Empathy
[The scene opens with a shot of the night sky. It is overcast with the low sound of wind whistling in the background. We pan down to the city as we stop before one of the buildings]
[The camera slowly pans into one of the lit windows before revealing a rose red couch in the background, above it is the outline of what appeared to be a marble-colored lupine donning a red cape, reminiscent to that of the Roman Empire. Below is an amber brown coffee table with a few magazines scattered over it, and a tall black lamp is positioned to the right of the couch]
[We pan over to the right as noise can be heard from the kitchen, revealing a black-furred hand picking up a fresh kettle from the stove before showing the owner in full; Panther Caroso. The black panther takes the kettle and sets it atop a wooden coaster, two tea cups off to the side before the camera pans up to reveal another figure sitting at the table; Tai Lung]
Panther: I trust this will be to your liking.
Tai Lung: Seeing as you made it, I doubt there's any poison in it.
Panther: And I suppose you've had experience there?
Tai Lung: When you've got a reputation such as mine, you can never be too suspicious.
Panther: Now then, let's not dwell on that, enjoy yourself.
[Panther pours some tea into the snow leopard's cup before doing the same to his own. He sits down opposite to the other feline before grabbing his cup and taking a sip]
[Tai Lung follows suit, and holds it for a few seconds, before setting the cup back down with a satisfied sigh]
Tai Lung: You know, for a casanova, I would have never expected you to be a tea person.
Panther: I find it helps soothe the nerves, helped me whenever I was on the fritz.
Tai Lung: Hmmm…definitely sounds like something I could have used.
Panther: Surely, you've had tea prepared for that purpose before?
Tai Lung: If I did, I rarely paid attention to the "soothing nerves" part of it. Not exactly easy to accomplish when training your whole life.
Panther: True…do you feel relaxed now?
Tai Lung: …I would say so. I don't know how you do it, there's something oddly...curious about you.
Panther: How so?
Tai Lung: How were you able to tame me as you did? It was as if you could see right through me.
Panther: As I've said before, I believe there's a way to tame any beast if you know what you're doing. Especially in your case, you weren't merely a savage, you were more…damaged.
Tai Lung: Hmmmm, trust me, I've heard that one before…
Panther: I mean no offense, you understand.
Tai Lung: Of course.
Panther: The point is that I believed you deserved to be heard out. As someone who's had their name dragged through the mud before, I know the feeling all too well.
Tai Lung: True, but your situation is that of a mercenary and a romantic. Mine is that of someone who was promised greatness and acted out of vengeance.
Panther: Yes, but beyond that, you did say it was because your…ahem, old mentor was influenced by a greater power.
Tai Lung: I…
[Tai Lung closes his eyes as he tries to keep his composure]
Tai Lung: I just don't understand it…I thought Shifu would have stood by me, like a father to his son, but Master Oogway told him that there was darkness in my heart, even from a young age. How could he have possibly known that?
Panther: I don't suppose this Oogway was…otherworldly if you will?
Tai Lung: Whatever he was, everyone seemed to take his word as gospel. I mean, this was the same man who said the spirits gave us the Dragon Warrior; in the form of a panda who fell from the sky.
Panther: Hmm, I don't think I'll ever understand how that man worked, even from what you've told me.
Tai Lung: Believe me, it becomes rather complicated the more you think about it. Then again, perhaps it's not surprising you saw my worth. We are cut from the same cloth in a sense.
Panther: Ah yes, the dark side of the moon in a sense. Though, compared to certain other individuals, you must be a saint. Particularly with regard to other…characters from where you're from.
Tai Lung: All I'll say is that you'd never catch Lord Shen in any kind of therapy. Kai would need a strong push, and don't even get me started on…eugh, the Chameleon.
Panther: I can only imagine what would occur if Leon got his hands on her…I'm almost certain that woman would be dead. Hmmhmm, and Wolf would probably pluck Shen's feathers off before serving him.
Tai Lung: Then perhaps it's a good thing his lordship's lupine army has scattered since then. Believe the leader went to study Tai Chi from what I heard in the sphere.
Panther: Well, good for them in that regard.
[Panther takes another sip of his tea before his phone suddenly rings. He picks it up, sees the contact, presses the call button, and puts it to his ear]
Panther: Hello? Yes, I'm available. Uh-huh…I understand…alright, I'll be there. Goodbye.
[Panther clicks off the phone]
Tai Lung: Who was it?
Panther: That was Wolf, he wants me to go to the harbor tomorrow morning. It's about some new arms deal. I don't suppose you'd fancy tagging along?
Tai Lung: Well, since they're the only other company I more than tolerate…who am I to refuse?
Panther: Look at that, my dear snowflake's learning to communicate.
[The snow leopard rolls his eyes, but not in an entirely disdainful manner as he shoots a wry grin at the black panther]
Tai Lung: Trust me when I say we can do communication in an alternative manner.
Panther: Perhaps. [winks]
[Transition to the next morning Rosie pulling into the platform with three orange coaches at Oak Station while Shenzi, Banzai, Ed, Sonic, Shadow, Lizzie, Kenai, Koda, Big Macintosh I.M. Weasel, Anastasia, and Odette are waiting on the platform. On the opposite platform, Whiff passes by with a rubbish train with the two exchanging a greeting]
[Transition to the canal bridge as Top Hat and Zebedee pass underneath, the former towing the rail barges Frank and Eddie while the latter has a barge covered with a tarpaulin. James can be seen going over the bridge with fuel tankers from the Cedar Refinery]
[Transition to Panther and Tai Lung walking towards the harbor, passing by Scar, Shere Khan, Kaa, and Zira heading in the opposite direction. A cold breeze sweeps about in the air]
Panther: A bit nippy, isn't it?
Tai Lung: If I can survive the harsh Chinese mountains, this is nothing.
[The two felines make it over the crosswalk to where the piers and docks are, boats are either moored or are out in the sea while in the distance, cranes are unloading cargo ships]
[In the foreground, Wolf and Leon can be seen on the lower tier of the boardwalk, examining two different firearms in their hands]
Wolf: And you're sure these are the best sellers?
Honest John: But of course, I am a man of my word, or you'd prefer being formal, a fox of my word.
[Gideon, in his usual comical manner, nods aggressively in agreement]
Leon: You'd better be, cuz it'd be a shame if an 'incident' were to occur.
[Leon does a slash across the throat gesture, causing Gideon to gulp while Honest John retains his composure]
Honest John: I assure you, the value's found in the merchandise.
Panther: [off-screen] Hope we're not too late.
[Wolf and Leon look back to see Panther and Tai Lung approaching them]
Wolf: Well, it's about time you showed up.
Panther: Uh-huh, accepting deals from two vintage con artists, I see.
Honest John: Con artist is a bit of a strong word, no? I prefer to use the term "benefactor".
[Tai Lung narrows his eyes, something that makes Gideon visibly recoil]
Panther: Either way, seems you've got a somewhat decent stock to offer.
[Panther looks down at the case and picks up a Mossberg 590A1 to examine it]
Panther: …Seems in order. How much are you charging?
Honest John: For that one? 500.
Panther: I believe I can work with that. How about you two?
Wolf: I think we got what we needed. And remember, I don't take deals lightly so these better work.
Honest John: I believe you'll find them to suit your needs.
[Honest John hands the case over to Wolf before tipping his hat]
Honest John: Good day, gentlemen.
Gideon: [waves] Ye-HIC!
[The group takes their leave as they walk back up to the main pier. Wolf looks over to Tai Lung]
Wolf: Hmm, you know, for someone your size, you'd do well in our squad.
Tai Lung: Let me guess, it's because I resemble a brooding bodyguard.
Wolf: To an extent, yes, but even without practice with firearms, you could probably take out a man with your bare hands.
Tai Lung: Then it's lucky for you I've done exactly that in the past. Of course, I've yet to consider working with a group.
Leon: You put up with Panther, I'd say you're already well on your way.
Panther: At the very least with me, he doesn't need to worry about sharp objects placed near the bed.
Tai Lung: Excuse me?
[Leon pulls out a dagger from his jacket]
Leon: You can never be too prepared, lest some rodent tries to jump you.
[Conveniently at that very moment, Ratigan and Jenner pass by in the opposite direction. The professor's ear twitches upon hearing the comment. He inhales and then exhales through his nose]
Ratigan: Just…barely slipped through.
[Cut back to the group as they approach an outlet titled "Sam's Shooting Range", opening the door before going inside]
[Cut to a shot ringing out as the camera pans out to reveal Wolf aiming a pistol at a target. He looks at the mark just barely missing the bullseye]
Wolf: Damn it…
Leon: Don't tell me you've lost your touch after all this time.
[Leon aims his own pistol at the target before discharging. His expression drops when the camera cuts to his own target, his mark straight above the bullseye]
Wolf: What was that about me losing my touch, Powalski?
Leon: Shhhhhut up, O'Donnell…
[Panther and Tai Lung are sat nearby, the snow leopard wincing at the various shots ringing out]
Panther: You're not used to gunfire, are you?
Tai Lung: Well, we never had access to these weapons in my time. Unless they happened to be fireworks or cannons, it was more traditional weaponry; swords, sabers, katanas, arrows, the whole nine.
Panther: A far cry from the stuff we use, we've got blasters and lasers. And any types of high-range guns we can find.
Tai Lung: Even so, these weapons are so…loud.
Panther: I don't suppose it's sensitive hearing or anything?
Tai Lung: Normally, I would deny such a claim, but since it's you specifically…maybe a little bit.
?: BOOM!
[The feline's attention is suddenly diverted as the camera quick-pans over to Fiona triumphantly holding her arms in the air in between Sleuth and Sombra]
Fiona: First one to get it right in the center. Now what was that about being good with guns?
Sleuth: [rolls his eyes] Lucky shot, I'll get this next one.
[Sleuth fires off his own gun to which he manages to land a bullseye himself]
Sleuth: Yo, dis Dawg's still got it!
[Cut to Sombra as he looks over at Chrysalis, the two sharing an unamused look]
[Cut back to Panther and Tai Lung as the former looks at his watch]
Panther: I was wondering, what do you say to being treated this evening? I'd say that new Ruby Heart restaurant looks appealing.
Tai Lung: Just one question, will the psychopaths be joining us?
Panther: Hmmhmmhmm, that's a little bit ironic, isn't it, dear?
Tai Lung: Very funny…
Panther: I merely jest. Though, it would be a nice recommendation for Wolf and Fox, I reckon.
Tai Lung: Now that is ironic. To think he was romantic enough to garner someone like that.
Panther: Wolf may be a lot of things, but he's not opposed to affection. Even if he'll try to tell you otherwise.
Tai Lung: Uh-huh, what can you say about Leon?
Panther: Let's just say he's into a…different kind of affection…if you want to subject yourself to it.
Tai Lung: Yeeeeah, I think I'll pass on that one.
[Cut to the group exiting the shooting range, but right as they're about to go over the crosswalk, another group of people is coming along in the opposite direction, although only identified by their legs from the current angle]
[Cut to the walk sign shining white on the "Stop/Go" sign for pedestrians before panning down to the Star Wolf group going over the crosswalk…before it cuts to them passing by the Furious Five plus Po. There's a sense of tension in the air as the respective groups try not to look at one another…of course, it goes as well as one would expect]
Tigress: [narrows her eyes] Hmmmmm…
Tai Lung: [narrows his eyes] Hrrrrrrrrrr…
[Po winces under the gaze of the Star Wolf trio. As soon as both groups are on the other side, Tai Lung lets out a sigh]
Leon: What a surprise, the do-gooders still hold a grudge.
Wolf: Considering they train under that stickler of a master, not surprising to me.
Tai Lung: They're all a bloody hivemind, and they wonder why the Dragon Warrior overshadows them.
Panther: Besides the obvious…
[Cut to the Jade Six]
Tigress: As expected, a criminal finds solace in other criminals.
Po: I mean, at least he didn't attack us, nor did any of his…friends, partners?
Monkey: Hmmhmmhmm, the fact Tai Lung found a partner before either of you is bemusing.
Mantis: Maybe it's time to step your game up.
Viper: On the other hand, perhaps I could offer my services.
Tigress: Here's a better idea; how about you all stay out of my personal life?
Crane: I didn't say anything…
Mantis: You rarely do.
Po: To be fair, I have seen Tai in a more neutral state. Sure, he can be still be…threatening, but he seems less…murdery than before.
Tigress: Uh-huh, and I suppose the logical thing is to welcome him back to the palace in open arms, just like that new 'pupil' of yours.
Viper: By the way, is she the one who keeps stealing my candles?
Crane: And my straw hats?
Monkey: And my nun-chucks?
Po: [sweatdrops] Ah-heh, yeah…Zhen's a character for sure, but she means no harm.
[Po pictures the grey fox with a halo over her head, in contrast to Tigress picturing her with devil horns and a sharp tail]
Po: Even so, you ever think you're being a little hard on the guy?
Tigress: Of course, how could I? Why, oh why, did I not give the man who took advantage of Shifu's kindness a bouquet of flowers?
Po: I told you about what happened, why don't you believe me?
Tigress: Listen, I wasn't there, none of us were. Maybe, by some miracle, he has a conscience. But let me tell you one thing; I did not have the same luxury from our master as he did, and he threw it away.
[Po subsides from speaking further, as does the rest of the group as they continue on their way]
[Transition to later in the evening as the shot pans down to a restaurant with a glowing red heart sign titled "Ruby Heart" on top of the building as guests are filing in. We then cut to the interior as Snooper and Blabber are shown sitting at one table, before panning over to several others; Hunter and Bolt, Colleen and Mittens, Lieutenant Pug and Persian Pete, Bismuth and Pearl, Feral and Steel, Callie and Felina, before ending on Panther and Tai Lung seated near the stage where the Fazbear Crew have taken a temporary leave of the pizzeria to perform live here]
[Panther is shown looking over the menu when he puts it down to notice Tai Lung's fingers tapping on the table]
Panther: Is something wrong, querido?
Tai Lung: Huh? Oh, it's nothing, really, I'm just…not used to being in places like this…
Panther: You mean fine dining, beautiful atmosphere, and exceptional music? It's what happens when you find the right people.
Tai Lung: I guess I should consider myself lucky in that case…oooooh, drat.
Panther: Hmm?
Tai Lung: Don't look to your left.
[Panther instinctively gazes to the left and quickly averts his eyes back]
Panther: Well, isn't that convenient?
[The Jade Six are shown waiting to be seated behind Mother Gothel and Lady Tremaine before cutting back to Panther and Tai Lung]
Panther: You did tell me you'd formed some form of comradery with that Po recently. What's the hesitation?
Tai Lung: It's hardly 'comradery'. I just acknowledged his usefulness. Not like the others would believe that, they're still giving me daggers.
[Panther looks off in their direction before looking back at Tai Lung]
Panther: I remember when I went to the palace for that commission, it's a beautiful place, at least in terms of scenery. While I respect the warriors for their commitment, I will admit, they are rather self-righteous.
Tai Lung: The most accurate way to describe them…and quite frankly, a large portion of this city.
Panther: Well, I wouldn't be that harsh, at least towards certain people.
Tai Lung: When you've dealt with people like I have, you'd hardly be saying the same thing.
Panther: Trust me when I say I've dealt with my own misconceptions, as I've told you before.
Tai Lung: Ah…you're right. [sighs] I apologize for being tense.
[Panther puts a paw on top of the snow leopard's as a group of four passes by the table behind them; Max G. PJ, Bobby, and Bradley]
Panther: It's alright, I just want you to relax and enjoy the evening. Besides, do I not provide that source of comfort you've been deprived of?
Tai Lung: Hmmmmmm…you're not wrong. I wouldn't want to disparage you, doing all this for me. Really, I'm just making a scene…
Panther: I assure you, everything will be alright, as long as I'm standing here.
[The shot pans over to the Jade Palace Six sat at another table with the perspective showing the side of Tigress' head before cutting to a front angle of her narrowed eyes and stoic expression…her focus is cut short by the pan over to a grey fox copying her mannerisms]
Zhen: …You turned into a statue yet?
Tigress: [scoffs] You're not funny.
Zhen: [smirks] To the empress of stone, that's a given.
[Po and Monkey snicker at this]
Tigress: Really mature…
Viper: Oh, Tigress, lighten up a little. We're meant to be enjoying ourselves.
Tigress: I'm not sure how that's possible when there's a criminal standing next to me.
Zhen: Pfft, you raid a few villages and suddenly, everyone wants your head.
Crane: How did you convince Shifu to let her stay with us?
Po: Oh, you know, pulled a few strings with the big guy and it all worked out from there.
Zhen: "Big Guy" and he's shorter than the two of us combined. Hehehehehe.
[Zhen notices Tigress glowering at her]
Zhen: You know, I wonder if there's an invisible rain cloud over your head at times.
Mantis: I was thinking more of a thunderstorm.
[Tigress abruptly stands up before smacking her napkin down on the table. She proceeds to walk away]
Po: Tigress…
[Tigress walks past two tables housing Rufus and Reggie at one, and the Fox family at another before she stops outside of the restrooms. She gives a sigh]
Tigress: It doesn't make sense…a thief gets accepted into the Jade Palace, Tai Lung gets smothered with affection, and what do I get…?
[Tigress tilts her head over to the left, looking back at the patrons]
Tigress: …I'm making a complete fool of myself…I just…I don't know…hmm?
[Tigress looks down to see Viper]
Viper: You alright there?
Tigress: Does it appear so?
Viper: Tigress…
Tigress: [sighs] Sorry, I just…I'm trying to work this all out, and yet I can't find any answers.
Viper: I suppose it's one of those things that just…happens, you know? I can't explain it myself, but if we can accept someone like Po or Zhen into the Jade Palace, who's to say someone can't be guided back to the right path?
Tigress: I…guess you have a point there…
Viper: Come on…it's no fun stuck back here. Also, try to be a little more social with us. We did train in the same dojo together.
Tigress: You're not wrong, I just don't know how I can hold a conversation with at least…four comedians at the table.
Viper: You're a smart girl, I'm sure you'll come up with something. Now, let's go back and eat.
Tigress: [sighs] …Alright then.
[Viper walks Tigress back to the group while she glances over to Panther and Tai's table…she turns to look ahead as we cut back to the black panther and snow leopard]
Panther: Funny thing, I wasn't opposed to a threesome as some might assume.
Tai Lung: Hmmhmmhmm, you've certainly got a way with storytelling.
Panther: Speaking of which, sun and moon off to the right.
[Panther points in the direction of Wolf, Fox, and Bill taking up a booth while Falco and Leon are sat at another table, the chameleon purposely toying with the avian with his legs]
Leon: You sure they're stock?
Falco: I'm gonna say this; you're not cutting off anyone's legs here.
Leon: Why, I wouldn't dream of it…
Falco: I'm sure you wouldn't…cuz I don't wanna know what you dream about.
[Cut to the trio in the booth]
Fox: I was wondering when you were gonna get a break from the military.
Bill: Oh, you know General Pepper, a meticulous one he is, but it's all cool.
Wolf: Well, as much as it can be putting up with an old stickler.
Fox: You're lucky I managed to get him to lay off you in particular.
Wolf: It seems being his golden lap boy has its perks.
Fox: I'd hardly call myself a lap dog, just answering to the higher-ups. Besides, that's more of Bill's role now.
Bill: Hmmhmm, you always did have that dry sense of humor, Fox. Takes me back to the academy days.
Fox: It still amazes me how you kept a level head throughout all that, even now.
Bill: Well, when you're in the military, you gotta remember to have fun in life. It's why I enjoy going to the beach, it's just pure chill there.
Wolf: Speaking of which…think some people might have too much of it.
[Cut to a shot of Hokey and Loopy sitting on opposite ends of a table with a string of spaghetti in their mouths…till is revealed to be a single long noodle that lets their muzzles meet with each other, resulting in a kiss]
Fox: Oh, there's no harm in public display.
[Fox narrows his eyes]
Fox: That said, I'd rather you didn't flip me over the table and start going feral.
Wolf: Now would I so careless to do such a thing?
[Fox rolls his eyes before giving a grin]
Fox: To some extent, yes.
Wolf: Oh, shush, Foxy…[looks over]...you gotta hand it to Panther, the man's got a way around even the toughest guys.
Fox: Yeah…
[Cut back to the felines engaging in a steak dinner, with the two laughing at something]
Panther: My, my, is it a joy to see you smile. A truly beautiful one at that.
[Tai Lung's cheeks flush a light shade of red]
Tai Lung: …I appreciate the compliment. Hmmmmm…I admit, it feels nice. Who knew I needed a catch to feel something other than existential dread?
Panther: I guess you could say I'm…magic in a way.
[Panther leans in to give a peck to the snow leopard's cheek while Tai Lung sighs contently]
[Pan over to Tigress watching from her table. Her normally stoic expression morphs into something more solemn]
[Cut to later in the evening as Panther and Tai Lung are seen leaving the restaurant, conveniently at the same time as the Jade Seven leave right behind them, albeit heading in a different direction. However, Tigress drags behind as she watches the two other felines getting further and further away]
Tigress: [thinking] "…Even if I can't understand it myself, at least he found some form of peace…but for me…I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."
[Without another word, Tigress continues to follow on with the rest of her group]
[Cut to black]
Character Guide:
Tai Lung, Tigress, Po Ping, Monkey, Mantis, Viper, Crane, Zhen, Master Shifu, Master Oogway, Lord Shen, Boss Wolf, Kai, The Chameleon - Kung Fu Panda
Panther Caroso, Wolf O'Donnell, Leon Powalski, Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, Bill Grey, General Pepper - Star Fox
Fiona Fox, Sleuth Dawg, Sonic the Hedgehog, Shadow the Hedgehog - Sonic the Hedgehog
Honest John, Gideon - Pinocchio (1940)
Padraic Ratigan - The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Anastasia - Anastasia (1997)
Big Macintosh, Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Bolt, Mittens - Bolt (2008)
Callie Briggs, Commander Ulysses Feral, Felina Feral, Lieutenant Steel - SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron
Freddy Fazbear, Bonnie, Chica, Foxy - Five Nights at Freddy's
Hokey Wolf - Hokey Wolf
Hunter, Colleen - Road Rover
I.M. Weasel - I Am Weasel
Jenner - The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Kenai, Koda - Brother Bear (2003)
Lady Tremaine - Cinderella (1950)
Lieutenant Pug, Persian Pete - 101 Dalmatians: The Series
Lizzie McGuire - Lizzie McGuire
Loopy De Loop - Loopy De Loop
Max Goof, Pete Jr, Bobby Zimmeruski, Bradley Uppercrust III - A Goofy Movie (1995) / An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000)
Mother Gothel - Rapunzel
Mr. Fox, Mrs. Fox, Ash Fox, Kristofferson Silverfox - Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Odette - The Swan Princess (1994)
Pearl, Bismuth - Steven Universe
Rufus, Reggie - Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart
Scar, Zira, Shenzi, Banzai, Ed - The Lion King (1994) / Simba's Pride (1998)
Shere Khan, Kaa - The Jungle Book (1967)
Super Snooper, Blabber Mouse - Snooper and Blabber
James, Rosie, Whiff - Thomas and Friends
Top Hat, Zebedee, Frank and Eddie - TUGS