ACT II – Scene 7
[CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! We see four shots of an axe chopping into a mighty tree in late day.]
[CRREEEEAAAK! SLAM! SLAM! We see three separate shots, the first being the mighty tree giving way to a fall, the next two being two separate shots of the tree slamming into the ground.]
[A few moments later at night, a bonfire in the center of the Kingdom is lit and burning well. The bonfire is surrounded by the majority of the Kingdom.]
[In front of the bonfire, we hear dancing drum music and see dancers dance and appears to retell the story of Jack destroyed Aku. We see one dancer in a white kimono with a replica of Jack's sword, fending off a dancer dressed poorly in the likeness of Aku.]
[The Kingdom applaud and cheer at the sight.]
[We see The Girl smiling and applauding the sight. Then, she reserves herself in fear and uncertainty.]
[The Jack dancer dances while swishing the sword toward Aku and eventually "stabs" Aku, sending the Aku dancer to the ground and lie flat. The Jack dancer stands proud holding the sword above his head, silencing the drum music.]
[The crowd applauds the sight.]
[We see the Jack dancer and the Aku dancer stand and bow to the Kingdom. After the bow, the dancers run off.]
[The Emperor and Empress, sitting in thrones among the audience, admire the sight for a moment. Then, the Emperor, with a cane, stands tall to address the Kingdom.]
Emperor: Well done! Well done indeed! My people, let us continue to celebrate our Kingdom's complete rebuild! Dance! Celebrate!
[The Kingdom cheers in celebration.]
[We see several citizens dance traditional Japanese dances.]
[We see several middle-aged men tapping their beverage chalices together as they laugh heartily at the sights.]
[Several women, including Volunteers, dance.]
[A few young men, including volunteers, talk amongst themselves while observing the young women.]
[A male volunteer breaks from the young male pack and approaches the dancing ladies.]
[A young female Volunteer, dancing, is stopped when the young man clears his throat.]
Young Man: Ahem! May we dance?
[The Volunteer smiles.]
Young Woman: Indeed, we will.
[A moment later, the man and women are dancing well with each other.]
[We see several middle-aged men tapping their beverage chalices together as they laugh heartily at the sights.]
[A moment later, we see that most of the young women are dancing with a young male. However, The Girl is standing alone outside the dance area. A couple young men observe her from a distance.]
Young Man2: The nurse….
Young Man3: Do you mean "Acting Commander"?
Young Man2: Oh, yes. I almost forgot. She is beautiful, yes?
Young Man3: Yes, but everyone knows that she longs for the Prince.
Young Man2: But, isn't the Prince still hurting from….Ashi?
Young Man3: Hard to say. Then again, the Prince does not speak much, does he?
Young Man2: No. Still, it's a shame. She loves the Prince, but he might not love anyone else like that.
Young Man3: It is a shame. But what else is there to do?
Young Man2: Maybe someone else can show her that compassion knows no boundaries?
Young Man3: You?
Young Man2: Who else?
Young Man3: (scoffs softly) Good luck.
[Young Man3 leaves to join the dance. After, Young Man2 cautiously approaches The Girl.]
[The Girl, seeing Young Man2, looks away. Young Man2 approaches carefully on her right side.]
Young Man2: Um, excuse me.
[The Girl still looks away, trying to ignore him.]
Young Man2: Excuse me…..Commander.
[The Girl relents and looks at Young Man2.]
The Girl: Yes?
Young Man2: Yes, um, would you like to dance?
The Girl: No, thank you. My ankle is sore.
Young Man2: Oh, I'm sorry. Um, would you like to have tea sometime in the-
The Girl: I like tea, but no, thank you.
Young Man2: Oh. Well, I would ask for a run in the fields, but your-
The Girl: Ankle.
Young Man2: Yes, yes. Well, if you feel like-
[The Girl see something in the background that makes her smile as she interrupts and runs from Young Man2, who is disappointed at what has transpired.]
The Girl: He has returned. He has returned!
[Jack is seen riding in as the Kingdom congregates around his with a bow. Jack dismounts and greets the people.]
Jack: Rise, please.
[The Kingdom rises from their bow.]
Jack: I've had time to meditate, think and reflect. I am truly grateful for your continued patience and hard work during my absence. Now, please. Go. Celebrate our re-born Kingdom!
[The Kingdom bows and goes back to around the bonfire and dance as the music resumes, except for The Girl.]
[Seeing The Girl, Jack is initially uneasy, but smiles at her.]
[The Girl, initially unsure, meekly approaches Jack.]
[The Girl approaches and stands gingerly in front of Jack.]
The Girl: Again, I am sorry for my behavior.
Jack: It is okay. Actually, it motivated me to go seek answers, and I believe I've answered most.
The Girl: Most?
Jack: Indeed. There is only one question that I need an answer for right now.
The Girl: Yes?
[Jack pulls out a fresh origami cricket and shows it to The Girl.]
[The Girl gasps at the sight.]
Jack: I'm tired of making these. Can you help me catch a real one?
[The Girl smiles with enthusiasm.]
The Girl: Love to!