Ashes to Ashes

[The scene opens on the shot of a star on top of a tree, panning down to reveal the Christmas tree in town square as the citizens of Toon City go about their rounds in preparation for the season]

[Transition]

[Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz are standing outside the window of a bakery as a set of fresh holiday treats are placed in the display aisle]

[Transition]

[Barbie is trying out a new dress for the holidays; a red cocktail dress with snow white trimmings, posing in front of the mirror and giving a self-assured wink]

[Transition]

[The Berenstains and the Heelers are helping each other drag a hefty pine tree across the snow]

[Transition]

[The Seven Dwarfs are singing Christmas carols in the street as Angelina, Alice, and William pass by, dressed in their winter clothes. Angelina looks up at the snow falling from the sky and sticks her tongue out to catch a snowflake]

Angelina: Mmm…lovely. [sighs] Christmas really does bring out the beauty of this town.

[Alice pulls out a cookie from her bag and takes a bite out of it]

Alice: Oh…hmm, you can say that again, also the best time for treats.

Angelina: Hmmhmm, you're always thinking about food, aren't you?

Alice: [shrugs] Can't fault me when they taste this good. Besides, ya' know I maintain this figure.

Angelina: Sometimes I wonder if you might be magic.

Alice: Or just plain clever.

William: Hehe, yes, indeed, uh, oh, um…

[William sees the bit of mistletoe sticking out from his pocket and presses down on it to keep it concealed]

Angelina: Plus, everyone just looks happier around this time, a nice break from the stress of the year.

Alice: Hehe, I reckon even the grumpiest scrooge can't stay that way for long, lookit all these pretty lights.

[Just as Alice says this, Ash Fox passes by the trio, donning his typical stony face. This causes a butterfly effect on the three as their faces drop from seeing this]

Angelina: Yeah…I've never understood that Ash.

William: I don't think he's rude, just…keeps to himself most of the time.

Alice: At least when Kristofferson isn't involved. Those two have something strange goin' on, that's for sure.

Angelina: Well, personally, while I believe Kristofferson to be quite classy, Ash is…in the same group, just…

Angelina, Alice, and William: Different.

[Unbeknownst to the mice, Ash isn't too far off as he appears to have overheard their conversation. He scowls with a roll of his eyes before continuing on his way]

Ash: Of course, let's make it a trend…

[Ash is an…interesting character to say the least. He's someone who wants to stand out from the crowd, but tends to feel overshadowed by those more successful than him. He's not antagonistic as he can be quite resourceful, but his feelings of insecurity are prone to him being rather moody at times]

[Ash looks up at an overpass to see Arthur, the maroon tank engine, passing by on the elevated tracks with a train of fish vans. Cut back to the ground as he sees Dorothy coming out of a shop, Toto popping his head out from her basket as the redhead pops a doggie treat in the Terrier's mouth. Finally, he spots Fantomcat donning a top hat and tipping it to Panther and Tai Lung, the former giving the fellow black panther a coy grin while the snow leopard gives a small smile at the gesture. Ash can't help but feel small in comparison]

Ash: If only I could be that smooth, reminds me of…no, no, we're not going there, absolutely not…aaaaand I'm talking to myself where others can hear…great.

[Ash quickly scurries along his way, past the felines who don't seem to have taken notice of him. Once he's far enough away, the red fox lets out a sigh]

Ash: Good idea, genius, make a hasty retreat and look like a fool…again, talking to yourself.

?: Yeah, I would say that does look a bit odd.

Ash: What, who said that?

[Coming out from the shadows of an alley is a red fox donning a white suit, green scarf around his neck, and a top hat primarily used for show, accompanying him is a gray raccoon donning a green scarf as well, along with a mint green cap on his head]

Ash: I'm sorry, who are you?

Rufus: The name's Rufus, dear boy, and this is my associate, Reginald, or Reggie for short. We couldn't help but notice you looked a bit down.

Ash: So you were eavesdropping?

Reggie: I mean, you were talking loud enough to be heard.

Ash: I…damn.

Rufus: But more to the point, what's got your tail in a twist?

Ash: Nothing that concerns anyone out of my circle.

Rufus: Is that so? Well then, perhaps you don't need my offer after all.

Ash: What offer?

Rufus: Ooooooh, just a little something that might perk up that solemn face of yours.

[Ash scowls as Rufus digs into his suit before pulling out a rather expensive-looking sapphire necklace. This catches the other red fox's eye]

Ash: …A necklace?

Rufus: Only the finest, they're primarily found in faraway lands, and I was so fortunate to find one myself, but of course, I couldn't just hold onto something so precious when someone else would need it more.

Ash: So…you want me to have it then?

Rufus: Why, it would certainly look darling on you, not to mention, I can see quite a few people catching your direction and wondering, "just who is that dashing fox?"

[Ash finds the presentation a bit too theatrical, but the necklace does look tempting, especially being as he's one wanting to impress]

Ash: If I take this, how much will it be?

Rufus: Seeing as it's the season and I'm feeling awfully generous, I'll hand it over for free.

Ash: Alright then…I suppose I'll have to take your word for it.

Rufus: I'm sure you'll see the difference.

[Rufus winks at Ash, who can't help but recoil at the final word, one he's all too familiar with. Regardless, Ash nods at the duo and proceeds on his way]

Reggie: Ya' know, I wonder if that's an act of charity or a sly trick.

Rufus: I think you could call it both.

Mao Mao: AHA! Stop right there, criminal scum!
[The camera pans out to reveal Mao Mao pointing his sword at the tip of Rufus' nose, much to the fox and raccoon's surprise. At that moment, Badgerclops descends from an umbrella via his robotic arm and Adorabat flutters to the ground behind the feline]

Badgerclops: Oh heeeeeey, guys, whadda ya' think, cool entrance or what?

Adorabat: I've got the cuffs, can I put them on?!

[Mao Mao grabs Rufus arm, but the fox resists against his advance]

Rufus: You lunatic, get your mitts off me!

Mao Mao: Not on your life, I just saw your little business transaction!

Reggie: Please don't squeeze me again.

Badgerclops: I dunno, it's kinda fun having my own living plush.

Reggie: …You're weird, you know that?

Badgerclops: Shhhhh, just follow the officer's orders like a good little boy, m'kay?

Rufus: What jurisdiction do you have anyway, I've not done anything illegal.

Mao Mao: HAH! Pawning a fake necklace will get you booked for fraud, and that's not forgetting your previous record.

Adorabat: Oh yeah, the one where you used cis-cho-logical manipatation...or just made their brains explode, I guess.

Rufus: WHICH, by the way, screw both of you for that.

Mao Mao: You don't get to talk back to an officer, so PUT 'EM UP!

Rufus: I'll have to know that necklace is genuine, and I gave it as a charm, that's hardly worth a charge.

Mao Mao: PAH! Like I'd believe you'd get the money without stealing it first!

Rufus: OH, I got the money alright, I EARNED it, AND got that necklace, so what now?

Badgerclops: Um, Mao Mao, if he's legit, we can't actually charge him.

Adorabat: Awwww, I wanted to use these.

Mao Mao: Nonsense, a background check'll clear this up, what are we talking, bank robbery? The city funds? Drug trafficking?

Rufus: Do you really want to know with the child present?

Mao Mao: …What?

[Rufus leans into Mao Mao's ear…the black cat's serious expression drops as his face flushes red]

Mao Mao: You…I, that…that's not…!

[Rufus' grin only makes Mao Mao more flustered as he sharply turns around]

Mao Mao: Okay, never mind, no laws were broken here, let's go!

[Mao Mao shoves Badgerclops and Adorabat down the street, much to their surprise]

Adorabat: Wait, what did he tell you?

Badgerclops: Dude, why are you sweating so much?

Mao Mao: I'm not!

[Mao Mao looks back to see Rufus turned around, casually swishing his tail. The black cat pushes harder into the bear]

Badgerclops: OOF! Hey, hey, easy back there, Romeo!

Mao Mao: SSSSSHHHHHHHHHUSH!

[Cut back to Rufus and Reggie]

Reggie: Huh, that got 'em off our tail.

Rufus: Who knew we could fool them by actually telling the truth.

[The scene cuts to Ash walking down the street, and sure enough, some people do show a bit of stir towards his necklace. Lola and Tina are shown coming back from shopping, the gold rabbit gives a wide toothy grin while the brunette duck gives a more casual smile to the fox. Norbert and Daggett are next shown coming down the road as the latter munches down on a gingerbread cookie, while the former rolls his eyes. The tan beaver then notices Ash and gives a click of his tongue]

Ash: Huh…maybe this thing's got some merit to it…heh, wait till Kristofferson sees it, he'll be jealous for sure.

[Although, as Ash says this, he can't help but picture the look on the silver fox's face…that condescending look of "I know I'm better than you", at least from his perspective…the fox is so distracted that he almost runs in between Kaltag and Anastasia]

Ash: Oi!

[The red fox moves in between the Chinook and the brunette with enough room to pass]

Ash: Sorry!

[Ash covers his face as he haphazardly continues his journey]

[Cut to Ash arriving back home, taking his boots off and setting them by the coat rack. Felicity is in the kitchen preparing dinner, Foxie is sitting at his chair reading a newspaper and Kristofferson is in the center of the living room in a meditation pose. The silver fox opens his eyes as Ash comes into the room]

Kristofferson: I see you've been out shopping.

Ash: Ah, seen my new necklace?

[Ash holds the necklace out in a rather pompous manner]

Ash: Isn't it a sight? Makes me stand out, if you will.

[Foxie puts his newspaper down to look at his son's trinket]

Foxie: …Cute. Where'd ya' get it?

Ash: A source, one you might be familiar with.

Foxie: Yep…you didn't buy that, you got it from someone.

[Felicity walks into the room]

Felicity: What's all this then? Ash…where did you get that necklace?

Ash: It was given to me.

Felicity: …Ash, you know we don't accept things from strangers.

Ash: They told me it was free of charge.

Felicity: Still, I wouldn't go around making this a habit, I've already got one person who needed to learn that.

Foxie: Wouldn't that make two since you apparently needed to learn it first?

[Felicity places the spoon under Foxie's chin, turning it up to face her]

Felicity: Do not encourage him.

Foxie: You know, that necklace would look nice on you.

Felicity: No flattering.

Foxie: C'mon, you know it's true.

Felicity: Stop.

Foxie: Would impress those lady friends of yours.

Felicity: [blushes] I said stop.

[Ash, feeling rather put off by the discussion, sets the necklace on the counter and leaves the room without another word. While Foxie and Felicity continue their banter, Kristofferson sees the look on Ash's face as he heads off to his room]

[Cut to the Jr. Fox's room]

[Ash slumps down on the bottom bunk, right on top of a comic book]

Ash: Of course, try to impress the family and get nothing in return…[sighs]...what a waste.

[Ash picks up the comic from behind him and stares at it]

Ash: …Nah, can't be bothered to read at the moment.

[Ash tosses the comic to the table containing his train set. At that moment, Kristofferson walks into the room]

Kristofferson: Is everything alright with you?

Ash: What do you think, genius?

Kristofferson: You know you don't have to try so hard to be noticed.

Ash: Don't pull that with me.

Kristofferson: Apologies, I didn't know I'd struck a nerve.

Ash: You know I don't like that phrasing.

Kristofferson: That being?

Ash: "I want to be noticed."

Kristofferson: Isn't that a primary goal of yours?

Ash: The way you say it makes me sound selfish.

Kristofferson: Wasn't my intention, but if you prefer to see it that way, I can't stop you.

[Ash groans and covers his face]

Ash: Why do you always have to rub it in?

[Kristofferson goes over to the end of the bed and sits down on it]

Kristofferson: I'm surprised you're still trying, I would have thought you'd be more…comfortable.

Ash: Well, surprise, it's only partially worked…

Kristofferson: Ash…

Ash: What?
Kristofferson: You don't have to hide from us, or me. Just say what's on your mind.

Ash: [sighs] Even after all this time, some part of me feels…inadequate.

Kristofferson: I'm assuming that's why you took the necklace?

Ash: To some degree, yes…look at me, I'm so desperate that I'm accepting trinkets from street rats.

Kristofferson: …Well, to be honest, I thought it looked rather nice on you.

Ash: Aaaaaand of course, you would say that.

Kristofferson: Am I not telling the truth?

Ash: It's not that, it's just…I really, really hate to say this, but…I'm still kind of jealous of you.

Kristofferson: Ah, that explains it. But what do you feel the need to compare us for?

Ash: I don't know, you just look more…put together than the rest of us, like you've got it all figured out.

Kristofferson: Ash, you know I don't seek to make this competition. I respect you as an individual, and honestly, I don't think you need to change much.

Ash: Yeah, tell that to the general population.

Kristofferson: I'm serious. Sure, there are a few…hurdles we could work on, but overall, you're not so…polar opposite as you might think.

Ash: …Are you trying to flatter me? Because if you are…I hate that it's kind of working.

Kristofferson: C'mon, at least show us a smile, so that I know you're capable.

Ash: Hrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmm…

[Ash crosses his arms, but slowly makes to curl up a faint little smile on his muzzle]

Kristofferson: There we go…actually, I have something to show you.

Ash: What is it?

[Kristofferson reaches into his pocket and pulls out the necklace, much to Ash's surprise]

Ash: Oh…you brought that with you?

Kristofferson: Of course, and to be honest, I think it would look nice around you. Let me just…

[Kristofferson opens the clasp on the back of the necklace and puts it around Ash's neck. The red fox's face turns a slight shade of pink as the silver fox does his bit without hesitation]

Ash: Uh…thanks?

Kristofferson: No problem, I think it suits you.

Ash: S…Shut up…

Kristofferson: Now then…I want to show you something.

Ash: What's that?

[Ash doesn't get a verbal response, Kristofferson takes him by the hand and pulls him off the bed]

[Cut to outside of the house as Ash is shown trying to keep up with Kristofferson]

Ash: Come on, don't leave me in suspense!

Kristofferson: It's right over here.

Ash: What is…?

[Ash trails off as Kristofferson points to a blue star hanging on a tree's branch. Crested in the center of the star is the name "Ash" in cursive]

Ash: …I didn't notice this before…did you make this?

Kristofferson: Indeed I did, consider it a token of my admiration.

Ash: Admiration? Of me?

Kristofferson: I didn't forget how flexible you could be, that's some real skill you've got.

Ash: Well, I…I don't mean to brag or anything, but…okay, maybe a little. Still, I…didn't expect you to make something for me.

Kristofferson: Like I said before, I've never wanted it to be a competition between us. I thought I'd show you through a gift of my own.

[Ash looks back at the star and a genuine smile spreads across his face]

[Cut to Angelina, Alice, and William walking down the same street, just as Ash and Kris are talking. The mice glance awkwardly at each other as they approach the foxes, Ash notices and his expression turns sour. Angelina, sensing his hostility, clears her throat]

Angelina: Um…hello, Ash.

Ash: Hi…

Angelina: Um…nice to see you again…

Ash: Is it now?

Angelina: You…heard us, didn't you?

Ash: Yes.

Alice: Yeah, we shouldn't have been gossiping, we don't mean any offense towards you, of course.

Ash: I see…

William: Well, um, if it's any consolation, I'd like you to have this.

[William takes the piece of mistletoe out from his pocket and hands it to Ash]

Ash: …Um, thanks?

William: I think you'll need it more than I do, uh, no offense of course.

[Alice playfully ribs William]

Alice: Got plans, do you?

William: Hehe, no…

Angelina: Either way, I hope we didn't cause you any trouble earlier.

Ash: Hmmmmmm…nah, ya' didn't.

Angelina: Well, I hope you have a pleasant evening…Kristofferson.

[Angelina gives a coy wink to the silver fox as she leaves with her friends. Ash raises a brow in confusion]

Ash: …What?

Kristofferson: Oh, it's nothing, really. Why don't we take this indoors, it's cold out here.

Ash: …Yeah, can't argue with that.

[The two foxes head back inside the home where Ash places the blue star on the Christmas tree]

Ash: Hmm…yeah…I like that.

[Kristofferson goes over to a clothing hook by the doorway and ties the piece of mistletoe over it]

Ash: Well, I don't suppose you're gonna go around kissing us all, are you?
Kristofferson: Of course not, unless you happen to be standing under this.

Ash: I-

[Ash pauses and then blushes]

Ash: That's…really corny…

[Ash looks back at the star as Kristofferson comes alongside him]

Ash: Kristofferson?

Kristofferson: Yes, Ash?

Ash: …Thank you.

[Kristofferson smiles at this and the camera pans over to Foxie and Felicity watching the engagement]

Felicity: You know, it's nice seeing them get along like that.

Foxie: Reminds me of a certain someone.

Felicity: Oh shush.

[The scene cuts to outside of the residence from afar as the silhouette of another fox arrives on scene…cut to a panning up shot of its shoes right up to a rather shabby red jacket, ruffled fur, and messy hair…Miles stands in the cold as the wind blows at his head tuft]

Character Guide:

Ash, Kristofferson, Foxie, Felicity - Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Angelina Mouseling, Alice Nimbletoes, William Longtail - Angelina Ballerina (2002)

Badgerclops

Mao Mao, Badgerclops, Adorabat, Rufus, Reggie - Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart

Anastasia - Anastasia (1997)

Barbie - Barbie

Bluey Heeler, Bingo Heeler, Bandit Heeler, Chilli Heeler - Bluey

Brother Bear, Sister Bear, Papa Bear, Mama Bear - The Berenstain Bears

Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Dorothy Gale, Toto - The Wizard of Oz

Fantomcat - Fantomcat

Kaltag - Balto (1995)

Lola Bunny, Tina Russo - Looney Tunes

Miles (Anti-Tails) - Sonic the Hedgehog

Marie, Toulouse, Berlioz - The Aristocats (1970)

Norbert and Daggett - The Angry Beavers

Panther Caroso - Star Fox

Tai Lung - Kung Fu Panda

Arthur - Thomas and Friends