Werewolf Queen

Just a heads up, I've decided to remove Tyson and Kristanna from this AU. But not to worry, I've decided to recycle those two as Disneyverse infants.

Now here's the repost of the girls' prom outfits!

Aliyah Dinari, Audrey Rose, & Gretel der Sonne

Jane Goodfairy, Lan-Li, & Pippa Sapor

Fandom: Kung Fu Panda

Characters: Po, Monkey, Mantis, Princess Shu, Princess Fan, Warlord of the Blackened Moon

Rating: PG (Adventure, Violence, Emotional Manipulation)

Warnings:

Ambush / violence

Injury (Po)

Manipulation / gaslighting

Villain POV

Psychological warfare

Sibling betrayal

(No major gore)

Summary: Po, Monkey, and Mantis begin their escort mission with Princess Shu and Princess Fan. Shu is gentle, curious, and kind. Fan is… not. As tensions rise, Fan’s true intentions begin to unfold — and Po becomes the target of a deadly ambush designed to break him from the inside out.

Author’s Note: Thank you for reading Chapter Two! I’m still getting used to posting long fic chapters directly on Tumblr, so formatting feedback is welcome. Reblogs help this fic reach people who love KFP worldbuilding 💜

——————————————————————

The morning mist clung to the mountain path like a veil, softening the edges of the world as Po, Monkey, and Mantis began their escort journey. The Jade Palace shrank behind them, swallowed by fog.

Po adjusted the straps of his supply pack. “Okay,” he murmured. “We’ve got this. Easy mission. Escort two princesses. No fraternizing. No disasters. No—”

Monkey snorted. “You’re jinxing us.”

Mantis crossed his tiny arms. “He’s absolutely jinxing us.”

Po groaned. “I’m not jinxing anything.”

Monkey raised a brow. “Po, you once jinxed an entire dumpling festival by saying ‘What could go wrong?’ and then the fireworks tent caught fire.”

“That was one time.”

“And then the noodle cart rolled downhill.”

“That was gravity.”

“And then the mayor fell into the koi pond.”

Po sighed. “Okay, fine. I’ll stop talking.”

The path widened as they approached the first checkpoint — a stone archway carved with swirling cloud motifs. Beyond it lay the Shade Empire’s outer territories: lush forests, winding rivers, and villages known for artisans and umbrella‑makers.

Po inhaled deeply. “Pretty.”

Monkey nodded. “Pretty… and ominous.”

Mantis shivered. “Everything is ominous when you’re escorting royalty.”

Po didn’t respond. Shifu’s warning echoed in his mind:

No fraternizing.

He wasn’t planning to fraternize. He wasn’t even sure what that meant. He just wanted to do his job.

But something told him this mission wouldn’t be simple.

The Shade Empire’s caravan approached like a river of silk and lacquered wood. Banners fluttered in indigo and silver.

Monkey whispered, “Remember: Princess Shu is the nice one. Princess Fan is the terrifying one.”

Mantis whispered, “We don’t know that for sure.”

Monkey hissed, “She didn’t bow yesterday.”

“That doesn’t mean she’s terrifying.”

“She looked at me like she was deciding where to bury my body.”

Po elbowed them. “Behave.”

The caravan halted. Two palanquins rested at the center.

Princess Shu stepped out first.

Soft pink robes. Tiny crane embroidery. Purple eyes. A lotus crown with jade ornaments. Gentle, glowing, serene.

Po felt warmth bloom in his chest.

“Master Po,” Shu said softly. “It’s an honor.”

Po nearly forgot how to speak. “Oh — uh — honor — yes — same — me — you — honor.”

Monkey facepalmed.

Shu giggled. “You’re very sweet.”

Po’s ears burned.

Then Princess Fan emerged.

Deep violet robes embroidered with silver flames. Dark purple crown. Sharp posture. Sharper eyes.

She didn’t smile.

She didn’t bow.

She simply looked at them like she was evaluating their weaknesses.

Monkey squeaked.

Mantis fainted.

Fan raised a brow. “These are the warriors assigned to us?”

Po cleared his throat. “Yes, Your Highness.”

Fan’s gaze flicked over him. “Hm.”

Just hm.

Shu nudged her. “Fan, be kind.”

“I am always kind.”

Monkey whispered, “That’s a lie.”

Fan’s eyes snapped toward him.

Monkey froze.

Fan smiled — slow, dangerous. “I heard that.”

Monkey whimpered.

Po stepped forward. “We should begin the journey.”

Fan’s smile vanished. “Lead the way.”

They traveled through bamboo and wildflowers. Birds chirped overhead.

Shu walked beside Po, curious and warm.

Fan walked ahead, posture perfect, expression unreadable.

Monkey and Mantis followed Po like nervous ducklings.

Shu glanced at Po’s pack. “You carry so much. Are you sure you don’t need help?”

Po shook his head. “No, no — I’m good. I train for this. I mean… not specifically for this, but for… carrying things. And escorting. And… walking.”

Shu giggled. “You’re very funny.”

Po smiled shyly.

Shu spoke of traveling, kindness, stories, food.

Po agreed with everything.

Shu’s smile grew. “I love food.”

Po’s heart skipped.

Fan walked ahead, listening without looking back.

Inside, her thoughts churned:

Weak. Naive. Foolish.

She wanted power. Control. The throne.

And this escort mission was step one.

Po unpacked steamed buns, rice cakes, lotus pastries.

Shu’s eyes sparkled. “Lotus pastries? My favorite.”

Po blinked. “Really?”

“Yes. My mother made them during the Lantern Festival.”

Po handed her one. “Try mine.”

Shu took a bite — her eyes widened. “This is incredible.”

Po beamed.

Monkey whispered, “They’re flirting.”

Mantis whispered, “Shifu’s gonna kill him.”

Fan inspected the riverbank, unimpressed.

Monkey approached. “Nice weather?”

Fan didn’t look at him. “I don’t care about the weather.”

Mantis tried. “Do you… like rivers?”

Fan turned slowly. “Do you like being alive?”

Mantis squeaked. “Yes?”

“Then stop talking.”

Po approached with a bowl of rice. “Your Highness, I brought food.”

Fan looked at it. “Is it poisoned?”

Po blinked. “No!”

“Pity.”

Po nearly dropped the bowl.

Fan sighed. “Relax, Dragon Warrior. I’m not going to have you executed. Yet.”

Po whimpered.

Fan smirked.

Night settled over the forest. Shu and Po sat by the fire, sharing folklore.

Fan watched from the shadows.

Shu is getting attached.

Po is getting attached.

This could ruin everything.

Fan tightened her grip on the hidden throwing stars beneath her dress.

The fire crackled.

The night deepened.

And the journey grew more dangerous.

The bamboo forest rose like a living cathedral.

Fan’s eyes flicked upward — a tiny smile tugging at her lips.

She knew exactly what was coming.

She softened her posture, mimicking Shu’s innocence.

“Is something wrong?” she asked sweetly.

Po opened his mouth—

The forest exploded.

Masked assassins dropped from the canopy.

Po shoved Shu aside.

Monkey grabbed Fan protectively.

Mantis screamed.

Fan gasped dramatically. “What’s happening?!”

Monkey panicked. “Ambush!”

Po blocked a blade. “Stay behind me!”

Fan stumbled backward, feigning terror. “I—I can’t fight!”

Shu trembled. “Fan, stay close!”

Fan nodded, eyes wide — perfect imitation of fear.

Inside, she was thrilled.

Her assassins had arrived right on schedule.

They didn’t aim for Shu.

They didn’t aim for Fan.

They aimed for Po.

Po fought fiercely — flipping attackers, blocking blades.

Monkey dodged spears.

Mantis bit someone’s nose.

Shu gasped. “They’re trying to kill you!”

Fan clutched her chest. “Why would they attack the warriors?!”

Po grunted. “Good question!”

Fan smiled inwardly.

She already knew the answer.

One assassin sprinted toward Po with a spear.

Fan’s eyes narrowed.

Idiot.

She had ordered them to kill Po — but not yet.

If Po died now, she couldn’t control the narrative.

Her mask slipped — sharp, calculating, furious.

Shu saw it.

“Fan…?” she whispered.

Fan immediately softened. “I’m scared…”

Shu assured her the warriors were protecting them.

Po unleashed a shockwave, knocking assassins down.

Monkey cheered.

Mantis pumped his fists.

Fan widened her eyes. “He’s so strong…”

Inside, she seethed.

She needed Po weakened — not inspired.

The assassins regrouped.

Their leader stepped forward. “Finish them.”

Fan’s heart raced — not with fear, but anticipation.

Po braced himself.

Monkey crouched.

Mantis cracked his knuckles.

Shu clung to Fan.

Fan clung back, trembling.

Inside, she was smiling.

Po unleashed another shockwave.

Monkey kicked two attackers.

Mantis bit someone again.

The leader snarled. “Retreat!”

The assassins vanished into the bamboo.

Silence returned.

Po exhaled. “Everyone okay?”

Monkey nodded.

Mantis collapsed.

Shu trembled.

Fan brushed imaginary dirt from her sleeve. “That was… horrifying.”

Po turned to her. “Fan… why were they after us?”

Fan blinked innocently. “I have no idea.”

Inside, she was already planning the next attack.

Fan slipped deeper into the bamboo forest.

Moonlight spilled across a hidden clearing.

A masked figure stepped out — the Warlord of the Blackened Moon.

He bowed. “Princess Fan.”

Fan smiled — sharp and hungry. “You’re late.”

“We had complications.”

“The Dragon Warrior is stronger than anticipated.”

Fan scoffed. “He’s a panda.”

“A panda who nearly shattered my men’s ribs.”

Fan’s jaw tightened.

“You were supposed to kill him.”

“We attempted—”

Fan raised a hand. He stopped instantly.

“You don’t need to explain your failure,” she said. “I saw it.”

“We will try again.”

“You will succeed. Or I will find someone who can.”

The warlord straightened. “Our agreement was to eliminate the warriors. Not the princesses.”

Fan smiled. “Correct.”

“And yet you protected Princess Shu.”

Fan’s eyes flashed. “Of course I did. She must live.”

“Why?”

Fan circled him. “Shu is beloved. Gentle. Naive. The people adore her.”

“And you do not wish to be adored?”

Fan laughed softly. “Adoration is useless. I wish to be feared.”

She stepped behind him.

“I need Shu alive because she is my bargaining chip.”

The warlord stiffened. “Bargaining chip?”

“Temutai wants a docile bride for his nephew. Shu is perfect.”

“You intend to sell your sister?”

“Not sell. Trade.”

Fan’s smile sharpened. “Shu becomes Temutai’s slave bride. In return, Temutai supports my claim to the throne.”

“And when she is no longer useful?”

Fan whispered, “Then she will be a memory.”

The warlord nodded. “And the Dragon Warrior?”

Fan’s eyes narrowed. “He sees too much.”

“Should we eliminate him sooner?”

Fan shook her head. “No. Not yet.”

“Why?”

Fan smiled — wicked, triumphant.

“Because Master Po trusts me.”

Morning crept into the bamboo forest.

Po cooked breakfast — congee, buns, fruit, honey‑glazed lotus pastries.

Monkey yawned. “You’re doomed.”

Po ignored him.

Shu emerged, sleepy and soft. “Po… did you make all this?”

Po blushed. “Uh… yeah.”

Shu smiled — warm, glowing. “It’s beautiful.”

Fan stepped out next, perfectly composed.

“Master Po,” she said gently, “you’re very thoughtful.”

Po blinked. “Thanks.”

Fan sat beside Shu, nibbling a pastry like a delicate bird.

Shu ate hers with genuine delight.

Monkey whispered, “He’s so in love.”

Mantis whispered, “Shifu’s gonna explode.”

Fan listened.

And smiled.

Because today was the day she would break Po.

The bamboo forest grew denser.

Po slowed.

Monkey’s tail twitched.

Mantis clung tighter.

Shu whispered, “It feels… different today.”

Fan widened her eyes. “Master Po… is something wrong?”

Po opened his mouth—

A bamboo stalk snapped.

Masked assassins burst from the bamboo.

They aimed for Po.

Spears. Chains. Throwing knives.

Po blocked — but barely.

Monkey fought fiercely.

Mantis bit someone again.

Shu screamed.

Fan screamed louder. “Master Po! Help us!”

Po turned instinctively — and that hesitation was exactly what Fan wanted.

A blade sliced Po’s shoulder.

He staggered.

Monkey shouted, “Po! Focus!”

Mantis yelled, “They’re targeting YOU!”

Fan clung to Shu. “Master Po, please!”

Inside, she was smiling.

The assassins surrounded Po.

“You’re too slow.”

“You’re too weak.”

“You’re failing.”

“You’re nothing without Shifu.”

Po’s breath hitched.

Fan whispered, perfectly timed, “Master Po… are we going to die?”

Po froze.

His confidence cracked.

Monkey tried to help — but Fan “accidentally” stepped into his path.

Monkey crashed into bamboo. “Ow!”

“I’m sorry!” she cried. “I didn’t see you!”

She had seen him.

Po panicked — turned again — and a spear slammed into his ribs.

Po collapsed.

Monkey screamed.

Mantis cried.

Shu sobbed.

Fan covered her mouth, pretending horror.

Inside, she was triumphant.

The warlord stepped forward. “You are not worthy of the title.”

He slammed the blunt end of his spear into Po’s chest.

Po gasped.

Broken.

The assassins vanished.

Silence fell.

Monkey crawled to him. “Po… talk to me.”

Mantis trembled. “Po, please…”

Shu knelt beside him, crying. “Po…”

Fan knelt too — placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Po,” she whispered, soft and poisonous, “you did your best.”

Po closed his eyes.

He believed her.

Fan smiled.

The forest was quiet.

Po slumped against bamboo, breathing hard.

Shu knelt beside him immediately.

Fan knelt too — slower, carefully arranging her expression.

Shu opened her satchel. “Po… you’re hurt.”

Po tried to smile. “I’m fine.”

He wasn’t.

Shu ignored him and mixed herbs with salve. Her hands were gentle, practiced.

Po winced. “Ow—okay, that stings.”

“It will help,” Shu whispered. “I promise.”

Fan watched, jaw tight.

Shu spoke softly as she worked. “Po… you were so brave.”

Po blinked. “Brave?”

“Yes.” Shu’s fingers moved delicately. “You protected all of us. You fought even when you were scared.”

Monkey nodded. “She’s right.”

Mantis chimed in. “You were awesome.”

Shu smiled. “You’re the Dragon Warrior for a reason.”

Po’s chest tightened — warm, steady.

Fan’s eye twitched.

Shu wrapped Po’s shoulder. “You didn’t fail us, Po. You saved us.”

Po exhaled shakily. “I… did?”

“Yes.” Shu’s voice was a balm. “I trust you.”

Po sat up straighter.

Monkey pumped his fist. “Dragon Warrior mode!”

Mantis grinned. “There he is.”

Fan forced a smile. “I’m… glad you’re feeling better.”

Inside, she was furious.

Shu had undone everything.

The ambush had been perfect.

Po had been seconds away from breaking.

And Shu — sweet, naive Shu — had patched him back together with herbs and praise.

Fan’s plan wasn’t ruined.

But it was delayed.

Title: The Shade Empire — Chapter 1

Fandom: Kung Fu Panda

Characters: Po, Monkey, Mantis, Shifu, Emperor Kang, Empress Zhenyao, Princess Shu, Princess Fan

Rating: G / PG (Adventure, Humor, Light Tension)

Warnings:

Mild peril

Comedic fear reactions

Mentions of arranged marriage

Light imperial politics

(No major violence this chapter)

Summary: Po, Monkey, and Mantis are sent on a diplomatic mission to the Shade Empire to escort Princess Shu and Princess Fan to the Qidan clan. Monkey and Mantis are convinced Princess Fan is terrifying. Po is convinced they’re dramatic. The Shade Empire… has opinions of its own.

Author’s Note: This is my first time posting a full fic chapter directly on Tumblr! I’m experimenting with formatting, pacing, and Tumblr‑style readability. Reblogs & comments help me know if you’re enjoying it 💜

——————————————————————

Chapter 1 — The Shade Empire

The Jade Palace felt strangely hollow without the usual noise of its full roster. With Zhong living in Zootopia, Tigress and Viper traveling to her hometown, Crane visiting Mei Ling, and Tai Lung attending his nephew’s wedding, the mountain air carried an unfamiliar stillness.

Master Shifu returned just after dawn, his cloak damp with mist and his expression carved from stone. Po, Monkey, and Mantis waited in the Hall of Heroes beneath the silent statues of past masters.

Shifu entered without ceremony.

“Master?” Po asked.

Shifu folded his paws. “I was summoned by Emperor Kang of the Zhao Dynasty, ruler of the Shade Empire—renowned for its artisans and the invention of the umbrella.”

Monkey and Mantis exchanged a look.

“The Emperor requests our assistance in escorting his daughters—Princess Shu and Princess Fan—to the Qidan clan. One of them will wed King Temutai’s nephew to secure peace.”

Monkey raised his hand immediately. “Ah—Master—I actually can’t go. I, uh… sprained my tail.”

Mantis nodded vigorously. “And I have… pollen allergies. Very severe. Life‑threatening.”

Shifu didn’t blink. “Monkey, you were doing backflips off the roof this morning. Mantis, you are immune to pollen.”

Both froze.

Po frowned. “Guys… why are you trying to get out of this mission?”

Monkey leaned in, whispering loudly, “Because one of the princesses—Princess Fan—is rumored to be ruthless.”

Mantis shuddered. “Like, terrifying. Like, ‘I’ll have your head for breathing too loud’ terrifying.”

Po snorted. “Come on. That’s ridiculous. She’s a princess, not a warlord.”

Shifu cleared his throat sharply.

“Po.”

Po straightened.

“You will be in the presence of royalty. You must show respect. And you absolutely must not fraternize with the princesses. They are to be engaged to another kingdom. Do you understand?”

Po blinked. “Fraternize? Master, I’m not—I mean—I wouldn’t—”

Shifu’s stare intensified.

“Po.”

“Okay! Okay. No fraternizing.”

Monkey whispered, “He said that like he knows you.”

Mantis nodded. “Yeah, like he’s seen your track record.”

Po glared. “I don’t have a track record.”

Shifu sighed. “You do.”

The three set off down the long stone staircase winding from the Jade Palace to the valley floor. The rising sun cast golden light over the mountains, turning the mist into shimmering clouds.

Po inhaled deeply. “Ahh… fresh air. Adventure. Diplomacy. No big deal.”

Monkey muttered, “Death march.”

Mantis added, “Doom journey.”

Po rolled his eyes. “You two are being dramatic.”

Monkey pointed ahead. “We’re traveling to the Shade Empire. Princess Fan is said to be cruel.”

Po blinked. “Princesses aren’t that terrifying.”

Monkey leaned in. “You’re thinking of Disney Princesses.”

Po paused. “…No.”

“Exactly.”

By midday, they left the Valley of Peace behind, traveling along the winding dirt road toward the distant mountains of the Shade Empire. Bamboo forests swayed gently. The air smelled of pine and river water.

Po walked at the front, humming. Monkey trudged behind him. Mantis rode on Monkey’s shoulder, dramatically clutching his tiny chest.

“I can’t breathe,” Mantis wheezed.

“You don’t even have lungs,” Monkey snapped.

“It’s the emotional suffocation!”

Po turned around. “Okay, seriously. You two need to chill. Princess Fan is probably perfectly nice.”

Monkey scoffed. “You didn’t hear the stories.”

“What stories?” Po asked.

Mantis leaned forward. “They say she once made a general cry.”

Po blinked. “Maybe he was sensitive.”

“They say she once threw a suitor out a window.”

Po frowned. “Maybe he deserved it.”

“They say she once—”

Monkey gasped. “Mantis! Don’t tell him the worst one!”

Mantis nodded solemnly. “Right. The worst one.”

Po sighed loudly. “There is no ‘worst one.’ You’re both being paranoid.”

Monkey crossed his arms. “We’ll see.”

As the sun set, the landscape changed. Bamboo gave way to tall, dark pines. The air grew cooler. The sky deepened into violet and indigo.

Ahead, rising from the mist like a dream, were the outer walls of the Shade Empire—tall, curved structures painted in deep blues and blacks, adorned with silver umbrella motifs.

Po stopped walking, staring in awe.

Monkey stopped walking, staring in dread.

Mantis fainted.

“Whoa…” Po whispered. “Alright, guys. This is it. The Shade Empire.”

He stepped forward.

Monkey hesitated.

Mantis trembled.

Together, they crossed the threshold into a world of shadows, silk, and imperial secrets.

The gates loomed like the mouth of a colossal beast—silent, ancient, carved with the history of a dynasty that had survived both glory and ruin.

The air grew cooler, touched with ink, lacquered wood, and rain‑soaked silk. The sky seemed darker, shadowed by towering architecture.

Monkey swallowed hard. “Okay… okay… this is… a lot.”

Mantis whispered, “We’ve entered another dimension.”

Po was mesmerized.

Yinluo City was unlike anything he had ever seen.

Streets paved with dark stone reflected lanterns shaped like umbrellas—painted with storms, moonlit nights, and legendary heroes wielding parasols like weapons. Buildings rose with curved roofs like umbrella ribs, layered in black and silver tiles.

Monkey whispered, “Why is everything umbrella‑themed?”

Mantis answered, “Because they invented umbrellas here.”

Monkey frowned. “Yeah, but like… this is a lot of umbrellas.”

Po grinned. “I think it’s cool.”

Monkey muttered, “You would.”

Water dripped from the sky—tiny droplets drifting like silver dust, evaporating before touching the ground.

Po held out his paw. A droplet landed—cool, refreshing, gone instantly.

“What is this?” he asked.

A passing merchant smiled. “Condensed mountain mist, traveler. The Shade Empire sits between two rivers and three peaks.”

Monkey shivered. “Creepy moisture.”

“The mist carries the blessings of our ancestors,” the merchant added.

Mantis whispered, “I don’t like blessings that fall from the sky.”

They passed guards in dark blue armor, helmets shaped like folded umbrellas, spears tipped with crescent blades.

Po whispered, “Okay… now it’s getting serious.”

Monkey whispered back, “Now? NOW?”

At the end of the road stood the Imperial Palace—massive, moonlit, carved from shadow.

Beyond the bridges lay the Artisan District, filled with painters, carvers, and umbrella makers. Po stopped to admire a storm‑sky canopy painted with silver ink and crushed pearl.

Monkey dragged him away. “Po! Focus! We’re not here to buy umbrellas!”

“But look! They have mini umbrellas! For snacks!”

“No snacks.”

Po sulked. “You’re the ruthless one, not Princess Fan.”

Mantis nodded. “Yeah, Monkey. You’re Princess Fan.”

Monkey gasped. “Take that back!”

Finally, they reached the palace gates—black ironwood carved with storms, umbrellas, and crescent moons. Dragon‑head hinges gleamed with jade eyes.

Po stared. “This is it…”

Monkey trembled. “This is the end…”

Mantis whispered, “This is where Princess Fan lives…”

Po groaned. “She’s not ruthless!”

Monkey pointed. “Look at this place! It screams ruthless!”

Po opened his mouth—

The gates began to open.

Slowly. Grandly. Ancient wood shifting like a sleeping giant.

Imperial guards lined up. A court official bowed.

“Welcome. The Emperor awaits.”

Monkey whispered, “We’re doomed.”

Mantis whispered, “We’re so doomed.”

Po swallowed. “Okay… here we go.”

Inside, the palace opened like a moonlit cavern—vast, echoing, carved from stone so dark it drank the light. The air smelled of sandalwood, rainwater, and ancient stone.

Monkey whispered, “This is officially the scariest place I’ve ever been.”

Mantis whispered, “I can’t feel my legs.”

The throne hall stretched long and ceremonial. Pillars carved with storm dragons and umbrella motifs lined the path. Lanterns shaped like parasols cast shifting shadows.

At the far end sat Emperor Kang.

A snow leopard, regal and composed, fur frosted silver with cloud‑like patterns. Pale gold eyes. Deep indigo robes embroidered with storm dragons. A crown shaped like a folded parasol.

Po whispered, “Whoa…”

Monkey whispered, “He looks like he can see into my soul.”

Mantis whispered, “He looks like he can judge my soul.”

Po whispered, “He invented umbrella kung fu. He can probably do both.”

Beside him stood Empress Zhenyao, a clouded leopard with twilight‑gold fur and violet eyes. Her presence was soft but commanding. Her robes flowed like water, embroidered with twin umbrellas. At her waist hung twin umbrella fans—elegant and deadly.

Po whispered, “She’s… beautiful.”

Monkey whispered, “She’s… terrifying.”

Mantis whispered, “She looks like she knows every mistake I’ve ever made.”

Po nodded. “She probably does.”

Emperor Kang rose. “Welcome, warriors of the Jade Palace. You honor the Shade Empire.”

Po bowed deeply. Monkey bowed shakily. Mantis nearly fell off Monkey’s shoulder.

Kang’s gaze softened. “Master Shifu speaks highly of you. Especially you, Dragon Warrior.”

Po blushed.

Empress Zhenyao stepped forward. “We are grateful for your journey. The mountains can be unforgiving.”

Po nodded. “It was beautiful, actually.”

Zhenyao smiled faintly. “The Shade Empire is a place of shadows and light. It is natural to feel both.”

Po felt warmth. Monkey felt exposed. Mantis felt like confessing every lie he’d ever told.

Kang continued, “Princess Shu is a beacon of serenity. Her kindness brings peace.”

His voice softened.

“And Princess Fan…” His tone shifted. “She is… spirited.”

Monkey mouthed, ruthless.

Mantis mouthed, terrifying.

Po elbowed them.

But Po saw it—the subtle favoritism. The tension. The regret in Empress Zhenyao’s eyes.

This family was more complicated than he expected.

“You must escort my daughters to the Qidan clan,” Kang said. “One will wed King Temutai’s nephew. Shadows move in the mountains. And my daughters… are not always in agreement.”

Monkey trembled.

Mantis fainted.

Po nodded. “We understand.”

Empress Zhenyao met Po’s eyes. “Protect them. Both of them. Equally.”

Po nodded.

Her gaze deepened. “And do not let their differences divide you. Or themselves.”

Po felt a chill.

Monkey felt dread.