(DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE KUNG FU PANDA FRANCHISE/SERIES OR POKÉMON. KUNG FU PANDA (FRANCHISE/SERIES) BELONGS TO DREAMWORKS ANIMATION. POKÉMON BELONGS TO GAMEFREAK/NINTENDO).
Chapter 5: New Foes and New Adventures
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(Snorlax was now walking to the Query where the Gabite said Urshifu (Single Strike) had attacked them before as the Weather had become Chilly and cold, but he was able to manage it due to his "Fat", along with a Spare Lantern. Snorlax gazed at the destruction that Urshifu (Single Strike) had left behind in dismay, as he knew that Urshifu was no weakling by any means. But then among the rubble of the ruined Query, something caught Snorlax's eye... a path of Footprints. Snorlax looked at the Path of Footprints as he remembered the words that Meowscarada said to him as she was in her Cage heading to the Michina Town Prison where she would be going for her imprisonment).
Snorlax: Every step leaves a footprint, no matter how small. (But then Snorlax noticed something very peculiar about the footprints that Urshifu (Single Strike) left behind. At first, they were his normal pawprints, but as they got further and further away, they slowly got lighter and lighter in impression from the snow on the ground. It was like Urshifu (Single Strike) suddenly went from moving across the ground to moving into the air as his footprints just up and disappeared from the ground. This all left Snorlax feeling confused about what was going on here).
(Now Snorlax was at the Michina Town Prison that was currently Meowscarada's Prison. And he was intending to ask her questions about what she knew about what was currently going on right now).
Snorlax: Very clever, fox. You know something. (Snorlax stood in front of a Prison Cell Contained Meowscarada with the Lantern held in front of him as she responded to his inquiries directed towards her as she hung in the corner of her cell sounding sly).
Meowscarada: Likely I do, likely I do not. (But then she broke out in a cell as if she could not hold her excitement as she ran up to him). Okay, I do. I really, really do.
Snorlax: Tell me. (But then she gets all sly and cunning again as she walked away from Snorlax).
Meowscarada: And why should I? Well, I mean, what is in it for me? (Snorlax tries to convince her to share what she knows by appealing to her humanity).
Snorlax: The peace of mind knowing you did the right thing. (Meowscarada responds to this with a bit of teasing directed at him as she walked back over).
Meowscarada: You are adorable. Has anyone ever told you that? And I do not mean just in, like, the cuddly sense. (Snorlax is in no mood for her jokes as he gets serious saying).
Snorlax: I do not have time for games! Urshifu is running loose in Machina Town! (Meowscarada feels slightly amused by Snorlax's desperation here as she humors him a bit).
Meowscarada: Maybe. Or likely she wants you to think it was Urshifu. (This Snorlax attention as he asks Meowscarada).
Snorlax: Wait. She? (Then before Snorlax realizes it, Meowscarada has snatched his Lantern).
Meowscarada: Mine! (Snorlax looked shocked that Meowscarada managed to take his Lantern like she did so quickly. But before he could say anything, Meowscarada began to tell Snorlax what she knew about the "She" who she just mentioned to him). The Empress of Disguise, capable of taking any form, mimicking any shape. The Master in Deception. The only Pokémon in Existence who can use close to all known moves, regardless of their types. Well, I am talking 'bout... Mew. (The two on-duty guards gasp in fear and horror as they were in ear rage of what Meowscarada just said. But then Snorlax felt a little bothered that two guards were sorta eavesdropping in on his conversation with Meowscarada).
Snorlax: This is kinda a private conversation. (The Guards then muttered to themselves as they left to give Snorlax and Meowscarada a bit of privacy. Once they were gone, Snorlax went back to interrogating Meowscarada). Who's Mew?
Meowscarada: Only the most powerful shape-shifting Pokémon who is also a Psychic Type. (From this, Snorlax draws a conclusion about what is going on here).
Snorlax: So, she shape-shifted into Urshifu. (But this leaves Snorlax with an unanswered question). But what does she have against me and Machina Town? (Meowscarada does not answer his question as she instead tells him).
Meowscarada: These are good questions. You should ask her. (But Snorlax does not know where this "Mew" is, so he then asks Meowscarada).
Snorlax: You are right. How do I find this "Mew"? (But Meowscarada just tells him as she goes back to the corner of the Cell she was previously standing in).
Meowscarada: She is not someone who can end up found. At least not without someone "in the know". (Snorlax realizes that Meowscarada was right that he would not be able to find this Hollywood Chameleon named Mew on his own. Especially if she were outright able to shapeshift into any form she wanted and could even change in size, unlike most Pokémon who could also shapeshift by merely changing their colors. He then asked Meowscarada about something she said).
Snorlax: And how do I find someone "in the know"? (This causes Meowscarada to sigh as she decided to just spell it out for him).
Meowscarada: Oh! It is me. Obviously, it is... It is me; I am "in the know". (But Snorlax could tell that she was trying to convince him to free her from her prison and he was not going to do it as he told her).
Snorlax: Forget it, I will find her on my own. (This, however, did not bother Meowscarada as she humored him telling him while he went ahead to leave her behind).
Meowscarada: Good luck. After Everything, how hard can it be to find someone who can look like anyone, blend in anywhere? (Knowing that once again, Meowscarada was right about that, he dejectedly walked back to Meowscarada with his head hanging down in shame as he knew what he would have to do, but he did not like it).
Snorlax: Fine. You lead me to Mew, and I will see what I can do about reducing your sentence. (Knowing that she had Snorlax right where she wanted him, the Boxed Crook accepts his offer with a Sly and Cunning Smile on her face).
Meowscarada: Deal.
(Snorlax did feel a little eager, knowing that this "Mew" would be the first female Big Bad he has ever faced, since Urshifu (Single Strike), Genesect, and Marshadow had all been Male Villains, so with Mew he would Breaking Old Trends. Snorlax also could not help but note that he already found multiple parallels in Meowscarada to himself. Just like him, Meowscarada was an outcast, and her use of ending up locked inside a prison to strike her bargain also bears a superficial resemblance to his own ascension started with him locked outside the Palace. But then suddenly the door to the prison opened and a Voice shouted, getting both Snorlax and Meowscarada's attention and startling them both in the process).
Voice: Snorlax! (Snorlax Yelps in shock as he turns to see that Urshifu (Rapid Strike) was standing there, and not looking too pleased as well). What do you think you are doing? (Due to still ending up caught off guard by Urshifu (Rapid Strike)'s sudden appearance, Snorlax stammers his explanation to Urshifu).
Snorlax: There is this shape-shifting Pokémon on the loose and... (Before he can even finish, Urshifu tells him dismissively).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): That is a job for the Animarium Wild Force. (Snorlax does not like the sound of this as he disagrees with Urshifu telling him).
Snorlax: Well, they are not here, and someone needs to protect Machina Town. (Urshifu knows that Snorlax is not wanting to pass the torch of "Dragon Warrior" just yet, as he tries to tell him gently yet firmly).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): Look, I know that change is difficult and that you enjoy being the Dragon Warrior, but your job is finding a successor. (Meowscarada then annoyedly interjects into Urshifu's conversation with Snorlax telling him).
Meowscarada: The Dragon Warrior and I have a deal. Mind your own business, Drake Parker. (Snorlax, at once defends his teacher from the Gadfly that Meowscarada is being right now as her attempt to get under his skin).
Snorlax: Master Urshifu is not a Drake Parker. (Urshifu then informs both Snorlax and Meowscarada telling them while sounding blunt and unfeelingly with a very annoyed look on his face).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): For I am a Wushu Pokémon. (Meowscarada is quiet for a couple of moments, as if not sure how to respond to this response from him. Before she suddenly smiles and kindly tells him).
Meowscarada: Do you know what? Well, I love that for you. (Urshifu tries to ignore Meowscarada as he turns his attention back to Snorlax).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): Snorlax, this is your decision. But I bet you know what choice Master Zacian would want you to make. (Snorlax takes a couple of moments to think about his options as Urshifu smiles at him knowing that he will make the right decision...).
(... Only to end up proven wrong moments later, when Meowscarada opens the Prison doors, catching the two Prison guards by surprise as they end up knocked away when the doors fly open).
Meowscarada: Thanks for the free stay. (She then goes and shakes hands with one of the Prison Guards who got stuck in between the bars in the door. While Urshifu ends up left in shock of Snorlax's decision as he and Snorlax walk out of the prison following Meowscarada).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): What are you doing? (But Snorlax does not answer him as Meowscarada keeps rejoicing in her freedom as she kept talking to the other guards and others present).
Meowscarada: Little dank for day care. (While Urshifu tried to stop her from escaping any further than she already has).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): Wait! (Meowscarada either could not hear Urshifu or just ignored him as she kept celebrating her freedom).
Meowscarada: Not bad for jail. (Urshifu is clearly not pleased with this turn of events as he made his displeasure clear to both Snorlax and Meowscarada).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): Where is she going? You cannot leave. (Meowscarada then even shook hands with Urshifu as Snorlax said to his Master hoping to ease his worries a bit as he began to leave).
Snorlax: Do not worry, I will have her back before you even know she is gone. (Then Meowscarada ran to catch up with Snorlax as Urshifu yelled back to Snorlax, very displeased with him shouting).
Urshifu (Rapid Strike): You are supposed to be passing along wisdom and inspiring hope! (The Prison door closed with the Guard's head still stuck in the space between the bars. Then Snorlax shouted back to Urshifu to reassure him about this).
Snorlax: Just think of it as one last Dragon Warrior adventure. Okay, I will be back soon. Tell both my parents I love 'em. (Urshifu glared terribly angry with Snorlax's decision here. Especially so when he heard Snorlax yelling towards him while Meowscarada waved her now somehow Handcuffed free hands to him with a big grin to make fun of him for ending up chained up behind Snorlax's back). But I cannot hear you anymore! Bye!
(But then as if to add insult to injury, Urshifu only then noticed that after Meowscarada somehow managed to escape from her handcuffs, she managed to handcuff him to one of the Prison Guards with the other handcuff being around the Guards' neck. Causing him to groan in anger and displeasure as he did not like Meowscarada one bit, as he could already see that getting under her opponent's skin with snarky jabs was a favored tactic of hers, as well as something she clearly does for fun. Urshifu just could not understand what Snorlax was even thinking right now, teaming up with a crook like her, especially when he should be focusing on finding a successor who will be the next Dragon Warrior. But he hoped that when he got back, he would carefully choose a New Dragon Warrior).
(Soon after, Snorlax and Meowscarada were walking down the path in a nearby forest as their journey to find Mew had begun. With Meowscarada being especially enthusiastic about her freedom as she followed Snorlax from the side of the Path they were walking on).
Meowscarada: Yes! It sure is good to be a free Pokémon again. (Then Meowscarada leaps over to Snorlax and eyes the Behemoth Blade Sword). That is a good back scratcher. (She then manages to grab it out of Snorlax's paws). Yoink!
Snorlax: Hey! (Snorlax shouts in displeasure at having his precious sword end up taken from him. Meowscarada goes and stands on a nearby fallen tree as she gazed at the legendary item in her paws as she asked Snorlax).
Meowscarada: So, does this really unlock the door to the Spirit Realm? (Snorlax takes the Sword back from Meowscarada as he answers her question).
Snorlax: It does not work like that. It needs to end up given to gain its powers. (Snorlax hopes that Meowscarada would understand that. And Meowscarada looks to understand what Snorlax just told her).
Meowscarada: Gotcha. (Snorlax saw that Meowscarada was hanging from a Tree Branch by her tail giving a very inquisitive look). Given to gain. (She then leaps down from the tree to ask her travel partner). So, can I, have it? (Snorlax is quick to deny her request telling her).
Snorlax: No! What do you take me for anyway?
Meowscarada: An easy mark.
Snorlax: What is an easy mark?
Meowscarada: Someone who is easy to steal from, usually because they are generous and too trusting. Like you. (Not knowing that she was partly insulting him just now, Snorlax thanked her).
Snorlax: Aw, thank you. (With that, Snorlax and Meowscarada's Journey continued. With Snorlax feeling significantly confident that he did not make a mistake in Recruiting the Criminal that is Meowscarada, not even letting the fact that he happened to catch her trying to rob the Hall of Heroes earlier deter him in his decision making).
(Meanwhile, back at Watchog's Restaurant, Watchog and Ursaluna were as usual serving customers. And a couple of the Customers were talking amongst each other. But one Customer specifically was talking about something remarkably interesting as Ursaluna came to their table to serve them.
Customer #1: Well, I heard Mew is a monster with an appetite for a thousand predators, and her favorite food is Snorlax. (At another table nearby, a Villager who was wearing Red and Green Sweater, and Bowler hat, was with a group of young kids, and was telling them a scary story complete with a scary voice to match).
Customer #2: They say this Mew character has magical Psychic powers. If you say her name three times, she will take you away in the middle of the night! (Then he towered over the Kids causing them to cry as he brandished a Pair of Gloves that end in Long Sharp Metal Claws. While Ursaluna passed behind the table the Customer was sitting at with an amused look on his face as he goes to walk back over to where Watchog is working behind the desk while also serving a Female Customer who holds her cup up for Ursaluna to refill as he carried a teacup with him as she conversed with a Fellow Villager).
Customer #3: Mew can shape-shift to look like anyone, even you. (Ursaluna then left the two to keep talking as the other Female villager replied to her story telling her).
Customer #4: Or you? (Out of nervousness, they retreated a bit in their seats as they ate their food. Back behind the service desk, Watchog was busy chopping away at a couple of berries with a very anxious look on his face as he within earshot of all the Customers Stories about this "Mew" Character his customers were talking about. Suffice it to say, the stories made him a nervous wreck. And it only got worse when a kid hopped past him over to Urshifu to ask him).
Kid: Mr. Ursaluna! Mr. Ursaluna! Is it true? (Then one of the other kids spoke up asking Ursaluna).
Bunnelby Kid: Snorlax's going to take down an evil Psychic sorcerer? (Before Ursaluna could speak up, another kid asked).
Kid: The... Mew? (Ursaluna chuckles at the kid's enthusiasm over this "Mew" they mentioned and how his son would be going up against said "Mew" as he told them).
Ursaluna: Well, a Dragon Warrior's work is never over. (Then Ursaluna walks through the door to the kitchen backspace area where Watchog was currently working. Then he expressed his worries for Snorlax to Ursaluna).
Watchog: Ursaluna, I think Snorlax happening to be teaming up with a convicted felon to take down an evil sorcerer was not such a great idea. (Watchog was so worried that he even slammed his Butcher knife into the Wooden Cutting board he was using. But Ursaluna tried to ease Watchog's worries for their son who he has been a Parental Substitute figure for all his life).
Ursaluna: Relax. Snorlax has faced demons, demigods, and everything else in between. He has always come out on top. (Watchog knows that Ursaluna was right, and that he had no reason to worry about Snorlax).
Watchog: You are right. You are right. (But then Watchog freaked out big time as he shouted to Urshifu). But what if you are wrong?
(Watchog knew that he was just a humble noodle chef who had neither formal Kung-Fu training nor a common ancestry with anyone who does, but still he was able to use his personal philosophies which included at least two pieces of ultimate Kung Fu wisdom, the secret of the Xenotome and the path to inner peace, which he just developed them during his life while cooking food. And despite his Wisdom from the Gutter, he was the second character to learn how to successfully manipulate Chi (beat out only by Ursaluna). Ursaluna tried to use his Papa Wolf instinct to be fiercely protective of Snorlax when it counts, to calm Watchog down).
Ursaluna: Calm down, Watchog. How bad can one evil sorcerer be? (Then Ursaluna went back to serving customers, leaving Watchog to his thoughts and worries. The fact that a known criminal would be joining him only made him worry for Snorlax even more. All he could do was hope that Snorlax would be okay and that he would remain safe during this latest Journey he was on and that nothing bad would end up happening to him on it. He just could not bear the thought of anything bad happening to his little Snorlax).
[A/N #1: Here is a bit of Fun Trivia about Kung Fu Panda 1: In a case of Actor-Inspired Element: According to an interview with James Hong, his father owned a noodle shop. When the producers Found out about this, they incorporated it into his character, Mr. Ping].
Replies to my reviewers:
Ashpoke55: Thank you. Picking Meowscarada to be Zen was not too hard of a decision to make. Sure, they are more Fox-esque Pokémon like Nickit and Thievul (To name two), but I chose Meowscarada because it looked more Fox-like than Nickit or Thievul. (And besides I already Thievul as Scar for my Version of "The Lion King" and I try not to use the Same People or Pokémon for more than one movie. (Unless the movie is a sequel/spinoff to the movie I already used the Person or Pokémon as a Pokémon (Franchise Character) Counterpart for. For example, I would not use Thievul as Pokémon Counterpart to any character unless it was a Movie/TV Show related to "The Lion King". TV shows (in most Cases) would be exempt from this rule of mine. (But it would depend on the TV Show itself whether the rule applies or not).). And I Cannot Wait to resume working on my Pokémon Version of "Ben 10 Alien Force" Season 2 Either, I am so excited. :). (And I am grinning ecstatically with excitement as I write this sentence).
Please Review
-To Be Continued-
Next time on... MASTER FIGHTER BATTLES 4:
The Maniacal Mew