Y/n POV

The boat ride back to the valley was long and after everything that happened I was so exhausted I felt I could sleep for ages but everytime I closed my eyes the vision of my family in the courtyard manifested itself. The thought that Maybe Kai was still out there haunted me like a cold chill down my spine that never left.

We arrived late to a place they simply called 'the valley' which was due north of my home, it was night so our path was lit only by the lanterns that lined the streets and the light of the moon. From what I could see it was a beautiful place to live, filled with many trees and beautiful homes when we came along a large castle-like structure.

"Come along now, your highness." Shifu beckoned, breaking me out of my trance. "What is this place?..." I asked wearily looking up the large staircase to the now looming building. "This your highness is the jade palace. It is entirely safe I assure you." He reassured me, gesturing for me to take a step. Oogway placed a large hand on my shoulder giving me a small smile.

"Take a breath my dear, and take as long as you need." Giving a firm nod and taking a deep breath I quickly stepped onto the stairs and began my ascent. Making it to the top of the stairs I stood there for a moment out of breath looking in surprise at the fact that neither of the two kung fu masters in front of me were out of breath.

"H-how are the both of you not dying like me right now?" I gasped in shock making the two look at me with an amused expression. "Let us just say that we have grown accustomed to the feat." Oogway smiled before gesturing for me to follow once again. Moving past the tall gates and into the courtyard I saw many things that looked like they belonged in a training room as well as statues of people who had trained here before.

We walked along the palace walls when suddenly a small voice caught my attention. "Shifu? Have you returned?" A small voice said, making me look and see a small snow leopard in the doorway not too far from us. "Who is she?" He then asked curiously "she's pretty!" He then exclaimed, making me blush at the sudden comment from the child. "She is none of your concern." Shifu shushed with a firm tone. "Now head to bed, you have a big day tomorrow." The boy simply gave a small nod and a sigh before doing as told and leaving us to our own devices.

"Come along now princess, I'm sure you're exhausted from all that's happened." Oogway said moving me down the hall once again, my eyes lingering on the now empty doorway. "Who was that boy?" I asked curiously, making Shifu sigh "That, my dear is my boy, Tai Lung, he is my son and has become my protégé in kung fu." He beamed, making me smile. "You must be proud! How old is he?" I asked. "Hmm yes, very proud indeed, he's currently at the age of nine." He exclaimed.

"Ahh here we are!" Oogway then announced as we stopped at a set of large red doors. Placing his garage clawed hand on the door he gently pushed it open to reveal a large lavishly decorated room covered in golden dragons. "Wow..." I gaped taking a step into the spacious room. "This is where you'll be staying while you're with us." Said the turtle with a smile. "Of course I do hope everything is to your liking, for we don't know how long you'll be with us." Moving toward the bed in the back and feeling the silk sheets smiled.

"It's perfect, thank you oh so very much!" I beamed at the two creatures. "But of course your highness it's our pleasure." Shifu smiled, placing his paw over his chest and bowed slightly. "Now let us leave, we've all had a long night..." Oogway sighed before they both started leaving the room. "Oh and one more thing princess." Shifu said at the doorway. "I'm so very sorry for your loss." Giving him a fake smile and a small nod I replied. "Thank you... I hope I can make them proud." With that Shifu closed the door and left me all alone in a place I didn't know.

***

The days turned into months and the months eventually turned into two years. The first month was interesting as it mostly consisted of sending letters to the kingdoms closest to mine about the events that took place and how I was the only survivor. Most were horrified by the fact that something like this could happen and that they would do all they could to make Sure my kingdom stayed afloat for I was not old enough to rule.

After that I was pushed by my own self doubt into studying Which meant I spent most days in the jade palace's vast library filled with multitudes of books and scrolls from everywhere and anywhere you could imagine. I studied and studied as much as I could to keep my mind off of everything, much to Oogway and Shifu's dismay.
But after months of trying to stop me they realized that I wouldn't budge and began helping me instead.

They both taught me very valuable lessons on how to be a good leader and tried not to pry too much into my past Which I greatly appreciated. But that didn't stop them from worrying as Tai Lung, I'm positive, was stalking me on orders of Shifu while I was their but he was a sweet kid so I didn't mind, he only tried speaking to me a few times so I never got to know him that well but I did get to know that he was a strong fighter. My nights were filled with nightmares of that night as well as my days. Oogway, realizing this wanted to help and offered me a special tea blend to help calm my mind, and now I alway have a cup of it in my hand.

And even though it had been two years everything still seemed as if it happened yesterday even if it was now my thirteenth birthday. Two years ago I had become an orphan and one of the most valuable people in the world as the only heir to the throne of Yawen.

Once upon a time I was just an extra princess in a family of ten who could do or be whoever she wanted, but overnight that all changed and now I was expected to take over a kingdom at the age of twenty one. But today also meant that I was leaving soon.

A couple months after I first came here Oogway agreed that at the age of thirteen I would go live with the royal peacock family of the east in Gongmen city, with my fiancé. The king and queen were mortified to hear of the events that transpired that night and wanted to take me in immediately but Oogway urged them to wait and I'm so grateful he did. I was in shock and I don't know what would have happened if I was thrust into a crazy life but here I got to take things at my own pace. But today that all comes to an end.

The day was bright and many people were busting about down below in the streets as the world had a calm and peaceful air about it. Taking a deep breath the smell of cherry blossom in the spring wafted to me as a gentle breeze flowed through my feathers.

Looking down at my lap at the golden music box that my family had gifted me with I slowly brought it up and placed the winding key inside and wound it. Once done I opened up the box to see a pair of swans dancing together as the beautiful melody filled the space being carried by the breeze when suddenly there was a knock on the door.

Quickly closing the music box I stood before responding. "Come in." Within a matter of seconds Shifu opened the door with a sad smile. "Your highness, I believe it is time." He said with a sad smile, making me do the same. "Very well then. Thank you, I'll be out in a moment." Giving a small nod he quickly leaves the room.

"Thank you for serving me well friend." I thanked the room looking at the space that would no longer be my safe haven before leaving to the front of the palace. Walking down the hallowed halls of the jade palace for the last time I smiled fondly at all the memories I had made while I was here and how I would miss it all so very much when a small figure caught my eye.

"Well we'll we'll if it isn't Tai Lung. To what do I owe the pleasure?" I ask with a small smirk. "The one and only!" The small eleven year old bowed before continuing. "Master Shifu has asked me to escort you to the front of the palace." He smiled, puffing out his chest to seem bigger.

"Oh he did, did he. Well then I guess we should get going then. We wouldn't want to keep them waiting." I stated as we made our way there. Coming down the stairs in front of the jade palace I wasn't out of breath as much as I was the first time I came here. Which made me laugh at the thought as we spotted Oogway and Shifu standing in front of a carriage. "Ah your highness! I'm glad you made it! Tai Lung was a good chaparon I assume?" Shifu asks, making me nod

"the best, thank you." I smiled as the young boy beamed with pride. "Very well then shall we?" Shifu asked, opening the carriage door. "I guess we shall." I nodded to the red panda. "Thank you master Oogway. I don't know how I could ever repay you for your kindness." I say turning and grasping the old turtles hand in mine.

"It's quite alright dear. It's our duty to protect those in need and seeing you happy, healthy and alive is all the thanks I need. But if you really want to know how to repay me? Do it by becoming the best queen you can." He whispered, making me smile as I threw my rings around him bringing him into a tight embrace which he accepted gleefully.

"Now run along, young one. We wouldn't want to keep the royal family of Gongmen city waiting now should we?" He asked. "No we probably shouldn't should we?" Letting go of the hug I moved over to Tai Lung I quickly ruffled his fur before placing a quick peck on his cheek.

"Keep the jade palace safe for me while I'm gone alight." I ask, he simply responds by saluting and puffing out his chest in pride making me smile as I get in the carriage. Shifu smiled at me as I sat facing him as we started to move, poking my head out the window I waved at the two who were we're waving back from the base of the stairs as we started our journey.

***

The road was long and bumpy as we rode over the countryside to the port. The sweet smell of flowers and oak filled my senses as I watched the rice farmers in their fields and as herders kept their flocks in line. The sun was high in the sky and I simply watched the clouds go by letting the sun wash over me. "You know if you keep looking at the sun you're going to damage your eyes." Shifu says, leaning back in his seat.

"I'm not looking at the sun. I'm looking at the clouds." I sighed, making him laugh. "Either way you're looking at the sky and your feathers are Sure to reflect the light." He then states moving to a bag that sat beside him taking out a small rice cake and splitting it in half. Smiling slightly at the action, Shifu hands me the second half of the cake as I slowly begin to munch on it. "What's wrong child?" He then asked, looking up in shock at his question I laughed nervously.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I state looking back down at the treat. "Oh don't even try young lady, you and I both know that something is wrong so why not tell me." He commented with a smirk. "Not funny." I then stated. "So I'm right, something is wrong."

Scooting forward he placed a paw on my knee. "Master Shifu, we have arrived." Stated the driver making the both of us sigh. "Come along now (y/n) we've got to get you to Gongmen city soon." "Yes master." I drawled looking out at the magnificent ship that would be my home for the next two days.

Going to get my bags from the back of the carriage they were suddenly snatched from my grip by a big burly rino. "Please, your highness, let me." He stated kindly in a rough powerful voice. Staring at him in shock, all I could do was give a curt nod as he moved to the ship. "That my dear is a master flying rhino. He is employed by the royal family of Gongmen city and has a son not too much older than you." Shifu smiles as I simply stare in intimidation at the foot of the gangway.

"Not to fret your highness, he is a trusted friend and a gentle soul contrary to popular relief." He laughs seeing my uncertainty. "Ya ya ya ya ok... I rasp out taking a deep breath. "I'm gonna do it!" I exclaimed, shaking my head back and forth. "You're going to do what?" Shifu asked but I was already making my way up to the deck of the ship. "Excuse me Mr. Rhino sir!" I exclaimed, picking up my dress and running towards the large looming figure. Taking another breath to calm my nerves he turns to look at me with a raised eyebrow.

"I just wanted to say thank you for your generosity but I can do it myself." I smile, taking my bag from the figure and heading down below. Rhino looked at me in shock before a smile spread on his face when Shifu ran up to him in a panic. "W-what did she do?" Shifu asked out of breath, leaning on his staff. "Haha! You raised her right Shifu. She came to take her things to her room by herself." He said with a hearty laugh making Shifu smile.

"She did?" He asked fondly looking over at my figure as I spoke with one of the sailors. "She hasn't spoken to anyone but the three of us in all those two years..." he then started making Rhino look at him in shock. "She what now?" He asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "She hasn't spoken to anyone other than me, Oogway and Tai Lung! This is an Offaly large step to her healing!" Shifu exclaimed with a smile. "Well that's certainly surprising. She seemed so natural." Rhino reassured with a smile, "I look forward to getting to know her." ."

Standing on the bow of the ship I let the salty sea spray of the ocean brush against my face as my feathers flew in the wind. "So does now seem like a better place to talk?" Shifu moved to stand next to me with both hands on his staff. "No, but you're going to ask anyway so I can't stop you." I sighed leaning against the side of the ship watching the waves sway back and forth.

"Very good! I see you are starting to come to terms with the fact that you can no longer run away." he smiles watching the waves as i am. "So tell me princess, what has you so worried about?" he asks as i sit there for a moment in silence. *sigh* "my life is like the ocean..." I traded off leaving Shifu confused. "And how pray tell is your life like the ocean?" he asked leaning against the shop with me.

"I just. Years ago I was so happy but now it feels as if I've been caught in a tide and am being pulled out to sea..." I said dejectedly, lying my head on the port side edge. We simply sat there in a calm silence for what felt like forever when Shifu came and placed a reassuring paw on me. "Well, the only thing I can say is-is that the sea leads to many places, and who knows. Maybe you'll end up somewhere better" he reassured before taking his leave, leaving me to watch the crashing waves.

That night however I was determined to make myself useful so I went in search of work which indeed ended up being not all that hard. I was walking through the cabin after dropping my things off in my sleeping space when I suddenly heard a loud crash. Rushing in worry toward the sound I was confronted by a small goose who had a pot on her head. "Oh you poor thing! Are you alright?" I quickly scooped down to help the poor girl. "Oh I'm fine! This isn't the first time this has happened." she stated as i helped her back to her feet.

"Thank you so much!" she started before taking off the pot on her head making her expression change entirely. "OH! Um your highness! I had no idea! Please forgive me!" she pleaded frantically trying her best to clean the space, making me laugh. This action was apparently surprising as she stopped and stared at me in confusion. "Please don't apologize." I smiled moving forward and taking a cast iron pan from her grip.

"I'm happy to help where I can. Now tell me what's your name?" I asked as she started stumbling. "I-ugh, me?" she questioned to which i only responded with a nod. "I-my names calliope! Your highness..." she exclaimed before bowing her head in embarrassment. "Well calliope, what do you do here?" I asked. "Oh, I'm the cook! I make all the food on this ship." she stated proudly before looking around the kitchen, "it's usually much better than this i can assure you!" she then laughed nervously.

"Trust me, I don't mind." I said gathering more pots and pans from their places all over the kitchen. "In fact if you'd let me i'd like to help.'' I smiled as I began washing the dishes. "No no no! You don't have to do that!" Calliope stammered clamoring over to take the dish from my hand which I quickly pulled away out of her grasp.

"Like i said, i want to help.'' I smirked as Calliope just stood there in shock. "B-but you're a princess!" she exclaimed, making me laugh. "Just because I'm a princess doesn't mean I'm afraid of a little hard work." I started going back to cleaning the dish. "So are you just gonna stand there and gawk at me or are you gonna help?" I questioned with a giggle as I flicked some droplets of water onto her.

Immediately after that Calliope smiled and hopped up next to me as we continued cleaning the dishes. The time went by surprisingly quickly after that as the both of us clicked, and soon it was time for dinner. Even though she told me to head up and rest until dinner, I refused. "Come on your highness please!" Calliope pleaded for the tenth time but I stood my ground.

"No please let me help." i asked but she simply continued, "you've already helped enough!" she pleaded again but gave in the second she looked into my eyes. "Ugh fine.... What do you want to make?" she questioned leaning against the counter with her wings folded in front of her. Gasping in excitement I looked around at all the great displays of ingredients when one caught my eye, a purplish brown potato, Taro.

looking soberly at the vegetable I move forward and take it into my wing. "Oh Taro! I haven't found anything to make with it yet. Do you have an idea?" Calliope asked to move next to me. "Princess?" Looking back down at the vegetable I quickly ran around the kitchen looking for other ingredients.

"I'm assuming that's a yes on the idea?" Calliope then shouted in confusion. "Oh calliope! I have more than just an idea! Here take these and get started!" I exclaimed , hanging her an arm full of ingredients. "We're gonna have a feast tonight!"

***

That night we spent almost an hour and a half on the food and let's just say we had some rogue sailors try and sneak a peek at what we were cooking. Which we of course quickly shooed off but that didn't stop them from spreading the word that the princess and calliope were making dinner which definitely drew the attention of master rhino, Shifu, and master rhino's son of the age of eighteen.

Looking curiously at one another the two kung fu masters smiled while the eighteen year old looked on in intrigue. Finally that night we spread the table wide with the feast we had prepared which consisted of soup dumplings, chicken fried rice, roasted vegetables and lastly for dessert, steamed Taro buns. I've got to admit that it was a lot of hard work but when those sailors came in and saw the glorious display of food on the table.

The looks on their faces made it all absolutely worth it. Worth it to see a group of people all sharing my family's favorite meal together. Gesturing for Calliope to go get some food I stood in the corner Watching happily. "You did all this?" Shifu asked, standing beside me. "Not alone." I smiled looking at the small goose now sitting atop one of the sailors' shoulders laughing.

"Ahh so you've made a friend I see." He smiled. "I'm proud of you." Shifu then whispered before Calliope's voice rang out amongst the small group. "Now now! Don't just thank me! This whole meal was the princess's idea!" She shouted when I was suddenly engulfed in the cheers and congrats of those around me. "Long live the princess!" One of the sailors stated before the whole crew joined in.

Dinner that evening was filled with laughter and joy and, well, good food. I'm pretty Sure we could have celebrated all night if it weren't for the fact that we were ahead of schedule and would be arriving in Gongmen city sooner than we thought. Sighing at that fact the crew slowly trickled off to bed for tomorrow morning we would pull into port and my new life... would begin.

Hey my loves! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! If theirs any suggestions for thing s you'd like to see from me in the future let me know!

Don't forget to vote and comment!