The Phantom of the Snow Leopard 2: The Return
Chapter 3: Leona's Explanation
Meanwhile, we see Leona going to the market to get Tai Lung something that would really convince him into letting her go with him on his quest. Suddenly, something hit her to the ground and as the female snow leopard turns around, she sees a bunch of crocodile bandits.
"Well, look at this pretty lady here", said croc bandit #5.
"Yeah, real cute, ain't she?", asked croc bandit #4.
"What do you morons want?", asked Leona.
"We came here for that item you're looking for", answered croc bandit #2.
"You mean, the crystal necklace for Tai Lung?", said Leona, "Well, you're thieves aren't going to get it. You'll have to go through me first."
"Alright then, girly", said croc bandit #2, "Alright, guys. Let's teach this girl some manners for messing with us, then we'll take care of the kung fu master she just mentioned!"
"Oh, I blew it!", said Leona.
The crocodile bandits and Leona fought against each other. The female snow leopard seems to be gaining the upper hand at first, but one of the crocodile bandits quickly grabbed her by both of her arms, thus letting the other crocodile bandit gently soothing her chin.
"Not that bad for a girly kitty like you", mocked croc bandit #4 and laughs evily.
"You monsters!", said Leona, "Let me go!"
Then, as one of the crocodile bandits is about to kill Leona with his sword, a disc hit him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. When the crocodile bandits turned around, they see Tai Lung and Tigress along with Otar standing proudly against them. The snow leopard quickly beats up the five croc bandits, causing them to run away after giving out his tremendous roar.
"You imbeciles should think twice before trying to hurt a woman", said Tai Lung sternly.
"Are you alright there?", asked Otar.
"Yes, I am", said Leona, "I was trying to get your friend here something. Here."
"What's this?", asked Tai Lung and takes the necklace that Leona gives him.
"It's the Tai Wu necklace", explained Leona, "It protects you from any dark sorcery and magic at the same time. What do you think of it?"
"I think it's beautiful", said Tai Lung, "Thank you, my dear."
"You are most welcome", said Leona, "Who are your friends here?"
"I'm Otar, my dear and it is a pleasure to meet you, Leona", said Otar and kisses the female snow leopard's hand with his beak, causing her to blush.
"You are certainly charming for an eagle like you", said Leona.
"And I'm Tigress, kung fu master of the Jade Palace", said Tigress.
"So I've heard", said Leona, "I fought for the dignity of my kind. Do you?"
"Only to the villagers back at home", said Tigress.
"Oh, I see", said Leona.
"Well, Leona", said Tigress, "Can you tell me how did you know Tai Lung?"
"It's... kind of a long story", said Leona and we cut to her and the others at night in the fire, telling Tai Lung, Tigress, and Otar the story while flashbacks of her as a young cub begins to play on the background, "It all started a long time ago when I was a little cub. I first met you when you were out of your mother named Mei La before your father named Tai Yu went away for the war. One day, I saw her having these allusions about you destroying the village as an adult. So, I saw your mother taking you far away so that she and the other snow leopards will be safe. I heard that she was saddened at leaving you like this when they told me she arrived at the Jade Palace. I never got the chance to see you after that when a few years have passed. When I was now 34, the rest of the snow leopards told me to find you when the time was right and finally I arrived at the Kenai Singh before I took care of myself until my task will be completed. Now that I have found you, you have to make a decision to come to the village to reunite with your kind."
"Listen, Leona", said Tai Lung, "The only place that I belong is the Jade Palace and the Valley of Peace. I don't know what to say to my own kind despite the fact that I thought I was the last one, but you might as well have the point. But, right now, we have to find the second sapphire before that wretched treasure hunter finds it."
"Wait a minute", said Leona, "You mean, the sapphires of Kudoha? I've heard of them before and I... do believe I know where it is at."
"You do? How?", asked Tai Lung.
"Well, let's wait until morning", said Leona, "Only then will I be able to tell you and your orange friend here where it is."
Tigress growled at her since the word "orange" was really an insult to her.
"Oh, I'm sorry", said Leona, "I should've learned to respect other people besides my kind. I'm really really sorry."
"That's alright", said Tai Lung, "My heart was darkened once and I used to mock other people and their personalities, but those days are over for me. Well, Leona, I gotta say you're an amazing woman. Do you... protect yourself from any harm?"
"All the time", said Leona, "and you're such an amazing fighter when you dealt with those troublemaking thieves."
"It was my pleasure...", said Tai Lung and holds both of Leona's paws, "and my duty as well."
Tigress looks at them for a while, thinking that her heart may be broken, but it tells her to talk to the muscular snow leopard about that. Later, while Leona and Otar are asleep, Tigress goes to Tai Lung who happens to be sleeping for a while and whispers something to his ear.
"Tai Lung", whispered Tigress.
"Yes, my love?", whispered Tai Lung.
"May I speak with you in private just for a while?" asked Tigress quietly.
"Anything you say", said Tai Lung quietly and goes with Tigress to one of the markets nearby while trying not to wake up Leona and Otar.
"What is it, my pretty orange pet?", asked Tai Lung.
"Don't call me orange", said Tigress.
"It was only a compliment", said Tai Lung.
"I saw you holding your paws to Leona's", said Tigress sternly, "I'm not angry with you. I'm just... confused. That's all."
"I see", said Tai Lung, "You're confused because I have to choose between you and Leona? I've only just met her a few hours ago. Can I at least try to get to know her better?"
"Only if you promise me one thing", said Tigress.
"I always keep promises, my pet", said Tai Lung attractively.
"I'm not kidding, Tai", said Tigress, "Promise me that she won't force you to kiss her."
"My promise is our bond", said Tai Lung and chuckles before the snow leopard and the tiger kissed each other, unaware that Leona happens to be watching.
"No wonder he loves that tiger", thought Leona to herself, "Maybe I can kiss him as well."
Finally, I've made a longer chapter. I'll update soon, I promise!