Roses
[The scene opens with a door being opened, revealing several bags of mail from a mail van. Behind the door is Knuckles, reaching out to toss one of the sacks to Shadow]
Knuckles: Heads up!
Shadow: Oof! How on Earth did I get myself wrapped up in this?
Knuckles: I mean, ya' didn't have to choose doing the mail run with me, buuuuuut you did.
Shadow: Hmph, I can see that was a decision well made.
Knuckles: Ah, give it a rest with your complaining, will ya'? Anyways, not surprised to see this many sacks, Valentines and all.
Shadow: All the more reason why I shouldn't be-OH!
[As another sack gets tossed, one of the letters pops out from it and falls to the ground]
Knuckles: Aaaaaaah, shoot, I got it.
[Knuckles reaches down to pick up the letter, and as he does, he stops to look at it]
Knuckles: Huh, this one's addressed to me. I wonder what-
[In the blink of an eye, Shadow snatches the letter from the echidna in a split second]
Knuckles: -the hell?
Shadow: AHEM, best get back to work, wouldn't wanna keep the mail waiting.
Knuckles: Hmph, whatever you say.
[As Knuckles turns around, Shadow hastily puts the letter back in the sack, trying not to look flustered. Much to his chagrin, he notices Panther standing not too far away, looking rather bemused]
Shadow: What are you looking at?
Panther: Oh, nothing of interest, my good man.
[Panther turns away with a coy grin as Shadow rolls his eyes, as the shot pans out to reveal Rosie having brought the mail as Diesel is shunting nearby and Arthur passes by with a train of fish vans. Nearby, Jasmine, Aladdin, Wile, Ratigan, Georgette, Prince John, Jasper, Silver, Blaze, the Berenstains, Twilight, Spike, Rapunzel, Simba, Tigress, Moana, Kanga, Tom, and Jerry are all going about in different sections of the platform as Panther walks past, catching a few eyes as he seems to become the center of attention, the confident swagger in his steps, swish of his tail, and half-lidded yellow eyes are hard to miss. This carries on as he walks through town, passing by Belle and Beast who glance over at him, followed by Daffy, Bugs, and Marvin, and then Katt and Isis]
Panther: Hmmhmm, and they wonder why Valentine's Day is my thing.
[As Blitz, Exile, and FantomCat exit from the coffee shop, Panther passes by and all eyes are drawn on him, the other black panther holds his cape over his face while the canines share a hue of red on their faces. Aisha and Musa are shown coming out from a music shop before the latter slips on a piece of ice]
Musa: WHAA!
Aisha: OH!
[As Aisha tries to hold Musa up, another hand grabs her other arm and pulls her up straight]
Musa: OH! Oh…
Aisha: Phew!
Musa: Thanks for that.
Aisha: No problem…oh, and thank you too.
[The shot pans out to reveal Panther on the other side of Musa]
Musa: Oh yeah, thanks as well.
Panther: Not a problem, mis queridos.
[Panther winks and sets off once more]
Aisha: …Did he just wink at us?
Musa: Ya' know, if anyone's gonna be on his watch list, it's definitely not us.
Aisha: Oh yeah. Isn't he-
Musa: Yep.
[As Panther continues to walk down the street, his flow is seemingly interrupted by the person standing next to him at the crosswalk; a tall, thick, brooding snow leopard, whiskers trailing down either side of his face; Tai Lung. Panther glances over at him with his usual grin]
Panther: Why hello.
[Tai Lung just growls and as soon as the sign shows white for clear, he walks off grumpily, causing Jinks, Snooper, and Blabber to wince as they're coming in the opposite direction, steering away from the massive feline]
Panther: Oh…
[Panther looks out at the departing snow leopard, but decides not to think about it too much as he proceeds to the other side of the street. A little while later, Panther is walking through the park, passing by Kipper and Tiger going in the opposite direction. The feline is casually stirring a plastic cup with a heart decal on it, looking down at the steaming drink, presumably either coffee or hot chocolate]
Panther: [sighs] They really outdid themselves with this one…[takes a sip and smacks his lips]...of course, would be nice if there was someone to share it with…perhaps-OH!
[Panther is cut off as someone brushes against his arm, causing him to jerk and nearly spill his drink]
Panther: What on…?
[Panther looks back at the same time as the person behind him does…Tai Lung's initial look of slight surprise vanishes to a look of annoyance]
Tai Lung: You following me or something?
Panther: Seems a bit impractical, you were coming in the opposite direction.
[The snow leopard sneers with a low snarl]
Panther: No harm done, though I ask, what brings you out here?
Tai Lung: Whatever it is doesn't concern you, pretty boy.
Panther: Thank you~
Tai Lung: HMPH!
Panther: Now, now, no need to go on the defensive, I'd rather have a chat.
Tai Lung: And I'd rather not.
Panther: Suit yourself then, though it would be a shame to be alone at a time like this.
Tai Lung: What's that supposed to mean?
Panther: Oh, you know, I'm sure you've seen what's in the shops, all the pink and red. Tck, lovely, isn't it?
Tai Lung: Pfft, more like a bunch of nonsense if you ask me.
Panther: Okay then, why is it?
Tai Lung: What? Ah, you sneaky little sh-
Panther: I didn't mean any offense, I just asked a question.
Tai Lung: Hmph, should be obvious from where I'm standing.
Panther: Well, perhaps we could change that tune of yours.
Tai Lung: Oh, really? And what makes you so sure of that?
Panther: I've gotten this far without you trying to assault me, I'm sure that's an accomplishment by your standards.
Tai Lung: You…you smug bastard.
Panther: Why not pull a seat next to me, have a little talk and whatnot?
[Panther sits down on the bench and pats the open spot. Tai Lung just crosses his arms]
Tai Lung: This is stupid.
Panther: Well, I'm not holding you back, you can leave at any time.
[Panther casually sips his drink while Tai looks away. The snow leopard attempts to walk away…but stops after a few inches and gives an exasperated sigh]
Tai Lung: Fine, we'll do it your way, just no funny business, got that?
Panther: I had no intention of "funny business" if you were wondering.
[Tai Lung reluctantly sits down next to Panther, still looking away]
Panther: So, tell me a bit about yourself?
Tai Lung: What's there to know?
Panther: Well, it helps knowing a bit about someone, from what I've heard, you're quite an interesting case.
Tai Lung: And by "interesting", you mean a scourge.
Panther: Not necessarily, I don't seek to insult you, in fact, I'm quite curious.
Tai Lung: Really? How do I know that?
Panther: I wouldn't be sticking around otherwise for a start. Plus, I wanna get more of your side of the story.
Tai Lung: …Why should I tell you anything?
Panther: Like I said, I'm curious and want to hear your perspective.
Tai Lung: …Nah, nah, you wouldn't get it.
Panther: I could at least try, and I won't say a thing until you want me too.
[Tai Lung glances at Panther, then back over at the ground before looking back again]
Tai Lung: [sighs] Ya' really wanna know, eh?
Panther: Indeed.
Tai Lung: Fine…but let me be clear, you're gonna get the truth and nothing but the full truth.
Panther: Of course, coming from the one most affected after all.
Tai Lung: I…[clears throat]...so I'm sure my background needs no introduction, I'm sure many know me and my fall from grace, but they don't know what really happened. It all started a long time ago…
[As the snow leopard speaks, the background changes to that of a more ancient Chinese artistry, focusing in on a younger Tai Lung bowing before a red panda]
…when I was still under my old Master Shifu's guidance, I was told that I would be destined for greatness. Through the many hours of training, perfecting my skills, and approval from my master, I had full reason to believe his words. After all, I was his best student, if anything, it made sense that one day I would be given the title of "Dragon Warrior".
[In the Jade Palace, above the pool focuses on a scroll in the dragon's mouth, the golden edges giving a glint, eventually unraveling as Tai Lung continues to speak over it]
Along with it came the Dragon Scroll, a prophecy fortelling greatness to the one who read it, everything seemed to point in that direction…but, as I found out, not everyone agreed…
[Next to Master Shifu appearing an elderly tortoise holding a wooden cane]
Among those that saw me as unworthy was the most respected man in the Valley of Peace; Master Oogway. He believed there to be evil within my heart and made this belief clear to Shifu…whenever he was around me, I always felt this look of judgement through his eyes…it was almost as if they could pierce right through my soul…I didn't know it at the time, but it would later become clear to me that Oogway had it out for me…there was always that look of disapproval masked behind that innocent expression of his, but of course, no one could speak of such a way around him, and they wouldn't have taken it from me. You see, being a snow leopard in a village where people are generally smaller than you is a sight that sticks out. Even when I was more reserved in my youth, there would always be someone giving me "that look"...one day, I felt a sharp pain pierce through my body…
[The caricature of Tai Lung falls down with a paw clutching his chest as Shifu rushes over to him]
…as Shifu attempted to nurse me back to health, something inside of me changed…after I had been healed, I became increasingly agitated, even at the simplest of things…I was so stricken for perfection that I became more volatile. People began to fear me whenever I would walk down the street, a mixture of fear and judgement…and the only thing I could think of at that time was getting back at them, so I could wipe the sorry looks off their faces…even so, I tried to contain that urge as best I could, but it was like a splintering pain that wouldn't go away...it seemed not even Shifu could help by that point…especially as he seemed to take Oogway's words to heart. I tried to convince him otherwise, but the look in his eye told me everything I needed to know…and when I saw Oogway next to him, I saw it…that look in his eyes…
[As Tai Lung looks between Shifu and Oogway, the latter's eyes glow a shade of green]
I could see the venom…I felt betrayed, thrown away, cast aside…and played like a marionette…the only thing I could think of was vengeance, so…I did…but not successfully…I didn't get to Shifu or Oogway…all I could see the entire time when I was locked away were those eyes…those disapproving, evil eyes…I had been set up…and there was nothing I could do but a piece in their twisted game…especially his…
[A shot of Tai Lung down in his cell is shown, golden eyes flaring amongst the darkness as a pair of green eyes hover above him as the background changes back to normal]
…and of course, you know the rest…
[Panther sits in silence as Tai Lung finishes his story…at last, he finds his words]
Panther: Well…that puts a new perspective on things…
Tai Lung: You heard it from me, I meant every word of it.
Panther: But of course…I don't suppose anyone's really asked for your side of the story.
Tai Lung: Actually…now that you mention it, no one really bothered to ask…then again, don't suppose many would want to, given…myself…
Panther: …I suppose that didn't stop me, did it?
Tai Lung: Guess you're either really brave or really stupid…
Panther: Well, you spoke and I listened. I'm sure it was a nice change of pace from being ignored.
Tai Lung: …You're serious, aren't you?
Panther: I wouldn't jest with you unless you found it funny.
Tai Lung: Nah, but ya' would be sappy.
Panther: Still, I express my gratitude for being able to hear such a tale. I only ask how you've been coping since.
Tai Lung: Coping…I wouldn't know where to start…
Panther: Perhaps, it helps when you've got someone to hear you out…
[The black panther reaches out to put his paw on the snow leopard's thigh. Surprisingly enough, Tai Lung doesn't resist the advancement]
Tai Lung: Perhaps…your paw is-AHEM-pardon me, I was…going somewhere with that…
Panther: Oh, no need to worry, since you've told me a bit about yourself, it's only fair I do the same.
Tai Lung: Well, you've probably got a bit to say based on your appearance alone.
Panther: You're not wrong, you see, I come from a family who specialized in being benefactors to the roguish side of the streets. In fact, their work is what got us to the position we had throughout most of my childhood and adolescence.
Tai Lung: Huh, and I always assumed you were loaded just from a glance.
Panther: Ah, in a way, I am, it was just through a lot of blood, sweat, and tears…and illegal activity. It serves nonetheless, and gives me a hefty sum in return.
Tai Lung: Well, aren't you the lucky one…?
Panther: Of course, it doesn't mean I can't share it. What say you?
Tai Lung: Huh?
Panther: Why not join me? I'm sure we can have a bit of an adventure together, if you're so willing.
[Panther extends out a paw. Tai Lung is hesitant at first, but slowly begins to reach out…Panther pulls him up off the bench, much to his surprise as he guides the other feline in his direction. As the two pass by Pinky and Brain sitting on another bench, the former leaning on the latter's shoulder, the two white mice immediately take notice of the strange couple. In fact, other people passing by also notice, as the duo passes by Merida, Foghorn, Nala, Shining Armor, King Leonidas, and Rouge. Eventually, the two arrive at the base of an apartment building]
Panther: Well, here it is.
Tai Lung: You're…fine with me going in?
Panther: But of course, what better way to show my hospitality than to invite a guest over? C'mon.
[As Panther walks up the steps, Tai Lung follows on, although his face reads a look of confusion and doubt. It then cuts to a fresh kettle having its tea poured into two cups, the shot panning out to reveal Tai Lung's as the one being the central focus]
Panther: Thought this would help in clearing some of those nerves.
[Panther picks up his own cup and sips the tea, Tai Lung slowly does the same, blowing a little on the steaming beverage, before giving a sigh]
Tai Lung: …Not bad…nice place ya' got here.
Panther: It is, isn't it?
[Panther looks back to the living room, the place looking as if it belonged to a famous artist, or even entrepreneur as several expensive trinkets are aligned on a shelf, a beaded rug underneath the coffee table, and what appears to be the sketch of a large wolf decked out in clothing similar to that of the Roman Empire]
Tai Lung: Uh…I didn't properly do this before, but…thanks…for letting me in.
Panther: My pleasure, after all, you looked like you deserved some company and I wanted to treat you as such.
Tai Lung: Hmm…just didn't really…expect something like this…let alone from the likes of you.
Panther: Well, from what you've told me, it only felt right to give you some sort of relief, I can imagine it's been…difficult dealing with what you have…
Tai Lung: Ya' don't even know the half of it…
Panther: At the very least, I hope I've provided some level of comfort…
[Panther places his paw on top of Tai Lung's, the snow leopard looks down and tries hard not to look like his face flushed]
Tai Lung: Uh…sure, you have…I don't think many would have done the same given my…track record…
Panther: Then allow me to break the trend…oh, I almost forgot something…
Tai Lung: Hmm?
[Panther stands up and goes over to where a vase of roses are. Tai Lung watches with a curious eye as the black feline comes back with just the tips, two of them. He freezes as Panther places one of the roses behind his ear before doing the same to himself]
Tai Lung: Uh…what is this?
Panther: Tis a gift, from me to you. Besides, I thought it would work to symbolize the trust between us…you do trust me, don't you?
Tai Lung: Well…you've not given me reason to doubt you, so…I'm assuming your words have some merit to them.
Panther: Of course, I just want you to know that if anyone will hear you out, it'll be me…plus…I don't think I'm wrong in saying that you've got more than meets the eye, judging by your…appearance…
[Tai Lung once again tries hard not to blush at the comment]
Tai Lung: …Is it warm in here or something?
Panther: Hmmhmmhmm, why don't we move to a more comfortable spot, watch a bit of television? Saved the best seat for you…
[Panther walks over to the living room with Tai Lung following behind. The two felines take a seat on the couch as the former flicks the TV on and the show starts. Tai Lung's uncertain frown gradually morphs into that of a small smile, with Panther looking over to catch it. He smiles as he turns back to the screen, once again setting a paw on Tai Lung's]
Character Guide:
Panther Caroso, Katt Monroe - Star Fox
Tai Lung, Master Shifu, Master Oogway, Tigress - Kung Fu Panda
Knuckles, Shadow, Rouge, Silver, Blaze - Sonic the Hedgehog
Aisha, Musa - Winx Club
Aladdin, Jasmine - Aladdin (1992)
Belle, Beast - Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Blitz, Exile - Road Rovers
Brain, Pinky - Pinky and the Brain
Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martian, Wile E. Coyote - Looney Tunes
FantomCat - FantomCat
Georgette - Oliver and Company (1988)
Isis - Krypto the Superdog
Jasper - Steven Universe
Jinks - Pixie, Dixie, and Mr. Jinks
Kanga - Winnie the Pooh
King Leonidas - Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
Merida - Brave (2012)
Moana - Moana (2016)
Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Brother Bear, Sister Bear - The Berenstain Bears
Prince John - Robin Hood (1973)
Rapunzel - Tangled (2010)
Ratigan - The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Simba, Nala - The Lion King (1994)
Super Snooper, Blabber Mouse - Snooper and Blabber
Tom Cat, Jerry Mouse - Tom and Jerry
Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Shining Armor - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Rosie, Diesel, Arthur - Thomas and Friends