UNTITLED SCREENPLAYby

My Name Here

123/456-7890no.such@thing.com

Episode Two

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

(MATTHEW 26:41)"The spirit iswilling but the flesh is weak." NEW ENGLISH TRANSLATION

2.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. RYUUZAKI'S (REE-YOU-ZAH-KEE)ALLEYWAY - WEDNESDAY - 6:13AM

There is an overcast, three cops are standing in front ofcaution tape guarding the area behind it. Curious civilianswhisper and chatter inaudibly. PANS slowly through thecrowd, past the unhinged gates, and into the crime scene.There are several police officers, crime scenephotographers, detectives, and other professionalspecialists scattered around.

A forensic analyst takes a picture of Ryo's deceased body. Adetective approaches a police officer.

DETECTIVE (while staring at Ryo'sbody)

As usual there's blood and novisible wounds or indications of astruggle. We'll get a sample of theblood and send it in. I'm willingto bet that the blood belongs tothe deceased.

The police officer shakes his head as he takes notes on apad.

POLICE OFFICERThese cases get me every time. I'mstarting to believe in this BlackOnda thing.

The detective shrugs.

DETECTIVE If this is related to the othercases, I'm assuming the victim'sheart is missing from his body.

CLOSE UP on Ryo's face.

TheRemnant credits begin. Note

CUT TO:

EXT. RYUUZAKI'S - MORNING

A MIDDLE-AGED MAN is standing in front of a camera. He isbeing filmed by a CAMERAWOMAN wearing a cap. He is standing

3.

a few feet in front of a restaurant dubbed RYUUZAKI'S. Thedot of the 'i' in Ryuuzaki's is an apple. The camerawomancounts down.

CAMERAWOMAN "Three, two..."

She points at him and he begins to report.

MIDDLE-AGED REPORTER With breaking news, a body wasdiscovered at the back alley of thelocal diner, Ryuuzaki's at 5:30this morning. Mr. Ryuuzaki, theowner of the diner was taking outthe trash when he found thedeceased. The victim has beenidentified as Ryo Yamano. It isbelieved that Mr. Yamano's deathmay be related to the mysteriousdeaths and disappearances- or BlackOnda as many call it. Any witnessesare being asked to take a stepforward and share any informationyou may have to help with thisinvestigation. This has beenMatsuda (Maht-sue-duh) Takawa(Tuh-cow-uh) reporting live atRyuuzaki's diner from Ryojimamorning news. Thank you. Back toyou Amane (Uh-mon-ay).

CUT TO:

INT. TAKANASHI RESIDENCE - MORNING - 7:31 AM

LONG SHOT of someone watching the news on a large built inflat screen television.

INTERCUT BETWEEN THE PERSON AND AMANE.

The news anchor, AMANE is speaking at a desk.

AMANE After five years of disputes andcontroversy, the bill for the dailyRyojima City Curfew has beenpassed. Starting today the RyojimaCity nine o' clock curfew will beimplemented. Once the curfew isenforced, anyone who is notauthorized to be out after hourswill be strictly reprimanded. Foryour own safety, it is heavilyencouraged that you keep a pocketknife and pepper spray with you at

(MORE)

4.

AMANE (cont'd)all times. I'm Amane Epperson andthis is Ryojima morning news.Remain compliant. Remain safe.Remain pro-

INTERCUT TO TAKANASHI RESIDENCE

The television turns black. A man wearing a fancy businesssuit is sitting on a white, leather couch. He is a ratherlarge man with broad shoulders. He has thick eyebrows,crow's feet wrinkles, dark yet gray streaked hair, smalllight brown eyes and a small vertical scar near his righteye. With his eyes closed, legs crossed, he takes a sip ofcoffee from a black mug. He savors the flavor then sets itdown on the glass coffee table in front of him.

FANCY MAN(beckons)

Kujo.

A voice from behind answers him.

MYSTERIOUS VOICE (O.S.)He has left for his morning jogquite some time ago. Would you likeme to retrieve him MR. TAKANASHI?

The voice belongs to a man with black hair. He has areceding hairline and is wearing squared glasses. His eyesare violet and he has a thick mustache. He has one largescar running across his eye. The camera only reveals himfrom the chest up, he appears to be wearing a stereotypicalbutler suit.

MR. TAKANASHI No, that won't be necessary, JOHN.He'll be home soon.

(With his eyes closed) However, when you see him, tell himhe is not to be out any time laterthan dinner. Everyday from now on.And see to it that you provide himwith the appropriate form ofprotection.

JOHN smiles happily.

JOHNYes, Mr. Takanashi. And what of hismorning jogs?

MR. TAKANASHII will deal with it accordingly.

JOHNYes.

5.

John readjusts his glasses. He is wearing white gloves andan expensive gold Rolex on his right wrist.

CUTS TO:

EXT. JIYUHEIWA HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING - MOMENTS LATER

LONG SHOT of a group of teenagers conversing in front of alarge school building. There are students scatteredthroughout the front of the campus. It is three storieshigh.

CLOSE UP on Shikauhno. She is wearing an arm warmer on herleft arm, a long sleeve sweater, scarf, jeans, and brownboots. She is wearing a backpack and is holding a piece ofpaper. The scarf slightly hides the bandage on her cheek.Shikauhno looks up at the school as PANS UP in WORM'S EYEVIEW. CLOSE UP on a sign placed in front of the schoollabeled JIYUHEIWA HIGH SCHOOL (Gee-you-hey-wah).

CUT TO:

INT. JIYUHEIWA HIGH - SAME

There are rows of lockers on each side of the walls and abulletin board with multicolored papers pinned to itadvertising school clubs and activities. A male student pinsup a paper to the bulletin board using a pushpin. The paperreads:

Join Black Onda Club Today!!

Discuss Theories

Eat snacks

Have A Good Time

WE MEET EVERY THURSDAY DURING LUNCH

The sound of background students fill the air. CLOSES IN ona specific group of three. A FEMALE STUDENT with a book inher hand speaks.

FEMALE STUDENTHey did you guys hear about thatguy who was murdered?

A CHUBBY STUDENT wearing glasses answers her.

CHUBBY STUDENT He's not just any guy! He was agame god! Have you even playedAngel Must Die?"

6.

TALL & LEAN MALEThat's my favorite game.

CHUBBY STUDENT (excitedly)

Right?

TALL & LEAN MALE(morosely)

Too bad we won't be seeing anymoreof those type of games for a while.

CHUBBY STUDENT(quietly)

Bummer man.

TALL & LEAN MALEScrew Black Onda.

FEMALE STUDENTI think Ryojima's cursed.

CHUBBY STUDENTIt's happening everywhere, not justhere.

(readjusting his glasses)

FEMALE STUDENT(exasperated)

It's a thousand times worse here! Ibet we're being punished byGod...or the devil! That's what alot of people are saying onblackondatheories.com, you guysshould check it out.

TALL & LEAN STUDENTIsn't it sick how all the bodieshave holes where there heartsshould be? I mean, it's impossibleto yank someones heart out withoutleaving scars or anything behind.

FEMALE STUDENT (voice fades into thebackground)

I'm telling you it's the devil.

CUTS TO:

EXT. CLASS 2A - DAY - MOMENTS LATER

CLOSE UP on the sign displaying CLASS 2A and quick cut...

INT. JIYUHEIWA HIGH - CLASS 2A - DAY - SAME

Shikauhno is staring blankly as she stands before her class.She recalls the conversation she had with "Ryo Yamano." Onlyvoices are played through her mind.

7.

SHIKAUHNOYou have a family; a wife anddaughter. You have the perfectlife. So why are you doing this?

RYO YAMANOMe? A family?

SHIKAUHNOYou're Ryo Yamano, aren't you?

RYO YAMANOYou mean this body? On the outsideI may look like that man, but he'slong gone.

A HANDSOME MALE who is the TEACHER; whom eyes are brown andis wearing glasses is speaking to her. Though his lips aremoving, no sound is coming out of his mouth. Shikauhnocontinues to focus on the conversation her and Ryo had.

SHIKAUHNOOh god...what are you?

RYO YAMANOHow ironic, those were his lastwords BEFORE I TORE HIS HEART OUT!

Shikauhno finally comes to and she becomes aware of hersurroundings. The man's voice is now audible.

TEACHERGo ahead, introduce yourself.

Shikauhno blinks as she snaps back to reality.

SHIKAUHNOI-I'm Shikauhno Lee from Seattle,Washington.

The screen freezes to display Shikauhno's characteranalysis:

SHIKAUHNO LEE

AGE: 17

BLOOD TYPE: AB-

DATE OF BIRTH: JULY 10, 1997

ETHNICITY: JAPANESE (75%), CHINESE (25%)

EYE COLOR: BRIGHT GREEN

FACT: SHIKAUHNO LIVED IN AMERICA WITH HER FOSTER FAMILY FORTEN YEARS.

8.

FAVORITE COLOR: ALL SHADES OF GREEN

HEIGHT: 5'5.5

PLACE OF BIRTH: RYOJIMA, JAPAN

WEIGHT: 135 POUNDS/61 KILOGRAMS

The screen unfreezes.

The whole class gawks at her and loudly whisper to eachother.

SFX: Students whispering.

The teacher views Shikauhno from head to toe and notices herarm warmer.

TEACHER Find an open seat.

He smiles at her brightly. Shikauhno slowly walks down a rowto find a seat; her new classmates judge her with looks andwhispers.

SHIKAUHNO (i.t)

God, I hate when people stare.

A girl with shoulder length scarlet hair beckons Shikauhnowith a bright smile. Shikauhno takes a seat next to her.

The teacher announces.

TEACHERYou know the drill, take out yourEnglish books.

The SCARLET HAIRED GIRL introduces herself to Shikauhno.

SCARLET HAIRED STUDENTI can always tell who the newstudents are. They all have thesame lost look on their face.

Shikauhno tries to avoid eye contact. The girl clears up.

SCARLET HAIRED STUDENT (CONT'D)Don't worry it's not a bad thing.

(she giggles)

Shikauhno continues to glance at her.

SCARLET HAIRED STUDENTYour name's Shikauhno right? That'scertainly original.

(she giggles)

Shikauhno nods her head.

9.

SCARLET HAIRED STUDENTWell, I'm KAEDAI.

KAEDAI (Ki-a-day) lifts up her English book.

KAEDAI(bubbly)

We can share if you want.

CUT TO:

INT. GIRL'S RESTROOM - LUNCH - LATER

Shikauhno is in a bathroom stall leaning against the door.She is CRYING. In order to keep quiet she places one handover her mouth. Shikauhno quickly wipes away her tears. Sherolls up her sleeves and arm warmer on her left arm toexpose her self-mutilated wrist. She stares at her scars andfocuses on the one that almost resulted in her death. Shereaches into her pant pocket and pulls out a shiny razor.The razor glistens under the light.

Shikauhno edges the razor closer and closer to her wrist. A quick cut to the outside view of the stall.

Three drops of blood fall onto the ground in a pattern.Shikauhno has tissue over her wrist. She applies pressure toit with her right hand. Tears are still running down herface.

SLOW CUT TO:

INT. HOSPITAL - FLASHBACK

An OLDER WHITE WOMAN with wrinkles is standing overShikauhno's bed crying. They are in a HOSPITAL ROOM.

OLDER WHITE WOMAN(scolding)

How could you do something likethis, SARAH? How could you be soselfish? Who do you think you aretrying to take your own life? Afterall we did for you, the sacrificeswe made...!

She raises her hand to strike Shikauhno but Shikauhno weaklystops her and turns her head away from her ADOPTIVE MOTHER.

SHIKAUHNODon't.

Her foster mother is taken aback.

10.

SHIKAUHNO (CONT'D)Don't waste your energy; I'm donewith that.

Shikauhno rips a cross necklace off of her neck.

SHIKAUHNOAnd this.

(she hands it to heradoptive mom)

I won't be needing this anymore. Myfaith was never mines to beginwith.

She looks away as her mother stands in shock. Her fostermother is at a loss for words.

FOSTER MOTHERSarah.

SHIKAUHNOI can't take swallowing yourpitiful religion any longer. You'vespoon fed it to me for too longthat its made me ill.

(pause)And by the way, don't call meSarah, that isn't my name. That'snot who I am. You met me asShikauhno and changed my name, butnow I want it back. From now on Iwant to be known as Shikauhno,Shikauhno Lee. After all it is mytrue identity. The name that myreal mother gave to me. MICHELLE,tell Chris and Lisa that I'm goingback to Ryojima.

MICHELLE slaps her.

SFX: ECHOING SLAP

FADE OUT.

END OF ACTONE

11.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. GIRL'S RESTROOM - SAME - BACK TO PRESENT

Shikauhno stands before the mirror and gives herself a goodlook. She turns away ashamedly. Two students enter thebathroom and Shikauhno quickly exits.

Quick cut to Jiyuheiwa hallway

As she walks with her head lowered she accidentally collidesinto somebody. It happens to be the boy, KUJO, whom gave herhis jacket at King Makamo. He stares at her and shehurriedly walks past him with her head still lowered. Herecalls their meeting at the restaurant.

BURGUNDY HEADED BOY (i.t)

That girl...

By the time he realizes who she might be she has alreadyturned the corner.

CUT TO:

INT. MASAKU - LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Three individuals are occupying a room with modern furnitureand wooden floor. A FEMALE with BLONDE HAIR is sitting downin an office chair, she is drinking from the white styrofoamcup in her hand; the young man who saved Shikauhno-with theblue and blonde hair-is sitting on a brown couch. A TALLBLACK MAN is standing behind the couch with his armscrossed. There is a coffee table. On the square coffee tablethere are a few recent photos of Shikauhno-taken from whenshe first arrived to Ryojima. A copy of her id and passportis also on the table.

The man with the uneven hair picks up a copy of one ofShikauhno's American passports from off the table. Hesmiles.

BLUE AND BLONDE HAIRED MAN(creepily and whilereading off herpassport)

Shikauhno Lee...today you'reseventeen. Happy Birthday.

CUT TO:

12.

EXT. JIYUHEIWA HIGH SCHOOL - DAY - LATER

Shikauhno and Kaedai are walking out of the school gatestogether.

KAEDAI (excitedly)

Maybe we can work on our homeworktogether.

Shikauhno is non responsive.

KAEDAI (CONT'D) Then after that we can head to themall, or we can even paint eachother nails. Oh that sounds fun.

Kaedai wistfully clasps her manicured hands together.

KAEDAI (rambles)

Or we can...

Shikauhno stops walking and finally cuts her off.

SHIKAUHNOSorry, but there's somewhere I needto be. Maybe next time, okay?

Shikauhno quickly scurries away leaving Kaedai standingdisappointingly alone.

KAEDAI Sure! You have my number now, sodon't be afraid to call!

CUT TO:

INT. BLEACH LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT - HOURS LATER - 6:49 PM

While a washing machine continues to spin, bubbly suds beginto form on the inside. Shikauhno stares at her contortedreflection on the washing machine glass door. She sighsdeeply.

SHIKAUHNOWho ever washes on their birthday?

(sadly)Some weirdo like me I guess.

She halfheartedly blows a raspberry at her own reflection.

SHIKAUHNOYou suck.

Shikauhno reaches into her back pocket and pulls out asingle quarter and a quick cut to...

13.

INT. BLEACH LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER

Shikauhno inserts a dollar into the machine. It eats herdollar and spits out four quarters. She reaches into theslot and grabs them. She places them in her back pocket butone quarter manages to slip away. It rolls under a vendingmachine. Shikauhno gets down on her hands and knees to lookunder the vending machine. She reaches her hand under themachine and is inches away from reaching it. She ends upgrabbing a penny instead. She looks at the penny covered indust and sighs.

A HUSKY VOICE from behind her speaks.

HUSKY MAN VOICE (O.S.)Once its under there, it's gone.

(chuckles)

His chuckle causes him to cough.

Shikauhno stands up and dusts herself off. She looks at theperson behind the voice. He is a rather TAN MAN with curlydark hair, a chevron mustache and hairy arms. He is wearingdingy work clothes, and holding a cleaning spray bottle anda rag hangs from his pocket.

TAN MANI'll be closing in less than halfan hour miss.

SHIKAUHNO But your sign says...

TAN MAN (OWNER)Yeah, I know what the sign says butsince the new curfew has been putin place I'm gonna have to closeearlier from now on.

SHIKAUHNO (sadly)

I just put these in the washer.

THE OWNER (apologetically)

Sorry, last wash was at six.

He scratches his head and grumbles to himself as he walksaway.

THE OWNERI meant to change those darn signs.

CUT TO:

EXT. BLEACH LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT - LATER

Shikauhno is sitting outside the laundry mat on the bench.Her washed wet clothes are stuffed inside her backpack. The

14.

clothes drip on the floor through her backpack that issitting on the bench next to her. The lights in thelaundromat are already off. Shikauhno is holding a smallsnack in a pink wrapper. She slowly opens the wrapper.

SHIKAUHNOI haven't had one of these in awhile.

(she munches into it andsmiles somberly)(i.t)

I used to beg mom to buy me oneevery single day. She hardly eversaid no.

SHIKAUHNOThey taste exactly how I rememberthem.

The camera views Shikauhno on the right side from afar as ifsomeone is watching her.

SFX: Chains jingling.

Shikauhno continues to eat her cake.

SHIKAUHNOHappy birthday Shikauhno.

(She takes anotherbite)(i.t)

You're seventeen now.

A young couple passes by in front of Shikauhno on thesidewalk. They are holding hands. The woman GIGGLES happily.Her male companion's arm is wrapped around her waist andthey smooch as they walk side by side. Shikauhno watchesthem pass by. She grabs her phone and holds it in front ofher face.

SHIKAUHNOSay cheese.

(she smiles awkwardly andclicks a button)

Flash goes off and blinds her. Shikauhno blinks multipletimes then looks at her phone to see how the picture cameout. Shikauhno is disappointed at the outcome. She frowns.-__-

SHIKAUHNODelete.

She begins to delete the photo when an alert pops up on herphone.

SHIKAUHNOHuh?

It reads:

15.

RYOJIMA CELLULAR BROADCAST ALERT SYSTEM (RCBAS): This is nota test. This broadcast is to remind and inform citizens thatthe national curfew will officially commence Wednesday July10, 2013 at 9:00 PM. You are free to roam succeedingsunrise. These regulations shall guarantee the safety forall citizens and shall remain continuous until furthernotice. Remain compliant. Remain safe. Remain protected.Remain inside.

SHIKAUHNOA new curfew? No wondereverything's closed. Maybe I shouldjust head home.

Someone is watching her from afar and the camera reverts totheir perspective.

SFX:Jingling Chains

CUT TO:

INT. CITY BUS - MOMENTS LATER - MOVING

Shikauhno is sitting towards the front of the bus. There areabout six other passengers. Shikauhno yawns. The BUS DRIVERstops and opens the bus door. Two individuals board the bus:a small OLDER WOMAN and someone wearing dark clothes and ahooded jacket. The older woman smiles glumly at the busdriver and pays her fee.

OLDER WOMANHello.

The male bus driver nods.

BUS DRIVERNice to see you again.

The person in dark clothing pays their fee and quicklypasses Shikauhno to claim a seat in the back.

OLDER WOMANNice to see you too dear.

She shuffles to a seat directly across from Shikauhno. Theolder woman and bus driver begin to have a conversation yetthe camera focuses in on Shikauhno's face, with her eyesshut. The background conversation is heard clearly, but in asoft tone.

BUS DRIVERFive years of voting and the curfewfinally makes it in. Did you votema'am?

16.

OLDER WOMAN(smiling)

Yes I did. (stops smiling)

I think it's a shame how people cantake a precious life away soeasily. It's tragic really.

BUS DRIVERYeah, no kidding. Like Ryo Yamano.

CUT TO:

The screen turns black.

The conversation in the background continues while thescreen remains black.

BUS DRIVER (V.O.) It's crazy how a big time guy likethat was killed. It just doesn'tmake much sense to me.

OLDER WOMAN (V.O.)Nowadays, people are dyingneedlessly. Especially our young.

BUS DRIVER (V.O.)This wouldn't be the first time wehad such terrible things going onin this nation. The government hasalways been around. Who's to saythey aren't behind Black Onda?

OLDER WOMAN (V.O.) No matter what happens we have tokeep on living and trust God.

BUS DRIVER (V.O.)I'm not a religious man myself butI see your point.

CUT TO:

EXT. RYUUZAKI'S ALLEYWAY - NIGHT - FLASHBACK

Ryo Yamano's body is slumped up against the left wall; hisdead body is sitting on a crushed cardboard box. There is alarge diagonal gash on his torso and his eyes are wide open.

CUT BACK TO BUSSCENE:

17.

INT. CITY BUS - MOMENTS LATER - MOVING - PRESENT

Shikauhno abruptly opens her eyes. She feels the droolrunning from the corner of her mouth and wipes it away. Shethen looks around to see a virtually empty bus, except oneperson. A brief CLOSE UP on the time displayed on thedigital information bar, which is located at the front ofthe bus.

BUS DRIVER I hope Armins Way's your stopbecause it's the last one of thenight.

SHIKAUHNO (realizes & i.t)

Oh, no. I overslept!

Shikauhno gets up from out of her seat and heads to the busdriver.

SHIKAUHNOHow far back was Temple? That'swhere...

The bus driver interrupts her.

BUS DRIVERSorry miss, it was a couple stopsback.

(he glances up at thedigital information bar)

If you walk fast enough you shouldget there before curfew.

The bus finally comes to it's last stop and Shikauhno runsoff it.

BUS DRIVER (with his hand in theair)

Have a good night.

CUT TO:

EXT. RYOJIMA CITY STREETS - NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER

Shikauhno is walking rather quickly to get home. The streetsare bare of people. The street lights on the sidewalk are afew feet from each other.

Shikauhno spots a man heading towards her. She begins tobecome cautious of his presence. She walks on holding herbreath and with her head held low to avoid making eyecontact with the gentleman. He quickly passes her withoutpaying her any attention. Shikauhno relaxes a little.

18.

SHIKAUHNO (realizes & i.t)

I'm almost there.

She runs the rest of the way home.

CUT TO:

INT. SHIKAUHNO'S STUDIO - NIGHT - LATER

Shikauhno closes her front door and rests her back on it fora moment with her eyes closed. Her face is covered in sweatand she lets out a sigh of relief. As Shikauhno is pullingher scarf off she walks away from the front door to herbathroom. She turns on the light.

The camera films the door of the bathroom which is halfopen. After a couple of minutes Shikauhno comes back outwearing black shorts, a green tank top, one arm warmer, andknee high socks. She keeps the door ajar and the bathroomlight on.

BEDROOM

Shikauhno lays down onto her bed, with her back to it andcloses her eyes. She turns over to the side and hugsherself. The screen turns black as Shikauhno drifts off tosleep.

CUT TO:

INT. SHIKAUHNO'S BEDROOM - NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER

Shikauhno opens her eyes to see someone standing over her.Her eyes widen in fear and before she can react she isalready pinned to the bed by this MALE INTERLOPER. Shikauhnokicks and tries to scream but the intruder overpowers herand covers her mouth. CLOSE UP on the man's clothes.

The person is wearing black skinny jeans with a chainhanging from the pocket, black boots, a beanie, a longsleeved hooded jacket. There is a blue and black guitar casestrapped to his back.

His entire body sits on top of her and he holds both of herarms down while staring her straight in the eye. Heeventually tires Shikauhno out and she stops fighting back.CLOSE UP on Shikauhno while her chest heaves up and down;she tries to catch her breath.

INTERLOPER (calmly)

You know me...

19.

Unsure of what to say Shikauhno stares at the maninquisitively yet with fear in her eyes. He releases herright arm and pulls off the hood of his jacket. He alsoremoves his beanie. It happens to be the man who rescued herfrom "Ryo Yamano."

He stares at Shikauhno reassuringly waiting for a response.Instead, she swipes at his face with her free hand and aline of blood appears across his right cheek. He pins herdown again and brings his face over hers. Shikauhno has arazor in her right hand. Though her arms are pinned shestill clenches the razor. CLOSE UP on both of their faces.

The razor has blood on it and the man forces her to releasethe razor. Since his head hangs over hers his freshly cutcheek bleeds and falls onto Shikauhno's face.

SHIKAUHNOWho you are?

INTERLOPER(matter-of-fact manner)

I helped you.

She realizes who he is.

SHIKAUHNOY...you killed a man, you killedRyo Yamano.

INTERLOPERHe was after you and he was goingto kill you first.

Another drop of blood falls from his face. Shikauhno shakesher head.

Camera close up on Shikauhno's face when blood dropsNote

onto her.

SHIKAUHNONo, you had no right. Why? Why didyou help me? I was ready to...to...

INTERLOPER(finishes her sentence)

Give up?

SHIKAUHNO(weakly)

You don't understand. (turning away)

INTERLOPERIf you wanted to throw away yourlife that day, then why did yourun?

Shikauhno doesn't answer his question.

20.

INTERLOPERTell me, what are the dynamics ofyour faith Shikauhno?

(QUOTE)What are the dynamics of your faith?- PastorNote

Eddie Seals Sermon "The Year of Possibilities" January1, 2013

Shocked, Shikauhno looks him in the eye.

SHIKAUHNOHow do you know who I am?

Instead of answering her question he persistently voices.

INTERLOPERFaith is assurance; believing inyour heart and knowing for yourselfundoubtedly. Within faith liesconviction. What are the dynamicsof your faith?

SHIKAUHNOWhat is there to have faith in?

(scoffs) People, God?

Shikauhno looks away and another drop of his blood fallsonto her cheek.

INTERLOPERIf you believe in something believein it wholeheartedly and if youdon't believe, be adamant in yourdisbelief. You think faith isuseless yet you display it everysecond of your life. Even now. Howcan one not believe in somethingyet practice it every waking momentof their life? Do you think aboutevery breath you take or every timeyou shut your eyes?

SHIKAUHNOOf course not, who would?

INTERLOPEREach breath you take is ademonstration of unconscious faith.

Shikauhno blinks as another drop falls onto her face.

INTERLOPER (CONT'D)Just now when you shut your eyesdid you think the world around youwould change in that brief moment?

SHIKAUHNOThat's not the same thing.

21.

INTERLOPERShikauhno, there are things peopleare capable of understanding yetthey choose not to. Even when thetruth they deny is staring themdead in the eye.

(candidly)

SHIKAUHNOWhat do you want from me?

He doesn't answer her.

SHIKAUHNO(demands)

Just tell me.

INTERLOPER(quietly)

The truth comes at a cost.

SHIKAUHNOThen I'm willing to take the risk!

(with her eyes closed)

INTERLOPERIf I told you...

(he gets off of her andsits on the edge of thebed then finishes hissentence)

I would be forced to end your lifeas you know it.

CLOSE UP ON THE SIDE OF HIS BODY.

SHIKAUHNO (slowly sits up and hereyes widen)

What?

INTERLOPERSo then, do you really want toknow?

CLOSE UP on the intruder and his guitar case. He stands upslowly and the guitar case strapped onto his back begins tomagically rip apart and tatter into pieces. It reveals astrange sword that resembles a guitar and the man reachesfor it. Shikauhno stares in amazement.

SHIKAUHNOWhat....the...

QUICK CUT:

22.

EXT. RYUUZAKI'S ALLEYWAY - NIGHT - FLASHBACK

She recalls the same man standing before her after heslaughtered "Ryo Yamano" and the weapon he was holding onto.

QUICK CUT BACK TO:

INT. SHIKAUHNO'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT - SAME

He swings the strange weapon at her. Shikauhno instinctivelyrolls out of the way and falls onto the floor. He ends upcutting up one of her covers. Shikauhno quickly grabs therazor that landed on the floor earlier and she makes her wayto the front door.

FRONT DOOR/HALLWAY

She manages to unlock it and as she opens it he comes ather. She manages to dodge and escape into the bathroom.

BATHROOM

Shikauhno locks the door behind her. She looks under thesink's cabinet in search of anything she could use as amakeshift weapon. Under her sink is one sponge, and a fewbottles of cleaning supplies. She abandons that idea andpushes her shower curtains out of the way. She steps intothe tub to open the bathroom window.

SHIKAUHNO(while opening the windowand thinks)

If I run he'll probably catch me.What should I do?

She glances back. Shikauhno grabs one of the cleaning spraysand presses her back against the wall behind the bathroomdoor.

INTERCUT TO THE INTRUDER WHO IS OUTSIDE THE BATHROOM.

The camera reverts back to the man outside of the bathroomdoor. He KICKS open her door.

SHIKAUHNO'S BATHROOM

He observantly walks into the bathroom and sees that thewindow is open. He lets down his guard and walks to thewindow.

The camera quickly reverts to Shikauhno's perspective who isin the bathtub. As the man steps his foot into the bathtubShikauhno steps out of the tub from behind the showercurtain to escape. With one foot into the bathtub the manlooks out the window to figure out where Shikauhno could'vewent.

23.

As he is looking out the window, Shikauhno carefully stepsout the bathtub, unexpectedly she slips on the articles ofclothing on the floor. Cautiously she looks up to see if theintruder heard it. To her horror he is staring right at her.She quickly regains her footing and she makes it out of thebathroom and runs to the front door.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACTTWO

24.

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

EXT. SHIKAUHNO'S STUDIO - NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER

Shikauhno is now outside. She continues to run, before shecan get far something trips her, incidentally she drops therazor in her hand. She face plants onto the ground catchingherself with her hands, she turns over to see a red chainwrapped around her left ankle. She looks up to find that thechain is attached to and extending from the weapon in theintruder's hand.

QUICK LONG SHOT of him standing in her doorway about thirtyfeet away from her. The chain begins pulling her.

Shikauhno tries to grab onto anything sturdy enough toresist the pull of the chain. She successfully wraps herhands around a streetlight. She holds on with all of herstrength. Due to the tension, she is slightly lifted off ofthe ground and she drops back onto the concrete. Thiscontinuously happens.

CUT TO:

FLASHBACK MONTAGE:

Shikauhno recalls prior events in her life.

EXT. RYOJIMA PLAZA:

Shikauhno's real mother breaks a sweet cake in half; shehands Shikauhno one half, young Shikauhno happily takes itand smiles brightly. Her memories quickly turn dark andcontinue on.

INT. FOSTER FAMILY HOUSE IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON:

Michelle, her foster mom is pulling Shikauhno by the hair.She violently swings her into a room; Michelle then opens upa Bible and SHOVES Shikauhno's face into it. Shikauhno iscrying. Michelle's mouth moves ANGRILY but the memory isMUTED.

INT. SHIKAUHNO'S ROOM IN FOSTER FAMILY HOUSE:

Shikauhno is in her room-she is obviously a few yearsyounger than she is now-there is a smashed plate in thecorner of the room, crying, Shikauhno peaks at it. She wipesher tears and crawls to the broken glass. She picks up apiece and tosses it in a wastebasket.

She picks up another piece and pricks her index finger.Instead of wincing she curiously stares at it. Shikauhnothen precedes to move up the sleeve of her sweater to reveala bare wrist without any scars. She hesitantly brings the

25.

broken piece closer and closer to her arm. She makes a smallcut on her wrist horizontally. Mesmerized, Shikauhno justwatches the blood flow from her wrist.

CUT BACK TO:

EXT. SHIKAUHNO'S STUDIO - NIGHT - PRESENT

SHIKAUHNO (i.t and defeated)

Why...am I even fighting? I'm soexhausted, I can't take thisanymore. I should just let it allgo.

With that, Shikauhno lets go. Instead of being pulled awayas she expected, she remains where she is. CLOSE UP on thechain releasing her and moving as if it had a life of itsown. It retracts to whence it came from and the man slowlywalks to her.

Shikauhno opens her eyes and realizes that the chain is nolonger around her ankles. The man approaches her.

INTRUDERHere's your chance to run.

Shikauhno stands up slowly.

SHIKAUHNOHow far I run or how fast...itdoesn't matter. Why is it this way?

INTRUDERYou're right, running will get younowhere. It's simply a temporarymeans of escape; an attempt to putyour problems on delay.

SHIKAUHNOWell then I'm facing my problemshead on, so what are you waitingfor? If you want to kill me, don'thesitate. Just do it already andget it over with. Stop toying withme. I'm sick of it; I'm tired ofliving this life!

(morbidly)

The man looks at Shikauhno intently.

INTRUDERYou're tired of living yet you'venever been alive. Can you tell mewhat is there to give up when youdon't have anything to sacrifice?

26.

She remains silent.

INTRUDER (CONT'D)Shikauhno, please don't allow deathto be your victory. Let it be yourfire to fight. Don't be afraid.

With those last words, he DRIVES the blade of his weaponinto her abdomen and Shikauhno's eyes widen in fear andshock. She looks down at the blade sticking halfway out ofher and touches her wound. Blood gets onto her hand and shestares at it in disbelief.

QUICK CUT:

INT. SHIKAUHNO'S ROOM - FOSTER FAMILY HOME - FLASHBACK

She recalls the same memory of when she first cut herself.The blood flows and runs down the side of her wrist.

INTERCUT TO PRESENT SHIKAUHNO.

She compares now to then, the present and the past coincideon the screen. As she stares at the blood on her hand shebegins trembling.

SHIKAUHNO (fading)

I'm not...afraid...

The man yanks the sword from out her body. Shikauhnocollapses onto the floor. He stands over her and looks ather.

INTRUDERThen don't lose.

The man stands before Shikauhno's dead body. As he holds hisweapon low, black separate pieces of fabric begin to emanatefrom thin air around it.

CLOSE UP on Shikauhno's body laying there lifelessly andblood pouring from her mouth. Life has abandoned her eyes.The weapon is no longer in the man's hand and a black andblue guitar case is slung over one of his shoulders. A voicefrom behind beckons.

MYSTERIOUS VOICE (O.S.)NANINATSO.

(Nah-nee-not-so)

He turns around.

FADE OUT.

THE END