The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from flickering candles lining the walls. Lord Shen sat on his ornate throne, his piercing eyes fixated on the old soothsayer goat who stood before him. She had aged considerably, her frail frame draped in tattered robes, but her voice carried the weight of millennia.
"I have seen it," the soothsayer began, her tone heavy with foreboding. "Your defeat... at the hands of a panda."
Shen stiffened, his feathers ruffling. "A panda?" He laughed, though it was more bitter than amused. "Ridiculous. The pandas are extinct. I made sure of it."
"And yet," the goat continued, "the winds of destiny are not so easily swayed. A panda rises—a Dragon Warrior—who will bring an end to your reign."
Shen's claws gripped the arms of his throne, his calm demeanor slipping into a sneer. "You're mistaken. Prophecies are nothing but stories told to the weak to justify their failures."
The soothsayer sighed, her disappointment evident. "Your arrogance blinds you, Shen. You cannot escape fate, no matter how many you destroy."
Shen waved her off dismissively. "Leave me. And take your nonsense with you."
As the old goat hobbled out of the throne room, she muttered under her breath, "You may deny it, Shen, but the storm is coming."
The morning sun rose over Gongmen City, casting a golden hue over the palace. The quiet of the day was shattered by the sound of explosions and the sight of a massive figure leaping over the palace gates.
"Surprise!" Po yelled, landing with a thunderous impact that sent shockwaves through the courtyard.
The Furious Six followed closely behind, each landing with practiced grace. Guards poured into the courtyard, their weapons drawn, but Po stood tall, exuding confidence.
"Time to clear the field," Po said with a grin, raising his paw.
His energy surged, his movements fluid as he brought his paw down in a thunderous strike. Buddha's Palm. A golden wave of chi rippled outwards, knocking every guard off their feet and leaving them incapacitated. The courtyard fell silent, save for the groans of defeated soldiers.
Po dusted off his hands. "Well, that was easy."
From the palace balcony, Shen emerged, his crimson robes flowing in the breeze. He looked down at the intruders, his beak twisting into a disdainful smirk.
"Well, well," Shen said, his voice dripping with mockery. "The so-called Dragon Warrior graces my humble palace with his presence."
Po looked up, his expression calm yet determined. "Yeah, and I brought my friends. Hope you don't mind."
Shen scoffed. "Friends? They'll all fall like the rest. You're nothing but a collection of fools playing hero."
Before Po could reply, a voice cut through the tension.
"Still as dramatic as ever, eh, pissbird?" Tai Lung said, stepping forward with a smirk.
Shen's feathers bristled, his composure slipping. "Don't call me that."
"Why not? It suits you," Tai Lung taunted. "Or do you not remember that little... accident you had when we were kids?"
Shen's eyes narrowed. "You mean the accidents? You pushed me off a balcony and laughed while I nearly died!"
Tai Lung shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, you said you could fly. I was just testing your theory."
Po chuckled, leaning toward Tigress. "This is way better than I expected."
"Enough!" Shen screeched, his voice echoing across the courtyard. "I will not be mocked by the likes of you!"
"Oh, come on, Shen," Tai Lung said, feigning innocence. "Don't tell me you're still mad about that. I mean, you did wet yourself a few times too."
Shen's claws curled into fists. "I'll make you regret ever stepping foot in my palace."
Po stepped forward, his calm voice cutting through the rising tension. "Shen, this doesn't have to end in violence. Surrender, and we can avoid more bloodshed."
Shen tilted his head, his expression cold. "And let the world see me bow to a panda? Never."
"Then it's your choice," Po said, his voice hardening. "But don't say I didn't offer peace."
The Furious Six spread out, forming a semi-circle around Po as Shen leapt gracefully from the balcony, landing a few paces away.
The stage was set. The fight for Gongmen City was about to begin.
AN: Like it? If you do, please consider dropping some Powerstones. Lord Shen Vs Po, the Dragon Emperor, this battle sounds promising, no?