Here's the final chapter! I just wanna say thank you so much for reading and reviewing this fanfic and I really appreciated everyone who talked and shared ideas with me. Finding the Path to Clemency was a challenge for me but it was a fun challenge. The story will continue and going in to explore into Chinese folklore like how I originally planned it. The funny thing was, I never planned to do a Shen redemption story. But after reading many other redemption fanfics and simply because I love this villain, I decided to have him be part of the story. Part1 was his about him and part2 is where he will still grow as a character during a bigger plot. Trust me, he'll be important in the sequel.

So here's the plan:

I'm gonna take a year break from fanfiction. Don't worry I'll still be around, I just have to do more research for my story. I know it just fanfiction but I still wanted to be a little accurate that it could potentially happen in cannon. Plus if I do it this way, I have time for myself to have the story set up a lot better and have the chapters done than trying to finishing it in another three years. But I will come back and if you guys still wanna talk or share ideas for the sequel, I'm all ears.

Once again, if you see any mistakes, let me know I'll fix it right away and thanks again for sticking with me guys, enjoy!

Chapter 23: Farwell, Till Next Time…

It felt like hours had passed. Shen was in so much pain that he couldn't take it much more, he just wanted to sleep. After a while, it seems that sleeping was helping but still felt his body sore. In fact, he was beginning to notice something else felt different.

The last he remembered was laying in the snow, but he didn't felt coldness surrounding his body or the stinging of his cuts. He felt nothing around him as if he had fallen in the realm of nothingness. Then at an instant, something came through and gave him warmth. It was a strange kind of warmth. He knew that he had to be somewhere else.

He wanted to open his eyes, but he couldn't. There was something that was preventing him. Under his eyelids, Shen could barely see more specks of lights getting closer to him, giving him more radiance of warmth. He struggled to open his eyes, wanting to see where he was and why it did this place didn't felt normal. Suddenly he stops struggling as he felt a paw over his face. The paw smooths his eyes gently like a mother's touch easing him to calm down and hearing the voice of a female hushing him softly.

"Rest now…" she said.

At first, Shen thought that it was the soothsayer speaking to him but it wasn't her voice. Her paw did not leave his eyes, meaning she didn't want him to open them and strangely he followed this and stay quiet. He also heard other voices, there about three surrounding him, the voices seem to echo around him.

"Will he be alright?" asked a male voice.

"Yes, with healing he should be able to go back," said the female voice.

There was another female voice but lower pitch and sounded familiar. "I'm glad, I was so surprised to see him here."

The other female question to the other two hesitantly. "Do you, still want him to stay? You have a right to say in this too."

There a pause and it made Shen wish he could see what was going on. The voices of the male and female sounded familiar almost like…

"We would love for him to stay but…" the female said sadly.

The male sighed and spoke for the female. "It's not Shen's time, he needs to live his life and we shouldn't take that away from him."

It was starting to hit Shen, he had an idea of where he was and who the voices belong to. His eyes were attempting to open once more but there was a huge bright light that blinded him. The golden light was so strong that warm his body.

"He's awaking up" cheered the female.

Shen then felt the three presents walked closer to him. They placed their hands over his face. The moment he felt their wings his speculations were correct, Shen knows who to people were. He wanted to look up, he wanted to see them so badly but he understood why they were covering him. If he were to see them, he would never leave. A small tear escape from his closed eyes.

"Shen," his father spoke, "You have to go back, go and live on, my son. We love you."

"We are proud of everything you accomplished Shen…" said his mother, "Don't ever forget how much we love you."

Shen senses his beak forming a smile, hearing his parent's voices after so many years brought back the feeling of yearning. Hearing them give out encouraging words to their son, pitched his heart. He felt their touch disappearing.

The light was getting brighter and warmer, it almost felt like it was pulling him back to the living. He was astonished he was even going back, which meant he survived his severe wounds. Before it could, Shen took this chance to at least take one peak. Struggling to open one of his eyes, he saw a blurry image. The image became clear quickly and saw it was a person staring down at him. Shen immediately knew who he was looking at, only this time he realized she looked nothing like the one in his nightmares. He watched her giving him a smile of kindness. Before he disappeared he heard her speak in a soft voice.

"Thank you for saving my son."

Shen woke up blinking, finding himself in a bedroom and covered in blankets. It was his room. He noticed a faint glow from his side but when he turns his head all he saw was Po, resting his head on the bed and resting his paw on his wing. Whatever that glow was, it was gone, but Shen couldn't help but feel that glow was familiar to him. It reminded him back to the river, where he felt that same glow, healing him.

He moved his wing out of Po's paw and rubbed his face. He thought back to the dream- no it wasn't a dream. What he saw was real and that place he was in must had been a place where spirits go to rest. His parents were actually there talking to him. He breaths out a dry chuckle as a few tears fell from his face to his pillow.

He heard his parents. They told him they love him.

Shen's crest twitched as the bed was moving. He looked up to see Po waking up, the panda made eye contact with the peacock and stared wide at him.

"Hey…" Shen said first.

He didn't get a chance to say anything else since Po pulled Shen out of the bed and gave him a bear hug.

"Oh my God, Shen your okay!"

"P-Po…"

"I knew you were gonna make it!"

"Po!" Shen cried out, "I can't breathe!"

"Oh sorry! Sorry! I forgot...heh" Po carefully put Shen back on the bed, "So how ya feeling?"

Shen sighed, "Sore, but better. How did we get here?"

"Tigress found us" Po explained, "She been looking for us since we left the village. When she found us, she helped me carry you back home. It took us a while without having you bleed out more but we were able to get you help."

She glanced down to his side to see that the knife was gone and he was patched up. He was only wearing pants and his bandages were warp around his sides. It was strange though, he assumed the wound would still sting like hell but he didn't feel any sort of pain anymore.

"How long will I be in bed?"

"Probably a week or so."

"Great…" Shen groaned. He really didn't want to stay in bed for that long.

"Don't worry, you'll be back on your feet in no time," said Po.

Po then suddenly got up which startled Shen, "Oh wait I gotta tell the guys you're okay. Be right back."

Po quickly left the room only to stop on his tracks when he almost ran into Master Shifu.

"Po, I was about to check up on you too," said Master Shifu, "How is Shen?"

The panda smiled to his master, "He's awake, I gonna get everyone so they can see him."

"That's excellent news, go and tell the others."

As the old master watched the panda turned down the corner, he let himself ponder on his thoughts. Before he walked in the room, he saw a bright gold light, not enough to brighten up the room but it caught his eye. Master Shifu recognized that light to be chi. As he pondered he began to understand that Po was unlocking to his chi, but Po was never noticed what he did. If Master Shifu was correct that meant Shen's wounds must be completely healed. The more he thought about it, the more Shifu thought about wanting to teach Po.

If Po was connecting to his chi then it is the right time for Shifu to show how to use it properly. It's the perfect lesson to teach the panda before he retired as a teacher.

Master Shifu has been thinking about retiring for a while, yet he wasn't sure if it was the right time to do so. But after witnessing Po achieving inner peace, helped Lord Shen redeem himself, and seeing him action from last night incident, he knew he was ready. Shifu made up his mind and turned to see Po coming back with the five and other masters with him.

He greeted them and allowed them to see Shen.

Shen, on the other hand, was surprised to see so many people in the room. Viper, Crane, Monkey, and Mantis gave their hugs and their condolence. Tigress gave him a simple grin. Master Eagle, covered in bandages, thanked him for stopping Gang. Shen asked whatever happened to Gang. Master Eagle wasn't entirely sure whatever happened to the crow, his body was never found so he must be alive and escaped again, but the eagle was ready to face him again.

All-day the friends did nothing but talked together and Shen actually enjoyed it. It felt really nice to be around friends. Eventually, everyone expects Po left to let Shen rest.

"Do you need anything?" asked the panda.

"No, I'm quite alright," Shen said smiling to his friend, "Thank you."

Po returned the smile, "No problem buddy."

After he left, Shen closed his eyes and sleep, he was only resting for an hour.

Later on, Master Shifu came into the room again to check on the peacock. He steps closer to see if the bandages needed to change, the blood looked dry. It should had been still wet since the wound was still opened. This only confirmed what he presumed, it was healed up my chi. His ear twitched by the sound of two people walking in, he turned to see Lang and Ah-ma who was carrying a basket of flowers.

"Oh, hello," said Master Shifu.

"Hello is Shen alright?" Ah-ma asked.

"He's resting but he's bandages need to be changed" Shifu explained.

The soothsayer put down the basket and step closer to the sleeping peacock.

"Not to worry, I can do that for you," she said, "I was the one who wrapped him up."

Shifu understood and politely bowed and left the two of them. Ah-ma places her cane by the bed, took a small jar and a roll of bandages from her sleeves. Carefully she untied the old bandages with her teeth and tear though, during this she noticed something that made her pause. She looked at the wound to see it was sealed completely. Ah-ma found it odd, heavy wounds don't heal like that plus it was still red around the scar. But she went on to assumed it was the medicine gave him.

It was then Shen started to wake up from his nap and saw the wolf and the old goat standing in the room with him.

"Soothsayer?" he asked groggily.

The goat chuckled, "Oh Shen, just call me Ah-ma or Nana for old time's sake."

The peacock rolled his eyes as he slowly sat up.

"I prefer to call you whatever I want," he said, not wanting to be babied by the goat.

This didn't cause Ah-ma to frowned but beamed.

"Careful Shen. I am the one healing you after all."

Lang let out a low chuckle while Shen gave an annoyed grunt.

"She's got you there Shen," the wolf laughed.

The peacock gave him a look before turning back to the Soothsayer.

"Sorry we came very late to see you, darling," said Ah-ma, "I was looking for a gift for you."

Shen glanced at the basket that was filled with branches of plum blossoms, all pink and sprinkled with snow.

"They're lovely," said Shen, "Just like you."

"Oh stop," Ah-ma was flattered, "Now let's have that wound wrap up."

Shen sat further up, letting the goat do her work. Lang leaned on the wall and watched. As she added medicine on the scar and rolled bandages on his sides, Shen thought back on his parents. He thought back on their words, it was still remarkable that he was able to hear them again. He began to wonder how they were doing now in the spirit world and what was it like, he wished he could've gotten a chance to talk to them. Shen was so caught up with thoughts he didn't hear himself mumble out a sentence.

"They were there…"

After tying the knot, Ah-ma looked up to him.

"What was that dear?"

Shen blinked and turned to her with a thoughtful glace.

"When I was unconscious I…" he paused thinking how he should say this sentence, "There was light around me and I couldn't see anything but, I heard voices. I think they were my parents."

Lang's ears twitched by that statement and Ah-ma felt her eyes widen a bit. The goat didn't know what to make of this. It sounded impossible, but Shen didn't sound like he was making it up. Looking at his eyes he was telling the truth.

"You heard them?" Ah-ma asked.

"Yes," he said, "I couldn't talk to them, but I heard them. But they were there, and…you, you're right about them."

Ah-ma listened and was surprised to hear the peacock say this. Shen would always say that she was wrong and did everything he can just to make his point. But it warmed her heart, to see that Shen understanding that she wasn't lying to him. She figured his parents came to him in his time of need. Lang was amazed that this was even happening to begin with. There was no yelling or anger from the peacock, he friend was tranquil to all of this.

"I was only able to see for a moment, but I saw another person," Shen went on, "She was a panda."

Shen already knew that panda was Po's mother. She stared at him with a loving smile, even though he knew he didn't deserve it. He was the one who killed her yet when she talked, she sounded so worried about him. Perhaps that smile was her way of telling him that he was forgiven. But Shen still questions her actions, it was just too baffling to him.

As Shen said the word panda, it made the soothsayer gasped as she realized something important her hooves covering her mouth. Before any of the boys can ask what wrong Ah-ma blurted out what was on her mind.

"Pandas! I forgot to tell Po about the pandas!"

Everything in the room went silent. She looked up to see the boys staring at her with mix expressions, confused and alert. They glanced at each other and back to her, not knowing what Ah-ma was talking about.

"What about the pandas?" Lang asked first, raising a brow.

Ah-ma lowered her hooves, staring at them both. She wasn't the type to keep information but deep down, she felt she shouldn't share this with them. The vision was only Po to know not Lang and especially not Shen. Shen's mind was now at a peaceful place and she didn't want to turn it unstable again. But she noticed that the peacock was staring at with no longer confusion but a familiar expression he always gave her when he wanted answers. She sighed seeing there was no way out.

"I saw many visions while I was trying to check up on you Shen," she admitted, "In one of those visions I saw another panda."

She saw it. The peacock expression changed.

Lang's ears perked up hearing this.

"Wait. Are you saying that…"

Ah-ma nodded, "Yes. The pandas are all alive."

The wolf was stunned with disbelief.

"B-but how? I thought they were all…"

"I don't know," Ah-ma said quickly, "All I know is Po's family is alive and he needs to know."

Lang starched the back of his head. "Man, no wonder you were so quiet about your visons. But uh, I get why I don't know what I should feel but I'm kinda glad some of them are alive."

"Are they coming here?"

The wolf and the goat turned to the peacock who was staring ahead. His tone different from before, almost filled with fear. He turned to the two.

"Are they coming here?" Shen asked again raising his voice form them to hear.

"Shen, it is nothing for you to worry about," Ah-ma calms him down, "This is why I didn't want to tell you."

"So we're going to keep it a secret and not tell me?" Shen accused. He felt hurt, he felt that his trust with the soothsayer was breaking once more.

"Of course not," Ah-ma corrected him, "And how dare you think I would keep secrets."

She cupped his face, giving him a reassuring stare.

"Shen, you have found peace," she said, "Your mind is at peace and you made peace with your parents. It is time to leave the past as the past. The pandas will not harm you. Did Po ever wanted to harm you? "

Shen shook his head no.

"Then that all there is to it. There is nothing for you to fear," Ah-ma stared into his ruby eyes, to let him know that she wasn't lying. She was more fearful that she will lose Shen from her visions, but she was going to make sure she would not make the same mistakes from thirty years ago. The Soothsayer watched the peacock's face went from intense to relaxing. It seems she had got to him to understand.

"Shen?" Lang asked cautiously to see if the bird was still there, "Are you alright?"

Shen glanced at Lang and back to Ah-ma.

"Yes," he finally spoke up.

Ah-ma smiled, the reaction that she got from these two went a lot smoother then she thought. They were fine and there was nothing for her to worry about. She placed her item back inside her sleeve and took her cane.

"I still need to tell Po but for now, let me go and make us some tea," she said, "Lang can you help me find the kitchen?"

Lang nodded and allow her to leave first. Before he can follow her he walked up to Shen staring at him.

"Are you sure your okay?" he asked.

Shen stared back for a moment and said, "Yes I'm alright. I shouldn't have yelled, I just…"

"Shen," Lang spoked firmly, "You need to let it go, no one will be coming after you. Your friends with the bear so everything fine, that's all that should matter. Right?"

Shen agreed, "Your right, sorry."

"Don't apologize," said Lang, "We'll be back."

But after Lang left with Ah-ma, Shen allowed himself to frown staring down at his lap. He wasn't okay, not at all. His mind vigorously tried to figure out how could so many pandas still be alive, how could he not think that they could have been in hiding all this time. The fact that even more pandas are alive, made him extremely anxious. They weren't terrifying and vengeful creatures like he thought they but the thought of seeing all of them scared him. He and his wolves taken so many panda's lives. Po was willing to forgive him, but if they won't be as willing like he was. If they are looking for Po, then they may come here. He knows they will.

Shen thought he never had to deal with this, he just wanted to move from the past and then this comes back to haunt him. Shen may have made peace with parents and his anger, but he felt strongly that he wasn't ready to face this. That was Shen's still biggest weakness of all, letting uncontrollable fear consume him.

"Ow…my head…"

Gang fell unconscious after being burned. He hoped that falling in a pile of snow cooled him down. Strangely enough, he didn't feel his wings were burned too bad. As he was about to wake up he noticed something else was odd, he was sleeping on something solid and cold. It wasn't a pile of snow, it felt like he was sleeping on stairs.

Gang raised up. He opened his eyes to glanced down, only to see his body and feathers were completely fine. He then stared down on the ground to see he was lying on the stairs, it looked very ancient.

"Where, am I?"

He looked around his surroundings and he stood there, stunned. Everything around him did not look like the village he was invading. The sky was an endless color of green and yellow aura stretching as his eyes could see. He was stock to find everything was floating. Tress, buildings, and pieces of ruins surrounded him. He felt like he was in a strange dream.

"Wha…what is this?" Gang was so confused that it hurt his head.

"You are in the Spirit Realm."

Gang turned around seeing a female creature sitting on a rock, watching him. He couldn't see her face or any of her features due to being covered by a cloak with a hood with a long straw hat. The only thing that was visible was her tail.

"This is a world where the dead comes to rest," she said very calmly, and moto toned.

The crow stared at her with a wide expression, he felt a cold sweat.

"Y-you mean, I'm-mm-"

"Yes," she answered for him, "You are dead."

Gang didn't want to believe it. He didn't want to believe that he died from being burned to death, but it must be true. His whole body was fine with no burned marks, no scared up whole on his chest. He stood there for a long moment not saying a word while the stranger still watched him. Then, he started trembling with anger. He flew up and to the nearest rock and with all his might throws it in the air and punched it with his claw feet. It impacts many floating pieces.

"Damn it!" he cried in anger, "I can't believe I died! I let that bastard kill me?! When I get my wings on him I swear-"

"Has he hurt you?"

Gang turned back to the stranger, forgetting that she was still there. He looked at her oddly like he wasn't sure what she meant by that question.

"Has he hurt others?" she asked.

Gang tried to get a good look at her, but he still couldn't see her face. But he went along with this conversation, he dead now and he wasn't going anywhere else.

"Yeah, he has," he said, "I'm only theft but he has done more things far worse than I have.

Gang went on to tell his little tale and the stranger listened. She stood very still like a statue, taking the information in.

"…And then I took his weapons and use it against him, of course, you can see that didn't work out well."

The stranger nodded, "I see."

Gang grunted in irritation.

"Do you know what's even hilarious? He tries to act like he a hero, hah! Shen could play hero all he wants, it won't erase the fact that he was murderous warlord, who failed to take his kingdom back."

The stranger didn't say anything for a moment as she seems to be lost in her thoughts. Now it was Gang turned to watch her. The crow had no idea why this person was intrigued by him. After what seems like a minute has passed, he saw her head moved an inch, and saw a smile under the hood.

"Do you want to go back?" she asked.

Gang tilted his head

"What?"

"The Mortal Realm, do you want to go back to face the bad man?"

Gang sighed sadly and shrugged his shoulders.

"Believe me, I would love to back but I'm now dead. I'm sure there's no-"

"There is," the stranger cut him off, "Me and my friends want to go back too."

Gang was feeling weirded out by this person and he raised a brow. He glanced from both sides to see nobody else with them.

"Um…what friends?"

As if on cue, he saw three figures coming towards them. They almost looked like they were flying, there not much gravity in the Spirit Realm as Gang thought. The stranger turned to see them as well, she stood up from her spot and step down. The three individuals were a large hippopotamus and two twin foxes standing close together. They were wearing wooden masks in shapes to fit around their faces. They didn't seem to mind that he was there with them.

The hippo step forward to the stranger and showed her something in his paw. She softly gasps, like a child receiving a gift on their birthday. She drew out her hands to gently take the item, as it glows, she stared down at it with a smile.

"You actually got one?" she asked excitedly.

"For a God, he wasn't much of a challenge," said the hippo in a deep voice.

"This is wonderful, now we just need four more," the stranger turned back to Gang.

She walked up and crouched down to his level.

"The only way out of the Spirit Realm is to collect chi," she said showing him the item in her hand, "If you would like to join us, you can return as well. You can help us fix everything. So, what will it be?"

The crow stared at her and glimpsed down to the glowing item. He must admit it was hauntedly beautiful. He pondered on the offer since he was having doubts about this. The last time he made deal with someone, and that someone was the damn peacock, it got him killed. There was something about this person that was off, but he couldn't put it in words. She had an eerie feel to her but at the same time, she was very cool and to the point. She doesn't seem to have any intention of using him, she was giving him a good offer. Gang will do anything to get out of this realm, so he gave a firm nod.

The leader of the small group reached a long-furred arm out to him and Gang hopped on the person's arm. She stood up and smiled.

"So, what's this about fixing everything?" Gang asked.

The leader simply giggled to herself, happy to make a new friend.

"It's a long story," she said, "But don't worry, you'll soon understand."

By the entry of the Valley of Peace, Po and the Furious Five stood there and wave goodbye to all the masters. They watched them go one by one. As for the captured crows, they were all tied up and was put in a metal cage, so they won't escape. They were taken to a city where they will be spending the rest of their lives in jail. Master Eagle, who took a carriage to take him home, looked to the heroes.

"Thanks for having me for the festival," said Eagle, "I'm so sorry my enemy had to ruin it."

Po shook his head, "No worries, we'll get Gang next time."

With that, the carriage was off to take Master Eagle home. While Po watches the carriage disappear he was then greeted by two assassins Zhenbao and Piqi. They were both looking at the ground but soon looked back up to the panda.

"We…um, want to say sorry for your friend," said Zhenbao who was frowning.

"Yeah, sorry," Piqi said, swishing her long tail back and forth.

Po knew that these guys have been giving him a hard time, but they did help them out to collect the crows. He smiled at them.

"I know you were just doing your jobs, I told you he can change," said Po, "Thanks for helping us capture the real bad guys."

"You are very welcome," said Zhenbao, "As for our report, we will make sure the emperor won't need to worry about your friend."

Po sighed of relief, "That great news, thank you."

The small monkey and the elephant bowed to him.

"Have a good winter," said Zhenbao.

"See ya," smiled Piqi who wasn't repeating what her partner said.

As Po watched to go, he heard all of his friends let out a loud sigh.

"Those guys were the worse," Mantis admitted.

"At least we don't have to worry about them anymore," Crane said.

"C'mon we still got to up clean up the village," said Tigress.

The six of them walked back in their home, looking at the state it was in. There were fire marks on homes and rubble all over. Lucky for them, this should take them a month to clean the mess up and restore some of the holes in the walls. Po had other plans and walked ahead.

"Po, where are you going?" asked Viper.

"I'm gonna go check on Shen."

"Don't you think you should let him rest" said Monkey, moving a few rocks away.

"Yeah but he should up by now," said Po, "So I'm gonna and make snacks for us."

"You mean you going to take a break while Master Shifu isn't looking?" Tigress smirked and raised a brow.

Po fiddled with his hands and didn't look at Tigress, "Uh, maybe. Be right back."

The leader of the five allowed this watched him take off while she and the others got back to work.

Po made it back to the Student Barracks rushing inside and made it to Shen's room. Being polite he knocks on the door first and waited. He waited and waited, but he heard nothing. Po frowned and stared at the door, Shen should have heard him knock. Worried, Po allows himself in and opened the door.

"Hey, Shen? Are you…okay…" his voice fell flat and so did his ears.

The room was empty. Completely cleaned out as if no one was staying in there for years. Po looked around, thinking where Shen could have disappeared. Knowing Shen's stubbornness, he must have thought he could still walk despite the fact he was still healing. Po crosses that idea out since it doesn't explain where his belongings disappeared to. It was at that moment the panda stops and turned back to the bed, he spotted something.

He walked up to the bed and pick it up what looked like a piece of paper. He turned it around and saw it was a note from Shen. Po began to read the note.

To anyone who is reading this, I should be gone by now.

After what happened last night, I realized that I never lived my life to extend. While I have my inner peace, I still feel I'm missing something. So I'm leaving on my own journey to find whatever it is I'm looking for. Please, tell my fellow friends I'm sorry I can't stay.

Shen

Po started hard at the note. He didn't understand what this could mean and didn't sound like something the peacock would do. He rushed out of the room and down the hall, only to stop to see a familiar wolf and goat.

"Oh Po," said Ah-ma holding a tray of tea and cups, "I'm glad you came by I need to-"

"Shen's gone!" Po cried out.

Ah-ma felt her mouth went dry and her heart skips a beat. She placed the tray on the floor, afraid that she will drop it. Lang's tail went stiff and his only eye pupil shank in shock.

"Gone! What do mean his gone!?" the wolf cried.

"And all of his stuff is gone too," said Po, "he only left this."

Ah-ma and Lang took the note and read it together. Ah-ma felt her eyes watered, she knew that the note is a cover-up, she knew the real reason why Shen left. Seeing the Soothsayer about to cry from the corner of his eye, Lang let out a low growl. He threw the note and made himself stood up straighter.

"Stay here, I'll look for him," he said to both of them before storming off.

Lang ran outside and the first thing he looks for was the peacock's scent. Using his nose he sniffed the air, he followed the scent all the all behind the Barrack. He kept sniffing until he came across an open window. He took a step closer to see the snow had been disturbed. He dawns on him that Shen snuck through the back of the building, he was making sure no one saw him. Getting on all fours, Lang ran threw the snowy forest following the tracks.

It took him twenty minutes to find a clearing, he paused to double-check the trail and followed it down the hill. Lang kept his good eye open, hoping to spot on the bird. As he turns his head he stooped running, from the far left was Shen, leaving an obvious trail behind him. He was carrying a large bag on his back and used his dao as a cane for his side. Growling he ran again to catch up with him.

"Shen!"

The peacock stops on his tracks swiftly turning around. Lang stops as well, catching his breath from the cold air. He was only a few feet away from Shen and he glared down at the peacock.

Shen just stood there staring at the wolf with uneasiness, but he tried to act surprised.

"Lang? What are you-"

"What the hell are you doing Shen?!" Lang snapped, "Where are you even going?"

Shen looked at anywhere besides looking at Lang. He bit the inside of his mouth and held on his dao tightly.

"I…" he hesitated to speak, "I can't stay here. I left a note…"

"Yeah, and it's full of crap," Lang rolled his eye and swift his tail annoyed, "This is because of that stupid vision Ah-ma had, isn't it?"

Shen wasn't sure what else to say; the wolf can read his body language so easily like a book. He stayed silent. The silent set off Lang even more.

"Why just, why the hell are you running off? I thought you said this didn't bother you?"

"I know I said that" Shen tried to come up with good reasons to all of this, "But, I just couldn't stop thinking about it. It only a matter of time till they come and reunite with Po, why else would the Soothsayer would have that vision?"

Shen felt his body shake from both fear and the cold.

"The rest of the pandas won't forgive me because I of what I did and understand that," Shen talked on, "I still believe I should be punished for those actions, but I just came back from the dead. I just, I don't think I'm ready to face all of it again. I just want to live on with my inner peace…"

Shen had to gulp down his emotions as he said his next sentence, "I don't want to die again…"

Lang felt he should feel bad, but he didn't, he knows this was just Shen's paranoia taking over him. He just needed to talk him out of this plan and back to the village.

"You won't die," Lang said remaining calm as he can, "And if they don't forgive then so what? You have tried everything to make it right, you already have people who care and trust you and it's all thanks to one panda."

Shen still frowned, feeling some doubt in Lang's words. He wanted to stay, but he couldn't shake off the fear that was eating him. He thought long hard about this, but it seemed his mind was stuck in one mode. And after pondering for what felt like a minute, Shen had found his reason. He took a slow step back in the snow.

"But if I stay…" he spoke after a moment, "I would take away that one panda's happiness away."

It was then Lang stood still, confused by what the peacock meant.

"If I stay, I would only be a constant reminder to them of how much I took from them and Po deserves better than that. They all deserve better. Therefore, I will stay away and live on my own. It's the least I can do for him."

The wolf's ears lowered not liking the sound of that statement. He had to keep trying, he had to get the peacock back, he has to try for Ah-ma.

"But about your happiness?" Lang asked using that to sway him, "Aren't you happy here? You rather be alone than facing your problems?"

What Lang said was nothing but the truth and it hurt. It hurt Shen's soul like he was being stabbed again. He looked at Lang, with an expression that of remorse and shame. He loosened his hold on his dao, lowered his head, and let out a seen heavy sigh. He closed his eyes, tightly before looking back up to his best friend.

"I'll find happiness somewhere else," Shen's voiced cracked but tried to be firm, "Tell Soothsayer and Po I'm sorry."

"Shen, don't you dare…" the irritated wolf warned.

"Farewell Lang," Shen said and quickly dashed away.

It took Lang a second to realize the bird was making a run for it. As fast as he can Lang down on all four and took off to catch up with Shen. The peacock, with enough strength he had left, opened his fan and jumped in the cold air. His claw feet holding on his dao. He glanced back at Lang and forced himself turned his head and stare ahead in the distance. Shen didn't know nor care where he was going, as long it's far away from the Valley of Peace.

"Shen wait!"

Lang was at a disadvantage, but he pushed himself to follow Shen. It didn't last long however as he tripped over something in the snow and fell right on top of a pile. He quickly got up, but his lungs were out of breath due to the cold air. Lang watched helplessly as Shen disappeared from the fog. He cursed to himself.

He didn't want to go back but there was nothing else he could do, Shen was gone. Minutes later, when Lang returned to the building and walked inside, he found Po and Ah-ma where he last saw them. She had been crying and Po was trying to comfort her.

"Anything?" Po asked hopefully.

Lang shook his head, "Sorry…"

After calming her down, Lang decided to take Ah-ma home a lot early than they originally planned. Po understood and allowed them to leave and said his goodbye. He picked up the forgotten tray of tea put it back where it belongs. He took a sip from the tea, but it made him frown even more. The tea was cold.

As Lang and Ah-ma made their way down the stairs and in the village, the Five masters noticed their departure. They didn't say anything but only watched the two leave. The wolf and goat didn't say anything for while as they made it to the entrance, leaving the village with their carriage. But Ah-ma didn't want to go on just yet and the two just walked as the wolf kept his left paw on the moving carriage

"You gonna be okay?" Lang whispered for her to hear.

Ah-ma's hoof held on to cane weakly while the other hoof rubbed her puffy eyes.

"I will," she finally said, "I just can't help but feel I did this…"

"It's not, Nana," Lang used the nickname in hopes it would cheer her up, "You know Shen is always like this."

Ah-ma smiled a little bit but was still sad. "But I can't help but worry for him."

Lang lowered his tail and ears as he placed his paw on her back, "Don't worry for him. This is something for him to figure out."

Ah-ma nodded and sniffed, the worry she was feeling made her feel heavy like her horns. Lang would glance to the sad goat every five minutes as the two continue on their journey to home. Eventually, they stopped so Ah-ma could get on the carriage and rest her feet and Lang took hold of it, continuing walking. They both forgotten the vision of the pandas, too busy losing themselves in their thoughts.

That night, when half of the work on cleaning the village was done, everyone went to sleep including the five. All except for one, Tigress was still up and went to get a glass of water.

After Po explained the situation to Shifu and the Five, they were shocked. They really thought that Shen would be staying with them, but for him to leave like that was unfortunate news. Po really wanted to go out there and try to find him, but with no lead, they couldn't do anything. Master Shifu's only response to this was to wait and see if the peacock would come back on his own, he was saddled to lose a student.

As Tigress walked down the hallway she paused when she noticed the side door to Shen's room. She raised a brow and slowly crept to the room. She leans in only to see Po's back and was sitting on the floor. She allowed her body to ease the tense away and continue to stare. The panda looked sad, his ears were down and seem to be reading the note again.

Tigress frown and decided to make her presence known. She slowly walked in and gave a small smile when the bear noticed her.

"Hey Po," she said quietly.

"Hi Tigress," said Po and turned back to the note in his hand.

"Couldn't sleep…" she asked.

"Yeah…"

The female tiger sat next to him, trying to get a good look at his face. Po sighed and lower his head, he felt if he kept looking at the note so many times he may get a headache.

"I don't get," he finally said, "Why did Shen leave? I keep looking at this looking for a clue and no ideas pop up."

Tigress took the note away from him, she didn't want him to crack his head open from this stress. She read the note to herself and put it away. The note was vague, and she did feel that there was something more to this story. She put her feeling about it aside and turned back to Po, right now he needed to be comforted.

"Do you think I did something wrong?" asked Po.

Tigress blinked, "Why would you say that?"

"I don't know," he went on, "The last time I saw him, he was fine. I don't know what he means he's missing something, I just feel like a failure."

Tigress placed a paw on his lab.

"You did not fail Po," said Tigress, "You did your best for Shen and that should be enough. Whatever he needs to look for, we can only pray and wish him luck for his journey."

Po turned to look at his friend, studying her face and collecting his thoughts, "But what if he gets hurt again and we're not there to help him?"

"Shen did leave rashly but he can take care of himself," said Tigress easing his worries, "He's no longer a threat to anyone and it's all thanks to you."

That made Po feel a little bitter. His ears perked up and smiled at Tigress. He turned to the window where he can see a full moon of winter.

"Do you think he'll come back" he asked innocently.

Tigress let her eyes wander as she thought for a moment.

"Only time will tell…" she said.

They stay in the room very peacefully, letting quietness of the room relaxed him. After a moment or two, Tigress allowed Po to lean his head on his shoulder, closing his eyes as he was getting sleepy. In the corner of the room, was a basket of forgotten plum blossoms.

Six months later.

The New Year came and went and so did winter, months flew by and already it was summer again. Po and the Furious Five went on with their lives, still protecting their home and China, fighting off the bad guys from around the corner.

The panda would sometimes be alone and wondered if Shen was alright. Wondering if his friend would ever come back soon. Sometimes, he would check the empty room to see if the peacock came back and was going to surprise him, but it never happened. However, he found a perfect vase for the blossoms he noticed and placed it on the small table. He even wrote a letter to Ah-ma and Lang to see if they were alright and if there have been updates on Shen's whereabouts. They wrote back to say they were fine and went about the state Gongmen City was at now. As for Shen, they didn't say much about him or his location.

Eventually, Po had to distract himself from the Shen situation by hanging out with his father more. It worked for a while and so did cleaning up the torn-up village. Po would talk to his father about Shen and Mr. Ping gave him the best advice and noodles in order to cheer his son up. After the village was settled and all homes were secure, Po and his friends spend a long day relaxing the mountains and bathed in the rays of the sun. It made Po very happy and at ease. He finally let go of his worries of Shen, knowing that his friend will come back one day.

During that summer, Master Shifu finally made his announcement of retiring as a teacher, after having the time to plan it out properly. He announced that the Dragon Warrior will be the teacher which really put the poor panda on edge. It got even worse when he couldn't teach his friends to train correctly and they ended up getting hurt comically. Po felt down again, believing that he wasn't ready to be a teacher. Master Shifu still encouraged him that he will and showed him the power of chi.

While explaining chi, Shifu could see that Po was struggling to do it himself. He noted that Po's chi seems to only activate when he doesn't notice. But with training, he was sure the panda will be performing his chi willingly.

On a sunny morning, Po went to visit his father's restaurant to take a bath. He didn't want to bring his troubles with Mr. Ping, but he finally gave in as his father cleaned him.

Suddenly a random pig crashed and said, "Someone is about to beat your dumpling eating record!"

Po and Mr. Ping looked at each other and quickly dashed out from the back of the restaurant and out to the opening, where they see a crowd cheering.

"Who's eating my dumpling!?" Po tried to sound threatening while damping the soap off his fur.

"And who's paying for them!?" cried Mr. Ping panicky.

Through the crowd of people, Po could see someone from afar, a very large person eating the dumplings and piling bowls towering him. The person jumped up with his fists in the air, reaching up to one hundred and three dumplings. The crowd cheered louder as the person turned around cheering with everyone, bouncing with a big belly and a wide mouth full of dumplings. Po felt his face lit up with his jaw drop, stunned. There was something about this person that he couldn't put into words. When the crowed cooled down he spoke up.

"Who are you?" Po asked still staring.

The large person muttering something, but Po didn't hear it. He swallowed his food and took off his straw hat and showed himself to be another panda.

"I'm Li Shan," he said proudly and smiled, "I'm looking for my son."

TO BE CONTINUED…