanting to be overwhelmed with his emotions he continued.
"I'm like so full of peace too," said Po, " And even though the worse is over, it doesn't mean that's it. There's so much to do than just thinking about what could have been. If you can find peace Shen, then I'm sure you'll find something to make you even happier."
The peacock just stared, letting all the words sink in. The panda always knows what to say. In a way, he was glad to have him as a friend instead of an enemy. If he was being honest with himself, he was glad he ran into him again, he wouldn't able to face his fear if it weren't for the young panda.
"The princess has been visiting me since I moved in."
Po's ear twitched in interest. "Wait really?"
"Yes," Shen confirmed "She has been asking me to show her kai li fo."
He remembered the random visits of the kitten, always bringing her teacher, joining him and Ah-ma for tea, and asking him questions. She was probably looking for another figure in life since her grandmother was no longer around. It felt sudden but he didn't mind her company.
"Hey maybe that's your next calling," Po said with delight, "You can be her teacher."
Shen scoffs at the idea. "I don't think I'm qualified for that."
Now it was the panda's turn to roll his eyes at the peacock.
"Oh please, it took me so long to not suck at teaching. You're smarter than me, so I'm sure you can handle it."
"That we can both agree on," Shen joked.
It took awhile for Po to register what he said and then he frowned at him.
"Hey…" he pouted causing Shen to laugh.
It became quiet again until Po remembered the box in his hands.
"Oh, I almost forgot, here." Po opened the box taking out two mooncakes for himself and his friend.
Shen took it and stared at it, almost in a nostalgic way. They took a few of their mooncakes, enjoying how soft and tasty it was.
"My dads made these for the festival, everybody wanted them. "
Shen smiled. "I haven't had a mooncake for so long."
The two friends continue to eat and took turns talking about their lives. Po even talked about the dream he had with Nuwa which grab's the peacock's attention. They were talking and laughing for a while and they almost didn't notice the clouds were rolling away, revealing the moon. They stop what they were doing and stared.
The moon shined big and brightly in a brilliant blue aura. Everyone down in the palace area stop what they were doing to admire the moon's beauty. Master Shifu and the Furious Five stood close, Me-Mei, Lang, and Ah-ma sat together as they stared. Li Shan and Mr. Ping smiled while looking at the moon. Bao, Lei-Lei, and the other kids marveled at the sight of it. Even Master Pangolin and Lán lǜ felt the joy to see the moon in the sky.
Out of nowhere, Lán lǜ suddenly felt a breeze brush through her fur, feeling warm and familiar. She couldn't help but softly gasp, looking behind, only to find nobody. But the wind was accompanied by a few bright orange and red leaves, big and small. The leaves danced and blew right by Lán lǜ's face before flying to the sky.
The kitten then felt her lungs fill with air as she sighs a breath of pure relief. She looked back up to the moon, knowing her grandmother and her aunt came by to see her and it brought a tear to Lán lǜ's eyes.
Back on the hill with the heavenly peach tree, the panda and the peacock also admire the blue moon. Thanking for all the world-changing events they have been through that led to where they were sitting now in the present. They became friends, and they saved their home, giving the people new hope for what the future will bring.
Po glanced away, seeing his family and all the villagers from down below.
"We should probably head back to the festival before you have to leave."
Shen kept his eyes on the sky longer before speaking. "Actually I'm extending my stay."
Po paused from eating the rest of his mooncake and turn his head so quickly he almost gave himself a cramp.
"Wait what?!" he cried.
Shen took a moment to collect his thought, tapping his half-eaten mooncake.
"I'm staying a little longer," he repeated then turned to look his friend in the eye, " I want to catch up with the others as well. And um…"
He paused for a second.
"I think I'm ready to face the rest of the pandas."
Po's eyes grew wide, his emerald eyes staring into the ruby ones. "Are you sure?"
Shen nodded. "Yes, I know it will be shocking for them, it may not go very well, but I'm hoping it would."
Po could see on his face that he meant it, no signs of shaking in fear or hesitation in his voice. He know it won't be easy, but if the peacock was willing to try then he was going to help too. His dads probably wouldn't mind helping out, now they trust him.
"Whatever happens Shen, I'll be there with you, one step at a time," he said making the peacock smile.
"Thank you, Po," Shen said with gratitude.
The panda rub his nose and then pulled him close to his side by the shoulder, giving the bird a half hug and laughing.
"No problem buddy."
They stayed quiet for the rest of the night, continuing to eat their mooncakes as they go back to look at the moon. The chilly wind blew in their direction. The last remaining flower petals of the peach tree flew off, joining with the autumn leaves as they danced way in the night sky.
Po and Shen still leaned in their hug, feeling fully at peace with each other as friends, as family, as yin and yang.
THE END