Around the World: An Unexpected Journey
Chapter 19: Day 67: Honolulu, Hawaii: The Showdown
(We come upon Justin and the others as they run through the streets of Honolulu, heading toward the Honolulu International Airport. People are everywhere, cheering on the group)
Bernadette: This is the Aloha State, quite exciting!
Kei: So much to see, and so little time!
Hawaiian: Go, go, go!
Justin: I can see the airport!
Stuart: Then we got to hurry; this is the last flight to California before weather forces a delay.
(The group races down the street but the crowd starts to swamp them.)
Penny: We're not going to make it.
Justin: We will make it!
(Suddenly a Hawaii police officer stops them)
Police Officer: Dr. Sheldon Cooper?
(The group stops and sees the man carrying a wanted poster of them. But Kei realizes the man is smiling.)
Police Officer: Will autograph this? It's for the wife.
Leonard (surprised): We will.
Amy (as the group signs the poster): About this business of us robbing the Norton Simon Museum?
Police Officer: Nah, I'm from Ireland. Nice trip by the way.
(Everyone looks at the airport)
Police Officer: Trying to get to the airport? Come on, I know a shortcut. (to the crowd) Make a lane!
(The crowd parts as the police officer leads the group into a warehouse. Once they are inside, they see that the lights are out.)
Justin: Is this normal?
Police Officer: This warehouse is rarely used, but it takes a direct path to the airport. But this door shouldn't be…
(Three shots ring out, striking the officer and killing him. Justin and the others whirl around and find themselves staring right at the Black Sasori Yakuza with Akito Fujima at the head, holding a two tone SIG P229.)
Fujima: Your journey has quite a stir across the world. Shame it has to end here.
Kei: Let them go, Fujima. This has nothing to do with them!
Fujima: On the contrary, Nagase, Mr. Reynolds and I have made new arrangements for me to become the head Yakuza boss and him to become a leader in electronics production and more. Unfortunately for Dr. Cooper and his friends, they entail their permanent detour.
Sheldon: I always knew Mr. Reynolds was a bit crooked, but I never thought he would associate with a small scoundrel like you.
(Fujima steps forward, showing that he 6' 2", towering over the others, even Sheldon)
Howard: All right, you're not small, but you are still a scoundrel!
(Fujima whips out a katana)
Stuart: As in extremely scary and completely intimidating!
(Kei whispers something into Justin's ear, who understands what she's planning.)
Kei: 1…
(Justin turns to Sheldon and the others, giving them a subtle signal.)
Kei: 2…
(Fujima hardens his gaze, trying to figure out what Kei has planned.)
Kei: 3!
(Sheldon and his friends break into a run, with Justin taking up the rear. Kei stays behind and fights the Black Sasori Yakuza, shooting several with her pistol.)
Fujima: Focus on Dr. Cooper and the others, Nagase's life will end at my hand.
Kei: If you're looking for an honorable duel, then you're looking at the wrong person, Fujima. I fight to win.
Fujima: Good, then let's end this!
(Fujima charges Kei, knocking her down and knocking her pistol out of her hands. Kei quickly grabs a pipe to defend herself against Fujima's katana. Meanwhile, Justin, Sheldon, and the others fight their way through the Black Sasori Yakuza, but they are starting to get overwhelmed.)
Justin: Kei, a little help here!
(Kei hears Justin and breaks off the fight between here and Fujima. She makes her way to the others and helps them fend off the Black Sasori Yakuza. Lucy then sees Fujima using a ladder to climb up to them)
Lucy: It's the Yakuza boss! He's coming!
(Kei sees this and kicks the ladder away, but Fujima manages to grab onto the ledge. Everyone hears a plane take off.)
Penny: Our flight!
Kei (seeing a door way): That way, all of you go, (sees that Justin is about to protest) there's no time! I'll hold off Fujima as long as can!
(Sheldon and his friends make a run for the door, with Justin following. Kei turns to Fujima, who is managing to get up to the walkway. The two then clash again, drawing their knives. Sheldon and the others managed to reach the door and get out, but as they make their way to the airport, Justin stops.)
Leonard: Justin, we've got no time left.
Justin: You guys go on ahead; I'm going back for Kei.
Amy: Justin, now is not the time for emotional conflicts.
Justin: This is my choice. I'm not loosing Kei, not when I can still help. Besides, she can't defeat them all by herself. She's several people short.
Sheldon (contemplates Justin's words): I think he may be right.
Bernadette: She told us to leave her.
Sheldon: Bernadette, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
Penny: We are the many, she is the few.
Lucy: I think Sheldon is saying that we all must finish this race, not just some of us. Besides, I don't think any of us want Justin's heart to be broken.
Penny (realizing what Lucy is getting at): You're right.
Justin: Then let's not just stand here, let's go!
(Meanwhile, Kei and Fujima are still fighting, now in hand to hand combat. Fujima then uses his greater size to lift Kei and slam her into the ground. But before he can do anything else, Justin comes swinging in on a chain, slamming into Fujima. As Kei gets up, she sees Sheldon and the other taking down the Black Sasori Yakuza. Everyone turns to look at each other as Justin helps Kei up.)
Sheldon: It appears our timing was most impeccable.
Kei: Sheldon, you missed the flight, you've might have lost the bet.
Leonard: At least we didn't lose a friend.
Justin: I'll never abandon you, Kei.
Kei: Justin…I…that's very sweet. It makes me think that…
(Fujima's voice is heard)
Fujima: A love interest, eh? If I can't beat you directly, I'll just make you suffer!
(Kei turns and sees Fujima standing up, aiming his pistol at Justin. Justin stands motionless, paralyzed by fear. Just as Fujima fires, a blur appears in front Justin as he shuts his eyes. He hears a feminine cry of pain, and opens his eyes. What he sees makes his blood run cold. He sees Kei looking at him, and then he feels blood, her blood. He realizes that Kei manage to get in front of him and shield him from the bullet.)
Justin (in a brokenhearted whisper, tears begin to blur his vision): K-Kei.
Kei (in a weak smile, her hold on Justin weakening): Did we…promise each other…that we would…protect each other?
Justin (his whole body shaking): NO…!
(Kei collapse on Justin, as he falls to his knees)
Justin (trying to keep Kei alive): Kei, stay with me! Kei, please!
Fujima: Ironic isn't it?
(Justin looks up at Fujima, hot tears continuing to pour as he cradles Kei's head in her chest.)
Justin: You…MONSTER!
Fujima: She let her compassion and kindness cloud her judgment, it prevented her from see the truth about this world and it was the thing that finally destroyed her. Now if you excuse me, I've got business to finish.
(Fujima runs for the door, and Justin stands up after gently setting Kei down. Justin is about charge after Fujima when the others restrain him)
Justin (struggling): Let go of me!
Leonard: Justin, come to your senses. Fujima will kill you in minutes!
Justin (half snarling): Let go!
Sheldon: This isn't the time for vengeance!
Justin: I said stay the HELL OUT OF MY WAY!
Lucy: Justin, calm down, think!
(Justin is about to throw everyone off of him when a hand grabs his ankle and he hears Kei's voice.)
Kei (weakly): Justin…
(Justin turns to look at Kei, her hand on his ankle)
Justin: Kei, release me, this one's personal!
Kei: Justin, calm down! This isn't you!
Justin: I don't care; I want Fujima to pay for what he done!
Kei: Justin, you know…that both…you and me…want…the same thing.
Justin (stops struggling, but his voice is breaking): W-wh-what's…that?
Kei: Fujima…stopped…along with Reynolds.
Justin: We'll get Reynolds, but I'm going to get Fujima first.
Kei: But if…you kill Fujima…Reynolds…can deny…the whole thing…and get away…with everything.
Justin (realizing what Kei's talking about): You want to take Fujima alive, after what he did to you?
Kei: If we forget about compassion…and about our morals…we become no better…than people like Fujima.
Justin: B-b-but how can I stop Fujima, I'm…not…you.
Kei: You can…I know you can…and I know that…you'll do the right thing.
Justin (falling to his knees, since Sheldon and his friends have released him): Kei…
Kei: Justin…you that thing…that I wanted…to say back…at my home?
Justin: When we were dancing under the stars? I remember…but Sheldon interrupted before you could have the chance.
Kei: Yes…
Justin: What was it?
Kei: I…love…you.
(Those three worlds hit Justin like a runaway train. To him, the world had simply stopped.)
Justin: She…loves me?
(Justin tries to contemplate everything, and begins to become overwhelmed by emotions of anger, rage, grief, joy, and many others. Just when he is about to lose control, something echoes in his mind.)
Voice: Do what your heart is telling you.
(Justin digs deep inside and finds something being repeated deep within him.)
Voice: Just tell her how you feel.
(Justin decides to heed those worlds and opens his eyes, looking at Kei. Gently, he kisses her.)
Justin (in a soft whisper): I love you too.
(Kei smiles and the two nod. Justin stands up and makes his way to the door that Fujima went out. Sheldon and his friends try to restrain him again, but Justin simply slips out their grasp.)
Howard: Justin!
Justin: Get Kei to a hospital, I'm going to finish what she started.
Raj: No way, that's suicide!
Justin (getting the handcuffs from the police officer who was killed trying to get them to the airport, along with the radio): Someone's got to stand up to Fujima, and Kei's hurt.
Stuart: This is still you trying to get revenge, right?
Justin: It's not about me anymore. It's about stopping Fujima and Reynolds, no matter how hard it gets.
Lucy (realizing what Justin is talking about): Alright, go get him.
(Justin nods and patches into the radio. A female voice responds)
Hawaii Police Operator: Officer Clark, we've not made contact with you in several minutes. Report your status.
Justin: Officer Clark is dead, and a young woman has been shot as well, she's still alive and she has people taking care of her.
Hawaii Police Operator: Who is this?
Justin: Justin Durante, a civilian. I'm at a warehouse on the way to the airport.
Hawaii Police Operator: You mean the one that has never been used, the one with the old sign?
Justin: That's the one, it has an old store sign and it has a WWII poster as well.
Hawaii Police Operator: We're sending units and an ambulance now. Can you identify the suspect?
Justin: Japanese descent, tall, early 40's, extremely well built, and he has a goatee. He is armed with a pistol and katana, but he may have more weapons. His name is Akito Fujima and he is a Yakuza boss.
Hawaii Police Operator: Understood, we'll send all available units.
Justin: I also wish to aid in the hunt.
Hawaii Police Operator: There's no need, we can handle this.
Justin: I have my own reasons for wanting to get this guy.
Hawaii Police Operator: You have a relationship with the woman that was shot?
Justin: Yes.
Hawaii Police Operator: Alright, you'll join the units in the search, but you'll obey police regulations.
Justin: Understood.
(Justin then makes his way through the streets, searching for Fujima. We cut to Fujima himself, who is talking on his cell phone)
Fujima (in Japanese): Meet me at the docks, we'll take a private flight back Japan, then we will finish with dealing with Reyn…
(Fujima looks up and sees Justin staring at him. Fujima is stunned that there is no longer anger in Justin's eyes, only focused determination)
Fujima: You Americans are really arrogant, thinking you can take me on in the middle of city with all these people on your own.
Justin: I didn't come alone, Fujima.
(Just as Justin finishes his sentence, a police helicopter flies in, and several police cruisers drive up. A Hawaii Police officer speaks into a megaphone)
Hawaii Police Officer: This is the Honolulu Police Department, we have you surrounded. Surrender at once!
Justin: No escape this time, Fujima, there's nowhere to run.
Fujima: You think this over? This has simply begun!
(Fujima whips out his pistol and starts firing at the officers, who return fire. Justin also fires on Fujima, who retreats into the building he was standing in front of, which happens to be a garage.)
Hawaii Police Officer #2: Why would he do that?
(An engine roars and a red 2013 Nissan 370Z races out.)
Hawaii Police Officer #3: We've got a pursuit. (to Justin) Hop in…
(As Fujima pulls away, he fires his pistol at the officers, one killing the officer that just offered Justin a lift. Justin rushes to the officer and another officer confirm that the shot officer is dead)
Officer: His cruiser still runs, can you drive it, kid?
Justin: I can try.
(Justin gets into the officer's cruiser, a Ford Police Interceptor Sedan, and takes the lead position in the pursuit. Fujima sees this.)
Fujima: So the Americans have changed their law enforcement cars. No matter, they're no match for my 370Z.
(Fujima guns the engine, suspecting that the police cars have performance similar to the old Ford Crown Victoria, which he can easily outrun, but the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan's more powerful engine and pursuit rated systems allow the larger Interceptor to match the smaller 370Z move for move. Justin lets Kei's training to come into play, keeping calm and focused, and proves to be as good as Kei is. The chase goes from street to street, blasting past red-lights, stop signs, and other cars, but Justin keeps on Fujima's tail, angering the former JSDF commander turned Yakuza boss, even when the rest of the police lose both of them.)
Fujima: That American is starting to piss me off!
(Suddenly, Justin slams the Interceptor into the side of Fujima's car. Fujima responds in kind, trying to cripple the Interceptor, but the Interceptor's strong frame shrugs off the blow. The two continue to hit each other, but when Fujima swings left to get additional power for a slam, he clips a car, sending him into Justin and causing both to spin out and crash. Fujima gets out of his 370Z in a slight daze, but sees no movement coming from the Interceptor. Thinking he has dealt with Justin, Fujima heads for a warehouse full of boat equipment. However, when he makes his way through the building, he finds Justin waiting for him. Fujima simply sighs then gets his cell phone and speaks into it)
Fujima: On this cell phone is my accountant, and the Yen equivalent of $1,000. All you have to do accept and this can all be over.
(Justin doesn't speak, but simply takes out the cuffs he took from Officer Clark)
Fujima: $2,000.
(Justin tosses the cuffs, which land at Fujima's feet)
Fujima: Alright, $10,000!
Justin: My honor is not for sell.
Fujima: Honor? Look at the world around you, the world has become a corrupt and decadent hole!
Justin: Is that why you betrayed the Japanese Self Defense Force, the vow to protect its people to become a crime boss?
Fujima: Better where the days when the military was in power, when the way of the Samurai held value.
Justin: You're talking about WWII. That was over 60 years ago. The world has changed, so must people.
Fujima: And look what that change has brought, corruption, war, and decadence! But yet pathetic idealist like Nagase and yourself continue to believe that world is still better.
Justin: It's people like you who breed such corruption, you became consumed with power, and Reynolds became consumed with greed.
Fujima: Freedom has become a new form of corruption.
Justin: A man who is now long since dead said this, "Freedom can only exist as a part of law" It means that we must always have rules, lest we have anarchy. People like Kei exist to fight people like you, Reynolds and other people, but we are not executioners. So why don't you stop the monologue and simply tell me why you are doing this.
Fujima (Realizing that Justin sees through his act): So you're as insightful as Kei, so I'll tell her what I told her. I believed that the Japanese Self Defense Force for is nothing but a pale shadow what it was once was.
Justin: So this was this all about, trying to bring the Japanese military to what it was during WWII. You know what happened the last time a pro-military man got political power.
Fujima: At least the military had status back then; at least it had prestige and dignity.
Justin: The world isn't perfect, but it can be made better, but not with people like you trying to make things worse. Kei told me that military is at last getting some status; it may not be as high as it was during the years up to the Second World War, but at least people will respect the people who give their lives for the defense of their country.
Fujima: That is not enough; I want what we once had!
Justin: That time has long passed, now is the time to accept the consequences of your actions. Come quietly, and this will not go any further.
Fujima: I will not bow down to anyone! Not the Japanese Self Defense Force, not the Japanese Government, and CERTAINLY NOT YOU!
(Fujima lunges at Justin, tackling him, but Justin manages to get him off and the two circle each other before going at each other again. While Fujima was bigger than Justin, all of Kei's training has made Justin her equal in physical capabilities, allowing Justin to be Fujima's physical equal. Then Fujima draws a knife, a tanto, forcing Justin to change tactics and draw his Ka-Bar knife. The fight between the two continues back and forth, neither one gaining the advantage, even after Justin sustains several slash and stab wounds, until Fujima manages to throw Justin off him and draws his pistol when Justin tries to get back up.)
Fujima: You Americans are alike, cowboys and so called "one man armies" it's time you get a lesson death.
(Justin simply closes his eyes and awaits his fate)
Justin: Kei, I'm sorry.
(Fujima pulls the trigger, but only a click is heard)
Fujima: What?!
Justin (hearing the gun click): Empty!
(Justin suddenly springs up and grabs Fujima's gun wielding arm, then rotates so he is facing Fujima's back, climbs up, then kicks out both of his feet, sending Fujima into the floor face first while he lands feet first. As Fujima looks up, face bloody from the blow, he sees Justin pointing his pistol at him)
Fujima: So you're going to kill me in revenge for Nagase.
Justin: I'm not going to kill you.
(The doors to the warehouse are kicked open, and Honolulu police officers rush in)
Justin: But you're not walking away either.
(Justin holsters his pistol as the officers restrain Fujima. One of the officers sees Justin's injuries.)
Hawaii Police officer: Sweet Jesus, kid, are you okay?
Justin (as the officer calls for a medic): I imagine I'm worse than I feel.
(A paramedic comes in)
Paramedic (looking over Justin's wounds): No life threatening wounds, but you'll still need to be taken to the hospital because they are still pretty serious.
Fujima (to Justin, as he is being restrained): You think you have won, Mr. Durante, but I'm the true victor. I killed Nagase, and you don't have any proof of my association with Reynolds.
(Another police officer walks in; Justin sees that her badge shows that she is with Interpol.)
Justin (to the paramedic): Did you pick up the woman that was shot at the warehouse?
Paramedic: We did.
Justin: Did she…last long?
Paramedic (sighs): I'm a ten year man, and I've always hated being the bearer of bad news.
(Justin closes his eyes and waits for the worst)
Paramedic: But today is not that day.
Justin (opening his eyes): W-what?
Paramedic: The shot missed her heart and other important blood vessels, she'll live, and she'll make a full recovery.
(Justin, overwhelmed by joy and relief, collapses to his knees, crying in joy. The Interpol officer sees this and smiles.)
Interpol Officer: The ambulance will take you to the hospital she's in. (turning to Fujima) As for you, you are to be extradited to Japan for your crimes.
Fujima: You have no proof.
Interpol Officer: We watched the World Tourers with great interest. When you stole those artifacts, we finally had the proof we needed. But we needed the artifacts returned to Japan, and listening to your little rant provided more evidence of your dealings with Reynolds.
(Fujima is shocked, while Justin is amazed)
Justin: So Kei's mission to get the artifacts was part of a plan to take down Fujima, his Black Sasori, and Reynolds?
Interpol Officer: We managed to raid the Black Sasori's assets after you returned the artifacts.
Justin (smiling): Happy to be of service.
Paramedic: We can get a litter.
Justin: No, I'll walk.
(Justin struggles to his feet, but is still able to limp out. Fujima, realizing that his plans have gone to pieces, breaks free and walks towards Justin, despite repeated warnings from the Honolulu Police Officers and the Interpol Officer to stop or he was going to be tazered, and Justin ignoring him.)
Fujima: Hey Durante!
Hawaii Police Officer: Stop walking.
Fujima: YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE?!
Interpol Officer: Stop Fujima, or we will tazer you.
Fujima: JUST A DIRTY SON OF A…
(The Interpol Officer fires her tazer, striking Fujima in the back, causing him to scream before he falls to the floor. We cut back to Justin who gets into the ambulance, and lets the paramedics treat his wounds as it drives to the hospital, and is given an anesthetic to help. We cut to when he wakes up, a day later. He looks around, and finds Kei look right back at him with a smile. Justin returns the smile.)
Justin: How are you?
Kei: Sore, but I'll recover. And you?
Justin: The same.
Kei: I heard about what you did. Thank you.
Justin: Thank you for believing in me.
(Sheldon and his friends walk in)
Bernadette: Are you two alright?
Justin: We will be.
Penny: They say that'll you have to be here for a few days to make sure that your injuries have healed.
Justin: Then when we can leave, we'll take the earliest trip to California, whether it is plane or boat.
Sheldon: It's unlikely that it will allow us to reach Caltech in time.
Kei: We're not giving up, all of us nearly died on more than one occasion, we're going to take the earliest ship or plane and win that bet.
Leonard: Then it looks like we are seeing this through to the end.