Shen shifted, as if he were uncomfortable or anxious about something. Finally unable to contain it any longer, the peacock moved over to Shifu, tapping his wingtips together nervously. "I'm sorry... Shifu, was it?" Shen asked, looking at him. "I don't mean to interrupt this little reunion, but I'm particularly worried about Gongmen City."
Shifu raised a brow, a knowing look on his features. "Oh? Gongmen City? The very place you terrorized upon your brief return instead of ruling it justly?"
"Yes... well..." Shen looked away now and down at the ground. "I AM worried about it. You see... the shadow creatures I encountered were on the outskirts of the city... and I'm worried they could mass for an attack... and even one of those demons is enough to cause serious trouble to the city... especially now that there's a... well... power vacuum." the peacock muttered.
"Yes... Gongmen City currently has no ruler." Shifu commented, nodding. "Without a central government, it won't be able to defend itself as effectively."
"It wouldn't be able to anyway." Shen continued, still murmuring. "They lack a real military force after my wolf army was well... wiped out, for lack of a better term."
"Mmm-hmm." Shifu nodded, still regarding Shen with that knowing look. "Go on."
"Anyway, I think we should focus on Gongmen City first." Shen finally said, turning back to the red panda. "If they gain the city, their power will be overwhelming. We won't be able to stand before them."
"I concur. I will dispatch the Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five to Gongmen City, but on one condition." Shifu said, holding up a finger now.
"Uh... wh-what's that?" Shen stammered, looking confused.
"You must find inner peace while there." Shifu smiled warmly at the peacock now, which caused the bird to take a few steps back.
"Inner peace?" he asked, blinking.
"Yes... it is the thing you are most desperate for, and I would like to see you attain it." Shifu nodded.
"I..." his red eyes fell to the ground, as if searching for something. "I don't know if I can..."
"But you will..." Shifu said softly, and turned to Tai Lung. "Tai Lung... would you mind accompanying the Furious Five and the Dragon Warrior to Gongmen City? Shen feels the threat to the city is great, and wishes to stabilize the situation there to prevent the demons from gaining many new unwilling recruits." the red panda explained.