Spotted Past
[The scene opens with the sound of a traditional Chinese pan flute as the camera pans down, showing the Jade Palace looking over the Valley of Peace below. The orange sun beautifully coats the landscape in a warm hue as the camera pans in to the palace]
[We transition to the interior of the building where a young snow leopard is busy throwing punches at a bag hung on a hook above him. He gives three punches before jumping up to a roundhouse kick]
"HWAH!"
[At that moment, a red panda with a black mustache enters the training hall, smiling at the feline as he walks up to him]
Shifu: "Your training has gone well, young Tai Lung…"
[The snow leopard suddenly pauses and looks back, turning around and giving a bow to his elder]
Tai Lung: "Thank you, Master."
[Shifu bows in return]
Shifu: "It seems you've improved since last time…just what I like to see."
Tai Lung: "Well, I do aim to impress."
Shifu: "And so you are."
Tai Lung: "...Master, can I ask a question?"
Shifu: "But of course, questions are expected from pupils."
Tai Lung: "...Do you think I have what it takes to be the Dragon Warrior?"
Shifu: "Hmmm…that is an interesting question…it all depends on the goal you set for yourself and what destiny has in store for you."
Tai Lung: "Are there…good things destined for me?"
Shifu: "From where I'm standing, as long as thou follows the path of virtue, then you shall be destined for greatness…"
Tai Lung: "Hmmm…"
Shifu: "...However, between the two of us…I see the potential in you…and I know you'll make me proud…"
Tai Lung: "Thank you, Master…"
[The last thing echos as Tai Lung goes from his cub self in one shot to his adult self in the next shot as the background has darkened, the snow leopard is now bound within the confines of Chorh-Gom Prison]
[We are then shown a quick montage of the following events, shown in repeat a few times]
[The snow leopard's escape as he ransacks the Valley of Peace to obtain the Dragon Scroll]
[A close-up shot of the Wuxi Hold that Po uses on him]
[A shot of Lord Shen ready to unleash his conquest on China]
[Kai extracting the Chi from the former masters]
[Tai Lung being brought back from the Spirit Realm, only to have his essence extracted by The Chameleon]
[A shot of Po and Shifu balancing on their respective podiums before it cuts to Tigress' stone cold expression as she slides into the next room]
Po: "I'm the fat panda."
Tigress: "You don't belong here."
Shifu: "It was just an accident!"
Oogway: "There are no accidents."
[Tai Lung is shown inside a darkened Jade Palace, surrounded by the Furious Five and Po on either side, except their eyes are merely shining white. The snow leopard's eyes dart back and forth as the warriors' positions change every time he looks away. Until he looks ahead and sees his old master and former father figure staring at him dead in the eye]
Shifu: "I loved you too much to see what you were becoming…what I was turning you into…I'm…I'm sorry…"
[From behind Shifu appears the silhouette of Master Oogway…his eyes glow green as they stare into Tai Lung's soul…the snow leopard feels himself being pulled into a vortex as the palace collapses around him]
Tai Lung: …HUH!
[Tai Lung opens his eyes and stares up at the ceiling…he looks to his left…next to him, Panther is still asleep…the snow leopard looks to the right, rain can be seen pouring from outside the window]
Tai Lung: [sighs] Not again…
[The snow leopard slowly closes his eyes and tries to drift off back to sleep]
[We transition to the next morning as Panther is seen preparing coffee on the stove top. The black feline hums to himself as he pours a mug before setting it on the table, taking a small sip]
Panther: Hmmm…hmm?
[Panther looks over to the kitchen's entrance and notes the absence of a certain spotted fellow feline]
Panther: I wonder what's going on with him…?
[Panther stands up from his seat, setting the mug down and walking down the hallway to the bedroom. There, he finds Tai Lung, slouched over on the bed with his face buried in the pillows]
Panther: Well, isn't this a fine sight?
[Tai Lung slowly moves his head up from the pillow, a cranky expression on his face]
Tai Lung: …What do you want?
Panther: You coming to breakfast?
Tai Lung: Give me two hours…
[Tai Lung slumps back onto the pillow]
Panther: I say, that's a bit late.
Tai Lung: [muffled] I don't care.
Panther: …Okay, what's going on?
Tai Lung: [muffled] Nothing.
Panther: It certainly doesn't sound like nothing.
[Tai Lung turns his head up with indignation]
Tai Lung: Well, it is.
Panther: Come on, you know I'm going to find out regardless.
[Tai Lung doesn't say anything in response to this. Instead, he merely stands up from the bed, and makes his way past Panther to the bathroom]
Panther: Hmmmm…
[The scene cuts to Tai splashing some water over his face as he looks in the mirror. The snow leopard groans as he puts his paws to his face]
Tai Lung: God, I look like a mess…
[Tai Lung reaches to grab a towel from the hanger nearby. When he looks back into the mirror, there appears to be some kind of silhouette behind him]
Tai Lung: Huh!
[The feline whips around, only to see nothing is there…he blinks and then puts two fingers between his eyes]
Tai Lung: Just seeing things…
[The scene cuts to a plate of eggs, toast, and hash brown as Panther takes a forkful of eggs into his mouth. He looks up to see Tai Lung entering the kitchen]
Panther: Ah, I see you finally decided to join.
Tai Lung: …I see you cooked.
Panther: But of course, hombre. Need to make sure we're both fed.
Tai Lung: Hmmmm…
[Tai Lung takes a piece of toast and crunches down on it]
Panther: …Okay, grumpy puss, what's eating away at your soul this time?
Tai Lung: You're a smart person, I'm sure you can piece the answer to that.
Panther: Not that I don't appreciate the compliment, but I am serious. You're looking very tense.
Tai Lung: What else is new?
Panther: …Did something happen?
Tai Lung: …I don't…wanna talk about it.
Panther: …Why not?
Tai Lung: …Because you already know.
Panther: Even then, it wouldn't hurt to give me a bit more context.
Tai Lung: Let's just say; the memories keep coming back to me…
Panther: I see…how long has it been going on?
Tai Lung: …A while.
Panther: Have you considered counseling?
Tai Lung: I don't need to sit in a room with a bunch of freaks laying out my life story.
Panther: Truth be told, it's not as mental as you're implying. People have gotten help from speaking with a therapist.
Tai Lung: Therapy isn't going to erase the long trail I've left behind. And besides, who would take me?
Panther: They would if you let them…
[Tai Lung just stares at Panther for a few seconds before wrapping up his breakfast. He stands up from the table]
Tai Lung: Thanks for the meal…
[Before Panther can say something, Tai Lung walks out of the kitchen]
Panther: …Wish you wouldn't be so…hidden.
[The black panther sighs as he lifts the plates to wash them on the sink]
[The scene cuts to Panther having changed into a violet suit and gray slacks as he uses a brush to clean away any lent, looking himself over in the mirror]
Panther: Hmmmm…that should be good.
Tai Lung: [off-screen] Heading off somewhere?
[Panther looks over to the living room as the scene cuts to Tai Lung on the couch lifting a dumbbell up and down]
Panther: Why, yes. I've been commissioned for a project up in the mountains. They want me to paint some traditional Chinese backgrounds for the wall details.
Tai Lung: Who commissioned you?
Panther: …I don't think you'll like who it is.
Tai Lung: And that means?
Panther: I think it's best you didn't know…I don't want your mood to sour further.
Tai Lung: …It's the Jade Palace, isn't it?
Panther: Um…yes…
Tai Lung: Of course, it's alway tied back…
Panther: I take it you don't want to accompany me, then?
Tai Lung: …You know I can't go back to that place.
Panther: [sighs] Very well…just…try to lighten up, won't you?
[Tai Lung looks away, to which Panther decides not to prolong the conversation further. He heads to the door and leaves without another word]
[The snow leopard looks out the window to the busy city below and sighs]
Tai Lung: Even with a roof over my head, I still can't escape it…almost as if it's meant to follow me wherever I go…
[The scene cuts to Panther departing from the Express stopped at Pine Station; cutting to an alternate angle revealing Murdoch at the head of the train while Percy passes by on the opposite line with a goods train. To the left platforms; Dennis is on the siding lazily snoozing while Duck passes by with a load of coal]
[On the right platforms housing the narrow gauge railway, Sir Handel is at the platform with a line of coaches as Duncan chuffs past on the opposite line with a train of slate. Flora, Tecna, Knuckles, I.M. Weasel, Blossom, Bubbles, Buttercup, Courage, Carmen, Sly, Bentley, Murray, Balto, Kipper, Twilight, Lapis, and Peridot are seen about the station]
Panther: I suppose some time alone will do him good…at least I think it will…
[With that, Panther goes over to the narrow gauge interchange where he boards with some of the other passengers. He climbs into the first coach and takes his seat. The guard blows his whistle and Sir Handel sets off from the station]
Sir Handel: Time for a true express run…
[Cut to Sir Handel thundering up the mountain as his coaches clatter behind him]
Sir Handel: Come along, come along!
[Cut to Panther looking out of the window as the countryside passes by. He sighs as he thinks back to Tai Lung]
Panther: He's been more tense than usual lately…I do wish he'd let me in…
[Cut to Sir Handel crossing over a viaduct as Rheneas passes by in the opposite direction with his own coaches]
[The scene cuts to Tai Lung walking down the street as Johnny and Samurai Jack pass by in the opposite direction. The snow leopard makes no eye contact with anyone as he continues to brood]
Tai Lung: Those blasted nightmares again…what has it been…sixteen years now, why am I still thinking about this? Well, it's…hard not to…GEH!
[Tai Lung nearly runs into the back of Clifford as he, Angelina, and Alice are waiting to cross the road as cars go to and fro. The snow leopard keeps silent as everyone else crosses over to the other side]
Tai Lung: Seriously, one of the basic principles the master taught was don't get distracted! And talking to yourself, apparently…
[Tai Lung shakes his head as he crosses the road, trying to think of anything besides his issues]
Tai Lung: Perhaps I just need to take it out on something…
[The camera pans towards the sign that says "Gymnasium" before it cuts to the Jade Palace. Panther has already gotten to work repainting the walls, meticulously eyeing the brush for precision]
[From behind, Master Shifu enters the hall to examine the black panther's work]
Shifu: For my reservations about your background, I will admit, you are talented.
[Panther pauses in his painting and turns around, giving a bow to the diminutive red panda]
Panther: I appreciate it, Master Shifu.
Shifu: …By the way, I've heard about…a recent development on your side.
Panther: And that would be?
Shifu: Something to do with…an old student of mine…
Panther: …So you found out about it?
Shifu: Let's just say that a message got transferred through the grapevine.
Panther: …Po found out, didn't he?
[Shifu looks over to the entrance of the palace as the titular panda is shown alongside Tigress]
Po: Someone mention the name of yours truly? Oh, not to sound like I'm admiring a baddie or something, but love your work.
Tigress: …It's serviceable.
Panther: I'll take that as a compliment.
Tigress: It's the closest you'll get with me.
Panther: So…you all know about the situation with Tai Lung?
Po: Weeeeell, I kinda spotted you two by a cafe together and kinda sorta spilled it to the others.
Panther: That sounds about right.
Tigress: I'm not usually one to offer mercenaries advice, but…you need to be wary regardless.
Panther: You say it like the man hasn't been living with me for a while now.
Po: I mean, even so, having faced off with him before…Tai Lung's a…what's the least insulting way to describe it; difficult case.
Panther: I'm aware of his background, as you all seem to be aware of mine.
Tigress: In hindsight, you getting through to him makes sense. Coming from the same side will do that.
Panther: My reputation might be considered villainous, but I'm not a monster. If I was, Tai Lung would be worse off, wouldn't he? Having a narrow view of people isn't exactly beneficial.
Po: …I mean, he's kinda gotcha there, Tigress.
Tigress: Tai Lung was destined for his own path, as was foretold.
Panther: And yet…here we are now…which makes me wonder…Master Shifu…?
Shifu: …Should he ever return to the palace, anything is possible…perhaps he'll seek forgiveness, perhaps he still harbors resentment. Even I can't predict the result with him.
[The red panda goes over to the pool where the Dragon Scroll is hanging above]
Shifu: But…whatever happens…I will need to be ready for it…even now…the thoughts still linger in my head…
[Tigress' expression softens as she sees her mentor put his head down. She walks up to him and stops alongside the red panda]
Tigress: You were not at fault, Master…
Shifu: I appreciate the gesture…but there's no denying the truth…Tai Lung succeeded where I thought he would…you accomplished the same goal…even Po went far and beyond what I expected…
[Po's concerned expression curls into a small smile before it drops again at Shifu's solemn face]
Shifu: At the same time…my shortcomings speak for themselves…in many regards…I failed you…
[Shifu turns around and proceeds to leave the room, Tigress tries to extend an arm to the red panda, but respectfully withdraws. Po appears next to Tigress]
Po: You alright?
Tigress: …He shouldn't see himself as a failure. Why should he suffer from the actions of others?
Po: Well…as I recall what Master Oogway told him, "there are no accidents."
[Tigress sighs and then turns her attention over to Panther as he finishes his work. He sets the brush down and notices the tiger looking at him]
Panther: The job is complete…
Tigress: Don't mention him again…
Panther: Of course…I bid you both adieu…
[Panther collects his kit and puts it back in his suitcase. He then proceeds to exit the palace, leaving Po and Tigress on their own]
Po: …Do you think it's at least possible?
Tigress: I'll believe it when I see it…
[Cut to the gym as several patrons are attending to their respective activities; Hunter and Rainbow Dash are running on the treadmills, Applejack, Blitz, Exile, and Chance are weightlifting, Jasper is on the stack machine, Bismuth is on the leg machine, Kiara is assisting Aleu with doing curl ups, Colleen is on the pull-up bar, Robin and Jake are doing push-ups, and finally, Tai Lung is seen in the corner punching a leather stuffed bag]
[In between punches, the snow leopard mutters to himself]
Tai Lung: I'll manage…I'll manage…
[For every punch, a flash occurs]
Tai Lung: [V.O.] What are you going to do? Sit on me?!
[Flash]
Tai Lung: [V.O.] You're just a fat panda!
[Flash]
Po: [V.O.] No, I'm the fat panda!
[Flash]
Po: [V.O.] Sha-doosh!
[Flash]
Shifu: That is impossible! He is in prison!
[Flash]
Oogway: I sense the Dragon Warrior is among us.
[Flash]
Tigress: Not for amateurs.
[Flash]
Shifu: You are not the Dragon Warrior!
[Flash]
Tigress: You're a disgrace to Kung Fu.
[Flash]
Oogway: There are no accidents.
[Flash]
['Accidents' replays over and over in Tai Lung's head]
Tai Lung: …RRRRRRRAHHHH!
[Tai Lung punches the leather bag so hard, it flies off the hook and into the wall. The snow leopard pants furiously…he turns around to see everyone staring at him]
Tai Lung: …What are you all looking at?
Bismuth: Someone with a real bad attitude, that's for sure.
Tai Lung: [under his breath] Piss off…
[Bismuth rolls her eyes as she goes back to her workout, everyone else awkwardly looks away from the peeved snow leopard to resume their own exercises. However, Jasper raises an unamused brow at Tai Lung as he turns around to survey the mess]
[The snow leopard picks up the fallen bag with a growl]
Jasper: [off-screen] You look terrible.
[Tai's eye twitches as he snarls, turning back to face the orange gem]
Tai Lung: I don't recall asking your opinion…
Jasper: It's more of a fact than an opinion. You nearly destroyed a wall.
Tai Lung: How about you go back over there and stay the hell out of my business?
[Jasper gives a snarl]
Jasper: How about you stuff that attitude where the sun don't shine before I beat it outta you?
[The two narrow their eyes at one another as the other patrons look on in anticipation]
Jasper: …I'm just gonna say this; I've been there before.
[On that note, Jasper walks away from the feline as his eyes follow her]
[In the locker room, the other males steer clear of the agitated snow leopard as he roughly dries his fur with the towel]
Tai Lung: "Been there before"...didn't see what I saw…
[At that moment, Robin pops up next to the snow leopard]
Robin: Heeeeeey, chap. You mind easing up on the tension? It's…a little unnerving for the rest of us here.
Tai Lung: I'm going to ask for you to back off right now.
Robin: …Right, personal space and all that.
[The fox backs up from the feline and goes back to his clothes]
Robin: [murmuring] He could use a rest cure…
[Tai Lung rolls his eyes as he goes back to his own clothes. From the interior of the locker, he slams the door shut before it cuts to him walking back out onto the sidewalk as Speedy and Brer Rabbit go past]
Tai Lung: [sighs] Can't go anywhere without being ticked off. God, this place has so much noise.
[He isn't wrong as the camera pans out to reveal Marceline, Mordecai, the Mousekewitz Family, Jack, Bill, Pina, Aoba, Daria, Jane, Drago, Guntiver, Peach, and Samus are shown walking along the streets among the many cars, even the overhead railway as Toby with Henrietta in tow along with Salty hauling fuel tankers pass each other above]
[Tai Lung clenches his eyes shut and gnashes his teeth]
Tai Lung: Swear to God, is there any place in this whole damn island where it's quiet?
[The snow leopard angrily makes his way down the street and turns a corner before propping himself against a wall]
Tai Lung: Uuuuuugh…why can't I just…relax? Hooooooo…
[Tai slips into an alley and hides himself among the shadows]
"Shifu found him as a cub…and raised him as his son…"
['His son' echoes as we cut to a flashback of a young Tai Lung being held in Shifu's arms]
"He told him he was destined for greatness…it was never enough for Tai Lung…"
[A flash between Tai Lung's rage in the past to his stressed eyes in the present]
"Oogway saw darkness in his heart and refused…"
[A fade between Oogway's and Tai Lung's eyes are shown before we're shown Oogway in full against a black background]
Oogway: "Everything happens for a reason…"
[Cut to Tai Lung's bondage in the Chorh-Gom Prison appearing more like strings on a marionette]
"Shifu loved Tai Lung like he'd never loved anyone before…"
[A flashback to Shifu smiling warmly at the POV before it flashes him to his disheveled appearance in the climax, flashing back to Tai Lung in the present as he clutches his head]
Tai Lung: …GAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWD!
[The feline's voice echoes above the buildings. It cuts back to Tai leaning against the wall as he clutches his head]
Tai Lung: Just…please…make it stop!
?: Tai Lung?
Tai Lung: Huh!
[Tai Lung looks up suddenly. Standing in front of him is Panther with a concerned look on his face]
Panther: What are you doing here? This place is a mess.
Tai Lung: I…I…[sighs]...I think I'm losing my mind…and I don't know how to challenge it…
[Panther kneels down to the snow leopard's level, extending a paw out]
Panther: You going to be alright…?
Tai Lung: …No…I feel…like I'm at the end of my rope. My head hurts, I've had so many sleepless nights, and I'm just so…frustrated…
Panther: I understand…please…come home…I'll try to make you comfortable as best as I can…
Tai Lung: Don't bother…I'm not worth it…
[Tai Lung's self-deprecation is cut off by Panther caressing the side of his face]
Panther: You know that's not true…you're worth something to me…
Tai Lung: And just what is that…?
[At that moment, Panther presses his lips against Tai Lung's, causing the snow leopard to freeze before the black furred feline pulls back]
Panther: Someone who's worth more than they realize…
[Tai Lung blinks…and his body loosens up as Panther wraps his arms around the fellow feline]
[Transition to the black panther's apartment complex as he and the snow leopard are shown laying on the couch, the former massaging the latter's forehead. By this point, it's later in the evening]
Tai Lung: …Panther?
Panther: Hmm?
Tai Lung: I…wanted to…apologize for what happened earlier…
Panther: It's alright…you were under a lot of stress…only now…you seem to be a bit more relaxed…
Tai Lung: Yeah…I appreciate you…putting up with me…
Panther: Only I could tame such a beast…one that holds such beauty inward and outward.
Tai Lung: That is so cheesy…yet at the same time, I like it…
Panther: Yes…
Tai Lung: Still…I wonder…how did it go…?
Panther: You've not left his mind…or any of theirs…
Tai Lung: Hrrrrrrmmmmm….
Panther: Have you considered it at least?
Tai Lung: …Only when I feel the time's right.
Panther: Of course…whenever you're ready.
Tai Lung: …Thank you.
[The scene transitions from the felines to the Training Hall. It is night time as the scene transitions to Master Shifu inside of his quarters, his legs criss-crossed and his arms extended into a mediating position. His eyes are closed as he murmurs to himself]
[We are treated to another flashback as Shifu watches Oogway ascend to the Spirit Realm]
Oogway: "You must continue your journey…without me…"
[Another flash shows Shifu bowing before a young Tai Lung amidst a golden hue of sunlight before it changes to them much older during the climax]
Shifu: "I'm sorry…"
[Shifu's eyes suddenly open. He then looks over to the right, noticing Tigress standing in the doorway]
Shifu: Tigress?
Tigress: Is everything okay, Master?
Shifu: …Yes…thank you for checking, regardless.
Tigress: …No problem.
Shifu: …You should get some rest now.
Tigress: As you wish, Master…
[Tigress closes the door and begins to walk down the hallway. She stops and gives an unamused expression]
Tigress: I know you were listening.
[From behind her; Po, Monkey, Viper, Crane, and Mantis stick their heads out from one of the rooms]
Po: Um, heard what?
Monkey: I didn't hear anything, did you?
Viper: No, no, must have been the wind.
Mantis: I mean, it's not like we heard anything important.
Crane: They dragged me into this.
Po: Uhhhhh, seriously though, you alright, Tigress?
Tigress: …I wish it were the case.
[Without another word, Tigress retreats to her room as the other members of the Furious Five and Po head back to their quarters. Po lingers for a bit longer, looking between Shifu's room, then at Tigress' room]
Po: They'll be fine…I hope…
[The panda closes his door as the scene cuts back to Shifu's room. The master picks up a trinket from his desk, revealing it to be a jade carving of a T in Chinese…he gently brushes it]
Shifu: …One day.
[The final shot is of Shifu from behind in the dark room, lit faintly by a set of candles]
[Fade to black]
Character Guide:
Tai Lung, Master Shifu, Po Ping, Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Crane, Viper, Master Oogway, Lord Shen, Kai, Chameleon - Kung Fu Panda
Panther Caroso - Star Fox
Jasper, Bismuth, Peridot, Lapis Lazuli - Steven Universe
Robin Hood - Robin Hood (1973)
Sir Handel, Percy, Toby, Duck, Henrietta, Murdoch, Salty, Dennis, Rheneas, Duncan - Thomas and Friends
Angelina Mouseling, Alice Nimbletoes - Angelina Ballerina (2002)
Balto, Aleu - Balto (1995) / Wolf Quest (2002)
Bill, Jack, Aoba - Beastars
Blitz, Exile, Hunter, Colleen - Road Rovers
Blossom, Bubbles, Buttercup - Powerpuff Girls
Brer Rabbit - Song of the South (1946)
Carmen Sandiego - Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?
Chance Furlong / T-Bone, Jake Clawson - SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron
Clifford - Clifford the Big Red Dog
Courage - Courage the Cowardly Dog
Daria Morgendorffer, Jane Lane - Daria
Fievel Mousekewitz, Tanya Mousekewitz, Papa Mousekewitz, Mama Mousekewitz, Yasha Mousekewitz - An American Tail (1986)
Flora, Tecna - Winx Club
I.M. Weasel - I Am Weasel
Johnny Bravo - Johnny Bravo
Kiara - The Lion King (1994) / Simba's Pride (1998)
Kipper - Kipper the Dog
Knuckles the Echidna, Guntiver the Arctic Wolf, Drago Wolf - Sonic the Hedgehog
Marceline - Adventure Time
Mordecai - Regular Show
Princess Peach - Super Mario Bros
Samurai Jack - Samurai Jack
Samus Aran - Metroid
Sly Cooper, Bentley Turtle, Murray Hippo - Sly Cooper
Speedy Gonzales - Looney Tunes
Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic