A New Perspective
[The scene opens with an exterior shot of "The Olden Days" where the sound of music can be heard muffled, before cutting to inside where the sound is clearer, revealing a crowd gathered around the stage listening to someone singing, revealed to be Retsuko in rage-singing mode]
Retsuko: Hallelujah, hallelujah!
I see a band of angels!
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Freedom calling...
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
I do not fear the stories!
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Freedom calling me…
[A guitar solo plays as the shot pans over the crowd cheering, consisting of Fox, Wolf, Applejack, Cindy, Dolly, Fergus, Makoto, Lola, Choo-Choo, Rainbow Dash, Icy, Shenzi, Knuckles, Shadow, Jenner, Basil, Krypto, Colleen, Blueblood, Marceline, Princess Bubblegum, Braeburn, Soarin, Scat Cat, Quinn, Sly, Prince John, Sir, Hiss, Sheriff Ashton, Moe Wolf, Wolfrun, Rapunzel, Merida. At the back of the crowd is Haida and Fenneko are watching as the song continues before turning back to the bar]
Fenneko: I see tonight's a standing ovation for our dear singer.
Haida: She really knows how to draw a crowd, doesn't she?
[The orange Huck look-a-like shrugs their shoulders as they go back to wiping a glass clean, but Megara sitting nearby has more to say]
Megara: Well, with a voice that loud, you'd hardly miss it.
Haida: Ah, yeah, that's just her thing, picked it up from this one night club, it actually helps her de-stress.
Fenneko: Not surprising, if you were in her position, you'd be screaming to the heavens.
Megara: Ain't that charming? [sips her drink] Ya' know, a little birdie told me that you tried to get into the game yourself. Had some weird results.
Fenneko: Oh, yeah, this one right here got a slap to the face, kinda funny thinking about it.
[Haida sweatdrops and blushes]
Haida: Uhhhhhhh, yeeeeeeeeah, it was something alright. Wouldn't say it was one of my better moments, but at least I didn't ruin a relationship…completely?
Megara: Hmm, well, seeing as you're here, you must be doin' a good job.
Fenneko: Well, as good of a job as he can do.
Haida: I'd account it to extensive therapy, which…in all honesty, I probably should have done sooner…Retsuko's been going as well, seems to have done her some good…
[The crowd suddenly cheers, drowning out whatever Haida was trying to say as the shot cuts back to Retsuko taking a bow. Pinky jumps up giddy, donning an "I Heart Aggretsuko" shirt]
Pinky: I LOVE YOU, RETSUKO! ZARF!
Brain: [puts his fingers between his eyes] Pinky, your taste in music is absolutely juvenile.
[Retsuko walks off the stage and breathes a sigh of relief]
Retsuko: Another performance done…
[Retsuko walks up to the bar where she finds Haida talking with Meg, the hyena looks to his right to see her coming]
Haida: Heeeey, there's the rockstar! You nailed it out there.
Retsuko: Heh, don't I always?
Fenneko: Well, ya' got the crowd in a roar, that's for sure.
Megara: Weeeeeeell, my table's here, soooooo, I'm gonna dip, you three have fun.
[As Meg walks away, Retsuko takes her seat next to Haida]
Retsuko: You look good.
Haida: Yeah, so do you…
Retsuko: Yeah…
Haida: Soooooooo…how's life treating you?
Retsuko: Well, anytime I'm not in the office, it's been treating me as expected; wake up, work, phone, sleep. With a bit of therapy mixed in between.
Fenneko: Good to see someone's been taking care of herself, for a change.
Haida: Yeah, and your music career's been doing good, hasn't it?
Retsuko: Oh, sure, I never thought I'd get an audience around these parts, but it's nice to see them interested in my music. How are things on your end?
Haida: Well, you know, been focused on other things, lotta counseling involved for obvious reasons. I'll admit, it's nice to get back into the swing of things, you know, before I…went on a mental breakdown and…had several more…ehhhhhhhh…[sweatdrops]
Fenneko: Ah yes, the downward spiral, we were all there, every agonizing moment of it…
Retsuko: Yeeeeeeeah, I'd know the feeling, given my…[clears throat]...attempts at trying to find a partner…and stuff at home…
[A thought bubble appears over the red panda's head replaying the events, her failed relationship with Resasuke, her mother duplicating her apartment key without her knowledge, her initial encounters with Anai, her first encounter with Hyodo, constant belittling by Ton before it pans back down to Retsuko sweatdropping]
Retsuko: Ehhhhhhhhhh…
Haida: Ya' know, sometimes I wonder why we even stuck to that office.
Retsuko: Honestly, I'm really wondering that in hindsight, ehhhhhhhhh…
Fenneko: Probably because it's our anchor, we can never take it off, no matter how much we wanna break the damn thing.
buuuuuuuut, let's not about that, you got any plans?
Haida: Oh, ya' know, prolly gonna go home afterward and tune my guitar, nothing too crazy. You?
Retsuko: Well, I'm gonna have a few drinks till I leave, and then I'll go back to writing the current section of my autobiography.
Haida: You've taken up writing? Oh…which section is it?
Retsuko: It's called "Under the Swine's Rule". I'm sure you can guess what that's all about.
Haida: Hehe, yeeeeeeeeah.
Fenneko: Lemme know how that goes, I'll be sure to buy the first copy and probably laugh my ass off at the slander.
[The shot cuts to outside of the pub as Haida watches Retsuko and Fenneko leave before feeling a buzz in his pocket. The hyena picks out his phone and sees a contact from "Tsunoda". He pushes the gazelle's icon which reveals a photo of her chirpily giving the middle finger at one of Ton's presentations. Haida chuckles and gives a thumbs-up to the picture before going back to his contacts; seeing the names listed under "Retsuko", "Fenneko", "Tadano", "Tsunoda", "Komiya", "Anai", "Kabae", "Gori", "Washimi", "Manumaru", "Resasuke", "Inui", "Ookami". Haida stares at the bottom contact for a few seconds]
Haida: Huh…I, uh…I haven't spoken with him in a while. Actually, do I even speak all that much with him period?
[Haida pauses and thinks back to some of the moments he and Ookami shared a conversation with one another…even for all this time in the office, the two had never really spoken much beyond a mere conversation or two at a time, not even sure if they'd actually 'hung out']
Haida: Um…have I been ghosting him…?
[Haida looks down at the contact before pressing on Ookami's icon and shooting him a text reading;
"Hey, how's it going?"
…
…
…
"Oh, pretty good".
"Ah…you wanna hang out sometime?"
"Sure, I'm up for it",
"Ah, good where do you wanna meet up?"
"I was thinking the airfield, got a surprise I've been wanting to show you", "Oh, okay then, when's a good time?"
"I was thinking tomorrow around 12:00"
"Sure, I can make that."
"Righto, see ya' then, ;3"
"Ah…you too."
[Haida puts his phone back in his pocket before beginning to walk back to his apartment. On the way, it cuts to him walking past an alley as the sound of a lighter is heard. The hyena slows down and looks to his right…and instantly regrets doing so as a pair of red eyes look back at him through the darkness, the shaded figure of a Doberman Pinscher donning a black jacket, white undershirt, and a collar around his neck with the tag reading "MD", growls at Haida, barring his sharp teeth. The hyena doesn't waste any time speedwalking away from the alley and turning the corner. The scene cuts to a door being hastily unlocked and Haida slipping into his apartment complex, flicking the light on]
Haida: PHEW! Made it…
[The hyena flops onto the couch and shuts his eyes…before opening them once more to pick out his phone, searching through his pictures]
Haida: Retsuko, Retusko, Retusko, Fenneko, Retsuko, Anai, Tadano, Retsuko…man, I don't really have that many pics with Ookami…guess that says something…
[The next day rolls around as Haida steps onto Sitka Airfield, a small station with an air hanger, windsock flag, runway for planes, launchpad for helicopters, Harold being positioned on said launchpad, and an overpass bridge to get from one platform to the other. Haida tries to spot Ookami before feeling something tapping on his back]
Haida: GEH, wha?
Ookami: Surprised?
Haida: Haaaaaaa, funny…
Ookami: Well, it's certainly been a while since our last engagement.
Haida: I'll be honest, I think I lost count of how long it was.
Ookami: Hmmhmm, I suppose we've got some time to make up.
Haida: Yeah, so, like, what's the surprise? You secretly a pilot?
Ookami: Weeeeeell, sorta, you'll see what I mean. Just come along this way.
[Haida follows Ookami, the maned wolf leading him onto the overpass bridge, revealing above that it was Percy who brought the train here with a rack of two red coaches, Thomas is on the opposite platform with Annie and Clarabel. Haida looks to his left and has to do a double check to make sure he isn't seeing things. As Mavis passes by with some stone trucks, the camera pans out to reveal a red hot air balloon sitting beside the other end of the track]
Haida: Is that-
Ookami: Yup.
Haida: We're going up in-
Ookami: Hmm-hmm
Haida: You never told me you could fly a balloon.
Ookami: Well, you never asked me.
Haida: …How would I, you never brought it up before.
Ookami: Perhaps asking a bit more into my personal life would clue you in.
Haida: I…okay, fair enough, you sure you know how to work this thing?
Ookami: Oh yeah, I've flown balloons for ages now. Step on in and prepare to be transported to a world beyond the clouds.
[Haida steps inside the basket with Ookami following behind. The maned wolf then pulls on the rope to light the flame above and ever so slowly, the balloon begins to take off into the air. Haida sweatdrops as he sees the ground moving away from him]
Haida: Oooooooooooooooh boi.
Ookami: Afraid of heights?
Haida: What? Oh, no, not at all, just…never really been in a balloon before.
Ookami: I see…well, take a look at the view below, it's gorgeous from up here.
[Haida looks down and indeed, the view from where they are is picturesque. An instrumental begins to play as the balloon continues to fly over the landscape]
There's so much below
So much to be seen
[The balloon is shown going over a river where Warrior is seen hauling a barge while Zip heads in the opposite direction]
Waterfalls and windmills
Valleys of green
[The shot focuses on the rails below, Flying Scotsman passing by with a rake of coaches]
All this and more
From the forest to the city
Colorful carpet
For all to see
[The camera focuses on the balloon going over the forest before cutting back to Haida and Ookami facing opposite directions on either end of the basket, the hyena occasionally looking back towards the maned wolf]
People happily ride 'round the island
Flying so high in a big red balloon
[The next shot cuts to the balloon flying over Crimson Lake Station as Skarloey passes by with three coaches in tow before cutting to the balloon flying over Mahogany Beach]
From mountains high and down to the seaside
Everyone wishing they'll all come back soon
[The scene cuts to Maple Station where Braeburn, Jerry, Hathi, Legosi, Louis, Priscilla, and Penelope all look up to see the balloon flying overhead]
Hiiiigh in the red balloon
Up above, looking down on everyone
You can touch…the moon
[Several shots include Claude staring up at the balloon for so long, he ends up bumping Buster from behind, Aurora and Snagglepuss looking up from a bench, Tramp looking up as he flicks a bit of grass to the side]
Hiiigh in the red balloon
Floating and spinning, and climbing and rising
Way up...high
Look, see the red balloon
[James is shown passing by with two red express coaches. He looks up at the balloon and gives a 'toot-toot' on his whistle as he passes below]
Haida: …Wow, quite a view up here.
Ookami: Yeah, it's one of the reasons I fancy this kinda travel, you're not confined by a plane's walls, got a cool breeze, and full space to look in any direction you please.
Haida: Yeah, I would know, having been up with Tadano in his plane.
Ookami: He sounds like a nice guy from what I've heard, surprised we never got together before.
Haida: Oh yeah…that…uh, Ookami?
Ookami: Yeah?
Haida: Yeah, please don't take this the wrong way, but do you get the feeling that I've been…ghosting you?
Ookami: Depends on what you mean.
Haida: Well, you know, I haven't really been involving you with a lot of stuff…in general, it seems.
Ookami: Hmm…well, admittedly, I have noticed that you're always preoccupied with something…guess I didn't wanna seem rude.
Haida: What, you? Rude? You're like the most well-mannered guy I've met, besides someone like Tadano.
Ookami: I'll take that as a compliment.
Haida: [sighs] I can't help but feel like I don't deserve this.
Ookami: What do you mean?
Haida: Well, this. You've been so nice to me, and I've hardly repaid the favor.
Ookami: I mean, if it's any consolation, your presence alone is enough for me.
Haida: Well, I…I feel like I should be doing…more…you've been a good friend in the times we've spoken, and I see you, and then I look back at me…you look so…well put…compared to me being a…mess…
Ookami: Hey…don't beat yourself up over it.
Haida: I know I shouldn't, but…if you've been through the stuff I have, it's a bit hard not to…
Ookami: Hmm…
Haida: Wish I'd come to you sooner…maybe I wouldn't have gone off the deep end as much…
Ookami: Hey…there's nothing to be said about making up for lost time, eh?
Haida: Perhaps…I wouldn't mind…
Ookami: …Oh, look down there.
[Ookami points down where Thomas and Bertie can be seen in another one of their races. He chuckles and Haida gives a small smile from behind him. It cuts to the two being dropped off at Cedar Station as the coaches clear the platform and they, along with several other previous characters from before, begin to clear the station]
Haida: So…anything you wanted to do in particular?
Ookami: Hmm, maybe go out for some food?
Haida: Sounds nice to me, where'd ya' think?
Ookami: I was thinking "Olden Days", they got a nice selection there.
Haida: Ah, yeah.
[The hyena and the maned wolf begin to make their way down the street, passing by Exile, Rita, and Chance before they have to stop at the crosswalk. Haida freezes as he feels something brushing against his paw, checking to his left]
Haida: Uh…
Ookami: Yeah?
Haida: Uh…n-never mind.
[The two begin to walk to the other side before it cuts to them at the pub, having taken their seats in a booth]
Haida: Haaaaa…not often I do this…with you…
Ookami: Hehe, funny, I could say the same.
Haida: Yeeeeeeeeah, well, anyway…this is nice, I think.
Ookami: Yeah, I agree. After all, gets you out for one thing.
Haida: Heeey, what's that supposed to mean?
Ookami: Oh, nothing, just that I feel yooooou sometimes get caught up with things that you don't take a break when you should.
Haida: I…okay, maybe, but that's only when I'm really in a mood.
Ookami: Well, guess it's lucky for both of us that isn't the case, hmmhmm.
Haida: Yeah…
[As Haida takes a bite of his food, he feels something brush up against his foot]
Haida: Uh…Ookami, was that your foot?
Ookami: Huh? Oh, yeah, my apologies.
Haida: Oh, nada, it, it's fine, really.
Ookami: Yeah…sooooooo, I hear you're a musician of sorts. Got a guitar from what I've heard.
Haida: Oh yeah, that old thing, a bit of a passion project of mine.
Ookami: Well, I'd be interested to hear it.
Haida: Oh, it's not that much, really.
Ookami: Ah, don't sell yourself short, I'm sure you're quite talented.
Haida: Ah…well, I suppose if an audience is willing to listen, I could play a few tunes…
[The scene cuts to Haida's apartment where guitar music can be heard, showing the interior of his complex as the hyena strings his guitar. Ookami is sitting on the couch listening with interest till Haida finishes the tune]
Ookami: Hmmm, gotta say, you really know your way around a guitar.
Haida: Hehe, thanks, I've been practicing.
Ookami: You know, in a way, I'm kinda jealous of you.
Haida: Really?
Ookami: Yeah…you at least have something to your name, and your talent in music, same with Retsuko…sometimes I feel like I'm missing out on that, something'll make me stand out…
Haida: Oh…well, I think you're as good as you are…
Ookami: You really think that?
Haida: Yeah, I know it might not be much coming from me, I mean, this is the first time I've really spoken to you in-depth, but…I do mean it.
Ookami: Well…I appreciate it nonetheless…and thanks for doing this with me.
Haida: Oh, yeah, no problem. Ya' know, since you mentioned lost time, would you happen to be free sometime?
Ookami: Oh, I can make time, for sure.
Haida: Good, cuz…I'd like to hang out more often…ya' know, don't wanna restrict my contacts or anything, hehe.
Ookami: Hehe, you're a curious case, Haida, but a remarkable one nonetheless.
[Haida tilts his head and blushes]
Haida: Hehe, thanks…
Ookami: Heh…
[Ookami tilts his head as well]
Haida: Hmm…he's not bad a looker…HMM!
[Haida checks to make sure Ookami didn't hear him. It doesn't appear that the lupine did, although something about the look in his eye as he positions himself on the couch seems to suggest otherwise]
Character Guide:
Haida, Ookami, Retsuko, Fenneko, Tadano, Anai, Tsunoda, Komiya, Gori, Washimi, Manumaru, Resasuke, Inui - Aggretsuko
Megara - Hercules (1997)
Brain, Pinky - Pinky and the Brain
Mad Dog - Courage the Cowardly Dog
Aurora - Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Soarin', Braeburn, Prince Blueblood - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Basil - The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Chance Furlong/T-Bone - Swat Kats
Choo-Choo - Top Cat
Cindy Bear - The Yogi Bear Show
Colleen, Exile - Road Rovers
Dolly, Fergus - 101 Dalmatians (1961) /101 Dalmatian Street
Fox McCloud, Wolf O'Donnell - Star Fox
Hathi - The Jungle Book (1967)
Icy - Winx Club
Jenner - The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Jerry Mouse - Tom and Jerry
Knuckles, Shadow - Sonic the Hedgehog
Krypto, Streaky - Krypto the Superdog
Legosi, Louis - Beastars
Lola Bunny, Claude Cat - Looney Tunes
Makoto Kino (Sailor Jupiter) - Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
Marceline, Princess Bubblegum - Adventure Time
Merida - Brave (2012)
Mr. Wolf/Moe Wolf - The Bad Guys (2022)
Prince John, Sir Hiss, Sheriff Ashton - Robin Hood (1973)
Priscilla, Penelope - Angelina Ballerina (2002)
Quinn Morgendorffer - Daria
Rapunzel - Tangled (2010)
Rita - Oliver and Company (1988)
Scat Cat - The Aristocats (1970)
Shenzi - The Lion King (1994)
Sly Cooper - Sly Cooper
Snagglepuss - Snagglepuss
Tramp, Buster - Lady and the Tramp (1955)/Scamp's Adventure (2001)
Wolfrun - Smile Precure
Thomas, James, Percy, Annie, Clarabel, Bertie, Harold, Mavis, Skarloey, Flying Scotsman - Thomas and Friends
Warrior, Zip - TUGS