Oogway's passing

The sun hung low over the Jade Palace as Crane descended, his wings trembling with exhaustion. On his back, the Furious Five were slumped, paralyzed but alive, their expressions a mix of pain and frustration. Po, Shifu, and Oogway were waiting, their faces grave as they rushed to meet them.

Crane gently laid his comrades down on the cool stone. "We fought with all we've got," he said, his voice tinged with shame. "But Tai Lung… he's way stronger than we thought."

Shifu knelt by Tigress, his fingers pressing to her pulse points. His face softened with relief. "They're alive," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Oogway stepped forward, his ancient eyes scanning the unconscious forms. "Tai Lung chose mercy," he observed, his voice calm but weighted with meaning.

Po, standing slightly behind the others, crossed his arms. "Mercy or not, they could've died," he said, his tone uncharacteristically serious.

Under Oogway's guidance, Shifu and Po began channeling their chi into the Furious Five. Oogway's hands moved with practiced precision, weaving golden threads of life energy into their battered bodies. Shifu followed suit, his focus intense, while Po mimicked their movements, his natural aptitude for chi manifesting in a warm, steady glow.

The room was silent save for the hum of chi and the faint rustle of the evening breeze. One by one, the Furious Five stirred, their paralysis lifting, their strength returning.

Monkey groaned as he sat up, rubbing his head. "Did anyone get the number of that rhino cart that hit me?"

Viper smiled weakly. "You're lucky it wasn't worse."

Tigress pushed herself upright, her amber eyes burning with frustration. "We failed," she said bluntly.

"You did more than fail." Shifu's voice cut through the room like a blade. He stood, his expression severe. "You disobeyed orders, let your pride cloud your judgment, and nearly got yourselves killed. If Tai Lung were the monster you believe him to be, you wouldn't be here now."

The Furious Five fell silent, guilt etched across their faces.

"You think your titles make you invincible?" Shifu continued, his tone sharp. "You think your skills alone are enough? Tai Lung proved otherwise. He didn't defeat you because you were weak. He defeated you because you were arrogant."

Tigress bowed her head. "We wanted to protect the Valley of Peace…"

"And you nearly destroyed yourselves in the process," Shifu snapped. He sighed, his voice softening. "I trained you better than this. Use this experience to grow, or it will happen again—and next time, you may not be so fortunate."

Po, watching from the corner, added, "You're lucky he just wanted to teach you a lesson. You've got to step it up if we're going to stop him."

Oogway, silent until now, spoke gently. "Remember, true strength is not in what you defeat, but in what you protect. Learn this, and you may yet succeed."

Later that evening, the palace was quiet. The Furious Five rested, still recovering, while Po and Shifu stood by the peach tree with Oogway. The ancient tortoise gazed at the stars, his expression serene.

"Master Oogway," Shifu said, his voice hesitant. "Is something troubling you?"

Oogway turned to him with a faint smile. "Not troubling, my old friend. But inevitable." He reached out and placed a hand on Shifu's shoulder. "My time in this world is ending."

Both Shifu and Po froze. "What?" Po blurted, his wide eyes glistening. "No, that can't—why? You're—you're Master Oogway!"

Oogway chuckled softly. "And even masters must return to the universe eventually. My journey is complete. Yours, however, is just beginning."

Shifu's composure cracked. "But, Master, the Valley—Tai Lung—we still need you!"

Oogway shook his head. "You need only yourselves. Everything you need to succeed lies within you. Have faith, Shifu. Have faith, Po." His gaze lingered on the panda, his expression full of warmth. "The Dragon Warrior has a great destiny, and I have no doubt he will fulfill it."

Po's voice wavered. "But I'm not ready…"

"You are more ready than you realize," Oogway said. "Trust in yourself, Po, and trust in each other. Together, you will triumph."

Oogway stepped back, his shell glowing faintly as he raised his staff. "I have had a long and fulfilling life," he said, his voice strong. "And I had… fun."

With those words, Oogway began to dissolve, his form breaking into petals of glowing sakura. The petals swirled in the night breeze, carried upward to the stars. As the last of him vanished, his staff floated gently down into Shifu's trembling hands.

Shifu clutched the staff, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Po stared at the sky, his chest heavy with grief.

For a long moment, they stood in silence, the weight of Oogway's departure settling over them.

Eventually, Shifu broke the silence. "We can't waste time grieving," he said, though his voice was thick with emotion. "Tai Lung is coming, and we all must be ready, ready to face him."

Po nodded, his face solemn. "We'll honor Oogway by protecting the Valley. No matter what it takes."

As they turned to head back to the palace, a newfound resolve burned within them. They had lost their master, but his wisdom and legacy would guide them forward. The battle ahead would be their greatest challenge yet, but they would face it together.

For Oogway. For the Valley. And for peace.

AN: Drop some Powerstones if you like this chapter, we are getting closer to the Legendary Battle.