Tai Lung's Second Chance
by: Terrell James
It was a clear day and Shifu looked outside for a little peace. He meditated for about an hour and then he saw Tai Lung lying down on the Jade Palace steps. He looks at him and sees the scars on his face and his body. He wakes up and sees Shifu looking at him. He put out his hand and he felt a little scared.
Shifu said, "Easy, son. It's okay."
He took him inside the palace and puts him in his room. He sat down and asked him, "Why did you come back?"
"I've got a second chance. I got off for good behavior. I know I've been kinda out of control, but I've changed since after I got sent back to prison again. I wished I could've turned things back." said Tai.
"It's okay, son. I know what you did was wrong, but I guess I could've done something." said Shifu.
"We've been like good friends growing up and I just can't tell you how sorry I am that I hurt you that day. I was just waiting for the Dragon Scroll to see what was inside. The second time, it was nothing and I was extremely mad at you and wanted to kill you. I felt guilty after that. I would never do anything to hurt you." said Tai.
"I know. It's okay. I accept your apology. I know you've changed and you still have a good heart. You just didn't want to show it. I'm really sorry. You were like my son to me." said Shifu.
"I've been through my old ways, but now I need a second chance. Can you let me back in?" asked Tai.
Shifu sighed and realizes that he's been mentoring Tai Lung for a long time before he trained the Furious Five and Po. He thought that maybe he should give Tai Lung a break after his troubled past. He turned to him and said, "I don't know, but I think you deserve a second chance. Just try not to mess up again."
"I promise, Master. I've been through a lot in my life and I'm just ready to change." said Tai.
"I know you want to change and I realize what you've been through a lot and I guess we could give it a shot." said Shifu.
Tai Lung stood up looking a little happy, like he's been giving a second chance to get back to the temple. He walked over to Shifu and gave him a little hug. He sighed and said, "I promise I'll change. I'll be really good."
"Okay. You're back home where you are. I'm trusting you to change." said Shifu.
The two walked outside and decided to talk about what they've been through with their lives. Tai Lung said, "I know the rest of the Furious Five and that Dragon Warrior have been a little hard on me since my escape, but they might see the new Tai Lung."
"I'll be the judge of that. Maybe I'll convince them to give you a break." said Shifu.
"I'm sorry for what I've done. I was just thinking about that Dragon Scroll, I've been turned to the darker side of me. From now on, I'm only gonna put my kung-fu to good use." said Tai Lung.
"I agree. I'm gonna get you settled in pretty soon. I'm just happy that you're changing back to being good. You just have to be patient and try not to start a fight with anyone." said Shifu.
"Okay, master. I promise I'll do what you say." said Tai Lung.
Shifu nodded his head and then said, "I've always loved you like a son and I still do."
"That's all I needed, a second chance to fix what I've destroyed." said Tai Lung.
"Of course you will." said Shifu.
"I'll be waiting inside." said Tai Lung.
"Sure."
Tai Lung walks back to the temple, leaving Shifu looking at the sky and said, "Master, thanks for giving Tai Lung a second chance. I've always hoped that he changed after he got out of prison and he did. I thank you for that."
Feeling a little content, he starts singing a song to himself and looks back on his memories of Tai Lung and how he's been growing a lot.
Shadows fill an empty heart
As love is fading
From all the things that we are
But are not saying
Can we see beyond the scars
and make it to the dawn?
Change the colors of the sky
And open up to
The ways you made me feel alive
The ways I loved you
For all the things that never died
To make it through the night
Love will find you
What about now
What about today
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be
What if our love never went away
What if it's lost behind words we could never find
Maybe, before it's too late
What about now?
The sun is breaking in your eyes
To start a new day
This broken heart can still survive
With a touch of your grace
Shadows fade into the night
I am by your side
Where love will find you
What about now
What about today
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be
What if our love, it never went away
What if it's lost behind words we could never find
Maybe before it's too late
What about now
Now that we're here
Now that we've come this far
Just hold on
There is nothing to fear
For I am right beside you
For all my life
I am yours
What about now
What about today
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be
What if our love never went away
What if it's lost behind words we could never find
What about now
What about today
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be
What if our love never went away
What if it's lost behind words we could never find
Maybe before it's too late
Maybe before it's too late
Maybe before it's too late
What about now...?
Looking at the sky again, he walks away back to the temple, looking a little content about giving Tai Lung a second chance.
This song was inspired by Daughtry's "What About Now." It's really bittersweet and heartfelt. Tell me what you think!