ACT I - SCENE 15
[We see an overview of the Kingdom. The Palace is nearing completion as the snow starts to melt and the sun starts to peak out. We see more people walking around with supplies as they continue working on the Palace.]
[The Emperor comes out of the Palace with a cloth bag full of material.]
[The Emperor calls out to his son.]
Emperor: Son?
[Jack, pops up from behind a building. Seeing his father, he dashes towards the Emperor, jumps over a campfire, and stands before his father.]
Jack: Yes, father?
[The Emperor presents Jack with a couple of scrolls in his hand.]
Emperor: You and some of the volunteers must get these out to our friends and allies.
Jack: What are they?
Emperor: Wedding invitations.
[Jack smiles and takes the bag of scrolls.]
Jack: Oh! Yes, Father.
[We see Jack talking, inaudible, as he hands a scroll to five other male volunteers.]
[We see Ashi talking, inaudible, as she hands a scroll to five other female volunteers.]
[The Girl is curious why she's not participating in this errand. Ashi goes to reassure.]
The Girl: I'm staying?
Ashi: We do need our best nurses and fighters to stay behind and look after the kingdom. If I wasn't going, I'd stay myself. But, you are the best volunteer we have here. You will be in charge of the women while I'm away. I know you'll do well, my friend.
[The Girl, still a bit nervous, smiles with determination.]
The Girl: Hai, sensei.
Ashi: No, not sensei….
[With the next line, we see the text, "Sister" appear.]
Ashi: Shisuta.
[The Girl smiles even more, with more assurance.]
The Girl: Hai, Shisuta.
[Ashi and The Girl hug. Ashi breaks the hug, goes to a horse, and mounts up.]
[Jack, also on a horse with his sword and a small bag on his horse, tosses a small bag to an approaching Ashi. The small bag contains a few scrolls. Ashi secures the bag to her horse as she and Jack talk.]
Jack: Are you ready?
Ashi: Yes.
Jack: Please be careful.
Ashi: I will, my love.
[Jack and Ashi kiss, and they ride off in separate directions.]
[We see the remaining volunteers also riding off on horses in their separate directions.]
[From a great distance above the kingdom, we see a few horses with people on-board riding away from the kingdom in different directions.]
[A distant shot from above shows the country of Japan with little black dots scattering throughout the Sea of Japan and one going towards the North China Sea.]
[On the seas, in a small boat, we see a female volunteer sail in a small boat with a single sail.]
[We see the female volunteer look out over the boat, searching. Her eyes light up as she sees something and waves.]
[We see a large boat with three main sales, each being the Japanese emblem of Jack and his people. On board is the Japanese Astronomer who taught Jack at the very beginning. The Astronomer waves back to the female volunteer.]
[The Astronomer pulls the female from her boat onto his. The woman then presents a scroll to the Astronomer, who takes is and proceeds to read it. He gasps in joy and jumps in celebration.]
[The Astronomer waves at the female volunteer as she sails back towards home on her boat.]
[The image fades to a male volunteer galloping along the countryside.]
[The male volunteer keeps galloping as he passes by some small homes that have a strong Russian influence.]
[The male volunteer stands in front of the Russian Boyar. The male presents the Boyar with a scroll, who opens and reads it. He smiles and nods in satisfaction to the volunteer. Seeing the mission is done, the volunteer swiftly mounts up and rides away.]
[We see another female volunteer presenting the Arabian Chief with a scroll. The Chief reads it, and appears to raise his arms in joyous cheer. We see the rest of his family and surrounding kids also raise their hands in cheer.]
[We see Ashi arrive in the temple of Master Chu and the Shaolin Monks. They look with curiousity.]
[Ashi presents the scroll.]
[The Monks gather around to read the scroll. Upon reading, their eyes open. They look at Ashi. One points to the scroll and then to Ashi as if they ask, "You?"]
[Ashi nods her head "Yes".]
[The Monks stand tall and smile at the young bride. Master Chu, seated in his throne, waves his hands in joyous celebration.]
[The Monks bow to Ashi. Ashi bows back to the Monks.]
[We see the Roman Wrestler take a scroll from a male volunteer and read it. He raises it in victory as he pummels a new student, much to the joy of the young on-lookers.]
[We see the Mongol Warrior take a scroll from a Masako, read it, and celebrate by throwing a staff.]
[The staff lands in a tree, making a heart shape pop up on the bark.]
[We see Norio hand a scroll to the Egyptian Priest among the temples. The Priest reads it, and raises his arms in joyous victory.]
[We see a female volunteer hand a scroll to the English Archer. The Archer reads the scroll and then raises his arms in victory, prompting four more archers to rise from behind the trees and celebrate with him.]
[CRACK! In a fierce storm, we see a male volunteer hand a scroll to a Norse Viking on their boat. The Norse Viking reads the scroll as the male volunteers struggles to keep his motion sickness on the high seas under control. The Viking raises his arm and appears to yell into the air.]
[We see the entire team of Vikings raise their swords in the air and scream in victory. FLASH! A bolt of lightning lights up the sky.]
[We see Jack enter the African village on horseback. He then dismounts, and approaches the African Chief. Jack bows to his mentor, who bows back.]
[The African Prince smiles and opens his arms for his friend, Jack. Jack and the African Prince instantly embrace.]
[Jack presents a scroll to the Chief. The Chief reads the scroll, and looks at Jack.]
[Jack nods to the Chief.]
[The African Chief raises his hands in jubilation, prompting the rest of the village to jump around in celebration.]
[Jack smiles at the scene, reflecting on how fortunate he is.]
[The image fades to the Kingdom. The beautiful cherry blossoms are in full bloom in this spring time.]
[We see The Girl, The Emperor and Empress, both back to full health, practicing simple yoga breathing exercises among the falling cherry blossoms.]
[The Kingdom fades from spring to summer, more sun and green grass. The paint on the complete Palace structure is almost complete.]
[We see The Girl practicing hand-to-hand combat with the Emperor as the Empress practices with another male volunteer.]
[The Kingdom fades to autumn. The Kingdom is complete and back to its former glory.]
[Ashi dismounts from a horse and runs and embraces The Girl. The friends are enjoying this homecoming.]
[Ashi is practicing basic sword defense with real swords with the Emperor. The Girl practices swordplay with the Empress.]
[The Girl points to the golden-brown fields. Ashi appears intrigued. The Girl leads Ashi into the fields.]
[We see a cricket hop onto a blade of wheat in the field. Ashi and The Girl's heads both slowly peak up. Suddenly, the cricket hops away. Ashi and The Girl give chase.]
[We see Ashi and The Girl chase the hopping cricket through the fields.]
[We see a cricket land on the ground. Ashi and The Girl land on all fours, The Girl in front of Ashi, in an attempt to catch the cricket. Ashi opens her hands to see if she caught the cricket, but comes up empty. We hear a chirp. Ashi looks around and then to her friend. The Girl has her hands closed, smiling confidently. She opens her hands and reveals the cricket in her hands. Ashi seems impressed. The cricket hops away.]
[We see a cricket on the ground. Ashi pounces on it, but shows her hands have come up empty.]
[We see another cricket on the ground. Ashi pounces on it, but shows her hands have come up empty again. We hear a cricket chirp. Ashi looks behind her, and The Girl has two crickets in her hands. The Girl laughs a little. Ashi seems envious of her friend's talents, but smiles.]
[A moment later, we see Ashi and The Girl outside of the fields, playing ball. They keep batting the ball to each other. Both women are having a great time. This attracts the attention of a little girl, about 7 years old. Ashi and the Girl invite her in.]
[Ashi softly tosses the ball to the little girl, who catches it. But not sure what to do, the little girl runs to The Girl and hands the ball to her. The Girl appears to stop the little girl and hands her the ball once again. The Girl appears to be explaining to the little girl how to throw as she talks, inaudible, and guides the little girl's hand and arm with the ball in the throwing motion.]
[The Girl backs up and awaits to catch the ball.]
[The little girl gives a weak throw, but manages to throw the ball about two feet away. She seems discourage.]
[The Girl takes the ball, appears to explain enthusiastically to the little girl, and makes a faster throw to Ashi.]
[Ashi catches the ball, appears to explain some more to the little girl and lightly tosses the ball.]
[The little girl catches the ball, and throws again, this time harder.]
[The ball lands at The Girl's feet. The Girl explains excitedly, knowing that the young student has almost mastered the throw of a ball. She demonstrates the throw one more time, hard and fast towards Ashi.]
[Ashi catches her ball, waves her hand to fade the pain in her hand from the throw, and tosses the ball again to the little girl.]
[The little girl catches the ball, and then gives her hardest throw towards The Girl.]
[The Girl catches the ball, celebrates the learned lesson, and then waves her hands to fade the heat from the throw.]
[Ashi claps her hands in victory for the little girl.]
[The little girl jumps for joy at her little victory.]
[A moment later, Ashi, The Girl, and the little girl all participate in the ball-throwing game.]
[The Kingdom fades to Winter. The thick layer of snow has returned as the snow continues to fall gently.]
[We see the Emperor mentoring The Girl on cooking as she has a chicken on a rotisserie style campfire just outside the Palace. We see the Girl sprinkling seasoning on the chicken and she rotates the chicken a bit. The camera swiftly pans over to the Empress teaching Ashi how to sew and make kimonos. Ashi appears to be slowly getting a grip on how to sew.]
[The Girl looks up from the chicken. She smiles and points. We see the Emperor looking to where The Girl is pointing. He smiles in jubilation.]
[Ashi and the Empress look up from their work and smile in rejoice. They swiftly leave their work behind as the run to where Ashi was pointing.]
[Jack has returned. He dismounts the horse. He is swiftly hugged by the Emperor and Empress. He then hugs and kisses Ashi. He then hugs The Girl, who enjoys the hug.]
[A moment later, Jack, Ashi, The Girl, The Emperor and The Empress are all gathered around the campfire. They all have ceramic bowls and chopsticks, enjoying the delicious meal. The chicken has been picked dry of the meat.]
[A moment later around sunset, the snow has stopped. Jack appears to be telling stories, inaudible. The Girl, Ashi, The Empress, The Emperor, and a few volunteers with their families and other civilians have gathered around to listen.]
[We see Jack talking about something, as we see a faint image behind Jack's right shoulder of the three alien teens who initially welcomed Jack to the future. Jack then motions more to his left shoulder, where a faint image of Rothchild and his canine brethren appears. Jack then draws attention with his hands raised in a position that resembles him holding the sword. Jack appears to be using a slicing motion with his hands as an image of Aku's Beetle Bots appears behind him.]
[The crowd appears to gasp in awe at the tale.]
[The Girl and Ashi, also gasping, look at each other in amazement.]
[The image fades to later that night. Jack is still telling stories as Norio returns with more firewood for the campfire.]
[We see Jack talking about something. An image of the astronauts from Episode V appears behind his right shoulder. We then see an image of Jack in his spacesuit fighting the bees in the sky.]
[The crowd gasps in awe.]
[We see jack talking about something. An image of the Three Blind Archers from Episode VII appear behind him, followed by the black magic leaving the Well of King Ozrich.]
[The crowd gasps in awe.]
[Ashi seems curious by that story. She snaps her fingers, drawing the attention of the crowd. Ashi appears to talk. From behind Ashi's left shoulder, we see an image of the village of the Archers and the statue they erected in his honor.]
[The Girl and the rest of the crowd smile at that. Even Jack smiles at the honor.]
[Jack continues his storytelling. We see behind Jack an image of the Lava Monster from Episode X clashing swords with Jack. The image then swiftly flashes showing the Viking freed from Aku's curse, and then getting carried off to Valhalla by the Valkyries.]
[The crowd gasps in awe.]
[We see The Girl and Ashi, still in amazement, look at each other and then up into the stars, which twinkle above them.]
[The image fades to Jack still telling stories around the campfire. By this point, more families and civilians have gathered around the campfire. Behind Jack we see an image of the Monkey Boy and his fellow monkeys, followed by Jack jumping very high into the sky of the forest.]
[Jack stands up, and points up to the top of the Palace. The crowd seems to be murmuring to each other. Suddenly, WHOOSH! Jack jumps towards the top of the Palace. He successfully lands on the top roof.]
[The crowd gasps in great awe.]
[The Girl and Ashi, mouths agape, swiftly slap their mouths closed with their mouths.]
[Jack lands right where he started around the campfire and sits down, as if nothing happened. Jack looks around, intrigued.]
[We see all of the civilians with stunned voices and mouths agape.]
[Jack appears to give a reassuring gesture with a slight smile.]
[Everyone sits back down, but still in awe.]
[A moment later, Jack tells another story. We see an image of the Ultra-robots behind Jack. Jack appears to be fierce in his story-telling, displaying the fierce tenacity of the Ultra-robots.]
[The crowd shakes their head, feeling the pain of their Prince.]
[Jack then appears to tell another story. We see an image of The Monks from Episode XX behind Jack, followed by the breathtaking view of the blue skies above the clouds on the mountain peak.]
[The crowd smiles at that pleasant sight.]
[Jack appears to tell another tale. We see an image of Demongo behind Jack. Demongo appears to throw out skulls and transform them into various warriors. That image is followed by Jack destroying Demongo.]
[The crowd wipes the sweat from their brows.]
[Jack is telling another tale. We see, from behind Jack, an image of the 300 Spartans from Episode XXV. The image goes to the Spartan King and Jack fighting the mechanical beast.]
[The crowd smiles and nods at the tale.]
[Jack then appears to tell a few stories. The first image behind Jack's right shoulder shows The Rave from Episode XXVIII. Then, behind Jack's left shoulder is of Ezekiel Clench and his ex-wife Josephine from Episode XXIX. The next image appearing behind Jack's right shoulder is of the Minions of Set from Episode XXXI. The next image behind Jack's left shoulder is of Ikra, followed by the Swamp Wizard, followed by Jack fighting Aku in the graveyard.]
[The crowd gasps in fear at the mention of Aku in Jack's stories. Some kids hide behind their parents.]
[The Girl appears trembled at that thought. Ashi, initially trembled, then shows a scowl of hate, and shakes her head in disgust, and maybe in shame, of what she heard. But then, Ashi snaps her fingers again, drawing all attention. Ashi appears to recollect another tale. From behind Ashi's left shoulder, we see Ashi with The Rave, led by Olivia, dancing and partying in Jack's honor. Ashi even briefly demonstrates the dance moves she learned from them.]
[The crowd smiles, and briefly join her in learning the Samurai dance. Jack appears to remember the moves very well.]
[A moment later, Jack then tells some more stories. Behind Jack's left shoulder we see an image of Shinobi from Episode XC. Then, behind Jack's right shoulder, we see an image of the Robo-Samurai standing up to the Mondo-Bot.]
[The crowd gasps in awe of the stories.]
[Jack tells more. From behind Jack's left shoulder, we see an image of Da Samurai in his get-up from Episode XCII. The image then goes to him learning from his mistakes and consistently following him for a time.]
[Ashi, instantly recognizing the tale, snaps her fingers again. Ashi appears to recollect her story as from behind her left shoulder, we see an image of Da Samurai as the elder bartender.]
[Jack seems surprised by this, but ends up smiling at the tale of honor.]
[A moment later, Jack recollects another tale. We see images surrounding Jack, going from his left shoulder, over his head, and to his right shoulder of The Warrior Princess, The Gentleman, I and Am, Jujunga, and Boris. Suddenly, the images, except for the Warrior Princess, just POOF to non-existence.]
[The crowd didn't like that at all.]
[Jack then recalls another tale, a bit more sad. From behind Jack's shoulder, we see a faint image of X-49 from Episode C shooting his guns. Suddenly, the image goes to X-49 falling and saying his last will, which caught his attention. The image then goes to Jack seeing a photograph of Lulu, and closing his eyes in pain, sympathizing with X-49.]
[The crowd shuts their eyes as they hold back tears.]
[The Girl swiftly dries her tears at the story. Ashi shakes her head in even more rage and disgust, not at the story.]
[Then, Jack seems to recall a happier tale. Behind Jack's left shoulder, we see an image of the Scotsman, smiling with confidence. That image fades to when Jack and the Scotsman fought off the Sheriff and the bounty hunters from the Bayou. The image then fades to Scotsman and Jack fighting the Celtic Demons and the Master of the Hunt. Included in that image was the Scotsman's Wife in the background, fighting vigorously.]
[The crowd reacts in awe, some smiling.]
[The Girl nods her head and smiles, knowing there was some comfort for Jack. Ashi nods as well with a smile.]
[Jack continues with the tale. Behind Jack's shoulder, we see Jack in his "Brent Worthington" attire, trying to be shaken awake by the Scotsman.]
[The crowd gasps in shock.]
[The Girl and Ashi also gasp in awe. Ashi then scowls, thinking she knows the culprit.]
[Jack continues. Behind his shoulder, we see Jack, still as Brent, in a mesmerized trance. The Scotsman is just behind him, unaffected. They both appear to arrive on the Siren's island. The image then fades to where we see the Scotsman fighting the three Sirens. The image then fades to where the Sirens have turned into the three-headed monster and have captured the Scotsman with his pipes. Jack is in the foreground still mesmerized.]
[The crowd gasps in shock, and start to bite their finger nails in fear.]
[The Girl also gasps and holds her fists together as if to pray. Ashi, initially surprised, listens closely, knowing the tale isn't over.]
[Jack then appears to conclude the tale. Behind Jack, we see Jack, back to his old self, charge the three-headed monster, and then behead it, defeating it and saving the Scotsman. The image then fades to an image of the Scotsman and Jack, looking at each other as true friends.]
[The crowd exhales in relief.]
[The Girl also exhales in relief. Ashi is still concerned. She knows it's far from over.]
[Jack for several seconds rambles on for a while, sharing other various tales. We see various images of other bounty hunters, weird aliens, various upgraded versions of the beetle-bots, and Aku looking more irritated than ever.]
[Suddenly, the silence is interrupted by Makano.]
Makano: Forgive me, my Prince. You have told your tales magnificently, some things that can only come from a storybook. But, you said you were stuck in the future for a long time. How long of a time?
[The Girl and Ashi look at Jack with concern.]
[Jack looks at his ladies and nods.]
[The Girl and Ashi hold tight in their spots, knowing the truth is about to hit hard.]
[Jack, at peace and eyes closed, answers.]
Jack: Fifty years.
[The crowd, except the women volunteers, gasps in shock and awe.]
[The Emperor and Empress are also stunned upon this revelation.]
Emperor: Fifty years?! How is that possible?
Jack: The magic spell Aku cast on me to send me to the future must have stopped my body from aging. I cannot think of another explanation, Father.
Empress: But, with Aku destroyed, doesn't that mean his magic has left, too?
Jack: I don't know, Mother. I have been back now for over a year and a half, and I do not feel any older. If anything, I feel much better. Better than what I have in years.
Norio: My Prince! Does that mean that you will be our Emperor until the end of time?
Jack: Only time will tell, Norio.
Emperor: Yes, only time will tell. I am just happy that you have fought countless battles for over fifty years and are home alive and well. The way it was meant to be. But, I still have one other question. Our Princess-to-be…she came from the future too, yes? What is her story?
[Ashi, sensing the awkwardness, is hesitant to tell.]
Ashi: Oh, um, well, uh…
Jack: Ashi, you don't have to say it now, if you don't want.
[The female volunteers look to their sensei with deep concern.]
[Sensing the tension, Ashi finds the strength.]
Ashi: No, I will tell. But, I must warn you all. It is not pretty.
[The crowd, including the Emperor and Empress, look on with intrigue.]
[Ashi takes a deep breath, and begins.]
Ashi: I was born in the deepest cave of pure hatred.
[The crowd's eyes open.]
Ashi: My parents were pure evil.
[The Empress and Emperor gasp in great concern.]
Ashi: And if that wasn't bad enough, they created me for one simple reason….to kill the Prince.
[The crowd exclaims in fear.]
[The Girl bites her lip, knowing the awkwardness of this.]
[Ashi continues with determination.]
Ashi: The day I confronted the Prince, he beat me. Even after several attacks, he beat me. And then, he showed me the truth. He showed me how wrong my parents were. He showed me good. He showed me hope. He showed me…..love. Even when Aku cast a spell on me and try to have me kill the Prince again, he never gave up. He helped me conquer Aku. It was then we discovered a second time portal and escaped from that wretched future and came here. I owe my life to the Prince. And the only way I know how is to love him and cherish him forever.
[Jack smiles at Ashi with sincere love.]
[The Girl smiles with a tear in her eye. She nods, knowing all is right.]
[The crowd swoons over the tale.]
[The Emperor and Empress hold each other close.]
Empress: Love conquers all.
Emperor: Indeed. The savior of our son, and the savior of our world. On behalf of the grateful world, we all thank you, Princess Ashi.
[The Emperor and Empress bow to Ashi. This is quickly followed by the entire kingdom rising to their feet and bowing to Ashi.]
[Ashi, overwhelmed, smiles and relishes the moment with modesty. The Girl taps her shoulder, which gets her attention.]
The Girl: That was very brave of you.
[Ashi smiles at her friend.]
Ashi: Thank you, sister.
[The Girl and Ashi hug.]
[Jack, the Emperor and Empress smile at this. The Emperor slyly inquires to his son.]
Emperor: All in the family, yes?
Jack: Very much so, Father.
[The entire Kingdom rises and goes to formally welcome Ashi into their Kingdom as one of their own, truly.]